Acne

Acne Treatment | Acne Specialist in Eugene OR

Acne is a general term for eruptive skin disease. There are many types of acne including blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, and cystic. Acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million Americans. Acne generally occurs in teenagers and young adults, though it can affect anyone. 85% of teenagers in America will develop acne each year.

Causes:

Though the exact cause of acne has not been determined, research has shown that four key elements contribute to acne. They are:

• excess oil,
• clogged pores,
• bacteria, and
• inflammation.

During adolescence, the body begins to develop more sebum oil, which is produced to ensure our skin does not dry out. When sebum cannot flow freely to the skin, clogged pores result. Bacteria already found on the skin’s surface flourishes in the excess oil and causes inflammation.

The degree of inflammation determines what type of acne appears on the skin. A small number of inflammation results in a blackhead or a whitehead. This means oil flow is blocked right at the surface of the skin and is the least serious form of acne. If the pore is blocked deeper within the skin, a papule, or pimple, forms. If the pore becomes blocked deeper still, a pus-filled pimple, or pustule, forms. The most severe type of acne lesions are cysts, which occur when very deep blockage causes intense inflammation. Cysts, sometimes called nodules, are very painful bumps.

ACNE Treatment:

There are many treatment options available for reducing your acne. Because every case is different, and treatment effectiveness depends on your skin’s reception, talk to us about finding the right treatment for you. Fortunately, when can acne is properly treated, it can restore the confidence and positive self-image that often wane in people afflicted by acne. Some common options include:

• Cleansers and Skincare Products:

  Cleansers containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzyl peroxide may help reduce acne. These agents dry out the skin, remove debris, and unclog clogged pores. Some cleansers containing benzyl peroxide will dry the skin, causing it to peel, and thereby helping prevent the growth of bacteria.  SkinCeuticals and Eminence Organic skincare products offer excellent acne treatment options.

• Chemical Peel for Acne

  Chemical peel for acne is a one-step clinical procedure designed to control breakouts while improving texture. Formulated with salicylic acid to refine pores and help reduce the appearance of acne, this powerful peel also features glycolic acid to aid in the improvement of rough texture, blotchiness, and uneven skin tone. A series of 4-6 applications are recommended for optimal results.  

• Cryogenic Therapy
• LED Light Therapy
• Microneedling
• HydraFacial
• Intervention by a medical doctor or dermatologist

If scarring from acne occurs, some options such as laser therapy may help reduce the appearance of scars. Talk to us if you are interested in this type of treatment.

Prevention:

Research has proven that heredity, hormones, menstruation, and emotional stress can trigger acne, or make it worse. Although many of these factors cannot be avoided, it is recommended that patients not wash or scrub the skin excessively, which can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Diet does not generally contribute to acne, although if greasy foods are ingested often, oil from the food may transfer onto the skin, particularly around the mouth, and worsen acne. Likewise, if you have oily hair, shampooing often may help reduce the risk of oil from the hair transferring onto the skin.