Acne is a skin condition that causes inflamed pimples on the face, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Numerous factors can contribute to skin problems, including genetics, hormone fluctuations, stress levels, high humidity levels, and the use of oily or greasy personal care products. Acne is a common skin condition that can affect teenagers, but it can also occur at any age.
Acne can be either hormonal or non-hormonal. There are many types of acne, including cystic acne, nodular acne, and post-inflammatory acne. Each has its own treatment approach.
Acne can occur on any part of the body. The most common areas are the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment is determined by the severity of the breakout.
The Different Types of Acne
- Blackheads are small, open bumps on the skin that contain excess oil and dead skin. These spots look like dirt has built up inside of them, but this is actually due to an irregular light reflection off of the clogged follicle.
- Whiteheads are bumps that remain closed by oil and dead skin. They can often be identified by their characteristic shape and the surrounding inflammation.
- Papules are small red or pink bumps that can easily become inflamed. They may be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental exposure and skin irritation. If you notice papules developing on your skin, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the cause.
- Pustules are small, red bumps that contain pus. If they are picked or scratched, they can cause scarring.
- Fungal acne is caused when an overgrowth of yeast occurs in the hair follicles. These can become itchy and inflamed.
- Nodules are solid, deep-seated acne lesions. They can be large and painful.
- Cysts are pus-filled pimples. These can cause scars.
Acne Treatments – Skincare
Acne treatments are suggested by a doctor depending on the skin condition’s severity, the patient’s age, the type of acne, and how effective over-the-counter medicines have been in controlling or treating the acne.
In some cases, certain oral contraceptives help a woman’s acne to go away. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three types of birth control pills that contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone for treating acne.
There are some effective over-the-counter (OTC) treatments like benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, salicylic acid and azelaic acid that can be used for treating acne at home. However, these treatments may not work for everyone, so it is important to see a doctor or skin specialist if you are having moderate to severe acne that is not responding well to OTC treatments.
Depending on the severity of acne and skin conditions, a professional skincare specialist can suggest specialized therapy along with a combination of medication as an effective acne treatment plan.
Steroids – Steroids are sometimes used to treat severe acne. In some cases, steroids are injected into large nodules to reduce inflammation.
Lasers – Lasers are used to treat acne scars. The heat from the laser stimulates the body’s wound healing response, which leads to the creation of new collagen tissue. Different types of laser resurfacing can help remove acne scars, including ablative and non-ablative. Your dermatologist will decide which is best for your skin type and the severity of your acne scars.
Chemical Peels – This treatment uses special chemicals to remove the top layer of old skin. This will create new, smoother skin that can lessen acne scars.
It’s time to discover the root cause of your breakout cycle and develop a treatment plan that prevents them in the future.
Acne is a medical problem that is easily seen externally, yet its root cause tends to be from internal imbalances in the body. I often find that food sensitivities, gastrointestinal infections, hormone imbalances and high level toxins in the body are responsible for driving the manifestation of acne. When working to resolve acne we must take a holistic approach, treating both the inside and outside of the body to have skin free of acne.
What Really Causes Acne?
Hormonal Imbalances. Poor Diet. Excess Oil Production. Environmental Toxins.
Want to learn more? Read all about the root causes of acne over on the blog.
Let’s find out what’s at the heart of your skin issues.
How We Treat
We Also Recommend…
TESTING
The Food Allergy Panel
The Estrogen Metabolism Assessment
The Skin Fit Test
PRODUCTS
Skin care items that help heal acne and blemishes
Supplements that reduce inflammation and promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract
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