Acne is one of the most common skin concerns affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a skin condition that can cause a significant amount of physical and emotional distress. For those who are suffering from this issue, it can feel like an uphill battle to find a solution. By understanding the underlying causes of acne, one can then take specific control and adopt better skincare routine to manage acne.
Types of Acne
There are different types of acne, and each one has its own distinct characteristics and symptoms. Understanding the different types of acne can help you identify the best treatment for your specific type of acne.
Comedones known as non-inflammatory acne, are characterised by blackheads and whiteheads. Whiteheads are blocked pores caused by excess oil production, dead skin cells, and bacteria which appears as small and skin coloured bumps. When oil and debris trapped in the skin is exposed to oxygen, whiteheads then turns into blackheads giving them a darkened appearance. The primary difference between the two is distinction of colour.
Pustules are type of skin lesion with white or yellow pus-filled bumps on the skin. These bumps can be painful and inflamed and are often caused by bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
Papules do not have a head, are characterised as small raised red bumps. They can be painful and inflamed and occurs with the accumulation of oil and dead skin cells in the hair follicle. Rarely, they could also be cause by allergic reactions and insect bites.
Cystic acne also known as nodular acne , is a severe form of acne that is characterised by deep, painful, and inflamed nodules are often filled with pus and if left untreated, it can lead to scarring. They can occur in isolation or as part of a larger outbreak of acne. Cystic acne typically caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or a poor diet can affect all ages including adolescents and adults.
Hormonal acne, which is caused by hormonal imbalances; most commonly affects women and adolescents (boys and girls) . Androgens which are male hormones in high levels can result in clogged pores and formation of pimples due to overproduction of oil in the skin by the sebaceous glands.
Causes of Acne
Acne can be caused by several factors such as hormonal imbalances, poor skin health, lifestyle, infection, and hygiene. Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can cause an increase in oil production, leading to acne breakouts. Poor skin care practices such as not washing the face, using dirty makeup tools, incorrect use of skin products, and not removing makeup before bedtime can result in clogged pores and acne. Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can also trigger acne breakouts.
What Do We Offer?
Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help with acne. There is no one size fits all treatment as skin types are not all the same. Oftentimes, a combination of in-clinic skin treatments and good skin care routine at home is needed to improve one’s skin concern.
One of the most popular treatments is chemical peels. Chemical peels use acids such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, resulting in smoother and clearer skin.
Laser treatment is another option for treating acne. Carbon laser peel known as “hollywood glow” popularised by celebrities is a form of exfoliation. A layer of carbon liquid is applied on the skin, which binds with accumulated dead skin cells and oil within the pores then gets dissipated by laser leaving the skin appear smoother and brighter. This treatment has minimal to no downtime, suitable for black heads and white heads.
LED therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to kill bacteria and promote healing in the skin.
Photodynamic therapy uses a combination of light and photosensitizing agent to destroy targeted cells to treat acne. Light is used to activated the photosensitizing agent that has been applied to on the skin topically. The activation process produces oxygen molecules in the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria. This treatment is typically used for those who has moderate to severe acne concerns that have not responded well with intervention mentioned above.
Finally, radiofrequency Venus Viva is a treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to reduce oil production in the skin for prevention of new acne formation. This particularly treatment is best to treat acne scarring and improve skin texture and should be done in conjunction with other methods.
Conclusion
Living with acne can take a toll on one’s self esteem leading to feeling of embarrassment, anxiety and depression. It can be caused by several factors such as hormonal imbalances, poor skin health, lifestyle, infection, and hygiene. While there are no definitive cure for acne, one can overcome this concern by developing a healthier lifestyle, having ongoing tailored skin treatments and good skin care routine at home.
If you’re struggling with acne, don’t worry. With the right treatment plan, you can achieve clear and healthy skin. Contact our amazing team at Dr Salon and get ready to put your best face forward.
Contact us today for a consultation.
