ACNE

Acne is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. Here are some facts about acne.

  • Acne is a skin disease involving the oil glands at the base of hair follicles.
  • It affects 3 in every 4 people aged 11 to 30 years.
  • It is not dangerous, but it can leave skin scars.
  • Treatment depends on how severe and persistent it is.
  • Risk factors include genetics, the menstrual cycle, anxiety and stress, hot and humid climates, using oil-based makeup, and squeezing pimples.

CAUSES

Human skin has pores that connect to oil glands under the skin. Follicles connect the glands to the pores. Follicles are small sacs that produce and secrete liquid. The glands produce an oily liquid called sebum. Sebum carries dead skin cells through the follicles to the surface of the skin. A small hair grows through the follicle out of the skin. Pimples grow when these follicles get blocked, and oil builds up under the skin. Skin cells, sebum, and hair can clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with bacteria and swelling results. A pimple starts to develop when the plug begins to break down. Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)is the name of the bacteria that live on the skin and contribute to the infection of pimples. Research suggests that the severity and frequency of acne depend on the strain of bacteria. Not all acne bacteria trigger pimples. One strain helps to keep the skin pimple-free.

HORMONAL FACTORS

A range of factors triggers acne, but the main cause is thought to be a rise in androgen levels. Androgen is a type of hormone, the levels of which rise when adolescence begins. In women, it gets converted into estrogen. Rising androgen levels cause the oil glands under the skin to grow. The enlarged gland produces more sebum. Excessive sebum can break down cellular walls in the pores, causing bacteria to grow.

OTHER POSSIBLE TRIGGERS

Some studies suggest that genetic factors may increase the risk. Other causes include:

  • some medications that contain androgen and lithium
  • greasy cosmetics
  • hormonal changes
  • emotional stress
  • menstruation

PREVENtion and management tips

Here are some tips for looking after skin that has acne or is prone to it.

  • Wash your face no more than twice each day with warm water and a mild soap made especially for acne.
  • Do not scrub the skin or burst the pimples, as this may push the infection further down, causing more blocking, swelling, and redness.
  • Avoid popping pimples, as this makes scarring likelier.
  • A specialist can treat a pimple that requires rapid removal for cosmetic reasons.
  • Refrain from touching the face.
  • Hold the telephone away from the face when talking, as it is likely to contain sebum and skin residue.
  • Wash hands frequently, especially before applying lotions, creams, or makeup.
  • Clean spectacles regularly as they collect sebum and skin residue.
  • Choose makeup for sensitive skin and avoid oil-based products. Remove makeup before sleeping.
  • Use an electric shaver or sharp safety razors when shaving. Soften the skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying shaving cream.
  • Keep hair clean, as it collects sebum and skin residue. Avoid greasy hair products, such as those containing cocoa butter.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, as it can cause the skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications increase the risk of sunburn.
  • Avoid anxiety and stress, as it can increase the production of cortisol and adrenaline, which exacerbate acne.
  • Try to keep cool and dry in hot and humid climates, to prevent sweating.

Acne is a common problem. It can cause severe embarrassment, but treatment is available. Schedule today for your free skin consultation and let us help you look and feel your most confident.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS

IPL (INTENSE PULSED LIGHT)

Similar to laser therapy, but gentler and more versatile, IPL photo facial can resolve many skin blemishes without discomfort or downtime. The procedure works by applying broad-spectrum light, in short pulses. Various filters and other adjustments are used to customize the intensity and wavelengths of light, according to your specific needs. IPL can effectively target skin pigment, improving brown spots, uneven coloring, and more. It is also exceptional for the treatment of vascular lesions, such as red marks and general facial redness. Click here to learn more about IPL for skin rejuvenation.

CHEMICAL PEEL

Extremely versatile and predictable, chemical peeling may be used to improve, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and many other types of skin blemishes. A moderate to deep peel can achieve rapid resurfacing without laser treatment, while mild peels can gently rejuvenate skin with no downtime. The depth of the peel is determined by the potency of active ingredients as well as the length of time it remains on the skin. Chemical peels generally contain some type of acid, which stimulates rapid cellular turnover. They also include therapeutic ingredients, designed to target various skin conditions. Some peels are specifically formulated to improve the complexion and fight pigmentation problems. Click here to learn more about Chemical Peels.

LED THERAPY

LED lamps target melanocytes, melanin-producing cells located in the bottom layer of the skin’s epidermis. They inhibit the production of excess melanin, prevent it from traveling to the skin’s surface, and break up melanin clusters to lessen existing discoloration. As a result, dark spots on your skin slightly fade away and your skin will get a more even skin tone. Click here to learn more about LED Therapy.

FACIALS AND PROFESSIONAL SKINCARE

Another approach to blemishes and pigmentation can be through professional facials and professional skincare products.In addition to the skin rejuvenation procedures we offer in our office, we also offer counseling on routine skincare. In some cases, this is the most effective method of treatment to get glowing, refreshed skin. In order to supplement routine skincare, we only recommend the Environ line of skincare products. Each line from Environ is uniquely suited towards restoring vitality and health to your skin as well as being designed to help with existing skin problems and to help prevent future problems. Additionally, our practitioners and aestheticians will help determine which products are best for you. With us by your side, your skin cannot help but thrive.

At Aesthetic–Facial and Body Rejuvenation, our facials are second to none. We offer a broad variety of medical-grade facials for our guests looking to bring a healthy glow to their skin. Our entire goal is to give you an experience that is comfortable, relaxing, and refreshing, and is the best possible facial that even the best spas in Beverly Hills could give you. Click here to learn more about Facials. Click here to learn more about Professional Skincare.