What is acne?
Acne (or pimple) is an affliction of the oil glands of the skin. Contrary to popular belief, acne problem is not confined to teenagers only. While most people outgrow acne by late teens, yet many continue to be affected for much longer. Acne can show up as whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps or pus-filled lumps. Acne most commonly occurs on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, shoulders and neck.
How serious is acne?
There are 3 common groups of acne sufferers. The first group consists of common teenage acne that clears up after a few years. The second group concerns those who would experience severe and stubborn inflamed acne, and warrant more aggressive treatment to eradicate the problem. The third group is the adult-onset acne who experiences acne outbreak for the first time as an adult.
Acne eruptions do come and go, but unfortunately some are left with acne scars and marks that are permanent. And it is impossible to predict which patient will scar. Therefore acne problem is not a trivial and should be treated early and thoroughly.
Why am I getting acne?
There is an increase in the production of the sex hormones (androgens) during puberty. This results in an increase in the size and activity of the oil glands (sebaceous glands), especially those located on the face, neck and upper body. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum.
Some skin cells lining the wall of the pore (hair follicle) become excessively sticky, therefore plugging up the pores and entrapping the sebum.
The increased amount of sebum and dead skin cells contribute to the growth of bacteria deep in the pores. The bacteria in turn cause an inflammatory reaction that result in red painful lumps of acne.
There is some tendency for acne to occur in the same family members. This indicates a possible genetic predisposition for this condition.
Use of inappropriate cosmetics and creams, or the oral consumption of certain medications and hormones are other causes of acne
Is there any anything I can do about my acne?
Yes! You can clear acne! You can prevent scar formation! However there is no single one-size-fits-all acne treatment formula. Our Acne Treatment Program is specially designed to treat your acne problem and tailored accordingly to your needs.
Nowadays we have a wide range of treatments available to combat acne and acne scars. To achieve best results, you are advised to go through the whole program with your dermatologist.
In short, our Acne Treatment Program consists of:
- Clearance - Active acne must first be cleared with the appropriate washes, medicinal creams, skin care routine, and/or oral medication, and sometimes microdermbrasion, chemical peels and laser treatment.
- Control - Once clearance is achieved, continuous control with the appropriate products and skin care routine are essential to prevent or minimize future relapse.
- Camouflage - While the acne problem is being treated, the results will take time. Meanwhile our customized camouflage cream will help you face each day with the necessary confidence.
- Correction - Red marks, brown marks, raised scars and depressed scars left behind by acne can be treated with a wide range of clinic procedures and lasers without unnecessary downtime.
- Red marks can be treated with IPL (intense pulsed light). IPL works by constricting the tiny congested blood vessels and therefore clears up the red marks, flush and blush of acne.
- Brown marks can be treated with lightening creams, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, Silkpeel™ dermainfusion or IPL in resistant cases.
- Raised lumpy scars benefit from injections of cortisone to soften and flatten them. Huge keloidal scars may sometime require minor surgery to debulk them before further treatment.
- Deep depressed scars and ice-pick scars may benefit from minor surgical procedures like subcision and punch excision.
- Superficial depressed scars can be smoothened out with MiXto fractional CO2 laser treatment and/or skin filler injections.
- Very superficial uneven scars can be softened with chemical peels or microdermabrasion treatment.
What else do I need to know about managing acne?
- Do not squeeze or scratch pimples. Avoid facials, scrubs, masks and exfoliants when your acne is inflamed.
- Do not wash with harsh soaps. Wash away the surface oil with a good gentle soap.
- Have a well-balanced diet.
- Use reliable water-based, oil-free cosmetics.
- Stick close to your doctor's prescription. Feel free to check with your doctor if you have any doubts about the treatment or side effects or for some reasons you are not improving.
- Certain birth control pills and hormone medications can worsen acne. Do discuss with your doctor.
- Stress and lack of sleep may aggravate acne.
In summary..
- Acne is treatable!
- Acne scar is preventable!
- Seek treatment early!
- Sometimes your acne may worsen initially before it gets better.
- Occasionally it may take a few months to see definite results.
- Discuss with your doctor if certain treatments are seemingly not working for you, or you are not comfortable with the medications prescribed for you because there are other alternatives available that would help.
- Exercise patience - you will be pleasantly surprised how much you can improve
