Exactly Acne

• Non-Inflamed Acne can be characterized by open and closed comedones– white heads and black heads. These typically do not cause swelling.
• Inflamed Acne/ Cystic Acne is associated with inflammatory acne that is deep withing the skin. Often characterized by papuales (red-ish hued ), pustules (pus filled), and nodules/cysts (large, firm and painful bumps that form mostly under the surface of the skin).

• Pustular Roseasea is a form of rosacea that may closely resemble acne. The charatrists or pustular rosacea can include pus filled blemishes and red swollen bumps. The bumps can appear on the cheeks, chin, and forehead and are frequently misidentified as acne. Treatments for pustular roseasea typically include zelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur.
• Fungal Folicilitis is a condition charactered by clusters of small, itchy red bumps on the skin. This type of condition occurs when the hair follicles contract a “yeast infection”. Treatment for fungal foliculitis include l-mandelic acid, sulfur, 1% or 2% ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione (found in dandruff shampoos).

Hormonal Factors with Acne

Hormonal acne refers to breakouts that occur due to certain hormone fluctuations.  Certain birth controls, puberty, menopause, pregnancy, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) ,  and other causes for elevated androgen hormones can be a driving factor in development of acne due to hormonal changes.

Acne Factors

There are 4 main factors that cause acne. These factors are all heavily influenced by genetics, hormones, diet, medications, environment, and other lifestyle and health factors.

Treatment

Acne can be treated with targeted at home skin care regimens, as well as professional in office treatments with a trained esthetician. The most effective treatment plans tend to involve a multitude of approaches: proper and personalized skin care at home (sometimes prescription strength), adjustments to diet & lifestyle factors, monthly facials,chemical peels, and Morpheus8.

Non-inflamed acne treatment protocol can typically include products which contain salicylic acid, retinol/tretinoin, AHAs, and enzymes.

Inflamed/cystic acne may involve more aggressive treatment. This treatment protocol may include products with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and l-mandelic acid.

If you are struggling with acne, please remember to be kind to yourself. The simple fact that you have read this blog mean that you are on the right path to improvement. It is important to remember that you NOT alone. The mental toll that acne can have on individuals can lower self esteem and self- worth. Take necessary time for yourself– to improve you physical and mental well being.  Your acne improvement journey can start today, or whenever you are ready.