Acne varies with seasons
What exactly is acne?
Acne is a chronic condition involving the pilosebaceous units of the skin and mostly affects the face although can affect the back and chest also. It can affect a wide range of age groups from the teens to the 60’s. It is a complex condion affected by genetics, hormones and an overproduction of sebum. Actually, this latter point is now under review as we are not certain that this is a factor.
What are some of the factors that cause acne?
-overgrowth of bacterial that are naturally on the skin
-genetics
-too much oil production
-oil and dead skin clogging follicles
-androgen levels
hormonal imbalances
environmental factors
-diet which is high in sugar and dairy. This point is contraversal currently. Some people definitely notice a difference and others don’t
-inflammation
Many factors are involved in acne and treatments address several of these.
Acne can affect everyone differently. You may know someone who doesn’t care if he/she has acne, yet others can have their self esteem affected and suffer a negative emotional impact . Also, acne scarring affects skin colors differently. Darker complexions can suffer from hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and lighter complexions have red or pink spots from the acne.
How do we chose what treatment to use?
Cosmeceuticals, or skin care products will be reviewed during your visit. Harsh products should be avoided, or those that overly dry the skin. Sometimes when clients come in for their first assessment they bring a bag full of products. We review them , analyze what ingredients are needed in their situation and reduce to the minimal effective products often with significant improvement of the skin.
Prescriptions include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, topical retinoids, azelaic acid and adapalene. Recently Health Canada has approved a new topical medication indicated for truncal acne – that is – acne on the back and chest.
If the acne is deeper, or cystic, then oral medication such as antibiotics or isotretinoin or oral hormonal therapies in women could be tried.
Is a wash with benzoyl peroxide effective? Probably not because there is too short a contact time with the skin. It may be of some help, but a longer contact time is needed for it to be effective. Prescription benzoyl peroxide may cause worsening of the acne initially before the skin improves. The skin can be dry, stinging and red but this usually settles after awhile by using hydrating moisturizers. Be careful with your sheets – benzoyl peroxide bleaches the clothing!
Retinoids also can cause acne to be worse initially before helping to clear the skin. Sun sensitivity can occur so night time application is advised.
There are a few products that are combination of the above that can be helpful also.
And remember – NO PICKING!
Along with prescriptions, treatments such as chemical peels, acne facials and IPL (photofacials) and a picosecond laser can be helpful in the treatment plan.