What causes acne?
Acne develops when your pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Normally, your body naturally sheds dead skin cells, but if you produce too much sebum (oil) in your pores, the dead skin cells stick together and get trapped. This can happen nearly anywhere on your body, but most commonly occurs on your:
- Face
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Upper back
Clogged pores appear as red pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads, and can be painful and persistent, especially when the bacteria on your skin gets into your pores. The bacteria make your pores red and swollen on the surface of your skin, and if the bacteria go deeper, you can get an acne cyst.
Hormones also play a role in triggering or aggravating acne symptoms during puberty and pregnancy. Stress, diet, and lifestyle may also contribute to excess oil production in your pores that makes acne worse, and it can develop at any age.
What types of medical acne treatments are available?
Your doctor at Loucas Dermatology closely examines your skin and create an individualized treatment plan based on your specific skin type and acne symptoms. Your acne treatment plan may include:
- Laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies
- Chemical peels
- Vampire Facial
- Microneedling
- Oral or topical medications and solutions
- Prescription cleanser
Your acne treatment depends on the severity of your condition, your symptoms, your age, and your overall health. If your acne breakout is sudden, especially as an adult, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
When home-care remedies and over-the-counter acne treatments don’t clear up your skin, it’s time to consult an expert dermatologist at Loucas Dermatology. If left untreated, your case of acne can become more severe and cause permanent acne scarring.
How can acne be prevented?
Once your acne is under control, you can take an active role in managing future breakouts. The team at Loucas Dermatology may recommend specific changes you can make, but in general, the following things can help control the severity of your acne:
- Using skin care products with salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or benzoyl peroxide
- Protecting your skin from the sun
- Washing with a gentle facial cleanser so as not to aggravate your skin further
- Avoiding scrubs, astringents, and masks that irritate your skin
- Using a noncomedogenic moisturizer
If you’re struggling to keep acne under control, know that there are several effective treatment options available. To learn more, call Loucas Dermatology or schedule a consultation online today.
