Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It can affect individuals of all ages but is most prevalent among teenagers.
Causes of Acne:
Hormonal Changes: Puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy can trigger acne.
Diet: High-glycemic foods and dairy products might contribute to breakouts.
Stress: Can exacerbate acne by causing hormonal imbalances.
Skincare Products: Using products not suitable for your skin type can lead to acne.
Types of Acne:
Comedonal Acne: Blackheads and whiteheads.
Inflammatory Acne: Papules and pustules.
Cystic Acne: Deep, painful cysts and nodules.
Treatment Options:
Topical Treatments: Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, antibiotics
Oral Medications: Antibiotics, hormonal treatments, and isotretinoin.
Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and using non-comedogenic skincare products.
Professional Treatments:
Chemical Peel: Removes the top layer of old skin using specific chemicals, allowing new, smoother skin to grow and reducing the likelihood of acne. This procedure treats specific acne-prone areas, promoting clearer and more refined skin. Various peels are used depending upon the condition of the problem , type of acne, pigmentation or blemishes and scars. Peels like glycolic, TCA, mandelic, azelaic etc.
Laser Therapy: Stimulates the growth of new skin cells by removing excess oil and dead skin cells from clogged pores, effectively reducing acne. IPL laser is very effective in controlling papular acne
Corticosteroid Injections: Directly injected into affected skin areas to reduce inflammation and improve appearance. Nodular and cystic lesions can be treated with this therapy, resulting in rapid improvement and decreased pain.
High-Frequency Therapy: Uses high-frequency electrical currents to treat acne. This treatment increases oxygen to the skin, helping kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote blood circulation, leading to clearer and healthier skin by improving overall texture, tone, and glow.
Cavitation Ultrasound: Utilizes low-frequency ultrasound waves to penetrate the skin and break down debris and impurities. This technology targets blackheads and whiteheads, helping to clear clogged pores without the need for manual extraction. The procedure involves the use of ultrasound waves that create microbubbles within the skin's layers.
Micro-explosions: These microbubbles implode, generating a mechanical effect that loosens and dislodges comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from the pores.
Non-invasive Extraction: The dislodged impurities are gently removed from the skin, leaving it clean and clear.
Preventive Tips:
- Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
- Avoid touching your face frequently.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products.
- Keep your hair clean and off your face to prevent oil transfer.
- Maintenance with retinoids at night is most important for prevention of recurrence and also it will heal scars.
