Acne: Preventing, Treating and Scar Revision After Acne

Acne plagues most everyone. From pre-pubescent teens to adults, anyone can experience acne. These unsightly imperfections can be the root cause of diminished self-esteem and well-being. Acne comes in all forms and sizes and can last from days until months. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent, manage and even treat post-acne scars.

How is Acne Formed?

Acne begins in the sebaceous glands – the glands that are home to hair follicles and produce oil to naturally moisturize the skin. If dead skin cells or dirt are trapped, sebaceous glands work overtime to produce oil to expel whatever is clogging the pore. Typically, these conditions are the cause for bacteria growth and the swelling of the pore - in turn the visible affects are red or inflamed bumps on the face.

How to Prevent Acne

Hygiene and diet are keys for the upkeep of healthy skin. Here are a few ways to prevent the formation of acne:

• Washing the face with gentle, alcohol-free cleansers at least twice per day.
• Women especially need to wash their face during their nighttime routine. Makeup will only exasperate the formation of acne.
• Gentle exfoliation keeps pores from becoming clogged. Using a gentle brush such as the Clarisonic can slough away dead skin cells and oil. An acne scrubbing brush head is also available for the Clarisonic.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary and caffeinated beverages.
• Avoid junk food. Instead consume raw, healthy veggies and nutrients.

The Clarisonic Mia - available at Renaissance

Ways to Treat Acne

Luckily there are many treatment options for acne. In less severe cases, simple toners and topical treatments may be used to reduce flare-ups, but in severe cases of acne, over-the-counter treatments may not be a viable option. There are several prescription treatments available as well as procedures that can be performed to help with existing eruptions or to prevent/reduce formation.

SkinMedica developed a peel, similar to chemical peels, called the Vitalize Peel that encourages the exfoliation of the outer layer of skin that promotes the restructure of collagen. The peel is relatively mild and a patient may peel for up to four days following but the result is smooth, supple skin. It also removes any fine lines, sun damage or acne spots that may have incurred overtime.

Another optimal treatment is Kinerase’s prescription only retinoid treatment called Pro-Therapy Tretinoin Gel. This gel’s ingredients provide powerful pore unclogging power. It works to diminish acne-causing bacteria to prevent future skin eruptions.

Kinerase Pro-Therapy Tretinoin Gel 0.05% available at the Renaissance

Treating Acne Scars with Lasers

The emotional and physical distress from acne scars can affect one’s whole sense of well-being. Fortunately, the memories of scars aren’t something you have to live with. There are several post-acne treatments that can reduce and sometimes erase the visible signs of scarring. With Fractional Lasers, such as Palomar’s Icon, the skin can be resurfaced and smoothed in virtually pain-free sessions. Depending on the severity of scarring, several treatments may be necessary but the results are astounding!

Before and after images of patient with acne scars that utilized the Icon Fractional Laser.