ACNE

Whatever your age, acne manifests itself with plugged pores (blackheads & whiteheads), pimples and blemishes, as well as deeper cysts and nodules. Caused by porphyrins (P-acne bacteria) as well as an overproduction of sebum (often hormonally triggered), outbreaks can lead to permanent scarring and discoloration.

What is Acne?

Acne is a disruption in the skin caused by different factors including hormones and genetics. The pilo-sebaceous unit is comprised of the hair growing follicle and the sebaceous gland which releases sebum to the skin surface through the pore. There is a normal population of bacteria called Propionibacterium Acnes in the skin, but when the pores become clogged the build up of sebum and the proliferation of P.Acnes causes a blackhead or whitehead to form within the pore. White blood cells infiltrating the area and ensuing inflammation can lead to acneic lesions called papules, nodules or cysts.

How Does Acne Develop?

Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found over most of the body, PSUs consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, that contains a fine hair (see "Normal Pilosebaceous Unit" diagram, below). These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle.

Normal Pilosebaceous Unit

The hair, sebum, and keratinocytes that fill the narrow follicle may produce a plug, which is an early sign of acne. The plug prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin through a pore. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation. (Inflammation is a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury and is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.) When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills everything into the nearby skin--sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria--leading to lesions or pimples.

Types of Lesions

What you can do

Preventing future blockages or clogging of pores can be facilitated through a variety of topical therapies including microdermabrasion, light chemical peels and acne skin regimen.

Gently wash your face twice daily with a non-comedogenic (pore clogging) cleanser that contains salicylic acid.
Try a topical cream or gel that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. For treating individual pimples, use a spot cream containing sulfur or resorcinol.
Exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells that can clog pores. Instead of scrubbing, which can aggravate acne, try a toner or lotion with salicylic acid.

What to avoid

Over drying the skin. Fight the urge to overdo it by constantly cleansing and exfoliating or using too many treatment products too often. This will disrupt your natural acid mantle. Your skin will respond by producing even more oil, leading to even more breakouts.
Picking and popping. You've heard it a million times, but it's true—you'll only spread the bacteria and increase potential for scarring. If you want deep cleansing or extraction, see a SKYN therapist.
Anything oily. Makeup, hair products, even the natural oils from your hair or fingers can all clog pores.
Change pillow case everyday and always use fresh towels.

SKYN solution

The goals of treatments for active eruptive acne are : to reduce the bacteria count of the sebum production. The clinical improvements in the appearance of acne are evidenced by reducing the size of individual acne lesions, reducing the frequency of acne eruptions, and promoting faster healing times.

Chemical Peels: CosMedix chirally correct peels and Environ chemical peels offer a special combination of acids (including retinoic and salicylic) to treat a multitude of problems, including acne, oiliness and discoloration. Expect some peeling for a period of 3 to 7 days.
Microdermabrasion: If your acne is limited to clogged pores, blackheads and oiliness, or you have uneven skin texture from past bouts with acne, microdermabrasion provides vigorous exfoliation to get rid of dry flakes and surface impurities to reveal smoother, fresher skin.
Elos Acne treatment: The heat from this treatment helps dry up excess sebum and kills the acne-causing bacteria.
Colonic Hydrotherapy: A healthy colon is essential to a healthy body and glowing skin. A course of colonics will help rid the body of toxins that contribute to less than perfect skin. The skin is a picture of what is happening internally.