#AcneScars

Understanding Acne: Types, Causes, and Management

Understanding Acne: Types, Causes, and Management

Acne is a prevalent skin condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by the occurrence of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cysts or nodules on the skin. While commonly associated with adolescence, acne can persist into adulthood and significantly impact one's self-esteem and confidence. Understanding the different types of acne and their causes is crucial in effectively managing and treating this skin condition.

What is Acne?

Acne, medically termed acne vulgaris, is a chronic skin disorder primarily affecting the pilosebaceous units, consisting of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. When excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria accumulate, they clog the follicles, resulting in the formation of acne lesions.

Causes of Acne:

Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including:

  1. Excess Sebum Production: Hormonal changes during adolescence stimulate sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum production, which can clog pores.

  2. Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a bacterium that lives on the skin and can exacerbate acne when follicles become blocked.

  3. Inflammation: When follicles are clogged, they may become inflamed, causing redness, swelling, and the formation of various types of acne lesions.

  4. Heredity: Genetics can play a role in acne development. Individuals with a family history of acne may be more prone to experiencing it themselves.

  5. Dietary Factors: While the exact link between diet and acne isn't fully understood, some studies suggest that certain foods, particularly high-glycemic foods and dairy, might contribute to acne flare-ups.

Types of Acne:

  1. Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): These form when follicles become clogged with oil and skin cells, trapping them beneath the skin's surface.

  2. Blackheads (Open Comedones): These occur when follicles are clogged, but the surface remains open, allowing the trapped material to oxidize and appear black.

  3. Papules: Small, red, tender bumps caused by inflammation and infection in the hair follicles.

  4. Pustules: Similar to papules but contain pus at their tips and are often red at the base.

  5. Nodules: Large, painful, solid lumps that develop beneath the surface of the skin, often requiring professional treatment.

  6. Cysts: Deep, pus-filled lumps that are painful and prone to scarring.

Managing Acne:

Effective acne management involves a combination of proper skincare, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes medical treatments. Consistent and gentle cleansing of the skin, using non-comedogenic products, and avoiding excessive scrubbing are crucial. A balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding picking or squeezing acne lesions can also help in managing acne.

In cases where acne persists or becomes severe, seeking professional dermatological advice is recommended. Dermatologists may prescribe topical treatments, oral medications, or in-office procedures tailored to the individual's specific acne type and severity.

Understanding acne, its causes, and the various types empowers individuals to take proactive steps in managing their skin health effectively. By adopting a comprehensive approach to skincare and seeking professional guidance when needed, it's possible to mitigate the impact of acne and restore clearer, healthier skin.

Microchanneling - What is it?

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How does a Microchanneling Treatment stimulate cellular activity? A single treatment creates hundreds of thousands of microchannels. In response to each micro-injury, an inflammatory healing process begins which initiates the formation of new collagen. Over time, the repeated healing process improves the surface texture and the overall appearance of the skin. In the past microneedling technologies (like the pens and rollers) relied on creating damage to the skin in order to trigger tissue repair via your body’s powerful wound-healing ability. MicroChanneling is microneedling evolved! MicroChanneling stimulates a more effective rejuvenation with less damage to skin, and more stimulation of stem cells. 

How is Microchanneling Different?

MicroChanneling is unique in that it stimulates this wound healing response and new collagen production by triggering the release of epidermal growth factors, peptides and cytokines with little actual damage to the skin.  The treatment produces a clinically significant increase in the production of new collagen and elastin through the release of powerful peptides, growth factors and cytokines. Microchanneling produces maximum stimulation, with minimal inflammation.

In the last few years, Microchanneling has made a huge splash because of how effective it is and how quickly it works.  With as few as one treatment, Microchanneling has been shown to improve the quality of the skin. A series of treatments will improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, age-spots/sunspots, laxity and stretch marks.  And it also stimulates Hair Regrowth for balding men and women!

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Why Does Skin Age?

You age, visibly and invisibly, every day. Sun damage, internal inflammation, chem​icals, and even gravity all  work against the youthful vitality of your skin. As we  get older, fewer regenerative stem cells survive to  repair this constant damage.

How Do Stem Cells Assist Healing?

Human growth-factor serums derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are known to promote scarless healing with minimal inflammation. The application of serums immediately after microchanneling treatment enhances delivery and collagen growth. We use Stem Cells with our Microchanning treatments for maximum patient benefit.