Acne is a common skin disorder which does not discriminate. It affects both men and women of all ages, and across all ethnic groups. In fact, at least 80% of adolescents and young adults are dealing with acne to some degree. Research also shows that a large number of women over 25 are battling it and well into their 40’s. This is why it’s such a far reaching issue with no definitive way to treat – it’s not a one size fits all.
Acne is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit. i.e., a hair follicle and an oil gland. The cause of acne is male and female hormones affecting the sebaceous (oil) gland. During puberty, these hormones are in much higher concentrations. Stress can also contribute to hormonal changes by increasing adrenal gland activity, which in turn increases oil production. So, you take more oil and a lack of exfoliation, it now becomes a perfect environment for p-acne bacteria to grow. Now you have a good fight on your hands.
Acne has many different characteristics from blackheads, red papules, and pustules to painful nodules and cysts. “This is why you have to take different avenues to treat each one.” Says Kelly Schoeneck, esthetician at About Face Skin Care, “Sometimes the first thing you try isn’t the right one, but you continue until you find what works.”Understanding that is the first step in treatment. Kelly has 8 years’ experience treating acne for people of all ages and is known as the “Teen Queen” among About Face staffers for her ability to resolve many stubborn acne cases for frustrated teens that have tried it all.
There are many different treatment options and they vary with the degree of acne. However, they all need to contain active ingredients products that increase cell turnover rate, kill bacteria in the pore, reduce inflammation and control sebum production. Here are a few examples:
- Salicylic Acid – Is a beta hydroxy acid which increases exfoliation preventing pores from clogging, correcting abnormal keratinization.
- Benzoyl Peroxide – Kills bacteria and oxidizes the oils on the surface of the skin.
- Glycolic Acid – Helps sebum production and eliminating abnormal keratinization.
- Vitamin A – Increases cell turnover rate.
And while these products are available at many drug store and department store counters, it takes the proper combination and strength to adequately treat this tricky problem.
About Face Skin Care knows how important it is to feel good about yourself and how having acne can negatively affect that. We offer many different treatment options to help fight this widespread problem. Give us a call to set up a Free Consultation Appointment and let us get you started on your path to clearer skin.
