Acne, a skin disorder of the sebaceous glands, is characterized by comedones and blemishes and is a hereditary trait which is also triggered by hormonal changes.
Acne ranges from mild breakouts to disfiguring cysts and scarring. Causes of acne include the following:
- clogged pores – a plug of mixed dead skin cells and sebum in the follicle.
- bacteria – when follicles are blocked with sebum and dead skin cell build-up, oxygen cannot reach the bottom of the follicle, resulting in bacteria growth.
- cosmetics and products – moisturizers and sunscreens should be water based.
Acne is broken down into four grades. The number of lesions, comedones, papules, pustules or cysts present determines the severity of the acne.
- Grade I – Minor breakouts, mostly open comedones, some closed comedones and a few papules and pustules.
- Grade II – Many closed comedones, more open comedones and more papules and pustules.
- Grade III – Red and inflamed, many papules and pustules.
- Grade IV – Cystic acne. Cysts with comedones, papules, pustules and inflammation are present.
Hormonal changes, stress and certain foods may aggravate acne.
- Hormones – during puberty, androgens stimulate sebaceous glands and testosterone causes an increase in oil production. Adult acne is more common in females. Hormonal fluctuations from birth control pills, premenstrual changes, pregnancy and menopause can lead to acne inflammation in women.
- Stress – stress causes hormonal fluctuations and increased sebum production.
- Foods – eating fresh vegetables and fruits and increasing water intake seem to help those with acne experience fewer breakouts.
- Irritations – pressure or friction from rubbing or touching the face, phone use, or wearing hats can contribute to acne breakouts. Dirty pillow or makeup brushes can also transfer bacteria to the face. Keeping hands and items that touch the face clean can help keep the skin from breaking out more.
In the field of skin care, we define the process of removing excess accumulations of dead cells from the outer layers of the skin as superficial peeling. Peels are used to control skin conditions such as acne, hyperpigmentation, clogged pores, eczema and dry skin.
After treatment, skin looks and feels smoother and softer. Peels dramatically enhance the skin’s health and appearance. After having a peel, you should not necessarily expect to “peel.” However, you might have light flaking in a few localized areas for a couple of days. Most clients who undergo these treatments have only residual redness for anywhere from one to twelve hours.
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