Understanding Acne: Causes & Treatments for Clear, Healthy Skin
Acne is a common skin condition that affects teens and adults alike. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States affecting up to 50 million people per year. The severity of acne ranges from occasional breakouts to persistent acne. Understanding the root causes and the most effective treatments for acne can help you achieve clearer skin. At Spindrift Aesthetics in Saint Pete, Florida, we offer both noninvasive and advanced treatments tailored to your skin’s needs.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles in the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Several factors can contribute to breakouts, including:
Sebum Production: Special glands in the skin, called sebaceous glands, produce oil (sebum) to keep the skin from drying out. But when sebum production is excessive, it can clog pores and lead to acne.
Dead Skin Cells: Our skin cells naturally shed. Normally, these skin cells travel to the surface of the skin and are exfoliated. However, when dead skin cells accumulate in the pores, they block the pores and can result in acne breakouts.
Bacteria: It is normal for a certain amount of bacteria to live on our skin. When pores become clogged the bacteria can multiply and cause inflammation, leading to acne lesions.
Hormonal Changes: Hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, can increase sebum production in the skin. Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger acne breakouts.
Other factors that cause contribute to acne include, genetics, stress, medications, cosmetics, diet and pollution.
What are the Types of Acne?
There are several different types of acne, ranging from mild to severe. Understanding the different forms of acne can help determine the best treatment options.
Noninflammatory Acne: These types of acne are usually less severe and respond well to over-the-counter treatments and skin care. This type of acne involves whiteheads and blackheads.
Whiteheads (closed comedones): small and flesh-colored or white bumps caused by clogged pores trapped beneath the skin.
Blackheads (open comedones): clogged pores remain open and appear dark due to oxidation.
Inflammatory Acne: These forms of acne involve redness and swelling, and are usually a result of bacteria. These types of acne often require medical treatments. Inflammatory acne presents in the form of papules and pustules.
Papules: small and red inflamed bumps caused by clogged pores and bacteria.
Pustules: pimples with a white or yellow pus-filled center surrounded by redness.
Severe Acne: This is a very intense form of acne that can lead to scarring and requires professional intervention. Severe acne involves nodules and cysts.
Nodular Acne: large, painful bumps deep under the skin causes by blocked and inflamed pores.
Cystic Acne: most severe form of acne featuring deep, pus-filled cysts that will lead to scarring if left untreated.
Hormonal & Fungal Acne:
Hormonal Acne: occurs along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks due to fluctuations in hormones.
Fungal Acne: caused by overgrowth of yeast in the skin, leading to itchy, uniform pimples often on the forehead or chest.
Noninvasive acne treatments include medical grade facials and chemical peels to help exfoliate dead skin cells, calm inflammation and breakouts, and reduce acne scarring. Medical grade skincare offers with active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol can help regulate oil production, kill acne causing bacteria, and decrease acne breakouts. LED blue light therapy kills acne-causing bacteria, while red light therapy reduces inflammation and promotes healing. More advanced treatments include microneedling, laser resurfacing with CO2, and injectable treatments like Sculptra and Radiesse that will all help reduce scarring and promote collagen production. Oral medications like doxycycline and Accutane can be prescribed for severe acne resistant to topical treatment.
If you’re dealing with stubborn acne or post-acne scars, know that there are solutions available. Spindrift Aesthetics offer customizable acne treatments to help you achieve clear, glowing skin.
Call today or book your consultation online. Let’s create the perfect skincare plan for you!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up=to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health, treatments, or medical conditions. The content of this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition or concern. Individual results may vary, and all medical treatments should be discussed with your physician or specialist to determine what is best for your unique situation.