Skip the Drugstore — Medical Solutions for Adult Acne
- Posted on: Jul 14 2016
Understanding the different cycles of acne is important in treatment, and in achieving beautiful clear skin again at any age. At Azul, we find that, most of the time, our 
patients aren’t sure why breakouts are occurring! Acne can be different throughout your life, and may require different approaches to treatment. For instance, teens can suffer from the beginning of blackheads and pimples to full-on cystic acne. Hormonal acne that happens in our mid- to late thirties (and can last up to forty-something) is a different acne cycle. Then you have your fifty-plus age group, with milia whiteheads and/or blackheads that are often mistaken as being just bumps. You may find that spending countless amounts of money on drugstore products only leaves you with skin irritation and continual breakouts of acne.
In any case, a series of facials with a professional esthetician at Azul Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa, including extractions and peels (along with the right skincare) will get your skin back under control! Sometimes microneedling or laser treatments are needed in order to treat acne scars. It’s always best to team up with a professional skincare provider who can evaluate your progress and change course as needed.
Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar the skin. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of lasting physical and emotional damage.
Factors that may worsen acne
These factors can trigger or aggravate an existing case of acne:
⦁ Hormones.
Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, and the use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production. Low amounts of androgens circulate in the blood of women and can worsen acne.
⦁ Certain medications.
Drugs containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium can worsen acne.
⦁ Diet.
Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including dairy products and carbohydrate-rich foods — such as bread, bagels and chips — may trigger acne. Chocolate has long been suspected of making acne worse. A recent study of fourteen men with acne showed that eating chocolate was related to an increase in acne. Further study is needed to examine why this happens, or whether acne patients need to follow specific dietary restrictions.
⦁ Stress.
Stress can make acne worse.
Acne myths
These factors have little effect on acne:
⦁ Greasy foods.
Eating greasy food has little to no effect on acne. However, working in a greasy area (such as a kitchen with fry vats) does, because the oil can stick to the skin and block the hair follicles. This further irritates the skin or promotes acne.
⦁ Dirty skin.
Acne isn’t caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse — though it does help to gently remove oil, dead skin and other substances.
⦁ Cosmetics.
Cosmetics don’t necessarily worsen acne, especially if you use oil-free makeup that doesn’t clog pores (Minerale Makeup is best) and be sure to remove makeup regularly. Non-oily cosmetics don’t interfere with the effectiveness of acne drugs.
Risk factors for acne include:
⦁ Hormonal changes.
Such changes are common in teenagers, women and girls, and people using certain medications, including those containing corticosteroids, androgens or lithium.
⦁ Family history.
Genetics plays a role in acne. If both parents had acne, you’re likely to develop it, too.
⦁ Greasy or oily substances.
You may develop acne where your skin comes into contact with oily lotions and creams or with grease in a work area, such as a kitchen with fry vats.
⦁ Friction or pressure on your skin.
This can be caused by items such as telephones, cellphones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks.
⦁ Stress.
This doesn’t cause acne, but if you have acne already, stress may make it worse.
If you have acne that’s not responding to self-care and over-the-counter treatments, make an appointment with Azul. We offer early, effective treatment of acne to reduce the risk of scarring and of lasting damage to your self-esteem.
Azul has the medical solution to your acne concerns with in-office care and at-home regimens using Azul Clear Skin Solution products. These products include an acne mask, a serum that has potent actives and reduces oil production, cleansers to kill bacteria associated with acne, and spot treatment proven to dry up pesky breakouts. Make your appointment today at Azul, and let us help you get your skin on track to be clear and beautiful!
Contact us to ask whatever you want to know, or schedule a free consult with one of our expert medical estheticians. It only takes a few visits to get rid of your acne for good.
Posted in: Procedures