Tag: acne

Cosmetic Treatments for Acne Scarring

Whether you suffered from acne as a teen or in adulthood, it can sometimes lead to unfortunate acne scarring. Not everyone will experience acne scars, but it is more common in individuals who have inflammatory acne (which penetrates deeper in the skin), pop or pick pimples, or have a family history of acne scars.

According to the American Academy for Dermatology, as we age acne scars often become more apparent because our skin begins to lose collagen. Safe and effective treatments are available for acne scars, but a consultation is first needed. During the consultation, a board-certified dermatologist will examine your skin to determine the best treatment plan for your type of acne scars.

According to Dr. Victoria Negrete, board-certified dermatologist for Forefront Dermatology, “there are three types of cosmetic procedures that are the most effective in reducing acne scars – microneedling, chemical peels and fractional resurfacing lasers.”

Microneedling

Microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy and is commonly used to improve tone and texture, surface scarring (such as acne scars) and treat fine wrinkles. This treatment uses fine needles to create hundreds of tiny, invisible puncture wounds in the top layer of the skin. It may sound painful, but the treatment is virtually painless and incredibly effective. “Microneedling stimulates your skin’s natural ability to heal itself. In the process, it produces more collagen and elastin resulting in a thicker skin and softened acne scars,” stated Dr. Negrete, “the healing process begins right away and the downtime is minimal.” For best results, it is recommended that microneedling be performed in a series of treatments over time.

Chemical Peels

Think of your skin in layers. Underneath the surface of your skin is a flawless complexion just waiting to be revealed – a chemical peel is the fastest way to it. A chemical peel helps remove dull surface cells, improve fine lines, acne scars and discoloration. According to Dr. Negrete, “After the solution is applied to your skin, the acid starts to help shed the top layer of your skin causing the living skin cells below it to multiply and move to the surface. The result is an increase in collagen production and smoother, more radiant skin.” After a consultation with your local dermatologist, the right peel can be determined to help soften the scars from acne. For example, a glycolic acid peel dives deep into the skin to help unclog pores and fade your acne scars.

Fractional Resurfacing Laser

There are several types of fractional resurfacing lasers including Fraxel, Halo and Pixel. These lasers work best for patients under 50 with mild to moderate acne scarring. During this type of treatment, the laser creates tiny “pixels” deep into the skin which, during the natural skin repair process, causes the skin to push out the old, damaged skin cells. Each treatment replaces about 15 to 20 percent of the scarred skin with healthy new cells and collagen. Although fractional resurfacing laser treatments are not painful during the procedure they do cause slight discomfort after the numbing cream wears off. Redness can also occur over a 24 to 72 hour period. Dr. Negrete mentions, “It is important understand that fractionated laser treatments should be performed in a series of treatments. It is typical for a patient to need anywhere from 2 to 4 treatments for optimal results.”

Struggling with Acne Scars?

If you struggle with your acne scars and would like to find relief, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are here to help. Find your nearest provider and schedule your acne scar consultation today.

10 Common Causes for Acne Breakouts

Acne can happen at any age, and specifically as adults we often wonder why we are experiencing acne. “Acne is for kids”, says adult acne sufferers. Unfortunately that’s not the case, but since prevention is the key it’s best to be aware of the common causes that could lead to your acne breakouts.

1. Have you cleaned your cell phone recently?

Cleaning your cell phone is probably not the first thing you think to do. We are all guilty of skipping this from time to time.  Think about it for a second though – you rest your phone right about against the side of your face. Then maybe your arms get tired so you switch it to the other side. You have taken that bacteria-covered cell phone and spread bacteria all over your face potentially causing future breakouts.  The oils from makeup and our skin unknowingly accumulate on our cell phones. If you are seeing breakouts happening on your cheek or jaw, your cellphone could be the possible cause.

2. When was the last time you washed your pillowcase?

Just like a cell phone collects your skin oils and dead skin cells so can your pillow case. Regularly washing your pillow case as well as sleeping on your back can help eliminate acne caused during sleep. Specifically sleeping on your back can keep pores open and refreshed, preventing angry breakouts and flare-ups the next day.

3. Are you eating a balanced diet, or is it heavy on the processed food?

Foods that cause your blood sugar to rise quickly boost your insulin levels. Too much insulin can trigger changes in your body that in turn boost the activity of oil producing glands. According to a study by the American Journal of Nutrition, you may have fewer breakouts if you add more whole grains, beans and veggies to your diet while cutting back on the pasta, white rice, white bread and sugar.

4. Do you touch your face a lot?

You may think you don’t touch your face often, but do you ever subconsciously touch it throughout the day? Maybe rest your chin in your hand or rub your hands on your face if you are tired? Take some time throughout your day and try to pay attention to the amount of times you touch your face. Touching your face all day quickly makes it the dirtiest part of your body.  It is important to not only wash your hands, but your face.

5. Are you often times stressed out?

Stress not only affects acne flare-up, but also worsens your overall skin health. It is common for stress to cause your skin to produce more oil. The best solution is to find a daily stress reliever that works for you. For some it may be doing yoga or reading a book and for others just getting a relaxing night’s sleep will help reduce those stress levels.

6. Are you washing your face before bed?

Oil on the skin makes for a breeding ground of bacteria, and bacteria will cause blemishes. Sleeping with not only your makeup on, but also the addition of oil, dirt and debris that has built up on the skin during the day, can trigger new acne breakouts.

7. Have you traveled recently?

Whether traveling to a destination with different weather than your hometown, or just flying in an airplane, the change in humidity levels and lack of normal water intake can throw your skin health off balance. Humidity levels can cause skin to get extremely dry. The dry cells cause a buildup resulting in post-travel breakouts.

8. Did you pop a pimple lately?

If you did, then don’t complain if you experience more acne breakouts or even a scar. It’s impossible to pick your own pimple and not make a red mark. When you pop a pimple you run the risk of pushing the bacteria deeper or spreading it around underneath your skin, multiplying your pimples.

9. Are your clothes a little tight?

Have you been wearing a hat or maybe a fitted shirt lately? Anything that can trap sweat and bacteria against your skin can clog your pores and develop pimples. If you must wear a hat or fitted shirt try to pick a material that is moisture wicking to help pull the sweat away from your skin. Ideally though, it is best to wear lose-fitting clothing and regularly wash your skin with a cleansing product.

10. Are you pregnant?

Many women commonly experience acne during the first and second trimesters of their pregnancy. An increase in hormones can cause the glands in your skin to produce more oil and bacteria causing clogged pores. Studies have shown that women who were prone to acne breakouts during their menstrual periods have a greater chance of pregnancy acne. No fear though, your breakouts will most likely clear once your hormones return to normal.

 

Still Struggling?

Determining and treating the underlying cause to acne breakouts isn’t always as easy one would think. If you, or your child, are struggling from acne the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.

Acne at Any Age

Acne, unfortunately, can affect people of all ages. So why does acne affect everyone differently? What causes a pimple is pretty much the same regardless of how old you are. When you combine the skin’s oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, a pore becomes plugged and a pimple appears. Some are small and near the surface, and go away pretty quickly, where others are deeper in the skin, more painful, and tend to take a while to disappear.

Beyond the basics of what causes acne, there are two big factors that affect your odds of getting acne at any age:

► Family History: If your mom and/or dad had acne, you are very likely to develop it as well in your teens. If they suffered from acne as adults as well, your likelihood of experiencing it in adulthood also increases.

► Hormones: When hormones surge—which happens during adolescence and during pregnancy—breakouts become more likely. This is a primary reason why, for many people, acne improves after their teenage years and after pregnancy. Your hormones have leveled off and no longer fuel those bad breakouts.

Acne Prevention is Key

While genetics and hormones are contributing factors of acne, there are other factors at play – most of which are preventable. Using cosmetics that are not oil-free may clog pores. Friction caused by a hat, tight-fitting clothing, backpacks or even constant touching of your skin, can also worsen acne.

If you’re an adult dealing with acne, chances are your dry skin may be an underlying cause. As we age, our skin loses the ability to retain moisture, causing dry skin which ultimately can lead to clogged pores – a true domino effect.

Diet also plays a role in acne breakouts. To help prevent future acne breakouts, try to reduce or eliminate dairy and high glycemic foods while focusing more on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.

Lastly, regardless of your age, if you are picking or squeezing blemishes you need to stop. Popping pimples spreads bacteria and increases inflammation often leading to more breakouts and acne scarring.

Get in a Routine

The best acne treatment for teens and adults starts with a proper skin care regimen. It is important to incorporate regular cleansing of your body, especially after sweating, and the use of oil-free products, like makeup and moisturizer, to help keep your skin oil free and moisturized.

When breakouts do happen, you have a variety of acne treatments to choose from.  When looking for a product, choose ones that include the following ingredients:

  • Salicylic Acid: a master exfoliator, it helps get rid of the dead skin cells
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: effective at killing acne-causing bacteria
  • Glycolic Acid: exfoliates the skin and helps remove oil and dirt on the skin

While it’s tempting to take a “more is better” approach by using a lot of products, doing so may likely over-dry your skin, which can make acne worse. Start with one product and allow it time to treat your acne breakouts.

Causes and Solutions for Adult Acne

If you find that pimples are popping up in your adult years, you are not alone!  While we typically think of acne as a problem associated with our teenage years, adult acne is a common problem that often goes diagnosed.

If your acne is impacting your well-being and self-esteem, your feelings should not be dismissed. When you contact your local, board-certified dermatologist, you will be treated with the same compassion as anyone else with a chronic health condition, and we will work with you to get to the bottom of what is causing your acne.

Facts About Adult Acne

  • Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually
  • Women are more likely to suffer from acne than men and this seems to be related to hormones
  • Men are more likely to suffer acne scarring than women
  • It’s a myth that acne results from poor hygiene

Potential Causes of Adult Acne

There are many contributing factors that lead to acne flare-ups which include the following:

  1. Hormones Leading to Excess Oil Secretion, Bacteria and the Clogging of Pores
    Androgens, the male hormones present in both men and women, can contribute to acne flares by overstimulating the oil glands and altering the development of skin cells that line hair follicles in the skin.
  2. Overproduction of a Skin Oil Called Sebum
    Too much production of a skin oil called sebum, presence of bacteria, and the clogging of skin pores (follicles) with debris are the most common known causes of acne.
  3. Makeup
    Makeup can trap dirt under the skin and trap oil and bacteria in your pores. If you are going to use makeup, select products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. In addition, when you apply or remove makeup, you are transferring dirt and oil from your hands to your face. When you apply makeup, be sure to thoroughly remove it at night with a gentle face cleanser to fully remove anything that may be clogging your pores.
  4. Genetics
    Patients that have severe acne often report that their parents had similar problems with acne. We do know that genetic predisposition is a factor in adult acne.
  5. Stress
    Because stress is a part of our daily lives, it can be nearly impossible to avoid, but oftentimes our skin can be a reflection of our overall health and stress can be a trigger for acne in those who are already prone to breakouts. Unfortunately, having acne itself can lead to stress and depression. If you are experiencing stress related to your skin, there are many treatment options that can help.
  6. Diet
    Today, some researchers believe that there is indeed a connection between food and acne. Some of the culprits that have been linked to acne are sugary foods, dairy products, and unhealthy fats. Conversely, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may help reduce acne severity.

Potential Solutions for Adult Acne

  1. See Your Dermatologist and Develop a Treatment Plan
    There are a number of possible treatments for adult acne, from topical treatments to various pill therapies, depending on the type of acne you have and the severity of your condition. According to Rachel Ade Koziczkowski, a board-certified dermatologist in Moline, Illinois, “I like to sit down with my patients to gain a thorough understanding of how their acne is impacting their lives. In addition, determining what type of acne they are dealing with helps me to collaborate with them to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Providing adherence strategies for patients is something I focus on at each visit. It is so rewarding for me to see my adult acne patients come back with clear and beautiful skin a few months down the road, because the glow goes way beyond their faces.”
  2. Develop a Skincare Regimen That Is Designed Specifically for You
    While it may be tempting as an adult to walk up to your nearest cosmetics counter and spend big money on skincare products, you will have much more success working with your local board-certified dermatologist or licensed esthetician to design a skincare regimen designed to treat your specific skincare issues.
  3. Don’t Touch Your Face or Pop Pimples
    Your hands are a constant source of dirt, bacteria, and oil, and when you touch your face, these elements are transferred to your skin and can cause acne. If you have a large pimple and an important event to attend, see your dermatologist for an injection that can reduce its size and appearance. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your hands with soap when you do need to touch your face. As tempting as it can be, do not try to pop pimples. This can spread acne bacteria to the rest of your face and spread acne-causing bacteria, and also lead to scarring.
  4. Avoid Stress and Get Exercise
    If you are struggling with acne, try to literally not “sweat” the small stuff. Stress has been proven to increase breakouts, so try to find natural ways to decrease stress through meditation, adequate sleep, and exercise. Just be sure to thoroughly shower and cleanse skin after exercising and sweating.
  5. Eat Healthy
    Many skin care experts agree that eating certain foods and avoiding others can significantly improve your skin. Enjoy a diet free of excess sugar and dairy, while adding healthy foods to your diet such as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy greens, like kale and salmon.

Are You Struggling With Adult Acne: How Can We Help?

If you are or a family member is struggling with acne or a skin concern, find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you to schedule an appointment or to learn more.

Stop Acne with These Preventative Tips

If you are suffering from acne breakouts, we understand that you’ve probably spent countless dollars on acne treatments that promise to help clear your skin, regardless of your age or the severity your breakouts. At Forefront Dermatology, our expert skincare experts understand that acne can take a toll on not only your physical well-being, but your emotional health as well.

Dr. Rachel Ade Koziczkowski, a board-certified dermatologist in Moline, Illinois, recommends, “You do not have to live with acne, regardless of your age, your history, or the severity of your symptoms. We recommend the following preventative measures you can take to clear up your skin, but if you need further assistance, your board-certified acne specialists at Forefront Dermatology are here to help!”

These tips below are the top ways that you can prevent an acne breakout:

  1. Keep your Face Clean
    One of the biggest causes of acne is dirt and oil that builds up and gets trapped under your skin to clog your pores and grow bacteria. Washing your face with an oil-free, gently exfoliating cleanser two times per day will help to remove this dirt, oil, and any dead skin cells that could become trapped in your pores and clog them.
  2. Moisturize
    If you’ve turned to acne products to control breakouts, most of these products contain ingredients that dry out the skin such as peroxide that can zap your skin of the moisture it needs. Apply a light moisturizer to you skin after fully cleansing that contains glycerin or hyaluronic acid. This will keep moisture locked in your skin to prevent redness, drying, and flaking.
  3. Use Makeup Sparingly and Select Acne Friendly Products
    Makeup can trap dirt under the skin and trap oil and bacteria in your pores. If you are going to use makeup, select products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it will not trap dirt and oil in your pores. In addition, when you apply or remove makeup, you are transferring dirt and oil from your hands to your face. When you apply makeup, be sure to thoroughly remove it at night with and gentle face cleanser to fully remove anything that may be clogging your pores.
  4. Be Careful about Products You Use in Your Hair
    Be careful about the products that you are using in your hair. Your shampoo, conditioner, gels, and other hair products can contain oils, fragrance, and chemicals that can irritate skin and cause breakouts on your forehead, jaw, neck, and back. Organic products without added chemicals, oils, and fragrance may also provide a lightweight wash and a natural smell without causing breakouts.
  5. Don’t Touch Your Face or Pop Pimples
    Your hands are a constant source of dirt, bacteria, and oil, and when you touch your face, these elements are transferred to your skin and can cause acne. Be sure to thoroughly cleanse your hands with soap when you do need to touch your face. As tempting as it can be, do not try to pop pimples.
  6. Stay Out of the Sun
    The sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness, and can cause dark discoloration. Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, regardless of the season. Whether you have acne or not, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that is specially designed for your face with oil-free ingredients.
  7. Change Your Pillow Cases and Sheets Once a Week
    All of the dirt, old, dead skin cells and sweat are sloughing off onto your pillow and your sheets at nighttime as you are sleeping, particularly if you are not washing your face off before bed. Save the money you are spending on expensive nighttime face and acne creams and simply change your pillowcase to allow your face a clean place to lie at night free of acne-breeding dirt and bacteria.
  8. Avoid Stress and Get Exercise
    If you are struggling with acne, try to literally not “sweat” the small stuff. Stress has been proven to increase breakouts, so try to find natural ways to decrease ways to exercise and get your blood flowing. Exercise can help you reduce stress, just be sure to thoroughly shower and cleanse skin after exercising and sweating.
  9. Eat Healthy
    While there is not a clear link between acne and diet, many skincare experts agree that eating certain foods and avoiding others can significantly improve your skin. Enjoy a diet free of excess sugar, while adding healthy foods to your diet such as foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy greens, like kale and salmon.

Living with Acne: How Can We Help?

If you or a family member is dealing with acne, there are many effective treatments we can offer. Find the Forefront physician nearest you to learn about treatment options and lifestyle changes that can help prevent flare-ups and eliminate acne.