Acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States, with 90% of teens and 25% of all adults suffering with acne. This condition not only causes short and long-term damage to your skin, but acne can also affect your self-esteem and confidence. The Board Certified Dermatologists at St. Petersburg Skin and Laser are experienced in treating acne and are familiar with the wide range of acne treatment options.
What is Acne?
Your skin is covered in pores that connect to oil glands under the skin which produce an oily substance called sebum. This oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. On occasion, hair within the pores, sebum, and the skin cells clog these channels. The bacteria within the plugged pore causes swelling and as it breaks down, a pimple grows.
What causes Acne?
Pimples begin to a form about two weeks before you see them on the surface. Your pores become clogged as a result of several factors:
- Excess oil production in the skin
- Oil and skin cells clogging hair follicles
- Bacteria
- Increased hormone activity
Because the presence of acne is closely tied to your body’s chemistry, factors that can aggravate acne include:
- Hormones
- Certain Medications
- Diet
- Stress
Most patients tolerate neurotoxin injections because we use the smallest possible needles. However, we do offer numbing cream to apply before the procedure to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.
Risk Factors That Can Lead to Acne
People of all ages are susceptible to acne, however, it is most common in teenagers as their bodies are undergoing physiological changes that lead to an increase in hormone production. While this puts the age group at highest risk of developing acne, there are factors that can increase the likelihood of the condition even well into adulthood:
Genetics
Regular use of lotions or face creams can make it more likely for pores to become clogged Friction or pressure on your skin by items such as cellphones or helmets
Treatmants for Acne
All acne treatments begin with a through examination of your skin to determine which treatment will be the most effective. Acne treatments aim to improve your overall facial appearance while minimizing acne symptoms.
Lasers
Lasers can reduce inflammation and the presence of bacteria, as well as help existing pimples heal faster. Lasers can also be used to stimulate collagen production in the skin, leading to healthier-looking skin with less acne and acne scars.
Acne Surgery
Some acne scars benefit from a surgical procedure called subcision to release the scar from the deeper layers of skin. This is done with local numbing and improves the appearance of deep acne scars.
Microneedling
Microneedling makes small holes in the skin and induces collagen remodeling, which improves the appearance of acne scars. Our Board Certified Dermatologists are experts in the entire spectrum of cosmetic treatments and the applications, including in the treatment of acne and acne scars.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels can improve acne and help rejuvenate your skin. Peels can also help remove the fine lines and scarring often caused by acne.
Chemical Peels
Using specially designed tools, your doctor can gently remove whiteheads or blackheads that have not cleared up with topical medications.
Topical Treatmants
Topical medicines can range from retinoids (derivatives of Vitamin A) to antibiotics. The purpose of topical treatment is to prevent clogged pores and decrease excess bacteria which leads to reduced redness and swelling.
Oral Medications
Oral medications, including spironolactone, isotretinoin, and oral antibiotics, are effective treatments for acne.