The Acne Cycle

1. Keratinocytes adhere to follicle wall and sebum production increases
2. Bacteria and sebum build up under the plug
3. Inflammatory response occurs

Acne is usually associated with teens or an oily skin-type however acne can befall any skin type at almost any age.  It can be triggered by a number of factors and can be on-again, off-again with its pattern or stay consistently stubborn is one area.

Acne often starts with plugged follicles where sebum from the sebaceous glands travels to the surface of the skin.  This mixture of increased sebum and stuck cells feed the bacteria known as P.acnes, causing inflammation and even pain in the form of a pimple or cyst-like growth.

There are 4 steps to controlling acne:

• Gently exfoliate to increase cell turnover
  (ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid are excellent acne fighters)
   
• Control sebum production
  (balance is the key: over-drying will trigger more sebum production. Use Acne designed products to help normalize the skin)
   
• Decrease P.acne proliferation
  (antibacterial and antimicrobial topical agents are a key in clearing skin)
   
• Protect from UV rays and inflammation
  (inflammation requires calming with such ingredients as panthenol & aloe vera as well as protection using sunscreen because the anti-acne ingredients make the skin more sun-sensitive)

Our clinic offers different options to treat acne which include Blu-U with Levulan treatments, peels and topical acne solutions using pharmaceutical-grade skin care products.  Please contact us today if you or someone you know are experiencing this stubborn skin condition.