ACNE

What causes acne?
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots. It usually
affects the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms
and the severity of the condition can vary. Acne is the
most common skin disease and affects 80% of all people
at some time between age 13-30 years.
Acne has many causes and is a disease of the oil producing
glands of the skin called the pilosebaceous glands.
There are four interrelated factors involved:
Excess sebum (oil) production
Blockage of the pilosebaceous gland
Infection with a bacteria called Propionibacteriun acnes
and Skin inflammation.

How is acne treated?
There are several nonsurgical treatment options that may
be appropriate for acene which include: topical creams,
Chemical peels, Skin fillers and lazer treatment
Early treatment of acne is essential for the prevention of
lasting cosmetic disfigurement associated with scarring
and treatment depends on what type of acne is present.
Mainly comedonal (Whiteheads and blackheads) acne
This form of acne is very common in early teenage years.
Treatment at this stage may prevent further development
of the acne: topical tretinoin or adaptalene used once
daily at night.
Retinoids at night as they can photosensitize the skin and
therefore are best washed off in the morning before going
into sunshine. Topical retinoids are effective against
whiteheads and blackheads and may also benefit patients
with increased pigmentation.
Salicylic acid up 2% in numerous formulations may be used
as an anticomedone treatment and mild anti-inflammatory
agent.
A specific form of comedomal acne that is very common
in black patients is Pomade acne, due to the application
of waxes, greases and oils to the hair, resulting in
pilosebaceous duct blockage and therefore comedogenesis.
Ideally the patient should cease from using such materials
on the hair.
Creams can act to improve your acne and help to smooth
very fine acne scarring, these help by encouraging
collagen production in your skin. They work in a similar
way to the creams that improve the appearance of fine
lines.

Chemical Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used on certain types
of acne. TCA peeling can improve the appearance of acne
and can be beneficial in combination with clinical and
dermatological treatment, but do little for scars, it works
best if you get a series of at least four peels, having one
every 1-2 weeks.

Skin Fillers
Materials are injected into the depressed area of the scar
to elevate it to the level of the normal surrounding skin.
Results are temporary, lasting 3-6 months and are
effective only in rolling scars.

Lazer Treatments
Elos is an effective treatment for all skin types. The
number of treatments depends on the severity of acne.
It is very comfortable and requires no topical anesthetics.
Many patients return to normal activities immediately
after treatment

Acne Control
Overall, acne control for skin can be improved considerably
by making a few lifestyle changes that aren't that difficult
to make, with just a little determination and willpower.
By following the advice given below on a daily basis, you
can significantly improve the condition of your skin.
Remember that acne scaring can be permanent, so by
taking the right actions now you can reduce and prevent
the amount of scaring that could be with you throughout
your adult life.

Drink Plenty of Water
Water flushes the toxins for our body, keeping us hydrated
and feeling good. You should aim to drink 2 litres of water
every day, drinking small glasses regularly. Coffee, tea,
foods with little or no nutritional value and limit these
foods to occasional treats. You all know which foods I
mean!
Cola, alcohol and so on, do not count! These drinks are
counter productive to our system and can actually leave
you dehydrated.

Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a well balanced healthy diet has many more
benefits than just healthy and good looking skin, but
healthy skin is one of the result you should see first. Try
and eat a high- fibre diet and include plenty of fresh fruit
and vegetables with your meals. Try to cut out high-
calorie, poor quality.

Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is good for our overall body and general
well being, all of which can only be beneficial to our
overall skin condition.

Shower and Bathe Regularly
Keeping your skin clean is an obvious way to maintaining
healthy skin. Shower or take a bath at least once a day
and remember to only use skin care cosmetics that are
suitable for your skin type.There are many products on
the market, so test a few shower or bath products to
find one that is suitable for you.

Reduce Your Stress Levels
Too much stress in your life can cause many problems,
some much more serious than just bad looking skin. If
you are suffering from stress then take action now against
the causes of it! When you become very stressed your
hormones can become unbalanced causing illness, as well
as bad outbreaks of acne. If you follow the three steps
above then you are already taking the first steps to
reducing your stress levels and becoming healthier.