McKinley Health Center - Acne - University of Illinois
If you have skin damaged by Acne scarring, Blackheads, Large pores, Body Acne … Noixia lets you customize your acne scar removal and skin renewal program …

We all know that Acne is one of the most prevalent, and troublesome skin conditions in the world. It can be very frustrating when a person suffering from severe acne finally gets it under control, suffers no further outbreaks, but is left to deal with the scarring that can result from severe acne.

Acne scars can be very difficult to treat and, until recently, nearly impossible to get rid of. Today, there are acne scar removal treatments available that offer the person suffering with these scars a chance to have the appearance they have always wanted.

Before beginning acne scar removal treatments, the patient?s skin must be lesion free. The dermatologist will explain the different levels of acne scarring, and inform you of the level that you have. Basically, there are three different, and distinct levels. They are referred to as the ice pick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars. This correct level of scarring must be determined before any acne scar removal treatment can begin.

Every person may experience a different level of acne scarring, as well as a different degree of scarring. Each patients diagnosed level of scarring will determine the right acne scar removal treatment. There are different types of acne scar removal treatments available today, but not every acne scar removal treatment is right for everyone. Your dermatologist will determine the best treatment for you.

One of the first acne scar removal treatments developed was Dermabrasion. Dermabrasion works by removing the damaged skin which will allow new fresh pink skin to grow. This type of acne scar removal treatment will usually be completed in less than an hour, and the results are excellent. No hospitalization is necessary as the procedure is done right in the dermatologists office. This type of Acne scar removal treatment is equally effective, and is recommended for those people with fair complexions, or those with dark complexions. Oddly enough, Dermabrasion is not recommended for patients whose complexion falls in between the two.

Laser Surfacing is another popular type of acne scar removal treatment. This type of acne scar removal treatment also removes the damaged skin, and does so by using a laser. Studies on this type of acne scar removal have concluded that because the laser actually penetrates the layers of skin, it can make acne scar removal more effective. The procedure will take about one hour for larger areas, and just a few minutes for smaller areas. Laser Surfacing is quick, and easy; making it the chosen method for acne scar removal treatment.

With the acne scar removal treatments available it is important, and in your best interest, to discuss with your dermatologist which one would be best suited for your particular scarring. Acne scar removal treatments can be very helpful in restoring the appearance that you have hoped for all of your life.

Remember, acne scar removal treatments may not be for you. If you have minimal scarring from your acne, your dermatologist will not recommend any of these treatments, and when possible will offer alternative treatment.

Teenagers are not the only sufferers of acne. People ages ten years old up to forty years old can encounter acne problems. Acne development is not uncommon for women in their middle to late 20’s. It can appear as congested pores, blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, pimples, or deep pimples (cysts). These blemishes usually occur in parts containing many sebaceous glands such as back, chest, and face.

Acne products available in cosmetic counter and drugstore can help in its treatment which sometimes does not need a prescription. But for tougher acne cases, physician consultation is advised.

There are no actual known causes for acne. It happens when sebaceous glands in the puberty period came to life. Male hormones then stimulate it in the adrenal glands of girls and boys. Oils are natural substances which protect and lubricate the skin. Under any circumstances, cells that are closer on the surface block the sebaceous gland openings causing oil buildups underneath. Bacteria are stimulated causing it to multiply and inflame the surrounding tissues.

The inflammation can produce pustules, papules, or cysts. Breaking of oils in the surface can result to whiteheads while oil oxidation results to blackheads. There are myths about acne that needs to be understood.

It includes factors such as:

1. Heredity. It does not have to do with severe cases of acne. Most people never have exactly the same problem as their parents. Everyone can be affected by acne sometimes in their lives.

2. Food. Parents around the world are telling their youngsters to avoid chocolate, pizza, junk foods, and fried and greasy foods. It is true that these foods are not good for a person’s overall health however it does not cause or worsen acne.

3. Dirt. Some people’s skin is oilier compared to others. But blackheads are not cause by dirt instead by oil oxidation. Likewise, sweat is not a cause of acne. So it’s not necessary to immediately take a shower after an exercise fearing that the pores will be clogged by sweat. But never forget that washing excessively can irritate and dry the skin.

4. Stress. It does not directly play a role in the development of acne. However, people can be so upset of their pimples making them pick it, prolonging its stay on the affected areas.

5. Hormones. Some women can break out in cycles, but most men and women don’t. Some contraceptive pills taken orally can help alleviate acne. But hormones do not necessarily play an important role in developing acne unless a female experiences abnormality in their menstrual periods and their hair grows excessively.

6. Cosmetics. Most skin care and cosmetic products aren’t comedogenic(do not clog pores). Oil free and water-based brands are generally a good choice.

Occasional patients reveal that contributing factors such as pressure from wearing helmets, collars, chinstraps, and other related gears aggravate acne condition. Some medications can trigger and worsen acne especially drugs containing bromides, injected or oral steroids (this can be prednisone which is medically prescribed or steroids taken by athletes and bodybuilders), and iodides. Occupations exposing an individual on industrial products such as cutting oils can produce acne.

Regardless of triggering factors of acne, the best recommendation is to treat it when it is still in control. The decision depends on you whether you unclog the pores, minimize the oils, or kills the bacteria.