Adult acne is a fact of life for many women. The truth is that acne can persist well into ones 30’s, 40’s, or even 50’s. Doctors refer to this as persistent Acne. Even those who have never had acne before can develop it later in life. This is referred to as late-onset acne. In both cases, the acne usually presents itself in the form of painful, deep-seated nodules, predominantly on the lower face, around the mouth or chin, along the jaw-line, and sometimes on the chest or back.
Regardless of age, acne develops when excessive oil, or sebum, is produced by the skin and mixes with a proliferation of dead skin cells in the follicles (commonly referred to as “pores”). As these two components combine, they create a “plug” in the follicle, kind of like a cork in a wine bottle. Anaerobic bacteria (which thrive in conditions of little or no oxygen) named P. Acnes begin to proliferate and feed off of the excess sebum and skin cells. A combination of subsequent digestive bi-products stimulates intense local inflammation. Thus, a pimple is formed.
So, why do women get acne? Fluctuating hormones are often culprits in triggering acne. This can refer to monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, changes in birth control or menopause. Acne can be a common side effect of some medications. Family history of acne can predispose one to adult acne. Comedogenic (pore-clogging) hair and skin care products can cause or aggravate acne. And, yes, you guessed it…Stress! Researchers have found a relationship between higher levels of stress and acne in women with high-paced jobs. In response to stress, the body produces more androgens (a “male type” of hormone) which in turn stimulates increased oil production which can lead to acne flare-ups.
There is no definitive, cookie-cutter ‘cure’ for acne. One routine does not work for everyone. This fact can often frustrate patients. Every case of acne is different and will respond differently to various treatments. It is important to remember that there is no cure for acne. Often a treatment can work for months or years and then stop working. Changing your routine can be helpful if a previous regimen has stopped working. Occasional breakouts can still occur despite the best treatment routines. Maintaining a close and strong relationship with your skin care professional or Master Aesthetician at The Naderi Center will enable optimization of the best anti acne treatment course.
The following are several modalities typically used at The Naderi Center to treat acne. These can be combined and used to treat and reduce your acne symptoms.
ACNE TREATMENT OPTIONS
PRODUCTS
The Skinmedica Acne System utilizes Salicylic acid and micronized Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce clogged pores and P. acnes bacteria without excessively drying the skin. For more severe acne, Prescription Retin-A can be added in the evening (if you are not pregnant or trying to get pregnant or breast feeding). If your acne has caused post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, prescription hydroquinone can also be used to regain an even skin tone. Be sure to ask your esthetician to recommend the best form of UV protection to supplement your routine.
The products carried at The Naderi Center are medical grade products that differ from ones carried by spas, drug stores or department stores
Women on Retin-A or Hydroquinone must use reliable birth control techniques. If taking an antibiotic, remember that your oral contraceptive pill may not work properly!
FOREVER CLEAR BBL™
Patients who suffer from active acne breakouts or even the red pigmentation left behind from old acne marks can benefit from Sciton’s Forever Clear BBL treatment. Performed at weekly or bi-weekly intervals, Blue BBL and Yellow BBL work together to eliminate P-Acne bacteria that cause break outs and reduce the inflammation which causes the redness after old active acne breakouts have subsided. If you have acne scarring the Forever Clear BBL Treatments may help improve the appearance of these scars as well. Forever Clear BBL has zero downtime and takes less than 20 minutes for the entire treatment making it a quick and easy booster to add to your ZO regimen. After the treatment patients may experience some minimal redness and a slight sunburn sensation. As with all other laser/light treatments prolonged sun exposure must be avoided while you’re having treatments. Some medications are photosensitizing. Please let your skincare specialist know if you’re on any antibiotics or if you’ve taken Accutane in the past 6 months.