ACNE TREATMENT

Clear Skin, Renewed Confidence: Effective Acne Solutions Tailored for You

Acne, or pimples, is a prevalent dermatological condition that often commences during adolescence and persists into the early thirties; however, it currently affects individuals of all age demographics. Moreover, acne may manifest later in life unexpectedly, even in the absence of prior teenage pimples, with women being more susceptible than males (35% vs. 20%). Acne manifests as little elevated skin-colored lesions with (blackheads, open comedones) or without a dark plug (whiteheads, closed comedones), red elevated papules (inflammatory), pus-filled pustules, or nodules and cysts (deep-seated big lesions). They typically manifest initially in the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, or on the cheeks, jawline, or entire face. Acne may occur on the arms and chest. Individuals with Tropical acne get more severe pimples affecting the back, buttocks, and thighs.

What causes acne or pimples?

Hormones activate sebaceous gland function, resulting in heightened sebum production.
There is an increased adherence of dead cells in the hair follicle canals, resulting in the formation of a clog.
Excess sebum production, along with restricted outflow, results in the formation of a collection known as a comedone (blackhead or whitehead).
This facilitates the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, resulting in infection, inflammation, and the creation of nodules or cysts.

Who is susceptible to acne?

Individuals are frequently predisposed to acne due to familial history of acne, consumption of high glycaemic index foods, obesity, and hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Nonetheless, mild acne is rather prevalent, with its occurrence ranging from 35% to 90% among teens.

Given that oil glands and their secretions induce or exacerbate acne, does frequent cleaning of the face using oil-controlling face wash aid in alleviating acne?
That is a fallacy. Frequent aggressive facial cleansing or excessive application of oil-control face washes, such as those containing salicylic acid or tea tree oil, compromises the normal function of the skin barrier. Any compromise of the skin barrier incites inflammation, exacerbating acne lesions. Therefore, despite the presence of pimples, it is crucial to maintain soft and hydrated skin.

What variables induce or exacerbate acne?

Foods with a high glycaemic index include confections, chocolates, fatty foods, and dairy products.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.
Cosmetics.
Severe xerosis.
Summer season characterised by elevated temperatures and high humidity.
Steam and sauna.
Stress.
Hormonal disorders such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

What are the recommended practices and prohibitions for acne skincare?

Avoid excessive washing to eliminate all oil from the skin.
Avoid steam, sauna, or facial massages, since these will stimulate the sebaceous glands, leading to increased sebum production.
Avoid manipulating or squeezing pimples, as it resembles puncturing a taut balloon. It ruptures within the dermis and exacerbates inflammation, resulting in greater damage than if left to heal independently.
Avoid the application of ginger-garlic paste, toothpaste, and burnt onion paste, as these may result in skin burns that can cause significant scarring.
Maintain the skin’s softness and hydration. If necessary, a lightweight moisturiser may be utilised.
Consistently apply sunscreen to safeguard the skin, as all acne treatments, whether topical or systemic, increase sensitivity to UV radiation.

Are scrubs effective for unclogging pores?

Scrubs function as gentle abrasives, facilitating the removal of surface dead cells. They may be utilised weekly, provided only blackheads or whiteheads are present, but with caution. However, when experiencing red pimples, avoid using scrubs, since they may exacerbate inflammation and cause further irritation and damage.
Individuals frequently exert considerable effort to eliminate blackheads on the nose, although their attempts are futile. These individuals possess fine hairs on their noses that resemble blackheads. If mild scrubbing does not eliminate the blackheads, refrain from attempting to squeeze them, since this may inflict further harm to your skin.

Is it necessary to consistently utilise internal drugs to treat pimples?

Pimples of mild to moderate severity can be managed without the use of internal drugs. Typically, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid formulations are employed for this degree of acne. The efficacy of topical drugs can be augmented through several procedures conducted under the supervision of a dermatologist. At Nirmal Skin and Hair Clinic, we tailor various therapies such as peels, light therapy, lasers, and Tixel according to an individual’s skin type to facilitate expedited and enhanced healing of acne.

What is the most effective internal medication for acne?

Isotretinoin is the global treatment for acne. Nonetheless, it is not universally applicable as a health supplement. It must be undertaken with the recommendation of a dermatologist. It is contraindicated for women of childbearing age or those planning to conceive.
In specific circumstances, doxycycline or analogous antibiotics are employed to mitigate inflammation rather than for their antibacterial properties. Oral contraceptive tablets are suggested for women when acne is unresponsive to standard treatments or when there is an underlying hormonal issue such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.

In what ways do procedures facilitate the improvement or resolution of acne?

Peels are the most prevalent procedures performed for acne because to their multifaceted efficacy. Glycollic acid and salicylic acid assist in diminishing the accumulation of dead cells, hence preventing pore obstruction. Salicylic acid possesses antimicrobial and sebum-reducing effects. Mandelic acid possesses antimicrobial characteristics and penetrates the skin gradually, hence reducing the likelihood of skin irritation. Currently, we employ combination peels to provide superior results with reduced discomfort and downtime.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and LED lights diminish bacterial burden and alleviate inflammation. The carbon peel procedure utilises a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.The YAG laser possesses antimicrobial properties and a modest exfoliative action. The fractional carbon dioxide laser aids in ablating the inflammatory follicles.
Fractional microneedle radiofrequency and Tixel therapies assist in diminishing both inflamed and non-inflamed acne lesions. Tixel additionally aids in diminishing acne spots and scarring.

What is the recovery time associated with these acne procedures?

Numerous acne peels entail little to no downtime. Some peels may cause little erythema or modest exfoliation. IPL and LED light therapies require minimal recovery time. Carbon peel, fractional carbon dioxide laser, fractional microneedle radiofrequency, and Tixel induce modest exfoliation or scabbing that may require 3-5 days for resolution.

Should we consider acne solely as a concern pertinent to adolescence?

Acne is no longer solely a concern for teenagers; it now affects individuals of all age groups. Moreover, the scars resulting from acne are more challenging to heal than the acne itself. Every scar is permanent. Moreover, acne negatively impacts the Quality of Life. Given these considerations, it is advisable to address acne promptly.