How to Control Acne

Eighty-five percent of teens and young adults suffer from acne. Dermatologists have noted an increase in cases of adult acne, from 17 million in 1989 to 70 million currently reported cases. Acne is a frustrating condition at the very least, and can be debilitating at its worst, greatly effecting the self-esteem of those who are prone to it. Oftentimes, people are using harsh products that exacerbate acne rather than treat it. With the right treatment program, most acne cases can be controlled and kept to a minimum.

In most cases, acne vulgaris is believed to be a genetic condition. The stratum corneum, which are dead skin cells ready to shed, exists on the outer layer of the epidermis. This layer also lines the follicle where the sebaceous glands (oil glands) are present. The pores become clogged with dead skin cells and combine with oil. This creates a breeding environment for P. acne bacteria, which can result in acne.

Prevention is the best treatment for acne. Exfoliating the stratum corneum to shed at a faster rate helps to maintain a clear pore to control acne.

I believe it is best to start with the least invasive treatment first. If a treatment is not effective, move on to the next step. The following is a guideline to assist you:

1. Basic skin care program to exfoliate and keep pores clear (see article on basic skin care).
2. Basic skin care program in conjunction with chemical peels from an Esthetician or a medical office.
3. Prescription medications such as Retin-A and Differen can be effective.
4. Topical antibiotics such as Erythromycin or Cleocin.
5. Oral antibiotics: Tetracycline and Erythromycin are commonly prescribed.
6. Accutane is the last resort. All other treatments should be tried first, as Accutane has side effects. These side effects include dryness around the mouth and nose and increase in liver enzymes. Birth control measures are imperative, as Accutane can cause birth defects.

Jennifer Before Treatment	Jennifer After Treatment

Jennifer is very pretty 18-year-old who is active in the local theatre as an actor and choreographer.

She came to Dr. Aycocks office for a consultation with concerns of severe and persistent acne. Her family told her it was just a "phase" and she would have to live with it. She expressed her frustration as she had tried "everything" and was not improving in spite of a number of topical acne products and oral antibiotics, prescribed by a dermatologist.

The treatment program for Jennifer was very basic and included:

1. Vegetable glycerin cleanser every morning and night.
2. Rinse with ice water after cleansing. It is a great anti-inflammatory.
3. Neutrgena Ultra Sheen Dry Touch non-oily moisturizer with sun protection every day.
4. Neutrogenas Maximum Strength Oil Control Pads at night or Stridex Power Pads.
5. A facial chemical peel once per month for six months. (This is a medical treatment performed in our office). She was very compliant and determined and stuck to the recommended treatment.
6. As you can see from the after photo, the program was effective.
   

More Tips

1. Do not touch your face throughout the day, as this transfers bacteria.
2. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, cleanse the hand piece with alcohol.
3. Do not over-cleanse your face; two times per day is adequate.
4. Do not pick, as this can lead to scars. Leave it to the professionals.
5. Sun tanning does not help and only exacerbates acne.
6. For a spot treatment, try Calamine lotion or Milk of Magnesia.
   

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Fax: (510) 486-0518

Email: info@rn4beautifulskin.com
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