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Acne

acne treatment patient

Blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and any red, swollen bumps that give off heat are signs of inflammation and acne. There are millions of people who struggle with acne all over the world; in fact, over 40 million people suffer from it. Some believe acne is just a part of growing up and that eventually, it is outgrown. Unfortunately, acne isn’t like a pair of jeans, and it can have lingering psychological and physical effects like scars.

Causes of Acne:

  • Smoking
  • Genetics
  • Puberty and other conditions that affect hormones
  • New medications or changes in medication dosages
  • High levels of stress

Many people look to over-the-counter solutions to combat their acne, but these surface treatments may not be enough. Many of these products or methods to reduce blemishes may irritate the skin and ultimately make it worse if not used correctly, which is why it is necessary to see a specialist who can recommend the proper treatment for your particular acne condition. Dermatologists and cosmetic skin care therapists help people overcome or manage their mild to severe acne conditions.

What happens in the skin to cause blemishes to form?

Within each pore, where a thin hair grows, there are sebaceous glands that secrete oil to help hydrate and protect the skin. These oil glands can sometimes be blocked by sticky cells and oil and skin cells can back up within the follicle. Eventually, the overproduction of oil can cause bacteria to fester and produce a white head filled with pus. Whiteheads are the first step or type of blemishes to form; blackheads are whiteheads that have set for an extended period of time finally coming up to the surface.

There are several types of acne lesions. Comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) usually small and close to the skin’s surface. Larger inflamed pustules, cysts, and nodules have a tendency to develop beneath the skin and can be quite painful for people. We mentioned previously that there is a hair follicle growing within the pore, and when it gets blocked, nodules form around it as bacteria and debris build deeper within the dermis and the hair follicle is damaged to a the point where it ruptures.

Types of Acne:

  • Whiteheads
  • Blackheads
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Cysts

Acne Scarring

Acne stereotypically occurs in younger children moving through puberty, but people of all ages can get it even those in their 40s and 50s. Many people with to squeeze or pop blemishes creating more irritation and signaling more blood flow to the surface, making the skin look much worse. Popping pimples or scratching away these red bumps creates scarring on the skin that could last a lifetime. Acne scarring has lasting repercussions for people affected by this skin condition since it may cause reduced confidence, social withdrawal and depression. There’s no reason to suffer from acne when there are a variety of skin care solutions out there.

Diagnosis and Acne Treatment

Those suffering from acne might avoid the issue of acne scarring if the condition is addressed as soon as flare-ups happen. Treatment of acne is all about developing a treatment program specifically for you. Depending on your skin type, how deep the infections go, and what you’ve tried in the past to get rid of the acne-causing bacteria, we at Calabasas Med Spa can create a custom acne treatment plan for you.

An important part of acne treatmnet is a regimented skin care program with cosmeceutical products that can help temper the appearance and kill the bacteria deep within the skin. It’s important to cleanse the skin, adequately treat the bacteria and excess oil and moisturize every day. We can help you develop a plan that makes sense for you to maintain. Should the infection go much deeper than the surface, medications are prescribed orally to work on the deep layers of the skin, healing from the inside out.

Our Acne and Scar Treatment Plans May Include:

  • Laser skin resurfacing treatments
  • Microneedling with or without PRP
  • Custom Acne Reduction Facials
  • Dedicated At-Home Skincare Plan

People with acne have to work continuously on their skin to keep the bacteria at bay, which requires some work. The conditions get better as the weeks pass and additional laser skin resurfacing treatments using laser therapy or microneedling can reduce the amount of dead skin blocking your pores and any scarring developed over time. If you suffer from acne and acne scarring, schedule your consultation with one of our skincare specialists at Calabasas Med Spa today at 818-225-0122.


* This information about acne treatments was reviewed by Dr. Lawrence Osman. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.