Acne

Acne Q & A

What is acne?

Your hair follicles contain sebaceous glands that release an oily substance (sebum). Sebum normally softens and moisturizes your skin and hair, but it’s also the source of acne.

The small follicle opening is clogged when excess oil combines with dead skin cells and bacteria that live on your skin. As the oil is trapped inside the follicle, you develop acne.

Acne has several forms, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. Pimples appear when the blocked follicle becomes inflamed and red. Cysts are a severe form of inflammatory acne that causes large, pus-filled pockets under the skin.

What causes acne?

Hormones that trigger oil production are the top cause of acne. The hormonal changes at puberty explain why many teenagers struggle with this embarrassing skin condition.

Other things also contribute to acne. You can inherit highly active sebaceous glands, and poor skin care plays a role. Some skin care products and cosmetics can block your pores.

The role of food changes from one study to the next. But the most recent evidence suggests that carbohydrates and other sugary foods increase your risk for acne.

How is acne treated?

No matter how severe your acne is, the Dr. Malouf Dermatology team can help. They use many treatments, creating personalized care plans that target the type and severity of each patient’s acne.

Following a regular skin care routine is necessary, but being gentle is also important. Don’t over scrub or use harsh products because they can irritate your skin, causing inflammation and making acne worse. Your provider can help you choose cleansers and moisturizers that protect your skin without triggering acne.

Your acne treatment can include any of the following:

Intense pulsed light (IPL)

IPL uses laser energy to treat your skin, reducing oil gland production and killing bacteria. This treatment can also eliminate acne scars.

Medication

Topical medications include over-the-counter products like benzoyl peroxide and prescription medications like retinoids. If your acne doesn’t improve with topical medications, your provider can prescribe oral antibiotics or, in some cases, hormone-based medicines.

Severe acne that doesn’t improve with other treatments may respond to isotretinoin. Though this medicine can unclog pores, eliminate bacteria and inflammation, and reduce oil production, it’s not right for everyone because it can cause severe side effects.

You can regain smooth, clear skin with treatment at Dr. Malouf Dermatology. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.