Acne/Acne Scars/Rosacea

Acne

Puberty, genetics, and infection can all play a role in active acne and can present at any age. Unfortunately during puberty, most pre-teens and adolescents suffer from painful and aggressive acne. Most outgrow their acne problems by their 20's, but 75% of middle-age adults have occasional acne breakouts. Breakouts are commonly associated with hormonal menstruation, environmental or daily stressors, pregnancy, diet, and misuse of skin care products.

Acne Vulgaris has many variations, and is the most common type of acne.

The most common types of lesions associated with this condition range

from mild to severe and present as Cystic, Pustular, Papular,

and Comodones. The more obscure types include: infantile and

neonatal acne, acne rosacea, perioral dermatitis,

drug induced acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, keloid acne,

and Favre-Racouchot syndrome.

Causes of Acne

Clogged or overactive sebaceous glands result in active acne. A lesion forms in a holocrine gland and fills with pus and bacteria creating a "white head". The bacteria often found in these pores is known as Proprionibacterium and is activated in the inflammation process starting the formation of pimples. If the filled gland becomes oxidized, it may become dark and waxy creating a plug. This plug is also known as a "black head".

Treating acne early is key to preventing acne scars. Teens are often left with severe scarring after puberty and often need treatments such as microneedling or chemical peels after active acne has subsided. Continue reading to find out more about acne scarring treatments. The key is to treat your acne as soon as possible to minimize scarring.

Treatment of Acne

Dr. Atkins and her medical team will create a custom daily skincare regiment to topically treat acne. Sometimes oral treatments are necessary depending on the determined cause. After your medical visit, Dr. Atkins will manage your treatments and will schedule you for regular follow-ups. Oral medications can sometimes be necessary to treat stubborn, persistent acne, but minimizing the period of time that you are on the medication will reduce side effects. IV therapy is available to improve your overall health during your treatments.

Oral

Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and sebum production
Isotretinoin: Controls keratinization, balances sebum production, and available in topical & oral form.
Oral Contraceptives: Reduces the production of sebum and balances hormones.
Nicomide: A vitamin supplement with an anti-inflammatory agent made to support healthy skin

Topical

Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and helps break down fatty acids.
Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and chemically exfoliates dead cells.
Azelaic Acid: Kills bacteria and is often used to treat Rosacea
Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene and others): Stimulates collagen while increasing cell turnover. The chemical exfoliation lifts off keratinizing cells allowing the skin to breathe.
Topical Antibiotics (Erythromycin, Clindamycin and others): Reduces the bacteria and sebum production
Benzoyl Peroxide plus Antibiotics: Breaks down fatty acids and reduces sebum production
Microdermabrasion with or without chemicals: A treatment that is performed in the office to mechanically exfoliate and suction keratinized cells and sebum.
Blu-U Light: Destroys bacteria through intense blue LED therapy

Rosacea

Redness on the face, commonly on the cheeks, is commonly known as Rosacea. This normally begins to form after the age of 30 and tends to worsen with aging and exposure to the sun. Broken blood vessels are typically present in the more advanced stages. After blood vessels show, skin then thickens and infection can begin to form. While there is no specific cure, a physician may prescribe topical, oral, or laser treatments to prevent and limit flare-ups. IPL may be a more prolonged treatment for overall redness and broken capillaries.

Acne Scarring Solutions

Acne scarring treatments depend on the severity and depth of each person's individual needs. Scarring can be treated at the absence of active acne. These treatments will also increase collagen and elastin production creating smooth, plump skin.

Dermal fillers may be used to lift and fill divots and indentions, using a subcision approach, left behind after cystic acne. Acrylic (PMMA) or hyaluronic acid fillers may be used based on the damage.
Microneedling mechanically creates channels in the skin and breaks up scar tissue. The procedure yields minimal downtime and requires few treatments.
Fraxel is similar to microneedling in that it creates channels deep into the skin, but the Fraxel creates channels with energy. The Fraxel has more downtime, but is able to break up more scar tissue quicker.