By Zara
If you have been to see a dermatologist for acne scars, or you are planning to see a dermatologist in the near future, you probably know that there are several treatments available for acne scars. Most dermatologists will have dozens of treatment options available, but which is the best?
The answer may be not one treatment, but several treatments. No acne or acne scarring treatment is one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s face has a unique make-up. Your acne problems can be just as unique, and often you do not have one type of acne scars, but several.
A good dermatologist will create a battle plan for removing your acne scars that treat each type of scar individually, and one that works with your unique genetic make-up and skin type, a process known as multi-lift resurfacing.
Multi-lift resurfacing works by applying multiple treatments to your skin one at a time to remove each kind of individual scar. The process may take several treatments, but the overall result will be better. Several people have had great success with multi-lift restructuring and have been able to remove all of their acne scars.
The doctors at The Cosmetic Skin and Surgery Center in New Jersey use a multi-lift technique for acne scar removal. If you would like to learn more about this multi-lift technique, or get a free consultation about your acne scars, you can contact the doctors at here.
In the coming posts we will cover all forms of treatment offered in the multi-lift restructuring technique.
By Zara
Can eating junk food cause an acne breakout? In Part 2 of our Skin Care Myths: Fact or Fiction series we will figure out if everyone’s favorite indulgence is really the culprit behind our skincare problems.
As we noted in the post, What Are You Doing To Cause Acne? poor diet can lead to acne flair ups, but does that include junk food? Junk food is one of the more popular myths about acne. I know that I was told several times growing up that the grease found in junk food makes grease on your face. So do all those cookies and chips in your pantry really cause an acne breakout? Well, the answer is more complicated then a simple yes or no.
Typically, junk foods such as cookies or potato chips do not hurt you in moderation. As long as you are eating a balanced diet, you skin will reap the acne free benefits, and a splurge here or there does not cause acne.
Also, junk food does not increase the oil produced on your face, no matter how greasy what you are eating is. Unless you plan on rubbing the pizza across your face, there really is no correlation between the grease in junk food and the oil production in your skin. Which is good news right?
Now for the bad news, while moderate junk food isn’t likely to cause acne in most people, it can cause acne in some. Some people can be overly sensitive to certain foods, especially produced foods, which can lead to an acne break out.
If you noticed an increase in acne after you eat a mild to large amount of certain foods, you may be sensitive. Cut the food out of your diet and see if the acne doesn’t subside.
So, maybe there is some truth to the junk food myth for some people, but most of us can enjoy the occasional candy bar without acne regrets.
By Zara
If you have acne scars, as most of us do, you know that they are pretty permanent. You also know the aggravation caused by acne scars. After you work and work to get the pimple cleared up, you are left with a constant reminder of your skincare troubles. It’s unfair, and there is nothing we can do about it, or is there?
Acne scars can be treated effectively. They can be reduced, or even removed. That’s right. You don’t have to live with those acne scars on your face. Thanks to the many advancements in skincare, there are now several at-home and in-house ways to treat acne scars.
The most common way to treat acne scars is exfoliation. Exfoliation products range from mild to harsh and most can be bought over the counter. All you have to do is rub them in to your skin and wash them off several times a week. If your scar is very shallow you can have some success with this method, but must of us aren’t blessed with tiny, shallow acne scars.
Most of us have deep, jagged acne scars. These type of scars are far more difficult to remove, and most at-home products are not going to cut it. The best course of action for us is to see a dermatologist. A good dermatologist will have treatment options, and will tailor an option to fit your specific skin. Which, in my opinion, is better then one-size-fits all exfoliation products.
A good dermatologist will use a multi-lift laser technique. Basically, this means the dermatologist will use several techniques on your acne scars. This is far more effective than using just one method, and can be tailored to fit your exact skincare needs.
Some examples of laser treatments used by a dermatologist for acne scar removal:
Subcision- This process involves using a small needle to lift the skin’s surface. Results can be seen after a series of treatments.
TCA CROSS- This process places trichloracetic acid inside the scar, which causes an increase in collagen production, and helps left the scar.
Restylane Fillers- Restylane is one of the most popular filling agents in the world. It is a natural gel that works with the water in your skin to raise the scar.
Scar Excision- This processes uses a scalpel to remove the scar. After the scar is removed the skin is sutured together. This process is very effective for deep scars.
Laser Skin Resurfacing- This is a two part process. Part one removes the skin layer by layer. Part two uses the heat of the laser to help smooth out scars.
With all the treatments available today, there is hope for people with acne scars. If you’d like to read more on any of these processes click here . If you still have questions you can get a free consultation with a dermatologist. Click here to send a professional dermatologist an email. They will be able to answer any questions you have.
By Zara
The question how do I get rid of old acne scars seems to be popping up all over the internet lately. We will cover that in today’s post, but first, let’s look at the root of acne scars. We all get them, but what are they, and how does the scarring process happen?
What Are Acne Scars?
Acne scares are small, permanent marks on your face or neck that are the result of previous acne breakouts that have damaged your skin.
There are several types of acne scars:
Deep Rolling Scars- These scars have the appearance of a wave on your skin.
Shallow Rolling Scars- Similar to deep rolling scars, but more shallow in appearance.
Box Car Scars- Scars that are boxed shaped in appearance.
Raised Papule- Appear as small, raised bumps on the skin.
Deep Pit- These scars leave a deep mark in you skin.
Shallow Pit- Like the deep pit scar, but with a more shallow appearance.
Enlarged Pore- While these may not immediately look like an acne scar, they are permanent, and appear as a larger than normal pore.
To learn more about the types of acne scars, click here.
What Causes Acne Scars?
Acne scars are commonly formed after damage has been done to the dermis layer of your skin. Acne scars are most common after a cyst, or inflamed pimple has been present on your face. The inflammation will build up inside your skin and cause a rip or tear in the follicle wall, leaving behind the acne scar.
Acne scars can also be the result of self inflicted damage to the skin. If you have a habit of picking at your face you can cause damage to the deeper layers of your skin that will leave behind a mark after the acne breakout has healed.
How Do I Get Rid of Old Acne Scars?
Short of performing some weird science in your bathroom, the best way to get rid of old acne scars is to see a qualified dermatologist. A dermatologist will have several methods of acne scar removal that you simply can not perform yourself.
You may have some temporary success with at home procedures such as Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is an exfoliation product applied to the face 1-5 times a week. After a few months, you may see a shallow improvement using this product, but the results will not be similar to what you would get at a dermatologist office.
To read more about the acne scar treatments a dermatologist performs, click here.
Acne scarring, while unfortunate, is common. If the appearance of acne scars on your face or neck makes you feel self conscious seek medical attention. No one should have to feel unhappy with their own skin. The sooner you do something about it, the sooner you will see results.
By Zara
Can eating chocolate cause an acne breakout? In Part 1 of our Skin Care Myths: Fact or Fiction series we will figure out if everyone’s favorite indulgence is really the culprit behind our skincare problems.
As we noted in the post, What Are You Doing To Cause Acne? poor diet can lead to acne flair ups, but does that mean chocolate is on the ban list for good? A recent study by the Acne Resource Center doesn’t seem to think so. According to the good doctors, chocolate isn’t a direct cause of acne. After extensive research chocolate did not cause or irritate existing acne flair ups. Which means chocolate is not to blame for acne, so why does everyone say it is?
Personally, I think the myth behind chocolate causing acne was started by sadistic people determined to ruin a vital part of every desert menu, but more realistically, it might have a solid grounding. Diet is an important factor in skincare and preventing acne breakouts. So the instruction to stay away from not-so-nutritious foods like chocolate really isn’t that bad of an idea. However, if you are eating all the right fruits and vegetables you can have your chocolate too, without the fear of an acne breakout.
So the myth- eating chocolate causes acne- is pure fiction. Yes, diet plays an important role, but the occasional candy bar isn’t going to cause acne, or any other skin problems for that matter. So go ahead, have your cake (and eat it too!)
By Zara
With all the treatments out there for acne and other skin problems, it might look like we have found the cure, but have we? Acne is a complicated thing, and acne treatments are even more complicated. There are literally thousands of acne treatment options and they are not one size fits all. Truthfully, no single treatment works on everyone. If you want to beat acne the best course of action is to see a dermatologist.
Dermatologists can provide you with treatment options based on your specific skincare needs and acne problems. Often, these treatments end up being less costly then home treatments. With at home acne care you may go through dozens of products, resulting in waste and lost money, and more often then not the acne is still there.
Before you see a dermatologist you should make a list of all of you questions and concerns. You should also take an inventory of any acne flair ups or other skincare concerns you have. If you provide the dermatologist with as much information on your acne and your skin that you can, the dermatologist will be more likely to help you. To read more on prepping for a dermatologist visit click here: How A Dermatologist Can Help With Acne Problems.
If you’re not quiet ready to head to the dermatologist office, you may want to consider an online consultation. A lot of dermatologists are taking their practices online, and in some cases you can even get a free consultation through e-mail before you make the trip to the office.
To get a free consultation, or just ask a real dermatologist a question, you can go here: Ask The Doctor.
So maybe we haven’t found the cure for acne, but we are well on our way to having the acne free skin we all want.
By Zara
The way your skin develops acne is a complicated process. There is no one way acne is formed, just like there is no one skincare method that solves acne. A lot of the reasons we get acne is deeply rooted in our genetic make up, and can not be helped. However, there are some contributing factors that you can work on now to better your skincare and reduce acne break outs.
1. Stress- Stress causes your hormones to fluctuate which can lead to excess oil being produced in your glands, backing up, and causing acne. Try and reduce your stress levels during the day to cut down on this.
2. Poor Quality Cosmetics- Everything you put on your skin is absorbed in to it. If the cosmetics you are using have oil, fillers, or toxic products these will be absorbed by your skin and can result in an acne break out.
3. Birth Control Pills- While some birth control medications do help prevent acne, some of them can actually cause them. Medications containing androgen have been known to effect your skin. If your medicine has androgen, talk to your Dr. about getting on a birth control without it.
4. Vitamin Deficiency- Your body needs a good amount of vitamins to keep looking good and ward off acne. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins your skin will start to suffer. Make sure you are getting the recommended amount and take vitamin pills if you need to.
5. Poor Diet- In line with getting enough vitamins, your body also needs proper nutrition. Eating more fruits, vegetables and lean sources of protein will make your skin healthier, reduce acne, and even give it that coveted glow. Be sure to get your five a day!
6. Lack of hydration- Water keeps your body regulating properly. It’s like gasoline for a car and vital to your skincare regimen. Without enough water you skin will start to look tired, and wont be able to remove bacteria from your pores- which is a leading cause of acne break outs.
7. Bad Sleeping Habits- Getting too little sleep for a day or two wont hurt you much in the long term, but if you get into a pattern of too little sleep your skin will start to show it. Sleep help regulates are stress levels, hormones, digest our nutrients. If you don’t get enough of it, your body’s cycle will be thrown through a loop causing acne to form.
8. Poor skincare regimen- Preventative medicine is the best medicine. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser two times a day, and use an exfoliate a couple of times a week. Exfoliation is important for removing those dead skin cells that can plug up pores and cause whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.
9. Too much cleansing- You can have too much of a good thing where your face is concerned. If you over wash, or over scrub, you are risking irritating the skin, or popping an existing pimple and spreading the infection, causing an even bigger acne break out.
10. Touching Your Face- When you rub, or pick at, your face or existing pimples you are only exposing new bacteria to an already infected area. You can also irritate your face and cause acne scarring. Keep your hands off your face as much as possible.
While you can’t completely control what causes acne, you can take steps to prevent it. Follow the ten steps above every day, and you will start seeing clearer skin with fewer acne breakouts in a couple weeks.
By Zara
What is Acne?
Suffered by millions of people world wide, acne is a chronic skin condition caused by inflammation of the pores. Ranging from mild to severe inflammation, acne is most commonly known as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Pimples are inflamed patches of skin typically present on the face, neck, and back. They range in size, and can be painful and embarrassing to suffers.
Whiteheads are pores that have been blocked by bacteria. These skin cells form a white patch on the skin. Whiteheads are not inflamed like pimples, and are not often painful, but they can still be embarrassing to sufferers.
Blackheads are small patches on the face that appear brown or black. They are caused by pores filling with oil or debris and oxidizing. Once oxidized the debris takes on a black color and gives the appearance of dirt on the face. Due to the depth of the debris and oil, blackheads can be difficult to remove.
How Does Acne Happen?
Acne is caused by oil and dead skin cells that become logged in the hair follicle, or pore. The oil and skin cells form a sort of plug inside the skin known as a comedo. The comedo can appear as a pimple, whitehead or blackhead.
What Causes Acne?
There are a million theories on what causes a pimple out there. Some believe it is stress, others believe it is a bad skin care regimen. While these do factor into an acne free face, their are three major factors going on inside the skin that contribute to acne.
Overactive Sebaceous Glands- Sebaceous Glands form essential oil in your skin. Your skin needs this oil to lubricate itself. However, some people’s Sebaceous Glands produce excess oil, causing the pore to become overrun and back up.
Excess Skin Cells and Slow Skin Cell Shedding- The Epidermis, or outermost layer, of the skin is constantly creating new skin cells and shedding the old. This process is regulated by our bodies, but acne suffers tend to have an abnormal creation/destruction pattern in the Epidermis. Simply put, they will produce more skin cells then needed and not shed them as quickly as they should, causing the pore to be blocked by the cells.
Excess of Bacteria- Everyone’s skin contains a little bacteria known as Propionibacteria Acnes. People who suffer from acne have an excess amount of this bacteria. The bacteria produces waste inside the pore and causes it become inflamed.
Who Gets Acne?
Typically, when people think of pimples they think of preteens going through puberty. While puberty is a major factor in the formation of acne, thanks to the increased hormone levels, people still suffer from acne long after their pubescent years. Adult on-set acne is just as common as preteen acne.
Acne can happen at any time, but is closely related to hormonal cycles and genetic patterns. Typical times for acne in your life can be around puberty, your early 20’s, and during the pre-menopause cycle for women.
Is Acne Treatable?
Acne is most definitely treatable. There are lotions and potions for all kinds of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads out there. We will cover the treatments for acne in the upcoming posts, as well as, other acne related issues such as scarring and hyper pigmentation.
