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Archive: August 2006

Dealing with acne

No matter what your age, acne can be a pimply problem

By Dr. Marcy Street

Whatever your age, you may be plagued with blemishes, pimples or zits. It really is frustrating and difficult to cover up even with the best of makeups. And what if you are a guy who is aggravated by daily shaving even though work requires it? Razor bumps, blackheads, whiteheads and red spots are all part of acne. I am here to tell you what causes it, how to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Acne

Acne vulgaris, or acne, affects most preteens and teenagers, and usually gets better after puberty. It can be mild with a few stubborn pimples or severe with painful cysts. Acne can be hereditary and run in families. The hormonal changes during and shortly after puberty and later adult years can make acne more common during these times, because our skin may become more oily. Many people experience adult onset acne which may be stress related. Dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin when we don’t clean the face well and clog pores. Bacteria become trapped in this clogged pore and swelling, redness and a blemish form. Skin products that are not oil free may also clog the pores. Although, chocolate and greasy foods don’t cause acne, a healthier diet full of fruits and vegetables can make it better. The great news is that there are many effective home routines and other treatments to keep this facial craziness under control.

Preventing Acne

Yes, we have to accept what our parents give us, the good, the bad and the ugly! However, there is still a lot we can do.

Faithfully and gently wash your skin daily. Be careful not to be overly zealous and strip the skin of all natural oils. The skin will get into a cycle of producing more oil to compensate for you removing it all with too frequent washings and cleansers that are not gentle. Avoid getting the perspiration on your facial skin. Wear a fashionable headband or scarf to absorb the sweat when you work out. Then wash your face immediately. Always remove your make up before going to bed at night. Keep your hair clean and style it off the face whenever possible. Avoid petroleum based hair products and harsh chemicals. Use oil free moisturizers and sunscreens in acne prone areas.

Wash daily with a gentle exfoliating cleanser
Wear a head ban when working out to keep the perspiration off your face
Wash your face immediately after working out
Remove your makeup before going to bed
Keep your hair clean and styled off your face
Avoid harsh and greasy hair products

Treating Acne

Avoid skin products that clog your pores. Gently exfoliate your face with a good cleanser and invest in a good skin brush that works with your skin’s natural elasticity and gently and effectively cleanses using sonic frequency to produce over 300 movements per second. It invigorates and stimulates your skin by improving circulation. It works well with a creamy cleanser that is not abrasive. Look for oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens. They should be suitable for acne, oily and normal combination skin that can occasionally get blemishes too. Along with a good cleanser, try other over the counter treatments first that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic and glycolic acids. Try the Doctor’s Approach Alpha Beta gel. These are reliable ingredients that have been proven to work on mild acne.

If this does not do the job, see your doctor or visit our acne clinic at Doctor’s Approach adjacent to the MAC on the first floor. We have late afternoon and early evening appointments to accommodate your busy schedule. You may need prescription creams, and pills. The medicine used for acne includes antibiotics, hormone regulators, synthetic vitamin A (Accutane). Take advantage of the many acne treatments in the office that will improve the pores, and the overall texture and tone of the skin, detoxify, and prevent scaring.

Marcy L. Street, MD, is a board certified dermatologist who received her training from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and Mayo Clinic. She has also developed Doctor’s Approach hair- and skin-care products. Call her at 517.364.8170.