Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting nearly 5.6 million Canadians, nearly 20 percent of the population. Adolescents and teenagers tend to experience symptoms the most in both frequency and intensity. However, there are many adults that suffer from acne as well.
To treat acne, it is important to understand what it is. The common blemishes, flare-ups and scarring are easily recognizable, but what exactly causes them? To put it simply, acne occurs in the skin when there is an overabundance of sebum, dead skin cells, dirt or bacteria clogging up hair follicles. Other factors, such as hormones, stress levels, and increased oil production in the skin can trigger acne. Types of acne range from, but are not limited to, whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts. Typically, acne appears on the face, chest and back.
If you suffer from acne, it is more than likely that you have been provided numerous advice regarding treatment or preventative care. However, many of these recommendations are not grounded in truth. Below are some of the most common acne myths.
Acne heals itself. This myth coincides with another that acne only occurs in teenagers. At any age acne can develop, and it is important to seek treatment, since leaving it on its own can often cause it to worsen.
Popping pimples is okay. Acne symptoms, such as the type of blemish, can be difficult to properly identify by non-skincare professionals. By popping pimples, it greatly increases the chances for irritation and scarring. It is recommended to see an aesthetician or dermatologist to handle treatments, such as extractions.
Cosmetics worsen acne. Using oil-free makeup and skincare products, or noncomedogenic, do not worsen acne. If using any makeup, it is important to cleanse your skin and thoroughly remove any product to ensure that it does not clog pores. Using mineral makeup is also a recommended option when suffering with acne, since it does not clog pores and can include skincare benefits as well such as Jane Iredale The Skincare Makeup.
Acne only happens to dirty skin. Stress levels, hormonal imbalances and genetic factors play a role in acne. Although it is important to cleanse, exfoliate and tone skin to remove impurities, it is not the only contributing factor.
The sun is good for acne. Harmful rays and radiation from the sun irritate and damage the skin and can greatly increase the likelihood of scarring. Anytime you expose yourself to sunlight, it is vital to apply sunscreen.
Acne does not need to be treated. There are many acne treatments and products readily available at drug stores. Despite that, many people will utilize products that either worsen their acne or do not effectively treat symptoms. A professional can diagnose the skin condition and offer medical-grade skincare products and professional treatments that provide the best results.
Fortunately, there are other ways to achieve blemish-free skin. To improve your complexion, consider the following tips:
Choose the right cleanser for oily skin types. Exfoliating Cleanser removes surface oil + other impurities that can clog pores. Use with the rest of your GSR ® regimen for optimal results.
Exfoliation is key. Remove dead skin cells + other skin-clogging debris with the right exfoliator. For both chemical + physical exfoliation benefits on the face or and on the body, award-winning Dual-Action Scrub minimizes breakouts while leaving skin smooth to the touch.
Incorporate salicylic acid into your regimen. Incorporating this powerhouse ingredient can benefit breakout-prone skin. Acne Treatment Pads not only mattify skin but can also improve skin clarity and the appearance of post-blemish marks.
Don’t forget to hydrate (your skin!) Sometimes the skin needs a hydration boost from the right skincare product. A lightweight hydrator is recommended for oily and sensitized skin types. Renewal Crème is clinically proven to improve the appearance of stressed skin. Its weightless formulation hydrates without feeling heavy and can minimize the signs of redness and supports a more uniform + healthy complexion.
Prestige Laser Studio offers medical treatments designed to target skin concerns. Acne is a condition that cannot be left on its own and needs to be properly treated and prescribed medical grade products.
Some great treatments Prestige offers for acne include:
HydraFacial: HydraFacial™ is the perfect way to refresh your skin, and infuse it with medical-grade serums to give your skin the boost it deserves—with no downtime. The HydraFacial
treatment works to improve the skin by using a combination of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and rehydration to then utilize the HydraFacial’s patented approach of infusing antioxidant and hydrating serums into the skin. This ultimately helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines, dullness, dehydration, uneven skin tone, and oily skin.
Chemical peels: At Prestige we offer a variety of chemical peels based on your skin condition. For acneic skin with visible active breakouts we suggest the AlumierMD BHA20 peel. This peel is composed of 20% salicylic acid (BHA); a concentration that is strong enough to treat scarring, but gentle enough for use on acne-prone skin. It reduces acne by penetrating the base of skin cells & killing acne causing bacteria. By speeding up cell turnover, it also helps correct skin discolouration.
Laser Genesis: Uses heat and light from a true laser to penetrate deeply into the skin to boost collagen production. The heat and light from the laser not only tighten the pores, improves fine lines and firms the skin, it also has the ability to target inflammation and acne bacteria in the skin. When done in a series of treatments our patients will experience a noticeable change in the appearance.
To learn more about acne and how to incorporate treatments into your skincare protocol book a complimentary consultation online with one of our skincare specialists or give us a call at 604-553-3433 to schedule your consultation over the phone!