What is acne?
Acne affects the hair follicles, or pores, of the face, chest, and back. It affects almost all males and females during puberty and sometimes occurs in our mid to late 20's. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria can play a role in its development.

Acne appears on the skin as...

• congested pores ("comedones"), also known as blackheads or whiteheads,
• tender red bumps ( known as pimples or zits)
• pustules, and occasionally as
• cysts (deep pimples).

What causes acne?
Acne can be caused by several factors. Acne occurs when oil (sebaceous) glands that are attached to the hair follicles become stimulated by elevated levels of male hormones during puberty. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin. Also there is a change in the way the skin cells mature so that the cells are predisposed to clog the follicular openings or pores. The clogged hair follicles gradually enlarge and produce bumps. As the follicles enlarge, the wall can rupture, which then allows irritating substances and normal skin bacteria to enter into the deeper layers of the skin, which causes inflammation.

Inflammation near the skin's surface produces a pustule. A deeper inflammation creates in a papule (pimple). Deeper inflammation yet and it becomes a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, it causes a "whitehead." If the oil accumulates melanin pigment or becomes oxidized, the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a "blackhead." Blackheads are therefore not dirt and do not reflect poor hygiene.

Skin care is extremely important with any type of acne. Dermal Skin and Laser Centre carry a few lines of medical grade acne skin care products.

• Benzoyle Peroxide: Destroys acnes and may also reduce oil production.
• Salicylic Acid: Helps break down blackheads and whiteheads and also helps cut down shedding of cells lining the hair follicles. Salicylic Acid works by loosening clogged pores which prevents pimples from forming in the first place.

• Antibacterial: These soaps and cleansers kill the bacteria that contribute to acne.

• Alpha-Hydroxy Acids: This product is usually found combined with other acne fighting substances. It comes from acids naturally found in fruit. It does NOT kill the bacteria, but helps to remove the dead skin cells that clog up the pores.
  
  
• Microdermabrasion: This is very effective at removing thicker upper skin cells and is a safe removal option for blackheads.

• Chemical Peels: These are one of the most effective treatments as TCA chemical peels help inhibit active acne, correct in asphyxiated acne and correct post inflammatory discoloration which is caused by acne.