The Cosmetic Enhancement Center’s Acne Management Team of physicians and medical aestheticians will assess your acne and start you on a comprehensive treatment plan designed to put you on the road to healthy skin. Acne Effects up to 80% of teens and about 10% of adults. Whether it’s an occasional pimple or a daily struggle with break outs, the battle against acne can seem never ending.

Three primary factors contribute to the formation of acne.

• Irregular shedding of dead skin cells causing irritation and blockage of hair follicles.
• Overproduction of oil (sebum) causing irritation of hair follicles.
• Buildup of normally recurring bacteria on the skin

Acne occurs when the hair follicle becomes plugged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria. Each follicle is connected to a Sebaceous gland which secretes oil to lubricate the hair and skin. Normally, oil is excreted onto the surface of the skin however with acne prone skin an excessive amount of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria build up forming a plug in the follicle. This plug leads to whiteheads and blackheads. Red raised spots develop when the hair follicles become inflamed, infected or traumatized by picking. Inflammation that develops deep inside the hair follicle results in cysts. Severe acne can cause residual scars due to damaged skin.

There are 3 levels of acne:

Mild Acne:
the result of bacterial infection or inflammation close to the surface of the skin and result in whiteheads and/or blackheads.

Moderate Acne:
Moderate acne is the result of bacterial infection and inflammation deeper in the pore. This results in papules or pustules, more commonly known as pimples.

Severe acne:
occurs when the infection is very deep in the pore and results in Nodules and Cysts.Nodules are hard, painful bumps under the skins surface and left untreated they can flare up repeatedly. Cystsare similar to nodules, but they are generally larger lesions filled with pus and just like nodules can be painful as well as cause scarring. Always remember that squeezing a nodule or cyst will not speed up the healing process, it will in fact prolong it and can cause more damage to the skin.

It is unknown what causes the increased production of oil, but heredity and hormones play a role. Acne is notcaused by lack of hygiene. In fact scrubbing the skin or cleansing with harsh soaps irritates the skin worsening acne. Also foods do not cause acne, but certain foods may cause acne flares. We additionally offer evaluation with a nutritional expert to assist with acne control.

Once our Acne Management Team of physicians and medical aestheticians determine the level of your acne, they can then offer a comprehensive treatment plan. Your active participation in your treatment plan is the key to success in the fight against acne and our Acne Management Team is committed to working with you to help you look and feel your best!

Acne Treatment options include:

• Cleansing products – Gentle cleansing with Medical Grade Skin Care products designed specifically for acne prone skin to remove excess oil and dead skin cells
• Topical Products – topical products including exfoliating acids and benzoyl peroxide help diminish bacteria and dead skin cells causing irritation and blockage of the hair follicle.
• Retin A (Tretinion) – Retin A is derived from vitamin A. It works by increasing the cell turnover rate, ex foliating the skin and decreasing the build-up of dead cells within the follicle.
• Antibiotics – antibiotics work by decreasing the bacteria in the hair follicle as well as reducing the inflammatory response. They can be used topically or orally.
• Oral Contraceptives – Birth control pills reduce the amount of testosterone within the body which suppresses the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands reducing the blockage of pores.
• Facial Treatments – Facial treatments with our medical aesthetician help keep the pores cleared of excess oil and cellular debris making blemishes less likely to form, improving inflammatory acne.
• Photodynamic Light Therapy – Photodynamic light therapy has been shown to improve mild to moderate acne. The application of both blue and red light has been shown to reduce bacteria and inflammation to the follicle.
• Nutritional Evaluation– Nutrition plays an important role in the control of acne. Although no foods cause acne, certain foods may cause acne flares. Evaluation with an expert in nutrition may assist with acne control.
  Ask about scheduling with our Naturopathic Nutritional Expert, Dr. Masina Wright.
• Acne Scars can be treated with multiple medical modalities including Co2 fractionated resurfacing laser (Total F X) or radio frequency sublative rejuvenation (eMatrix).

Call us today and see how our Acne Management Team can help you get back on the road to healthy skin!