Acne Treatment
Acne can affect adults as well as teenagers. Luckily, a number of acne treatment methods are available to rid you of this unattractive skin condition. These methods also seek to minimize acne scars. In most cases, results begin to become visible after just one treatment.
The most effective way to treat acne is often a multi-method approach. These techniques include:
- Training in the proper cleansing of the skin with the right products for your type of acne and skin type.
- Topical medications and masques that decrease the production of oil, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria within the pores.
- Benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, and/or exfoliating formulas such as alpha hydroxy acid, which open clogged pores and kill bacteria.
- Antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics to kill stubborn bacteria.
- Chemical peels to unclog pores, reduce oil production, and exfoliate dead skin cells that can further clog pores.
What is Acne?
Acne is caused by an inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the skin. This inflammation can be the result of a number of factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, diet, or medications.
There are four grades of acne from Grade I, which is the mildest form, to Grade IV, which is the most severe form called cystic acne.
Grade I acne is mostly characterized by blackheads and whiteheads. It can become more severe when not treated early enough.
Grade II acne is a bumpy type of acne that consists of whiteheads. This type of acne is harder to treat than the other grades.
Grade III acne is very common and is the type you see with red pimples or yellow pus-filled pimples. This type of acne is generally easy to treat.
Grade IV acne is the most severe form of acne and is sometimes called nodulocystic. This type of acne is often painful and is the type most likely to cause deep acne scars. Aggressive forms of treatment are required to combat this grade of acne.