Monday, April 8, 2013

"The Acne Solution"

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands that can be caused by several different factors. Teenagers are not the only ones who suffer from acne- it can affect anyone at any age.  Genetics and hormonal changes are the two major causes of acne. Your environment, certain medications, and stress can cause your acne to become more severe.

Acne starts when sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells plug up your hair follicles and pores. Sebaceous glands producing oil can be sensitive to hormonal changes in your body, and when your hormones change, excess sebum production can occur. When your skin is inflamed it makes the right environment for yeast and bacteria to grow causing infection. Your face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders have the largest number of functional oil glands, so this is why acne typically affects these areas. Acne can show up as inflammatory lesions, which consist of papules and pustules, or non-inflammatory lesions, which are blackheads and whiteheads.  There are different grades of acne to characterize the severity of the breakouts. Grade 1 acne is very mild acne on over less than half the face, and going up to Grade 4 acne, which is the most severe. Grade 4 acne consists of numerous lesions as well as cysts on over 50% or more of the face. Very large cysts can leave deep scaring.

There are a variety of treatments, skin care products, and nutritional regimens to treat acne. Microdermabrasion can help lessen acne by removing the dead skin cells that can eventually clog your pores. More severe acne can lead to scaring or pits in the skin, and having a series of microdermabrasion treatments can help lessen the appearance of these. Chemical peels can help with acne by removing the top few layers of the epidermis and unplug clogged pores. For deep scaring Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) helps breakup the scaring or pits from acne. Using this micro-needling process leaves small punctures in the skin, allowing any skincare products applied to penetrate deeper.



A good home care regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is very important for clear healthy skin. It is also important to know that just because you are experiencing acne does not mean that your skin type is oily, acneic skin can be described as dry and sensitive too. Skipping this step if you have acne can possibly lead to more breakouts, because when your skin is dry it produces more sebum to try making up for the lack of moisture. This extra amount of sebum being produced can cause more acne, so remember that everyone needs a moisturizer. If you have active breakouts, be careful not to exfoliate over these, because this can break the lesion open spreading the infection and causing more breakouts.

Epionce skincare products will help lessen breakouts with their anti-inflammatory products that also work by strengthening and rebuilding the skins barrier. The Epionce cleansers, lytic, and renewal products help by reducing microbes on the skin, improving skins texture by helping to clear pores, and reducing the signs of aging. Another recommended product line to help improve the appearance of acne is the Pro-biotic line by Eminence. The cleanser, masque, and moisturizer are formulated with cucumber and tea tree oil to cool and detoxify the skin while yogurt gently exfoliates for a clearer complexion. We are also featuring a special package of 3 acne-relief facials. So many factors may be involved when dealing with acne. Because of the products and treatments we have today, there is no reason why someone should suffer through acne breakouts, or live with acne scaring. Call 402-827-9450 to schedule a free consultation with me to determine which products and treatments can help you the most.

- Emily Shiflett, Aesthetician

Alternatives, A Center for Conscious Health
Rockbrook Village Shopping Center
11036 Oak St.
Omaha, NE 68144
402-827-9450

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