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home > Acne Solutions |
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 Awareness - Treatment - Maintenance |
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The term "acne" refers to what is commonly known as pimples, zits or plugged pores. While most suffer from acne in their teenage years, a growing number of adults experience breakouts.
The most common lesion (pimple) is known as the microcomedo or microcomedone , where the hair follicle is plugged with P.acnes bacteria and sebum. The variations on this lesion are whitehead (comedos that stay below the surface) and blackheads (comedos which rise to the surface of the skin).
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 Awareness
What causes my client's acne?
It is believed that acne is caused by cells from the hair follicle, which are shed too quickly. These cells eventually clump together and form a plug at the follicle's opening, sebum from the sebaceous glands reaching the surface of the skin. The mixture of cells and oil feed the P.acnes bacteria in the plugged follicles, causing inflammation or swelling, redness, heat and pain .
While hormones, specifically Androgens, are the cause of acne in most people, factors such as genetics, the use of certain drugs (birth control, androgens, lithium and barbiturates), stress, friction, environmental pollutants and picking at blemishes can contribute to this condition.
The androgen testosterone regulates the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands. It has been found that people with acne produce higher amounts of sebum and are likely sensitive to hormones
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How can I identify acne in my patient?
Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders.
The dark colour of blackheads are not due to the presence of dirt, but melanin that accumulates at the top of the comedone.
Another form of acne, found in people with dry skin, is called "asphyxiated acne". This occurs when the top of the skin is extremely dry, upsetting the balance of the skin. Sebaceous glands then compensate for this dryness by overproducing sebum beneath the skin.
Why are my adult patients still getting acne?
A common form of acne in adult women is caused by the production of hormones, most often the week before menstruation. As people age, lesions move from the middle of the face and forehead to the cheeks and then down to the forehead and jawline. It is common for these patients to have persistent pimples on the chin or jaw.
The use of birth control may also aggravate the acne disorder, as well as emotional tension or stress.
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Treatment
How can I treat my client's acne?
For clients with light to moderate acne, chemical peels are a good option to help clear up the skin. This treatment uses acids and enzymes to unclog the pores and balance the skin's surface. Most people will require ongoing treatments, which depend on the severity of the cases, but with continuing treatments you can achieve excellent results. Superficial monthly peels help with maintenance.
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How do I choose the type of peel for my patient?
The type of chemical peel that you use depends on the level of acne and skin sensitivity of your patient.
Resilient Skin with Active and/or Asphyxiated Acne:
PCA SKIN Peel® with HQ Exfoliating Treatment
PCA SKIN Peel® with HQ & Resorcinol Exfoliating Treatment
Ultra Peel® Forte
Normal Skin with Active and/or Asphyxiated Acne:
PCA SKIN Peel® HQ Free
Sensitive Skin with Active Acne:
Ultra Peel® I Exfoliating Treatment
Sensitive Skin with Asphyxiated Acne:
Esthetique Peel™
Supersensitive Skin with Active and/or Asphyxiated Acne:
Sensi Peel®
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Maintenance
In order to maintain clear skin post-treatment, it is important to have a consistent home care regime. Personal hygiene is in the patient's control and they should participate in their skin care and wellness.
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Featured Sampling of PCA SKIN products:
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For more information on these products
please call Amy at 1-800-898-7455 ext. 236
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i Leslie Baumann. Cosmetic Dermatology
ii www.Webmd.com
iii www. Webmd.com
iv Preston, Lydia. Breaking Out. New York: Fireside, 2004.
v Preston, Lydia. Breaking Out. New York: Fireside, 2004. Pg. 31
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. |
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