What is Acne?

Most of us heard the word “acne” for the first time at a young age, and even more of us have grown to know it all too well! Since we use the word regularly, let’s make sure we know what it means.

Acne refers to an inflammatory skin disorder, ultimately causing a chain of events that result in skin lesions, commonly called “pimples.” Essentially, acne is caused when sebum, skin cells, and the hair in any given follicle clump together and form a plug in your skin, causing inflammation. In time, the plug will begin to break down, causing bacteria to spill onto the skin’s surface and form a pimple.

“Pimple” is often used as a blanket term, but there are several blemishes in the acne family, commonly occurring on the face, back, or chest:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cysts

Dr. Jill Sohayda, the Medical Director of Essex Medspa, reminds us that “the strain of bacteria can influence the frequency and severity of pimple breakouts from person to person.” Although it gets a bad rap, it’s important to note not all bacteria cause pimples to occur. There are select bacteria that may improve the health of your skin.

What Causes Acne?

It’s in acne’s nature to be frustrating, so this answer may not surprise you. Varying factors and skin types play into unwanted breakouts, meaning there is no singular cause for acne. Finding the root cause for a breakout can be a process, but there are many proven causes of acne we can address

Some factors that can cause acne include:

• Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can cause an increase in oil production, leading to the development of acne.
• Genetics: Unfortunately, acne can run in families, suggesting that genetics play a role in its development.
• Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can accumulate in hair follicles, causing inflammation and breakouts.
• Diet: Some studies suggest that certain diets and foods can trigger the development of acne. High sugar and refined carbohydrates are two common triggers we see in unwanted breakouts.
• Stress: Stress can cause hormonal changes that may contribute to the development of acne.
• Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and lithium, can cause acne as a side effect.
• Cosmetics: Depending on your skin type and how sensitive it is, certain cosmetics and hair products can clog pores and contribute to acne.

Because of all these different factors, treating acne often requires a multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes. Dr. Sohayda states that education is key! “There are many options for treatment and sometimes knowing what order to do the treatments in is most important,” she said.

How to Treat Acne:

While there are many over-the-counter products and prescription medications available to treat acne, there are also some natural remedies that you can try. Mandelic acid is one of our team’s favorite “Go To” treatments for home regimens.

Here are some tips on how to treat acne:

• Keep your skin clean: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Be careful not to over-wash, as this can dry out your skin and make acne worse.
• Use non-comedogenic products: Choose skincare and makeup products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free,” as these are less likely to clog pores and cause acne.
• Avoid touching your face: Keep your hands away from your face as much as possible to avoid spreading bacteria and oils that can cause acne.
• Manage stress: Stress can trigger acne outbreaks, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family.
• Try natural remedies: tea tree oil, aloe vera, and green tea are popular natural remedies for treating acne. These remedies may not work for everyone, but they are worth a try.
• Collaborate with expert estheticians and doctors: Partner with estheticians and doctors, like Dr. Sohayda and her team at Essex MedSpa, who are acne experts and can guide you to the best facial treatments for acne.

Remember, clear skin doesn’t happen overnight! Treating acne takes time and patience, and no one has truly “perfect skin.” Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away, and be sure to stick with your recommended treatment plan. Toni, an expert esthetician at Essex Medspa, recommends avoiding over-drying acneic skin and to prioritize protecting it from the sun to help prevent scarring!

Doctor-Recommended Skincare Routine for Acne:

After a detailed consultation and examination of your skin type, our team will customize the best skincare routine for you. However, there are a few common recommendations that apply to most acne-prone skin. Remember that acne has several different causes and can appear differently in each individual so it is important to know that following this routine does not guarantee clear skin.

When it comes to a skincare routine for acne-prone skin, it’s essential to focus on gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing to help prevent breakouts and minimize their severity.

Here is our doctor-recommended simple skincare routine that can work for acne-prone skin:

1. Cleanse: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser that is formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that can help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

2. Exfoliate: Exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Use a gentle exfoliating product once or twice a week, and be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin and make acne worse.

3. Tone: After cleansing, use a toner that is formulated for acne-prone skin. Toners can help remove any remaining dirt and oil and prepare the skin for moisturizer.

4. Moisturize: Use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin without clogging pores. Look for a moisturizer that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides, which can help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

5. Apply spot treatment: If you have active breakouts, apply a spot treatment to the affected areas. Look for products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

6. Use sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is important, even if you have acne-prone skin. Use a non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.

Best Facials for Acne:

Facials can be a great way to treat acne-prone skin, as they can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve overall skin health. Here are some of the best facials for acne:

Morpheus8: This facial is great for cystic acne and acne scars. Morpheus8 helps to break up cysts and dry up the gland. Typically, a 2-week course of antibiotics is required before treatment.

Deep cleansing facial: This facial involves a thorough cleansing of the skin, followed by gentle exfoliation. It may also include extractions to remove blackheads and whiteheads.

Chemical peel: A chemical peel can help improve acne by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. Salicylic acid peels are often used for acne-prone skin, as they can help reduce inflammation and oil production.

Microdermabrasion: This treatment involves using a special device to exfoliate the skin to help reduce the appearance of acne scars and improve skin texture.

LED light therapy: LED light therapy can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that can cause acne. Blue light therapy is often used for acne-prone skin, as it can help reduce the severity of breakouts.

Oxygen facial: An oxygen facial involves infusing oxygen into the skin to help improve circulation and boost skin health. It can help reduce inflammation and improve overall skin texture.