Although acne may seem like a right of passage from youth to adulthood, no one likes it. In fact, once we get it, all we do is try to get rid of it.
The basic reason behind acne is that when pores on the face collapse and block oil from escaping, trapping oil, dirt, and bacteria. While dermatology experts don’t universally agree on why this happens, they do know that any of the following can play a factor:
• Diet – Fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats, and zinc gluconate all contribute to clearer and healthier skin. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough of any of these with the modern Western diet. Eating foods with a high glycemic index can also lead to acne.
• Genetics – If one or both parents struggled with acne, the child has a much higher chance of doing the same.
• Inflammation – Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and selenium naturally reduce inflammation in the pores, but many people don’t get enough of them with diet alone.
• Hormones – Acne often starts in puberty when larger amounts of hormones are present. Estrogen, testosterone, and the human growth hormone have the most impact on the development of acne.
• Stress – Although medical researchers don’t fully understand the reason, both emotional and physical stress can lead to acne. It can become severe when the stress is unrelenting.
• Vitamin Deficiency – A lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, particularly Vitamin D, can aggravate acne.
Warm Weather Can Make Acne Worse
Does it seem like your face is oilier than usual when the heat and humidity of summer are here? You’re not imagining things. The excess heat and increased sweating can also cause blackheads and acne breakouts. To control the excess oil, wash your face daily with a foaming cleanser. Be sure to use a lighter moisturizer in the summer as well.
It’s always important to wear sunscreen in the summer, but it’s even more so when you take acne medication. That’s because some medications can make your skin sensitive to the sun. The last thing you want to be dealing with is an acne breakout on top of sunburn!
And since sweat irritates the skin and can lead to acne, be sure to shower as soon as you can after breaking a sweat.
Get Professional Help for Acne
Sometimes you still get acne even when you make allowances for the weather, eat right, reduce stress, and have a good skin care routine. You don’t have to let that discourage you. Dermatology Associates offers several professional acne solutions to meet your needs.
Severe acne can leave scarring on your face no matter what your age. Our PicoSure laser attacks the scars by sending intense bursts of light energy to the deeper layers of your skin where acne originates. Many patients have noticeable results after just a few sessions. Each treatment with the PicoSure laser takes just 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
We also offer several products you can use at home to treat and prevent acne outbreaks, including Obagi. This is the leading skin care system recommend by physicians nationwide. If you feel like your current skin care regimen isn’t effective, you may want to consider making a change.
Please click here to learn more about our options for treating adult acne so you can go into the coming holiday season with confidence.
Dermatology Associates offers a full spectrum of leading edge medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services from offices in Savannah and Vidalia.
