Aesthetic treatments for acne have evolved thanks to research and the emergence of new working methods. However, acne remains a problem for many people.
As it is a visible problem on the face, it can cause insecurity, since it generates certain frustration due to the absence of fast or convincing results. With juvenile acne, we also find possible situations of isolation or the birth of aesthetic complexes.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin disease that affects the sebaceous glands. These glands produce excessive secretions which, together with dead skin cells, end up clogging the pores of the hair follicles and causing them to become infected.
It is represented by the appearance of blackheads, papules, pimples and small bumps, especially on the face, neck and back.
Acne can appear at any age. The most common is juvenile acne because one of the main causes of acne is the hormonal increase, which in turn causes an increase in sebaceous secretion.
Older adults may also suffer from it, and there may be an ulterior motive behind it. Even babies can suffer from it, with the so-called neonatal acne.
There are different degrees of acne, ranging from mild to moderate, severe and very severe. In the latter, surgical treatment may even be necessary to drain the cysts.
Juvenile acne
When we talk about acne, the first thing that comes to mind is adolescence. It is during puberty that men undergo the most hormonal changes.
In women it is also caused by the menstrual cycle. And it could last a lifetime, with regular flare-ups during menstruation.
Why does acne appear?
Acne can appear for different reasons. We have already mentioned hormonal factors, but genetics and the environment also play a role. Pollution and humidity are factors that favor their appearance.
According to several studies, diet also plays a role in the appearance of acne, which may be caused by the high consumption of processed foods rich in sugar. Therefore, it is advisable to follow a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables and cereals.
On the other hand, situations of stress or anxiety facilitate the appearance of acne outbreaks.
Finally, we could talk about another type of acne, which appears mainly in women and would be caused by the excessive or inadequate use of creams and make-up with oily content.
Acne treatments
The problem with acne is that if left untreated it can have devastating consequences on the face, causing disfiguring scars.
In almost all cases, we start with generic products and, depending on the results, move on to new methods. Keep in mind that the sooner acne is treated, the better the result.
Topical creams
When topical products, used in general, do not work, it is time to consult a specialist. From this point on, acne treatments are always personalized, created according to the degree, type and age of the sufferer.
Oral medication
Some of these medications may have side effects, such as irritation, dry skin and others. It is necessary to inform the physician of these circumstances in order to establish the best treatment for each skin.
It is also possible to combine some of these drugs, but always under the doctor’s prescription.
Currently, the most commonly used oral medication for acne is:
- Antibiotics: used to fight bacteria. By eliminating them, inflammation is reduced. Not recommended for use by children under 12 years of age or pregnant women. Minocycline and doxycycline are common.
- Anti-androgen agents: is a drug that can be used in women to block androgen hormones. It is possible to combine it with contraceptives. May cause more painful menstrual periods.
- Contraceptives: is a hormonal treatment, which is used with women who do not respond favorably to other treatments. They can cause weight gain, nausea and tenderness.
- Isotretinoin: formerly known as Roacutan. It is a drug reserved for cases where nothing has worked before. The problem is that it has side effects such as dry skin, fatigue, can cause cholesterol, increased triglycerides and more serious side effects such as liver irritation and malformations in the fetus.
Topical medication
- Antibiotic: as in the oral form, antibiotics act by reducing excess bacteria. They are used in combination with other products to prevent the development of bacterial resistance.
- Azelaic acid: this is a possibility that, unlike other treatments, can be used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. However, its efficacy against acne is not very high.
- Dapsone: it is a gel that can be used by children, adolescents and adults. It is an antibacterial product, which also acts to reduce inflammation.
- Retionides: retinoic acids prevent the obstruction of hair follicles. Retinoid can be combined with antibiotics during the first weeks of treatment.
Aesthetic treatments
Certain cosmetic treatments such as peels and microdermabrasion are effective in correcting or attenuating acne scars.
It is also possible to use filler, electroporation and laser.
- Peelings: in this section, we must distinguish two types of peelings. On the one hand, we have the soft peeling, a treatment carried out by an esthetician that consists of cleaning and purifying the area to eliminate blackheads.
On the other hand, we talk about chemical peeling. Here, the skin layers are renewed using acids such as glycolic, sacchyl or trichloroacetic acids. This dries the skin and reduces the sebaceous glands. - Electroporation: through transdermal electroporation, we can also fight acne. Sisneo’s Mesolux electroporation equipment also incorporates phototherapy, so we can combine both treatments for a more effective result. We would add to the work of light that of the active ingredients aimed at curbing the inflammation of acne.
- Phototherapy: the emission of light on the skin is effective against acne and also helps to improve the scars caused by acne. By means of phototherapy, some bacteria can be combated and effects are achieved at the molecular and cellular level.
- Red light is anti-inflammatory, so we manage to reduce the lesion and the appearance of scars.
- And blue light is antibacterial.
- Laser: laser has proven to be a very effective treatment in the fight against acne, although it leaves the skin very irritated for a few days. The laser also works to treat acne scars, and the depth of the action can be controlled.
How to prevent acne
Although, as mentioned above, acne is a hormonal problem that is sometimes hereditary, it is possible to prevent or reduce its appearance by following a daily facial hygiene protocol.
It is very important to wash the face, both in the morning and at night, with a soap suitable for oily or neutral skin. The face should also be washed after physical exercise, to remove traces of sweat.
When touching your face, bring your hair over your forehead.
When we touch the pimples we can provoke more inflammation and worse healing, even favoring the appearance of scars.
Because the manipulation of such lesions will lead to increased inflammation and a greater possibility of scar formation.
In the case of makeup or creams, the ideal is to use oil-free products for oily skin, which also usually include active ingredients that help in the battle against acne.
This care should also be followed by those who have already suffered from acne and have managed to get rid of it through treatment, as it is still possible to suffer new outbreaks.
