South Florida Plastic Surgery Associates - Don R. Revis, MD

Active Acne

Treatment Options for Acne

Millions of Americans suffer from the various forms of acne, and billions of dollars are spent each year in an attempt to reduce the number and severity of breakouts. Acne knows no boundaries and affects all ethnic groups, all ages, and both sexes.

Acne is merely an inflammatory condition of the skin primarily affecting the sebaceous glands. Individuals with acne basically have skin that is out of balance. The sebaceous glands become overactive due to various internal factors (your genetics, the amount of stress in your life, the presence of various hormones in your body) and external factors (pollutants in the environment, sun exposure). When this happens, the sebaceous glands overproduce oil, which in turn creates shiny skin that attracts dirt and provides an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. The result is seen in the form of breakouts, the development of pimples and/or blackheads.

How does an outbreak begin?

Hair follicles and sebaceous glands share a common opening onto the surface of the skin. Acne actually begins beneath the surface of the skin prior to becoming noticeable as an outbreak. Normally, the cells that line the hair follicle and sebaceous glands are shed every 28 days or so, and new cells take their place. These dead cells are shed into the common channel shared by the hair follicle and sebaceous gland and work their way to the skin’s surface where they will be shed into the environment.

When follicles produce excessive oil due to one or more of the aforementioned causes, these dead cells may adhere to each other and be unable to escape onto the surface of the skin. More and more cells and oil accumulate, mix with bacteria, and a plug eventually develops. You can’t see it at this point, but a breakout is only days away. As the debris and bacteria accumulate, the hair follicle and sebaceous gland are essentially blocked from communication with the surface of the skin.

This is an excellent environment for the multiplication of bacteria, and the result is inflammation, swelling, redness, and a breakout.

What are some of the causes of acne?

Oil Oils may oxidize(harden) in the pores, causing blockage. Keep your skin clean through a regimen of twice daily cleansing with products that fight bacteria, have astringent properties, and loosen existing oils and other debris from the pores.
Bacteria Bacteria multiply within blocked pores, resulting in inflammation and breakout. Keep your skin clean through a regimen of twice daily cleansing with products that fight bacteria, have astringent properties, and loosen existing oils and other debris from the pores.
Cosmetics Makeup that is very heavy or contains comedogenic oils may worsen acne. Please be aware that "Oil-Free" does not mean "Non-Comedogenic." For oily skin, use a good powder foundation that provides coverage. Talc in cosmetics helps to absorb surface oils.
Overstimulation Avoid topical cosmetics, cleansers, or sunscreens that over-stimulate the oil glands. Remember that the proper balance of oil and hydration is the key to beautiful skin.

What treatment is available for acne?

Dr. Revis will place you on a home skin care regimen that will help remove surface oils, reduce bacterial contamination of pores, and reduce pore size. This system also maintains a healthy hydration of the skin, and may even remove fine lines and discolorations. The most important factor is that this is a gradual process that takes weeks if not months to achieve the results you desire. With the proper guidance, awareness and maintenance of your skin are within your ability to control.

Dr. Revis will also evaluate your present makeup techniques and make recommendations regarding proper product selection and application. In some individuals, the products selected to help conceal outbreaks are actually contributing to the severity and frequency of breakouts.

What can I do for acne scarring?

Acne scarring may result from picking at acne, which traumatizes and tears the skin, leaving injured tissue that heals with a scar. The best treatment is prevention, by controlling acne before it becomes a problem.

There are several treatments available to address the resulting scarring or discolorations from acne. These include hydroquinones, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, surgical excision, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion.

If you are concerned with acne or scarring from previous acne breakouts, visit Dr. Revis’ office for a complimentary consultation so that he may examine you and make recommendations to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

Please call (954) 630-2009 for further information or email Dr. Revis.

Email: DrRevis@SouthFloridaPlasticSurgery.com