Acne and Acne Scarring

What is acne?

 

Acne (pimples) comes in various forms

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These include:

1. Non- inflammatory (includes comedones/blocked pores/blackheads/whiteheads)

2. Inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts)

 

The sebaceous glands in the skin release sebum, an oily substance which acts to keep the skin healthy. In some people, these glands are more prone to getting blocked. When the opening to sebaceous gland is blocked, the sebum has nowhere to go and accumulates. With the assistance of a skin bacteria called p. acnes, this blockage turns into a pimple. This pimple may be superficial, and appear as a red raised lump, or it could exist deeper in the skin. The deeper pimples, nodules and cysts, are particularly destructive and should be addressed early to avoid unecessary scarring. ​Research has shown that scars that are treated early have a higher improvement rate than those that are not.

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What is it caused by?

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• Genetics.

  • Some people have oilier-looking skin and secrete increased sebum, whilst others donot seem to be able to shed their skin as fast as they make it, thus blocking the pores that hold the sebaceous glands.

• Hormones are a also factor, as they influence the rate at which you produce oil within your sebaceous glands.

  • Females experience hormonal fluctuations related to their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the post-partum state, perimenopause, and menopause. As a result, many women are challenged by acne and acne scarring well into adulthood.

  • Males also experience hormonal fluctuations. Puberty causes a surge in androgens, the male sex hormone. These hormones, along with adolescent stress, cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and release more sebum. This can result in eruptions of pimples on the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders. This type of acne eruption pattern can also be seen in men who take supplements and steroids to assist them at the gym.

 

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What can I do to help myself?

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• Manage your Diet 

  • Scientific Evidence has shown that foods high glycemic index foods and dairy products contribute to acne. Alternatively, plant base foods with high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavones may have positive effects on skin.

• Minimise Stress

• Use non comedogenic Cosmetics, and regularly sterilise your brushes and sponges.

• Avoid environmental pollution

• Avoid continually touching and rubbing the skin

• Clip nails and wash your hands

• Avoid picking and squeezing pimples

• Keep hair off the face

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Medical Skin and Laser Australia Treatment options include:​
 

Traditional treatment of acne has generally involved reducing the oil in the skin, clearing out the pores and controlling any inflammation.

While this may address the physical aspect of acne, Medical Skin and Laser Australia believes that treating acne should encompass treating the whole person. Our holistic approach involves looking at the hormones, modifying your diet, reducing levels of inflammation inside your body and offering psychological positivity and encouragement where required.

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• The appropriate skin care and advice

• Medical Microdermabrasion

• Medical grade Chemical peels

• biostimulants/ bioremodelling injections (Brand new in AUS!)

• Photodynamic Therapy

• TCA cross (for deep ice-pick acne scars)

• Radiofrequency microneedling

• Ablative and non ablative skin resurfacing

• Laser genesis

• Medications

• Hormone regulation

• Dietary advice- seeing a nutritionist if necessary

• Psychological referral if required.

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