The treatment which is possibly most often requested at the dermatologist’s is that for acne. Acne normally begins during teenage years, but can also affect people a lot older. Even those in their 30s or 40s can be affected.
Acne breakouts can frequently cause people to be uncomfortable in social situations. In very bad cases, it can also give rise to depression or low self-esteem.
No-one really knows what exactly causes acne, but there are a number of theories about what causes it. One is that acne is genetically inherited, and that other members of your family having it means that you are more likely to. Others believe it is caused by changes to hormones that then affect sebaceous glands. Pregnacy or certain medicines can affect hormones.
The scientific reasons for acne breakouts are not yet known, but there are some factors that we know can make the acne worse. Picking at the pimples or squeezing them will cause the acne bacteria to be spread across the skin, and can worsen the acne. Excessive sweating is also likely to spread bacteria.
Following a daily skin care routine is a good idea to help to avoid acne. Also, do not use abrasive products on the skin as irritation will result. Gentle cleanser used each day will be better for your skin, and ones which contain salicylic acid are a good choice.
Do not use astringents unless your skin is particularly oily, as this could make your skin really dry and exacerbate the acne. If you have to use a moisturizer because your skin is very dry, use ones which are non acnegenic and which are oil free.
Seeing a dermatologist is recommended, as you may need prescription-strength treatments. The dermatologist will also give advice on whether you need to wear a sunscreen as certain acne treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
It is possible that the dermatologist may recommend a skin peel, and there are now certain skin peels which you can use at home.
These chemical peels remove the outer skin layers to improve the skin’s appearance. They can be effective, but you might have some reddening of the skin for a short time after treatment.
There are many different options open to people suffering from acne, with a wide range of treatments available for different severities of acne. A consultation with a dermatologist or medical doctor is probably the best place to start for most people, to ensure that the best possible treatment is used at the outset. This will give the greatest chance of a successful outcome.
Simon Paisley has several published articles on acne. Visit his site Best Acne Treatment Info to learn about acne prevention and treatment including the use of retinoids to treat acne.