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What Causes Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that manifests as various types of bumps including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. It is estimated that at some point in our lives, acne affects 80% of the population. When the pores of the skin become clogged with too much oil, dead skin cells, and/or bacteria, the results acne.
Factors including heredity, stress, hormonal chanes, medications, birth control pills, heat, sun, humidity, friction against the skin, cosmetics/moisturizers, and some industrial chemicals can all trigger an outbreak.
There are several types of acne lesions. The basic lesion is a comedone which is a sebaceous gland blocked by oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. A closed comedone is a small skin-colored bump under the skin; an open comedone has a surface opening filled with black debris. When inflammation is situated deeper in the pore, a nodule (a firm red painful bump, deep under the skin) is produced. This nodule may grow and become a cyst which is a deep cavity filled with pus and cellular debris.
Skinovative Acne Treatments
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by expelling clogged pores, reducing inflammation, and killing the bacteria that cause acne eruptions. Typically a series of treatments are often necessary along with a home care regimen. This procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes and although some clients' faces may seem a bit pink afterwards, there is no "downtime" and makeup can be applied immediately after the treatment.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments work by delivering a laser light that kills the bacteria responsible for the acne. Laser therapy effectively clears 70%-90% of moderate, inflammatory acne in four to six weeks. Results are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments, such as topical creams and oral antibiotics. Laser treatments usually help control acne breakouts for four to eight months; after that, occasional touch ups may be necessary.
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