Acne

Acne can be very distressing at any age. It can be very embarrassing and even affect your confidence. Hormones play a major role in the development of acne. Therefore, acne is a common problem for teenagers. However acne can affect people of all ages. Pregnancy, hormonal medications and the menstrual cycle can also cause acne in adult females. Acne is caused by the overproduction of oil, irregular shedding of dead skin cells and the buildup of bacteria. Acne typically appears on the face, chest, and back. Keeping your skin clean and exfoliated, and eating a healthy diet can be effective in helping to reduce acne (see holistic approach below). However, more aggressive treatments may be needed.

TREATMENTS

The following treatments are listed in order of effectiveness or those giving the most immediate results. Stubborn acne may require more than one type of treatment. For more detailed information about each treatment use hyper-links to access company or system web sites.

• PDT Photodynamic Therapy is a blue light treatment that is primarily used to treat precancerous Acktinic Karatosis but is also very effective in treating acne. The Dusa Photodynamic Therapy system uses the BLU-U in combination with Levulon (a topical solution that is absorbed by AK cells making them sensitive to the light). The BLU-U light then causes a reaction that destroys the cells.
• PEELS Dr. Scheel has selected glycolic acid peels that exfoliate surface skin cells eliminating or reducing the appearance of acne blemishes. A six- session package is recommended.
• IPL Palomar’s Intense Pulsed Light for acne uses pulses of filtered light directed into the skin targeting bacteria and inhibiting future breakouts

Provided courtesy of Aditya Gupta, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Provided courtesy of Khalil Khatri, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Photos are examples of results which may be achieved from treatment with certain technology. No results are guaranteed or implied--Individual results may vary.



• BLU-U Blue light therapy kills acne causing bacteria in the skin. Dusa’s BLU-U is an effective treatment that takes about 15 minutes one to two times a week for four to five weeks.
• MICRO DERMABRASION DERMASWEEP is a skin revitalizing treatment that helps repair skin that is damaged from the sun, scars, acne and unwanted effects of aging. DermaSweep is a gentle abrasion and a vacuum system that removes or peels away the dead outer layer of skin in order to stimulate and reveal new healthy skin. The skin is left smoother while the suction action stimulates blood flow and cleanses pores. The increased blood flow to the skin’s surface encourages collagen formation thus firming and toning the epidermis as well. DermaSweep also offers epi-infusion treatments which are topical solutions formulated to treat acne. This solution uses salicylic acid for clogged pores.
• NURSE CLINIC These visits with Dr. Scheel’s nurse, Debra Crumby, are customized for each patient they may include a variety of treatments based on each patient’s needs.
• DERMABLEND COVER CRÈME, while not necessarily a treatment, is a high performance coverage cosmetic. This product delivers a flawless complexion and 12 hours of consistent color wear. DermaBelnd improves texture; skin looks fresh, feels soft and velvety smooth. The cover crème provides all day hydration, suitable for sensitive skin. This product also protects your skin with a SPF 30 sunscreen.

To reduce acne breakout, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash your face gently, twice daily. Avoid harsh cleansers or scrubs. Desert Essence with Tea Tree (Kona Naturals), Neutrogena acne wash with salicylic acid (drugstore) or Skin Ceuticals Clarifying Cleanser (Lokahi) are good cleansers for oily skin. Simplicite Plant Cleanser (Lokahi) or Cetephil bar or liquid (drugstore) are good cleansers for sensitive or dry skin.
2. Use only oil-free or noncomedogenic products on your acne prone skin. Read the labels on all your moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations and makeup to be certain.
3. Your diet affects your acne. Limit your intake of sugary foods like desserts, candy, sodas and sugary drinks. Also avoid "bad" or saturated and hydrogenated fats in fried foods, fast foods, fatty cuts of meat and processed foods like chips and cookies (unless they are from Kona Naturals). Good fats in fish (esp. salmon and sardines), olive oil, nuts and avocadoes are healthy. Lots of vegetables and fruits in your diet make a big difference. Take a daily multivitamin and an additional 50mg of zinc for your acne. If you don't eat cold-water fish 2-3/wk, then taking 1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) daily with food can help as well. Eskimo 3 (Lokahi) and Nordic Naturals brands (Kona Naturals) do not have a fishy aftertaste or any residues of chemicals.
4. Decease stress level. Find ways to relax. Going for a walk, yoga, meditation, reading a book and regular exercise can help. Consider Jon Kabat Zinn, "Wherever you go, there you are" for learning about mediation.
5. Make sure to drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep your system hydrated and to flush out your pores. Sugary drinks, beverages with caffeine or alcohol do not count in your 8 glasses a day. Regular exercise and going to the sauna are helpful ways for cleansing the pores.
6. Consider a facial or a series of fruit acid peels. Facialist, Alison Welch, comes to our office once a month to do facials. Otherwise, consider using a mild exfoliating cleanser 3 times a week. Examples include: Simplicite (Lokahi) or DermaE Microdermbrasion Scrub (Kona Naturals). Weekly or biweekly masks help as well. Examples include Simplicite Plant mask (Lokahi) for sensitive skin or a Skin Ceuticals Clarifying mask (Lokahi) for oily skin. Both of these masks soak up congestion in the pores.
7. Our goal is to keep your skin clear with changes in your diet and lifestyle. This may take some time. We may use some prescription topical or oral medication for a short time if you desire to speed up the process. Use any medications prescribed regularly. Medications usually take 4-6 weeks to take effect. If we prescribe an antibiotic, we recommend taking 2 probiotic capsules each morning on an empty stomach to replenish the good bacteria in the intestines and to keep your immune system healthy.