Acne

Acne (also called acne vulgaris) is the most common skin condition in Canada.  It can occur at any age, however most people who have acne are adolescents and young adults.

Although the exact cause of acne is unknown, there are four aspects that play a role—excess oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.  Increased sebum production during adolescence, along with immature hair follicles can cause acne formation.  The clogging of the pores by the thick sebum causes the acne lesions.  The depth of the inflammation caused by the normal skin bacteria P. acnes in the blocked pores determines the type of acne lesion that may form—whiteheads and blackheads, pimple, pustule, or nodules and cysts.

Excessive washing and scrubbing may irritate the skin and make acne worse.  Gentle washing 1-2 times per day with a mild cleanser helps remove excess sebum.  Keep oily hair clean and away from facial skin is also a help.

For some people, certain foods may seem to worsen their acne.  If this is the case, avoidance is recommended.  Greasy foods do not make skin oilier or increase acne unless the grease is left in contact with the skin.  Stress, hormones, genetics, and menstruation.

Cosmetics can be used by people with acne or acne-prone skin.  Oil-free products are best and should be labeled as non-comedogenic (should not cause white-/black-heads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause pimples).  Cosmetics should be removed nightly with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water.

Acne treatment takes time and the treatment can worsen the look of acne before it improves it.  Appropriate treatment for acne prevents new breakouts but does not target existing blemishes.  New blemishes keep occurring and thus acne treatments must be ongoing.  Picking, popping and squeezing acne lesions tend to make acne worse and can cause scarring.

There are many effective treatments for acne that can be offered by dermatologists and often a combination of treatments will be suggested based on the individual need of each patient.  Treatment plans can include topical and systemic medications and can also include laser or light-based technologies.

The treatment of some post-acne scarring and redness can be achieved with laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical peels, surgery and skin fillers.  This treatment can be quite complex.