Acne is like an evil gift that keeps on giving: not only does it infect our skin and take a long treatment to disappear, but it even leaves scars if not treated properly. How unfair, right? We are all a victim of this skin condition, but mostly teenagers undergoing hormonal changes.
Well today, we are sure of two things:
1- Yes, Dr. Costi has a definitive treatment for acne and acne scars.
2- No, it’s not a photo editing app for your smartphone.
What is acne?
Acne is an accumulation of sebum (oily substance) and dead cells inside a hair follicle (whether there’s hair or not) which then forms a whitehead or blackhead. This buildup causes an inflammation of the dermis, the layer under the epidermis, resulting in a pimple.
Now this inflammation makes the pimple fill with fluid, then causes the follicle to rupture resulting in damage to the skin: therefore acne scars. And you can thank your parents for that! Our skin’s response to inflammation is mostly hereditary. This is most common on the face, back, shoulders and chest- most usually during teenage years.
These scars come in different shapes and shades, but can all be treated with a combination of methods that Dr. Costi will prescribe depending on your case.
What is the solution for acne?
A combination of three drugs has been proven to get rid of acne, depending on the severity of the case.
Benzoil Peroxide: this agent targets surface bacteria, which often aggravate acne.
Retinoids: treat blackheads and whiteheads, the first lesions of acne.
Antibiotics: either topically applied to the skin or taken orally antibiotics control surface bacteria and reduce inflammation in the skin. In general they will shrink the size of oil glands, the anatomic origin of acne. Without active oil glands, acne actively diminishes.
The most common side effect of all the above is that the skin becomes very dry.
What are the mostly used treatments for acne scars?
Laser: a resurfacing laser or a fractional laser will be powerful, and will burn the scars away, deeply into the skin. Depending on the scars, Dr. Costi will determine how many sessions you need as well as recovery time.
Microdermabrasion: this procedure done with a metal wheel that removes the top layers of skin on top of the scars, will help your skin regenerate. This helps reduce the deeper scars and reveals a fresh looking skin complexion.
Dermal fillers: these will fill the hollow area caused by a scar, by injecting a filling substance (hyaluronic acid) into the epidermis. This plumps up the area where the scar had caused a hole in the skin.
Chemical peels: to help exfoliate the top layers of the skin, chemical peels are an effective skin resurfacing technique. By removing the outer superficial layers of skin, this helps regenerate new cells and a scar free complexion. The intensity of the peel will be determined by Dr. Costi.
Microneedling: this minimally invasive procedure has become a favorite for many skin conditions, as it is safe and produces amazing results. Microneedling with a dermal roller will vary in intensity depending on the depth and shape of the acne scars. The roller (equipped with tiny needles) will move over the scars puncturing the skin. This will result in healing by production of collagen, and a fresh layer of plump skin.
A general recommendation?
Whatever your skin condition or the treatment you’re undergoing, you always have to supplement it with a healthy skin care regimen. Choose the right products for your face and your body: use natural, oil free cleansers, light makeup that doesn’t clog your pores, and treat your face gently to avoid further rupturing your skin.
In the end remember, it will often take a combination of many procedures to get you an optimal result. Be patient with yourself and trust the process.
And if ever in doubt, just ask our favorite dermatologist.
Don’t wait to become the best version of yourself! You deserve the best, so treat yourself like the best and come see Dr. Costi.
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