Acne Treatment / Scarring

ACNE is a very common problem. Up to 85% of Australians will suffer from acne in their lifetime and of these 5% will have a severe case of acne. Acne is a medical term and it describes anything from occasional pimples to blackheads, whiteheads and even large cystic and painful swellings. It most commonly occurs on the face but it can also affect the neck, chest shoulders and back as well.

Causes of Acne

Acne mainly occurs in adolescence when our hormonal levels change but it can also occur anytime from birth right through to middle age. Regardless of how many spots are present, Acne is a very distressing condition with a high incidence of psychological effects.

Acne is caused by a blockage to the opening of the sebaceous glands (oil glands) in the skin. There are many factors which may contribute to the development of acne and may aggravate existing acne. These include: build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, hormones, bacteria, skin care, makeup, environment, genetic predisposition, various prescription medications. the list goes on. Simply put, there is not just one factor involved in the development of acne in most cases.

Every case of acne is different, therefore your treatment program may appear different to someone else that you know who suffers from acne. It is important that you have a full assessment of your condition by one of the Cozmedics Doctors so that the most appropriate treatment program can be recommended for you.

Treatment of Acne

There are many aspects in the treatment of acne that need to be addressed.

• Skin Care - This is probably the most important factor in the treatment of acne. A good skin care program would include a cleanser to remove sebaceous material, makeup and dirt from the surface of the skin and a compatible exfoliant to accelerate removal of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that may clog sebaceous glands. A paramedical home care program is available once the type of acne has been diagnosed.
• Prescription Medications - There are various prescription medications which can be used to treat acne. These range from topical creams, gels or lotions through to oral medications. What is recommended by the Doctor usually depends on the type of acne.
• Dual Yellow - Copper Bromide Laser - Recent medical studies shows that various components of light may help in treatment of acne. Yellow light emitted by the Dual Yellow laser has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties and is combined with safe clinic peels to achieve maximal results.
• Enzyme Therapy - These are advanced clinic treatments customised for the individual. The treatments include extractions when appropriate to remove blackheads and oil blockages, which if left can keep inhibiting skin function. The Enzyme's are also designed to remove excessive cell build up and will assist to rebuild healthy tissue. This in effect will assist good collagen production to reduce scarring.

Acne Scarring

There are many options now available for treatment of acne scarring.

In summary, acne is a common condition that can be treated. The treatment program that is recommended depends on the type of acne and other potentially influencing factors. It is important to have a full assessment by Cozmedics Medical Staff to discuss your skin and any other queries and concerns you may have about treatment options available to you. Most importantly, acne needs to be treated as soon as possible.