Debunking Myths About Acne

By Brian Keegan, M.D., Ph.D.

Acne is the most common skincare problem seen by doctors—nearly everyone will deal with acne in their lifetime. Because of acne’s unsightly appearance, patients will turn to a number of seemingly fast and easy solutions. But let’s take a closer look at the real causes of acne and the right way to treat it.

Myth #1: “Acne is caused by eating chocolate.”

Truth: Acne is caused by sticky cells that don't exfoliate properly. This leads to clogged pores which are seen as comedones (skin colored bumps) and blackheads. When these pores are colonized with the bacteria P. acnes painful white heads and cysts will develop, which can lead to scarring. There are a few studies that suggest eating chocolate can enhance this process, however no solid evidence has led the medical community to make a decisive conclusion. It does, however, make logical sense that a healthy diet will contribute to healthy skin.

Myth #2: “Only teenagers get acne.” 

Truth: Hormones tend to accentuate the process by which acne appears, making its occurrence worse during teenage years. But, it is not exclusive to patients under 20. Many adults continue to experience acne, particularly women.

Myth #3: “All you need is a good over-the-counter treatment to cure acne.” 

Truth: We are all looking for quick, easy and effective treatments so we turn to over-the-counter products. These contain two active ingredients, salicylic acid to unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria. But everyone’s skin is different. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation with a Windsor Dermatology physician to determine the treatment plan that’s right for your skin. 

Myth #4: “Acne medications are too harsh and have too many adverse side effects.”  

Truth: Historically, acne medications were very harsh to the skin or caused significant stomach irritation, however, significant improvements have been made with more recent medications. If your skin is irritated at first, you should see improvements after the first couple of weeks. Typical side effects associated with short-term and long-term use of medications are redness, scaling, dryness, stinging and burning where applied. A non-comedogenic moisturizer can help if your skin becomes dry. Unless major discomfort occurs, it’s best to keep using your medications to make sure you’re on the right path. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you have major discomfort or if you have any questions or issues. 

Our physicians have experience with the most up to date medications including:

Over-the-counter washes: Salicylic acid 2%  (Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash), benzoyl peroxide (Clean and Clear Continuous Control, Proactiv)

·        Over-the-counter moisturizers: Cetaphil, CeraVe

·        Topical antibiotics: Aczone, Duac, Acanya, Plexion, Rosula

·        Topical retinoids: Ziana, Differin, Epiduo, Veltin, Tretin X, Tazorac, Atralin, Retin-A Micro

·        Oral Antibiotic: Solodyn, Doryx, Minocin, Oracea

·        Oral Retinoids: Accutane, isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis)

·        Oral Contraceptives: Orthotricyclin, Estrostep, Yaz

Myth #5: “If I just wash my face a lot and use a lot of medication, it will speed up the healing process.”

Truth: Use a mild, soap-free, fragrance-free cleanser and wash gently, morning and night. There’s no need to wash more than twice a day, and you don’t want to scrub hard. Also avoid alcohol-based cleansers, which can actually cause irritation and aggravate acne.

Using more won’t speed things up (sorry!), and it’s not a good idea to spot-treat. Stick with the right amount and stay consistent. It’s best to use your medications at the same time every day to help you stay in the routine and it’s important to not skip days. You should always follow your doctor’s instructions, but typically pumping a pea-sized amount onto your hand and spreading it evenly across your face works perfectly.

Myth #6: “If I pop the acne pimple, it will go away quicker.”

We know it’s tempting, but when you squeeze or pick at pimples, you can actually push the infection deeper into your skin and make matters worse. It can even cause scarring. Not good! Your best bet is to leave your pimples alone the best you can.

Let us help you figure out the best course of action to treat your acne. Schedule a consultation with a Windsor Dermatology physician today by calling 609-443-4500.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular and effective anti-aging skincare treatments available today. Often called an “instant facelift,” microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, clarity and texture, unclogs pores and decreases pore size and diminishes skin discoloration, age spots and scarring.

At Windsor Dermatology, many of our patients have discovered that microdermabrasion is a non-invasive, safe and pain-free alternative to traditional plastic surgery, helping their skin to achieve a more youthful, smoother and brighter appearance.

How Does Microdermabrasion Work?

Microdermabrasion is usually performed on the face, chest, neck, arms and/or hands. Using a crystal-free, medical-grade diamond tip, our aesthetician uses a hand-held device to guide the tip across your skin to loosen and exfoliate dead skin from the uppermost layer.  A gentle vacuum-like suction then removes the dead and damaged cells from your skin.  Diamond tips are available in different sizes and the aesthetician can apply varying degrees of abrasion, depending on skin type, the condition that is being addressed and the level of resurfacing required. 

Diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safe and effective for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How Often Do I Need Microdermabrasion Treatments?

Microdermabrasion treatments build upon each other, and patients may notice some improvement after only one treatment. However, the aesthetician will be able to advise you on the number of recommended treatments after an initial consultation and assessment. 

Usually three to six sessions are required to achieve optimal results. These will be scheduled at intervals ranging from several days to two weeks, depending upon the initial assessment and expected treatment outcomes.  Many of our patients choose to maintain their results with additional treatments every four to six weeks following their initial treatments. Each treatment lasts approximately 30-60 minutes.

What Can I Expect After Each Treatment?

Many patients schedule their microdermabrasion treatments on their lunch breaks because there is minimal discomfort and no disruption in daily activities associated with this procedure. Your skin may appear to be mildly sunburned following treatment, and you will be more sensitive to the effects of sunlight exposure. Therefore, you should avoid sun exposure for the first 24 hours following each treatment and apply a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 as your skin continues to heal. Makeup can be applied three-four hours following each facial treatment. 

What Are the Overall Benefits of Microdermabrasion?

Your skin will appear younger-looking and firmer. Age spots and acne scars will fade or even disappear. You’ll notice improved skin texture and a smoother appearance. And you’ll receive plenty of compliments about your fresher and more youthful appearance!

Why Windsor Dermatology? 

We understand patients may be overwhelmed with the myriad of skincare alternatives available today. Windsor Dermatology’s licensed and accredited aesthetician is trained to recommend a personal skincare treatment plan, based on a thorough analysis and assessment of your individual needs. Our aesthetician can also suggest a home-based regimen that will complement and maintain your treatment-based, in-office procedures.

Anti-Aging Skincare with Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical alternative that has been shown to be effective in treating or eliminating the following skin conditions:

·        Fine lines and wrinkles

·        Acne scars

·        Sun damage

·        Large/clogged pores

·        Age spots

·        Uneven skin surface

·        Discoloration

·        Stretch marks

Our patients are always assured of receiving the most advanced treatments and personalized care from our highly skilled medical aesthetician. If you are experiencing a skincare-related issue, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation - 609-443-4500.