Acne And Acne Scars Specialist

What causes acne?

Though it’s unknown why the condition affects people differently or not at all, when it’s present, acne has four main contributing factors. These are:

• Oily skin, or increases in oil production
• Accumulated dead skin cells
• Blocked pores
• Bacteria present in the blocked pores

Oils and dead skin combine to plug hair follicles, creating a haven for bacteria, resulting in inflammation, which creates the symptoms of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and red spots. The severity of the condition may be aggravated or triggered by hormones, stress, and certain medications.

What does Dr. Khalil recommend for managing active acne outbreaks?

Dr. Khalil stresses that the treatment of acne varies by patient. Some products may be more effective for you, while others work better for others. From the many options available, Dr. Khalil will suggest a course of treatment that matches your skin’s condition. These options include:

• Cleansers that dry the skin to discourage conditions for bacteria growth
• Retinoid topical medications to loosen plugs in clogged pores
• Antibiotics, both topical and oral, to combat bacteria
• Birth control pills that regulate hormone levels, reducing outbreak intensity
• Isotretinoin, an oral medication used only for extreme cases, due to severe side effects

Excessive washing and vigorous scrubbing of areas affected by acne can aggravate the condition and damage your skin. Be sure to follow the recommended cleansing plan, as instructed.

How does Dr. Khalil incorporate laser treatments for acne?

Irwin Laser Center uses the Candela® Smoothbeam™ diode laser system. The Smoothbeam is a multi-effect, non-ablative laser, meaning that it does not remove skin tissue as part of its treatment. This makes for gentle procedures with little to no recovery time for you after an appointment.

Laser treatment of this type targets deep skin tissue, where the light energy is absorbed and converted to heat. As collagen in the skin warms, it reaches a point where the body perceives that damage has occurred and starts manufacturing new tissue. This process of regenerating collagen adds new support to the skin underneath acne scarring, reducing the depth of pits and scars.

The Smoothbeam system also alters the way the skin’s oil glands work, reducing the output of sebum, so it may also be a treatment option for active acne. Another laser system, the VBeam Perfecta® , also eliminates skin redness and controls inflammation involved with acne.