Acne appears to be caused by a combination of factors including hormones, heredity, and the effects of bacteria found on the skin and in the skin pores. This disorder of the follicle evolves from the buildup of dead skin cells and the increased amounts of oil that stick together and clump up in the pores of genetically inclined individuals. The acne bacteria feeds off this mixture which leads to inflamed conditions.

All but the most severe grades of acne are controllable although not curable. For the treatment of acne, Clinic recommendations include a topical home care program to be used consistently on a daily basis and monthly clinical treatments. For many acne sufferers with low grade acne problems, a properly prescribed home care regimen alone can give excellent results.

Acne affects four out of five people at some time in their lives.

Topical Treatment
The primary products used to treat acne are a pharmaceutical grade glycolic acid solution and a topical antibiotic. The appropriate cleanser, moisturizer and nutritional supplements are also essential to successful treatment. This is a basic home care program. Eastbay Acne & Skin Care Clinic distributes several medical pharmaceutical skin care lines, allowing us to customize a homecare program to meet your specific skin needs. We have also assembled two acne home care programs that are available for purchase online. Other products such as Retin-A, Glycolic Acid and Sulfur may be used in the treatment process to boost the program strength, control oily or dry skin, or as deemed necessary. This is one of the reasons why regular professional skin care is important, because self medication often leads to misdiagnosis and/or overuse of skin care products.

Glycolic Acid is a safe and natural alternative to Retin-A. It will not cause the dryness, redness or irritation commonly associated with Retin-A use. Glycolic acid products exfoliate the dead skin cell layer, redefine skin texture and even out the skin tone. Glycolic is a completely natural fruit acid that loosens the glue-like bonds that attach dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. Glycolic Acid also accelerates the absorption and penetration of any solutions applied in conjunction with it. With regard to topical antibiotics, glycolic can thereby increase the effectiveness and deliver them deeper into the skin. This is an extremely important benefit for acne-prone individuals. To avoid irritation, consult with a skin care specialist for the appropriate solution and strength (12%-15%) for your skin type. There is no known allergic reaction to glycolic acid but if used improperly it can cause redness, irritation and a sunburned effect.

The most commonly used topical antibacterial is a pharmaceutical grade of Benzoyl Peroxide. Other topical antibacterial products are available. Various strengths are available.  Acne-causing bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they cannot survive in an oxygenated environment. Topical antibacterial agents saturate the skin with oxygen, and that suppresses bacterial growth.  It is necessary to use both an exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, and an antibacterial medication to achieve optimum results. Only 1% of the population is allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide -  most irritations are due to improper usage of the product.  It is considered to be a skin irritant and it is important to slowly acclimate the skin to Benzoyl Peroxide.

Clinical treatments are integral
to the acne-clearing process. Treatment begins two weeks after the initial consultation and use of the prescribed homecare products. This acclimates and preps the skin for the clinical treatments. Acne treatments commonly combine a professional strength enzyme, 30-40% glycolic acid peel (or other peel solutions as deemed necessary), extractions (deep pore cleansing), and a therapeutic mask and oxygen therapy. The professional products used in clinical treatments will significantly accelerate the clearing process. Typically, treatments are continued on a monthly basis. For clients located out of the area, we encourage you to make every effort to combine the home care regimen with clinical treatments. If it is not possible to visit the clinic, try to locate a skin care professional in your area who offers similar treatments. If you aren't able to find a clinic in your area, you can still see an improvement in your skin if you maintain the home care program.

For adult cystic acne that is severely inflamed and persistent, high-frequency electrical current is very effective in relieving inflammation and bringing the bacteria count under control. Once available only in clinical treatments, high-frequency current is now available for home use. The Verseo is a simplified hand held model for every day use. The oscillating current in the Verseo generates activated oxygen that kills acne-causing bacteria. Clinical test results have clearly illustrated improvement in cell oxygenation, increased circulation, natural exfoliation and stimulation in lymphatic drainage. As noted previously, the oxygen has an antibacterial effect; it purifies and cleans the skin. This results in rapid elimination of blemishes. While high-frequency current accelerates results, it cannot replace topical homecare therapy or clinical treatment.

Oxygen Therapy provides many benefits to all skin types, especially acne-prone skin.  A unique combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are delivered to the skin, calming and reducing redness, inflammation and infection.  Oxygen promotes cell growth,  therefore accelerating the healing properties of the skin.

• Do you feel dry, itchy, sensitive and oily all at the same time?
• Do you have redness in the T-zone area?
• Do you have dilated or broken blood vessels in the T-zone area?
• Does flushing occur with any of the following?
  - Exposure to extreme heat or cold
  - Spicy foods
  - Alcohol

If any of these conditions apply, please ask for additional information on Rosacea.

Treatment is also available for razor bumps.  The use of a pumice scrub and/or glycolic solution prior to shaving will prevent ingrown hairs and the resulting breakout that occurs with shaving. The glycolic solutions assist with dissolving dead skin cells in the follicle,  preventing the hair from curling under and becoming ingrown.  Pumice scrub assists in keeping the hair follicle clear and is anti-bacterial.  Be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth.

What Triggers Acne?
The most common factors associated with acne are Diet, Stress and Hormones.

• Diet - Foods high in iodine, and refined starches and sugars should be eliminated, as well as those causing allergies.
• Stress - Physical, emotional or job related.
• Hormones - levels fluctuate as seasons change, altering the amount of oil produced (reaching their highest in October).  Hormone levels are also affected by pregnancy, diet, stress and medications.
• Lifestyle - inadequate sleep, drug or alcohol use.
• Environment:
  • humidity induces excretions and pollution congestion.
  • the improper selection and use of cosmetic products have an influence on acne conditions.
  • Pressure/Friction - i.e. caps, headbands, anything in direct contact with the skin for any length of time. Picking aggravates skin & induces scarring.
• Medications - many cause skin reactions:
  • Some Birth Control pills make acne worse; others can help.  Consult your physician for proper Birth Control pill type and dosage.
  • bi-polar medications are known to irritate follicles.
  • If you are on medication, consult a Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) for any known effects on the skin.

For all types of acne, caffeine is a stimulant  that will contribute to skin problems, in even small amounts - it decreases nutrient absorption, and has a dehydrating effect on the body.  Water is necessary for removal of toxins and is an essential nutrient.  You should consume a minimum of 8-10 glasses per day, more if you are prone to skin problems.  Smoking complicates skin treatment.  Oxygen delivery to the skin becomes impaired and due to its dehydrating effect on the skin, acclamation to home care products can be difficult.  It also decreases circulation and increases risk of infection, both of which will impede on the treatment routine.

Additional information regarding diet, water, vitamin therapy, potential irritants, non-comedogenic cosmetics and much more is available by contacting Eastbay Acne & Skin Care Clinic.  Many factors including laundry detergents, hair products, diet, stress and lifestyle have a significant impact on the skin.

Overview to Acne Management