Acne is a chronic skin disorder that presents itself in many different ways and for various reasons. Acne, whether it's teen or adult acne, can have an effect on one's mental and spiritual health. Acne can be controlled and managed through topical solutions, clinical facials, lifestyle and habitual changes. It doesn't have to rule your life!

If you have ever experienced blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, pimples, milia, cysts or nodules, you have had acne. Though once thought of as a “teenager” issue, now has infiltrated adulthood at any age. Hormones, genetics, environmental, diet, skincare and cosmetics, exercising, stress and lifestyle choices are all contributors to acne. 

There are four grades of acne:

Grade 1 – Congested pores, blackheads, oily skin.

Grade 2 – Congested pores, blackheads, papules and inflammation.

Grade 3 – Congested pores, blackheads, papules, inflammation and cysts.

Grade 4 – Congested pores, blackheads, papules, inflammation, cysts and nodules.

How do we take control?

If you see a dermatologist, and after their diagnosis, they may put you on a topical or an oral antibiotic depending on the severity of your acne. They may suggest lasers or even Isotretinoin (Accutane). There are serious health risks with this drug and should be considered a last resort. Other dermatological options for treating acne are birth control (female), Spironolactone (female), or low-dose Prednisone. They may even recommend a form of Retinol. Unfortunately, all these options are very harsh and for some who have sensitive skin, it might not be the best form of action. 

If you see an Aesthetician, she will analyze your skin, lifestyle and dietary habits and will focus on cleaning your skin by doing extractions, different types of peels and softening agents like enzymes, LED light, and putting you on a homecare regimen suited for healing your skin gently over time. Other areas she will discuss are diet, activities, stress levels, genetic inheritances (did your Mom suffer from acne?), environment, location and habits. She will try to help you get to the bottom of why you might be suffering from acne. 

Don’t be fooled. There are other skin conditions that look like acne, but are not. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), rosacea, keratosis pilaris, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), perioral dermatitis, and chloracne. You can read all about these other conditions here.

Sensitive skin is also a factor when dealing with acne. Oftentimes, sensitive skin cannot handle the harsh ingredients or topicals a doctor prescribes. What do you do? There are some excellent over the counter solutions for acne prone skin. 

How do we manage it successfully?

Probiotics can be a wonderful ingredient to introduce to your home care regimen especially for acne prone/sensitive skin. Probiotics (good bacteria) have been shown to act as a natural protective shield against "bad bugs" (acne vulgaris). When the microbiome is not balanced, the immune system can release various antimicrobial peptides and bring harmony back to the skin. 

The bottom line is that you do not have to suffer. There is a solution whether you see a Dermatologist or Aesthetician or both. You have choices to help control your acne. It’s a matter of partnering with the right person who cares deeply and looks at acne not only as a skin disease but also as something affecting your emotional wellbeing.

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