Acne is a growing epidemic, affecting 54 million adults in the US alone - and it's not just a "teen problem"! The reality is that the average age of individuals with acne is over 26 years old and disproportionately affects adult women. In fact, 50% of all females between the age of 20-29, 1 in 3 between 30-39 and 1 in 4 between 40-49 is affected by acne. As you can see, you are not alone.
Did you know??
No matter how your acne appears, all acne follows the same initial process.
Your stratum corneum, the surface of the skin you see in the mirror, sheds 500,000,000
microscopic dead skin cells a day - including cells lining your follicles.
In a normal process, oil in the follicles pushes these cells to the surface, where they're then
shed off.
In people with acne, these dead cells sometimes stick together becoming microscopic
clumps (or microcomedones) that can block the outflow of oil.
Once blocks, typically harmless c. acnes (previously known as p.acnes) bacteria in the
environment are able to flourish in the oil rish and air-free follicle, creating inflammation,
which leads to more shedding of cells and more blockage - ultimately leading to a visible
acne lesion.
The Key to Addressing Acne
While acne may manifest itself as inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions with no "cure," the good news is that you can treat it successfully! The trick is to interrupt the acne process in the follicle before you even see or feel the acne lesion.
Key Ingredients to Address Acne
Skin Resurfacing Acids
Skin resurfacing acids like glycolic acid, salicyclic acid and azelaic acid, help dissolve the
glue-like substance holding the comedone together.
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size allowing it to get into tiny spaces.
Salicyclic acid is lipid (or oil) soluble, allowing it to clear deep into the folicle.
Azelaic acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties to kill c.acnes bacteria
while reducing inflammation
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing c. acnes bacteria. In fact, daily application of benzoyl
peroxide is shown to reduce c. acnes bacteria in the follicle by 98% in just 2 weeks! Killing
c. acnes bacteria every day and making it "bacteria static" is a must to prevent colony
growth.
Retinoids
Retinoids like all-trans-retinol help reduce acne by normalizing the shedding of cells that
lead to the creation of the comedone and by blocking several inflammatory pathways,
meaning less inflammation and comedone build up.
In addition, retinoids and acids also have secondary benefits. Both are shown to enhance
collagen production in the dermis to help decrease scarring, fine lines, and wrinkles, while
also reducing redness and discoloration caused by acne - meaning smoother, clearer, more
uniform skin.
A wide range of treatment options are available to help achieve best results! Come and see us!
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