Active Acne

Acne occurs when the oil glands respond abnormally to levels of the male hormone testosterone. Excess oil is produced which combines with dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin.

A sticky mixture is formed which blocks the skin pores, trapping oil and bacteria inside. As the oil glands continue to produce excess oil the follicle begins to swell producing blackheads, pimples, spots, and whiteheads.

Who Does It Effect The Most?

It is common during adolescence but can strike anyone at any age. Acne is more common among teenagers because it is only with the onset of puberty that the body begins to produce hormones.

What Are The Stages Of Acne?

Vancouver Medi Spa treats Grades 1 to 3 effectively and safely with results. Our faces and bodies are covered with tiny hairs that fit into a hair follicle, or ‘pore’. Deep within these pores are glands that produce a natural oil called ‘sebum’. Sebum’s function is to keep the skin lubricated and prevent it from drying out.

What Are The Typical Treatments?
Typical treatments for acne include a variety of over-the-counter and prescription lotions and solutions that include antibiotics, retinoids and vitamin A derivatives. Some patients benefit from the use of peels that use glycolic or salicylic acids but these can cause dryness of the skin and irritation.
Additionally, oral treatments include drugs that inhibit the production of acne-causing hormones while in women the use of the oral contraceptive pill has been shown to help lessen acne.

What Are Acne Symptoms?
Acne symptoms can range from an occasional zit to painful cysts. If left untreated, it can often result in permanent scarring. Acne scarring is difficult and sometimes impossible to erase. Much, however, can be done to control acne and prevent acne scarring.