Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder in which several factors are involved. It affects the pilosebaceous unit and the clinical picture produced is very variable, ranging from small non-inflammatory lesions to extensive cystic acne. Although it is a pathology that can affect all ages, it is more common during adolescence.
There are four determining factors in the appearance and maintenance of acne: hyperkeratosis, increased sebum production, colonization and proliferation by the bacterium propionibacterium acnes and its inflammatory response.
Acne lesions are variable, and can appear as small raised red lesions accompanied by blackheads, to deeper lesions in the form of cysts and nodules.
Treatment is more or less long depending on the degree of involvement. It can be done only topically or may require the application of oral antibiotics and even other more specific drugs.
Basic and general measures against acne
Maintain good skin hygiene with appropriate products that do not injure the epidermis. Nowadays there are a large number of cosmetics for daily cleansing specific for all skin types.
It is also important to avoid products that increase the skin’s oil layer, which can obstruct the pilosebaceous glands. At the same time, the skin should be adequately moisturized with cosmetics suitable for each person and age.
In addition, sun protection with anti-acne products should always be used.
Although there has been much discussion about the influence of diet on the appearance of acne, it is believed that a healthy diet with a low sugar intake improves the quality of the skin and reduces lesions. Stress and lack of rest also contribute to the formation of skin lesions.
Acne treatment, in three phases
In our practice we perform a three-phase treatment as follows:
- Prepeeling: this is a conditioning phase in which the patient is administered products that will adapt the stratum corneum and prevent irritations from appearing later on.
In the morning, a cream or gel with a low concentration of glycolic or salicylic acid is applied, depending on the type of lesions that predominate, and retinoic acid at night. - Peeling: a few days later, the peeling is performed, which can be retinoic, salicylic or glycolic acid, at higher concentrations and applied in the office.
- Post-peeling: finally, in this phase the patient will continue with the anti-acne creams, sun protection and the products used in the pre-peeling phase, although at lower concentrations.
If necessary, topical treatment will be administered together with antibiotics or even cycles of oral antibiotics, together with contraceptives depending on the type of existing acne.
In more severe cases, treatment with isotrerinoin may be necessary.
As supplementary contributions, in acne it is interesting the contribution of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins such as A, B or E or Zinc.
In cases of hyperpigmented lesions and deep lesions such as nodules and cysts, it may be necessary to use pulsed light and laser treatment.
For more information about acne and its treatment, consult a specialist in Aesthetic Medicine.