Reflections on Beauty

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While acne doesn't usually last forever, the unsightly scars that can come as a result of years of pimples can. Luckily, there are many acne scarring treatment options that can help people improve the appearance of their skin.

Recently, The Ottawa Citizen spoke to two dermatologists about the choices people have for effective acne scarring treatment.

Acne and scarring: more common than you may think

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Almost 85 percent of all people experience acne at some point in their lives, and many of these individuals may be in need of acne laser treatment.

To understand what acne scarring treatment is right for them, people first need to determine what type they have. According to Acne.org, there are four major types of scars: ice pick, boxcar, rolling and hypertrophic.

There are many pictures available online that can help people see which type of scars that they have.

How does acne laser treatment work?

The Citizen reports that there are two main types of acne laser treatment: ablative laser and non-ablative laser.

Ablative lasers remove a layer of skin with a laser beam and remove microscopic channels so that the volume of the scar is reduced. While this procedure is effective, is also has some side effects, such as skin whitening, so people have to be sure to choose a doctor they trust.

Non-albative lasers do not remove a layer of skin, but instead target scar tissue until it is damaged. When it heals, the texture of the skin may show improvement.This procedure has far less risk and need of downtime it may be a good idea for people who have moderate acne scars.

"By decreasing the redness of the scar, its appearance is improved," said dermatologist  Demetra Vassiliou, quoted by the news source. "With time, the redness of the scar will go away on its own."

What are other forms of acne scarring treatment?

The Citizen added that Botox injections and other fillers may improve the appearance of scars.

Also, people should avoid popping, squeezing, or picking at acne to keep scars from developing. Individuals who want to improve their skin should talk to a doctor about acne scar treatment options. 

Summer is already over and all around the country, parents are sending their kids back to school. Whether a child is returning to grade school or to college, the transition period can be a bit tricky for everyone in the family. As a result, it might be difficult to remember to take care of their skin, but dermatologist Channing Barnett advises moms, dads and kids alike that healthy skin is the key to feeling great from head to toe.

Looking refreshed requires a combination of sleeping well, eating a nutritious diet and washing one's face with the right products. According to Barnett, parents should set a good example for their children and teach them that good skin begins with proper care at a young age. Although effective treatments exist to address fine lines, wrinkles, redness and other blemishes that occur as a person grows older, maintaining healthy skin early on is a good idea.

Acne is a problem that can often be shared by both adults and teens alike. Many people have successfully undergone laser acne treatment, which can produce significant improvement in a matter of weeks. For kids, fall is the perfect time to begin seriously thinking about this procedure because they will be sitting in classrooms away from sunlight, which can sometimes affect results. Whether it's a mild or severe case of acne, Barnett explained that washing the face with a non-comegodenic product can also help.

"Work on eliminating blackheads and whiteheads by using the right skincare products," she said, adding that parents may want to try certain items for themselves before recommending them to their kids.

As the weather gets cooler and drier, it becomes more important to keep skin hydrated. Moms and dads may want to advise their children to drink plenty of water.

"A few simple things make a big difference in hydrating the skin," Barnett stated, suggesting that families bathe or shower in lukewarm water, rather than hot.

Avoiding the use of harsh soaps and sticking to fragrance-free products can also prevent irritation, particularly for those who have acne or sensitive skin. Using gentle cleansers that are geared toward a specific skin type may help parents and children reduce their risk of experiencing itching or rashes. A mild moisturizer can be a great way to ensure that skin stays soft and smooth during the harsh winter months.

Back-to-school season means notebooks, backpacks and new shoes to many families, but adults who teach their kids to also focus on skincare can help ensure that they will both look and feel good. 

The awkward teen years may be over, but don't be surprised if one annoyance in particular follows you into your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Acne is not just for kids, since the characteristic blackheads and bumps are more common in adults than most people would think. More than 25 percent of visits to the doctor to treat acne in 2008 were made by ladies between the ages of 35 and 60, according to research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

In fact, it is estimated that as many as one out of every two adult women will experience acne at some point in her life.

"I think the reason for the increase in adult acne is in two parts," said skin care expert Francesca Perino, quoted by the West Australian. "[One cause may be] our stressful lifestyle. We produce higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and this can lead to acne and breakouts."

She suggested that another contributor may be a high-fat, sugary diet that consists of too much processed food, although the association between nutrition and acne is still unproven.

The condition is the result of clogged pores, which are filled with dirt, bacteria or dead skin cells. It can arise when hormonal fluctuations stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, which then leads to inflammation.

This is when patients begin noticing signs such as comedones – plugged oil glands that are commonly known as whiteheads – or papules, which appear as small raised bumps that may occur in abundance on the face. Pastules, red spots called macules and pus-filled cysts can also appear.

Regardless of an individual's age, acne can be distressing. Store shelves often groan from the weight of countless creams, gels and solutions that are supposed to cure the condition, but unfortunately, topical therapies take a long time to work or are not effective at all.

This is why many patients turn to laser acne treatments for relief, since the procedure targets the root of the issue. Light energy that penetrates the skin can kill the bacteria responsible for the condition, and is a safe, efficient treatment that is minimally invasive and allows individuals to get back to their daily routines with no downtime.

Whether an individual is 14 or 54, addressing acne in a prompt manner can help clarify skin and boost confidence. 

Just because the teen years are far behind you may not mean that acne is, too. According to Modern Medicine, the condition is most prevalent during adolescence, but can develop at any age. Although the characteristic red pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and lesions are temporary in many cases, they can be frustrating and embarrassing for those who have them.

Over the years, numerous treatments have been developed to address this skin disorder. Topical ointments like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics have helped some, but others seek a more intense course of skin clarification. After all, numerous studies have linked acne to psychological health, as some patients suffer from psychiatric illnesses as a result of having the condition.

"Traditional therapies are useful, but in many cases, they do not result in complete clearance of lesions," wrote dermatologist Joely Kaufman in her article.

She mentioned that oral retinoids have been an effective alternative for some individuals, but that these drugs are associated with side effects.

"Acne is a condition that affects more than 85 percent of adolescents and adults," said expert Coralie Ecublin. "Many of them leave their blackheads and whiteheads untreated, and are then experiencing inflammatory acne breakouts and even acne scarring."

So what is a self-respecting acne sufferer to do? Perhaps it may be time to look into laser acne removal. The application of light has been used to treat the skin condition since the early 1990s, according to the news source.

Physicians apply the laser to target the bacteria that causes acne, called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). The technique also has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the appearance of blemishes and scars resulting from the disorder.

Laser acne treatments use light within the red, blue and green wavelengths to activate the production of porphyrins, compounds that are released by P. acnes. When these chemicals are excited by light, they damage the bacterial wall, killing the pathogen.

The procedure is quick and painless in addition to being effective, and has been used for patients of all ages, from teens to older adults.

Undergoing a laser acne treatment may be a good way to stop the problem at its source and help patients get on their way to clearer, better-looking skin. 

High school may be over, but the chance of getting acne is definitely not. The characteristic pimples and blackheads of the condition can appear well into the 30s, 40s and 50s, and are typically caused by pores clogged with secretions from overactive oil glands.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is becoming more and more common among adults. The average age of acne patients in the U.S. has risen from 20.5 in 1997 to 26.5 in 2007.

"There are two main reasons: changes in our diet and exercise patterns, as well as the increased stress we endure every day," said dermatologist Ava Shamban, quoted by StyleList. "We ingest low-quality nutrients that don't support our skin. Our stress levels go through the roof as we try to juggle too many responsibilities."

While eating right and getting enough rest can certainly help, Shamban added that people for whom the condition is most severe may want to look into laser acne treatment. This minimally invasive option utilizes light to target overactive sebaceous glands, allowing skin to stay clean and clear.  

People who suffer from acne know that it can be an embarrassing, unsightly condition. There are what seems like thousands of treatments out there, from cleansers and creams to topical ointments and dubious homemade remedies.

The characteristic pimples and redness of acne are typically caused by overproduction of oil by the skin's sebaceous glands, a hormone imbalance, excessive dead skin cells that clog up the pores, bacteria buildup or a reaction to food, makeup or medication, according to beauty website Bella Naija.

For those who have tried numerous remedies without success, laser acne treatment might be a good option. The procedure is quick, painless and convenient, and targets overactive sebaceous glands in the skin.

Dermatologist Jonathan Yu said that the procedure is "an alternative acne treatment which does not involve topical nor oral medications," emphasizing its convenience for individuals who lead busy lifestyles.

He added that patients "are very pleased with how quickly, safely and effectively this [technique] treats acne."

Opting for laser acne treatment can save people the trouble and cost of testing out numerous other remedies, not to mention the time that could be spent enjoying clearer, fresher skin. 

Many people believe that acne is only a problem for teenagers, but they're wrong. The skin condition, in which pores get clogged with dirt and form pimples, can strike at any age. Although it can sometimes be genetic, acne may be triggered by hormonal changes, cosmetics or excessive sweating.

Colorado-based dermatologist Laurence Kirwan, who practices in both the UK and the U.S., predicts that the upward trend in people seeking laser acne treatments will continue rising, according to the Cosmetic News Portal.

Laser technology is a safe, effective and minimally invasive strategy to eliminate acne-causing bacteria in the skin. Additionally, the application of light targets overactive sebaceous glands, leading to the long-term reduction of breakouts.

Kirwan recommends "fractional laser treatments to [address] acne scarring, blemishes and fine lines," according to the news source, due to high levels of satisfaction among patients who have opted for the procedure.

Laser acne treatments are among the most sought-after skin rejuvenation techniques in the U.S., according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

No matter their age, many patients have found that getting rid of the uncomfortable and embarrassing skin condition is as simple as looking into laser rejuvenation technology. 

Many people mistakenly believe that Hollywood stars were born with flawless skin, and it's easy to think so when we're constantly bombarded by their airbrushed faces on magazine covers.

The truth is, celebrities are humans like us. They also contend with oily or dry skin and breakouts, which could be devastating to a career in the public eye without cosmetics and beautifying procedures like laser acne treatment.

It may be comforting to know that superstars like Jessica Simpson and Cameron Diaz have struggled with acne, too, and that there is help for such a condition. Check out BecomeGorgeous.com for more pictures and stories behind the famous faces that have dealt with this skin problem. 

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers. In fact, the skin condition – which is caused by bacteria congregating in clogged pores – can arise even during your 40s and 50s. Putting on makeup may be a quick fix in terms of covering up the blemishes, but doing so could cause further harm to the skin, according to American Health and Beauty.

So what's a person to do? Specialists say that the first step is basic cleaning with a light facial soap. This is especially important at the end of each day, since makeup should be removed in order for skin to breathe.

"Products for acne would include gentle cleansers and toners or products that include salicylic acid," said dermatologist Janee Steinberg, quoted by the source.

In order to choose the most effective product, taking a look at your skin type is a good idea, the Messenger reports. There are many items available that are tailored specifically to normal, dry, oily and breakout-prone skin.

However, a squeaky clean face may not always get rid of acne completely. For those with more severe symptoms, doing a little research on safe, minimally invasive procedures such as an acne laser treatment could reveal new ways of achieving clear, beatuiful skin.

A common skin bacterium that has been linked to the development of acne may also cause infections of the heart valves, eyes, chest and joints, according to researchers from Aston University.

Scientists previously believed that the presence of this pathogen, known as P. acnes, arose from contamination of the skin following a surgical procedure. They thought that the bacterium was transferred into the open wound during an operation. However, more recent studies suggest that P. acnes is already contained within the body.

"It is important to recognize that this organism has the ability to grow slowly inside our body cells," said researcher Peter Lambert. "It has long been associated with common acne, where it contributes to the inflammation and pain."

The bacterium, which is typically treated with antibiotics, can result in the symptoms of classic acne on the face, chest and back. This condition, which often appears in adolescence, may not only make an individual self-conscious, but may also be associated with pain and scarring.

Acne laser treatment has been shown to be effective in improving the appearance of affected skin. By reducing the activity of sebaceous glands and killing bacteria, this therapy may be a good option for those who struggle with the condition.