Understanding Acne for Teens and Adults
What is Acne?
Acne affects up to 50 million people annually in the United States, making it one of the most prevalent skin conditions worldwide. Research shows that acne doesn’t just impact teens—up to 55% of adults aged 20 to 40 struggle with low-grade acne and oily skin.
Acne appears in several forms, such as:
Blackheads
These are clogged pores filled with oil (sebum) and cellular debris. Blackheads are open to the air, which darkens them.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are clogged pores filled with oil (sebum) and cellular debris that remain below the surface of the skin.
Papules
Small, red, inflamed bumps often called "pinheads."
Pustules
Larger bumps filled with pus, commonly referred to as pimples.
Nodules
Deeper, more painful lumps under the skin.
Cysts
Large, pus-filled bumps resembling boils that can be painful and lead to scarring.
No matter the type, acne can be both physically and emotionally challenging. But with the right approach, you can target both the underlying causes and the visible signs of acne.
What Causes Acne
Acne arises from four main factors:
- Excess Sebum (Oil) Production: Overactive oil glands can clog pores.
- Clogged Pores: A buildup of oil and dead skin cells traps bacteria inside pores.
- Bacteria: The bacteria Cutibacterium acnes contributes to inflammation.
- Inflammation: Swelling and redness occur as your immune system reacts to clogged pores.
Additional triggers include:
- Hormonal Changes: Associated with puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Stress: Hormones released during stress can worsen breakouts.
- Diet: Some foods may trigger acne in certain individuals.
- Tight Clothing or Headgear: Traps sweat and oil, contributing to breakouts.
- Heavy Products: Creams, lotions, and makeup that clog pores.
- Picking: Touching or popping acne can worsen inflammation and increase scarring.
Acne Treatments at Refresh MedSpa
Say goodbye to acne frustration with our advanced treatment options. At Refresh MedSpa, we offer Venus Concept’s Venus Versa™ IPL Acne Treatments, an innovative solution designed to address both active acne and its lingering effects.
Dual Light Technology:
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses blue and red light to:
- Destroy acne-causing bacteria.
- Reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Prevent future breakouts.
Smoother Skin: The IPL photofacial for acne delivers noticeable improvements, leaving you with healthier-looking, glowing skin.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels can be an effective treatment for managing acne in both teens and adults, offering a multifaceted approach to clearer, healthier skin. By exfoliating the skin’s surface, chemical peels remove dead skin cells that clog pores, reduce inflammation, and target acne-causing bacteria. This promotes the growth of new, healthier skin cells while improving the appearance of acne scars.
Skin Care Products:
Medical-grade acne skincare products offer powerful, science-backed solutions for both teen and adult acne, addressing concerns such as clogged pores, inflammation, and excess oil production. These products are formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients, delivering targeted results that over-the-counter options often can’t achieve.