Acne FAQ

Why do I get acne?

There isn't an easy answer to this question. There are a number of different factors that lead to the formation of acne lesions. But even with those factors, the question still remains. Why am I suceptible to these factors? Heredity? Environment? There is no simple answer. There is one thing for sure, if you do have acne, the only way to get it under control is to treat the root cause of the acne.

What are the main causes of acne?

There are several factors responsible for causing acne. Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands can be caused by hormonal changes. Excess oil combines with dead skin cells (scale) to form a blocked pore and then acne bacteria take over.

What are the best prescriptions for acne?
The best prescription medication for you depends on your own personal health situation. Choosing the correct acne prescription medication is best left to your local acne physician.

Do lasers work for acne?

Lasers can work to treat acne, but they are not created equal. Different lasers and light devices have different effects on the root causes of acne. So, when determining which lasers to consider, it is important to first find out how each laser works to control or eliminate acne. Does it kill acne bacteria like prescription medications? Does it shrink Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands? Ideally it should do both.

Is there a cure for acne?  

Unfortunately, there is no cure for acne, although it is a condition that can be managed. The best way to treat acne is to prevent blemishes from happening, which means finding out which acne treatment option works best for you and sticking with it, whetehr your skin is clear or not.

Can I get acne on other parts of my body?

Acne occurs most commonly on the face, neck, back and chest. It occurs most frequently in these locations because of the high number of sebaceous (oil) glands present. Even though the density of sebaceous glands is lower in other areas of the body, acne can stil occur outside of the most common areas.

Does acne cause scarring?

Acne can cause scarring. Acne can cause pigmented scars or scarring that affects the texture of the skin. Both are treatable, but the best way to prevent acne scarring is to get your acne under control and do not pick it.

Does what I eat cause acne?

This is a very common myth regarding acne and the answer is no. What you eat can have an affect on your immune system and general skin health, but eating a particular food will not directly cause acne.

Will the acne disappear when I get older?

For most of us, acne does decrease with age, but for a small percentage of the population adult acne is a serious problem. In addition, many women struggle with outbreaks on a monthly basis due to menstruation.

How well do over-the-counter products work?

The effectiveness of any acne treatment depends on the individual. What works for some of us might not work for others. Because over the counter products are a simple way to start treatment they are often the first choice. But the effectiveness of any one over the counter acne product depends on the severity of your acne and how well you respond to the treatment.