Most people associate acne with the pimply faces of puberty.

Less commonly known is that acne breakouts can occur throughout our lifetimes. For women, the lifecycle of hormonal changes, from the menstrual years, throughout pregnancies, and before, during, and after menopause are trigger times for new flare-ups. For men, facial and body acne arises from heredity, diet, excessive sweating, medications, unclean razors, and more. Unfortunately, these acne episodes can leave behind significant skin damage.

Hormonal changes in our bodies cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce excess sebum that clogs pores.

Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells, and other forms of bacteria also result in the inflammation of four different degrees of acne breakouts:

• Mild acne ~ consisting of blackheads and whiteheads on the face
• Moderate acne ~ with a few facial papules and pustules
• More severe acne ~ with papules, pustules, and inflamed nodules, often on the face, neck, chest, and back
• Severe acne ~ cystic acne with numerous, inflamed, puss-filled, painful pustules reaching deep under the skin across the face and body

Acne at any time of life can produce seemingly lasting damage.

There are two categories of acne scarring. Atrophic scars, caused by tissue loss, create skin indentations, such as round, deep “ice pick” scars or longer, jagged “boxcar” scars.  The second category, Hypertrophic scars, is produced by creating excess tissue as collagen rushes to the area in overdrive to heal the site. These scars appear most commonly on the body as raised, bumpy, bulging scars known as Keloids and can grow quite large.

And then there is Hyperpigmentation, which isn’t technically a scar but remains for quite some time as dark, mottled spots across the acne-injured areas.

These three categories of acne damage are often and unflatteringly referred to as “crater face.”

Acne damage also occurs on the chest, neck, shoulders, and upper back, areas that have the most sebaceous glands. Depending on the severity, all acne damage can cause a range of emotional insecurity, self-consciousness, and stress.

The Good News?

RX Aesthetics can help with a broad array of procedures and tailored home care routines and products for men and women of all ages to repair nearly all signs of acne damage.

Procedures

• Micro-needling ~ Also known as “percutaneous collagen induction” therapy, micro-needling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that uses tiny, micro-channel punctures to create “controlled injury.” This signals the body to stimulate collagen production and send it to the surface to heal the skin. It minimizes acne scarring, plumps, resurfaces the skin, and improves hyperpigmentation.

• Laser Treatments ~ This technology stimulates collagen growth to rejuvenate the skin from within naturally. Our Venus Viva is a non-surgical solution to remove scarring and other forms of acne damage. NanoFractional Radio Frequency technology emulates the benefits of micro-needling by delivering precise currents of energy to the treatment area to increase collagen production to create a smoother, clearer skin surface over time. We also offer Acne IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacials to address the cause and visible symptoms of facial and body acne. Dual light technology emits both red and blue wavelengths that work together to diminish bacteria and inflammation.

• Chemical peels ~ This treatment uses chemical formulations to remove the outer layer of older, damaged skin and form a new, healthier skin layer. Our Perfect Peel transforms skin to become younger-looking, healthier, and clearer. It stimulates collagen growth to eliminate acne scarring and produce firmer, smoother skin. Our VI Peel also improves skin tone, texture, and clarity and reduces or eliminates acne scars. This treatment is effective on both the face and body.

Products

• Vitamin C Serum ~ We recommend SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF for oily and blemish-prone skin. A roster of powerful ingredients reduces oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts by up to 76%, refines clarity and texture, and evens skin tone.

• Oil-free Blemish Serum ~ SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense significantly reduces adult acne. Its acid-blend of ingredients quells sebum production, unclogs pores, and diminishes other signs of aging skin.

• Sunscreen ~ Always the most essential tool in the arsenal! Sun just exacerbates the injuries in the skin created from and picking at acne. As mentioned in our last RXReset post on sun damage, SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 is our go-to broad-spectrum UV protection product that also helps to address hyperpigmentation. We also recommend Alastin SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for the added protection against “Blue Light” damage from the sun and device screens.

• Retinol ~ While best known for its anti-aging benefits, Retinol has also proven effective in treating and preventing acne scarring. Alastin’s Renewal Retinol 0.25 strength formula enhances cell turnover and stimulates the production of elastin and collagen to deliver highly effective skin rejuvenation. These proteins strengthen the scaffolding of all skin layers and balance oil production to optimal levels.

If you have any concerns about acne damage, please book your appointment right away.

We can do much to repair your existing conditions and help you protect your skin from future damage. We’ll consult with you on a treatment plan and create a customized home care regimen to keep your new skin clear and glowing.

Please reach out to us at info@rxamedspa.com or call 857.404.0682 with any questions you may have, or book your complimentary consultation or appointment right here.

As always, thank you for being part of the RXReset blog family. Please continue to send your feedback and ideas for future content to info@rxamedspa.com.

Warmly,

Your Team at RX Aesthetics Medical Spa