Acne

What does acne look like?

‍

Acne can take many forms, from small pimples and blackheads to pustules (pus-filled bumps) and deep cysts. It often appears on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin), but can also affect other areas such as the cheeks, back, and shoulders.

‍

If your skin feels bumpy, congested, or prone to breakouts, you may be dealing with acne. Hormonal acne, often seen around the jawline and chin, is particularly common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and hormonal changes like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). If left untreated, acne can lead to scarring, which is why early care and management are so important.

‍

‍

What causes acne?

‍

Acne is a multi-faceted condition, and many factors can contribute to its development. Understanding the cause of your acne is the first step to finding the right solution.

‍

Excess Sebum (Oil):

When your skin produces too much oil, it can clog pores, leading to acne.

• Hormonal Changes: Puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and hormonal conditions like PCOS can trigger an increase in oil production, leading to more breakouts.
  
  
• Stress and Lifestyle: Emotional stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and high-sugar or high-dairy diets can all worsen acne.
  
  
• Bacterial Growth: When bacteria build up in clogged pores, it can cause inflammation, leading to pustules and cysts.
  
  
• Genetics: If acne runs in your family, you might be more prone to it.
  

‍

‍

Things to question.

‍

At Elite Skin Studio, we want to empower you to take control of your skin's health, even before you come in for professional treatments. Here are some simple steps that can help you manage acne at home:

‍

• Track Your Skin’s Patterns: Acne can sometimes be linked to specific times, like hormonal changes or stressful periods. Keeping track of when your breakouts happen can help you understand the cause and guide our treatment plan.
  
  
• Mindful Diet Choices: Acne can be triggered by certain foods, such as dairy or sugary items. While eliminating foods entirely may not be necessary, reducing their intake can be beneficial. Take note of any dietary links to your breakouts, and we’ll help you find a balanced approach.
  
  
• Gentle Skincare: Choose products that won’t clog your pores and are specifically designed for acne-prone skin. It’s tempting to reach for strong exfoliants, but gentle, hydrating skincare is key. If you’re unsure, our Skin Analysis Consultation can provide clarity on what products suit your skin.
  ‍
  
• Self-Care and Lifestyle: Healthy habits like staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough rest can help improve skin health and reduce acne flare-ups. We’re here to help guide you on how to integrate these into your routine.‍
  ‍
• Avoid Over-Treating: It’s natural to want to tackle acne head-on, but using harsh products can irritate your skin further. We focus on nourishing and gentle skincare routines that maintain balance and promote healing.
  

‍

‍

What can we do at Elite Skin Studio to assist further?

‍

At Elite Skin Studio, we take a tailored approach to acne treatment. We combine professional treatments with your personal needs to effectively treat acne and promote clearer skin:

‍

• Signature Peels: Our Environ and AlumierMD peels help clear clogged pores, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. These peels refine and smooth the skin, making it an ideal treatment for acne and acne scarring.
  
  
• SkinPen Microneedling: This treatment encourages collagen production, clears blocked pores, and improves skin tone. It also helps reduce the appearance of acne scars, giving your skin a smoother texture over time.
  
  
• LED Phototherapy: Our Dermalux LED treatments use blue light to kill acne-causing bacteria and red light to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It’s especially beneficial for reducing redness and calming breakouts.
  
  
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): IPL is effective for treating active acne and hyperpigmentation caused by past breakouts. It helps to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and improve overall skin tone by targeting the root causes of acne.
  

‍

‍

Your homecare focus from Elite Skin Studio

‍

To maintain long-term results and keep acne under control, homecare is crucial. We recommend a combination of professional treatments and a consistent skincare routine. Here's what we focus on for managing acne:

‍

1. ANP Skin Clear Biome
   
   
   • Why it helps: This supplement supports your skin from the inside out by balancing your microbiome, reducing inflammation, and promoting clearer skin.
     
     
2. ANP Skin Accumax
   
   
   • Why it helps: Skin Accumax is designed to target hormonal acne by balancing oil production and calming inflammation. It works internally to reduce acne flare-ups.
     
     
3. AlumierMD Retinol
   
   
   • Why it helps: Retinol promotes cell turnover, prevents clogged pores, and reduces breakouts. It also helps to fade acne scars and smooth skin texture over time.
     
     
4. AlumierMD Clear Shield SPF
   
   
   • Why it helps: Protecting your skin from the sun is essential, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation from past acne. This mineral-based SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection while remaining non-comedogenic.
     
     
5. At-Home LED Device
   
   
   • Why it helps: Incorporating LED therapy into your routine can continue to reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote healing, helping you manage acne even between professional treatments.
     

‍

‍

What are the limitations of acne treatment?

‍

While our treatments are highly effective, it's important to manage expectations. Acne is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care. Even after professional treatments, flare-ups can occur due to hormonal changes, stress, or environmental factors. Consistency with your homecare routine is crucial to maintaining results. For hormonal acne, lifestyle changes and supplements may also be necessary to manage fluctuations. Every client’s experience is unique, and some may require ongoing treatments or maintenance for optimal results.