Acne

What are the causes of acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged up with dead skin cells and oil. It can result in pimples, blackheads or whiteheads, which often appear on the face, chest, shoulders and upper back. Acne forms on these sections of the body because the skin in these areas have the most sebaceous (oil) glands. Hair is connected to oil glands and when the follicle wall bulges or plugs up, whiteheads and blackheads develop. Blackheads can look like dirt that is stuck in the pores, but the color results from the pore being congested with bacteria and oil, turning brown when it is exposed to the air. While blackheads are clogged pores that stay open, whiteheads are clogged pores that close up. Pimples are red dots (occasionally with a white center) that develop when a blocked hair follicle becomes infected or inflamed with bacteria.

What are the risk factors?

Contrary to popular opinion, oily foods do not cause acne. Instead, age, hormonal shifts, stress, friction or pressure on the skin and family history can increase the likelihood of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. People of all ages can get acne, but it is more common among teenagers due to hormonal shifts. If both of your parents deal with pimples, you are likely to develop them as well. Stress and friction do not necessarily cause pimples to form, but they may make them worse. And while french fries and other greasy foods do not cause this issue, oily lotions & creams and rooms containing a fry vat can impact clear skin. Adults who use certain medications containing lithium, corticosteriods or androgens may increase the risk of acne.

What are the available treatments?

At Pellé Medical Spa, we offer a variety of acne treatments, including:

• HydraFacials
• Photofacials
• Chemical peels

The HydraFacial uses micro-crystals to exfoliate the skin and remove the skin’s impurities, all while hydrating your skin.* This helps to reduce your acne and prevent future pimples.* A photofacial uses light energy to gently heat the upper layers of the skin. The skin absorbs this heat and cells are activating into producing new collagen.* With new collagen, oily skin is replaced with fresh, hydrated skin.* During chemical peels, a chemical solution is applied to the skin. This causes the skin to“blister” and eventually peel off. The old skin is then replaced by new skin, which will be clearer and acne-free!*

Schedule treatments in Manchester, New Hampshire

To schedule a HydraFacial, photofacial or chemical peel at Pellé Medical Spa in Manchester, give us a call at (603) 627-7000 or fill out the request form on our site. Our staff can assess your aesthetic goals and create a treatment plan just for you!