Did you know acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S.? Nearly 80% of people will suffer from it at some point in their lives. It most often appears as an outbreak of pimples on the face, neck, back or shoulders. Although acne is most commonly see in teenagers, it can affect people of all ages, race, and gender. So what exactly is acne and why does it occur?
Acne forms in your pores, or hair follicles. Sometimes oil, dirt, and dead skin cells get trapped inside the pores and clog them. There’s a bacteria that lives on your skin known as P.acnes that can get inside these clogged pores and cause them to swell into bumps called acne. But don’t worry- there are treatments that can help!
It’s important to see Dr Baker to figure out what treatment works best for you. He might suggest topical treatments such as creams, lotions, or soaps that contain acne fighting ingredients. Or it could be that you need a combination of topical and oral medications. There are also in-office procedures that are very effective such as lasers and other light therapy, chemical peels, extractions, and enzyme facials.
Isotretinoin is the most effective therapy for severe or cystic acne. It can often clear severe acne that has been non-responsive to other treatments. It’s in a class of medications called retinoids and works by decreasing oil production (sebum) that’s naturally made by the glands in the pores of your skin. It also helps by reducing bacteria and inflammation and opening clogged pores. It can have side effects however which Dr Baker will discuss with you if he feels this is the right medication for you. Just remember – be patient! It may take weeks to see results from any medication and acne can often get worse before it gets better.