ACNE TREATMENT
Treating and Healing Problem Skin

Plaguing so many people, acne is a recurring skin condition that affects both teens and adults. It's an extremely common problem in the United States. In fact, approximately 80% of American teenagers have acne and 20% have a condition severe enough to produce scarring.

Below are some of the main culprits of acne:

Culprit #1: Hormones. For the majority of acne sufferers, the trouble begins at puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge, which is a natural part of the body's development. However, as an acne sufferer your sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by androgens, and this can continue for decades. Androgens are also responsible for acne flare-ups associated with the menstrual cycle and, on occasion, pregnancy.

Culprit #2: Extra sebum. When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging – and can cause acne.

Culprit #3: Follicle fallout. Normally, dead cells within the follicle shed gradually and are expelled onto the skin's surface. But if you've got overactive sebaceous glands these cells shed more rapidly. Mixed with a surplus of sebum, the dead skin cells form a plug in the follicle, preventing your skin from finishing its natural process of renewal. While not acne itself, this plug encourages the growth of acne bacteria.

Culprit #4: Bacteria. The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes for short) is a regular resident of all skin types. It's part of your skin's natural sebum maintenance system. Once a follicle is plugged, however, P. acnes bacteria multiply rapidly, creating the chemical reaction we know as inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.

Culprit #5: Inflammation. When your body encounters unwanted bacteria, it sends an army of white blood cells to attack the intruders. This process is called chemotaxis or, simply put, the inflammatory response. This is what causes pimples to become red, swollen and painful. The inflammatory response is different for everyone, but studies have shown that it is especially strong in adult women. That is why many women continue to suffer from acne well after their teen years. And, it's definitely not from enjoying chocolate!

Acne Takes an Emotional Toll

Depending on its severity, in addition to scarring of the skin, acne can cause emotional distress. The good news is that highly effective treatments are available — and the earlier treatment is started, the lower your risk of lasting physical and emotional damage.


Treatments

Acne is controllable. At Serendipity, we offer a complete clinical program for the treatment of all stages of acne, which can result in confidence-boosting clear skin!*

Some of our treatments include:

• Chemical Peels specially formulated to treat acne
• Portrait & Portrait Express
• OBAGI Clenziderm Products
• Mineral Makeup by Jane Iredale


Let us customize a treatment plan for yourself or your teen at Serendipity,
and say goodbye to acne….for good!

 

*Individual Results May Vary



Serendipity Medical Spa 23 Main Street, Suite #102 (Palmetto Office Suites) Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
Main Office : 843.342.2639 | Fax : 843.342.2609