Acne Treatment in Kelowna – Overview
Acne is a common skin problem affecting many teenagers and adults. It usually begins at the time of puberty due to changes in hormone levels and increased activity of male sex hormones, like testosterone. These hormones are present in females as well. Acne can unfortunately continue into adulthood or even begin in adults. It affects 25% of men and 50% of women at some time in their adult lives, while 80% of teenagers have acne at some point in their adolescence. Usually acne clears up by the time we reach our thirties, although it can last well into our forties and fifties. While it is not a life-threatening problem, acne can lead to permanent scars and psychological damage.
Different types of safe and effective Kelowna acne treatment are offered in our clinic which include Blu-U and / or levulan treatments, as well as topical acne solutions.
Why & How: Acne occurs when a hair follicle or “pore” within the skin becomes plugged with oil (sebum), trapping a certain type of bacteria and allowing it to grow. Testosterone increases sebum production. The culprit bacterium in acne is Proprioniibacterium acnes. At first either whiteheads or blackheads form, a.k.a. “comedones.” Whiteheads (closed comedones) develop from sebum and bacteria trapped below the surface of the skin. Blackheads (open comedones) occur when the trapped bacteria and sebum are partly exposed to the air. The reaction of the skin to these bacteria is inflammation, which can create redness and possibly a resulting pimple. Deeper areas of inflammation can create cysts or nodules, which may be painful, are filled with pus, and look like a bump on the skin surface.
Kelowna acne treatment with Blu-U &/or Levulan (aminolevulonic acid)
Blu-U treatment is a development in light technology being used to effectively treat acne. This treatment is also called Photodynamic Therapy PDT. This is a non-drug therapy that is gentle and typically well tolerated by patients. You will sit under the light for approximately 16 minutes once or twice per week. It uses a non-laser visible blue light device that can eliminate bacteria in the oil glands. The Blu-U light device can be used as a “light only” treatment in mild to moderate acne patients.
In the case of more severe acne, a product called Levulan (aminolevulonic acid) can be applied and left on for an hour or more to make the skin more responsive to the action of the Blu-U light. Treatment has very little discomfort, minimal adverse effects and excellent results for treating acne. Book a consultation at our clinic to learn more about the Kelowna acne treatments we offer.
The Blu-U treatment should not be combined with other photosensitizing drugs when treating acne.
Acne Prevention
People often wonder what they can do to prevent acne. Myths exist that certain foods like chocolate and junk foods high in processed sugar and fat cause acne. No studies have shown a true link between diet and acne, but individually people may notice that certain foods make their acne worse. Similarly, there is no evidence that Coca-Cola™ or milk cause acne flare-ups. Another myth is that stress causes acne. Stress does not cause acne, but will make existing acne worse. Dirt on the skin does not cause acne either. In fact, scrubbing your skin too much can make acne worse because of the irritation to your skin. Sun exposure does not improve acne. A tan will only temporarily make acne appear less blotchy. The risks of tanning, such as skin cancer, wrinkles, and blemishes, outweigh the benefits of smoothing blotchy skin.
Acne can be controlled, but is not curable. Before discussing treatment options, it must be understood that it takes time for acne to clear. On average, six to eight weeks are necessary for early results to be noticed. Also, not everyone’s acne is the same and will not necessarily respond the same to treatment.
A gentle skin cleanser should be used twice a day. You should talk to your skin specialist about which one is best for your skin type. Try not to pick at pimples or black/whiteheads as this can cause spreading of acne to non-infected skin. Any cosmetics used should be “non-comedogenic” and this information can be found on the labels. Topical medications and products (put on the skin) can be used in less severe cases of acne, but oral (by mouth) antibiotics and other medications may be needed. There are exciting new treatments such as Blu-U light treatments that can be used as well. To deal with acne scarring, options include chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and intense pulsed light (IPL).
Topical Treatments (Creams)
We offer a wide variety of topical treatments for acne at our kelowna skin care centre. The most commonly used topical acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, topical acne antibiotics, azelaic acid and combination topical products.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide has been used for acne skin care for over 30 years and is now available in a product that combines it with antibiotics.
Tretinoin
This topical acne treatment option is a vitamin A derivative and is used for acne and sun-damaged skin. How do I use this medication? You should apply this tretinoin cream...
Adapalene (Differin®)
This is a designer Retinoid, and its molecular make-up is similar to that of vitamin A. How do I use this acne medication? Apply to the whole area that is affected by acne.
Tazarotene (Tazorac®)
Tazarotene is a designer retinoid and its molecular make-up is similar to that of vitamin A. It was used initially to treat psoriasis.
Topical Combination Products
Combination therapy can offer a strategy for preventing resistance to the antibiotic. Its synergistic effect can prevent more resistant bacteria, as well as other susceptible acne causing bacteria, from growing during treatment. Often when a combination topical product is used, less antibiotic is needed to prevent the growth of resistant bacteria compared to the amount needed when the antibiotic is used alone.
Book a consultation with one of our skin care specialists to find out which acne treatment is right for you.
