Active Acne
Acne outbreaks affect millions of teenagers and adults across the world, often adding emotional distress to the already troubling physical and aesthetic issues. Especially for those with more severe or frequently occurring active acne episodes, this issue can significantly impact comfort and quality of life.
At Choosi Skin Face and Laser Spa of Cincinnati, OH, we understand how frustrating and disheartening it can be to struggle with ineffective acne solutions as the problem worsens. This is why Dr. Tiffany Hall and the rest of our experienced team stand behind proven approaches like Hydrafacial.
With the help of a comprehensive approach that considers your unique skin type, lifestyle factors and goals, you can manage your active acne for clearer and healthier skin.
Free ConsultationWhat Are the Different Kinds of Acne and Their Symptoms?
Comedonal Acne
This is a highly common type of acne that manifests in the form of blackheads and whiteheads. When pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and other debris, these two kinds of “comedones” can appear. Blackheads are open comedones, meaning the underlying pore is open, while whiteheads are closed comedones, in which the trapped material gives off a yellow or white color.
Because comedonal acne is not inflammation-related, it isn’t accompanied by the redness associated with other forms of acne.
Inflammatory Acne
Where bacteria are often a factor in comedonal acne, it is the presence of a bacterial infection that causes inflammatory acne. When trapped bacteria multiply in clogged pores, the resulting inflammation can potentially cause severe forms of acne.
Inflammatory acne is characterized by patches of red bumps (papules) that result from the inflammation. Papules are acne lesions that don’t visibly contain pus, whereas pustules or “zits” are lesions that do contain pus.
Nodular Acne
Nodular or nodulocystic acne is a severe form of inflammatory acne that manifests itself in large, painful lumps rooted beneath the skin’s surface. In color and patterning, this issue presents as a similar but more severe instance of common inflammatory acne: raised red and white lesions with associated redness of the underlying skin.
Beyond the greater aesthetic concern, untreated nodular acne can cause significant pain and, eventually, scarring.
What Causes Active Acne?
Acne is caused by an often complicated coalescing of elements affecting several different structures and systems throughout the body. Some factors, such as stress and diet, can be modified to prevent or diminish flare-ups, while others, like genetics and hormonal fluctuations, are fixed.
In any case, understanding the following causes and triggers of active acne is crucial to formulating a practical treatment approach:
- Hormonal Fluctuations. Androgens, or sex hormones, like testosterone are a common cause of acne among both men and women. During puberty, for example, rising androgen levels promote the production of oil that gets trapped in pores. Menstruating or pregnant women may also experience active acne, even without a history of acne.
- Genetics. Family history can significantly influence your chances of developing acne. If your parents experienced acne or had excess oil production, you are at a greater risk of having the same or similar issues.
- Bacteria. Naturally occurring bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes can multiply and spread throughout the skin, clogging pores and encouraging inflammatory acne breakouts.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Factors. Stress, diet, heavy cosmetics, humidity, frequent touching of the face and exposure to certain pollutants can all increase your risk of experiencing active acne.
How Is Active Acne Treated?
Effective acne treatment requires a multi-faceted approach accommodating each patient’s skin and acne type. At Choosi Skin Face and Laser Spa, we offer advanced acne treatment options like the Hydrafacial to manage breakout symptoms while addressing the underlying causes of acne.
HydrafacialTM: A Gentle Yet Effective Acne Solution
Hydrafacial is a multi-step facial rejuvenation system gentle enough to deliver deep cleansing and exfoliation for patients with acne or sensitive skin. This next-generation facial alternative is powered by patented Vortex Fusion technology, which combines vacuum suction and serum infusion applied through spiral-tipped applicators.
Patients with acne and darker skin tones are uniquely well-suited candidates for Hydrafacial, as this treatment significantly reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with more abrasive approaches.
The HydrafacialTM Treatment Process
Hydrafacial is a customizable facial rejuvenation treatment that generally follows these phases:
- Cleansing and exfoliation
- Extraction
- Serum infusion
The first step of the Hydrafacial treatment process involves cleansing and resurfacing the skin. The specialized handpiece removes dead skin cells and other pore-clogging debris through chemical exfoliation, which is particularly important for patients with acne-prone skin.
Next, the extraction phase removes dirt, oil and other debris using mild suction. In a conventional facial, this step of the process requires manual extraction, which can be highly uncomfortable for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin. Manual extraction may also increase your risk of scarring, which is another reason Hydrafacial is favored among acne patients.
Finally, the skin is hydrated and infused with customized serums designed specifically for acne-prone skin. This helps to manage inflammation and moderate oil production while preventing future breakouts.
Treatment Frequency and Adjustments
Patients managing active acne generally benefit most from ongoing Hydrafacial sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. This frequency allows the skin to undergo its cyclical renewal process without losing the benefits of regular deep cleansing.
If you experience an active acne breakout between sessions, our team at Choosi Skin Face and Laser Spa can adapt your next treatment to emphasize inflammation control and extraction.
Contact Choosi Skin Face and Laser Spa of Cincinnati for Personalized Acne Treatment
Dr. Tiffany Hall and our expert team understand that clear skin is not only an aesthetic goal; it’s about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
If you’re tired of dreading your next acne breakout and struggling with ineffective treatments, partner with us to create a plan that delivers real results. Contact our team for a consultation or call us at (513) 818-8171 to take back control of your skin.
Free ConsultationWe are committed to providing effective facial laser treatments and services suitable for all skin types and tones, ensuring that everyone can embark on a journey toward radiant skin.
– Dr. Tiffany Hall
