NYC Acne

2011-11-03T16:12:00.001-07:00

2010-07-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

Effects of Cystic Acne

2008-09-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

Effects of Cystic Acne
Nodulocystic breakouts damage and destroy healthy skin tissue. Because of this, the likelihood of developing scars is extremely high. Picking at the skin and trying to pop cysts or nodules should be avoided at all costs. Doing so can greatly damage the skin, lead to scarring, and worsen acne. Aggressively treating this form of acne can help limit the severity of scarring.
It's also common for those with severe acne to have feelings of embarrassment, shame, and anger regarding their skin. Some sufferers avoid mirrors, or shy away from social situations. Acne can hurt the self-esteem, and may lead to depression. If you feel acne is greatly affecting the quality of your life, please talk to your doctor. Luckily, with treatment, most people find their self-confidence improves.

Cystic Acne

2008-09-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Acne, cystic on the chest

Cystic acne may occur across the upper chest as well as on the back.

Solar comedones

2008-09-16T07:21:00.001-07:00

Comedones
When you speak of acne, it constitutes not only pimples, but also pustules and comedones. The whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne are the two types of comedones where the open ones are blackheads because of melanin and the closed ones are whiteheads because of blocked follicles.

These comedones are small bumps that are skin colored, and occur mostly on the forehead and chin. A comedone is made mainly of dead skin material and a plug of sebaceous. When a person suffers from comedones, it is quite natural to wish for comedone removal to reduce acne scarring from lesions.

The steps associated with comedone removal involves the opening of the comedone, the removal of the matter in the comedone and then injecting some steroid in the area to restrict inflammation and destruction that takes place in the skin. There may be some bruising and changes in the skin pigmentation and complexion after the comedone removal.

Physicians have been removing comedones for a long time

Comedone removal is a safe procedure that physicians have been doing for many years. The main reason this is carried out is to reduce the damage acne comedones cause. Unlike pimples, scarring starts with the formation of the comedone. Its acids and bacteria causes sufficient damage to the skin surface. This is why comedone removal is resorted to to limit the amount of damage comedones do to the skin.

There are different types of comedone extractors used for comedone removal like the double spoon comedone extractor and the comedone extractor with lancet. The most common extractor used by professionals and consumers is the comedone extractor with lancet.

The double spoon comedone extractor does not damage skin during removal

This comedone extractor has two ends where one is used for making holes in blackheads and the other, to press out the material from within it. It is found with a titanium coating, gold plated finish and even mirror polish. It is available in large and small sizes where its extractor end has only a tiny pore.

The double spoon comedone extractor is best for those suffering from big blackheads and beginners as it does not damage or scar the skin. It has an expended spoon shaped end with 7 to 19 small holes, which is used for extracting large blackheads. Small blackheads have to be removed form the other smaller, spoon shaped end.

Professionals like the Fine Loop Extractor

Another comedone extractor used for comedone removal is the Fine Loop Extractor which is used for extracting both blackheads and whiteheads. It is because it has two fine loop ends that it is called Fine Loop. Professionals prefer this tool as it is simple, precise and long lasting.

However the best comedone extractor is the 8 in 1 comedone extractor kit which comes with 8 extractors meant to extract different types of comedones. The extractors have to be fixed to the bar, and used as required for comedone removal. Choose the comedone extractor you feel is the best for your comedone removal.

Acne Surgery

2008-09-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

NYC Acne Treatment Center

I. Introduction:

Acne is the term for pimples and complexion problems which commonly occur in teenagers and frequently continue into adulthood. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may involve the neck, chest, back and upper arms. Acne is only a skin problem, and does not affect your general health. Acne surgery is the term which refers to several surgical approaches for removing acne lesions. These include opening up comedones and pimples by using a needle or small pointed blade and expressing the lesions with an extractor.

II. Treatments:
Removal of non-red or non-inflamed acne lesions differs from that of red or inflamed lesions. Open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) are non-inflamed lesions. They usually cause little distress. These can be removed mechanically with comedone extractors and a fine needle or a pointed blade to open closed comedones. Such maneuvers are temporary, and new comedones may form to replace the ones removed. Removal of comedones should be done by a dermatologist. Retin-A is a medication which helps prevent the formation of comedones and is available from the dermatologist.
Incising or cutting open inflamed lesions for drainage used to be popular; however, with the introduction of cortisone injections, this method is used less often. Incising a lesion may leave a small scar; injecting a cortisone does not. However, the rare, large, deep acne lesions may not respond to cortisones and may have to be incised. Cutting open or incising large acne lesions is always done by the dermatologist.
Cortisone or intralesional steroid injection of a diluted corticosteroid into an inflamed pimple, leads to improvement within a day or two, with flattening of the lesion. Flat lesions are more readily camouflaged with makeup or a tinted acne lotion. Cortisone injection therapy is useful as the sole method of treatment of intermittent acne (acne that only flares from time to time). It is helpful as an additional treatment when acne is not adequately suppressed with antibiotics. Cortisone or intralesional steroid injections are always given by the dermatologist.

Cystic Acne

2008-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Cystic Acne
Understanding Cystic and Nodulocystic Acne
Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. Deep, inflamed breakouts develop on the face and/or other areas of the body. The blemishes themselves can become large; some may measure up to several centimeters across.
Although many people use the term "cystic" to describe any type of severely inflamed acne, only those who develop cysts truly have cystic acne. Cysts are the most serious kind of acne blemish. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin's surface. Cysts can be painful.
Nodulocystic acne sufferers develop nodules as well as cysts. Nodules are hard, painful lumps under the skin's surface. Much larger than papules, nodules form deep within the skin and take a long time to heal. Some skin care experts believe acne cysts are not really cysts at all, but rather severely inflamed nodular breakouts.
For those who have nodules, but do not have cystic lesions, the term nodular acne is more accurate. No matter what label you use, a dermatologist must treat acne of this severity.

Acne Cosmetica

2008-09-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

Acne Caused by Cosmetics

Common acne caused by hormonal changes and the excesses production of oil, is never initially caused by the use of cosmetics. However, cosmetics can already present acne worse and even cause the appearance of acne cosmetica. Acne cosmetica is the medical name for a common, yet mild form of acne that is directly related to the use of certain cosmetics.
This type of acne is recognised by the appearance of small, pink bumps that spread like a rash over the cheeks, forehead, and chin. Since the condition is directly caused by the use of certain make-ups, treating the condition is simple and effective, but you do need to determine which cosmetics are at fault before you can begin treatment.

Which Cosmetics Are to Blame?
Although many cosmetics, like foundation, moisturiser, blushes, and powders, are blamed for their acne triggering properties, it is actually the ingredients found in some of those cosmetics that are to blame. The biggest culprit is the oil that is added to many cosmetics to produce a smoother finish. This oil acts like the naturally occurring oil sebum and can clog pores and lead to the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and acne breakouts.
Another acne causing culprit found in many cosmetics is dye. Dyes, especially D&C dyes, have a tendency to clog pores and cause blackhead and whitehead breakouts. These dyes can also make common acne worse. While these dyes are most commonly found in blushes, they can be present in other types of make-up.
The final ingredient to watch for in order to avoid acne cosmetica is fragrance. Although the introduction of a fragrance to an item like foundation may seem unnecessary, many manufacturers add these ingredients to mask the smell of other ingredients or to heighten the pleasure derived from the use of the product. These added fragrances, like ambrette, musk, and bergamot, can cause allergic reactions on facial skin, irritate already present facial lesions, and increase the occurrence of acne cosmetica.

Treatment and Prevention
The most obvious treatment and prevention plan is the avoidance of acne inducing cosmetics. However, since the selection of non-acne inducing cosmetics is rather slim, and since so many women enjoy the blemish covering properties, and beauty enhancing properties of make-up, this plan isn't really the most plausible. So, if total make-up avoidance is not the key, what is?
You can start by reading the ingredients on your cosmetics and only purchasing those that contain the least amount of harmful ingredients. Avoid dyes and fragrance whenever possible and look for labels that state the item is oil free.
Your next step is to make sure that you keep your make-up and your face really clean. Do not apply make-up with a soiled sponge or brush, always wash your face thoroughly before applying make-up, and never leave make-up on for extended periods of time. If you need to wear make-up from sun up to sun down try to wash your face, remove the old make-up, and reapply after work and before heading out for the evening. And never sleep in make-up. This practice leaves the pores susceptible to clogging for longer periods of time and the oil that your skin produces overnight can mix with the make-up and make breakouts more likely.
Finally, if you are currently suffering form an outbreak you should treat your skin with an acne medication, like an over-the-counter treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide, after cleansing and before applying make-up. If possible, you should also avoid the use of any cosmetics until the condition clears. If that is not possible, then you should at least choose your cosmetics well.

Choosing Your Cosmetics Well
First and foremost, always choose a cosmetic that claims to be oil-free. However, remember that even oil-free make-ups usually contain some type of synthetic oil that keeps the make-up smooth but allows the manufacturer to boast the oil-free claim. Check ingredients and choose products that contain mineral oil, sunflower oil, or no oil at all.
Secondly, choose cosmetics that are labeled noncomedogenic. This label means that the cosmetic has been tested for pore clogging properties and has been found to be safer than other types of make-up.
Finally, choose make-up that is intended for acne sufferers since the ingredients in these cosmetics are meant to help clear up acne breakouts are usually less harmful on the skin.
By reading labels and taking some extra care you can avoid the harmful effects of cosmetics and reap only the beauty enhancing properties that you were originally after.

2008-09-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Acne Skin Care
Anyone can develop acne. Though teenagers with oily skin are most commonly afflicted with acne, it occurs in people of any age with any skin type, including adults (adult acne).

The most important step to controlling acne is to follow your acne treatment as directed. In addition, there are several skin care tips that may help to reduce the severity of acne and frequency of acne flares (“breakouts”).
Things to do:
Limit face washing to once in the morning and once at night, as well as after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed soon after sweating.
Wash the face and other acne-prone areas with a gentle, non-abrasive skin cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
Never scrub your skin. Gently apply the cleanser and wash with your fingertips. This reduces the likelihood of the skin becoming irritated and inflamed. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or scrubbing device can irritate the skin and result in acne breakouts.
Rinse your face lukewarm water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm, not hot, water.
Shampoo regularly. Those with oily hair should consider washing their hair daily.
Choose a non-comedogenic skin cleanser.
Things to avoid:
Astringents, masks, toners, and exfoliators that contain scrubbing particles. Unless one of these products contains an ingredient used to treat acne, such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, these products do not help clear acne. In fact, these products tend to irritate the skin and make acne worse. These products also may make it more difficult to tolerate prescription acne medications.
Greasy hair-care products. These hair-care products, such as pomades and oil-containing gels, can drip onto the skin and clog pores. This can result in worsening acne.
Picking, popping, and squeezing acne. People pick and pop pimples to get rid of them quickly. The truth is doing any of these can irritate the skin and make acne worse. These also prolong healing time and increase the risk of scarring.
Skin care products that contain oil. Many skin care products from makeup to sunscreen contain oil. Oil can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Look for products that say “oil-free,” “will not clog pores” or “noncomedogenic.”
Rubbing alcohol. Some people apply rubbing alcohol in order to dry out the oily skin. This will not help clear acne nor prevent breakouts. In fact, it can irritate the skin and result in acne breakouts.
Tanning. Some people claim that their acne clears with sun exposure. The truth is tanning can be very damaging to the skin. In fact, if you are using a topical retinoid, you must protect your skin from the sun. These acne medications cause the top layer of your skin to become more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and indoor tanning devices.
Touching the skin throughout the day. Avoid touching acne prone areas with your hands.