Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages and skin types. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we are dedicated to helping our patients achieve clearer, healthier skin.
What Causes Acne?
Acne forms when pores become clogged by a combination of oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to visible blemishes like blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples. Several factors contribute to acne, including:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can increase oil production.
- Excess Sebum Production: Oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria can trigger inflammation and worsen breakouts.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, diet, and certain skincare products can contribute to breakouts.
- Genetics: A family history of acne increases the likelihood of experiencing it.
Different Types of Acne
Acne falls into two main categories: non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Knowing which type you have can help guide treatment.
1. Non-inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne refers to clogged pores that don’t result in redness or swelling. Another name for this is comedonal acne. They might appear as:
- Blackheads: Open comedones where the pore is clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The black color comes from oxidation, not dirt.
- Whiteheads: Closed comedones where the clogged pore is covered by skin, leading to a small, white bump.
Treatment for Non-inflammatory Acne:
- Exfoliation: Use products with salicylic acid to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. We recommend Salicylic Acid Spray and SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, a good option for all skin types.
- Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help regulate skin cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. These are available in non-prescription and prescription strengths depending on your skin sensitivity
- Oil-free Products: Use non-comedogenic makeup and skincare to avoid further clogging pores.
2. Inflammatory Acne
Inflammatory acne occurs when clogged pores become infected with bacteria, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness. This category includes:
- Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps without pus.
- Pustules: Pimples that contain pus, often appearing red at the base.
- Nodules: Large, hard, painful lumps deep beneath the skin.
- Cysts: Severe, pus-filled lesions that can lead to scarring.
Treatment for Inflammatory Acne
- Topical Treatments: Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria, while topical antibiotics reduce inflammation.
- Oral Medications: For severe cases, oral antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), or hormonal treatments like birth control pills can be prescribed.
Acne Treatments We Recommend
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we provide a range of dermatology treatments to address all types of acne. Our personalized approach ensures you receive the most effective care for your skin concerns. Here are some of the treatments we recommend:
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use exfoliating acids, like salicylic or glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce the appearance of acne scars. They’re ideal for both non-inflammatory and mild inflammatory acne.
Blue Light Therapy
This non-invasive treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation without damaging surrounding tissue.
Prescription Medications
Your provider may recommend topical or oral treatments including antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal therapies, depending on the severity of your acne.
Laser Treatments
Lasers target inflammation and help reduce the appearance of acne scars. They can also minimize oil production, which reduces future breakouts.
Tips to Help Prevent Acne Breakouts
- Follow a Consistent Skincare Routine: Cleanse once or twice daily with a gentle, oil-free cleanser. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells, but use a chemical exfoliator, not your brush or scrubbing beads.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: This prevents the transfer of bacteria and oil to your skin.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Reduce high-glycemic foods (like sugar, soft drinks, skin milk and processed carbs) that can trigger breakouts.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels can lead to hormonal fluctuations that contribute to acne.
- Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a non-comedogenic SPF to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and protect against sun damage. Click here to shop some of our favorite sunscreen products!
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C., today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff, please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.
Get Started
with Cascade
Contact Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, P.C. today to learn more about eye and skin care from the experts.
Please note, we do not offer online scheduling for the eye specialties listed below, only for routine eye exams. Please use the following numbers to schedule specialty eye appointments or to place an order:
If you are an existing patient looking to refill a prescription, pay a bill, access medical records, view lab results, or communicate with staff,
please visit our patient portal for these services. You can also check out our patient portal overview page for additional information.