Acne is the number one concern among patients seen in our office. 

Acne is a common skin disease that can affect men, women, adults and teenagers.  Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin get clogged.  This occurs when sebum (oil) that is naturally secreted gets trapped in the follicle and causes a buildup underneath the skin.  Depending on certain variables, this can cause a lesion ranging from a blackhead, whitehead, to a cystic nodule under the skin.

What causes acne?  There is no one cause of acne, however several culprits may play a role, including: 

• Hormones – for the majority of teenagers, trouble begins at puberty when the body produces hormones called androgens.  These cause the sebaceous (oil) glands to enlarge and become over-stimulated.  Hormonal fluctuations that occur with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can also contribute to acne flare-ups.
• Extra sebum- When the sebaceous glands are over-stimulated, extra sebum is produced.  When the sebum mixes with skin bacteria and dead skin cells it increases the chances of the follicle clogging up – causing acne.
• Bacteria – once the follicle is plugged the bacteria multiplies rapidly creating the reaction of inflammation of the follicle and the surrounding skin.

The truth about acne:

• Acne is not caused by dirt - excessive washing actually can cause acne flare-ups. 
• Chocolate and greasy foods are not to blame – although a healthy diet contributes to the overall good health of hair, skin and nails.
• Stress does not cause acne – but it may trigger acne especially in women.  In response to stress the body produces more androgens, stimulating the oil glands.

Helpful hints:

• Don't over wash – since dirt does not cause acne, excessive cleansing won't make it go away!  Over washing can irritate the skin and stimulate extra oil production.  Use lukewarm water and the fingertips - washcloths and puffs tend to be too abrasive.  Cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are safe to use – but if you become too dry alternate with a gentle cleanser.
• Avoid using toners or astringents that contain high concentrations of alcohol that can strip oil from the skin -  Avoid harsh scrubs with apricot shell fragments etc.  Use a gentle formula with small smooth grains such as SkinMedica's Skin Polisher.
• Don't squeeze or pick - this can force bacteria deeper into the skin causing more inflammation and increase the chance of scarring.

When to see a doctor:

• For many people medicated washes and over the counter treatments can help keep acne under control.  However if your acne condition is not improving with these treatments or inflammatory lesions or cysts appear, it is time to see a physician. 
• There are many treatments available today, including topical and oral antibiotics, medicated cleansers, chemical peels, Retin-A, oral contraceptives, and finally Accutane that can bring acne under control.  If the condition is left untreated it can cause scarring and potentially decreased self-esteem, especially in teenagers.

Dr. Kramar and the staff at ESCC will guide and advise you on the best method of treatment to bring your acne under control.  Office visits, as well as many acne treatments, are typically covered by medical insurance.  If you do not have medical coverage there is a fee for the office visit and we will do our best to prescribe low cost prescription alternatives whenever possible.  Lack of health insurance coverage should not deter you from seeking treatment – we do our best to work with you.

FYI

March specials...to help you look and feel great this spring!

We are offering special pricing on many of our products and services throughout the month!

They include great savings on acne facials, acne cleansers, toners, and acne treatment products, Chemical Peel and Microdermabrasion packages, and our Product of the Month - TNS Recovery Complex or TNS Essential Serum

Click here for more information on all of our great specials throughout the month of March. Help yourself look and feel great this spring!

new at Escc...latisse

You've heard the buzz about longer, darker, thicker eyelashes!

ESCC is pleased to annouce we now carry Latisse - the FDA-approved treatment used to make eyelashes grow longer, thicker and darker.

Please click here to contact us for more information or call us today at 734.946.8800 to check out this new innovation in eyelashes!

$150 rebate from restylane

Receive a mail-in rebate of $150 off three syringes (or $100 off two syringes) of Restylane, now through May 1, 2009.

Look and feel great today!

check out our web site!

You can find healthful information, online only specials, a men's only section, and more! Click here to check it out! www.enhancedskincare.net