Category: Acne

Why Do I Still Have Acne? Solutions for Adults

Posted on by Paul Borza

Acne,Problem.,Pimple,Over,The,Lip.,Focus,On,Pimples.,Cometology.
Acne is a common part of adolescence. It typically subsides naturally by a person’s mid-20s. But unfortunately, for many women and men, the issue persists into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

There can be several individual factors that influence the presence and prevalence of adult acne. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Excessive Oil Production
  • Hormone Fluctuations
  • Comedogenic Products
  • Certain Medications
  • Corticosteroid and Anabolic Steroid Use
  • Poor Diet

These issues can produce embarrassing and painful acne on adults’ faces, necks, backs, and chests.

Determining the cause of your acne will play a role in which treatment is used to eliminate it. During your initial consultation, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene will work to determine the underlying cause of your chronic or late-onset acne to help ensure the most effective treatments are used.

Treatments for Adult Acne

There are some steps you can take at home to reduce adult acne. These include choosing a well-balanced and healthy diet, using non-comedogenic products, and taking steps to reduce stress. However, these alone may not be enough to address the problem entirely.

Cosmetic treatments that can reduce or eliminate the presence of acne in adults include:

While each treatment addresses specific concerns, many of these options can be used to correct other skin concerns as well, including textural issues, pigmentation irregularities, sun and age spots, and even vascular lesions. Some, along with treatments such as dermaplaning and microneedling, may also be effective at treating acne scars.

In addition to professional services, adopting a solid daily skin care routine will help treat adult acne. This can include gentle cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and ointments, though each person has unique concerns and needs. The best way to determine the professional services and skincare products that are ideal for you is through a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Greene.

We Are Here for You

Adult acne is relatively common. Several safe and effective options are available for its treatment. To learn which will best meet your needs, please call the Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797 to schedule your initial consultation today.

What Does LaseMD Ultra Do?

Posted on by Paul Borza

A before and after image of a woman treated by Dr. Greene with LaseMD Ultra
LaseMD Ultra is a powerful, highly customizable laser resurfacing treatment. Dr. Steven Greene is proud to offer his guests this option. Along with all of our other cosmetic dermatology services, LaseMD Ultra may be the right way to rejuvenate your skin and improve your facial appearance.

LaseMD Ultra is a great way to address:

  • Texture 
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Discoloration
  • Age spots
  • Enlarged pores
  • Fine line
  • Acne scars
  • Melasma 

This non-ablative laser offers effective results with little downtime. You should expect your face to be red for at least one to three days. After the treatment, your skin will have a rough, sandpapery feeling. This is the exfoliation process. It will resolve within a week or so. Afterward, your skin will be smooth and renewed.

The treatment itself is non-invasive and tolerated well by most people. You’ll relax and recline in the treatment chair while Dr. Greene gently moves the laser across your face in a specific pattern to reach all the areas. You may feel warmth, or a prickling or tingling sensation as the laser works. The entire session should take 20 minutes or less. You may want to schedule several sessions to get optimal results. Although the face is the most common treatment area, LaseMD Ultra can also be used on the chest, arms, hands, neck, and shoulders.

Most people feel fine getting right back to their routine. Your face will be red, so you may want to avoid social events for a day or two, but it is up to you and your personal comfort level. As the redness goes away, you should begin to see the improvement in your skin, which can last for a year or longer before you may decide to opt for a touch up or another type of skin rejuvenation. 

Schedule Your Laser Treatment

If you live in Seattle or the surrounding areas and are searching for an experienced, board-certified dermatologist to provide LaseMD Ultra laser resurfacing, please call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene.

Will Acne Go Away?

Posted on by Paul Borza

A young red headed woman in a red tank top smiles while looking at herself in the mirror and touching her face
Since the main trigger for acne is hormonal fluctuations, a person of adolescent age may find that their acne goes away as they grow into adulthood. Yet, as we all know, acne continues to be an issue for many adults who have long since left puberty in the rearview mirror. For these adults, acne may not go away completely on its own. You may experience breakouts cyclically, if not all the time.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available to people dealing with acne. Dr. Steven Greene will help you find one that works for you. Many people prefer not to take medications like Accutane to address acne, and many of our patients have experienced effective breakout reduction with other treatments offered by Dr. Greene:

  • Chemical peels. Blocked pores allow bacteria to flourish and cause breakouts. A chemical peel strips away the oil, dead skin cells, and other debris that is clogging pores. The pores will be unplugged and new skin cells will grow.

  • Medical facials and HydraFacial. Facials work in various ways depending on the type of facial. We offer medical acne facials that unclog pores, reduce excess oil production, and reduce skin bacteria. We also offer the HydraFacial, which simultaneously cleans, extracts, exfoliates, and hydrates skin with proprietary vortex technology.
  • Intense pulsed light. Also known as a photofacial, IPL treatment reduces acne-causing bacteria with light.
  • Laser treatment. The main way laser treatments can treat acne is by shrinking overactive oil glands that block pores with sebum buildup.

You may see a significant difference in breakouts with these treatments. They are great accompaniments to your at-home routine, which should include gently cleansing your skin with non-abrasive, alcohol-free products.

Begin the Journey to Clearer Skin

If you are ready to stop struggling with acne and pursue options that work for your skin, please call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797. Dr. Steven Greene is a board-certified dermatologist who is personally committed to helping each of his patients achieve beautiful, healthy skin. After meeting with you in a consultation, Dr. Greene will recommend those treatments that will be a good match for your goals.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Acne?

Posted on by Paul Borza

Woman in a bath robe checking her skin in the mirror.
When it comes to acne, there are several factors that can cause a flare-up. Generally, there are four things that can cause someone to develop acne: excess oil, clogged hair follicles, bacteria, and inflammation. This can happen on any part of the body, but is most common on areas that have a lot of sebaceous glands, including the face, chest, back, and shoulders. Here are some of the conditions that can trigger the development of acne.

Hormonal Changes

During puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, the production of androgens increases dramatically, causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge. As they expand, the sebaceous glands make more sebum, the natural oil of your skin. This excess oil can create blockages in your hair follicles, leading to the formation of acne. 

Diet

Some studies have shown that eating foods high in refined sugars or carbohydrates—such as candy, soda, or white breads—can worsen acne. Since these foods have a high glycemic index, they can increase your blood sugar, causing an increase in hormones. While the correlation between diet and acne needs more research, many people find that their skin health improves when eating foods with a low glycemic index. 

Pomades

This is a possible culprit for the development of acne in patients with skin of color. Since the oil in pomade blocks pores on the forehead and scalp, it often leads to blackheads or whiteheads. In rare cases, it may lead to a bacterial infection in the scalp called folliculitis. If using pomade, only apply it one inch behind your hairline.

Certain Medications

Any drug that affects the production of hormones can cause you to develop acne. This includes corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, B vitamins, and testosterone.

Need Help Controlling Your Acne? Dr. Steven Greene Can Help

Acne can be difficult to treat on your own, especially if there is an underlying cause. If you want to achieve clearer skin and explore the different treatment options available, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle at 206-402-4797 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven Greene. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Greene can create a personalized treatment plan that meets your goals. We welcome patients living in Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and the surrounding areas of Washington.

How to Prevent Face Mask Acne

Posted on by Paul Borza

A young woman wears a blue face mask and white hat
The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asks the American public to wear facial coverings, particularly in crowded situations in which social distancing is difficult or impossible, to prevent spreading COVID-19. But what if your cloth face mask leads to the dreaded “maskne” – acne caused by the friction, sweat, heat and irritation that sometimes accompanies mask wearing? Nobody wants a fresh crop of pimples on their jaw, chin and cheeks. Here are a few tips for preventing breakouts:
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Is It Time to See a Dermatologist for My Acne?

Posted on by Paul Borza

Girl With Acne Touching Her FaceOver-the-counter face washes, gels and creams are often no match for acne. When you feel like you’ve tried every available acne treatment to no avail, it’s probably time to visit a dermatologist.

At Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, we believe that no one should feel uncomfortable in their skin. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Steven Greene, can help you treat your acne at its source. Learn the signs that indicate you should visit our office for a complimentary skincare consultation.
Continue reading “Is It Time to See a Dermatologist for My Acne?”