Dr. Laura Calomardes Rees. dermatologist
I'm Dr. Laura Calomarde Rees, dermatologist .
I trained at the Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología in Valencia and I currently practice at Rees Clinic (follow us on Instagram @Reesclinic) in Gandía. In addition, I also work at the San Francesc de Borja Hospital, in the same town.
Types of acne that I see in my practice
Most of the patients I see suffer acne daily , a pathology that on many occasions not only affects the state of our skin, but can also affect psychologically, altering the quality of life of our patients.
Acne is not only a pathology of adolescents, it is also seen in adulthood. It affects around 15-20% of women and 2-3% of men.
The objective of this blog is to bring you a little closer, in a pleasant, easy and fast way, to this skin pathology that, although very prevalent, can be treated by improving the quality of life of the person who suffers from it.
¡So stay 2 minutes reading and I hope you find this approach to acne very interesting, which I will explain to you by answering the most common questions that my patients ask me!
¿why do i have acne?
You must first be aware that acne affects about 80% of teenagers and 20-30% of women between 25 and 40 years old!
¡So don't worry because it's not weird at all, on the contrary!
Acne appears because the body suffers throughout life hormonal changes , but that it can be considered a physiological change in adolescents, does not mean that it is not treated, since acne, as we have already mentioned, can affect them on a psychological level, and can leave marks and scars.s.
So what causes my acne?é?
Normally, it is caused by hormonal changes by producing an imbalance in androgens (male hormones).
This is why it is more common in young people who are in the process of hormonal change, or during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy in women. However, other factors that can influence the appearance of acne are stress, genetics, poor diet, sedentary life and even unsuitable cosmetic products for your skin.
So I encourage you to review your eating habits , exercise routines and consult your trusted dermatologist to make sure your facial care routines are correct for your skin type!
¿and how it is produced?
Acne appears due to the increase in the size and function of the sebaceous gland caused by hormonal changes, and this leads to an excess of fat in the skin. Added to this is the presence of bacteria that are created when the pores of our skin become clogged (what dermatologists know as a comedo) and cannot breathe properly and, therefore, become infected.n.
¿What advice should I follow to take good care of my acne-prone skin??
Remember that one of the keys to the success of your treatment is perseverance.
Then I will detail the ABC to treat skin with acne:
1. TheFacial Cleansing It's fundamental. I recommend cleaning the skin with a massage with neutral soap or a specific soap for oily skin or soap for acne.
two.exfoliate 2 times a week.
3. Apply the ideal treatment for your skin type. I recommend products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics A good option is Masderrm Sebimas acne cream, since it provides excellent results in a short time thanks to its natural ingredients and formulation.
Doctor, what treatment do you recommend for my acne?é?
I like to remember that each skin is different and that each patient deserves a personalized treatment. Think that adolescent acne is not the same as acne for a 20-year-old girl or a 35-year-old pregnant woman. So your dermatologist will be the professional who will best indicate your treatment.
For mild acne, we usually prescribe topical treatments. For severe, stubborn acne, I may prescribe oral antibiotics or isotretinoin.
What I don't like at all is that my skin shines so much
Your skin shines (especially in adolescence) because it is oily skin due to androgen hormones. At puberty, there is an excessive secretion of sebum, and for this reason you have a shinier and greasy feeling.
But it is an absolutely normal consequence during growth. You can use anti-shine wipes throughout the day and wash your face 2 times a day
¿And these black dots on my nose are acne.?
Yes, it is one of the types of acne. Dermatologists divide acne into two types: retentional and inflammatory.
A) Retentional = clogged pores (comedones). These are blackheads (open comedones).
More frequent in the facial T zone; forehead, nose and chin.
B) inflammatory = Granite. It's the famous pimple and it's usually a red, raised lesion with a white center.
It is the type of acne that tends to bother young people and adults the most.
I hate these red pimples on my face
When the bacteria are growing , inflammatory substances are released that dilate the blood vessels that cause the red marks so typical of acne.
I advise you not to handle them (don't touch the pimples), since you can cause more marks and scars, and to use sun protection, so that those red marks don't get pigmented (that is, they give rise to brown spots).
I am worried about my acne, they look like cysts
If you have highly inflamed lesions, surely suffer from severe acne , which is known as nodular or cystic acne. In this case it is highly recommended that you go to your dermatologist for the correct treatment , which in most cases requires oral treatment.
I have dark spots, what is the reason?e?
I have already explained that the skin becomes inflamed as a result of these bacteria that cause the appearance of acne. Now, once the acne breakout has passed, you must protect your skin from the sun at all costs, because if you don't, dark spots may appear in that area due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Every day with a sun photoprotector and avoid leaving dark spots!
I'm dying to squeeze my pimples... NEVER! I am very aware of the temptation to empty that pimple that bothers so much in the middle of the face. But think that if you do it you will only worsen the inflammation, making the possibility of leaving a scar very high. Please control yourself!e!
myths about acne
Now that you know a little more about how acne occurs and its treatment, I don't want to end this blog without telling you about the 5 myths I hear every day in my clinic. So here I go!!
¿I can put on makeup?
Yes of course, but do it with products No comedogenic and above all, do not stop removing your make-up before going to bed so that your pores can breathe. Although you are very lazy, ¡Your skin will thank you!
Chocolate and sausage cause acne
It is true that there is no scientific evidence to prove sausage or chocolate produce acne. It does seem that dairy or high-glycemic (high-sugar) foods can make it worse, as can foods with saturated fat.
The sun is great for acne
Real, but be careful with the amount of sun exposure, so in any case protect yourself first with a goodsunscreen with an SPF 50+.
If I pinch my pimples nothing happens
Fake . is the worst solution , since they can still be infected and leave a mark. So don't fall into temptation!!
It is not necessary to clean the skin before my treatment
Fake . A good facial cleansing routine is essential before your treatment, because the pores must be clean and open to receive the treatment and maximize its effectiveness.