Why is my acne resistant to acne products and procedures?

This is a question many of my patients ask. Research findings suggest food allergies or vitamin deficiencies can cause acne as well as hormonal imbalances. 

Whether your acne is caused by over production of oil, hormones or food allergies using products to keep skin exfoliated and rejuvenated will help eliminate future breakouts as well as scarring. I recommend adding a chemical exfoliating wash with salicylic acid or salicylic toner to daily regimen. Spot treating with benzoyle peroxide and nightly use of a retinoid such as Tretinoin or Differin. Also, antibiotics may be necessary in cases where patient has high bacteria count on skin surface. Next, in office procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, acne facials or blu-u light treatments can also alleviate acne. 

Now to address internal factors contributing to acne breakouts. Skin is the largest organ of our body and the skins function is to eliminate toxins from the body. Toxins can be a result of food allergies. The most common food allergy contributing to acne is gluten and dairy. The only way to determine if a food allergy is causing  acne is by testing your blood for antibodies to a variety of food. The ELISA food allergy panel tests your immunity to 100 different types of food. http://www.foodallergysolutions.com/food-allergy-news0402.html

Vitamin deficiency can also cause acne. Skin care products like Obagi  include vitamin A (retin A), C and E and are recommended daily to rejuvenate the skin from the outside, but what about the vitamins we take orally? Deficiency in Vitamin A, and B’s can cause acne. I have found several vitamins on line and at a local health food store. Most of the skin vitamins contain relatively the same nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin E, Zinc, vitamin B2 and B5, vitamin C.  Taking an oral vitamin can help reduce acne and possibly eliminate acne. http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/vitamins-acne.html

Hormone imbalances can also contribute to acne. Some women experience a few blemishes or a breakout once a month most likely caused by the fluctuation of hormones during a women’s menstral cycle. Testosterone can also cause acne in both women and men. Increased levels of Testosterone can stimulate the over production of oil in the sebaceous glands clogging pores and causing an environment for bacteria to grow. Other symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be hair growth or loss, irregular menstral cycles, or a weight problem. Talk to your doctor about hormone testing. http://www.hormonehelpny.com/column/femaleacne2.htm

Remember, it is important to address acne immediately to eliminate or reduce permanent scarring.

Kelly Wolff L.E. 

Comments

[GEE GEE]

HI, my acne doesn seem do go, it jus keeps on coming and now its spreading over my cheeks and not taking the name of going. i wash my face twice a day, tone, put an acne cream but it doesn seem to help!!!! please help my guys!

[Kelly Wolff L.E.]

I understand your frustration. Please make an appointment for a complementary consultation to discuss your options and begin a treatment plan that works for you. As I stated in my blog, sometimes the issue is more internal. However, getting regular microdermabrasions and chemical peels will help prevent long term scarring.

Please call us Tuesday - Saturday to schedule an appointment. Our number is 704-362-2232.

Best Regards,

Kelly