Austin Acne Treatment Specialists

Acne is caused by hormonal changes, for example, as children reach puberty thelevels of androgens increase. This in turn may cause the sebaceous glands tosecrete an oil that forms a solid white substance called sebum. During puberty,skin cells shed and mix with the sebum causing a blockage in the pore. A bacterianormally present in the skin, called P.acnes, multiplies in the clogged poreand results in inflammation. This inflammation can cause acne lesions such as blackheads, pimples,nodules and cysts.

MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH ACNE

• Acne is not caused by eating certain foods. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that certain foods cause acne. A balanced healthy diet may however improve the texture of skin.
• Washing the area vigorously will not, on its own, clear acne. In fact it may cause further irritation and worsen the acne.
• Exposure to sunlight or Ultra Violet light has no proven effect on improving acne. In fact UV light has a risk of causing skin cancer and early ageing of the skin.
• Squeezing acne lesions is not recommended as this forces infected material deeper into the skin causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.