Acne Tips

Beat Acne with the Dr. Caschette's Acne Tips

Home Care for Acne: "Doing your homework" is essential for treating acne. Appropriate acne skin care includes the following 5 steps:

  • Cleanse skin twice daily.
  • Exfoliate skin at night. Every other day is appropriate to start. If there is skin irritation, exfoliate less often.
  • Treat skin with medication such as benzoyl peroxide.
  • Moisturize twice daily. If you don't, your skin will by making more oil- and more acne.
  • Use a non-acne forming sunblock with a maximum SPF of 30. Sunblock with an SPF higher than 30 can block pores and increase acne. Look for the words "non-acne forming" or "non-comedogenic" on over the counter skin products.

Dr. Caschette recommends the Belle-Derm Skin Care line for quality home care. This skincare line is only available at a Doctor's Office.

Seven things you can do to minimize new acne breakouts:

  • Wash your face as soon as possible after you exercise with a gentle soap. Since bacteria can grow on a damp washcloth, it is important to use a fresh one everyday.
  • When using makeup, use makeup for acne-prone skin, oil free makeup, or mineral based makeup. Again, look for the words "non-acne forming" or "non-comedogenic" on over the counter skin products.
  • To help control bacteria transfer, wash your hands more frequently and avoid putting your fingers and hands to your face unnecessarily. Additionally, avoid resting your face on your hands while you read, study, or watch TV.
  • Although greasy foods or chocolate do not cause acne, if a certain food produces an acne reaction, avoid it!
  • Since stress can decrease our body's immune response and slow down healing, practice stress-reduction strategies such as exercise and meditation.
  • Eat right and get plenty of sleep - proper diet and rest will keep your immune system strong to fight acne-forming bacteria.
  • Don't squeeze or scratch your skin pimples; this can lead to scar formation.

Three steps for treating body (not facial) acne, especially back acne:

  • Cleanse with a 10% benzoyl peroxide bar daily, and after exercising.
  • Exfoliate with a body scrub.
  • Moisturize with a non-acne forming body moisturizer.

The Four Main Causes of Acne:

  • Oil production
  • Excess Acne Bacteria
  • Increased surface skin products
  • Increased Inflammation

Five Comprehensive Treatment Steps at Visage Medical Skin Care

  • Laser Acne Treatment- The only Aramis Acne Laser in our area shrinks oil glands, resulting in less oil and less acne.
  • Medical Grade Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels- this removes dead skin cells and excess skin products which block pores and cause acne. These treatments also decrease bacteria and inflammation.
  • Omnilux LED Light therapy- High intensity light treatments that decrease acne bacteria counts and inflammation.
  • Appropriate prescription medication, which can include:
    • Retinoic acid, which can decrease excess surface skin products, redness and inflammation.
    • Topical or oral antibiotics decrease acne bacteria.
    Hormone therapy to control acne breakouts.
  • Belle-Derm Clear Packs- these allow for appropriate Home Skin Care.

Three Things to keep in mind when treating acne:

  • Acne does not go away overnight. It usually has been a problem for months or years, and it will usually take 2-6 months to improve under a doctor's care.
  • When a new acne treatment begins, acne often gets WORSE before it gets better. Be ready for this. Don't give up.
  • Acne is NOT a disease you cure. One "Magic pill" will not remove all acne forever. Acne is a disease controlled over time with treatment by a physician and home care.

These are general guidelines and are not a replacement for a face-to-face evaluation with a physician. Visage Medical Skin Care offers consultations with Dr. Caschette for acne patients.