Acne is a skin condition that usually comes in the form of red pimples, but can also be accompanied by blackheads and whiteheads. It is caused by the small sebaceous glands which lie just beneath the skin; these glands secrete sebum (a type of oil) which moistens and protects the skin. Unfortunately, sometimes the pores through which this oil reaches the face get blocked and causes the sebum to build up beneath the skin. This in turn produces inflammation of the skin and you end up having unattractive red pimples.

Most commonly, acne appears on the face before any other part of the body and it normally affects teenagers as they hit puberty. For some people, it lasts a short while, but for others, it can stay with them throughout their lives.

So, why is it that some people have to deal with acne for the rest of their lives while others don’t? Does it have anything to do with their genetic makeup? In short, the answer is yes.

Now, while there are no definite and indisputable proofs to establish that acne is influenced by genes, there is a very high likelihood that our genes play a big role in this. And for many doctors, that’s enough evidence to say that acne does have correlation with hereditary.

Besides genes, there are various other factors which also affect the outbreak of acne. Some of them are as follows:

• Diet: This is also something which is unconfirmed. However, it has been noted that certain foods can cause acne to appear more often. Therefore, care should be taken with regards to food items with high carbohydrates (like sweets, breads, and cereals) and dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and butter).

• Cleanliness: An unclean face is a home for bacteria. If proper hygiene is not maintained, acne will always be a problem. It is important to always use clean clothes and other items which come in contact with our face, such as towels and pillow cases.

• Hormones: For both men and women, their hormonal changes can and does usually affect their acne problems. For men, the hormone known as testosterone causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum than usual. This can cause an increase in acne after doing anything which increases testosterone, such as exercising and certain medications.

Women also have testosterone, albeit to a lesser degree than men. A few days prior to a woman’s menstrual period, estrogen and progesterone drop lower than her testosterone levels. Therefore, women can expect a higher probability of acne breaking out during those times.

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank offers the following two treatments for acne: Isolaz™ Pore Purification Laser and Photodynamic Therapy.

• Isolaz™ is a quick and painless procedure and the results of it show after two to four days. It cleans the pores, kills the acne causing bacteria, and is great for treating blackheads and whiteheads.

• Photodynamic Therapy focuses on long term results and normally requires two to three treatments to ensure that you will remain acne free for months.

Both treatments have their pros and cons, so it is best to consult with Dr. Frank to find out which one is suitable for your needs. You can reach out to him using the contact page on this website.