Acne Vulgaris is a very common condition and affects nearly every individual at some point in their lives. It is not just a condition that affects teenagers and 64% of 20-29 year olds and 43% of 30-39 year olds still have visible acne.
The most common triggers are hormonal and the time of puberty is where the highest prevalence is seen. Other causes can be stress where increased sebum is produced and oils in cosmetics.
Acne develops when there is excessive sebum secretion resulting in pore blockage which gets secondarily infected by the bacteria P. acnes.
The effects of Acne are both psychological and physical.
Psychological Impact:
Appearance has a huge role in social communication (none more so at the moment when we’re living life through social media rather than face to face) and functioning. This is reinforced by the media, industry and celebrity culture.
Acne sufferers experience:
- Shame 70%
- Loss of confidence 67%
- Embarrassment 63%
- Anxiety 63%
- Impaired social contact 57%
Due to the age range of sufferers the above can have very large impact on one’s overall quality of life at a very sensitive time.
Physical Impact:
Acne can vary from mild to severe. When mild it may only be a few comedones (black heads), when moderate classical pustular spots are seen and when severe painful cystic lesions can be present. In the most severe cases there can be associated scarring which will last a lifetime and have a marked impact on that individual.
The appearance of the acne lesions contributes directly to the psychological impact on that individual.
THAT’S THE BAD NEWS, NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!
Obagi, has a fantastic system for the treatment of mild- moderate acne, to get the acne under control. In the short term this will give the suffers their self confidence back and in the long term prevent complications like scarring.
Unique to Obagi is the CLENZIderm M.D.System.
It’s a complete acne treatment specifically formulated for normal-oily skin to help treat acne at its source.
The kit includes:
- Daily care Foaming Cleanser
- Pore Therapy
- Therapeutic lotion
How it works:
- The Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid (this reduces sebum secretion) and has a cooling menthol effect. It washes away the impurities leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed. This is applied 1-3 times daily.
- Pore Therapy contains 2% salicylic acid that unclogs pores and clears away dead skin cells. This is applied 1-3 times daily.
- Therapeutic Lotion (5% Benzoyl Peroxide). This is uniquely created to deliver the medication deep within the pores. It has an anti-bacterial effect that will work deep within the skin where the infection is active. This is applied 1-3 times daily.
Results are seen from 2 weeks.
For more severe acne an Obagi Tretinoin cream can be added in and if pigment is also present then the Obagi Nu Derm system will address these concerns.
The Obagi acne treatments safely and effectively treat acne, giving sufferers their confidence back and preventing long-term complications.
If you would like any further information please contact Dr Ed as he is still available for virtual consultations at this time and if indicated treatment can be started without delay!
