Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up the pores. This combination causes swelling leading to infection and pus. Aside from puberty, genetics, hormonal imbalance and using oil-based skin products are also factors behind its appearance.
Acne typically appears on the face, chest, shoulders, neck and back. Although the condition is not classified as dangerous, it can leave scars and marks on skin.
There are several treatments available to address the different types of acne conditions such as:
• Non-inflammatory acne (comedones): Blackheads, whiteheads
• Inflammatory acne: Papules, Pustules, Nodules and Cysts
Cystic pimples are inflammatory acne which involves more white blood cells rushing to the area and because there are more enzymes in that area, it leads to more destruction. The skin then tries to desperately heal itself which results in a scar. There is a major difference between acne marks and scars.
• Rolling scars – broad depressions with sloping edge.
• Boxcar scars – broad depressions with with sharply defined edges.
• Atrophic scars – flat, thin scars or depressed scars (anetoderma)
• Hypertrophic or keloid scars – thick lumpy scars. Unlike ice pick or boxcar scars, hypertrophic scars are not caused by a loss of tissue. Rather, they develop because of an overproduction of collagen.
The skin then tries to desperately heal itself which results in a scar. There is a major difference between acne marks and scars. Acne scars are deep indentations that are usually caused from picking at a blemish (though not always). They take much longer to remove and and can only be erased with laser treatment.
Depending on its severity, solutions come in the form of over-the-counter medications and doctor-prescribed treatments such as Acne, Scar & Marks Treatment.
For scars and marks, treatments such as dermabrasion, Microdermabrasion Skin Renewal and laser skin resurfacing can help reduce their appearance.
Dermal fillers are also effective in addressing acne scars.
The cause of birthmarks is not fully understood. There are some that may be identical to another family member, but most birthmarks are not inherited. This is despite how interesting or convincing even, some of the myths and folk tales surrounding them may be.
Over 80 percent of babies have some form of birthmark, but not all last for life as some birthmarks do fade away. Birthmarks commonly occur at birth or sometime soon after. There are two types of birthmarks – pigmented and vascular.
A pigmented birthmark is a condition where there is more pigment or colour in one part of the skin. This is due to the overgrowth of cells that create pigment in the skin.
The different types of pigmented birthmarks include. These include:
Mongolian spots
These spots are usually bluish resembling bruises. Often spotted on people with darker skin, they appear on the buttocks and/or lower back. They do appear on arms and trunks as well.
Café-au-lait spots
These get their name from their colour which is the hue of coffee with milk. On darker skin, their tone is more of dark coffee. Their sizes vary, and they may fade age you age though not entirely.
There are known preventive methods but if you have pigmented birthmarks, using good quality sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors, can help prevent complications.
Stretch marks happen when the skin is pulled by accelerated growth or stretching. Rapid weight gain and loss also cause their appearance. Teenagers may notice them during puberty and corticosteroid creams, pills and lotions can cause stretch marks as well.
Apart from puberty, stretch marks are also common in men who are training to bulk up muscles. Weightlifters are more likely to get stretch marks due to the rapid changes in the bodies.
Many women experience stretch marks during pregnancy as their skin expands. The continual pulling and stretching results in the condition. Rapid weight gain and loss are also common causes.
A common cause for the itch is dry skin, a result of inadequate moisturising. In pregnant women, it could be caused by the polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), which is harmless but can be uncomfortable. PEP often starts late in pregnancy but can also occur just after giving birth.
Rapid growth causes the skin to over-stretch and breaks fibres. The tears in the dermis cause the blood vessels to appear through, which is why you’ll notice that stretch marks are red or purple when they first appear.
During pregnancy, early stretch marks appear pink and may be itchy. Gradually, the marks grow in length and width turning red or purple. The stretch marks will then mature and lose their hue. Months after pregnancy, they will fade turning pale white or silver. The stretch marks may also appear slightly depressed and irregular in shape and length.
Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy. However, it is also common to get them on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back and buttocks. While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are most likely to appear in places where large amounts of fat are stored.
Stretch marks in pregnancy are due to the stretching of skin to accommodate the growing abdomen area. It is also common to find them on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower backs and buttocks. Stretch marks can appear just about anywhere but are most likely to be found in areas where large amounts of fat are stored.
It is advisable to see a qualified doctor so that the appropriate treatment can be prescribed for better efficacy. Our PICO laser is an effective treatment with no downtime that effectively addresses the issue.
Pores are tiny openings on the skin surface, and they number in the millions. They each contain a sebaceous gland which produces skin’s oil.
Pores are essential for our skin. They produce oil to lubricate the skin, and this oil is known as sebum helps keep skin clean, moisturised and healthy. Another type of pores allows sweat to travel to the skin surface. This helps to regulate body temperature.
There are oil pores and sweat pores. Oil pores are hair follicles, and these are the ones that produce sebum. These are the ones associated with enlarged and blocked pores issues.
Sweat pores are tiny and not really visible to the naked eye. They allow sweat to travel from the sweat glands to the skin surface before evaporating.
Just like you, your skin needs to breathe so in a sense, pores are always open. The difference is in the size of their openings which can happen to any skin type. Pores on the face may appear larger than ones on the rest your body.
Clogged pores are the result of excess oil secretion, built up dead skin cells or dirt and oil that is stuck beneath the skin surface. When skin closes the top of a clogged pore – pimples are formed.
A common cause is genetics but not exclusively. Other possible causes include oily skin which is due to the presence of excess oil around skin pores rendering them an enlarged appearance. Ageing is also a factor as your skin loses its elasticity the pores look more prominent. Another cause is the body's hormonal changes.
PICO Pores & Scars Laser with PICOCARE 450 is an FDA-approved, picosecond laser. This means an increase in power and shortening of pulses which result in lesser downtime and improved safety. It is highly competent in addressing enlarged pores issues.