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Acne Scarring

At any given moment, countless women and men, from teens to seniors, are dealing with the anguish of acne breakouts. For many others, acne scarring remains an emotionally painful reminder of previously troubled skin. If you are one of these individuals, and live near the Walnut Creek, CA area or have transportation, solutions are not far away. Dr. M. Christine Lee is a Board-certified dermatologist. She founded The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute, to help people like you enjoy the confidence of lovely skin.

Acne Scarring, Walnut Creek

What causes acne?

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease, considered chronic until it is successfully treated or resolves on its own (which may take years or never occur). Most of your body is covered with hair, though some of it is very fine and barely visible. Pimples erupt when hair follicles, become blocked with excess sebum and keratin. This collection of oil and dead skin cells is quickly colonized by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The body responds to overpopulation of the P. acnes pathogen by releasing chemicals that trigger inflammation – the immune system’s means of fighting bacterial invasion.

Factors that contribute to acne include:

  • Genetics – Predisposition to acne runs in families.
  • Hormonal fluctuations – Dihydrotestosterone, DHEA, and other hormones drive production of oily sebum. Levels of these chemicals spike and dip in the body during puberty, menstruation, menopause, and periods of emotional stress.
  • Diet – While there is no clear link between what you eat and how likely you are to get acne, a wholesome, well-rounded diet contributes to overall skin health. Some research suggests that dairy and sugar contribute to or worsen acne flare-ups.
  • Environmental factors – Acne may develop where hair follicles are mechanically obstructed by clothing.
  • Medications – Certain drugs worsen pre-existing acne conditions.

Why seek dermatologist acne treatment?

Drug and retail stores have aisles of items claiming to resolve acne, and other product lines are heavily marketed on television and social media. While some contain medically beneficial active ingredients, over the counter topical preparations generally lack the strength necessary for effectiveness. They may contain impurities or harsh components that irritate your complexion in the long term.

In the care of a qualified dermatologist, you receive a treatment plan personalized to your unique skin type, lifestyle, and stage of life. Dr. Lee first focuses on preventing breakouts with a tailored daily skin care regimen. If acne flareups do occur, professional treatment dramatically reduces risk of permanent scarring from blemishes.

Professional treatments: What is good for acne scars?

Perhaps your skin is clear now but carries scars from earlier complexion problems. You are probably wondering how to remove acne scars. In Dr. Lee’s care, it is never too late to improve the condition of your skin, even if acne scarring is old or deep.

The answer to “how to clear acne scars?” is different for every patient of The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute. Mild scarring is often improved with a series of chemical peels that remove surface skin layers, allowing fresh new cells to emerge. Microdermabrasion flattens acne scarring by mechanically removing surface irregularities.

Dr. Lee achieves excellent results with the LaserLite acne facial and other advanced laser and light-based technologies. These treatments work to improve scarring in three ways. First, they break up abnormal collagen near the surface that comprises depressed, raised, or rolling scar tissue. Second, light energy stimulates productions of an even meshwork of healthy, normal collagen in deeper layers, which supports smooth skin. Third, laser treatment lightens discoloration of acne scarring.

With a professional strategy of acne scarring treatment in Walnut Creek, CA, the appearance ofyour skincan be dramatically improved. Call (925) 528-0117 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee at The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute.

Dr. Christine Lee

Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee

Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.

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