Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or “zits.” Most people go through a stage of acne at one point in their lives, but it doesn’t end with the teen years; adult acne is growing more and more prevalent.
About 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 are affected by acne, and 50% of women are affected by it during their adult lives. Acne can affect not only appearance but also self-esteem and confidence levels.
The most common type of acne is acne vulgaris, and it happens when pores get clogged and bacteria get trapped beneath the surface of the skin, irritating the surrounding area. Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin even after the acne is clear.
Treatment options:
- Creams and washes
- Some work on killing bacteria, some work on controlling oil
- Common ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, and salicylic acid
- Oral medication
- Antibiotics
- Hormones
- Retinoids
- Physical procedures
- Laser/light therapy
- Chemical peels
- Acne removal
Tips for managing:
- Don’t pop pimples. Picking at and squeezing the sores may cause scarring.
- Don’t tan to get rid of acne. Many people think the sun can cure acne, but it just makes the marks harder to see. Large amounts of UV exposure can cause premature skin aging (wrinkles, sunspots), and can lead to skin cancer.
- Treat your acne. It doesn’t just have to run its course. Thanks to medical breakthroughs, practically any kind of acne can be controlled and treated effectively.
- Be gentle. Scrubbing your skin as hard as you can make your skin more sensitive; it will become irritated and your acne will worsen.
Prevention:
- Wash acne-prone areas twice daily
- Use gentle cleanser and oil-free, water-based skin care products
- Washing more than twice per day can irritate skin further
- Avoid heavy foundation
- Powder cosmetics are less irritating on your skin.
- Remove makeup before going to bed.
- Makeup can clog pores if left on overnight.
- Shower and wash your face after strenuous activity.
- Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria causing pimples.
While many people may see results from over the counter acne treatments, the reality is that many people need a dermatologist or esthetician to assist in treating their acne. These skin care professionals can accurately diagnose and prescribe a treatment regimen for your specific problem.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our estheticians to find the best acne treatment for you and your skin.
You may be ready for school to start, but what about your skin? Come in to Medi-Spa of Knoxville Dermatology Group and let us prep your skin for the fall with an OBAGI® Clenziderm Acne Kit & Teen Facial for a special price of $150!
*Offer valid through 7.31.11
Contact Medi-Spa at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).
About Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System
The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth skin. Sonic Skin Cleansing improves skin tone, reduces the appearance of pore size and helps skin care products work their best.
In just 60 seconds, the micro-massage action removes 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Removing more dirt and oil from your pores also helps products work more effectively.
While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked. Typical manual cleansing can leave behind dirt and oil trapped in pores. This build-up can damage the appearance and health of your skin and keep your skin care products from working like they should.
Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists, Clarisonic Skin Cleansing Systems use a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to gently, yet thoroughly remove 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. Cleaner skin is the first step toward healthier skin. And healthier skin is smoother, radiant and more beautiful.
Cleanses Better
Without proper cleansing, drying detergents, pollutants, oil and bacteria can damage the appearance and health of your skin. Using Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems helps to remove impurities and clear pores. Sonic cleansing is the essential first step in a healthy skin care ritual. Gently gliding across skin while cleansing thoroughly, the sonic micro-massage loosens and removes dirt, oil and makeup from pores.
Gentle on Skin
Sonic cleansing is the natural way to thoroughly cleanse all skin types — even skin affected by complicated conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, and acne.
Unlike many skin treatments that use harsh chemicals, the micro-massage action is effective, yet gentle enough to be used twice a day. And because there are no harsh abrasives or chemicals, our Sonic Cleansing Systems are ideal when you need a gentle, natural way to cleanse your skin.
Enhances Other Products
Without proper cleansing, pollutants, oil and bacteria accumulate on the skin, clogging pores and causing blackheads, blemishes and dullness. This prevents serums and moisturizers from performing to their fullest potential.
Sonic cleansing better prepares your skin for skin care products. Compared to manual cleansing, using the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System allows for up to 61% better absorption of Vitamin C. Better absorption allows creams, serums and moisturizers to work their best.
Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Quick Facts
- Leaves skin feeling and looking healthier
- Removes 6X more makeup than cleansing with hands alone
- Helps skin care products absorb better
- Pores appear smaller
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
- Gentle enough for use twice a day
- Soft, non-abrasive for different skin types
The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System can be your first step towards skin that’s clean, radiant and beautiful. Now thru the end of the month, you can purchase the Clarisonic Classic for only $145 at Medi-Spa of Knoxville Dermatology Group. (Regular price: $195)
Contact Medi-Spa at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).
Now that summer is in full swing, our skin is in desperate need of protection from harmful pollutants in the environment, especially UV light. In order to maintain healthy, youthful skin year-round, we must ensure that our skin is properly nourished. In this blog article, we will explore the many benefits of Antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential to protecting the skin and can be delivered through diet, supplements, and topical products.
For our overall health, we need supplements in addition to a healthy diet. But for the health of our skin, internal nourishment is not enough: topical antioxidants are essential. Internal supplementation improves antioxidant levels in skin cells, but research shows that topical application delivers these important nutrients to the skin more quickly. Furthermore, numerous studies demonstrate that topical antioxidants protect skin from UV damage, reduce inflammation, and may protect against certain types of cancer.
Topical Antioxidants
These formulations contain many different antioxidants. Choose a combination that is appropriate for your skin. Some are stronger than others and many offer additional health benefits. Vitamins C and E, two well-known antioxidants, are essential for skin health. Additionally, vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, and vitamin E provides excellent hydration benefits.
These and other topical antioxidants will protect your skin and optimize skin health. Look for effective concentrations of these important antioxidants and avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, and parabens.
How can a topical antioxidant help correct and protect your skin?
Product lines such as the OBAGI® Professional-C Serums protect skin from harmful environmental stressors by providing potent antioxidant therapy that neutralizes free radicals on the skin before they cause damage. 
Daily use of topical antioxidants can:
= Neutralize free radicals to prevent future skin damage
= Help correct signs of sun and environmental damage, including brown spots and rough and uneven skin tone
=Revitalize skin by stimulating collagen production and increasing elasticity
The Result? Lighter, Brighter, Softer skin!
Call or visit Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group to learn more about topical antioxidants and our outstanding product lines such as OBAGI®!

Take advantage of these summer specials to lighten, brighten, tighten, and protect your skin:
*Professional C-Serum 10%, 15% or 20% & Healthy Protection SPF 35 is available through July for only $110!
*Also, don’t miss out on Professional C- Serum 5% AM & Elastiderm PM for just $120 this month only!
*Offers expire 7.31.2011.
Contact Medi-Spa at 865.342.5823 (Knoxville location) or 865.868.4683 (Sevierville location).