Acne is a serious problem and it is never taken lightly or dismissed as a passing condition. As a patient of Dr. Nava, your acne, regardless of severity, is treated with individualized anti-acne programs that work as quickly and as effectively as possible.

Why do I get acne?

The "cause" of acne is a little bacteria called P. Acnes. This bacteria grows rapidly when no oxygen is present. The reason some people have acne and others don't is that a person with acne has skin cells that don't slough off at a normal rate. (The skin cell turnover of a person with acne tendencies is much slower than normal.) This slow turnover rate allows pores to become clogged with natural oils. The more oil your sebaceous glands produce, the more acne has a chance to show up. A plug forms and the little P. Acnes bacteria start to multiply. If nothing interferes with this bacteria growth, a pimple or cyst forms.

Stages of acne normal follicle open comedo (blackhead) closed comedo (whitehead) papule pustule

Basic attack plan of acne treatments:

• Increase cell turnover to keep pores from clogging
• Introduce oxygen into the pore to stop the bacteria growth
• Use antibiotics to kill and control bacteria
• Slow down natural oil production

Specific Treatments for different levels of Acne

I.   Acne can often be treated with non prescription acne-fighting preparations and special cleansers. Because acne skin is sensitive skin, it is important to use products that don't throw your skin into deeper distress.

II.   Acne may need additional treatment resources such as oral and/or topical antibiotics and hormone therapy.

Myths about Acne

1. Acne is caused by poor hygiene - Not so. Keeping your skin clean is of course important, but overly vigorous washing will only cause more oil production and aggravate your condition.

2. Acne is caused by stress - Not so. But stress can definitely worsen acne.

3. Acne is cause by diet - There's no evidence to prove any correlation between diet and acne. However, there has been some speculation that removing dairy products from your diet makes a difference.

4. Acne is just cosmetic and therefore not serious - Anyone with acne knows this is not so. The emotional impact is very serious. Acne Scars are a result of skin damage.

5. Acne will go away on it's own - Acne can be cleared. Delaying or ignoring treatment options can cause permanent skin damage and prolonged psychological suffering.