Active Acne

Acne is the commonest skin condition seen by the dermatologists across the world. It is caused by a blockage in the hair follicles due to a mixture of sebum (secretion of the oil glands) and keratin (dead cells).

Acne is commonly seen in teenagers due to increased hormonal activity- the androgenic hormone Testosterone being the big culprit. The lesions are commonly found on the face, chest, back and shoulders. Acne occurs in different forms depending upon the severity:

Whiteheads

Blackheads

Papules (Slightly Raised and Red)

Pustules (White Tipped Papules)

Nodules (Painful Lumps Under the Skin)

Cysts (Painful Pus-Filled Lumps)

Multiple Forms May Co-Exist

Despite treatments acne tends to be persistent. It is not possible to prevent acne but one should always see a doctor who helps you to understand and manage the condition with a combination of medications- oral, topical and treatments to prevent the worst outcome of acne –the acne scars.

Acne Scars

Acne scars are the most unpleasant reminders of acne, past and present. They are much more difficult to treat than acne and are caused by the nodular and cystic acne as they heal over a long period of time and with formation of scar tissue. Acne scars can be raised (hypertrophic) or depressed (atrophic) and the latter can be described as ice pick scars, box scars and rolling scars. Ice-pick scarring looks like very small holes in the skin, but they are difficult to treat because they are quite deep. Box scars are elongated or oval and look like tears in the skin but are shallower or saucer shaped. Rolling scars give an undulating wavy appearance. Whatever the form, acne scars are associated with a lot of emotional trauma and loss of confidence in young people and it should be the primary concern of a doctor treating acne to prevent scarring as far as possible and in the event of scars, to treat them aggressively. Acne spots are the flat, brownish marks left behind by moderate acne.

Pigmentation & Skin Brightening

Pigmentation is a heterogeneous group of skin conditions characterized by abnormal deposits of pigment in the body. The condition may be localized or generalized and purely cosmetic in concern or the indicator of a serious underlying condition. Most pigmentary disorders are excessive deposits of melanin in the skin. Melanin is the pigment responsible for our skin colour. Hormones play an important role in both the generalized forms e.g. Addison’s disease and Hemochromatosis or localized form like Melasma. Facial pigmentation is a cause of serious emotional disturbance as it affects the appearance. The common causes of hyperpigmentation are:
Hormonal
Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Drug Reactions- Hydroquinone, Tetracycline, Anti -Malarial
Local Causes- Dark Circles, Nevus of Ota, Acanthosis Nigricans
Lesional- DPNs, Moles, Actinic Lichen Planus
Maturational Dyschromia- Chronic Sun Exposure
When the normal melanin activity becomes deficient it leads to a condition called Hypo Melanosis e.g. Vitiligo.

Open Pores

Open pores are the openings of oil glands present in our skin. When these openings are excessively dilated, they are called open pores. They are typically not a skin condition which can be cured but they are a cause of aesthetic concern as they give an irregular texture appearance, and a dull skin tone. They are mainly seen on the cheeks and nose and sometimes must be differentiated from similar looking pitted acne scars. Over active oil glands are the commonest cause of open pores. They can also be attributed to chronic sun exposure and ageing leading to loss of collagen (elasticity) giving a stretched appearance of even normal sized pores. Open pores need to be treated as they frequently get clogged with sebum and dirt and lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition causing diffuse redness on the face. Small acne may be present alongside sometimes. It is mainly seen in the fair skinned people and is much more common in women. The condition is characterized by:

Redness on The Cheeks, Nose, And Forehead

Prominent Telangiectasia

Small Papules or Pustules

Rosacea may be triggered by physical changes such as exercise, heat, sweating, sun exposure, stress, spicy food, alcohol, hot beverages, and changes in weather. Apart from redness or flushing, the eyes are also frequently irritated causing redness, burning sensation and watering. The symptoms come and go with periodic bouts of flushing in between relatively calm skin. The diagnosis is based on clinical signs and rosacea though not cured can be controlled.

Scars

During the process of healing post trauma or surgery sometimes we develop unsightly scars. They are two types which are of greatest concerns are the hypertrophic scar and keloids.

Hypertrophic Scars- Post trauma, surgery, or conditions like acne and chicken pox which usually take longer than 3 weeks to heal can sometimes develop into scar tissues. Hypertrophic scars are usually raised and are confined to the areas of the wound. It can occur over any part of the body. Usually they resolve on their own but most occasions they require medical intervention and usually respond very well.

Keloids- This is derived from the greek word “cheloides”, meaning crab claw. These scars occur due to an exuberant tissue response at the healing site. This condition is usually hereditary and seen over the bony prominences like the chest, shoulder, upper back, arms and ear lobes. These scars usually extend beyond the area of the wound. At times they can be associated with itching or a burning sensation. The sooner they are treated the better they respond to treatment.

Sensitive Skin

One of the commonest descriptions a dermatologist or aesthetic dermatologist hears from clients is that they have sensitive skin. Sensitive skin is not a medical condition, but a subjective self-assessment based on some adverse effects or discomfort on the skin with the use of most personal care products. The discomfort may range from the skin becoming red and itchy to dry and flaky or breakout in the form of bumps and pustules. Many individuals are allergic to the fragrances, preservatives or colours present in most cosmetics and toiletries and therefore their skin reactions are enhanced. Skin could be sensitive to physical touch or it could be sensitive because of excessive dryness. The dryness could be because of conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis or it could be a manifestation of ageing skin with inactivity of the normal oil glands. Skin can also become sensitive after sunburn or the use of certain medications like Isotretinoin. In all these conditions because of the defective skin barrier functions whatever product is applied on the skin is absorbed in greater amounts than normal leading to stinging and burning sensations. Overuse of certain products containing exfoliating agents like lactic acid, Azelaic acid, Benzoic acid, Glycolic acid, and vitamin C can cause sustained stinging feeling of the skin.

Under Eye Dark Circles

Dark Circles is a very common worldwide problem affecting all ages and gender. For most people with this condition it is a major aesthetic concern as it makes one look stressed, ill, or older. It is difficult to treat primarily because it has multiple and diverse factors as the cause. Also known as periorbital hypermelanosis, it is a little more common in people of colour. The causes are:

Genetic- Often seen to be passed down from mother to daughter.

Constitutional- People with chronic low haemoglobin levels or lack of adequate hours of sleep.

Post inflammatory Hyperpigmentation- In atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis the skin under the eyes is chronically irritated and the friction caused by constant rubbing creates the dark patches.

Periorbital oedema- Fluid retention under eyes.

Sub Cutaneous Vascularity- An increased number of thin capillaries under the eye area shows up as darker areas due to the pigment contained in the blood.

Shadowing due to skin laxity.

Tear troughs with age.

Dark circles treatment requires multimodal approach after identifying the primary concern.

Dull Skin

Too often dermatologists see clients complaining of a dull skin. On detailed assessments the concerned individuals report a healthy lifestyle with acceptable sleeping hours, diet and normal stress levels but the face looks tired. The culprits can be manifold:

Dust and pollution

Sun exposure

Diet deficient in the essential vitamins and minerals required for healthy skin

Long hours in closed air-conditioned rooms leading to dehydration and lack of fresh air

No physical activity

Lack of regular exfoliation in daily skin care routine

Tanned Skin

Tanning is commonly caused by ultraviolet rays of the sun during incidental, prolonged and unprotected sun exposure. The process of tanning leads to a darkening of the complexion due to an increase in the melanin content of the melanocytes. Both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for tanning. The UVB rays are more harmful and can lead to skin cancers. Certain medications increase the sensitivity of the skin to the harmful effects of the sun, causing uneven dark patches.

Stretch Marks

These are also known as Striae, commonly present in women. These indentations which are usually seen over the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, calves and upper arms have a number of causative factors:

Pregnancy is the most common cause

Obesity

Sudden increase or loss of weight

Sudden growth spurt during puberty

The hormone cortisone

Corticosteroid medication

A few people may also have a genetic predisposition

They are a result of the destruction of elastic fibres which are present in the dermis of the skin. This happens when the skin is stretched as it cannot keep up with the growth rate. The hormone cortisone weakens the elastic fibres and results in stretch marks in conditions like in Cushing’s syndrome and Marfans syndrome. They are unsightly especially when they cover large areas of the body and their appearance is a cause of concern.

Spider Veins

They are superficial, unsightly, tortuous, web like networks of veins present over the face or legs. They are usually harmless and rarely show any signs and symptoms but are aesthetically unappealing. They may be associated with burning or mild pain. The spider veins can present as telangiectasias (smaller) or as reticular veins (slightly larger and more tortuous). The various causes for spider veins can be:

Hereditary

People on oral contraceptive pills or hormonal replacement therapy

Long term application of corticosteroids

Obesity

Occupations that require standing for long durations

Thin Skin

As with most things, skin also undergoes a series of changes with time and age. One of the most obvious signs is thinning of the skin. Thin skin tends to break, bruise and wrinkle easily and is also intolerant to temperature changes. At AAYNA, we combine a series of treatment protocols, making use of Lasers to peptides and natural ingredients in order to rejuvenate the skin, giving it a plumper, smoother & healthier appearance.

Patchy & Uneven Skin

Be it dark patches or light, any unevenness on the skin surface is a cause of concern. At AAYNA, we deliver spotless beautiful skin making use of sophisticated treatments from micro-needling with customized serum infusions, radiofrequency, to laser therapy, and meticulous protocols that give an overall boost to the overall skin quality.