Acne Talk

     Acne is not a particularly attractive treat for anyone, whether adult or adolescent. Acne contributes to lowering one’s self-esteem. If you don’t treat acne, it can and surely will scar your skin, with direct effects upon your emotionally life forever.

     Fortunately the acne is curable. Acne is characterized by inflammation of the skin shaped as pus-filled bumps. These bumps are hair follicles clogged with dead skin cells and oil.

     Many things might cause acne. Here are a few frequent acne causes:

        - a genetic predisposition to acne

        - fluctuations in hormonal levels, especially of the testosterone. Acne is the body’s way of letting you know of these hormonal changes

        - stress, due to overworking of the adrenal glands.  - medications containing halogens, androgens, arbiturates, and iodides

        - exposure to chlorinated compounds

        - abnormalities in follicle physiology (too narrow channels, extremely wide and deep pores).

     Adult acne may also be due to conditions such as pregnancy, ovarian syndromes or a rare syndrome such as Cushing’s.

     Although highly unsightly and inconvenient, acne skin treatments really exist. Several ointments, containing either retinoic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide, have been proven to cure acne. These do not provide immediate results, but in time they work. And they are often expensive.

     Although many studies on acne show that sunlight makes acne problems worse, it’s actually the UV that causes skin damage. Nevertheless, treatment of acne by other wavelengths of light is now a common acne treatment, being painless, non-invasive, and decreases the incidence of acne.

     One type, light wave therapy, passes a blue light beam of high intensity over the skin. Originally used for cancer therapies, this acne treatment method is actually effective in acne removal.

     The light of blue light therapy is generated by lasers, fluorescent light bulbs or dichroic bulbs. If you use it daily, blue light can reduce acne considerably, because of the effect of the light on Propionibacterium acnes, the acne causing bacteria.

     The bacterium produces a set of molecules called porphyrins, which generates free radicals when exposed to blue light. These free radicals kill the bacteria and acne is reduced.

     Blue light acne treatment is safe and more effective by far than benzoyl peroxide, but for shorter periods only. It is considered expensive, but in reality is cheaper than using benzoyl peroxide, because it takes a long time to treat acne with the second, even years, in some cases.

     Laser surgery makes use of a high intensity laser beam passed over the skin to treat acne. This kind of acne treatment is used to treat acne scars, but is now commonly used to prevent acne.

Laser therapy works by one of the following methods:

     Lasers burn away the follicle sac, the opening in the follicle from which hair grows. Laser light is strong enough to completely remove the sebaceous glands.

The laser led to the formation of free oxygen radicals in acne bacteria and kills it, just like the blue light therapy.

     But laser surgery has disadvantages, like damage the skin. If used improperly, it can dry out skin, or lead to the formation of spots.

     You should consult your dermatologist before you use laser surgery, and find out all the advantages and disadvantages of this acne treatment solution. If used properly, laser surgery will give you a healthy, clearer, acne free skin.

How to reduce the excessive oil secretion 

Accutane is based on vitamin A and reduces the secretion of oil by the oil glands. 

Foods that provide the body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene include: liver, oily fish, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli and whole eggs. 

Encourage the skin peeling 

Using a peel is an easy method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria that clog the pores, which may lead to forming blemishes. 

Extreme peels 

Peels come in different stages , from mild to really harsh. The TCA peel is an extreme peel that can cost from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in medical environments. The TCA is not suitable for all situations, however. The skin is more sensitive to the sun after using the TCA, that leading to hyper-pigmentation. 

Make-it-yourself peels 

Several peels contain glycolic acid or papaya enzymes. These peels are safer then most because they lightly exfoliate the skin. 

Stop the spreading of the bacterial infection 

Using an astringent such as apple cider vinegar or witch hazel to clean and disinfect the skin greatly reduces the bacteria. This reduces skin inflammation and the future apparition of pimples . 

Enhance Fat Metabolism 

Free fatty acids can irritate the skin and provoke acne eruptions. Reducing intake of foods containing hydrolyzed fats will improve fat metabolism. However, they are good for the skin, plus you can find them in foods such as salmon and olive oil. These essential fats aid eliminating inflammatory substances and reduce future experiences with acne lesions… 

Reduce inflammation 

A strong immunity is like a buffer against inflammation. Try to reduce stress by exercising, eating a balanced diet and well sleeping boosts the immune system. Also, a supplement of vitamins like C and E, B-Complex, zinc will enhance effectiveness of the immune system. 

     Home remedies are acne treatments offering you options on the ingredients and effectiveness of what you use on your own skin.

     The best herbs that have proven efficacy for acne treatment are neem, basil and turmeric. They are also available in the market of therapeutics worldwide.

     Neem has fastest onset of action with positive and visible results on the applied acne within seconds.

     For acne relief, a paste of neem can be applied on the affected area, with positive effects also.

     Treatment with turmeric (with its antibacterial properties) is an old Indian cure for skin disorders.

     You can also use a combination of neem leaves and turmeric powder and apply it as a paste on the area affected with acne.

     Basil is beneficial in acne treatment too. Other herbs good for treating acne are chamomile, Echinacea, lavender, juniper, red clover, witch hazel, dandelion root, burdock and bergamot.

     Physical regular exercises, a good rest, night sleep, Yoga, fitness, running in the park, etc. can also contribute greatly to prevention and treatment of acne.