skin care - acne treatments

most people are affected by acne at some point in their lives - it is a chronic condition that requires consistent daily maintenance

WHAT'S CAUSE ACNE?

Acne is caused by three factors: bacteria, hormones and sebum (oil of the skin). Increased adhesion of the epidermal cells also contributes to acne. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that diet may play role in acne, although the findings are preliminary and more work needs to be done in this area.

ORAL AND TOPICAL ACNE TREATMENT

The most popular acne treatments are oral antibiotics, which kill the acnes bacteria found in many acne lesions. Normal doses of antibiotics have been used for decades in the treatment of acne and they are known to be relatively safe and effective.

Medications available for topical application include retinoid that normalizes epidermal turnover, allowing skin cells to slough off more easily.

HORMONAL TERAPHY

Hormones play a key role in the development of acne and manipulating these hormones can clear up acne. Medications such as birth control pills can trick the body into making less acne inducing male hormones from binding to their receptors. Dermatologists have known for years that excessive male hormones may cause acne.

LIGHT BASED ACNE TREATMENT

These acne treatments use lasers and intense pulsed lights to destroy bacteria in the skin. Light energy is converted into heat which kills the bacteria and probably degrades some of the inflammatory materials in the hair follicle. Lasers and intense pulsed lights may also target oil glands themselves, reducing the production of sebum. Both of these treatments may shrink the size of pores, thereby improving their appearance.