Acne is of several types ranging from mild breakouts to severe
inflammations. The good news is that several treatment methods are
available in the form of topical applications, laser acne treatment,
prescription medications and herbal remedies. Most of us are familiar
with a lot of products and brand names associated with acne treatment,
but what really matters is the active ingredient present in each of the
products.
Most acne treatment products and methods function via one of the following ways:
Acne is the commonest skin disorder that occurs due to hyperactivity of the oil glands. Though it is prevalent during the adolescent period when hormonal changes take place, it affects people of all age groups. Some people suffer their whole life with relentless outbreaks of acne. So, how does it develop? The hair follicles in our skin are linked to oil glands that produce sebum to lubricate the skin. When sebum is delivered to the external surface of your skin, simultaneously, dead skin cells are pushed out from the follicle lining. When too much sebum is secreted due to hormonal imbalance a few pores get clogged up, obstructing the release of sebum and dead skin cells onto the surface. Bacterial build-up aggravates the situation and causes swelling leading to acne breakouts.
Acne can be caused by any of the reasons mentioned below:
1. Topical methods: They include over-the-counter products as well as prescription products. The former are formulated to remain mild and require no supervision as such; the latter are prescribed by a dermatologist or doctor and require regular monitoring to safeguard from adverse reactions.
2. Systemic methods: They work internally and are taken as oral pills or skin injections to treat severe conditions. Treatment is administered under strict medical supervision and it can involve a course of several months. Though the results can be dramatic, the possible side-effects can be powerful or serious.
3. Dermatological procedures: These therapies vary according to the severity of the condition and are performed by estheticians, dermatologists or health-care practitioners. They can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment to get rid of acne. The main dermatological procedures are:
Most acne treatment products and methods function via one of the following ways:
- Targeting the acne bacteria
- Keeping the pores free from blockages
- Reducing inflammation
Acne is the commonest skin disorder that occurs due to hyperactivity of the oil glands. Though it is prevalent during the adolescent period when hormonal changes take place, it affects people of all age groups. Some people suffer their whole life with relentless outbreaks of acne. So, how does it develop? The hair follicles in our skin are linked to oil glands that produce sebum to lubricate the skin. When sebum is delivered to the external surface of your skin, simultaneously, dead skin cells are pushed out from the follicle lining. When too much sebum is secreted due to hormonal imbalance a few pores get clogged up, obstructing the release of sebum and dead skin cells onto the surface. Bacterial build-up aggravates the situation and causes swelling leading to acne breakouts.
Acne can be caused by any of the reasons mentioned below:
- Heredity
- Increased secretion of male hormones during adolescence
- Oily skin and hair
- Hormonal imbalance in women
- High levels of stress
- Side effects from some prescription medications
- Cosmetics containing certain chemicals
- Certain nutritional deficiencies
1. Topical methods: They include over-the-counter products as well as prescription products. The former are formulated to remain mild and require no supervision as such; the latter are prescribed by a dermatologist or doctor and require regular monitoring to safeguard from adverse reactions.
2. Systemic methods: They work internally and are taken as oral pills or skin injections to treat severe conditions. Treatment is administered under strict medical supervision and it can involve a course of several months. Though the results can be dramatic, the possible side-effects can be powerful or serious.
3. Dermatological procedures: These therapies vary according to the severity of the condition and are performed by estheticians, dermatologists or health-care practitioners. They can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment to get rid of acne. The main dermatological procedures are:
- Comedone extractions - Performed by estheticians to remove blackheads and soft comedones. Cysts and serious lesions must be attended to by dermatologists.
- Microdermabrasion - A machine is used to spray fine crystals that exfoliate the skin deeply and loosen blockages in the pore. It is suitable for non-inflamed acne and is done in the dermatologist's clinic.
- Phototherapy - Utilizes laser to destroy P. acnes, the bacteria present in sebum, or to shrink the oil glands. It is done by a dermatologist and involves different kinds of light depending on the type of acne.
- Light chemical peels - Chemical peels made from exfoliating agents like glycolic acid are used to exfoliate the skin deeply, so that dead cells are removed and the pores are cleared.
- Corticosteroid injections - Dermatologists inject corticosteroid into cysts, to reduce inflammation and diminish the chances of scarring. These injections also allow speedy healing of serious lesions.
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