Effective Acne Treatment Must Attack the Root Cause

An effective acne treatment must attack the root cause of acne - the excess oil that forms in the skin. That excess oil comes from glands in the skin. Those glands contain the natural chemicals that are needed for the formation of skin oils. An effective acne treatment must either do away with any excess amount of oil or must block the biochemical pathway that permits the natural synthesis of skin oils. At an optimal level, the production of skin oils encourages the creation of a shiny and youthful-appearing skin. When skin contains the proper amount of oil, then a teenager can feel content to look in the mirror, and to see his or her healthful face. When facial skin contains too much oil, then the same individual must often view a pimply face in the mirror. An effective acne treatment puts an end the production of excessive amounts of oil. Literature on the latest acne treatment indicates that it carries out its important function by blocking the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Why does such an action inhibit the formation of excess sebum in the skin? The hormone referred to as DHT is the product of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. That reaction takes place when testosterone molecules in the blood mix with the 5 alpha reductase in the skin cells. That mixing leads to the production of DHT. The formation of DHT in the skin cells then paves the way for the formation of added amounts of skin oil. When an adolescent has a large amount of testosterone in his or her facial skin, or when he/she has highly active reductase enzymes in the skin, then that teen is apt to have very oily skin. A teenager with oily skin must frequently deal with recurring bouts of acne. That is why teens who suffer from acne flare-ups have reason to give this new acne treatment a careful examination. Such an examination should show the acne-prone teenager that he or she can use that new acne treatment to launch a powerful, three-pronged attack - an attack on the factors that contribute to the formation of acne pimples. The real beauty of the new treatment for acne comes not from the product's effectiveness, but from its ability to deliver a triple punch More importantly, that triple punch comes from a product that does not demand careful and time-consuming product application.
Source: Acne Treatment Consultant

Kids Today: Acne serious problem for teens

Teenage years are filled with new experiences and new choices. Unfortunately, something that also comes with this age is the dreaded pimple.

Pimples, zits, or whatever you call them is an "inflammation of the oil glands, most of which is associated with hormone changes," said Dr. Aloys Tauscheck, M.D., and a board-certified dermatologist at Paragon Medical Center in Sheboygan.

During the teen years, hormones are going haywire. During this time, "hormones are definitely not stable," Tauscheck said.

Stress also has a huge effect on breakouts. During testing and exams pimples are more likely because the stress changes the body's hormones.

Although the 13- to 20-year-old crowd makes up the majority of patients Dr. Tauscheck treats for acne, studies suggest that 15 percent of people over the age of 25 also have acne.

Genetics also plays a huge role in developing acne.

"Acne is much affected by genetics," Tauscheck said. "Eighty-five percent of teenagers have some form or another (of acne)."

Pimples can have a horrible effect on a teen's self-confidence during a time where they are figuring out who they are. Kids often tease each other about it, which lowers confidence.

"They do pick on kids. You can't hide it," Tauscheck said.

Some teens don't let it get to them, though.

Nicole Bartel, 13, said, "I feel fine (when I have a pimple) because I have confidence in myself so it doesn't bother me."

Others take the approach that it's just a part of growing up.

"Everybody gets them," said Sam Van Wyk, 14.

There is a multitude of ways to treat acne, but the best way by far is by preventing it.

"Every night I wash my face," Bartel said.

A common misconception is that dirt causes acne. It is recommended that people only wash their face once a day because washing too frequently can cause irritation and actually make acne worse.

Behavior modification, like keeping yourself from resting your face on your hand, helps keep acne at bay.

If pimples do appear, products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help certain types of acne because they are anti-inflammatory.

To treat blackheads, which are oil-plugged pores, certain types of prescriptions should help.

Pimples that lead to inflammation and infection and also need to be addressed with a topical solution, cream, gel or antibiotic pills. Some antibiotic pills increase chances of depression though.

Another type of acne is "yellow puss jewels," which may have bacteria in them and need to be taken care of because they can lead to cystic or nodular acne — which can get as big as grapes. They are deep and painful pimples which can lead to scarring if untreated.

Tanning does improve your acne because it dries the oils up, but it is not recommended because of dangerous skin cancers.

Wearing sports equipment, like football helmets, a tennis headband or wrestling gear, may irritate acne, so it is important to try to keep that to a minimum and keep oil from building up, because that's partly what causes the acne.

It is extremely important not to pop pimples. That can lead to more infection and long-term scarring.

"It's important to treat acne early and don't pick at it," Tauscheck said.

There are many myths that come with acne, like how a bad diet can make it worse. Studies have shown this is untrue, although some people may find that individual foods may cause flare ups in their acne at times. Eating or drinking milk products has also been said to cause acne, but is untrue.

"If that were true, my kids would have a face full of acne because they have drunk so much milk," Tauscheck said.

Bad hygiene doesn't cause acne either, although it is recommended to keep yourself clean because it will remove the oils.

Sleep deprivation also tends to cause acne, possibly because it leads to more stress. It has also been shown that drinking a lot of water to flush yourself of impurities doesn't make your complexion better, although it can improve the look of your skin.

It is important to control acne not only for the emotional side of it, but the long-term physical effects it can have.

Acne scarring can occur in as short as six months and can't be treated well until the person has grown out of the acne stage, which is usually beyond their teenage years. Facial peels, chemical peels and laser treatments can be used, but they are never 100 percent effective.

Acne scarring can be covered up with a camouflage product, but it can make acne worse. The best way to prevent acne scarring is to prevent acne.

People with untreated acne also have a higher risk of depression than people with treated acne.

Acne doesn't just occur on the face like many people think. It is quite common to develop it on the chest and upper back as well, and still is important to get that treated correctly as well.

Acne, in all its related forms, is very serious and needs to be taken care of right away with either over-the-counter treatments or a by a visit to a dermatologist if necessary. Letting it progress until it goes away will only make things worse physically and emotionally.

There is no "simple pimple."

Source: Acne treatment

Breakthrough cosmetic treatment now in Athlone!

La Belle Femme Beauty and IPL Clinic is pleased to offer a breakthrough technology which is proving to be one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in years!
New Photopneumatic Therapy tm (PPX) is the first FDA approved, painless procedure for the treatment of permanent hair reduction for face and body; pore cleansing acne treatment; acne rosacea and redness; and brown spots and sun damaged skin.
There are several key differences between PPX and other laser treatments:
PPX is effective - it is the first and only therapy to use a pneumatic energy (vacuum) which pulls the skin into the treatment handpiece. This manipulation of the skin increases the effectiveness of treatment as the target, be it hair, or damaged or discoloured skin, is brought closer to the surface, resulting in less discomfort and a stronger and more effective response. PPX is seven times faster than other treatments, so hair removal on large areas such as the back or whole legs can be completed in less than 30 minutes as opposed to up to two hours with other laser and light-based hair reduction treatments.
It is also exceptionally hygienic, providing ‘replaceable treatment tips’ for each client, so the tip that is touching your skin today has never touched another person's skin before, eliminating the risk of cross contamination and infection.
The highly efficient delivery of energy allows PPX therapy to use only a fraction of the energy that other treatments require, making it safer than other treatment modalities.
In a recent study, PPX Pore Cleansing Acne Treatment has even worked for people who have previously tried, but had no results with, topicals, antibiotics, and painful laser treatments.
Renowned clinics such as the Harley Medical Group and the Ailesbury Clinic provide photopneumatic therapy, and now it is available locally!
Call Roisin Collins, proprieter at La Belle Femme Beauty and IPL Clinic, Belhavel, Golden Island, Athlone, at (090) 6450645 and book your free consultation today.
Source: Acne Treatment