ACNE TREATMENTS
ACNE
Years ago, teenagers with acne were told to cut out the potato chips and given a tube of Clearasil. Today, we know far more about the reasons why some people develop acne and how it can most effectively be treated. All cases of acne are not created equal, and neither are all acne treatments. Although all acne has its roots in the same process — hormonal fluctuations that stimulate oil production — not all acne is equally severe and not all cases of acne will respond to the same types of treatments.
Most cases of acne fit within one of three main categories: Comedonal acne. This is the kind of mild acne that involves blackheads and whiteheads. It forms because a component of skin oil called sebum, along with old skin cells, block the pores of the skin. Comedonal acne appears most often on the forehead, nose, and chin. Inflammatory acne. This form of acne occurs when the area just under the “plug” (the blackhead or whitehead) becomes reddened and inflamed. Cystic acne. The most severe form of acne, cystic acne develops as the result of an actual infection in the area of the outbreak. Cystic acne often runs in families. It’s often very painful and can result in disfiguring, permanent scarring.
The type of treatment that works for you will depend both on the kind of acne you have, and the additional factors that seem to trigger acne outbreaks.
What is acne?
Common Acne (acne vulgaris) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all teenagers during puberty. It is not caused by bacteria, although bacteria play a role in its development. It is not unusual for some women to develop acne in their mid- to late-20s.
Acne appears on the skin as:
• occluded pores (“comedones”), also known as blackheads or whiteheads,
• tender red bumps also known aspimples or zits,
• pustules (bumps containing pus), and occasionally as
• cysts (deep pimples, boils).
One can do a lot to treat acne using products available at a drugstore or cosmetic counter that do not require a prescription. However, for tougher cases of acne, one should consult a physician for treatment options.
What causes acne?
No one factor causes acne. Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty or due to other hormonal changes. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the skin. Associated with increased oil production is a change in the manner in which the skin cells mature, predisposing them to plug the follicular pore. The plug can appear as awhitehead if it is covered by a thin layer of skin, or if exposed to the air, the darker exposed portion of the plug is called a “blackhead.” The plugged hair follicle gradually enlarges, producing a bump. As the follicle enlarges, the wall may rupture, allowing irritating substances and normal skin bacteria access into the deeper layers of the skin, ultimately producing inflammation. Inflammation near the skin’s surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); if the inflammation is deeper still, it forms a cyst.
How Doctors normally Treat Acne
Acne is a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles. Since it forms under the skin, washing away surface oils does not do much to prevent or cure it. Acne treatment falls into three categories:
• Cleansing & Exfoliating
• Keeping It Clear
• Medications
Cleansing & Exfoliating
It is a myth that people get acne because they don’t wash enough. Gentle washing is important, but too much washing can irritate the whiteheads and blackheads, causing them to be more infected and making more pimples. Use a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil, or an acne cleanser, or Benzoyl Peroxide 5 percent bar. Exfoliating, which removes the layer of dead skin cells, is also important for healthy skin. After washing your face with a mild cleanser, exfoliate with face facial scrub one to two times a week. This can help reduce dead skin cells and debris which can clog pores and cause more acne.
Keeping It Clear
To avoid further clogging of your pores, all cosmetics, lotions, and sunscreens should be oil-free! To avoid dry skin, use an oil-free lotion. And remember to beware of hair products and gels, as they tend to be very oily. Look for product labels that read “noncomedogenic”, meaning they won’t clog pores.
Medications
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over the counter acne medications. It kills bacteria that worsen acne, unplugging oil ducts, and helping to heal acne pimples.
Retin-A
Retin-A is available with a doctor’s prescription, as well as in over-the-counter solutions at your local drug store.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are available with a doctor’s prescription only. Antibiotics can be very helpful for acne that is swollen and red, or for acne that is not improving with other medications. The antibiotics kill the bacteria which contribute to whiteheads.
Accutane
Accutane is available with a doctor’s prescription only. Accutane is a very powerful pill – it is intended for people with severe scarring, or acne that cannot be controlled by other medications.
OUR ACNE TREATMENTS
Typical Acne treatments traditionally included two main categories, topical or systemic. Topical skin care treatments include , Thermage, Laser light, alpha hydroxy acids, Benzoyl Peroxide, topical antibiotics, retinoids, and other cleansers, soaps, or astringents.
A combination of treatments that target the four main factors that contribute to acne – Comedogenesis, Sebum production, P. acnes (the bacteria), and inflammation are usually the best treatment course.
We offer an alternative to traditional acne treatments when those therapies have failed. We can provide you with the most advanced technologies available today to treat your skin.
Thermage
The FDA approved Thermage procedure heats the water in overactive sebaceous glands causing a mild thermal injury that changes the activity and function of the glands. Thermage penetrates deep into you skin to target the deep sebaceous glands that can cause cystic acne. Shortly after the first treatment, you will start to see a reduction in acne lesions. This treatment also improves the appearance of atrophic scars.
Treatment sessions take about 30-60 minutes
1-3 treatments recommended at 6-12 week intervals
Slight erythema and swelling may occur and usually resolves in 2-12 hours
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Levulan PDT can improve mild to moderate acne. Levulan inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and decreases the activity of overactive sebaceous glands in the skin. This is exciting because sebaceous glands are the root cause in the formation of acne so it has a long lasting effect even on the most severe cases.
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READ WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
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I have pregnancy stretch marks everywhere. I have stretch marks on my stomach, breasts, thighs, and even stretch marks on my butt. I have tried all the stretch mark removal treatments on the market with little results. I tried all the creams and oils and even laser stretch mark removal and It did lessen the redness of the stretch marks some. I had given up hope, and then my doctor referred me to you guys. I am extremely pleased with my results so far after just 2 months. I can’t thank you enough.
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I’m a 28 year old and have been doing fitness shows for the last 7 years. Since my pregnancy I have stretch marks on my stomach, thighs, hips, and on my butt. I’ve used the creams and the oils, cocoa butter and some vitamin E but nothing seemed to really make a difference. I am using your Crema Tratto Marchio and your Crema Contorno and my experience has been great with both of them. They have helped me look so much better for my next fitness competition.
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Linda O.
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Rita S.
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My acne started to appear when I was around 13 years old. I have very white skin so it really stands out. I was tired of being teased at school. I had read all about acne treatments and tried a few, but only yours has offered me good results. In about 2 weeks, it was a lot less noticeable.
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I’m a 26 year old women who has stretch marks on my upper thighs and butt. This appeared around my growth spurt years, at 12 or 13 years old. They were itchy and red and then slowly faded to a white color. I’ve read all about stretch mark treatments and tried a few, but only yours has showed good results. In about 2 months, I noticed a difference and at 4 months they seem a lot less noticeable. The tube says to use it for at least 6 months for optimum results. I’ll keep you informed.
Susan G.
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I typed how to remove stretch marks into google and your skin care website came up. I appreciate all the information about stretch marks and what causes them, because I was really looking for a way to get rid of stretch marks naturally. I have been using your stretch mark cream for 6 weeks and I have noticed a difference already. I know you said it will take some time to get maximum results but it looks good so far. Thanks for the honesty.
Debbie B.
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My kids love the sun block and after sun lotion. I know that because the sun block is natural that it can wash off easier than the others when you get wet and then need to be re-applied, but I am much happier using it than a bunch of unsafe or toxic chemicals on my skin, and my kid’s skin.
Haylee V.
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I didn’t know how to get rid of scars safely then I came across your skin care website. I really appreciate that you have spent a lot time formulating a natural safe scar cream. This cream is amazing, I have been using it everyday for the past 3 months and I see great results. Thank you.
Kelly F.
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I started using Pelle Dolce natural hand moisturizer this winter. Being outside in the cold so much had turned my skin into dry chapped leather. Since I have been using your products my skin feels so much better. Thank you this stuff is amazing.
Tanya C.
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There was cellulite covering my butt, legs and my thighs. The dimples and dents were deep and I didn’t think anything would help. I would have been happy with just some improvement. I went online and bought your contouring cream, and applied it faithfully several times a day, for about 15 weeks now, and the results are awesome. It’s not totally gone but it is getting there.
Hope N.
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This cellulite contouring cream is amazing, I have been using it everyday for the past 5 weeks and I can see improvement. I have tried other cellulite creams that said caffeine was the secret. They did make it look a little better but the results were temporary and some didn’t work at all. I really appreciate that you have spent a lot time formulating a natural, caffeine free product that offers us ladies a fighting chance. Thank you.
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I’ve tried every one of the face creams on the market. I even tried a laser wrinkle resurfacing treatment at a cosmetic skin care center. After 1 very painful treatment I felt like my skin was 1 big scar. So I am hoping your products can restore a more healthy appearance to my skin. I’ll keep you updated.
Sara K.
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I have tried all the creams I have tried all the oils for my pregnancy stretch marks. After 4 months, the red marks of the scars did fade a tiny bit. I wasted even more time on laser resurfacing until my Doctor referred me to Pelle Dolce. Believe me if you are serious about making a change to your skin you should try this stretch mark cream. It will take some time so don’t give up. He also recommended the Acne Scar cream for my daughter’s acne scars. It is working great for both of us.
Valerie R.
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I started fitness shows when I was 19. I got down to 5 % body fat and I still had cellulite. I’ve tried every one of the creams from the internet. I even tried laser cellulite treatment at a cosmetic skin care center. I was skeptical, but I wanted to try it. After 6 weekly treatments there wasn’t much change either, and the procedure costs $250 a session. I decided to try one last cream, yours. So far, so good. It has been 4 weeks and I definitely see a difference.
Staci H.
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I used every oil and scar cream out there, three times a day, after my plastic surgery and my scars were still awful! They were deep, red and really painful. My Plastic surgeon recommended Pelle Dolce scar cream. It was formulated by doctors who specialize in natural products. Now my scars are so much better. The redness is gone and the scars are fading. Thank you.
Tricia Y.
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Thank god you have a stretch mark cream. I got terrible pregnancy stretch marks after my first child and even more stretch marks after pregnancy number 2. They were really embarrassing and I swore I would never wear a bikini again. Until now. It did take a few weeks for me to notice a good change and now I can hardly see them. Thank you, thank you.
Kathi B.
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I tried everything imaginable for my cellulite. After months of this and months of that, the cellulite did not get better at all. My mom who is 56 years old referred me to Pelle Dolce cellulite cream, she has been using it for 9 months and she looks great. Believe me if you want real long lasting results you should try this cellulite cream.
Carol S.
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Rachael D.
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I have tried most of the self tanning creams from the internet. I even tried the spray on stuff at the tanning salon but it really made your tan look fake. At first I was skeptical of yours, but I wanted to try it.. So far so good. It has been 3 weeks and I am definitely seeing a nice all over even color to my skin.
Jamie P.
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I have been using your sun products for the past few years and the benefits are amazing, I have tried all of the other natural sun screen creams and they didn’t seem to work very well. We especially love the after sun cream, cause lets face it sometimes we forget the sun block.
Mariah G.
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I am a 27 year old actress and I occasionally have to do nude scenes. I used to have a butt double stand in for me for the close up shots. How embarrassing. I was so paranoid about putting toxins on my skin and didn’t know who I could trust. I asked my stand in how she keeps her skin looking so good. She said “Pelle Dolce” I tried your products a few months ago and I have been hooked ever since, now she is out of a job.
Briana S.
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The Pelle Dolce detoxifying mask and facial moisturizer is the best solution for problem skin. Their special herbal ingredients and vitamins are introduced into the skin through a trans dermal delivery system of emollients and essential oils. These natural ingredients are designed to help promote fresh oxygen and nutrients into the skin. I can honestly say that my skin has never looked better.
Amanda B.
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I’m a 26 year old woman who already has dry patchy skin around my eyes. I’ve read all about the face creams on the market and I have tried a few of them, but I don’t feel like they offer any real results. They seemed to make my face look puffy which does cover up the dry skin temporarily, but in the morning my face feels so dry again. Your face moisturizer product has shown me good lasting results. It has been about a month now, and my skin feels much softer and smoother. Thank you.
Sandy K.
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I can truly say this is the best stretch mark cream I have used. I have tried most of the other stretch mark and scar creams on the department store shelves but I didn’t see any results. I have been using your product for the past 3 months and the results are incredible, I can’t believe how much better my skin looks. Ladies trust me, stick with it for a few months, this stretch marks cream is the best and it is made from natural ingredients.
Natalie E.
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I really like the natural sun block you guys sell. It is so hard to find sun block that isn’t full of chemicals that can actually increase your chances of getting skin cancer. I knew there had to be a safe alternative that was healthier for the skin.
Tina R.
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I was so impressed with the results I got from your cellulite cream, that I decided to try your other skin care products as well. I love your pumpkin detoxifying facial mask and your coffee sugar body scrub. It smells great and really exfoliates my skin while leaving it smooth and silky.
Helen D.
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I love this stuff, I have been so embarrassed by my scars for as long as I can remember. I talked with some plastic surgeons and they said surgery was an option for scar removal and that I should try some laser treatment or a scar cream first. They recommended Pelle Dolce and I am so grateful they did it has been wonderful for my skin.
Lisa Y.
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I am on my 3rd free bottle of Pelle Dolce self tanner. I love that you reward your current clients with free bottles of Pelle Dolce for referring their friends to Pelle Dolce. I show all my girlfriends how good my skin looks. I also love that you stand behind your products, It is so nice to find a trustworthy skin care company like yours.
Edie M.
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I was referred to Pelle Dolce for my acne. Their face cleanse and anti acne cream is working great for me. I have been using it every morning, night time or after a shower and my face is so much clearer.
Becky G.
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I have been using Pelle Dolce’s contouring cream for 5 months now. I get surprised every time I look at my body in the mirror. My friends say that I do not look like I have ever had children because my skin has gotten so much better.
Dee Dee F.
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I’ve been using the Pelle Dolce cellulite contouring cream as part of my daily treatment routine. I have been using it every morning after I shower and again at night. I have used other creams and serums and no results. So I wasn’t sure if yours would work to remove my cellulite. It did moisturize my skin very well and the dimples are slowly disappearing. I am so happy with my results so far, I am going to continue using it until they are totally gone.
Kim P.
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I am so happy with your Sun Block, my skin is very white and I sun burn easy. I actually got your sunscreen and after sun products from my dermatologist after she recommended it. I love that it is natural and full of great organic ingredients which is so much better for your skin.
Traci V.
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I have been so embarrassed by my wrinkles for as long as I can remember. They make me look older than I really am. I talked with a lot of plastic surgeons and they all said face lift surgery was my only option for wrinkle removal. I know that nothing will turn back the clock completely but my goal is to postpone surgery till I get much older. I have been using your anti aging moisturizing day and night cream for 3 weeks and I have noticed a difference already. I will keep you updated with my results.
Aimee S.
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I appreciate all the information about skin care and your great skin care tips, because I was really looking for a natural anti aging moisturizer and a true organic anti wrinkle eye cream. These days it is so hard trying to figure out who I can trust, especially on the internet.
Abby R.
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I am 37 years old and have a fare complexion. I had small sun damage spots all over my neck and chest. I researched the ingredients of the so called organic products and found a bunch of toxins & preservatives. I researched your Decolletage cream and found natural and organic ingredients. So I know it is safer for my skin, I hope it works. I’ll get back to you, hopefully with good results.
Rebecca K.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ACNE TREATMENTS
Here are the most common questions we receive about acne treatments.
Why does acne appear most often in teenagers ?
The primary trigger for acne is fluctuating hormones — specifically, the male hormone testosterone. (Women do have some levels of testosterone.) When teenagers hit puberty, their hormones start surging — and often, so does acne.
Can what I eat cause acne breakouts ?
No The primary trigger of most cases of acne is the fluctuation of hormones. Hormones stimulate the oil glands to produce more sebum, which can block pores. Bacteria can then grow within the pores, causing them to become inflamed and break out. That happens at times of major hormonal change, such as during the menstrual cycle, and during the teen years, no matter what you eat. So despite what your grandmother told you, eating too many potato chips won’t make you break out in pimples. But there some evidence that certain diets may have an effect on acne, Studies, such as one published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, have suggested that high consumption of dairy products raises the risk of getting acne because of the hormones in milk, cheese, and yogurt. However, subsequent studies have not supported the theory. Still other studies of acne’s relationship to nutrition have shown that a diet with a high glycemic index, such as white breads, waffles, and other carbs, worsens acne.
Why do some adults have acne ?
Although the hormonal fluctuations that cause acne are most common during the teen years, they can also affect adults. Women may experience hormonal swings during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause that result in acne breakouts. Acne can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and steroid drugs. Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to acne. One study found that 50% of adults with acne had a parent, sibling, or child with acne.
Should I stop wearing makeup if I have acne ?
You don’t have to stop wearing makeup altogether, but you might try switching brands or going with a different type. If you’re noticing breakouts along the sides of your temples, hair creams or gels might be exacerbating your acne. Look for cosmetics and toiletries with the label “noncomedogenic,” meaning that they don’t clog pores.
Does acne mean I’m not keeping my face clean enough ?
Not necessarily In fact, scrubbing too hard at your face can aggravate your acne, and using alcohol-based astringents can dry out the skin. Acne is triggered by hormones, and while gentle, regular cleansing with soap and warm water can sometimes help with mild breakouts, more significant acne requires more than just good hygiene.
What acne treatments are best for me ?
That depends on many factors: your age, whether you’re male or female, how severe your acne is, and how long you’ve had it, among others. There are several options available. For mild to moderate acne, many dermatologists will start with a combination of a topical cream or gel containing either a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide along with a topical antibiotic. For more inflammatory acne, an oral antibiotic may be added. For more significant cases of acne, women may be placed on birth control pills or on the drug spironolactone, a water pill which also blocks male hormones. Severe cases of acne may be treated with the drug isotretinoin, which is very effective. However, side effects and blood abnormalities must be monitored monthly and requires registration with the FDA to obtain a prescription. There are also various types of light or photodynamic therapies available.
When should I see a dermatologist for acne treatment ?
If over -the-counter treatments, like products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, along with gentle cleansing, don’t work for you (give them a chance — it can take 4-12 weeks to clear up acne), a dermatologist may be able to help. Severe acne requires aggressive treatment to prevent scarring.
Will my acne ever go away ?
Most often, acne will go away on its own at the end of puberty, but some people still struggle with acne in adulthood. Almost all acne can be successfully treated, however. It’s a matter of finding the right treatment for you.
What causes acne ?
No one factor causes acne. Acne occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated at the time of puberty or due to other hormonal changes. Sebum (oil) is a natural substance that lubricates and protects the skin. Associated with increased oil production is a change in the manner in which the skin cells mature, predisposing them to plug the follicular pore. The plug can appear as a whitehead if it is covered by a thin layer of skin, or if exposed to the air, the darker exposed portion of the plug is called a “blackhead.” The plugged hair follicle gradually enlarges, producing a bump. As the follicle enlarges, the wall may rupture, allowing irritating substances and normal skin bacteria access into the deeper layers of the skin, ultimately producing inflammation. Inflammation near the skin’s surface produces a pustule; deeper inflammation results in a papule (pimple); if the inflammation is deeper still, it forms a cyst.
What other skin conditions can mimic acne ?
There a few other conditions that mimic acne:
• Rosacea: This condition is characterized by pimples but not comedones and occurs in the middle third of the face, along with redness, flushing, and superficial blood vessels. It generally affects people in their 30s and 40s and older.
• Pseudofolliculitis: This is sometimes called “razor bumps” or “razor rash.” When cut too close to the skin, growing hairs twist into the skin and produce tender bumps. This is a mechanical problem, and treatment involves shaving less (growing a beard, laserhair removal). Pseudofolliculitis can, of course, occur in patients who have acne, too.
• Folliculitis: Pimples can occur on other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, or legs. These represent not acne but inflamed follicles. If these don’t go away on their own, doctors can prescribe oral or external antibiotics, generally not the same ones used for acne.
• Gram-negative folliculitis: Some patients who have been treated with oral antibiotics for long periods of time develop pustules filled with bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotics that were previously used. Bacterial culture tests can identify these germs, leading the doctor to prescribe different antibiotics or other forms of treatment.
When should someone start acne treatment ?
Since everyone gets acne at some time, the right time to treat it is when it becomes bothersome or when the potential for scarring develops. This can be when severe acne flares suddenly, for mild acne that just won’t go away, or even when a single pimple decides to show up the week before one’s prom or wedding.
What can people do to get rid of their acne ?
Lifestyle – Moderation and regularity are good things, but not everyone can sleep eight hours, eat three good meals, and drink plenty of water a day. One can, however, still control acne despite one’s frantic and unpredictable routine. Probably the most useful lifestyle changes one can make is to never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean one is, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer. People often refer to redness as “scarring,” but fortunately, it usually isn’t permanent. It’s just a mark that takes months to fade if left entirely alone. Open the pores – Occasional visits to an aesthetician who is an expert at safely removing blackheads during a facial can be beneficial. Cleansing and skin care – Despite what one might read in popular style and fashion magazines, there is no magic product or regimen that is right for every person and situation.
What is a good basic skin regimen ?
These are all good basic skin regimens that may help with the acne battle:
• Cleanse gently twice daily.
• Apply a gel or cream containing 5% benzoyl peroxide; an alternative is sulfur or resorcinol. Use a pad containing 2% salicylic acid to help exfoliation each morning.
• At night, apply a spot cream containing sulfur to the affected areas.
• Use a light skin moisturizer and water-based makeup.
Are there any effective natural acne treatment options ?
Some natural treatments may be helpful in reducing acne inflammation and breakouts:
Tea tree oil. Gels containing 5 percent tea tree oil may be as effective as are lotions containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide, although tea tree oil might work more slowly. Possible side effects include contact dermatitis and, if you have rosacea, a worsening of those symptoms. One study reported that a young boy experienced breast development after using a combination lavender and tea tree oil hair product. Tea tree oil should be used only topically.
Alpha hydroxy acid. This natural acid is found in citrus fruit and other foods. When applied to your skin, alpha hydroxy acid helps remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. It may also improve the appearance of acne scars. Side effects include increased sensitivity to the sun, redness, mild stinging and skin irritation.
Azelaic acid. This naturally occurring acid is found in whole-grain cereals and animal products. It has antibacterial properties. A 20 percent azelaic acid cream seems to be as effective as many other conventional acne treatments when used twice a day for at least four weeks. It’s even more effective when used in combination with erythromycin. Prescription azelaic acid (Azelex, Finacea) is an option during pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
Bovine cartilage. Creams containing 5 percent bovine cartilage, applied to the affected skin twice a day, may be effective in reducing acne.
Zinc. Zinc in lotions and creams may reduce acne breakouts.
Green tea extract. A lotion of 2 percent green tea extract helped reduce acne in two studies of adolescents and young adults with mild to moderate acne.
Aloe vera. A 50 percent aloe vera gel was combined with a conventional acne drug (tretinoin) and tested for eight weeks on 60 people with moderate acne. The combination approach was significantly more effective than tretinoin alone.
Brewer’s yeast. A specific strain of brewer’s yeast, called CBS 5926, seems to help decrease acne. Brewer’s yeast is the only item in this list that’s taken orally. It may cause flatulence.
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