The Best Acne Treatments - a Summary
- By Trevor Mulholland
- Published 11/15/2008
- Acne
- Unrated
Trevor Mulholland
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The best acne treatments involve reducing oil production, speeding up new skin growth, removing dead skin and dirt, and fighting bacterial infections. The most effective treatments are those that use a combination of therapies to fight more than one cause of acne. The best acne treatments available today include light and laser therapies, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and combination therapies.
Blue Light Therapy
In blue light therapy, the skin is exposed to a low-intensity blue light that destroys acne caused by Propionibacterium. This is completely painless and is done over several sessions. Because of the rapid multiplication of acne caused by this bacterium, it is necessary to use this as an ongoing therapy.
Light and Heat Energy Therapy
A combination of green-yellow light and heat is used to destroy bacteria and shrink the sebaceous (oil) glands, which causes a decrease in the production of oil. This is used for mild to inflammatory acne.
The side effects of both light treatments are redness and swelling.
Diode Laser Therapy
In diode laser therapy, lasers are used to destroy sebaceous glands in the thickest part of the skin without damaging the surface. This can be rather painful and numbing treatments are used before the procedure is done.
The
side effects of diode laser therapy are typically temporary redness and swelling.
Issues that come up with laser and light therapies are that we still do not know what long-term effects might occur or for how long benefits will last. They are also expensive and are not covered by every insurance company.
Microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion a device is used to blow crystals onto the skin. The crystals sand the top layer of skin off the surface. A vacuum tube is then used to clear the skin of the crystals and the skin. This is often used in combination with other therapies.
Chemical Peels
Chemicals are used on the skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove white and blackheads. This procedure causes new skin to generate. As with microdermabrasion, this is often done in conjunction with other therapies for acne. Redness, blisters, swelling and possible permanent scarring can be side effects caused by chemical peels.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Topical Antibiotics
Benzoyl dries up oil, kills bacteria and helps to slough away dead skin. Topical antibiotics kill the bacteria on the surface and helps in fighting swelling and inflammation.
Oral antibiotics and Retinoids
Taken from vitamin A, retinoids cause cell regenerations and keep hair follicles clear. This is applied topically. Oral antibiotics are given to kill bacteria and reduce swelling.
Blue Light Therapy
In blue light therapy, the skin is exposed to a low-intensity blue light that destroys acne caused by Propionibacterium. This is completely painless and is done over several sessions. Because of the rapid multiplication of acne caused by this bacterium, it is necessary to use this as an ongoing therapy.
Light and Heat Energy Therapy
A combination of green-yellow light and heat is used to destroy bacteria and shrink the sebaceous (oil) glands, which causes a decrease in the production of oil. This is used for mild to inflammatory acne.
The side effects of both light treatments are redness and swelling.
Diode Laser Therapy
In diode laser therapy, lasers are used to destroy sebaceous glands in the thickest part of the skin without damaging the surface. This can be rather painful and numbing treatments are used before the procedure is done.
The
Issues that come up with laser and light therapies are that we still do not know what long-term effects might occur or for how long benefits will last. They are also expensive and are not covered by every insurance company.
Microdermabrasion
In microdermabrasion a device is used to blow crystals onto the skin. The crystals sand the top layer of skin off the surface. A vacuum tube is then used to clear the skin of the crystals and the skin. This is often used in combination with other therapies.
Chemical Peels
Chemicals are used on the skin to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove white and blackheads. This procedure causes new skin to generate. As with microdermabrasion, this is often done in conjunction with other therapies for acne. Redness, blisters, swelling and possible permanent scarring can be side effects caused by chemical peels.
Benzoyl Peroxide and Topical Antibiotics
Benzoyl dries up oil, kills bacteria and helps to slough away dead skin. Topical antibiotics kill the bacteria on the surface and helps in fighting swelling and inflammation.
Oral antibiotics and Retinoids
Taken from vitamin A, retinoids cause cell regenerations and keep hair follicles clear. This is applied topically. Oral antibiotics are given to kill bacteria and reduce swelling.