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| Acne Treatments |
Acne TreatmentsIn general acne treatments are believed to work in at least four different directions (the best treatments provide all the effects ):
* killing the bacteria causing acne - 'Propionibacterium acnes'
* normalising sebum secretion and pores functions to prevent blockage
* hormonal manipulation and normalization
* anti-inflammatory treatment
There are many different acne treatments, for example: benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics, nicotinamide, antiseborrheic medications, alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, kera-tolytic soaps, anti-bacterial soaps and specialized products like Dermatology Acne Cream, Acnezine
Antibacterial products
Antibacterial cleansers are a good weapon against acne, which affect directly the bacteria causing it. The most popular ingredient in antibacterial cleansers is benzoyl peroxide. There are antibacterial soaps that can hep too. Many different speciallised products against acne exist in the form of lotions, masks, and creams which are applied to the affected area. The active ingredients that kill acne bacteria include sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and some other drugs.
Reducing the sebum secretion
You can't stop your oil glands from producing oil and you shouldn't, but you can try to normalise it. Isotretinoin (Accutane) slows down oil glands for some time but they come back to life later. So, the best you can do is to clean the oil on the surface of the skin and reduce the embarrassing shine. Use a gentle astringent/toner to wipe away oil. Many brands are available in pharmacies, as well as from manufacturers of cosmetic lines. Products containing glycolic acid or one of the other alpha hydroxy acids are also mildly helpful in clearing the skin by causing the superficial layer of the skin to peel (exfoliate). Masques containing sulfur and other ingredients draw out facial oil. Antibacterial pads containing benzoyl peroxide have the additional benefit of helping you wipe away oil.
Acne and hormones
Male sex hormones called androgens cause the follicular glands to grow larger and produce more sebum. Several hormones have been linked to acne - the androgens testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I). Production of the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol fails at menopause and this is the reason for menopause-associated acne. The lack of estradiol also causes hot flashes, thin skin, vaginal dryness, thinning hair and wrinkles.
Cleaning the pores
You can wash your face once or twice a day with a mild cleansing bar or liquid soap. This will keep your skin clean and will help your pores stay open. Exfoliating masques and cleansers could be also used. These products contain either salicylic acid and fine granules in a concentration that makes it a very soft peeling agent. There are various different products on the market. These products remove the outer layer of the skin and thus open pores. Products containing glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids are also gentle skin exfoliants.
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