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Article: Treating your Acne effectively

Advice

Treating your Acne effectively

the stages of acne

Regulate sebum (oil) production and secretion

Regulate sebum (oil) production and secretion

  • The excretion of lipids by the sebaceous glands is controlled hormonally.
  • The sebaceous glands are located all over the body but are the largest and most numerous in the face, back, chest, and shoulders.
  • These glands become more active during puberty because of increased androgens, particularly testosterone, which spurs sebum production.
  • This imbalance between sebum production and secretion capacity leads to a blockage of sebum in the hair follicle, followed by inflammation.
  • Hormones continue to affect sebaceous gland activity into adulthood.
Prevent and remove content build-up in pores

Prevent and remove content build-up in pores

  • The first stage of acne is called comedogenesis (formation of comedones).
  • The exfoliated dead skin cells stick together inside the hair follicle, resulting in a clogged pore or comedone.
  • This is caused by several factors, including increased amounts of sebum, inflammation of the sides of the hair follicle preventing the release of the exfoliated keratinocytes, and increased cohesion of keratinocytes.
  • Salicylic acid decongests pores by dissolving and extracting dirt, oil, and cellular debris (dead skin cells) in the pores and follicles.
Prevent Bacterial Infiltration and infection

Prevent Bacterial Infiltration and infection

  • The keratinocyte plug and sebum provide excellent food sources for bacteria.
  • The bacteria invade the comedone and release inflammatory factors that lead to the next stage of acne.
  • Salicylic acid inhibits the production of various aspects necessary for bacterial reproduction, such as fibrinogen, fibronectin, and alpha-hemolysis.
Down-regulate and prevent inflammation

Down-regulate and prevent inflammation

  • Inflammation continues with increased redness and pus.
  • This is clinically detectable as a papule or pustule.
  • Continued inflammation may lead to so much inflammation that the hair follicle ruptures and the bacteria and debris are released into the dermis.
  • Salicylic acid suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
Treating your Acne effectively
Treating your Acne effectively Topical Treatments

Use the right treatment products for your skin type. The most effective topical ingredients for Acne treatment are Retinoids, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid (if you don't have sensitive skin), and Zinc.

It is important to remember that acne is an eight-week cycle, so you will not necessarily see results overnight.

Treating your Acne effectively
Treating your Acne effectively Think twice about antibiotics

While oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed to kill the bacteria that cause acne, the overuse of these medications contributes to antibiotic resistance, can disrupt your body’s delicate microbiome, and may increase the risk of certain diseases.

Instead of relying on oral antibiotics, talk to your treating doctor about alternative treatment options, including the proper skincare regimen, diet and lifestyle changes, and if needed, other oral medications.

Treating your Acne effectively
Treating your Acne effectively HEALTHY DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES
  • Limit dairy and sugar:

The latest studies have demonstrated a link between dairy and acne. Researchers believe that dairy consumption increases the levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factors in humans, leading to increased sebum production in the skin.

Sugar triggers inflammation. Acne is a sensitive skin sub-type, with underlying inflammation as a barrier to skin health. Limiting sugar intake can help to keep inflammation under control and help you maintain clear, healthy skin.

  • Manage stress levels:

Stress is known to raise cortisol levels, triggering increased sebum production and clogged pores. Try to manage stress by getting enough sleep, exercising on a regular basis, and trying deep breathing techniques.

Treating your Acne effectively
Treating your Acne effectively ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

For persistent or severe acne, your doctor might recommend oral contraceptives, spironolactone, or isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane or Roaccutane. As with any medication, there are side effects to these treatments. However, they can all be safe and effective alternatives to oral antibiotics for acne.

Blue light therapy also has been shown to help clear acne by killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. However, blue light has been linked with accelerated skin aging, so this option may be best as a last resort.

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