Acne Treatment Methods

Acne Treatment Methods

Acne is of several types ranging from mild breakouts to severe inflammations. The good news is that several treatment methods are available in the form of topical applications, laser acne treatment, prescription medications and herbal remedies. Most of us are familiar with a lot of products and brand names associated with acne treatment, but what really matters is the active ingredient present in each of the products.

Most acne treatment products and methods function via one of the following ways:

Targeting the acne bacteria 

Keeping the pores free from blockages 

Reducing inflammation 

A few natural methods based on vitamins, antioxidants and herbal remedies work by changing your metabolism for the better. If you read Clearade reviews, you can discover how the product, a drink mix, uses Vitamin B5 with other supportive ingredients to enhance your skin's oil metabolism rate. Thus, it makes way for natural clear skin without any adverse side effects. If your skin is prone to acne, you will have to follow a regimen that treats the current blemishes as well as those developing inside the pores.

Acne is the commonest skin disorder that occurs due to hyperactivity of the oil glands. Though it is prevalent during the adolescent period when hormonal changes take place, it affects people of all age groups. Some people suffer their whole life with relentless outbreaks of acne. So, how does it develop? The hair follicles in our skin are linked to oil glands that produce sebum to lubricate the skin. When sebum is delivered to the external surface of your skin, simultaneously, dead skin cells are pushed out from the follicle lining. When too much sebum is secreted due to hormonal imbalance a few pores get clogged up, obstructing the release of sebum and dead skin cells onto the surface. Bacterial build-up aggravates the situation and causes swelling leading to acne breakouts.

Acne can be caused by any of the reasons mentioned below:

Heredity

Increased secretion of male hormones during adolescence

Oily skin and hair

Hormonal imbalance in women

High levels of stress

Side effects from some prescription medications

Cosmetics containing certain chemicals

Certain nutritional deficiencies

Acne treatment methods fall under three main categories:

1. Topical methods: They include over-the-counter products as well as prescription products. The former are formulated to remain mild and require no supervision as such; the latter are prescribed by a dermatologist or doctor and require regular monitoring to safeguard from adverse reactions.

2. Systemic methods: They work internally and are taken as oral pills or skin injections to treat severe conditions. Treatment is administered under strict medical supervision and it can involve a course of several months. Though the results can be dramatic, the possible side-effects can be powerful or serious.

3. Dermatological procedures: These therapies vary according to the severity of the condition and are performed by estheticians, dermatologists or health-care practitioners. They can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment to get rid of acne. The main dermatological procedures are:

Comedone extractions - Performed by estheticians to remove blackheads and soft comedones. Cysts and serious lesions must be attended to by dermatologists.

Microdermabrasion - A machine is used to spray fine crystals that exfoliate the skin deeply and loosen blockages in the pore. It is suitable for non-inflamed acne and is done in the dermatologist's clinic.

Phototherapy - Utilizes laser to destroy P. acnes, the bacteria present in sebum, or to shrink the oil glands. It is done by a dermatologist and involves different kinds of light depending on the type of acne.

Light chemical peels - Chemical peels made from exfoliating agents like glycolic acid are used to exfoliate the skin deeply, so that dead cells are removed and the pores are cleared.

Corticosteroid injections - Dermatologists inject corticosteroid into cysts, to reduce inflammation and diminish the chances of scarring. These injections also allow speedy healing of serious lesions.

It is common to try many treatments for acne, but it is vital to identify the intensity of the condition and opt for a suitable therapy. Once you choose the right method or product, you need to stick to it consistently in order to see successful results.

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