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Acne Treatment 2017
To face the world with confidence our skin needs to look and feel good. So why do some of us have to suffer the eye-catching blemishes that we call acne? And for something so small they can cause a large amount of distress! And worse, if they are not managed carefully they can lead to scarring. So, if it’s not bad enough dealing with these nasty little derma-monsters, there’s the worry they might decide to hang out with you for the rest of your life! But what is acne and how does it differ from the average zit?
Here’s the science part…
Acne is the result of a combination of excess sebum production, blocked sebaceous glands that often accompany a hair follicle beneath the top layer of the skin, and the presence of a bacteria called propionibacterium acnes that normally lives on the skin’s surface. Typical areas affected are the face, upper chest, and back. Hormones play a large part in this condition because they can promote the production of sebum, an oily skin secretion, and therefore the majority of sufferers are teenagers and young adults. But it can continue beyond this time of life. A diagnosis of acne is made by a doctor on the basis of an examination of your skin.
In this simple diagram we can see the aggressive life of a spot – a neat reminder on the enemy’s strategy:
Bacteria > inflammation > excess sebum > blocked duct = Zit!
So, what can be done about it? Whether you suffer from acne or just the occasional, there are many things you can do to improve the condition of your skin. You should always follow the advice of healthcare professionals, but if you’re still experiencing the worst that acne has to offer, then these simple suggestions may improve the health of your skin – a few might surprise you!
Hyper-hygiene
- Consider your general hygiene standards such as washing hands thoroughly and often, and when out and about, use anti-bacterial gel.
- What else touches our face? Sunglasses, mobile phones and hats all need to be kept clean.
Sweat ‘n tears
- Resist the urge to touch your face to wipe away sweat – use clean tissues or mild face wipes.
- Clothing – is it clean? Or even too clean? Biological washing powders can irritate some skin types and may cause inflammation and worsen spots and blemishes.
- Using the same towel or sweat-band at the gym? A big no-no!
Washing your face – stuck in the same old-same old?
- Do not wash more than twice per day
- Use a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water (very hot or cold water may make acne worse!)
- Avoid the use of abrasive soaps, cleansing granules, astringents, and exfoliating agents.
- Rinse cleansing products thoroughly.
- It’s important to regularly clean cosmetics brushes and applicators.
Sleeping with the enemy
- The moisture from your face and head is leaving a growing empire of bacteria on your pillow. Change the case more frequently than the other bedding.
- Don’t overdo the night time preparations – remember your skin needs to breath!
In conjunction with treatments recommended by your doctor these simple steps should help to keep your skin clear. Your doctor may recommend solutions available over the counter for washing, treatment with tablets, or may refer you to a dermatologist for specialist treatment. Having to take a medication regularly, and side-effects are common drawbacks of these treatments.
Juvea Aesthetics offers Dermalux LED Phototherapy for acne; especially for those concerned that their condition may lead to scarring, or for those already with scarring. Dermalux LED Phototherapy is a revolutionary non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment. Award-winning Dermalux works by stimulating collagen production in the skin, and using different wavelengths of light to reduce the number of bacteria on your skin surface.
Dermalux can also be used to treat scars, signs of ageing, and sensitive skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis in conjunction with treatments provided by your doctor.
Remember – you deserve to have the inner confidence that comes from healthy, great-looking skin!