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Photo: Mait Juriado |
Acne is a huge problem for millions of people, so we are examining some of the solutions for it. It takes a toll on self-confidence and can make people feel shy and awkward in social situations, such as meeting new people or interviewing for a new job.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Many say that this treatment is a great first line treatment
for acne, but complain that it dries out their skin. It can bleach eyebrows,
hair and clothes, and stain towels even after washing and rinsing the face. One
must use great care about exposure to sun, because benzoyl peroxide increases
sensitivity, which can cause skin damage. A good Aloe Vera-based cream such as
InfiniteAloe Skin Care can help to alleviate the dryness caused by benzoyl peroxide,
and is generally recommended for acne due to its anti-inflammatory and
anti-bacterial qualities. Be sure to use
a really good quality cream, however, to ensure that you are getting the
skin-normalizing benefits that Aloe Vera offers.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are usually applied to skin in a gel or cream in
6 to 8 week courses in order to get rid of infections that can take place in
clogged hair follicles. Topical antibiotics help kill the bacteria on the skin
that can infect plugged hair follicles. In severe cases, acne can spread over
the chest, shoulders and arms, and when the condition is stubborn, a doctor may
recommend taking antibiotics internally. A course of oral antibiotics, such a tetracycline
or erythromycin, may go on for four to six months. In both cases, the treatment
must be limited because taking antibiotics for too long (whether by tablet or
in a topical cream) can result in the bacteria becoming resistant to
antibiotics. This in turn can result in worsening the acne and even cause other
health issues. Some recommend taking a good multivitamin tablet and probiotics
(such as those found in yoghurt) when taking antibiotics.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is often recommended to remove superficial
acne scarring and refresh the appearance of the face. The top layer of skin is
buffed off with diamonds, aluminum oxide crystals, or other materials. Skin
constantly rebuilds itself, and healthy new cells rush to the surface. One can
expect to have some swelling, redness, and minor irritation, before enjoying
smoother skin after the treatment. Many report that Aloe Vera reduces normal
inflammation and irritation after microdermabrasion, and speeds healing.
Heat Therapy
Although heat therapy is available both at the
dermatologist’s office and at home, it seems to be more effective when done
professionally. A dermatologist can combine heat with pulsed light can reduce
or eradicate the bacteria that causes acne. It also shrinks the sebaceous
glands, so they produce less oil and don’t get clogged—resulting in far fewer
breakouts. Treatments usually last about a month, but results are often visible
before that. Temporary redness and irritation from heat therapy can be
effectively treated with Aloe Vera.
A Note About Glycoproteins
MIT hailed glycoproteins are one of the top 10 things that
will change the world. Glycoproteins are complex sugars and proteins that are
essential for healing and health. Aloe Vera is one of the chief sources of this
vital nutrient. Glycoproteins stimulate the keratinocytes in the skin, increasing
collagen to reduce scars and wrinkles and give more youthful and healthier
skin. Aloe Vera is known to help regenerate skin cells and accelerate the healing
of burns, cuts and many other conditions. You might want to try the gel
directly from the plant if you live in a climate where you can grow Aloe, or in
a really good quality cream, which has the added benefit of delivering other
nutrients—such as vitamins A and E—along with the Aloe Vera.
Solutions
Acne can have such devastating effects on self-esteem, social
life and even work, that you owe it to yourself to learn about all the options
available to you today, and work with your health professional to find the
solution that works best for you.