Living Free from Acne - Part II

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.