Acne Treatments You Can Trust

Acne prone skin is usually identified by having dark pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, redness, inflammation and painful irritation. Excessive secretion of sebum can block the hair follicle opening, between the sebaceous gland towards the surface of the skin. Usually sebum helps in removal of dead cells from hair follicles.

When you suffer from acne searching for the best acne cures can become an obsession. Ads for acne cures are everywhere, but the truth is not every acne remedy is good for your skin. The shelves at the drugstore are filled with acne pills, products that promise to clear acne and teen acne, and even some topical ointments that promise they are natural acne cures. Many women’s magazines even devote scores of articles to home acne cures or even an acne diet. When you are faced with so many acne remedy choices, it is hard to know what is best for your skin.

The truth about acne is that anyone can get it. Teen acne is more a result of hormones than what you eat, what you put on your face, or how clean you are. Don’t feel bad about yourself if you suffer from acne. There was nothing that you did to cause it. The hormones that your body produces have a lot to do with the acne that erupts on your face so most natural acne cures and home acne cures really don’t do all that they promise to do. An acne diet can help the way your body produces and processed oil beneath the surface of your skin. But diets alone and acne pills are not a magic cure all that simply makes acne disappear.

If you really want to clear acne from your face, you need to stop the formation of acne before it manifests itself in pimples. There is no cure for acne, so products that promise you easy acne cures aren’t telling you the truth. Instead of looking for acne cures, you need to start looking at acne prevention.

Prevention is the best acne cure. Look for an acne remedy that goes deep below the surface of your skin to kill bacteria before it has a chance to develop into acne. Solutions like this are much better for your skin than topical over the counter treatments, because they don’t wait for acne to form before it fights it by penetrating into your skin, stopping acne at the source.

It is best to find a treatment or product that is designed to be used everyday, so it is gentle on your skin. Unlike other chemical laden acne treatments that make your skin dry and flaky, look for natural or organic products formulated with soothing botanicals like marshmallow, calendula, aloe, and chamomile. Look for ingredients that will hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation and leave it feeling smooth and soft. Many so called acne cures found on the market today are much too harsh and using them every day can actually make your acne worse. Gentle treatments are actually good for your skin and won’t dry you out and cause further outbreaks.

The daily three step process has been found to work best to clear acne and keep it from reaching the surface of your skin. You simply wash with any gentle or renewing cleanser, sloughing off dead skin cells and allowing your fresh skin to glow. Next, you unclog your pores with an anti-inflammatory toner – refreshing and toning your skin. The last step is to attack bacteria by smoothing on a moisturizing or repairing lotion.  Zinc and Zinc Oxide has been shown to work the best for natural anti-bacterial properties.  It also is a great sun protector – keeping your skin from further inflammation and UVB damage.  The whole process only takes a minute or two each day, but the result is acne free skin for good.

Don’t be duped by the promise of chemical-laden acne cures that can’t deliver. There is no acne diet or super amazing bottle of acne pills that will cure your problem. True acne cures just don’t exist. Even though acne isn’t curable, you don’t have to live with it. You can fight acne and keep breakouts at bay. The best defense against teen acne and the stress that it can cause is a regular cleansing routine with natural products.

There are a few medications that a dermatologist can prescribe for acne. While they can help clear up the problem, they don’t indefinitely cure acne and they do cause many different side effects, including depression, liver damage, and even birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Taking prescription medication to control your breakouts is something that should be discussed with your dermatologist, but before you take such a drastic measure, doesn’t it make sense to give the simple process of using a daily cleansing routine?  It is gentle, inexpensive, easy to use, and good for your skin.

When you deal with acne, you don’t feel good about the way you look. paying close attention to the foods you intake and participating in a daily cleansing routine can give you back the good self image that acne takes from you.

Using Green Tea and Zinc to Heal Acne

By Van Le | The popularity of green tea in the skincare industry has skyrocketed over the last decade. It’s more than just a fad, as the benefits of green tea are well documented due to extensive research. Tea was used in ancient times as a natural stimulant, since it contains caffeine. Today, people drink green tea as a natural way to promote overall good health, but it is especially popular in the skincare industry, where it is a key component in the efforts to slow down the signs of aging.

Green tea contains high amounts of polyphenols, which protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals and other harmful toxins. Compared to black and white tea, green tea contains the highest amount of polyphenol, and contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Its anti-inflammatory nature makes it a versatile herbal ingredient used to fight acne. The antioxidant qualities help prevent premature signs of aging, and the anticarcinogenic characteristics are a major component in the efforts to find a cure for cancer.

The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea make it an effective herbal treatment against symptoms of acne. A 2003 study carried out by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong of Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines suggest that green tea cream is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide cream, but does not expose the skin to harsh chemicals and preservatives, according to skincell.org. It also helps detoxify the body and reduces skin inflammation, which decreases the occurrences of outbreaks.

Green tea is also indispensable as an anti-oxidant because it contains high amounts of catechins, a substance that fights against free radicals, which are harmful to cells and tissues. Catechin is especially effective in neutralizing free radicals caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.

Although green tea extracts alone cannot replace the protection provided by sunscreen, it can enhance sunscreen’s effectiveness. Simply add green tea extract to zinc oxide products, such as Vivoderm’s Zinc Cream. Using zinc oxide cream instead of a store-bought sunscreen product is recommended because zinc will not react to the green tea extracts.

Anti-oxidants found in green tea help delay the skin cell aging process and heal stressed skin. Green tea promotes healthy skin by rejuvenating skin cells and reviving the skin growth cycle. The skin is produced in the deepest of three layers, and as it ages, it moves closer to the surface, where it can develop wrinkles and fine lines. An article published in the Natural Food Merchandiser magazine states that research done by Dr. Stephen Hsu, a professor at Medical College of Georgia suggests that green tea can accelerate the skin cell production process.

Whether as an ingredient in your natural skincare products or added to your zinc oxide cream, the health benefits of green tea are plenty.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and facemasks, you can also link to http://naturalfacialskincare.net

Laser Treatments for Acne

Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and with proper nutrition and a regular cleansing routine, a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring. But in the rare cases where this regeneration does not occur, then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

Historically, adolescents have always faced the majority of acne eruptions and the scaring that they can produce. Hormonal changes present during the adolescent stage, stimulates the oil glands to produce more sebum (oil produced by the adrenal glands to keep our skin moist) which then gets trapped in the pores. With the added presence of bacteria it creates the familiar swelling known as blackhead, whitehead or pimple. For most cases, the acne disappears with age. For others, it is an ongoing painful and sometimes embarrassing battle.

Those of us who have ever experienced a bad case of acne know how it can demolish one’s self-esteem. If you had a particularly bad case then chances are you have scarring, including hard elevated areas on the skin’s surface or pits of different depths.

One of the latest techniques to help people recover from the scarring is acne laser treatments. When over the counter treatments aren’t working, laser scar removal can be a wonderful alternative to return one’s confidence to face the world afresh.

How Does It Work?

One of the recent FDA approved laser system s called “Aura” targets an organic compound produced by the acne bacteria called Porphyrin. This is done by delivering laser light impulses through the infected skin’s surface. These Porphyrins generate oxygen when targeted by the light pulses; this kills the acne bacteria causing the infection.

The number of treatments needed will vary depending on the severity of the infection but it usually starts with a twice a week session for two weeks. Future sessions will then be determined by your physician depending on the outcome of the initial treatment.

Most patients will see noticeable results after two weeks of treatment and rarely will undergo another session. Again, some may need repeated treatments depending on the amount of scaring. A recent clinical study showed the patient’s acne was 81 percent less severe following the laser treatments.

Laser acne treatment usually starts out with a review of your medical history and any medication that you are currently taking (this is important to determine if it is safe for you to undergo the treatment without reactions). The scarred area will then be cleansed and a topical gel will be applied. The physician will then glide the laser hand piece over the areas needing treatment. Depending on the size of the area that needs attention, each session could take up to 20 minutes.

Are Laser Treatments Painful?

Most patients say they feel no more than a sensation like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Again, the reaction can be a bit more uncomfortable for severe conditions. A topical anesthetic may be used to make the patient more comfortable. A slight swelling and redness on the treated areas will be noticeable after every session but will eventually fade after a few days.

Costs associated with the procedure will vary depending on the physician or treatment centers that are offering the service. However, the costs are usually outweighed by the benefits of undergoing a laser treatment. It provides a quick and noticeable result in as little as two weeks. If you follow your doctor’s advice in preventing future infections, you should not see any reason for you undergoing another treatment.

Proactive Acne Treatment

Despite the thousands of products available for acne treatment today, the most proactive thing you can do is take good care of your skin – first.

Acne control is a goal for every adolescent or adult that has suffered from the ravages of this unsightly, stressful and physically painful condition. When the first signs of acne appear, take action to fight the malady right from the beginning. Early and proactive treatment stands a better chance of being successful. Often, early action means the difference between scarring and additional mental distress and a successful alleviation of the acne symptoms with no sign of scarring.

Understand the cause

Successful acne control is a matter of working with known causes of the condition and changing the dynamics to reduce the negative impact of the acne. Beginning the process early is more likely to be successful in reducing the breakouts. For example, it is now known that acne symptoms appear when there is a malfunction of the oil-producing glands at the base of the hair follicles. The cause is probably related to hormonal production, so treatment that begins early can focus on these two aspects. Hormone treatment takes time to work so early treatment is better than delaying.

Reduce physical scarring

Extensive scarring can be the result of acne pimples or inflammation coupled with the high chance of infection from the break in the skin surface. Obviously, acne control that actively fights the conditions that lead to physical scarring has a better chance of preventing such scars. The successful key is early intervention, before there is time to build up pockets of infection under the skin. Since it is now known that acne is not the result of unclean skin, depending upon cleansing for prevention of scarring may not be enough.

Prevent emotional turmoil

The impact of disfiguring and painful outbreaks of acne symptoms on the precarious emotional outlook of an adolescent is easy to remember even if you are long out of your teens. There can be almost irreparable damage done to the self esteem of the teenager. Early and emphatic acne control recognizes that dealing with the symptoms early provides less opportunity for the negative personal view to take hold in the mind of the individual with acne. Being told simply that he or she will outgrow acne symptoms does not solve the immediate drain on confidence.

Reduce the outbreaks

Early and active treatment of the acne symptoms is more likely to be successful in reducing the permanent impact of the condition. Acne control consists of treating the physical and emotional symptoms effectively so that they do not continue. This can consist of basic maintenance; getting proper rest, drinking lots of water, eating healthy clean food and cleansing your face each night and morning.

How to Use a Facial Mask

Facial masks are a great way to treat your skin to a once a week spa treatment. You can find masks for any skin type with a variety of different ingredients. There are mud masks to help to smooth your skin as well as some that are specifically designed to help with acne problems. All masks are good for your skin and help to tone and sooth your skin.

A mask for your face should be applied once or twice weekly. You don’t want to use them too frequently as they can upset the natural oil balance of your skin. The way that most facial masks work is that you put them on your face and wait for a specified period of time until you feel it dry and your skins starts feeling a little tight. Read more

Alternative Acne Treatments

Alternative Acne Treatments

Several surgical or medical treatments may be used to reduce acne or the scars caused by the disease.

• Chemical peel. A chemical known as glycolic acid is first applied to the skin. When it dries, it is peeled off, taking the top layer of skin with it. This treatment helps reduce scarring.
• Collagen injection. Shallow scars are filled in by injecting collagen, a skin protein, beneath the scars.
• Comedo extraction. A special tool is used to remove a comedo from a pore.
• Dermabrasion. The affected skin is first frozen with a chemical spray. Then it is removed with a brush or sandpaper-like instrument.
• Intralesional injection. Anti-inflammatory drugs are injected directly into inflamed pimples.
• Punch grafting. Deep scars are removed and the area repaired with small skin grafts.

Alternative treatments for acne focus on proper hygiene and diet. Patients are advised to keep their skin clean and oil-free. They are also encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw fruits and vegetables. They should also avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, sugar, smoking, processed foods, and foods high in iodine, such as table salt.

Some doctors recommend the use of herbs to supplement the diet. Some herbs that have been used in the treatment of acne include burdock root, red clover, and milk thistle. Additional nutrients that may help to control acne include B-complex vitamins and chromium. Chinese herbal treatments that are recommended include cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower. Another herbal treatment is tea tree oil. The proper dose of these substances can be recommended by physicians or nutritionists.

Acne cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled in about 60 percent of patients with the drug isotretinoin. Improvement usually takes at least two months, and the problem may recur after treatment has been stopped. Inflammatory acne that results in the formation of scars may require one of the more aggressive treatments already described.

Prevention

There are no sure ways to prevent acne. However, the following steps tend to reduce flare-ups ofthe condition:

• Gently wash—do not scrub—the affected areas once or twice every day.
• Avoid rough cleansers.
• Use makeup and skin moisturizers that do not produce comedos.
• Shampoo often and wear hair away from the face.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods that trigger flare-ups.
• Give dry pimples a limited amount of sun exposure unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
• Reduce stress.

Facial masks you can make at home

SPA INDEX PAPAYA PUMPKIN FACIAL

If you have visited spas and resorts in exotic locales such as the Pacific Rim, Bali, Hawaii, and Tahiti, you’ve probably seen an esthetician select and mash fresh fruit in front of you for a fresh-on-the spot enzyme mask. It’s easy to recreate this mask at home — we’ve found a Balinese mask for you which will leave your face fresh and glowing.

2/3 cup fresh papaya, mashed
15 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 egg, beaten

1. Prepare the mask. Cut the papaya in half and scoop out the seeds. Scoop out the papaya fruit and mash it well to eliminate lumps in the mask. Beat the egg until it is frothy. Combine that with the papaya. Add the pumpkin to the egg/papaya mixture and whip together. You can also mix the ingredients in the blender or a food processor for an extra smooth mask.

2. Prepare your face. Wash with your daily cleanser and remove all residual makeup on your skin. Rinse with warm water. It’s very important to have clean skin to ensure you get maximum benefits from the facial.

3. Apply the Mask. Cover your entire face, being careful to avoid the immediate eye area. If you have sensitive skin, test the mixture on your hand before spreading it on your face. You’ll feel some tingling as the enzymes in the pumpkin go to work immediately — gently exfoliating your top layer of skin. It works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Leave the mask on for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse Off Mask. After you’ve relaxed for ten minutes it’s time to rinse. The mask is fairly thick — head for the kitchen sink.

5. Apply Toner & Moisturizer.

LEMON FACIAL MASK

2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon finely ground oatmeal
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 drop lemon essential oil
Cucumber slices (optional)
Mix the sour cream, oatmeal, lemon juice and essential together in a bowl. To use, massage over clean face and neck skin and the rest for 10 minutes (with cucumber slices if you have them) over your eyes. Rinse well with warm water and follow with toner and moisturizer.

Always use Lemon Facial Mask immediately for best results — the lemon juice will cause the sour cream to curdle if it is not used quickly.

AVOCADO CARROT CREAM MASK

This mask combines avocados, which are rich in Vitamin E, with carrots, which are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, and cream, which is high in calcium and protein. These ingredients will rebuild skin collagen, improve tone and texture, and fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg, beaten
3 tablespoons honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Spread gently over your face and neck, and leave in place 10-15 minutes. Rinse with cool water and follow with your favorite toner.

Avocado Dry Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Beat the yolk of an egg until it is light and frothy, then add the mashed pulp of a half avocado, blending it well (you may use a blender at this point). Cleanse your face thoroughly before using this masque (or any masque). Spread the avocado mixture over the face and neck evenly; relax on a slant board or bed for about 20 minutes. Remove with clear tepid water and a face cloth, followed by a rinse of cold water or a mild skin lotion. The result should be a marked improvement in skin texture, and all-around revitalizing.

Avocado Oily Skin Masque
California Avocado Commission

Put the white of an egg, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and the mashed pulp of a half avocado into a blender. In seconds, you should have a lovely green mixture. Wash your face and neck thoroughly, then apply masque evenly on those areas. Relax for 20 minutes; remove with tepid water and a face cloth. Follow with cold astringent or skin tonic.

ALMOND-MAYONNAISE SCRUB
Dry Skin Exfoliator

1/4 C. almonds
1/8 tsp. mayonnaise

Grind almonds in blender until they form fine almond meal. Whirl in mayonnaise. Gentle rub scrub onto your face, and leave in place 10 minutes. Rinse. Use a toner thereafter. Shelf Life: Refrigerate for 2-3 weeks.

Apple Cucumber Facial Mask
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1 egg white
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon apple mint leaves
1 drop lime essential oil
Combine all 5 ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the essential oil last and mix well. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes.
Apply a layer to your clean face and neck area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse well with warm water. Apple Cucumber Facial Mask is best when used immediately as the ingredients are perishable. The leftovers can be refrigerated in the coldest section of the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days but should be discarded after that

Apple Face & Neck Gelee
Yield: Approx. 2 applications
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons hot distilled water
1 teaspoon freshly juiced apple juice
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
1 heaping teaspoon powdered pectin
Add the glycerin to the water/juice/gel combination and stir to fully incorporate. Add the pectin while the liquid remains quite warm (if it cools, place it in the microwave or a double boiler to raise the temperature) and use a hand held electric mixer to blend, or stir vigorously to dissolve the pectin. Once the pectin has fully dissolved, a light gel will begin to form. This may take from 15 minutes to 1/2 hour. Once the gel sets, Apple Face & Neck Gelee is ready to use. Apply the gel in a layer to your clean, damp face and neck. Rest for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer if desired. Leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Enjoy!! The shelf life of this product is necessarily limited by the fresh apple juice. It should be used within a few days after it is made.

Modern Acne Treatments

Anti-acne drugs are medicines that help clear up pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over-the-counter acne products that are applied to the skin, such as Benoxyl, Clear By Design, Neutrogena Acne, PanOxyl, and some formulations of Clean & Clear, Clearasil, and Oxy. Some benzoyl peroxide products are available without a physician’s prescription; others require a prescription. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available only with a physician’s prescription and comes in liquid, cream, and gel forms, which are applied to the skin. Isotretinoin (Accutane), which is taken by mouth in capsule form, is available only with a physician’s prescription. Only physicians who have experience in diagnosing and treating severe acne, such as dermatologists, should prescribe isotretinoin.

Acne is a skin disorder that leads to an outbreak of lesions called pimples or “zits.” The most common form of the disease in adolescents is called acne vulgaris. Antiacne drugs are the medicines that help clear up the pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of lesions that occur when a teen has acne.
Different types of antiacne drugs are used for different treatment purposes, depending on the severity of the condition. For example, lotions, soaps, gels, and creams containing substances called benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin may be used to clear up mild to moderately severe acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an oral drug that is prescribed only for very severe, disfiguring acne.

Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum during puberty when high levels of the male hormone androgen cause excess sebum to form. Sebum is an oily substance that forms in glands just under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum normally flows out hair follicles onto the skin to act as a natural skin moisturizer. The glands are connected to hair follicles that allow the sebum, or oil, to empty onto the skin through a pore.

Sometimes the sebum combines with dead, sticky skin cells and bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin. The mixture of oil and cells allows the bacteria to grow in the follicles. When this happens, a hard plug called a comedo can form. A comedo is an enlarged hair follicle. It can appear on the skin as a blackhead, which is a comedo that reaches the skin’s surface and looks black, or as a whitehead, which is a comedo that is sealed by keratin, the fibrous protein produced by the skin cells and looks like a white bump.

In addition, pimples can form on the skin. Types of pimples include:
• papules, which are small, red bumps that may be tender to touch
• pustules, which are pus-filled lesions that are often red at the base
• nodules, which are large, painful lesions deep in the skin
• cysts, which are painful pus-filled lesions deep in the skin that can cause scarring

Pimples form when the follicle is invaded by the P. acnes bacteria. The damaged follicle weakens and bursts open, releasing sebum, bacteria, skin cells, and white blood cells into surrounding tissues. Scarring happens when new skin cells are created to replace the damaged cells. The most severe type of acne includes both nodules and cysts.

Acne cannot be cured, but antiacne drugs can help clear the skin and reduce the chance of scarring. The goal of treating moderate acne is to decrease inflammation and prevent new comedones from forming. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin work by mildly irritating the skin. This encourages skin cells to slough off, which helps open blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide also kills bacteria, which helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads from turning into pimples. Isotretinoin shrinks the glands that produce sebum. It is used for severe acne lesions and must be carefully monitored because of its side effects. Antibiotics also may be prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Acne Symptoms and Treatments

SYMPTOMS

Acne is often not apparent to an observer. Inflamed pores, however, can cause pain or itching. The most troubling aspect of acne for many people is the scarring that can occur. And, while acne may not be very noticeable, individuals tend to be sensitive about their appearance. Teenagers especially may become concerned about the way other people react to them.

DIAGNOSIS

People with acne are often treated by family doctors. More serious cases are referred to a dermatologist (a specialist in skin disorders) or an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormonal disorders).
Because of its appearance, acne is not difficult to diagnose. A doctor takes a complete medical history, which includes questions about skin, diet, medication use, and other factors associated with risk for acne. He or she conducts a physical examination of the face, upper neck, chest, shoulders, back, and other affected areas. The doctor determines the number and type of blemishes, whether they are inflamed or not, whether they are deep or near the surface of the skin, and whether there is scarring or skin discoloration.
Laboratory tests are not done unless the patient appears to have a hormonal disorder. In that case, blood tests and other tests may be ordered. Most insurance plans cover the cost of diagnosing and treating acne.

ANTI-ACNE DRUGS
Brand Name (Generic Name) and their pssible common side effects:

Accutane (isotretinoin) > Dry skin, dry mouth, conjunctivitis
Benzamycin > Dry and itchy skin
Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate) Dry skin
Desquam-E (benzoyl peroxide) > Itching, red and peeling skin
Erythromycin topical (A/T/S, erycette, t-stat) > Burning, dry skin, hives, red and peeling skin
Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride) > Headache, hives, diarrhea, peeling skin, vomiting
Retin-A (tretinoin) > Darkening of the skin, blistering, crusted, or puffy skin

Alternative Acne Treatments and Prevention

Several surgical or medical treatments may be used to reduce acne or the scars caused by the disease.
• Chemical peel. A chemical known as glycolic acid is first applied to the skin. When it dries, it is peeled off, taking the top layer of skin with it. This treatment helps reduce scarring.

• Collagen injection. Shallow scars are filled in by injecting collagen, a skin protein, beneath the scars.
• Comedo extraction. A special tool is used to remove a comedo from a pore.
• Dermabrasion. The affected skin is first frozen with a chemical spray. Then it is removed with a brush or sandpaper-like instrument.

• Intralesional injection. Anti-inflammatory drugs are injected directly into inflamed pimples.
• Punch grafting. Deep scars are removed and the area repaired with small skin grafts.

Alternative treatments for acne focus on proper hygiene and diet. Patients are advised to keep their skin clean and oil-free. They are also encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw fruits and vegetables. They should also avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, sugar, smoking, processed foods, and foods high in iodine, such as table salt.

Some doctors recommend the use of herbs to supplement the diet. Some herbs that have been used in the treatment of acne include burdock root, red clover, and milk thistle. Additional nutrients that may help to control acne include B-complex vitamins and chromium. Chinese herbal treatments that are recommended include cnidium seed (used to treat itchy skin) and honeysuckle flower. Another herbal treatment is tea tree oil. The proper dose of these substances can be recommended by physicians or nutritionists.

Acne cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled in about 60 percent of patients with the drug isotretinoin. Improvement usually takes at least two months, and the problem may recur after treatment has been stopped. Inflammatory acne that results in the formation of scars may require one of the more aggressive treatments already described.

PREVENTION

There are no sure ways to prevent acne. However, the following steps tend to reduce flare-ups ofthe condition:
• Gently wash—do not scrub—the affected areas once or twice every day.
• Avoid rough cleansers.
• Use makeup and skin moisturizers that do not produce comedos.
• Shampoo often and wear hair away from the face.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods that trigger flare-ups.
• Give dry pimples a limited amount of sun exposure unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
• Reduce stress.

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