Teenagers and some adults are prone to the condition known as acne vulgaris, more commonly known simply as acne, and can often suffer either chronic or acute symptoms related to the condition, but help with acne is available. The malady is most often characterized by physical symptoms such as facial redness, red-raised pustules, and blackheads. This is caused by bacterial growth related to the buildup of sebum and skin cells that block pores and create unsightly bumps and often extreme facial malformations. Acne is not curable, but acute symptoms can be treated and controlled with a series of treatments.
Regular Cleansing Facials Control Acne Causing Bacterial Accumulation
Acne sufferers should get facials at least once weekly to remove any blackheads and accumulated skin and sebum that may be aggravating the acne condition to help with acne. Blackheads in particular cannot be treated by using a cream alone. They need to be removed by extraction to ensure trapped sebum and skin does not accumulate bacteria and become inflamed leading to pustules and redness. Facialists use either manual or machine extraction to remove impacted material and then use facial masks to tighten the pores. Acne sufferers with acute symptoms will benefit from seeing a facialist twice weekly until the face is completely cleansed of buildup.
Home Cleansing Is Important in the Acne Battle
It is vital to keep the skin cleansed and free of bacterial buildup at home in between facial treatments. Areas prone to acne need to be cleansed thoroughly morning and night with a mild cleanser to remove excess sebum. During the day, the cleansing should be followed with a sunscreen specifically for acne prone skin. At night, an acne treatment product containing benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid is beneficial when applied topically to the skin to help with acne.
Microdermabrasion Deep Cleans Acne Bacteria
Treatment with microdermabrasion involves using a tool rotates in a circular motion and uses a semi-rough surface or skin scrub to more deeply cleanse the epidural layer of the skin. The procedure penetrates pores more deeply than simple surface cleansing and will help to remove dirt and sebum that leads to blackheads in particular to help with acne flareups. Microdermabrasion products can be purchased at beauty supply and other stores and used at home regularly. Microdermabrasion, and a more penetrative form of the service called dermabrasion are also available in salons and plastic surgery offices.
Chemical Peels Help Clear Acne
A chemical peel involves having salicylic acid applied to the face in order to remove the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, and reveal underlying fresh skin. The procedure can be done in a facialist's, dermatologist's or plastic surgery office, and is offered in varying strengths. Home chemical peels are also available, but in weaker solutions. Testing should always be done by putting a small amount of the product on the inside elbow crook to ensure there is no allergic reaction. The product should be left on for a few minutes, then removed and monitored for 24 hours for symptoms of allergies related to usage. Mild chemical peels may cause some stinging and redness, that are generally bearable. More intensive chemical peels may require local or general anesthesia.
Antibiotics and Prescriptions can Help Treat Acne Vulgaris
A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria that leads to acne growth. For help with acne, especially chronic acne, doctors may prescribe low doses of antibiotics that must be taken once or twice a day to control bacterial growth. Other products such as accutane have been shown to work for acne treatment, however, side effects may be extreme and should be understood completely before considering product usage. Topical ointments and creams containing high benzoyl peroxide, salcylic acid or other ingredients may also be useful for acne treatment, and are sometimes combined for increased effectiveness.
Treat Bedding to Kill Acne Bacteria
Acne bacteria can accumulate on bedding, clothing and other materials in which the skin comes into contact. Acne sufferers should change pillow cases nightly, and bedding at least weekly. All bedding should be washed in hot water and Clorox should be used if possible. Towels and washcloths should be treated in the same manner, and never reused. All clothing or other material that comes into contact with acne should be washed in hot water as often as possible to help with acne.
Treating Acne Regularly for Best Results
The key to treating acne is consistency. Keeping the skin clean and free of buildup and having a daily, weekly and monthly routine is important to help with acne. Acne may respond initially to specific methods and then develop a resistance. At that point, it may be necessary to change products, antibiotic or medication regimen, or other treatment methods. Fighting this debilitating malady does take some effort, however, success is achievable with continued aggressive, consistent treatment.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, . (2009). Chemical Peel. Retrieved from http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Patients_and_Consumers/Procedures/Cosmetic_Procedures/Chemical_Peel.html
Medline Plus. (2010). Acne. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/acne.html
Robin McDaniel - Freelance Experience Robin Daniel writes for a variety of online publications including: eHowAssociated ContentExaminerDemand ...
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