Zits, pimples, blemishes, breakouts-whatever you
call it, acne can be a challenging condition that can be difficult to
treat. Acne is very common, with an estimated 80% of all people
worldwide expected to suffer from some sort of acne in their lifetime.
For those who suffer from the occasional zit, acne is a transient
annoyance that is not of much concern most of the time. For others,
acne is a daily obsession that can make a serious impact on a person's
self-esteem and overall psychological health.
Most people who suffer from acne resort to harsh
chemicals and conventional antibiotic therapies to heal their
blemishes. Fortunately, more options are available now than ever
before. If you are considering seeking out alternative therapies, here
is a quick run-down of the latest methods for treating acne.
Blue light therapy: Blue light therapy is aimed at
acne patients who have had little success with other treatments. Blue
light therapy focuses on eradicating the bacteria that causes most
forms of acne, propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. Acnes creates the
small molecules known as porphyrins that in turn help produce the
bacterium that causes most types of acne inflammation. Blue light
therapy works by zeroing in on the porphyrins. Porphyrins that are
exposed to the blue light are able to produce free radicals that
destroy the P. acnes bacteria.
Blue light therapy is rapidly becoming a popular
treatment for acne because it is non-invasive and drug-free way to help
heal blemishes. Many topical medications contain strong ingredients
that damage sensitive skin, resulting in peeling, redness, and
increased sun sensitivity. Blue light therapy is widely regarded as an
easy and drug-free alternative to most acne medications. Some
individuals have expressed concern over the safety of blue light
therapy. In the past, light therapy options have not been considered
100% safe. Past light therapy treatments consisted of ultraviolet light
that was harmful to the skin. Fortunately, modern blue light therapy
has been FDA approved and is free of UV light.
So how does blue light therapy work? Generally,
blue light therapy is administered in gradual increments. A common
schedule of treatment might consist of eight sessions given over a
period of four weeks. Blue light therapy sessions are short, usually
lasting about 15 minutes. Visit a skin specialist or dermatologist to
receive more information, or to receive a treatment of blue light
therapy.
Another form of light therapy that is used to
treat acne is known as pulsed light and heat energy (LHE) therapy. LHE
therapy uses both light and heat to eradicate the root causes of acne.
Like blue light therapy, LHE therapy uses light to destroy acne-causing
bacteria. LHE therapy also uses heat to reduce the production of sebum
and to help shrink sebaceous glands. LHE therapy is an attractive
option for many acne sufferers because it promises fast results.
Usually, improvement in the symptoms of acne can be seen in as early as
30 days. LHE therapy is also becoming popular because it is a fast
treatment, with most sessions done in just over 10 minutes. The FDA has
approved LHE therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
While different kinds of light therapies may seem
attractive, they can also be expensive, and may not be covered by most
health insurances. If you are looking for a therapy that is milder and
less expensive, consider many the many herbal therapies that available.
Many herbs have been signaled as potentially therapeutic. Some acne
sufferers swear by certain herbal supplements, including black currant
seed oil and evening primrose oil. Both herbs are recommended to acne
sufferers. Try taking three 500-milligram capsules each day to control
your acne. It may be helpful to create an herbal diary of sorts, where
you can track the herbs you are taking and their efficacy.
Beside herbs, certain vitamins and minerals are
also highly recommended for acne sufferers. Vitamin A is perhaps the
most important vitamin for the production and maintenance of a healthy
complexion. Vitamin A helps control the amount of sebum produced by
your skin, and it is also a key vitamin in the production of keratin.
Vitamin A is very potent, and must only be taking in controlled doses.
Consult your doctor about the appropriate amount of Vitamin A for your
situation. Other important 'skin' vitamins are Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin
E. An important mineral for the maintenance of a healthy complexion is
Zinc. Approximately 30-50 mg of Zinc daily is recommended for acne
sufferers.
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