Virus vs Chemical Peel: Acne Treatments

Great news that several types of virus like Propionibacterium have been identified to be killing acne that causes bacteria. More development is to come in understanding of acne.

While the news is exciting, Skin Care Report is recommending time proven techniques to minimize acne impact. Here are some tips:

• Don’t pinch or "pop" pimples. This can spread skin oil, called sebum, and potentially the bacteria too. Consequently, formally healthy skin surrounding the zit can become infect and damaged. 

• Avoid irritating the skin. Examples are hats or harsh scrubbing. 

• Wash your face regularly. Cleaning the face is an important part of home remedies for acne. Don’t provide a comfortable home to bacteria.

Still, while we wait for researchers to transform the new found knowledge into substantial aid against the skin condition, acne sufferers want help now! Here are some tips for shortening the lifespan of a pimple:

• When you first notice that you are breaking out with a pimple, it is important that you try your best not to touch it. The less you touch it, the less aggravated you will make it. 

• Get a cloth and soak it in warm water. Press it against your pimple and hold it in place for one minute. This will help the swelling go down and helps pimples go away sooner. 

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Try cleaners that do not over dry skin. 

• After you have washed your face, apply salicylic acid onto your pimple. Dotting the pimple with a q-tip that has salicylic acid on it can be a targeted treatment. You could also use a cotton ball. 

• In the morning after you have washed your face and removed the salicylic acid, apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide onto your pimple. This facial medication will help shorten the duration of your pimple.

Source: http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2013/04/30/virus-vs-chemical-peel-acne-treatments

Tx for Pediatric Acne Gets New Guidance

Don’t you know that acne is also present among children and infants? Therefore, the treatment should be well-chosen to fit their delicate skin types. Baby acne is extremely common and customarily starts by about three weeks of age. The bumps occurs and temples.

Although pediatric acne reportedly affects up to 87% of teenagers, a 1994 study found acne in 78% of 365 girls, ages 9 and 10, stated Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, of Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego, and colleagues in Pediatrics online. 

Even babies get acne with 20% of newborns affected, they added."It is essential to have a broad understanding of acne at different ages and to be aware of the differential diagnoses for each age group," the authors stated in an evidence-based evaluation of more than 150 dermatology-related studies.

• In neonates, pustules on the face and upper body represent acne or acne-like conditions, and are best treated with 2% ketoconazole cream. Physicians should consider underlying endocrinologic diseases, tumors, or gonadal/ovarian pathology in the presence of significant acne.

• In infants to 12 months, acne is predominate in boys. Treatment can include topical antimicrobials, topical retinoids, noncycline antibiotics (erythromycin), and, occasionally, isotretinoin. None of these medications are indicated by the FDA for use in this age group, they cautioned.

• In mid-childhood up to 7 years, acne is rare, so an endocrine abnormality should be suspected and investigated. Oral tetracyclines are not an option because of the risk to developing teeth and bones.

• In preadolescence, best defined as up to the age of menarche, acne on the T-zone of the face may be the first sign of puberty. With severe acne, polycystic ovary syndrome or other endocrinologic abnormality should be considered, but pelvic ultrasound is not useful in this diagnosis.

Physicians should treat to reduce sebum (oil), prevent microcomedones (pimples), suppressP acnes (bacteria), and reduce inflammation that causes scarring, the recommendations advised.

The guidelines, endorsed by the the American Academy of Pediatrics, are segmented based on age:

Among over-the-counter remedies, benzoyl peroxide appeared to be "somewhat effective" for mild acne and remained the overall go-to treatment, either alone or combined, Eichenfield and colleagues wrote. Salicylic acid was less so, they stated. 

Too harsh cleaners can aggravate the condition as children strive to scrub away the acne, the authors stated. However, they pointed out that cosmetics and poor hygiene do not contribute to eruptions, and, make-up may increase patient well-being.

Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/38869

BIONOVA: New Solution to Acne Treatment

Acne is the most common skin problem most of us encounter. It affects all ages, races and genders. With this, a lot of acne treatments have been developed to cure acne. Some of it do not guarantee results which leave acne unresolved. Thus, many researches are being conducted to address this concerns and to discover factors causing acne.

Acne Nano-systemToday existing Acne products contain ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Sulfur.  These substances aim the reduction the skin inflammation but not the cause factors. Acne is a complex skin disease. BIONOVA developed Acne nano-system composed of two levels: First level contains targeted Nanocomplexes treating factors causing acne (primary pathogenetic) [e.g. Anti-Bacterial, Keratolitic, Oil Skin Regulator, and Anti-Inflammatory].

The secondary level (e.g. Antioxidants, Amino-Acids, Vitamin-Coenzyme, Skin Barrier System, HDL) assists the primary level to fight acne. Nanocomplexes of the secondary level normalize the skin basic metabolism and enhance the protective function of the skin.

This approach, in combination with OTC Active Ingredients, allowed the creation of a treatment line that finally covers multiple cause factors of Acne Vulgaris. ProductsBIONOVA's Acne products provide with long-lasting effective treatment. The presence of specially Acne targeted NANO-COMPLEXES™ restores the skin healthy functioning.     

The biological activity of products is adjusted to Gender + Age Group + Skin Type + Skin Problem.  

BIONOVA's Acne Treatment products for Face & Body target multiple acne-causing factors and help:

• Improve metabolism of dysfunctional skin cells
• Exert strong anti-bacterial effects
• Control skin oil by reducing sebum production
• Purify obstructed skin pores and unclog bacteria-filled pores
• Prevent/Minimize Acne Scar formation and help reduce the appearance of already formed Acne Scars.
• Enhance skin self-healing ability

BIONOVA offers complete Acne regimen that consist of the Cleanser, Activator and the Mask.

Source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bionova-new-solution-to-acne-treatment-205590501.html

Science Says Chocolate Causes Acne, Cockblocks Our Love Affair With Truffles

Chocolate-lovers beware: a new study from the Netherlands suggests the delicious sweetie may aggravate acne. Past research also suggests that increased insulin can cause inflammation in the skin, leading to breakouts, while low-glycemic diets stop sugar spikes connected to acne, 

Seems like every time we turn around, another scientist in a lab coat is wagging a finger in our face and telling us things we don’t want to hear. Soda gives us cavities. Alcohol gives us hangovers. And now that a new study from the Netherlands suggests that chocolate causes acne, we’re close to giving up and sticking our hungover, toothless, pimple-covered heads in a big fat sack of denial until the medical profession decides that we’re allowed to enjoy our favorite things again.

 

Sadly, denial won’t silence the Dutch scientists who claim that their study shows a definite link between chocolate consumption and the acne that plagues 80% of American teenagers. To investigate chocolate as a potential cause of acne, the researchers took blood from healthy adults before and after they ate 1.7 ounces of chocolate containing 30 ounces of cocoa. Then they exposed the blood samples to Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria known to cause acne, and to Staphylococcus aureus, which aggravates acne.

 

In the blood samples taken post-chocolate consumption, the blood cells exposed to Propionibacterium acnes produced more interleukin-1b, a sign of immune system inflammation and a signal that chocolate is linked to the inflammatory response associated with acne. The cells exposed to Staphylococcus aureus produced more interleukin 1O, which is believed to lower the body’s defenses against microorganisms and thus could allow bacteria to infect and worsen pimples.

 

This research isn’t conclusive however, which is good news for those of us who like clear skin and chocolate-covered everything. For one, the Dutch scientists used a teeny tiny sample size (only seven people). For another, there are lots of things present in chocolate besides cocoa (like fat and sugar) that could have caused the blood cell reaction. And finally, while we might not have a perfect pimple cure, science has progressed enough to know that any single person’s susceptibility to acne has more to do with their genetics, hormones, and medications than their favorite junk food. Plus, even if chocolate is responsible for acne, it’s also responsible for this.

Source: http://foodbeast.com/content/2013/05/01/science-says-chocolate-causes-acne-cockblocks-our-love-affair-with-truffles/#.UYRaYqJkOSo

More Adults Battling Acne Breakouts

When you hit in adolescent period, you will at some point have acne. Sadly, this continues when you become an adult. So, what you have to do is prepare and take care of your skin. There many products guaranteeing protection of your skin and simple ways to keep your skin healthy. And if you are to spend, there are some promising acne treatments that are on horizon from sub-antimicrobial treatments -- low-dose antibiotics -- to vitamins and light therapy. 

Research by a joint team at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California at Los Angeles has found that the "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria found on people's skin and in their intestines can determine whether they have acne or not.  

But don't expect a miracle cream just yet, said Huiying Li, one of the lead researchers in the study. 

"We've still got years of work to do before anything appears on the market," she said. There are, at any one time, 40 million to 50 million people suffering from acne, and it's not clear why the number of adults are growing, said a report from the American Academy of Dermatology -- perhaps just more adults seeking treatment. 

Adult acne affects 45 percent of women aged 21 to 30, 26 percent of women aged 31 to 40 and 12 percent of women aged 41 to 50, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study in 2012. 

Moreover, acne vulgaris, driven by hormones, mostly disappeared by age 18, but these days lasts on average to about age 28, said Lisa Pawelski, a dermatologist based in Monroeville.

For some women, that type of acne never goes away, but it does become less severe. For others, it comes as a nasty surprise just when they're preparing to battle aging skin. 

Jean Camp was lucky enough to have a clear complexion as a teenager but now, at 32, is suffering from a different type of acne known as papulopustular rosacea -- pink bumps, or papules, and pustules, more commonly known in acne lingo as whiteheads. 

She even remembers the date she realized she had it: March 1, 2010.

"I have people asking me what's wrong with my face," said Ms. Camp. "I can never wear makeup, because it doesn't cover up the pimples and only irritates me more. I don't think it's fair." 

These two different kinds of acne can be determined by location: teenage acne vulgaris can be all over the face and back, while the adult version is mostly along the jawline. And the rosacea form can be found mostly across the center of the face, on the cheeks and around the nose. 

"Wrinkles and acne are the diabolical duo," said Suzan Obagi, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center. Certain treatments present a special challenge with older skin, she said, which is thinner and drier and can respond poorly to the high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide teenagers slather all over their faces. 

Sitting in her sunlit offices in Shadyside, she sees no shortage of older women patients "who are not going to outgrow this kind of acne," and, perhaps fittingly, she is turning to light as one of her options.

Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/more-and-more-women-are-battling-breakouts-that-they-might-have-imagined-was-just-an-adolescent-scourge-685441/#ixzz2S1wHbCpo

Good Bacteria May Offer Hope for Acne Sufferers

It’s our problem having acne. We have tried various treatments  and spent a lot of money just to remove acne, still, it is there! It is a problem of many of us (80% of Americans) especially teenagers. Acne can leave people scarred for life. Never give up! Acne cures could just be around the corner. 

Did you know that acne-causing bacteria live on everyone’s skin?

So, how is it that some complexions are lucky enough to avoid those problematic pimples while others… aren’t?
Well, that same question has helped local experts uncover what could be the secret weapon in the battle against blemishes.

“I am the most self-conscious person about my acne, video blogger Cassandra Bankson.
When 14-year-old video blogger Cassandra Bankson braved her bare face for her YouTube followers, her complexion confession went viral.
“I’m going to show you guys what my face looks like without makeup:  this is my face.”
“This is probably the most nerve-wracking thing that I’ve ever done because it’s my biggest insecurity, said Bankson.

For 19-year-old Jeffrey Shen…
“I didn’t really have high self-esteem,” said Shen.
His condition improved slightly over the years, but the obstacles were more than skin-deep.
“Sometimes I think it could make other people uncomfortable so I hesitate sometimes to join into social events,” said Shen.
No matter how severe or subtle… no matter how young or old… at any stage and any age, acne can be kryptonite for your confidence.
“Acne is most prevalent in teenagers, but still, about 11% of adults have acne,” Huiying Li, Ph.D.

But a dose of derm relief may be on the horizon for zit zappers everywhere thanks to a recent UCLA discovery.
“Bacteria is not necessarily all bad,“ said Li.
For years, the treatment to take down acne was centered on killing *all* bacteria on the skin.
But for the first time, researchers learned there is some bacteria that might actually help protect pores.

“In the people with clear skin we found a 3rd type of strain which are hardly found in any acne patients so we think this one is highly associated with clear skin,” said Li.
Experts now hope increasing the body’s ‘good bacteria’ can have sufferers saying bye-bye to blotches, for good.
“I think it could potentially change maybe the approach of the drugs hopefully so that they work and that’s really exciting,” said Shen.
More targeted research still needs to be done, but the UCLA team is working with companies to potentially develop a pro-biotic cream that could be sold over the counter within three years.

Source: http://ktla.com/2013/05/01/good-bacteria-may-offer-hope-for-acne-sufferers/#ixzz2S1vzGwXZ

24-Hour Guide to Getting Rid Of Acne

Is that possible to remedy acne within 24 hours? Some say no and some say yes. Don’t fret. I say it’s possible. All of us encounter acne that ravages our faces. Still, you can go to your appointment or a date without worrying the acne on your face. Why worry if you can actually fight against acne. How?

Zit’s Anatomy

Human skin has pores, which are connected to oil glands beneath the skin through a canal also known as a follicle. These glands produce sebum - an oily liquid. This sebum carries dead skin cells and other debris through these follicles to the skin surface. A small hair also grows out through this follicle. A zit or a pimple appears when these follicles get blocked resulting in the accumulation of oil under the skin. 

Dr. Kiran Lohia further explains, “The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells, thereby keeping your skin soft. When glands produce too much oil, the pores become blocked; dirt, bacteria and cells build up. The blockage is called a plug. If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead and if the top of the plug is dark, it is called a blackhead. However, if the plug breaks open it results in swelling and red bumps, which are known as pimples or pustules!”

What Causes Acne in Men? 

The exact cause of acne in men still remains unknown. But essentially, it can be traced to your sebaceous glands. When the glands start releasing generous quantities of sebum during adolescence or even later, you are prone to breakouts. 

How To Get Rid Of It In 24 Hours

Getting back to business, here’s how you can treat your acne according to our expert, Dr Kiran Lohia- 

1. Try and visit a dermatologist. Yes, we know you might have to shell out some money, but hey, it’s your precious skin we are talking about. “You can ask for a spot peel with 20-30% salicylic acid treatment from your doctor, which will dry up that pimple within 24 hours. And, if the pimple is really inflamed, then even a mild cortisone injection can help calm it down significantly,” advises Dr. Lohia.
2. If you haven't got any time to get to your skin specialist, then look for products with salicylic acid or biosulphur in it. “The combination of the two ingredients will help soothe that pimple while also preventing other pimples from arising,” explains Dr. Kiran.
3. Use a salicylic acid-based face wash and body wash. This helps reduce oil secretion while unclogging those pores, resulting in less whiteheads and blackheads. It will also prevent those body breakouts, giving you a much clearer skin.
4. Don't over wash the skin. Many men think that by washing the face or body 4-5 times a day will reduce the oiliness. This is a misconception. In fact, over washing causes the body to overproduce oil in compensation, resulting in even oilier skin in the long term.
5. Lastly, don’t avoid your moisturiser. Moisturising the skin helps keep the skin supple and young - even in the long-term, but you have to know your skin type. Use the moisturiser accordingly. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic gel based emulsions so you don't get a greasy feel. Also, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, or sulphur, all of which will act to prevent and treatment those pimples and marks.

Daily Steps to Add in Your Routine to Help Your Acne:

Acne will come and go, but you have to make sure that you follow these tips religiously to avoid scars and blemishes in the aftermath, concludes Dr. Kiran.

1. Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
2. Wear products that are oil-free or water-based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic', meaning that a dermatologist has certified that there are no ingredients that can cause pimples in the product.
3. Be healthy from the inside out. Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits and always remember to exercise.

Source: http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/skin-care/8807-mensxps-24-hour-guide-to-getting-rid-of-acne.html