Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous hair follicles. Each follicle contains a tiny hair and multiple sebaceous glands. Under normal circumstances, sebum, the oily substance made by the sebaceous glands, travels up the hair follicle and out to the skin’s surface. However, with acne, sebum is trapped within the follicle and skin bacteria multiplies within the clogged pores. Acne develops on those areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous: the face, scalp, neck, chest, back, and upper arms and shoulders. Acne typically begins in adolescence, although onset in the twenties or thirties is common.

One approach to treating acne is to target the bacteria that produces the inflammation associated with acne known as Propionobacterium Acnes, or P. acnes. P. acnes releases porphyrins, which are naturally occurring molecules in the body. When porphyrins absorb certain wavelengths of light, free radical damage is produced which destroys the bacteria.

Porphyrins absorb light best in the blue wavelength range – 400 nm to 430 nm. A low intensity blue light source (405 nm to 420 nm) has been studied for the treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne. In the study, two 15-minute exposures a week for a period of four weeks produced a 60 percent reduction in acne in 80 percent of patients. Reported remissions from acne lasted as long as three to eight months.

Another way to treat acne using laser technology is to damage the sebaceous glands by a thermal or heat effect. In a recent study, a 1450 nm diode laser was used to perform four treatments one month apart. There was 100 percent clearing of acne in 16 of the 17 patients evaluated six months after the last treatment. Skin biopsies performed immediately after treatment showed heat-induced alterations of the sebaceous glands, reducing the amount of oil produced.

“While lasers have been used successfully for acne scarring for years, their use in actually controlling existing acne is a major breakthrough and could be an excellent alternative for those patients who have had minimal success with traditional therapies,” explained by a dermatologist. “However, this treatment is still investigational and not widely available yet. So not all patients will have access to it and the procedure is not covered by insurance.”

Patients need to be aware that many states do not distinguish who can and cannot perform procedures with laser/light sources. “Since skin treatments using lasers can carry potential side effects, they should be performed by a qualified physician or under direct physician supervision. I encourage patients to ask their physician questions about who will be performing laser surgery, including their qualifications,” cautioned by the dermatologist.

Acne is a condition capable of causing significant embarrassment and discomfort for those it affects. The best way to combat this affliction is to gain an understanding of its causes and potential treatments. Take the following tips to heart, and you will be enjoying clear, beautiful skin in short order.

One of the best things that you can do in order to reduce acne is to include chromium in your diet. Chromium is mostly known for its weight loss effects but it is also great for healing various infections in the skin. Taking supplements that contain chromium once a day helps heal pimples.

One of the things that you can do to reduce the chances of having acne is by keeping your hair away from your face. This is because hair contains oil that contributes to the production of acne. Another way of lessening this is by keeping your hair clean by washing it everyday.

Working out is beneficial for the body, but it can often cause more breakouts. If you are prone to getting acne on your chest and back, switch to a body wash that contains salicylic acid. This is the main ingredient in several face washes. It will help unclog your pores.

Don’t wear makeup if you don’t have to. It can clog your pores and cause more acne problems. If you have to wear make up use one that is noncomedogenic. This type of makeup won’t clog pores. Always wash your face before going to bed because if you don’t you may have acne problems.

Try using Tea Tree oil on a cotton ball or cotton swab to apply it to your pimples. The oil will kill the bacteria that cause the pimples and will clear-up the blemishes quite quickly. It is a great natural treatment for any kind of acne blemishes that you may have.

Change your pillowcase often. The oils from your skin will build up on the fabric and can cause further irritation. Part of dealing with acne is to keep the area as clean and oil free as possible. Keep your skin its cleanest by changing out your pillowcase every couple of days.

Air that is too dry in your bedroom, can strip the oils from your skin, which can facilitate the formation of new acne. Purchase a humidifier for your room to add that moisture back into the air and put you in a much better position to fight your battle against acne.

A great way to prevent acne is by avoiding contact with your face while your hands are dirty. Unless it is absolutely necessary, make sure that you do not touch your face with unclean hands. Bacteria and dirt from your dirty hands clog your pores and eventually form pimples or acne later on.

Acne has caused countless individuals a great deal of irritation and even heartache. Sufferers often feel ashamed of their complexions and spend their time hiding the condition from others. However, by utilizing the advice provided in this article, it is possible to eradicate your blemishes and resume a happy, confident lifestyle.