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Acne Products>Acne Treatments>
Usually reserved for severe acne, especially on the back and chest and when all other avenues have been tried without much success. It may also be prescribed in less severe acne if this is associated with scarring or psychological stress. Retinoids when used orally address the processes involved in the cause of acne and have been found very effective. They really have revolutionized the treatment of severe acne. Retinoids reduce SEBUM production. Retinoids reduce the hypercornification (the excessive production of skin cells in the lining of the follicle) of the pilosebaceous duct. Retinoids do not have any antibacterial properties but appear to reduce the bacterial population on the skin by removing some of the factors that allow their growth on the skin. Retinoids reduce the inflammation associated with the fatty acids that are produced by bacterial action on the plugs in the skin pores. (These plugs are a mixture of dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria) Retinoid therapy is expensive and is available only via the supervision of a dermatologist. Regular blood tests to check on liver function are quite common.
Side effects in some cases can be quite severe. Retinoids are TERATOGENIC and appropriate contraceptive precautions need to be taken in the female patient. Treatment can last for up to 16 weeks and if there is a relapse, a second course of treatment may be prescribed by your dermatologist. Retinoids when taken by mouth can produce dyness of the facial skin. Itching and peeling of the skin is quite common. Dryness around the mouth, lips and nose is common. Fissures on the lips may develop and can be treated with moisturizing lip balms, especially those containing a sunscreen. Nosebleeds are also quite common and the application of petroleum jelly is recommended.
Irritation in the eyes and on eyelids is also to be expected. This may be alleviated by using lubricating eye ointments such as LUBRIDERM, VIDISIC GEL, TEARS NATURAL, GEL TEARS or a similar product. Pigmentation and sensitivity to the sun can develop but is very rare. There have been reports of oral Retinoids causing depression but this link has not been conclusively proven. One must remember that severe acne itself can cause anxiety and depression. On first starting treatment with a Retinoid you may experience headaches or body/muscle aches.
Photograph showing Chelitis:Dryness and skin peeling around the mouth,lips and nose back to top
PHOTOTHERAPY http://www.theskinhealthclinic.com
Acne improves during the bright summer months. Light therapy has been used to treat acne for a long time but has recently been much improved with better success by identifying the light frequency for maximum benefit and improving on the lamps that produce this light.
UNCONVENTIONAL AND UNUSUAL TREATMENTS
SPIRONOLACTONE is diuretic agent used in cardiovascular medicine. It has mild ANTI-ANDROGENIC action and has been known to be used to reduce sebum production.It is often used in combination with an antibiotic in women who fail to respond to a course of antibiotics.Spironolactone has mild hormonal activity and may cause menstrual disturbances so it may not be suitable for everybody.
SAW PALMETTO is a natural herb and its extracts have an inhibitory action on the enzyme that converts TESTOSTERONE to the more active DIHYDROTESTERONE.It is thought that in acne the receptors in the skin that respond to DIHYDROTESTERONE are over sensitive to this substance and produce excessive amounts of sebum when activated. A reduction in the production of DIHYDROTESTERONE would cause a reduction in sebum production and so improve/prevent acne. An oily product called REGUSEB is claimed to contain an extract of the herb and reduce sebum production. These products alter hormonal balance and should NOT be used without medical supervision,especially Female patients.
Zinc is often claimed to help in the treatment of acne. It is often used in acne preparations to reduce the chances of antibiotic resistance but Zinc has not been proven to have any beneficial action on acne when either taken orally or applied as a cream/ointment.back to top
Add Devina`s choice to your skin care regime
Acne is best treated and prevented by addressing ALL the factors that lead to the formation of lesions. Therefore it is logical to combine treatment with products that address different causative factors(sebum, bacteria, dead skin). The action of each preparation will be ADDITIVE and lead to a more effective and faster result than can be achieved by a single product alone. It is usual to apply one product in the morning and a different one in the evening. However there are also products available that contain TWO of the active agents in the one application. All sufferers want instant results. You can help yourself by using this technique.
Complement, augment and enhance your existing acne treatment by taking advantage of the fact that by adding a product that addresses a different causative factor to your regime will enhance the existing treatment synergistically (An additive action) by producing FASTER and more EFFECTIVE results. Add DEVINA`S CHOICE peel-off face and body mask to your existing medical treatment for acne to enhance its effects.back to top |
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