LOOKING FOR THE BEST ACNE-PRONE SKIN
TREATMENTS INGREDIENTS?

We generally talk about polymorphic acne. Polymorphic means that there are two types of lesions. Firstly, non-inflammatory lesions, i.e. lesions where a small plug - a blackhead - prevents the sebum from being eliminated and causes a build up of sebum deep down in the gland. This is called a micro cyst. Secondly, there are inflammatory lesions. In this case, sebum which is inflamed internally changes and causes inflammation.

The sebaceous gland breaks and leads to the formation of inflammatory lesions in the form of pimples or white-heads. Depending on the type of acne there may be a combination of both of these lesions. In the most severe forms there will be large number of micro cysts and blackheads as well as inflammatory lesions. Both types of lesions must be treated. Inflammatory eruptions should be treated locally with products such as benzoyl peroxide which has a very effective anti-inflammatory effectand should be applied in the evening. Avoid using local antibiotics because you may become resistant to them. In the case of the non-inflammatory lesions the plug which prevents sebum from being eliminated has to be removed using products which need to be aggressive. We would start treatment by using mild products such as fruit acids and especially LHA which is well tolerated and very effective. If these fruit acids are not effective or well tolerated we would proceed to the next step: drugs containing all vitamin A acid derivation therefore tretinoine which have a stripping action and consequently cause mild irritation. Do not forget to compensate for the dryness caused by the treatment by using moisturisers suitable for this skin type in the morning. If the inflammatory lesions are too large oral antibiotics - cyclines - can be prescribed for their anti-inflammatory action.

This oral treatment should preferably be taken in the evening. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to the sun as cyclines can be photo-sensitizing. Treatment is relatively long; about 2 or 3 months as a rule. Zinc can be also be used and hormonal therapy may be prescribed for girls. In fact, some contraceptive pills are used to treat acne and may resolve such problems easily. For more severe acne oral isotretinoins, which have quite severe side effects will be prescribed. Finally, prevention is the best treatment for scars so avoid touching, fiddling with, or bursting the pimples. If the scars persist after the acne is treated it is possible to resort to treatments such as the use of lasers which effectively reduce their appearance.