It doesn't matter whether you're a boy or a girl puberty is a really awkward time. Not only does your body change and develop, acne becomes a regular occurrence. If you're lucky you will only have a few breakouts here and there that can easily be treated or concealed with makeup. If you're unlucky your acne problem will be frequent and severe leaving you wondering if you will ever outgrow it; the hope that someday you'll have the clear skin you've always wanted. The good news is that by the time you reach your late teens acne will become a thing of the past. The bad news is that some of you will still have acne even as adults although people who suffer adult acne are quite rare.
So what causes acne and what can you do to treat it? Those are two good questions right there folks. Acne is caused when the pores on your face get clogged by dirt and oil. When these pores become clogged they get infected and once this infection gets bad enough this is what causes your acne. Heredity (things you inherit from your parents), in some instances, causes acne to appear more often than usual while in other people it has to do with personal hygiene and diet(usually a combination of bad habits with both of these). The best news is that acne can be treated and usually very successfully.
Acne treatment should actually start before the first blemish pops up on your face. It's a good habit to wash your face several times a day with a facial cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type. You might suffer from dry skin or be one of those people with an oily complexion so be on the lookout for products designed with that in mind. Picking the wrong type could lead to more breakouts - which is the last thing you want. It's also a good idea to look for products that are non-abrasive and won't irritate your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.
If you have a good cleanser and still get acne look at what you are eating. Are you a fan of fried foods? Do you eat a lot of sugary or junk foods? Chances are your diet isn't helping the situation with your skin. Make a few small changes to your diet and see if that helps the acne situation get better. Fruits and vegetables might not be your favorite foods but your skin will thank you and your acne will clear up. Drinking a healthy amount of water every day is another good idea. This will help your body detoxify itself which can help with skin problems of all kinds.
Of course, some teens will still have severe acne regardless of what they do at home to treat it. If that's the case a trip to the doctor is your best bet. Modern science has given dermatologists several acne fighting drugs and ointments that aren't available without a prescription. One or a combination of these products can help to fight current breakouts and help to keep them from reappearing later.
Blue Light For Acne
Blue light acne treatment has emerged in recent years as yet another way to combat the embarrassing acne that nearly every teenager and many adults have to live with. Many people wonder if this type of treatment is just a gimmick, or if the hype is true and blue light treatments can promise them a future without acne. Before you spend the time and money on visiting a dermatologist, there are a few things you should know about this form of treatment.
How Do Blue Light Acne Treatments Work?
The blue light system works by exposing your face, back, or other affected areas to high intensity blue light (visible light between 405-420nm). It has been known for a long time that sunlight can help clear acne breakouts by killing one source of acne, a type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (commonly called p. acnes) The p. acnes bacteria live underneath your skin and feed on the oil in your clogged pores, which cause the swelling and redness commonly associated with acne. By killing this bacteria, you unclog your pores and allow your skin to heal.
Are there any Side Effects?
Although any acne treatment can cause drying and slight inflammation while the affected areas heal, blue light treatment appears to be virtually free of side effects. This is because it uses visible light, but unlike sunlight, modern blue light treatments contain no UV rays that damage your skin.
It is necessary to wear proper eye protection while undergoing treatment, as the light is very intense and can damage your eyes if they are unprotected. Blue light treatments may need to be avoided if you are taking any medications that increase photosensitivity (sensitivity to light).
Do Blue Light Treatments Work For Everyone?
Blue light treatment has been shown to be very effective in treating mild to moderate cases, but it is not 100% effective for everyone. The majority of test subjects have shown a drastic decrease in acne over the period of a few weeks. A small number of people have little or no response to blue light treatment, and people with the most severe type of acne, nodules, can actually get worse. Nodules are large swelled cyst-like acne that are usually painful to the touch and take considerable time to go away. Although some people get nodules naturally, you can also get them from popping pimples and zits improperly, causing the infection to go deeper into the skin. So try to resist the temptation and give any treatment you try a chance to work.
While blue light treatment is not 100% effective for 100% of the population, it should not be overlooked since it is very gentle to your skin and helps cure acne infection naturally.
Can Blue Light Be Used with Other Treatment Methods?
Yes, other treatments can help blue light get rid of acne even faster and more completely. Many specialists follow the blue light treatment with some exposure to high intensity red light, which helps your skin heal faster, reducing the visible effects of acne. Some studies have also been done on the effects of using a mild acid know as ALA prior to blue light treatment. ALA makes the skin more sensitive to light, thereby increasing the effect. Antibiotics can also be used in addition to this treatment.
Where can I get Blue Light Acne Treatments?
Dermatologists are using blue light treatment more and more because of it is gentle and safe. Blue light treatment kits are also becoming available for home use through the internet. It appears that you can purchase a kit for $150-$500USD, although the quality may vary greatly. If you do purchase a blue light unit for home use, you will want to do your research to be sure you are getting the real deal since a true blue light treatment requires high intensity blue light, and not just a string of blue lights off the Christmas tree.
Also, the biggest difference between modern blue light systems and earlier systems is whether or not they produce harmful UV light. Modern Blue light systems are very gentle because they do not emit UV light. Earlier systems produced UV light, damaging skin like a tanning bed or being in the sun too long. Using a system that exposes you to UV light can actually make acne worse, as well as damage your skin.
You may want to consult a dermatologist before beginning Blue Light treatment at home. They are the experts after all, and can help you decide which acne treatment is best for you. If you are interested in purchasing a Blue Light unit for home use, your dermatologist may be able to inform you of a few issues to watch out for, or even put you in contact with a Blue Light system distributor he trusts.
Both Piers Valkind & Kelly Wade are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Piers Valkind has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Acne Treatment and Skin Care. Tired of acne all over your face? Sick of feeling like everyone is making fun of you? Why not use a totally natural acne cure that can help you solve your problem in ti. Piers Valkind's top article generates over 3600 views. Bookmark Piers Valkind to your Favourites.
Kelly Wade has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Yoga Practice and Writing. Decide for yourself! You know there are umpteen options for youracne treatment. You just need information where someone isn't trying to sell you something:. Kelly Wade's top article generates over 3600 views. Bookmark Kelly Wade to your Favourites.
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