Acne Light therapy or acne phototherapy involves exposure of the skin to wavelengths of light within in the range 405-420 nm, which is has been determined to be safe and not causing any damaging effects to the skin. The light therapy is administered using light-emitting diodes, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light — by a so-called light box. The light therapy is administered for a prescribed amount of time, use of blue light therapy for 3 consecutive days has been shown to reduce bacteria in the pores by up to 99.9% with up to 80% of patients showing overall improvement over 3 months. Light therapy directed at the skin to treat Acne vulgaris and targets to kill propionibacterium acnes or the bacteria associated with acne.

It is a difficult task finding the Best Over The Counter Acne Wash and requires some  testing of various products because a lot will depend what skin type you have (dry skin or oily skin) and you may also exhibit a reaction to some products.  Always give any acne wash you use  adequate time to work on your acne,  switching from product to product every week will not produce successful results.  Although good over the counter acne washes are relatively harmless, if you do have an adverse reaction to any product stop using it immediately.

What Acne Washes are available?

Acne washes are soaps, gels or cleansers and based on one or more three substances, these are: sulfur, benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide suppresses the bacteria that causes acne and reduce the amount of comedones (pimples) and blocked pores. On its own, it does not provide long term treatment for acne as it does not help with shedding of dead skin or reduce sebum production. Soaps are the most basic of the Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Washes others are cleanser and gels and are normally proprietary brands.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the most widely used substance, along with benzoyl peroxide, acne wash products. Its benefit over benzoyl peroxide because it has an acid base it causes dead skin cells to shed more easily stopping the clogging of pores that can occur with a build up of dead skin cells. It does not kill all bacteria but breaks down white heads and blackheads. Continual use is needed as once use of salicylic acid has stopped, the pore clogging will begin again. Dryness of the skin is common but use of a gentle moisturizer will aleviate this.

Sulfur

Sulfur is a natural antiseptic agent and helps to dissolve and remove blackheads; soften the hard shell of acne blackheads; wash away excess oils; and freshen skin by its thorough cleansing action. As an acne wash it is in a soap form.

Using Acne Washes

Gently clean twice daily using a soap, cleanser or gel, this will help to control your acne. Do not be tempted to scrub with rough sponges or harsh exfoliates, these will irritate the skin and stimulate the sebaceous glands and will cause more sebum to be produced resulting in more acne lesions.

Keep to a strict ritual and give it time do not be temped to change products to quickly and you may find the Best Over The Counter Acne Wash That Works for you with a reduction in your acne and a clearer fresher skin.

If you have moderate to severe acne, chances are that you will experience some scarring once the blemishes heal. Acne scars can leave your skin looking and feeling rough, making you appear older than your true age. Fortunately, with all of the advances in dermatology, you do not have to endure severe acne scarring forever. Depending on the severity of your scars and your personal preference, we can help you decide whether to opt for cosmetic surgery or a more natural acne scar treatment.

What are the options for natural acne scar treatment?

For mild acne scarring, topical medications containing all-natural ingredients are a good place to start. You can purchase natural exfoliating cleansers from your local pharmacy or discount store to gently scrub away the outer layers of skin, leaving you with a smoother, more even complexion.

You can also create your own natural acne scar treatment from household items; apple cider vinegar, for example, is an excellent exfoliant. Try diluting vinegar with water and dab the solution on the affected area with a cotton ball; a poultice made from a combination of fresh lavender and chamomile can also reduce the appearance of scarring.

How can surgery help eliminate the appearance of acne scars?

There are a number of different options for treating scars using a cosmetic procedure:

• With filler injections, your dermatologist can insert a collagen-like substance under your scars, plumping out the skin and giving it a more even appearance;
• Laser resurfacing can remove the damaged skin and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue;
• Dermabrasion uses a special machine to shear away the affected tissue, allowing new, healthy skin to grow in its place.

How do I know which option is best for me?

If you have severe scarring, or you have tried natural treatments without success, you may want to consider a cosmetic procedure….. Read more