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Common acne treatments involve the removal of dead skin cells, bacteria, excess oil and irritants. Removing these contributing factors has proven difficult and often ends up worsening acne.

Basic Acne Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are most commonly used as a first step in acne treatment to remove keratin, sebum, irritants and bacteria. Unfortunately, in the process, most acne treatments cause significant drying and irritation to the skin and can cause acne breakouts. For example, benzoyl peroxide releases free radicals that damage skin tissue.

The next progression of acne treatments, usually include some form of antibiotic, whether it be topical or ingested via pills. Some might try accutane, an isotretinoin, for severe acne. This severe acne medication is usually only prescribed when all other treatments have not been successful. Isotretinoins work on inhibiting sebum production. Unfortunately, they also come with a long list of, often very severe, side effects.

While undergoing lessons on how to treat acne you would learn how to properly clean the skin and rid it of excess oil, bacteria and dead skin cells, however, a successful acne treatment will include a few more tricks. Firstly, removing these elements from your skin does not stimulate proper healing of skin tissue. An all around acne solution will also prompt the skin to heal itself, in addition to removing the skin of the factors that cause acne.

Acne Vulgaris Cosmetic Treatments

Some of the methods used to stimulate the body's natural rejuvenating processes include acne laser treatment, chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. The basic idea is that by removing a layer of skin you prompt the body, as part of its natural recovery process, to create a new, healthy layer of skin to replace that which was lost. The cells of the deeper layer of skin divide, creating a new, healthier layer of skin.

Light as a form of killing bacteria is entering the market. Until discovered to alter cell DNA, UV light was used. The blue light in blue light acne treatment targets the bacteria P. acnes, safely killing it without damage to the skin tissue. This treatment is not a cure for everyone and can be quite expensive, requiring several treatments to reach its desired effect.

Supporting the Skin and Immune System

A complete and balanced diet plays a vital role in this process. The skin is the largest organ of the body and needs antioxidants and vitamins to be well-maintained. Furthermore, most people don't get their daily requirements because they don't consume the recommended servings of vegetables.

The most important vitamins in the maintenance of acne free skin (although not all-inclusive) are vitamins A and B. Vitamin A reduces the creation of sebum, fortifies the protective tissue and also acts as an antioxidant. It also maintains and repairs skin tissue. There are many vitamin Bs, therefore, it is called vitamin B complex. Together they maintain healthy skin and can help relieve stress that plays a major role in causing acne. Other functions include removal of toxins, blood circulation improvement and maintenance of adrenal gland and immune system functioning.

It is essential to have a healthy immune system. What you see as acne is the body's immune response to antigens and damage to the sebaceous glands. There are topical creams available that can assist your skin in its immune response, right at the site of the acne lesion. Natural products with antimicrobial properties can help your immune system in its work of removing antigens, without the severe drying or other negative side effects of traditional methods. New developments in natural treatments have shown results in reducing bacterial infection by helping send signals to your system to increase the release of the skin's own natural antimicrobial peptides.

Unfortunately, side effects of your immune system working are the unsightly inflammation and redness that makeup can't hide. Steroids and other prescription treatments used to reduce inflammation have negative side effects and actually suppress the immune system. Use an acne treatment that will alleviate inflammation naturally and curb excessive inflammatory reactions, without draining your body's germ fighting capabilities.