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Recently, a lot of attention has been given to the idea of green wavelengths of light for use in treating mild to severe acne.  A recent report in the Cosmetic Dermatology journal examines the use of phytodynamic therapy (PDT) using a 532 nm (nanometer) green light laser, which involves the application of a light-sensitive agent prior to treatment. (Green light has already been proven effective for treating spider veins and pigmented lesions.)  While questions remain about the optimal light source, PDT agent, number of treatments and other factors, green light is poised to present a viable acne treatment option. Initial findings show that green light has a positive effect with regulating bacterial and sebaceous gland activity, both of which lead to acne.  However, more studies are necessary to set the specific treatment guidelines.

We told you about the zit zapping Zeno, but now there’s another contender from ThermaClear.  According to New Beauty this device is just as effective as and "literally 75 times faster than the Zeno treatment mechanism," and they both treat acne that’s already ruining your day.

So how does it work?  Simply hold the heat-generating tip directly on the zit of your choice.   After a little while the tip transfers heat directly into the zit.  Bacteria are very picky about their environment.  Raise the temperature just a few degrees and in two minutes you’ve successfully massacred millions of the little buggers.  Sounds great, but does ThermaClear actually work?  Since we have not tried it, we found an expert who has.  Sarah Bellum at  Beauty Brains recently reviewed ThermaClear and here’s what she said:

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Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter antibacterial agent that kills the bacteria (P. acnes) responsible for breakouts.  According to Paula Begoun, the amount of research demonstrating the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide is exhaustive and conclusive she says, benzoyl peroxide [has the] ability to penetrate into the hair follicle to reach the bacteria that are causing the problem, and then [kill] them—with a low risk of irritation.  Not only does it prevent acne, but it also helps dry up the existing blemishes.  The treatment is available in strengths ranging from 2.5 to 10%, it is suggested to start with a low dosage which can be less irritating and just as effective, your dosage amount depends on how stubborn the bacteria in your pores tends to be.

What’s that old saying? Oh yeah—“you are what you eat.”  Some would disagree but others say—maybe.  I have read a lot lately about how eating certain foods may directly affect the condition of your skin.  Well, it makes sense, but is it true?  Many conventional dermatologists would say, the foods you eat do not directly affect your skin–unless of course, you were to smear the food all over your face.  However, the younger generation of dermatologists tend to lean toward the possibility that certain foods do in fact trigger inflammation of acne and even rosacea.

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I recently told you about Perlane, the newly FDA-approved injectable.  Like other injectables– it is used to smooth and plump the lines in our skin to make us look much younger.  But like Botox, Perlane is used for things other than anti-aging.  Recently the product has been used to treat acne scars.  Unlike other fillers, Perlane is composed of larger particles that are injected deeper into the dermis – this gives it the ability to raise pitted or depressed acne scars.  “With pits, what looks tethered down into the skin can first be released with subcision (a minor procedure that uses a needle or very fine scalpel to release the fibers tethering the skin) and then filled at the same time with Perlane” (NewBeauty.com).  Though it is not a permanent fix, this hyaluronic-acid filler tends to last longer than other fillers— roughly 9 to 12 months.

[ via NewBeauty.com ] 

Referred to as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), it’s a multifunctional ingredient that addresses many causes of blemishes.  Dermatologists have been prescribing salicylic acid as an exfoliant, but it’s also an anti-irritant.  This is because salicylic acid is a derivative of aspirin (both are salicylates), and so it also functions as an anti-inflammatory.  Another notable aspect of salicylic acid for treating breakouts is its antimicrobial properties.

It’s also been documented that it can improve skin thickness, barrier functions, and collagen production.  As an exfoliant, in concentrations of 8% to 12%, it’s effective in wart-remover medications.  In concentrations of 0.5% to 2%, it is far more gentle, and can exfoliate the surface of skin. In addition, BHA has the ability to penetrate into the pore, thus can exfoliate inside the pore as well on the surface of the skin; that makes it effective for reducing blemishes, including blackheads and whiteheads.

[ Via Paula’s Choice.com ]

To treat acne at home, here’s what you’ll need: two drops of lavender, four drops of chamomile, one drop of lemon, and ½ tsp of carrot.  According to Beauty and Personality Grooming, here’s a simple method using a homemade solution:  First, clean your skin with a mild soap and warm water, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.  Next, massage the oils you’ve mixed together into the skin (without scrubbing or squeezing the pimples).  Finally, apply a hot compress (made by dipping a towel into hot water) to the areas you have applied the homemade solution.  If your skin does not respond to homemade treatments, it is best that you seek professional help for advice.

[ Via Beauty and personality Grooming ]
 

Lee needs help: “I am a 22 year old male, fair skinned and have facial Ulerythema on my cheeks, it has very sharp distinctive edges.  What camouflage or products would you recommend for me in order to achieve the best results?  Is the camouflage visible to the eye?”

About Ulerythema: A skin condition that primarily affects your cheeks and eyebrows, and may cause these areas to be red and bumpy.  Although the cause is unknown, the effects are lasting.  Ulerythema may cause damage to the follicle resulting hair loss (most commonly the eyebrow) as well as scarring.  The condition does however, usually improve with age.  Ulerythema is most commonly found within children and young adults.

Treatment: Most medical treatments for this condition have been unrewarding, however products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid may be helpful in providing short term relief.  Sun protection is highly recommended, frequent exposure to UV aggravates the skin’s delicate condition.

Skinplistic focused on three products that would be effective for this type of camouflage, however the techniques and products we discuss will also be relevant to other camo-concerns.

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