cure for acne

Zits
pimples
blemishes
breakouts-whatever you call it
acne can be a challenging condition that can be difficult to treat. Acne is very common
with an estimated 80% of all people worldwide expected to suffer from some sort of acne in their lifetime. For those who suffer from the occasional zit
acne is a transient annoyance that is not of much concern most of the time. For others
acne is a daily obsession that can make a serious impact on a person's self-esteem and overall psychological health.

Most people who suffer from acne resort to harsh chemicals and conventional antibiotic therapies to heal their blemishes. Fortunately
more options are available now than ever before. If you are considering seeking out alternative therapies
here is a quick run-down of the latest methods for treating acne.

Blue light therapy: Blue light therapy is aimed at acne patients who have had little success with other treatments. Blue light therapy focuses on eradicating the bacteria that causes most forms of acne
propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). P. Acnes creates the small molecules known as porphyrins that in turn help produce the bacterium that causes most types of acne inflammation. Blue light therapy works by zeroing in on the porphyrins. Porphyrins that are exposed to the blue light are able to produce free radicals that destroy the P. acnes bacteria.

Blue light therapy is rapidly becoming a popular treatment for acne because it is non-invasive and drug-free way to help heal blemishes. Many topical medications contain strong ingredients that damage sensitive skin
resulting in peeling
redness
and increased sun sensitivity. Blue light therapy is widely regarded as an easy and drug-free alternative to most acne medications. Some individuals have expressed concern over the safety of blue light therapy. In the past
light therapy options have not been considered 100% safe. Past light therapy treatments consisted of ultraviolet light that was harmful to the skin. Fortunately
modern blue light therapy has been FDA approved and is free of UV light.

So how does blue light therapy work? Generally
blue light therapy is administered in gradual increments. A common schedule of treatment might consist of eight sessions given over a period of four weeks. Blue light therapy sessions are short
usually lasting about 15 minutes. Visit a skin specialist or dermatologist to receive more information
or to receive a treatment of blue light therapy.

Another form of light therapy that is used to treat acne is known as pulsed light and heat energy (LHE) therapy. LHE therapy uses both light and heat to eradicate the root causes of acne. Like blue light therapy
LHE therapy uses light to destroy acne-causing bacteria. LHE therapy also uses heat to reduce the production of sebum and to help shrink sebaceous glands. LHE therapy is an attractive option for many acne sufferers because it promises fast results. Usually
improvement in the symptoms of acne can be seen in as early as 30 days. LHE therapy is also becoming popular because it is a fast treatment
with most sessions done in just over 10 minutes. The FDA has approved LHE therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

While different kinds of light therapies may seem attractive
they can also be expensive
and may not be covered by most health insurances. If you are looking for a therapy that is milder and less expensive
consider many the many herbal therapies that available. Many herbs have been signaled as potentially therapeutic. Some acne sufferers swear by certain herbal supplements
including black currant seed oil and evening primrose oil. Both herbs are recommended to acne sufferers. Try taking three 500-milligram capsules each day to control your acne. It may be helpful to create an herbal diary of sorts
where you can track the herbs you are taking and their efficacy.

Beside herbs
certain vitamins and minerals are also highly recommended for acne sufferers. Vitamin A is perhaps the most important vitamin for the production and maintenance of a healthy complexion. Vitamin A helps control the amount of sebum produced by your skin
and it is also a key vitamin in the production of keratin. Vitamin A is very potent
and must only be taking in controlled doses. Consult your doctor about the appropriate amount of Vitamin A for your situation. Other important 'skin' vitamins are Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin E. An important mineral for the maintenance of a healthy complexion is Zinc. Approximately 30-50 mg of Zinc daily is recommended for acne sufferers.