The general aim of most acne treatments is to purge the skin of extra skin, bacteria, oil and other irritating factors. Removing these contributing factors has proven difficult and often ends up worsening acne.

Basic Acne Treatments

Typical treatments, including benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, exfoliate and remove extra skin, disinfect and clear away oil and other irritants on the surface of the skin. These treatments, however, can really dry out and irritate the skin, further aggravating acne. The free radicals that are released by benzoyl peroxide actually directly harm the skin.

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. They focus on reducing sebum production by the sebaceous glands. They are prescribed last due to their lengthy list of 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. First of all, the removal of the aforementioned acne contributors cannot guarantee the ability of underlying skin tissue to heal properly and replace themselves. That said, the most complete acne solution will also encourage skin rejuvenation.

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 underlying idea behind these methods is the controlled irritation or removal of skin cells to stimulate skin cell replication. The skin cells of the lower layers of the skin divide and create a healthy, new layer.

An alternative method aimed at disinfecting the skin uses light. Previously, UV light was employed until it was found to change cell DNA. The light used in blue light acne treatment safely kills the bacteria P. acnes, without harming the skin. 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. Most people do not eat the recommended 3-5 servings of vegetables every day.

Although there are many vitamins and minerals that play a role in acne appearance, be especially aware of vitamin A and vitamin B complex vitamins in your diet. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that also strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and can help reduce sebum production. It is involved in the maintenance and repair of skin tissue. There are many vitamin Bs, therefore, it is called vitamin B complex. These vitamins sustain healthy skin and relieve stress, another contributing factor to acne. Other tasks include maintaining proper functioning of the adrenal glands and the immune system, systematic removal of toxins and increasing blood flow.

It is important to support the immune system. Did you know that what you see as acne is actually the body's immune response to foreign bodies and cell damage? There are topical creams available that can assist your skin in its immune response, right at the site of the acne lesion. Using products with natural antibacterial properties can quicken the skin's healing process, without the negative side effects of chemical medications. 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.

Side effects of your immune system healing damage to the sebum ducts and protecting against infection causes the inflammation and redness so obvious to acne. There are prescription treatments for minimizing inflammation, however, they are unnatural and often 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.