Keeping in line with a scientific definition, dermatology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases and disorders. A dermatologist can help you deal with everything from a simple rash to acne vulgaris and from hyperpigmentation to malignant skin disorders. In this article, we'll explain a few dermatology treatments specifically geared towards acne control.

Acne treatments comprise a wide range of therapies. Blue light therapy is one of the most recent trends in acne treatment. Hormonal therapy and balanced diet are also ways of helping keep your acne under control.

Blue Light Acne Treatment

Blue light therapy has been used since the early 1980s to help counteract depression and sluggishness that appear with the gloomy winter months. However, recently it was discovered that this treatment not only helped battle SAD (seasonal affective disorder), but was also effective for treating acne problems. In some case, it is also used to treat the signs of aging.

This treatment has become a popular alternative to traditional acne treatment procedures because it kills acne bacteria without the use of antibiotics. The reason you should avoid treatments that use antibiotics is because the bacteria can become resistant to them.

Treatment for Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne is produced by hormonal fluctuations or imbalances. An elevation in testosterone during adolescence is usually blamed for teenage acne. During pregnancy and menstrual cycles, women tend to have moderate and sometimes significant acne breakouts.

Some acne breakouts can be kept under control using antibiotics and following a strict cleansing routine. However, sometimes it is necessary to rely on hormonal therapy to give the sufferer relief.

One such type of hormonal treatment includes the use of DHT inhibitors. DHT is a form of testosterone that is usually blamed for the excessive production of sebum. DHT inhibitors are therefore meant to keep this hormone from affecting the skin.

Birth control pills are also a common way of treating hormonal acne. Consult with your doctor to find the right type of hormonal therapy for you.

Treating Acne with dietary measures

Traditional Chinese medicine considers that everything you eat is either a benefit or a hindrance to your health. Many have incorporated this philosophy into their daily lives in hopes of treating acne or another skin condition. Believe what you will, there is definitely truth behind this idea.

A diet rich in antioxidants aids the creation of new skin tissue. A diet high in fiber helps your body eliminate toxins from the skin. Hydration is also essential to promote the elimination of toxins and to keep the body functioning at an optimal level.

Structure your diet around plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high quality proteins. All of these foods contain essential nutrients that help your skin regenerate and grow strong.