Acne information and facts

can acne be cured?

Technically no. There are many treatments for Acne, from common antibiotics to very harsh steroid and synthetic vitamin treatments. Antibiotics only kill the bacteria that is present, and must be constantly used to keep your Acne away. Constantly using antibiotics can be dangerous and cause other health problems, in extreme cases, it can also cause your immune system to close down. There are many liquid products that may temporarily clean or kill the bacteria, which again is only a temporary treatment. UVA is also a proven treatment, that will effortlessly kill present bacteria, and penetrate below the first layers of skin, to kill bacteria before it has a chance to surface. Meaning UVA treatment for Acne is the most effective non-drug treatment available.

does anything that I do cause Acne?

No, nothing that you do can cause Acne. It's not your fault! Acne is caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria, hormones, excessive skin oils, and plugging of skin not by how often you wash your face or the foods you eat.

does my diet, or anything that I eat cause or contribute to Acne?

In short no. The people who believe this are still living in the dark ages. Chocolate, sugar, oil, coffee, MSG have been proven not to cause Acne. In some instances (less than 2%) particular foods have been shown to worsen Acne for particular cases. But this is more likely to be an allergic reaction to a particular food, than that food to "cause" Acne. Saying this, a good healthy diet, will improve your immune system, and help fight infections caused by Acne (pimples.) It has been scientifically and medically proven that a "special diet" can not cure Acne.

can sunlight and UV treatment help clear and treat Acne

Yes, UVA light has been proven to clear and reduce many cases of Acne. How often does your Acne clear up or become less severe after a beach holiday, or summer vacation? UVA light is a natural bleaching or sterilising agent proven to kill harmful bacteria than contributes to Acne and Acne infections. UVA is the only natural treatment. Many Acne creams include harsh chlorine or peroxide bleaching agents designed to kill the harmful Acne bacteria's. UVA light achieves this same goal without drugs and in a natural fashion.

I have seen web pages that say sunlightcauses Acne !!??

Yes, we have seen MANY of these web pages also. The simple fact, is these web pages are trying to sell their "wonder cream" or "vitamin supplement" that in many cases has no medical ingredient or any technical or medical proof or evidence that a magic cream has any medical result for your skin condition. Ask at your hospital, dermatologist or doctor. UVB is a widely known and accepted treatment for Acne and psoriasis. Simply washing your face with an expensive face wash, herbal soap, or any product will have no greater effect on your Acne than any other product that you have tried. You need to fight the bacteria that causes the infection. UVB light is a natural sterilising treatment, much gentler for your skin than peroxide, chlorine or other acids and bleaches with are the magic ingredients in most topical products. Since in many cases, the majority of bacterial is UNDER the surface of the skin, swashing or medicated soaps will have little effect. UVB penetrates the top layers of skin to really kill the bacteria. Several powerful topical drugs also penetrate your skin, but many are also absorbed into your blood stream and have other less known (and published) side effects.

acne is a small problem that will go away

Not necessarily. Acne can continue for most of your life, it does not just affect young adolescents. Adult Acne can me many times more severe than adolescent Acne and much harder to treat. Most of us are embarrassed to have Acne. It lowers our self-esteem, affects our social relations, and may even affect our job performance. By treating Acne proactively, you can help control the problem.

how soon should I start treating Acne?

It's important to start treating breakouts early. Untreated Acne can get worse, and it can leave scars both emotional and on your face. The longer you leave Acne untreated, the more time the bacteria has to spread its self.

can anybody get Acne?

Over 85% of all people 12-24 have Acne. Acne can also start as late as ages 20's or 30's, especially in women whose hormones are constantly fluctuating. It's estimated that one in four adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences Acne, and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate Acne.

is acne caused by poor hygiene?

Essentially no. You could wash your wash or shower 5 times a day, and not have any noticeable effect on your Acne. Saying that, not washing your face daily could contribute to worse Acne. Excessive washing will have not beneficial results and could actually cause your skin to start producing more oil (to make up for what it constantly removed) and inturn inflame your Acne.

does stress causes Acne?

Although stress does often coincide with Acne outbreaks, this is not true for each person, or in every situation. It may also be the result of external irritation, such as stress induced picking at the skin. Drugs that treat severe stress may have Acne as a side effect, but stress itself does not mean you will encounter an Acne outbreak.

Myths and Lies about acne

There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Finally, stress does not cause acne.

Factors that can cause an acne flare include:

• friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin

• pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars

• environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity

• squeezing or picking at blemishes

• hard scrubbing of the skin.

• changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

• Contrary to popular belief, acne is seldom made worse by food (a few people, however, may react to chocolate or fatty foods).

• It is not made worse by greasy hair, hair on the face and swimming pools.

• It is not infectious (catching) and cannot be scrubbed away by keeping the skin excessively clean.

• No special diets are necessary, although a balanced, healthy diet will help you feel better generally.

Acne is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones. Here are some common myths about acne and other useful acne tips.

Myths about acne and the truth about acne

There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt. Finally, stress does not cause acne.

Factors that can cause an acne flare include:

• changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
• friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin
• pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars
• environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
• squeezing or picking at blemishes
• hard scrubbing of the skin.

Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Products for the treatment of acne

We offer a variety of products for treatment of acne. Please click here to see all products or here for the Dermaray UV for spot treatment of acne (requires UVA.)