10 Laser Treatments for Acne
Currently, several treatment options for common acne (acne vulgaris) are available. Treatments vary depending on the extent and severity of the skin condition. One method now widely used for treating acne is laser treatment. This method has become very popular as more and more people have testified to it being totally painless and very effective.
Another attractive feature is that this treatment option has relatively few side effects, and the positive effects are long-lasting. However, the cost of laser therapy is relatively high when compared to other alternatives. Laser treatment for acne costs about $500 for a 15 – 20-minute session. Many consider it a good trade-off as the therapy guarantees great results. This is a claim that no other skincare product can make. There is no doubt that spending money on laser treatment is better than spending thousands of dollars on the dozens and dozens of non-effective products that are available in the marketplace today.
The main focus of laser treatment is on the bacteria that cause acne, which resides in the pores of the skin. The procedure that is used in laser therapy kills the bacteria and repairs the damaged skin tissue all at the same time. There are different kinds of lasers used in the treatment of acne, such as erbium lasers, non-ablative lasers, and carbon dioxide lasers. Non-ablative lasers work their way underneath the skin and encourage the production of collagen. They also tighten the skin pores. Good skin tone, reduction of fine lines and a very obvious difference in the appearance of the skin are the most positive results of these lasers.
Erbium lasers, unlike the non-ablative lasers, which work on the ducts of the skin, work on the water molecules in the skin. This laser treatment for acne is used for people who have very shallow or a moderate level of facial wrinkles or lesions. In fact, erbium laser treatment is probably your best bet for eliminating acne-related facial lesions.
Carbon dioxide laser treatment involves the emission of short outbursts of high energy light on to the skin. As a result, the damaged skin vaporizes and is removed. Carbon dioxide laser therapy is considered best for removing all types of acne.
While considering the laser treatment for acne, it is necessary to think about the side effects of the treatment. Unlike common belief, laser therapy does have some negative effects on the skin in at least a few cases. There have been reports of discoloration or increased roughness of the skin and swelling of the affected areas after treatment. Carbon dioxide laser treatment, in particular, is reported to increase the pigmentation of the skin.
It is important to remember that laser treatments for acne are still new. It is possible that the newer side effects of this therapy may be observed later on. However, there is no doubt that it is the most popular and effective method of treating acne today. Right from the time you decide to undergo laser treatment, try to collect and read all the available literature pertaining to the subject. This will clear up any doubts you might have regarding how the treatment procedure may affect your skin and any long-term side effects. Moreover, being well-read on the subject ensures safety from getting swindled by selfish money grabbers. There is no doubt that knowledge is power when it comes to new treatment options for whatever disease/symptom.
- Chamomile for Acne? 3 Proven Ways It Can Help
Chamomile for acne, does it really work? The herbal plant is well known around the world for its calming power, and it has been used throughout centuries to cure many common ailments. But more recently, research has found out that Chamomile is actually good for acne too.
The plant is usually consumed as a tea but nowadays there are plenty of topical treatments specifically designed for acne containing this miracle plant. In case you didn’t already know, Chamomile has powerful sedative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties, all of which can help with acne breakouts.
Chamomile for Acne Actually Works
A few of the common culprits behind extreme pimple breakouts include inflammation, stress, and free radical damage on the skin. If you had one weapon that could eliminate all of these three root causes of zits, then it would be none other than chamomile. Here’s how.
Chamomile Has Powerful Calming Properties
Chamomile is known throughout the world for its sedative and calming effects. A lot of people drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed because it calms their nerves and eliminates stress.
Speaking of stress, it is one of the root causes of acne. When you are stressed out, you’re not only getting very little sleep, but it also affects your digestion system. And we all know that the digestion system is directly linked to acne breakouts.
How?
When your digestive tract is unable to break food properly, it not only becomes incapable of absorbing valuable nutrients from the food you eat, but it also can’t get rid of the toxins in your body.
When toxins stay in your body, they cause inflammation and this results in dull skin, redness, and of course acne.
By drinking chamomile tea, you can help relieve stress and kill one of the root causes of acne. Hence proven, chamomile for acne is effective.
Anti-Inflammatory Powers
Chamomile for acne can be used to reduce inflammation in the body I’ve already discussed the effects of inflammation on acne breakouts above. Some studies show that chamomile has a positive effect on all sorts of inflammatory conditions of the body due to flavonoids present in it. And since pimples are typically an inflammatory condition, drinking chamomile tea or applying it topically helps reduce the appearance of spots.
In fact, chamomile has also been used clinically to treat many bigger inflammatory conditions like ulcers, eczema, gout, and even rheumatic pains.
So if you have a reason to believe that your acne problem is due to inflammation, try adding chamomile tea to your diet and you’ll see wonders happening.
Powerful Anti-Oxidant Properties
A compound known as chamazulene in chamomile gives the plant super anti-oxidant properties. When our bodies metabolize oxygen for energy, it goes through a process known as oxidation. This also creates free radicals which damage our skin cells.
Oxidation increases by a lot when we are stressed or our body has too many toxins in it. In order to counteract the damage oxidation does to the body and skin, we need to introduce things that have powerful antioxidant properties. And as it turns out, chamomile has them.
Try using chamomile for acne if you believe your skin suffers from oxidation.
Other Uses of Chamomile
Chamomile can be used for a variety of other common ailments. Here’s how you are supposed to use it for specific problems.
Take it Orally for -
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Digestive problems
Apply Topically for -
- Eczema
- Pain
- Burns
- Psoriasis
For best results, drink chamomile tea as part of a healthy diet. Have at least two cups a day. Avoid drinking the tea early morning because of its sedative effects. Only drink in the day if you want to calm your nerves. For perfect results, have a cup of tea before going to bed.
For acne related problems, chamomile tea can be combined with topical treatments. I highly recommend finding yourself natural products that have chamomile extract in them. Since you don’t want the skin to be exposed to harmful chemicals, natural products work best.
If you’re unable to find a natural topical treatment, feel free to use whichever is available. Try and test and see if it does any better for your acne problem.
About The Author
Blaire Cafferty
Always had bad skin growing up and finally figured out what worked for me... my goal is to help figure out what works for you!
Ohhh I love the laser treatment, but you can only do it so often. Give it time, but it works great!