While most articles claim that using over the counter products like face masks, lotions & gels will help stop your oily skin, they are really only effective for those with mild oily skin problems, or very mild acne. Those of us with severely oily skin and breakouts need to bring out the big guns! Recently, some new treatments have emerged to target the source, where the problem starts. Here's a run-down of the best treatments for oily skin and acne, to permanently rid yourself of these complexion busting nightmares. |
Accutane (Isotretinoin) is a chemical cousin of Vitamin A, which actually shrinks sebaceous glands. When the glands become smaller, they cannot produce as much oil. Without all that oil to clog pores, occurrences of acne breakouts drastically decrease. Accutane was very popular in the 1990’s because it was a highly effective way to control oil and reduce acne breakouts. Some people reported side effects such as decreased liver function and depression during treatment with this prescription drug. As a result, it is difficult to find now. You may want to ask your dermatologist if it is available, or check online if there are ways to order Accutane without a prescription. It can also be found under the names Claravis, Sotret and Amnesteem. |
Who should use Accutane? This treatment is best suited for those with moderate to severe acne, cystic acne, and exceptionally oily skin. If you have tried a variety of topical treatments but have not had positive results, Accutane is an excellent choice. Topical treatments normally just penetrate through the Epidermis (outer layer of the skin), and cannot reach the Reticular Dermis (inner layer of skin) where sebaceous glands are found. Accutane targets the problem at its source, shrinking these oil-producing glands. When pores stop becoming clogged with oil, breakout frequency is reduced.
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Blue Light Therapy can either be done at home, in a dermatologist’s office, or at a salon. Hand-held blue light devices can be found online for $70 - $150. Hand held lights are best for those who only experience a few trouble spots of acne, since they provide targeted light to one area at a time. Table Top Blue Light devices are more pricey (from $175 - $350), because they provide the blue light to your entire face. These are best for people with severe acne breakouts on the entirety of their complexion. Some Blue Light devices also come with the option for a red light, which helps reduce inflammation so that skin recovers faster from an acne breakout. |
Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy entails the use of topical medication, such as Levulan or Metvix (which make skin more receptive to light). This is followed by the Light Pulse treatment to shrink sebaceous glands. Pulse Light is used directly on the skin, in targeted areas, to both reduce oil gland activity and P. acnes bacteria. This can also help in reducing scars left by acne. The patient must undergo these treatments 1x per month for 4-6 months initially, and then follow-up with 1 treatment once every 2-3 months. |
With Laser Therapy, you can expect a minimum of 4 consecutive monthly treatments from a dermatologist or aesthetician – but unlike Light Therapy, you don’t need to continually return for maintenance treatments. If you are not interested in risking drug therapy like Accutane, this is definitely your best bet for permanently shrinking sebaceous glands. While the Diode Laser does not kill P.acnes bacteria, most people find that shrinkage of sebaceous glands is enough to control even severe acne. In some patients, another series of treatments is needed 5-6 years after the initial treatment, but this is rare.
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How to Kill Acne Bacteria?
The researchers used over-the-counter pore cleansing strips to collect the bacteria and P. acnes phages from the noses of two groups of volunteers: those with acne and those with clear skin. The phage genomes were sequenced and it was found that on top of their powerful ability to destroy P. acnes bacteria these viruses are also small and have limited genetic diversity making them fitting candidates for building targeted antimicrobial drugs. The researchers explain that the lack of genetic differences from phage to phage makes it difficult for bacteria to form resistance. |