Part 1 Ease And Clarity Issue 1 June 2015 Letter From ✓ Solved

Part 1 Ease and Clarity Issue 1 June 2015 Letter From

Women Advocating Acne Relief would like to thank you for reading our very first newsletter. For many years, skin blemishes known as acne have afflicted each one of us on the newsletter staff. But only recently have we decided to band together and find our own way to combat that which plagues our lives. Acne is a dermatological condition that most people have experienced at some point in their lives. Most people afflicted with acne encounter it in their teens and early twenties.

At any given time, forty to fifty million people suffer from acne. It is, after all, the most common skin ailment. Acne can have a major impact on a person’s life. It can greatly affect their self-esteem, leave scars, and persist far into adulthood. Acne occurs when pores in the skin clog. Once they are clogged, they become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and pimples develop. Acne can present itself in many different forms: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts, and nodules.

In this, our first issue, we are going to discuss your options for acne remedies. From medical treatments to natural, herbal treatments, we will help you decide what is best for you. We take into account their validity and their impact on your wallet so that you can better prepare yourself for your battle against acne. And hopefully WAAR can help you win the war against pimples.

Treatments: Medical and Herbal Alike

Fortunately for us acne ridden folk, we are not alone. A large population suffers from acne. Because so many are afflicted with it, many treatment options have been made available. And it seems that there is a different treatment for every different kind of pimple.

Below are listed the active ingredients in many medicated acne treatments:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: It is used to kill bacteria that can be involved in the formation of acne. Unlike other antibacterials, bacteria cannot build up a resistance against benzoyl peroxide. This means that the medication will not ever have to be replaced by a stronger medication because the bacteria cannot adapt to survive in environments where benzoyl peroxide is present. It is often combined with other medicinal ingredients.
• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid reduces the speed at which skin cells are shed from the follicles within pores. This helps prevent the clogging of pores. It also can help dissolve whiteheads and blackheads.
• Antibiotics (Topical and Oral): Antibiotics reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of and within skin. Depending on the severity of acne, antibiotics can be applied topically or taken orally.
• Topical Retinoid Medications: Retinoids are an effective anti-inflammatory and can regulate abnormal growth.
• Azelaic Acid: It is similar to benzoyl peroxide in that it kills bacteria.
• Birth Control (containing Estrogen): Birth control can be effective at controlling acne for women who experience breakouts due to apparent hormone imbalance.
• Androgen Blockers: These reduce the oils that your pores excrete called sebum.

Herbal Treatments

But there are more possibilities for acne relief that may have less side effects, are more natural, and you can grow in your own yard.

• Fruit: Some of the acids in fruits, especially citrus, have been found to have an effect on acne.
• Tree Bark: Witch hazel, oak, and walnut have tannins in them that have natural astringent tendencies, making them attractive as household remedies for acne.
• Vitex: Can have a similar effect as the estrogen-containing birth control.
• Calendula: Can be used to reduce swelling and fight bacteria that can lead to painful acne.
• Lavender: Known for its soothing abilities, it can help prevent acne from occurring.
• Aloe Vera: Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties can help combat acne.
• Tea Tree Oil: Has shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide but without causing sensitivity and irritation.

Research and Caution

Herbal remedies often have fewer side effects than medical treatments. However, herbs do not have as much evidence backing up their efficacy at relieving ailments like acne as medical treatments do. When researching these plants, it's crucial to distinguish between anecdotal evidence and scientific proof.

The Importance of Professional Advice

When researching acne treatments, it is important not to trust everything you read on the internet. Search for reputable sites or better yet, ask a medical professional. Speaking with your doctor or dermatologist about changes to your regimen, especially concerning alternative treatments, is always advisable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, individuals struggling with acne have various options at their disposal, from established medical treatments to alternative herbal remedies. It is crucial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and financial implications of these treatments. Always consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding your acne management.

References

• 1. Acne: A Review of Medical and Herbal Treatments.
• 2. Benzoyl Peroxide and Acne: A Review of Current Literature.
• 3. Efficacy of Salicylic Acid in Acne Treatment: Clinical Findings.
• 4. Antibiotics for Acne: Effectiveness and Resistance Concerns.
• 5. Topical Retinoids: Mechanism and Efficacy for Acne Treatment.
• 6. Herbal Treatments for Acne: A Review of Efficacy.
• 7. The Role of Diet in Acne Management.
• 8. Clinical Implications of Estrogen in Acne Treatment.
• 9. The Impact of Stress on Acne: A Review of Current Knowledge.
• 10. Evidence-Based Review of Herbal Medicines for Acne.