Singapore: The nation’s leading medical platform, the Singapore Immunology Network in collaboration with the Swiss Pharmaceutical company and Galderma Laboratories have decided to sign an agreement that would facilitate the study of causes of acne development on the human skin.

According to the study, immune mechanisms will be studied for treating acne condition right from its roots. The group will try to control acne inflammation through the use of immune mechanics.

The project is estimated to lead to a groundbreaking treatment for acne and could garner a market gross of US$3billion. It will be having a two year time limit study that will be supported and facilitated by SIgN.

Some people get seasonal acne outbursts, while for some it is a continuous struggle. While those who have it occasionally can deal with it easily, those whose skin is acne prone have to keep up a continuous treatment process. People mostly go for over the counter treatments without proper consultation with an expert, which is why they always have to face severe skin problems later on. These over the counter medications are harsh on the skin and should not be used excessively.

There are acne treatments depending on your skin type and acne severity. If you have serious medical condition then a skin expert will give you medications to fight it off internally instead of treating just the skin. If on the other hand your acne is seasonal and is not very severe, you can always do away with herbal treatment. There are three basic types of treatments for acne prone skin; herbal home remedies, over the counter treatments and medical prescriptions.

1). Home Remedies
Very few people actually think of home remedies when they are suffering from acne. The first prompt response to acne would be medications, which is a very wrong move. For people with acne prone skin, home remedies like lemon, honey, aloevera etc can work wonders. These herbal remedies have been in use for centuries and before medications were invented, they were used by ancient people as the perfect combatant of skin diseases. The use of home remedies may take time to show results as nature works slow. However, if you are patient, you can see excellent results.

2). Over the Counter Products
There may be hundreds of face washes, creams and lotions claiming to treat your acne problems. How often have they lived up to their claims? Or how much money have you invested in buying these products endlessly? Do they really help your skin or do they make it go dry? These questions surely will not find a positive answer. The stronger an over the counter product is, the worse it is for your skin and it should not be used if your skin is sensitive. Your acne may go away temporarily, but your skin will start shredding and giving you a dry, rough look perpetually.

3). Medications
Medications are to be used strictly under a doctor’s prescription. Though there are over the counter medications for treating acne, they are counter-productive. They can always give severe side effects while making your skin react in a different manner. If you have a medical condition that is bringing on acne, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist or a doctor before you opt to take medications.

Going on a date that could potentially lead to a prospective relationship is worth looking best for. Appearance tends to be important for people in terms of self esteem therefore suffering from skin conditions can become very problematic. It can mar a person’s confidence and lead to undue stress. To avoid that here are some useful tips that can help get rid of acne and help people look their best. Before offering tips, it is always useful to get familiar with the skin problem itself.

There are numerous factors that can cause acne, ranging from mental stress, changes in the environment, allergic reactions, unhealthy diet, and unhealthy hygiene to hormonal shifts in the body. The skin problem can be categorized into acne papules, acne pustules, acne cysts and comedones. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the problem starts when the sebaceous glands start to produce an excessive amount of oil that blocks the pores of the skin leaving room for bacteria and dirt to manufacture within the pores leading to acne formation. Before opting for treatment it is advisable to consult a skin specialist or dermatologist who can prescribe the relevant treatment for the specific condition. The effectiveness of the treatment can differ based on the type and severity of the condition a person is suffering from.

Pimples can develop on any part of the body and appear in the form of pus filled acne that can lead to scarring in severe cases especially when the affected areas are rubbed or picked. Some quick steps to improve the acne include applying glycolic acid peels that contains alpha hydroxyl acid that unclogs the pores, removes bacteria and gets rid of the dead skin cells layer. Using tea tree oil can also help abate the affected areas and remove pimples. The oil can be applied onto the pimples and left for a few minutes after which it should be washed off with lukewarm water. The tea tree oil removes the bacteria and helps soothe the redness and soreness of the skin. Aside from tea tree oil lemon added with water can be applied with a cotton ball onto the acne affected areas and left for a few minutes and then rinsed off. Lemon works quickly to clear the pores of dirt and bacteria. Honey can also do the trick; it can be applied as a mask or applied onto the pimples directly. Honey contains properties that pull out the dirt from the pores and leaves the skin glowing and fresh. For best results the remedies should be applied on a regular basis.

Acne is defined as a skin condition that develops when the androgen hormone induces the sebaceous glands to produce large amounts of oil that blocks the pores of the skin and leaves bacteria to accumulate within the clogged pores. This leads to formation of acne on the skin in the form of acne lesions, pimples and blackheads. According to the department of Health and Human services acne is a common and recurrent condition that in most cases is not a serious disease, however in specific cases the acne can be painful and severe that causes permanent scarring and skin damage. The American Academy of Dermatology state that 85% of adolescents suffer from acne in America alone. Acne blemishes develop on any part of the body. The types of blemishes include acne papules, acne pustules, acne nodules, acne cysts and comedones. Various types of treatments are available today for improving acne however the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the type and severity of the acne condition itself. For less severe types of acne blemishes over the counter medication or various homemade remedies can be helpful. The most common over the counter medication for acne include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is a well known ailment because it contains beneficial properties that unclog the pores, kill bacteria and clear the surface of the skin.

For more severe acne blemishes, systematic drugs are prescribed in the form of oral antibiotics. Topical treatments such as retinoid A are generally prescribed for acne. Contraceptive pills have shown to improve acne as well since it helps maintain a balance of the hormones in the body therefore reducing the likelihood of acne development. A stronger type of medication prescribed for severe acne or acne cysts includes isotretinoin or accutane. The medication can help cure acne permanently however it carries some serious side effects.

Some other means to reduce acne blemishes include washing the skin regularly at least twice a day. Excessive washing should be avoided since it can irritate the skin and lead to exacerbation of the condition. A mild antibacterial soap or a mild moisturizer can be used to clear the surface of the skin. Comedogenic products should also be avoided since such oil based products chemical that can damage the skin and lead to acne formation. Oil free skin products that are mineral based should be applied; they do not irritate the skin and keep the pores of the skin unclogged.

Acne is a skin condition that can occur as a result of various causes. Steroids according to health experts can cause some health complications including acne. Mary Campbell and Shawn Pharell PHD, biochemists claim that steroids when taken imitate the functions of male hormones where the chemical reaction leads to increase in the production of body tissues of the muscles. This results in greater body mass over a short duration of time. Generally steroids are taken by athletes and body builders to enhance their performance physically. It is a common drug however it carries various side effects. This includes deeper voice and an increase in growth of hair.  According to the Mayo clinic if a normal dosage of steroids is taken its side effects are not severe however steroid users often increase the dosage up to ten times that makes the side effects highly dangerous. The overuse of the drug causes the increase in the production of oil by the sebaceous glands leading to acne development.

Health experts state that it is quite difficult to avoid acne development while taking steroids however the effects can be contained. It is recommended that a person washes the skin regularly with a mild moisturizer especially after exercise; this will help unclog the pores and keep the surface of the skin clean. Over the counter medication also helps improve the acne condition; recommended medication includes lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide. In case the acne becomes severe it is advisable to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe a more suitable treatment for the skin condition. Since there is not enough research available on the major effects of taking steroids it is advisable that before taking steroids a person has extensive information about the drug itself and its side effects. Usually the unregulated use causes the after effects to be more severe.

With the blessings of modern technology people can finally get rid of acne without worrying about scarring and acne reappearing all the time. Even though dermatologists first prescribe medication and systematic drugs to treat the acne condition, many find the medication to carry some serious side effects and do not prove to be as effective. Mild acne medication include topical treatments that can be helpful however there is a chance for acne to reappear if one has a careless routine and little concern for the health of the skin. Natural remedies are also popular however how far it works is still speculative since there isn’t sufficient scientific research that supports the usefulness of the remedies. Acne surgeries have become popular for treating all kinds of skin condition; it is also used for skin cleansing and skin rejuvenation.

Acne surgeries are often an option when the cystic acne goes deep within the pores and cannot be easily treated with medication. Acne surgeries are often associated with puncturing or piercing the acne affected areas as well as removing all kinds of blackheads, pimple and white heads with the help of a comedone extractor. Another type of surgery involves making the skin surface smooth after the acne affected areas are cleaned up; this is known as the scar revision method. According to the American Academy of Dermatology the procedure includes punch graft, subcutaneous excision and punch excision.  The kind of method used varies based on the size and kind of scarring. Some key advantages of acne surgery is that it is a useful method when treatments deem ineffective and lead to damaging of the skin tissues. The surgery also helps get rid of the irritation and pain when one is suffering from severe acne.

The acne affected areas should under no circumstances be touched, picked or rubbed since this will only cause exacerbation of the condition and further damage of the skin.

Acne is categorized under a skin condition that develops into acne papules, acne cysts. Acne does not only develop only among adolescents but among adults as well. The process starts when the androgen hormone induces the sebaceous glands to produce a large amount of oil that blocks the pores of the hair follicles. When bacteria and dirt manufactures and spreads within the clogged pores acne formation takes place. Acne development among adults is becoming a recurring and frequent condition that cannot be cured without treatment. Some treatments often prescribed include topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoid which are quite effective for mild acne. Even acne home remedies and therapeutic treatments can help abate the condition. In case of severe acne it is recommended that a person consults a dermatologist for the right form of treatment since it requires treatment through stronger antibiotics that carry side effects.

One simple solution to improving the acne condition is to avoid the likelihood of acne formation. It is necessary to take constant care for the skin as well as enhance hygiene and diet. There is no sufficient data that establishes a direct link between food and acne however avoiding certain food items can reduce the skin condition. Vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins should be added to the diet such as spinach, raspberries, oranges, bananas; this will not only help reduce acne but also improve the overall health. According to research dairy products have been indicated to cause or exacerbate the acne condition therefore it can be avoided to prevent spreading of acne. It can also be due to an allergic reaction, some common food items that can act as food allergens include food and nuts. In such cases such food should be avoided completely.

Taking good care for the skin is crucial, this can be done by washing the skin at least twice a day on a regular basis. Applying a mild soap and moisturizer can also be helpful. Non comedogenic skin care products should be used since they do not contain chemicals or toxins that can be harmful for the skin. The products are mostly mineral based that prevent from blocking the pores of the skin.

Black heads are a form of acne condition that is caused as a result of excessive oil produced by the sebaceous glands. This in turn leads to manufacturing of bacteria within the clogged pores leading to acne formation. Black heads like other acne conditions can form and spread on any part of the body including the ears. Treatment can be more difficult in this area since the blackheads go unnoticed since they are not visible as compared to acne on other parts of the body.

Some useful methods can help abate the condition and clear up the acne overtime. Firstly damp cloth dipped in warm water should be applied to the affected areas in the ear gently. This allows the blackheads to be pushed upwards onto the surface of the skin making it more convenient to remove. The cloth should be applied and pressed for around 10 minutes. After this alcohol on a cotton swab should be applied onto the blackheads directly and pressed lightly with the fingertips to  take out the blackheads. Another method of removing blackheads in case alcohol swab does not work is to use tea tree oil applied on a cotton ball and then left overnight. This will pull out the dirt and bacteria from the pores. The next day alcohol can be reapplied.

If such treatments deem ineffective, over the counter medication such as benzoyl peroxide can be used to improve the acne condition. A minute amount should be applied onto the affected areas at least twice a day. The treatment is recommended in cases where the acne condition begins to spread.

In case the treatment does not work or gets worse it is advisable to consult a dermatologist about the condition so that the right form of treatment can be prescribed to remove the blackheads.

Metformin is categorized as a drug for treatment of hyperandrogenenism. Acne conditions that develop particularly as a result of hormonal shifts in the body can greatly benefit from such treatment. Acne basically develops when the androgen hormone induces the sebaceous glands to excrete an excess amount of oil that in turn blocks the pores of the skin. The bacteria and dirt start to manifest as a result leading to acne formation. The medication is generally prescribed for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome.

The medication is beneficial for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome since it reduces the level of glucose, testosterone and insulin within the body. This in turn abates the acne condition, amenorrhea and obesity from the abdomen. The drug is however not FDA (Food and Drug association) approved for treating women suffering from POCS (Polycystic ovary syndrome). The medication is approved for people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Since hormonal imbalances lead to acne breakouts, metformin helps balance the fluctuation of hormones clearing the skin and reducing the likelihood of acne formation. The medication does carry some side effects such as abdominal swelling, nausea and diarrhea. The best way to reduce such side effects is to initially start off with a low dose of the medication that can be increased over the period of a couple of weeks. Some serious long term side effects include anemia and increase of acids in the body. Therefore it is favorable to take a serum creatinine test before taking the treatment, it is also recommended to get the liver enzymes checked during treatment to avoid the symptoms from getting worse.
The medication should not be taken without the consultation and prescription by a relevant doctor since metformin is identified as a category B drug. The medication affects the livers and kidney therefore before undergoing treatment it is favorable to undergo kidney and liver test before treatment.

Acne is a skin condition that majorities of a people suffer from frequently due to mental duress, environmental factors and hormonal shifts in the body. Often unhealthy diet is said to exacerbate acne condition if not directly cause it. According to health experts avoiding consumption of dairy food products, junk food and items high on calories not only reduce weight but also improve the skin condition. The androgen hormone induces the sebaceous glands to excrete excessive amount of oil that clogs the skin pores. Dirt and bacteria accumulates within the pores leading to the eventual formation of acne. Various treatments are available that vary in effectiveness based on the severity and type of acne. Over the counter medication usually does the trick for mild acne and helps abate the skin condition to quite an extent since medication such as benzoyl peroxide contains anti bacterial properties that kill bacteria at its root. On the other hand homemade remedies are easy to make, cost effective and carry little risk.

For improving acne condition some useful homemade remedies include the application of mint juice, lemon juice and honey. Mint juice can be made by blending the leaves added with some water. The mixture can then be applied directly onto the affected areas. It is usually favorable to leave the treatment overnight for best results. Mint juice is known for its healing anti bacterial properties as it soothes the painful acne and clears the skin abating acne blemishes and scars. Lemon juice is known for similar healing functions and it also helps improve the skin complexion. Honey smooth texture can be applied directly to the acne. Honey helps reduce dryness of the skin and pulls out the dirt and bacteria from the clogged pores.

In case the acne is severe and remedies deem to be ineffective it is favorable to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe the right form of treatment for the skin condition.