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2 Innovative New Ways Dermatologists Are Conquering Stubborn Acne

Dermatologists and researchers are constantly looking for new treatments for stubborn acne. While there are already many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for acne, not every treatment works for every acne sufferer. This is because acne is still a relatively mysterious skin problem, and in addition, no two acne sufferers are truly alike. If you have tried other acne treatments and still have lingering acne problems or want to avoid oral medications, then you will love these two new innovative acne treatments. 

1. Biophotonic Acne Treatment Harnesses the Power of Light in a New Way

Blue light therapy for acne has already been in use for several years now and works well for many people. During blue light therapy, a special blue light is projected at your skin in the office of a dermatologist and the light kills acne bacteria before it can cause break-outs. However, some people with severe acne only see partial clearing of their acne with blue light therapy. 

To help people who would love to use the power of natural light to clear up their acne, yet need a more powerful treatment than blue light therapy, researchers have developed a new way to clear acne with light called biophotonic acne treatment

To perform this acne treatment, your dermatologist first covers your skin with a special gel called a photoconverter gel. Then, an LED light that projects multiple wavelengths of light is projected at your skin for just nine minutes. The photconverter gel helps the light penetrate into your skin much more deeply than it can without the gel, so the light can kill bacteria, reduce acne inflammation, and even stimulate facial collagen production. 

Due to the light's ability to stimulate skin collagen, this makes it a great treatment for adult acne, because increased collagen production can also make skin look younger 

Most people visit their dermatologist twice a week for six weeks for treatments and experience great acne-clearing results. 

2. The Future of Acne Treatment May Involve Gold Nanoparticles

Since acne bacteria need sebum, which is the oil your skin naturally produces, to breed, many acne medications aim to reduce skin's sebum production. However, current topical medications can only control sebum so much, and isotretinoin, which is a prescription acne pill that causes skin to secrete less sebum, can have unwanted side effects. 

Researchers are experimenting with using gold nanoparticles to reduce skin sebum production and eliminate acne, and so far, they have had great results. Gold nanoparticle acne treatment involves first injecting gold nanoparticles into sebaceous glands, then treating the glands with ultrasound, and finally a laser. The ultrasound helps distribute the particles into the entire gland, and the laser is used to heat up the nanoparticles. 

While clinical studies have been performed that show this treatment is very effective, dermatologist's won't be able to offer it until it is FDA-approved. However, that may be relatively soon. 

If you have stubborn acne, then realize that dermatologists are offering a great new innovative treatment for it and other treatments are in the works. Visit your dermatologist to discuss all of your new acne options and find out which may be right for you. Contact a clinic like Heibel Dermatology to learn more.


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