Photo Dynamic Therapy

Hard-to-treat acne can require "power-level" treatments. A new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne combines light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys acne activity. This treatment also diminishes older acne scars leaving your skin smoother. The procedure is called Photo Dynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment (PDT)is a process by which a photo sensitizing agent (Levulan) is applied to your skin. A Photo sensitizing agent is a special solution applied to the skin that is activated by a specific wavelength of light, which “turns it on.” Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions.
Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body. Its it is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis. (You wouldn’t be able to make red blood cells to carry oxygen without ALA in your body.)

Understanding Acne

Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population. Acne typically begins in adolescence with hormonal changes. However, there are many older individuals who suffer from “adult acne.”

There are different levels of acne ranging from milder comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads) to moderate, pustular, on to severe cystic acne. In many cases, several or all of these levels of acne can be present on an individual simultaneously.

Different Levels of Acne

Moderate acne may include blackheads and whiteheads in addition to papules —inflamed lesions that appear as small, reddish or pinkish bumps that can be sensitive to touch—or pustules—inflamed, white-centered bumps that can be red at the base.

Severe acne is characterized by nodules —large, painful, solid lesions that appear as lumps under the skin—and cysts —deep, inflamed, pus-filled lesions that can be very painful. Nodules and cysts are inflammatory and can cause scarring.

Prior to Photodynamic Acne Treatment, the best available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic* side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes. *Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system. PDT Acne Treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment Procedure

The Levulan, which is a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. It is then activated with a specific wavelength of light called BLU-U or Clear-Light. This takes about 8-10 minutes.

The Levulan is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous gland,. making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. This combined interaction of the solution and the light is what gives rise to the term "photodynamic therapy." The Levulan will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small (1-3mm), benign bumps under your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea.

An important part of the treatment program is medical extraction of blackheads and acne pustules. This procedure will expedite the improvement in your skin condition by cleaning the pores of hardened sebum and infected debris.

The treatment reduces skin oiliness and minimizes the appearance of pore size. The entire skin texture improves following a Photodynamic Acne Treatment.

Advantages of PDT

The advantages of PDT are rapid treatment of acne lesions all over the face, no scarring, no surgical excisions and no systemic side effects. The skin appears refreshed and younger following these treatments. We advise 2-3 treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals to obtain optimal results.

Downside of PDT

The “downside” of Photodynamic treatment (PDT) is that your skin will be red and have some skin peeling (and crusting if you have skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 1-2 days are the worst. Pressed mineral base powder (available in our office) will hide most of the redness. You must remain indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 24 hours after PDT. Topical acne lotions can be used in between your Levulan treatments once the redness has settled down over a period of a few days.

Acne Natural Remedies Part 2

Acne Treatment using Mint Juice

Apply fresh mint juice over the face at night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies and other skin infections.

Acne treatment using Fresh Mint.

Apply fresh mint juice over the face at night for the treatment of acne, pimples, insect stings, eczema, scabies and other skin infections.

Acne treatment using Methi Leaves Paste

Make paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves and apply all over your face every night for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water. This will prevent acne, pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.


Acne treatment using Papaya juice

Apply raw papaya (including the skin and seeds) on pimples and acne.

Acne treatment using Lime juice and Milk Wash.

To make a facewash mix fresh lime juice and a glass of boiled milk. Apply to acne, pimples, blackheads, and cracked skin.

Acne treatment using Lime Juice and Rose Water

Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on acne and or pimples and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Acne treatment using lime juice and Rose Water.

Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions. Apply on acne and or pimples and leave on for 20-30 minutes. Then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Acne treatment using tomatoes.

Acne treatment using tomatoes - Use ripe tomato pulp on acne and pimples and keep on up to 1 hour, then wash off with warm water.

Acne treatment using Potatoes

Grate potatoes as poultice and apply to treat skin blemishes, wrinkles, boils, acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads , etc.

Acne treatment using radish seeds.

Acne treatment using Radish Seeds - Make a paste by mixing ground radish seeds with water. Apply to acne, pimples, blackheads, etc.

Acne treatment using Sesame Seeds

Apply a paste of ground sesame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin due to allergies, skin rashes, and pimples.

Acne treatment using fenugreek leaves.

Acne treatment using Fenugreek Leaves - Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for preventing acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, dryness, and wrinkles.

Acne treatment using Salt and Vinegar

Make a paste of salt in vinegar. Rub it on the acne and pimples. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.
Acne treatment using Turmeric and mint.

Acne treatment using Turmeric and Mint - Mix together turmeric powder in mint juice so it's a paste. Apply the paste to acne and pimples and wash off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

Acne treatment using Neem and Turmeric

Mix neem leaves with turmeric powder until it is a paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Leave on for 20-30 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Acne treatment using Turmeric and honey.

Treat acne using tumeric and honey - Mix 1 part tumeric and 1 part honey. You don't need a large amount unless don't want to make it fresh daily. Apply to skin and let it dry. Wash off with a warm wash cloth. This takes care of it!

Natural Acne Remedies Part 1

#1 Home Remedy for Treatment of Acne

Mix together 1/2 tablespoon of honey, 2 sprinkles of salt and oregano leaves, a capful of vinegar, and 1/2 finger of toothpaste. Put all this into a bowl and mix together for about 1 minute.
Wash your face first with warm water. Next, rub in the face wash for about 2 minutes. Be really gentle, you don't want to irritate the skin. Leave it on to dry for about thirty minutes.
Next rinse it off with warm water and pat dry. Wait 10 minutes then rub toothpaste on the affected areas of acne and let it dry. Toothpaste takes a long time to dry so applying this before bed is a good idea. The next morning wash off the hardened toothpaste.
It will take 5-7 days to clear your face of all acne.

Natural Acne Cream

This will make 1 to 2 weeks of acne cream so you'll have plenty to last. Mix 4 tablespoons of salt with a cup of milk. Then mix in 2 Tablespoons of maionaisse and set aside. In a blender blend a cup of oatmeal with 2 strawberries until smooth. Now mix this mixture with the milk, salt and mayonaisse mixture. Apply this cream to your face. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes or until it's hard. Then wash off with warm water. Do this once or twice daily.

Acne Treatment using Toothpaste.

It is known that toothpaste can play a big part in the treatment of acne. Simply apply toothpaste to your acne and pimples at night before bed. During the night the toothpaste will harden. Wash off the toothpast with warm waster the next morning.

Acne treatment using Fresh Garlic

Rub fresh garlic on and around acne and pimples. Do this regularly and you will see your acne and pimples disappear without leaving a mark. You can also puree your garlic and leave in a jar for later use.

Acne treatment using Teatree Oil

This is the most common home remedy for treating acne and pimples. Use a cotton swab to dab your acne and pimples before bed. In the morning you will wake to a clear face.

Acne Treatment using a Nutmeg and Milk Mix

Add grinded nutmeg with milk and apply on affected area. This mix works magic on acne. Pimples are known to disappear without leaving a mark.
Acne treatment using a Honey and Cinnamon mix - Mix together honey and cinnamon powder until it's a paste consistency. Apply the paste at night to pimples before going to bed and wash it off the next morning with warm water. Repeat this procedure for two weeks and pimples will disappear forever.

Acne Treatment using a Honey and Cinnamon mix.

Mix together honey and cinnamon powder until it's a paste consistency. Apply the paste at night to pimples before going to bed and wash it off the next morning with warm water. Repeat this procedure for two weeks and pimples will disappear forever.

Acne Treatment using a Lemon and cinnamon mix.

Mix together 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder till it forms a paste. Us this paste for treatment of acne and pimples.

Acne Treatment using an Orange peel Paste

Make an orange peel paste by grinding orange peel in some boiling water. Let it cool and apply on and around acne and pimples. This can be used any time.
Acne treatment using an orange peel paste.


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Acne Skin Care

Keeping the skin clean is an important part of acne treatment. There are special acne skin care cleansers that are designed for acne-prone skin. These come in varieties suited to different skin types such as dry or oily. Before choosing a skin care product you must first determine the type of skin you have. Many people have combination skin. This means that you have some oily areas and some dry areas. Oily areas on the face are usually in the middle strip and forehead, commonly called the "T-zone" because it is shaped like the letter T.

Over-the-counter formulas usually contain ingredients to help control the amount of oil on the skin, to normalize the amount of skin cells that are shed and kill the bacteria associated with acne. These products often cure mild to moderate acne when used properly.

Antibacterial products - Antibacterial face soaps or skin washes are designed to kill bacteria on the skin surface. The most common ingredient in these formulas is Triclosan. This is the mildest ingredient and is helpful for mild acne or as a preventative measure.

Benzoyl peroxide - Products that contain benzoyl peroxide work by killing the bacteria that can cause acne to spread. It is most effective on pimples. This treatment comes in various strengths from 2.5% to 10% solution. For mild acne choose the lowest strength possible. The strongest solution should only be used on body acne as it is too harsh for delicate skin on the face. This product does not unplug clogged pores. When washing with the liquid work it into a lather and let it sit on the affected areas for a minute or two. Then rinse with warm water. Always pat dry the areas instead of rubbing vigorously.

Salicylic acid - This common ingredient works to loosen clogged pores and helps to prevent pimples from forming. It also helps to lower the amount of dead skin cells that are shed so that less loose cells are available to form a clog. It does not kill bacteria that can cause acne. It does not affect production of oil in the skin so once you stop using it acne may begin to appear again.

Tea Tree Oil - This is a popular natural cure for acne that is found in skin cleansers. It can help to kill bacteria on the skin, leading to a reduction in acne. It can be found in health food stores.

Sulfur - Sulfur is a natural antiseptic. It is often found in soaps that are designed to reduce acne. The antiseptic properties can prevent bacteria from growing. It can, however, be drying to the skin.

The best way to fight acne is with a regular skin care regime. No matter what product you use you will need to use it faithfully for a while. Most products take several weeks or longer to work with acne. You may find that some products cause skin irritation. This is because many of them contain harsh ingredients. Always opt for the acne skin cleanser that contains the least amount of active ingredient so that your skin will not become red or irritated. See a dermatologist if your acne does not improve or worsens.

Causes and Cure of Acne

Acne can appear on many parts of the body other than the face. Body acne can happen almost anywhere but is most common on the back, chest, shoulders, neck or buttocks. It is actually quite common and many people have reported getting some acne on their body at some time during their life. Body acne can be embarrassing and unsightly though and so most people just don't talk about it.

Causes of Body Acne
Although the exact cause of body acne is not known for certain there are several factors that are thought to contribute to a higher incidence of it. Perspiration may make certain areas more susceptible to acne because of the constant dampness. Wearing tight clothing, especially when perspiring such as when working out, can often contribute to body acne. Wearing tight clothing on your back or rubbing your back against a seat or backpack when hot can also cause acne.

Genetics may turn out to be one of the biggest factors in whether you will have body acne. If your parents or other family members suffered from body acne it is more likely that you will also develop the condition. Poor nutrition can also contribute to acne. Maintaining a balanced diet can help the body better fight off small infections so you should try to eat foods that are high in antioxidants such as dark green leafy vegetables and fruits such as cranberries and pomegranates.

Hormones are also thought to play a role in whether you get body acne. Women who have elevated levels of male hormones, which can happen during menopause, may be more susceptible to body acne.

Getting Rid Of Body Acne
Body acne can be treated differently than acne that is on the face. The skin on the body is much tougher than that on the face so more aggressive treatment can take place. Use a strong level topical treatment on the affected areas. Be sure to shower immediately after you work out to remove excess perspiration that may contribute to acne breakouts. Whenever you perspire you should wash the area or shower.

Use a cleanser that is designed specifically for acne prone skin. Continue to use it on the areas that are prone to acne even after an initial breakout has ended. After showering apply some topical cream or lotion such as benzoyl peroxide. This can cause clothes to bleach so be sure to let it soak in completely before getting dressed. Skin that is too dry can lead to an acne breakout. If you have very dry skin be sure to use a moisturizer. Get a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic to keep your risk of acne lower.

If you have more severe body acne or have had it for a long time you may want to see a dermatologist. He can prescribe stronger medication and recommend the right regime for your particular case. Body acne is prone to leave scars and so you may want to talk to a doctor about possible treatment options. Although the scars will fade in time there are procedures that can be done such as micro-pigmentation, scalpel excision and skin needling that can help reduce severe scarring.