Inflammation is undoubtedly one of the major factors involved in acne, and the generation of an inflammatory reaction seems to initiate the hyper-keratinization and the manifestation of acne lesions.
In normal skin, P. acnes density is higher in sebaceous-rich areas. Genetics, hormone changes, or even stress may increase sebum production. Sebum is necessary for all skins to help protect and moisturise the skin and maintain a healthy skin barrier. 50% of your skin barrier comes from Sebaceous lipids include triglycerides, wax esters, and squalene, while the remaining 50% is made from Epidermal lipids composed of ceramides, free fatty acids and cholesterol. Too much sebum can impair the skin from shedding, leading to clogged pores and acne.
Micro-organisms found in inflamed acne lesions are just an extension of those colonizing comedones and their presence is not a pre-requisite for the initiation of inflammation in acne.
Sebocytes produce anti-microbial lipids, anti-microbial peptides which both exhibit synergistic activities, and induce pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines via TLR dependent mechanisms.
All of these chains indicate a direct functional induction of innate immunity in human epithelial cells, including sebocytes, without the involvement of inflammatory cells, while recruitment of inflammatory cells to the involved sites can potentiate the inflammatory events in acne.
Acne bacteria lives naturally on healthy skin but increase in number when pores become blocked. P.acnes bacteria thrives in an oxygenless environment. The damage caused by this bacteria, and the associated inflammation, can make the tissues more susceptible to other bacteria (such as staphylococcus aureus).
Treating active acne involves a combination of skincare and treatment to control oil, remove clogging debris and fight acne bacteria.
The most effective treatments for acne include:
Chemical Peel
Chemical peels target bacteria and lift away impurities which lead to the formation of congestion and breakouts. Peels containing a combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are perfect for decongesting pores, clearing blemishes, and resurfacing the texture of the skin.
Blue light works to stimulate porphyrins (compounds found in acne-causing bacteria) which then generates a controlled amount of free radicals which work to destroy p.acne bacteria, while the Red light triggers an immune response in the skin that helps to regenerate cells and help with skin healing.
Acne typically requires a multi-faceted treatment plan in order to target it effectively.
Enzymes help to break down the sebum and dead skin cells that are clogging the pores. This allows the pores to breathe and prevents the formation of new pimples. Enzymes also have exfoliating properties that help to brighten the skin and improve its overall texture. In addition, enzyme masks can help to soothe the skin and reduce redness and inflammation.
Enzyme therapy can help to resolve scarring by breaking down excess collagen and promoting the production of healthy new skin cells. This treatment is also safe and effective for all types of scars, including scars from acne.