Acne Scar Removal: Is It Worth a $2500 Laser Treatment

Given the choice between clear skin and nursing a cluster of acne scars, most sane people would go for the flawless face. But when it comes to acne scarring, achieving that ideal look can get costly.

Dermatologists across the country offer cosmetic services featuring neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers to treat acne scarring.

Nd:YAG lasers direct dermis damaging wavelengths to the basal layers of the skin while leaving the less absorbent epidermis relatively unscathed. This pinpointed dermal injury promotes collagen growth and mitigates appearance of scars.

Numerous medical studies have documented the effectiveness of Nd:YAG laser treatments for acne scarring.

For instance, a studied released in the August 2006 edition of Dermatologic Surgery involved nine patients with severe acne scarring who received eight treatments with a 1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser.

All the patients witnessed an improvement in the acne scarring. For about eight of the patients, the self-assessed acne scarring improvement level was greater than 10%.

A related investigation, published in the March 2006 edition of the same journal, examined the 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser. After five treatments, patients typically rated their satisfaction level 5.4 on a scale of 1-10.

Like the Ng: YAG, the Fraxel laser also alleviates acne scars. The Fraxel laser works by creating multiple microscopic wounds in the skin. This induces collagen production and ultimately the formation of new, less scarred skin.

In a study published in the Journal of Dermatology in September of 2006, researchers treated ten patients with the Fraxel SR Laser. Although scarring can result as a side-effect of Fraxel laser treatments, patients in this study noted an improvement in their skin's condition with nominal adverse effects.

While laser treatments for scarring show promising results, their price makes them more of a luxury than a viable medical service. Typical costs range from $150-$2500 per treatment depending on the type of laser used, session time and the size of the treated area.

In most documented studies, patients needed 5-10 sessions before noting a marked improvement in their skin.

Is acne scar removal worth $2500? Briefly, the decision to go with laser scar removal should be made among you, your expectations, your doctor and your wallet.

Naweko San-Joyz founded Noixia [www.Noixia.com]- a self-service image makeover company based in San Diego. Noixia creates custom acne scar removal products for the face and body [www.Noixia.com]. San-Joyz has authored several books and articles that focus on do-it-yourself beauty makeovers including “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” and “Skinny Fat Chicks: Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing”. San-Joyz lives and works in San Diego, California.

Acne Scar Reduction Techniques Discussed

Most everyone will get at least one pimple in their lifetime. Some unfortunately will get more than others. When acne is severe enough and the skin becomes infected, it becomes inflamed and nodules may develop. If the nodules rupture or break the area bleeds and there you have it...a functioning tissue replaced by a connecting tissue. In other words a scar is formed. Usually, the best way to prevent acne scars is to treat the acne at its earliest stages. There are many roads to acne scar reduction, from laser surgery and micro-dermabrasion, to creams and prescription medications.

There are so many different lasers specifically designed for some sort of cosmetic surgery, that it amazes me that we STILL don't have flying cars. Anyway, there are CO2 lasers, Erbium YAG lasers, there's even a 585-595-nm laser. These lasers work by boring tiny holes under the surface of the skin promoting and stimulating new collagen production. The laser treatments vary from one to three sessions and their prices can vary, usually ranging from one to five thousand dollars. There are a few side effects though, severe allergic reactions and infections. Hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation can also be caused by extended or unprotected exposure to the sun. There is also a three to ten day recovery period, as well as taking any oral pain medications should one have any discomfort.

Micro-dermabrasion is the removal of a superficial layer skin by the use of a wand containing diamond micro particles, or crystals. The idea being that with the outer layer of dead skin gone, new skin will grow, therefore reducing scarring. Practiced for many years by a physician, micro-dermabrasion can now be done in many salons and even in "in home kits", is painless, and is usually far less costly than laser surgery, usually running from fifty to two hundred dollars. Some side effects can occur including inflammation, redness, and some itching.

There are so many different acne creams on the market today; it's pretty hard to keep up with all of them. Recently there have been major scientific breakthroughs in scar reduction with the use of all natural, organic compounds designed to penetrate to the deepest layer of the skin and start the healing process from underneath. Creams made with Collaxyl, for lack of a better word, trick the skin in to the regeneration process, thereby closing the gap that makes up acne scars.

These are all proven methods of reducing acne related scars. Having laser surgery or a micro-dermabrasion is a very personal and thought conscious procedure and should be carefully discussed with a physician or professional due to the potential side effects and complications. All natural scar fading creams have come a long way in recent years and seem to offer the best results without the negative side effects. Either way, make sure to do your research before you consider having any procedure or put anything in or on your body.

Mark Robbins is a researcher, writer, and reviewer of everything organic and green. From organic food, and clothes, to www.acnecream.com/acne_cream/acne-scars acne scar reduction tips, and organic skin care. He has been providing consumers with the knowledge and security to live a happy and all natural life.

All About Acne From A-Z

Acne, otherwise referred to as zits or simply pimples, is a very prevalent skin inflammation condition that affects over 87% of the US population alone. Acne is most prevalent during puberty due to the hormonal changes taking place, but it equally affects adults and kids. The main cause of acne is yet to be established, but there is enough reason to believe that apart from it being hereditary, there are other factors that can trigger acne, such as:-

Skin irritation

Stress

Continuous use of anabolic steroids

Too much exposure to chlorine compounds such as chlorinated dioxins

Deficiency in vital nutrients in the body

While some cases of acne will disappear on their own when someone gets over the teenage years, others will carry the condition into their adulthood. There are different treatment options available that have been in effect for a while now.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation can be done by using an abrasive cloth, liquid scrub, or any other exfoliating agent that will help the skin in peeling to avoid the accumulation of dead skin cells. Exfoliation is also known to unclog skin pores

Antibiotics

One can either use topical or oral antibiotics to treat acne. Topical antibiotics, as the name may suggest, are applied topically on the acne affected area, and help get rid of the acne causing bacteria that has been trapped on the hair follicles of the skin. Oral antibiotics on the other hand helps in the regulation of cell behavior and regulation of oil secretion.

Hormonal treatments

Hormonal treatments for acne have proven very effective for female acne sufferers as the use of oral contraceptives that have estrogen and progesterone has been proven to curb acne. Also, an injection containing cortisone is administered directly on a large pimple to reduce the redness and inflammation.

Advanced acne treatments

Dermatologists have gone a step further to use laser surgery in the treatment of acne scars and even the prevention of future acne breakouts. This is done by subjecting the follicle sac and sebaceous glands to burning so that oxygen can kill the acne-causing bacteria. Laser surgery is however only for people with severe cases of acne.

Acne scars

Severe cases of acne will without a doubt leave unsightly scars which are very difficult and quite expensive to treat. Even though there is no surefire guarantee that the scars will be removed permanently, you can get some scar treatments, as recommended below, that will help reduce the scars.

Dermabrasions

This kind of treatment gets rid of the top layer of the skin using a super-speed wire brush thus reducing the visibility of the scar. However, for success to be achieved, one has to have multiple treatments of dermabrasions. Note that the procedure can only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.

Microdermabrasion

This is an enhancement of dermabrassion where tiny crystals are rubbed directly on the acne affected regions using a suction tool

Chemical peeling

This is the use of organic acid such as glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid to get rid of the top most layer of the skin to remain with a smoother surface.

But when all is said and done, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, following a well balanced diet and doing some regular exercise, then complemented by proper hygiene will go a long way in reducing the chances of an acne breakout.

Penny J Chaney is an expert in Acne. For more helpful information about Acne and expert tips and tricks, please read all of Penny J Chaney's articles!

Treatment For Acne Scars - Two Highly Effective Ways For Treating Acne Scars That Only Few Know

Acne is certainly an unwelcome guest on a lot of faces across the world. You may find more traces of it on Caucasian faces, but it by no means implies that Blacks, Latinos, or Asians suffer it less. It only means that the scars are more obvious on lighter skin.

But the more severe forms of acne leaves scars on everything that they touch, even if you are fortunate enough to cure the condition itself when it hits you. The scars tend also to leave you with some severe psychological impairment like low self-esteem, and things like that. You want to pay attention to the following natural ways of doing away with your acne scars once and for all... or at least, every time they threaten you.

The first way you may want to consider for the treatment of your acne scars is cortisone. Admittedly, this does not exactly cure the inflammatory condition; it just makes it easier to hide. When the disease has resisted a lot of other treatments, your doctor may decide it is best to inject the pimple with cortisone. This inflates it; yet yielding a flattening effect that makes the pimple easier to cover with makeup.

The second acne scar treatment that is worthy of note is surgery. This is rapidly falling out of grace with the advancements of medical science as a lot of people are not very excited about going under the knife over a couple of spots on their skin. The doctor makes a surgical incision and simply removes the pimple. The problems with such a procedure to cure acne cars are that it can be painful - so that it requires the use of a local anesthetic - and it can result in a few scars of its own.

For Treating Severe Acne [acnedigest.com/acne-medications/treating-severe-acne-with-diet-hygiene-and-antibiotics/] or Red Face Acne [acnedigest.com/acne-treatments/red-face-bad-skin-acne-treatment/], click these links for helpful FREE secrets!

Glycolic Acid and Acne

Acne for many teenagers and young adults is like a dreaded curse. It affects many individuals self esteem as they feel that they look disgusting with the acne spread across their face. There have been many different products and procedures that have arisen throughout the years as it relates to the treatment of acne. Some have been very successful in the treatment of this problem, Glycolic Acid being one of them. This article will examine the overall use of glycolic acid, as it relates to the treatment of acne.

Glycolic acid is a popular alpha hydroxy acid and it has a reputation for being very effective for the reduction and treatment of acne and acne scars. Many different skin care creams, list this product as an active ingredient. Part of the reason for its popularity is based on its effectiveness, as it relates to destroying bacteria. It has been noted that using the acid over a consistent period of time has resulted in the reduction of comedones, papules, and pustules. The makeup of the acid makes it very good for the skin as there are very few side effects that are associated with its use.

Aside from being effective at fighting acne, glycolic acid can also be used to help fight scarring that is associated with this skin condition. Usually scars associated with acne arise when the pimples destroy the skin tissue, leaving unsightly red or dark blotches. In using the acid, you will likely see these scars being reduced. Some people have claimed to have their scars completely removed, by using glycolic acid products. This will depend on the amount of time it is used for. Generally people have seen results in 3 months, but it is safe to say results can be seen between 6 months to 1 year after daily use.

Glycolic acid can be purchased in a wide range of gels, lotions, scrubs and face masks, all with the treatment of acne in mind. A precaution that should be taken when using this product is the fact that glycolic acid can make the skin very sensitive. This means that it can be very easy for individuals to get sun burned. It should be noted, that if you do plan to go out in the sun, you should have ample sunscreen.

In closing, Glycolic acid is very effective for the treatment of people who suffer from acne and acne scars. It being a very safe alpha hydroxy acid allows you to use high concentrations with very little side effects. For people who use this to treat their skin condition, you should expect 6 months to 1 year before results are seen.

For more information on Glycolic Acid and Acne [www.glycolicacidinformation.com/information/glycolic-acid-and-acne.html] please visit the website. James Dalton has a website totally dedicated to www.glycolicacidinformation.com Glycolic Acid. Here you can find out all you need to know about this product and more.

Can Peptide Creams Improve Acne Scarring & Wrinkles

Peptides are one of the latest entrants into the world of cosmetic ingredients icons. But, do peptides work to correct skin imperfections like wrinkles and acne scars or do they just inflate the price of cosmeceuticals? To address this question, its important to understand the causes of skin damage and the effects of peptides on the skin.

Today, to talk skin damage is to talk collagen and peptides. Collagen holds a central role in the overall look and health of the skin. Collagen and moisture loss typically accompany skin damage, like wrinkles and acne scars. Moreover, as the skin ages, the skin's cells make less collagen and the collagen that is available is broken down faster.

The rate at which collagen is made is regulated by a network of hormones and numerous biological factors, including peptides.

Peptides have generated interest in the arena of removing acne scarring and wrinkles because of the way specific peptides influence the skin. One such peptide is called "transforming growth factor-β" (TGF-β). In laboratory study, skin cells treated with TGF-β produced two to three times more collagen than cells not treated with TGF-β.

How Do Peptide Affect the Skin

Taking a more practical look at peptides' effect on the skin, in 2003 researchers tested a skin care product containing a combination of growth factor peptides on the skin of 14 study participants. The findings were released in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.

At the study's conclusion, skin biopsies revealed new collagen formation and an increase in thickening of the epidermis by 27%. Eight of 14 patients saw wrinkles improvements and 12 of 14 experienced improvements in their skin texture.

Researchers have even examined the peptide containing cosmetics that you are most likely to find at your local drug store.

Popular Versions of Peptide Creams at Local Drug Stores

With a quick browse through the cosmetic aisle, flip over the box of an anti-aging or skin correcting product and you may find "pentapeptide-3" (marketed under the trade name Matrixyl) in the ingredients list. Companies sale pentapeptide-3 as an anti-wrinkle product based on its ability to promote collagen growth.

In addition to pentapeptide-3, you can also find products with "Argireline", or acetyl hexapeptide-3, as it will appear on the ingredients panel. Argireline is a synthetic peptide manufacturers acclaim as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin injections.

As a wrinkle reducer, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is based on the concept of wrinkles receptor blocking. Acetyl hexapeptide-3 mimics the actions of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical that transmits messages between the nerves. As such, acetylcholine has the ability to influence muscle relaxation. In theory, acetyl hexapeptide-3 blocks the sodium pathway to muscles.

The presence of sodium can cause muscles tension. Once the sodium is blocked by the copy cat peptide acetyl hexapeptide-3, the muscle can remain relaxed without the presence of tension induced wrinkles.

And finally, while skin care shopping, you may see products that contain marine collagen. The theory here is that collagen begets more collagen, and thus increasing the skin's thickness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Comparing Peptide Creams to Botox

The hottest tagline for these peptide and collagen based cosmetics is "Better Than Botox". Botox is the trade name for botulinum toxin type A, an FDA approved drug designed to correct wrinkles. A study recently published in Dermatologic Surgery pitted Botox, against a placebo saline injection, and three different cosmetic products, that claimed superiority to Botox.

One product contained Pentapeptide-3, the next Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and the third product contained marine collagen that utilized a patented skin delivery method.

In all, 77 women divided into groups of five participated in the study. An outside investigator measured wrinkle improvements in the skin using the Facial Wrinkle Scar scale, at weeks 4, 8 and 12 after the treatments. The independent examiner noted the most improvement with the patients treated with Botox. The examiner found a minimal difference between the placebo injection of saline and the other three wrinkle creams.

In short the effectiveness of peptide based cosmetics depends on several items, the percentage of the peptide used in the product and the effectiveness of the peptide delivery method. A present, most studies of the efficacy of peptides are done by the product manufactures themselves. More studies are needed to quantify the effectiveness of peptides to correct wrinkles and acne scarring. In the meantime, peptides containing cosmetics still remain a hot item.

Nevertheless, if you are set on purchasing peptide based cosmetics, there are at least two things you should do to get the most out of your product and your money. Use the cream at least twice daily (unless directed otherwise) and deeply cleanse your face with a gentle but thorough agent such as witch hazel prior to applying the peptide. This extra step will help maximize abortion of the skin care product because the witch hazel removes excess oils and dead skin cells from the upper layers of the skin.

Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz founded Noixia, a San Diego based research firm dedicated to helping people intelligently, safely and affordably enhance their image by offering custom skin solutions to people with acne scarring [www.Noixia.com] on the face and body. San-Joyz She has appeared on

Get Rid of Acne the Natural Way - Acne Vs Mother Nature

Getting rid of acne is a process that takes time and lot of patience. Homemade acne remedies include the use of herbal and other natural skin treatments that help clearing the skin making it healthier. A natural way for acne treatment is the use of the following homemade acne tips:

Diet

1. Drink lot of water. Remember that 2/3 of your body is water.

2. Avoid refined sugars

3. Avoid refined fats

4. Consume good fats rich in Omega-3, Fish Oil and Flax Oil

5. Consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

Herbs

1. Aloe Vera - It is an excellent herb for the skin. It speed up the healing process 10 times faster. It is better if you use it 100% natural. Grow it around your house to make sure you have it on hand.

2. Tea Tree Oil - It is a fantastic antibacterial and antiviral substance to use as a topical herbal acne treatment. It is more desirable than benzyl peroxide. Use 14% tea tree oil that is diluted. 100% tea tree oil is extremely strong, and can dry the skin out when used frequently. If you cannot find diluted tea tree oil, you can dilute it yourself by mixing it with water or apple cider vinegar.

3. Neem - Helps to balance the effects of refined sugars, and is also said to make the skin cells more resistant to viruses. Neem is an ingredient in special facial soaps. The most effective way to use this herb to make an infusion tea out of it.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar - It is one of the most effective and best herbs for acne. If you could only pick one herb or treatment, this would be a top choice. You can use it internally or externally. For external use, make a solution of 30-50% apple cider vinegar, and the other 50-70% of pure water. Apply this liquid to your skin, and rub it in. If your skin starts to get dry because of this, you can apply some aloe vera gel to soothe and moisten it. For internal consumption take 1-2 oz and mix it in a cup of water, and add a bit of raw honey for taste. Drink this mixture 1-3 times per day. After drinking the vinegar, quickly rinse your mouth out with water to wash the acetic acid, which is the natural acid in vinegar, off your teeth.

5. Jojoba Oil - It is a fantastic natural moisturizer, and it can help to counter excessive sebum production. The white pus-like substance that comes out when you pop a pimple comes from sebum. Sebum production is part of maintaining healthy skin, but an excess amount results in acne. You can purchase jojoba oil at most health food stores. NOW is an excellent brand to look for when buying jojoba oil.

6. Burdock Root Tea - good detoxifiers, thus they are useful herbal remedies for acne. Helps to purge the toxins trapped in between, or near the layers of the skin. This makes it another one of the good herbal remedies for acne relief.

7. Mint - Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Take a handful of mint leaves and crush them thoroughly with a mortar and pestle. Rub the leaves and juice on affected skin and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Repeat as often as desired to alleviate pain and inflammation.

8. Nettle Tea - Though fresh stalks cause skin irritation and inflammation, the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming fluids also helps to flush the system of toxins. Nettle may cause stomach irritation in some people. Nettle is also a diuretic and should not be taken by nursing women.

9. Lemon juice and rose water - It is a natural astringent and mild antibacterial agent. Rose petals, from which rose water is made, also have antibacterial properties. It is a also a skin toner and helps to mitigate the rather harsh, acidic quality of straight lemon juice. Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water. Apply directly to skin. You might feel an initial sting from the lemon juice. Rinse after 15-30 minutes. Be careful of exposing your skin to direct sunlight if you have been using lemon juice on your face. Also, though a strong reaction is unlikely, do not continue this treatment if it irritates your skin.

10. Oatmeal - The oatmeal cleanses pores by absorbing oil and exfoliating the skin. Honey eases application and serves as a skin toner. Cook a single plain oatmeal as you would for eating. add approximately 1/4 cup honey and mix thoroughly. Allow to cool and then apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 10-20 minutes. Do not leave it on too long or it will become difficult to remove.

If you need more information, visit our website luukit.com [www.luukit.com]

Hi. I am Arlene co-founder and editor of luukit.com [www.luukit.com] Our mission is to provide information about acne and how to get rid of it. Acne is a very common condition mostly seen in the teenage years. In fact, it could become a serious psychological problem since it occurs mostly when self-image is in the process of being shaped.

Today we have effective topical agents and oral medications that effectively control the effect of raging hormones that result in acne. It is very important to understand that acne is part of the growing up process and it is a good practice not to pick at your face, keep it clean and visit your dermatologist once the first acne symptom shows up. As everything in life it is better to fix a small problem from the begining than try to fix it when it is out of control. Prevention is the name of the game. The early the condition is diagnosed, more chance you have to avoid acne lesions.