A Different Perspective On Acne
Most people, including physicians, believe that Acne is caused by
excess oils and bacteria called P. Acne. Here is a quote from DermNet
NZ: “Why acne eventually resolves is not understood. It does not
coincide with a reduction in sebum (oil) production or with a reduction
in the number of bacteria.” So if excess oil and bacteria are not to
blame, what is? Here is one explanation.
P. Acne is a bacterium on everybody’s skin, so if the above
presupposition was true we would all get acne. Actually, it plays an
important role in the body’s first line of defense. Normal skin needs a
PH of 5.5 which is achieved by P. Acne breaking down the oils into
fatty acids. This is a good thing. Many harmful bacteria cannot
survive in acid. Unfortunately, too much oil leads to too much acid
production, thus irritation.
Oily skin is rare. Only about 5% of my patients measure high on the
meter. Most just have an oily T-Zone. Many acne treatments involve
stripping the natural oils off the whole face, thus removing the “food”
for P. Acne. It then becomes harmful when it is forced to seek the
needed oil beneath skin…in the “sebaceous gland”. It continues to
create a pH of 5.5 in its new home where it ought to be 7.
Inflammation results, causing swelling. The glands plug off with
resulting pimples or pustules. About 95% of acne patients make
things worse through excessive cleansing.
Acne is complex and influenced by other factors. Hormones stimulate
oil production. About 85% of adolescents develop acne to some
degree. Genetics, Enzyme Deficiencies, Essential Fatty Acid
Deficiencies, certain Drugs, and Stress also contribute. Sun
Exposure leads to more dead cells that block pores. Environmental
factors include High Humidity, Cosmetics, Moisturizers, Smoking,
and Pollution.
Don’t just treat the symptoms. There are many more factors involved
in acne and to fully understand the cause means that more effective
treatment can be set in place.
After 24 years of treating acne, I have finally found a product range
that provides above average results. While Acutane remains the “gold
standard” for severe acne, mild to moderate acne can be treated
effectively using a much less aggressive approach.
The Environ ß-Active Acne range is a 4-step program
addressing underlying causes, while treating symptoms. (Oil
secretion, bacteria, inflammation and flaky skin.) It provides effective
results through restoring skin’s natural balance.
Most of the products contain Australian tea tree oil (antiseptic
properties control bacteria and inflammation) and salicylic acid for its
mild exfoliant properties.
Sebutrol (New improved):
A deep, specific pre-cleanser that is the most important step in the
control of breakouts. It helps to retain the natural oils of the skin while
minimizing excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands,
thereby removing the cause of breakouts. Contains mineral oil, tea
tree oil and salicylic acid. The mineral oil reduces both blackheads and
whiteheads by dissolving the plug that blocks the sebaceous gland.
Sebuwash:
A mild gel cleanser with a low foaming activity. Contains tea tree oil,
salicylic acid and a special ingredient that absorbs the oil.
Sebutone:
A medium strength toner containing tea tree oil and natural lactic acid,
which lowers the pH of the skin and also improves hydration. A low
dose of alcohol helps to de-grease the skin, thereby enhancing the
penetration of Sebugel-A.
Sebugel-A:
A gel formula containing a low dose of vitamin A in combination with
tea tree oil, Colostrum and Panthenol. It helps to reduce sebum
production while moisturizing and soothing the problem skin. It also
helps disinfect skin.