Under Development: Electronic Acne Patch

Oplon-Pure Science Ltd., a company based in Israel, is currently performing clinical trials to study the effectiveness of an electronic acne patch. 

When applied to the affected skin, the patch releases a small electrical current that kills bacterial associated with the skin condition known as acne vulgaris.

Preliminary studies look promising. Apparently the acne spots improve immensely after three days of use.

The current acne research project uses two groups of acne sufferers. One group is given the patch and the second group receive a placebo patch.

At this point, we don't know whether the patch will show better results than the placebo or where there will be side effects.  We also don't know at this point whether or not the acne is likely to return. It seems to me that it will -- given that the bacterial will most certainly still be present.

In the meantime, why not try some natural acne cures?

Cautions about Using Acne Herbs

Anyone researching natural acne cures will soon discover that acne herbs can be useful for ridding the skin of the unpleasant condition known as acne.  A quick Internet search turns up tons of web sites advocating the use of various herbs.  Undoubtedly many of these sites provide accurate information.  Also, undoubtedly, some provide inaccurate or downright dangerous information.

The thing to remember is that herbs may contain ingredients that affect the body's functioning. The fact that they grow in nature does not mean they are necessarily safe. Or, they may be safe if taken in certain quantifies, or if used in a certain way -- but dangerous in other situations.

Anyone deciding to try acne herbs is strongly advised to do so under the care of a professional herablist or medical practitioner The correct herb and the correct dosage for you will depend upon your individual, unique condition.  And also remember that herbs, like pharmaceutical medications, can have side effects and can interact with any other medication or herb that you may be taking. A professional will monitor this.

The following are examples of acne herbs that you may  be advised to use:

Burdock:  Burdock is a common weed that has long been used as a natural remedy for acne and skin conditions.  The root and leaves are used in an array of teas, tinctures and supplements.  Using burdock under the guidance of a herbalist is a good idea. Experts have not fully researched this plant's toxic properties, nor do they fully understand the healing properties. Burdock should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing. It can cause complications to the pregnancy..Diabetics may want to avoid burdock as well. In some studies, burdock has improved diabetic conditions, but in other studies, has worsened it.  Also, be aware that when ingested, burdock is known to stimulate the appetite This is useful if you want to gain weight; it is a consideration of a different matter if you want to reduce your weight.

Red Clover:  In addition to allegedly bringing you luck, prosperity health and protection, red clover can help rid you or acne and other skin conditions. It can be taken internally or externally as a salve or ointment.  As with burdock, I advocate using it under the care of a herbalist.

Be aware that isolated red clover isoflavone products are much different than the herb as a whole. Isoflavone is a type of plant estrogen. Children, pregnant women, breast feeding women and women with a history of breast cancer should not use this herb.  People who are taking hormones (which includes the birth control pill) should not use red clover isoflavones.

These are but two of the many acne herbs that can be tried.

Is Acne Linked to Suicidal Thinking?

Once again, I have to emphasize the importance of trying natural acne cures before turning to pharmaceutical remedies.

Why?

Because now, according to a study in Norway, youth with acne, especially bad or severe acne, are more likely to have suicidal thoughts than youth with clear skin.  One in five teenagers is likely to develop acne pimples serious enough to be labelled as severe.

This makes sense, so far. We understand that adolescents are at a developmental phase in which fitting in with peers and looking good are critical to the self esteem.  Severe acne damages self esteem, no question about it.

However, here's there things get tricky. The researchers don't know whether this suicidal thinking occurs because the youths have acne and feel bad about themselves, or if the suicidal thinking is a side effect of the acne medications they were using.

Common acne medications such as Accutane and Claravis contain an ingredient known as Isotretinoin.  Isotretinoin has been linked to depression, suicidal thinking and suicide.

However, the researchers thought the depression was more likely to be related to the acne than to the drug. However, they could not rule out the drug as being the cause.

No question about it, acne is an emotional devastating condition for some teens.  It seems to me that trying natural acne cures (such as vitamins for acne)  along with counseling or peer support is a better approach than turning to medications that just may make the depression worse.

Factors that Trigger Acne in Women

Since we know that hormones are related to outbreaks of acne, it comes as no surprise that women are particularly prone to this skin condition.

Womenshealth.gov reports that various hormone related factors can wreak havoc with women's skin.  They include hormonal changes related to menstruation, pregnancy and going off the birth control pill.

The governmental organization also reports that certain medication, makeup and applying pressure to the skin can contribute to acne.

Elsewhere, I read that hormonal birth control in any form (pill, patch or ring) can contribute to an array of effects, including a reduction of acne.  This happens because hormonal birth control contains estrogen. Ingesting it in any form results in a rise of estrogen in the body, as well as a rise in the ratio of estrogen to testosterone.  Taking hormonal birth control can result in other desirable effects -- including a lusher growth of hair.

However, hormonal birth control has side effects as well.  Researching and pursuing natural acne cures would be a preferable first step before deciding to go this route.

Seaweed a Boon to Acne Sufferers

There appears to be an array of press releases and blog posts recently, touting the effectiveness of seaweed as a natural acne cure.  Given the high numbers of youths and adults who suffer from this embarrassing and annoying skin condition, it is no wonder that so much effort is being put into finding natural, effective remedies that do not product undesirable side effects.

I have found one article in which the director of a company that markets a seaweed based product describes it as a miracle drug.  My sense is that this label may be optimistic, but time will tell.

Jean-Yves Moigne, the director of Cosmetics and Natural products for Alque et Mer, says his company's products are expected to appear on shelves by  mid to late 2011. The product is patented in Japan, Europe and the United States.

Along a similar lines, an Italian researcher, Professor Enzo Berardesca, a director at the Instituto Dermatolgico San Gallicano, Italy, conducted studies on an extract derived from brown seaweed. The researchers found that the extract did not appear to have any side effects.

We will have to wait and see whether this extract proves effective as claimed. In the meantime, some experts say that including seaweed in one's daily nutrition would be even more effective. Seaweed is known to be rich in natural trace elements and contains many minerals and vitamins for acne.. Dried seaweed can be purchased at many health food stores or online.

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New Anti Acne Product Derived from Ayurvedic Herb

According to a recent press release, pharmaceutical company Unigen Inc has created a new product purporting to inhibit the occurrence of acne breakouts and acne scars. The product, known as Bakutrol, is derived from Psolarea corylifolia (often known as babchi). which is one of the acne herbs often used in ayurveda medicine. Babchi seeds have many uses, including as natural remedies for leprosy, internal ulcers, skin conditions and fevers.  The active component in the seeds is an essential oil.

Ayurveda, viewed as an alternative medicine in the west, is a major health system that originated in India and is widely practiced in Asian countries.  A wholistic approach, it incorporates the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda is likely to treat through special diets, herbs and minerals.

Unigen Inc. reports that their new anti-acne drug is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-scarring.  They point out that current commercial products to treat acne often cause side effects including scarring, skin drying and skin irritation.  The company says that clinical studies showed that their product was effective in reducing acne problems without these unwanted side effects.   It can be formulated with other acne treating substances such as salicylic acid, or added to various cosmetic products.

A patent is pending. 

While it is always a good thing to have choices, especially choices that work without side effects, it would also be possible to utilize natural acne cures or consult a practitioner of ayurveda medicine for help with troublesome acne problems.

Neem Leaves Effective for Treating Acne

Anyone interested in natural acne cures might to well to investigate the use of neem leaves.

Until this morning, I had never heard of neem leaves.  However, a little research turned up some compelling evidence to suggest their effectiveness as a skin treatment.

According to Wikipedia, the neem tree is native to India, where it has long played a role in health promotion.  It is also native to other tropical countries in Asia.

Wikipedia says:

"In India, the tree is variously known as "Sacred Tree," "Heal All," "Nature's Drugstore," "Village Pharmacy" and "Panacea for all diseases." Products made from neem tree have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal properties: Neem products have been observed to be anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive and sedative.  It is considered a major component in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin disease.

All parts of the tree are said to have medicinal properties (seeds, leaves, flowers and bark) and are used for preparing many different medical preparations.

Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics (soap, shampoo, balms and creams, for example Margo soap), and is useful for skin care such as acne treatment, and keeping skin elasticity. Neem oil has been found to be an effective mosquito repellent."

To use neem leaves as a natural acne remedy, you have several options to try:

• If you have access to fresh neem leaves, make them into a paste and apply directly to your troubled area. Wash the paste off after half an hour. Do this daily.
• Also, if you have fresh  leaves, make a "tea" by covering the leaves with water and boiling it.  When cool, put this tea in a sprayer and spray the substance on your acne. Do this regularly.
• If you do not have access to these leaves, there are products you can use. Swallow neem leaf caspsules, extracts or supplements, which you can purchase at health food stores or online.  Take one capsule three times daily for six weeks. You should see results by then.
• Use neem leaf soaps, which have many of the curative properties of fresh leaves. This makes it a perfect soap for treating acne.  Regularly, make a lather with the soap, apply it to the pimpled area and leave it for a time. Later, wash it off with water.

Products made from neem leaves are an excellent natural acne remedy.