Acne Treatments

Spa Euphora Bakersfield incorporates the latest technologies in treating Acne of all stages. We use combination of Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peel and Laser Treatments.

Understanding Acne: Testosterone (an androgen hormone) targets the skin and the sebaceous glands where sebum is produced. It combines with the enzyme 5alpha-reductase to produce dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce increased volumes of sebum. Sebum is expelled out into the follicular tube.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and other bacteria on the skin and within the follicles produce bacterial lipases (enzymes) that move into the follicle opening and convert sebum into free fatty acids, which irritate the follicle lining. This irritation causes excessive production of cells and cellular debris, which block the follicle and trap P. acnes inside. The P. acnes inside the blocked follicle breed and produce acne infections. Infections grow and irritate and inflame the skin, and macrophage cells produce histamines that cause the skin to become red, puffy and sensitive or even itchy. This causes more follicle blockage and promotes more acne infections.

More Biochemistry: Over a period of time moderate to severe acne creates specific chemical deficiencies in the skin. In some cases these deficiencies become systemic (bodily) deficiencies and this causes acne to become chronic (perpetual). As an example, the skin requires huge amounts of zinc to fight acne and to repair/heal its infections, placing a strain on skin and body zinc supply. The majority of people with moderate to severe acne develop systemic zinc deficiency based upon the severity of the acne. As a result infections tend to become larger, last longer and heal more slowly.

Linoleic acid is a normal component of sebum. It is an "essential fatty acid" required by the body and most people are more familiar with this bio-chemical as omega oil, fish oil, flax seed oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, or a number of other terms. Essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents. The sebaceous glands normally make sebum with linoleic acid and this form of sebum is calming to the skin. Modern foods have avoided these essential oils in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fatty acids and research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of essential fatty acids. When linoleic acid is not available in the skin, the sebaceous gland produces sebum with oleic acid and this form of sebum is irritating to the skin and promotes acne. It has been suggested that oleic acid sebum is drier, firmer and more prone to cause blackheads, whiteheads and promote follicular plugs that lead to acne infections.

All information and photos on acne is a courtesy of BION Research at http://www.bion-research.com/acne.htm