As stated in a scientific definition, dermatology is a branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the skin. A dermatologist is a skin care specialist that is trained in identifying and treating everything from a simple skin rash to acne vulgaris and other more malignant skin disorders. In this article, I will outline and explain a few dermatology treatments specifically geared towards acne control.

Acne treatments are made up of a wide range of therapies. Blue light therapy is one of the most recent trends in acne treatment. Hormone therapy and modifying your dietary routine are also considered effective methods that can help you battle acne and keep it under.

Blue Light Acne Treatment

Blue light therapy has been used since the early 1980s to help people survive depression and sluggishness that was common during winter months. However, recently it was discovered that this treatment not only helped battle SAD (seasonal affective disorder), but was also effective for treating acne problems. As a matter of fact, sometimes it has also been used to fight signs of premature aging.

This treatment has become a popular alternative to traditional acne treatment procedures because it kills acne bacteria without the use of antibiotics. The trouble with antibiotics is that the bacteria can become resistant to them.

Treating Hormonal Acne

Hormonal acne, as the name states, is acne brought on by hormonal fluctuations or imbalances. An elevation in testosterone during adolescence is usually blamed for teenage acne. During pregnancy and menstrual cycles, women tend to have moderate and sometimes significant acne breakouts.

Acne can be kept under control using some antibiotics and following a rigorous cleansing routine. However, sometimes it is necessary to rely on hormonal therapy to give the sufferer relief.

One type of hormone treatment includes the use of DHT inhibitors. DHT is responsible for triggering the production of sebum. As a result, DHT inhibitors are meant to keep this hormone from affecting the skin.

Another way of treating acne in women is the use of birth control pills. Consult with your doctor to find the right type of hormonal therapy for you.

Modifying your Diet to help your Acne

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that you are what you eat, so be careful to eat healthy. Several people have held on to this philosophy as an inspiration in hopes of modifying their diet and finally treating their acne problems. There is definitely truth behind this idea.

Antioxidant rich diets help the creation of new skin tissue. A diet high in fiber can also help your body eliminate harmful toxins. And don't forget to keep your body hydrated. This helps promote the elimination of toxins and to keep the body functioning at an optimal level.

A healthy diet oriented towards skin care is one that is structured around a plentiful intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high quality proteins. These foods contain essential nutrients that help your skin regenerate itself while staying healthy and strong.