Photodynamic PDT Blue | Red Light Acne Therapy - Pt 5

Just like the blue light, the red light therapy treatments using then LED for the acne pimples on face are non-ablative, non-thermal and noninvasive, unlike lasers or other ablative treatments. It is also completely safe for the eyes but however, it is not recommended to stare directly at it. There are no pain and discomfort related to the red light therapy, only minor warm feeling as a result of the intensity of the light with no burning.

As the red light has longer wavelength with deeper penetration, it is being absorbed by the blood vessels at the dermis which is the 2nd layer of the skin . The subcutaneous layer is the 3rd layer of the skin. Once the red light is being

" Without the help from other procedures, the red light LED therapy ALONE cannot achieve 100% success "

absorbed, it will stimulate the mitochondria in the cells and the conversion of the photo energy from the red light into ATP biochemical energy takes place. The increase ATP generation enhances the mitosis and cellular activity which reduces inflammation and restoring back the cellular to normal function. Without the help from other procedures, the red light LED therapy ALONE cannot achieve 100% success. Meaning, for an effective therapy for acne pimples treatments, both the red and blue light are used synergistically for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial action. The utilization of LED nowadays has been captivating, NASA team scientists use the LED for treating cancer and diabetics, accelerate recovery of muscle injuries to NAVY seals, healing of wounds on earth and space and chosen over the use of traditional laser due to cost and safety concern.

The NASA LED on-going Program has shown unprecedented increase in human collagen and growth of fibroblast. Fibroblast is known as the most common cells for our connective tissues and by increasing the growth of fibroblast, we are actually intensifying the quality and size of the connective tissues which is a good thing.

Image Right - Hand Held Red LED Light

Baby Acne Causes | Treatments - Neonatal | Infantile – Pt 1

Newborn baby may exhibit skin appearance that seems to be abnormal to you. Baby acne ( also called as neonatal or infantile acne ) is one of them and GENERALLY the neonatal acne does not need to be treated. Acne at newborn baby is called the neonatal acne and infantile acne occurs at baby from 2 months to 2 years and above. Other skin appearances include Vernix, Milia, Erthema Toxicum, Mongolian Spots and Cutis Marmorata.

Vernix - A baby’s protective skin coating ( greasy white substance) in the mother’s uterus. It has no danger and can be washed away. Erythema Toxicum - A common red rash affecting newborns. Most common on the 2nd day of life, but can appear just after birth or within the first 2 weeks. It will slowly disappear and there is no

" Milia is very common in babies but also known to appear in adult and it cannot be removed no matter how hard you squeeze or pierce "

treatment for this. Cutis Marmorata - Skin that look like bluish / pinkish marble when exposed to the cold. It isn’t serious and when your baby gets older, the situation will improve
Milia - Dome-shaped tiny bumps that look like whiteheads appearing at baby’s face. They will disappear by their own. Milia is very common in babies but also known to appear in adult and it cannot be removed no matter how hard you squeeze or pierce. Best way is to seek dermatologist for removal. Mongolian Spots - Flat birthmarks with brown, blue-black or greyish in color. They are often misunderstood by bruises and normally found at buttocks & lower part and they will fade away when the baby grows older. They are more common in Asian, African and at darken complexion origins.

From studies, there are approximately 20% of the newborn babies that are affected by this baby acne, and it tends to appears 2-3 weeks after birth and it looks like small red bumps and pustules distributed all over the check. Other areas like the chin, neck, upper chest and forehead are also not spared.

Image Right - Baby Acne

Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol | The Zits Eliminator - Pt 2

By the first glance, this acne / zits remover protocol seems to appear in 3 different products and predictably each and every of them will have its own role to play. It Is recommended by Olay to use this Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol 2X daily:

Step 1: Pore Clarifying Cleanser – for cleansing
The main purpose is to reduce oil and pores penetration to prevent new zits breakout as you cleanse your skin. First of all, wet your face

" The active ingredients in this Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol include Glycerin, Niacinamide and Salicyclic Acid "

and then apply a few drops of this product on your palm. Massage gently mover the entire face but avoid the eye area. Then rinse completely with lukewarm water and then pat to dry. However, cut down the frequency of usage if annoying dryness or peeling effect start to occur.

Step 2: Skin Clearing Treatment – for treatment and prevention
To bring breakouts under control and also to prevent forming in future. Your skin need to be completely cleaned before using this cream. You need to apply this treatment cream to the whole affected area with a lean layer by 1-3 occasions daily. As excessive skin drying may arise during this period, start with one application then slowly increase to 2-3 times daily as and when needed. If dryness or peeling still persists, cut down the application to once a day or apply every alternate day.

Step 3: Clear Complexion Renewing Lotion – for hydrating and renewal
This translucent gel-like moisturizer helps to condition the skin by reducing the look of redness and spots by hydrating effects. Apply this moisturizing lotion with a thin and even layer to your face.

The active ingredients in this Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol include Glycerin, Niacinamide and Salicyclic Acid and this treatment protocol has an acceptable faint medicinal scent.

Image Right - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol

Photodynamic PDT Blue | Red Light Acne Therapy - Pt 4

The nature of the red light is that it is capable of penetrating deeper into skin causing the collagen (the protein found in connective tissue), elastin and certain enzymes to self-regenerate itself. This regeneration process strengthens and tightens the skin which causes fewer wrinkles and faster healing time, making it increasingly popular not only for acne pimples but also for beauty and aesthetical therapy.

Red light ( 600nm – 650nm ) has longer wavelength than blue light ( 400nm -450nm ), and the longer the wavelength, the greater is the penetration level. Why use the red light therapy, and not the green or yellow light? The reason is because

" The combination of red light and blue light has been proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of acne pimples, where they acted synergistically as anti-inflammatory action by the red light and anti-bacterial by the blue light "

it has been discovered that the P. acnes produces the endogenous porphyrins that absorb light energy at 2 main peaks, at the Q-band’ (500nm–700nm), and at ‘Soret’ (400nm–420nm). This red light sits nicely at the ‘Q-band ‘and that is why it has been chosen and at the ‘Soret’ is chosen for the blue light. It is at these 2 bands that the porphyrins can experience strongest excitation by generating highly reactive singlet oxygen radicals to eliminate the lipids in the cell wall of P. acnes and killing it. The combination of red light and blue light has been proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of acne pimples, where they acted synergistically as anti-inflammatory action by the red light and anti-bacterial by the blue light.

Although the number of individuals involved in the R&D studies is too small for the red and blue light therapy to draw any major conclusion, However, some studies do show that red and blue light therapy has positive effects on some individuals with the acne pimples on face.

Image Right - Hand Held Red LED Light

Olay Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol | The Zits Eliminator - Pt 1

It is a 3P product ( proven, professional, potent ), as claimed by Olay on the Professional Pro-X series. Olay also claimed that this series is a technologically advanced skin care products specially designed to make you younger looking within 28 days. It is satisfaction guaranteed and tested not by themselves, but from the trusted independent 3rd party of dermatologists and P&G researchers.

The ingredients in this Pro-X series are touted to revitalize and renew the skin surface by exfoliation while refilling the moisture level and brightening the complexions. So, let’s see whether the Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol does live to its

" The only drawback is that this protocol contains the presence of alcohol (cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol ) which is a concern for muslim followers"

promise. At this point of writing, within Olay’s entire range of products, there are on 2 products that are formulated for treating acne / zits; the Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol and Acne Control Face Wash. This Acne Protocol is actually a 3-step daily medicinal acne skin care regimen for mature skin that utilizes the proven technology that consistently reduce and prevent frustrating zits breakouts and blemishes. Not only that, even more frustrating big pores and uneven skin texture can also be reduced by this protocol in just 4 weeks. The highly effective formulations which are clinically proven can reduce the oily skin appearance throughout the hormonal fluctuations and balance the skin moisture levels without the harsh dryness.

This acne / zits remover protocol received the award for Best of Beauty 2011 by Allure. The only drawback is that this protocol contains the presence of alcohol (cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol ) which is a concern for muslim followers.

Image Right - Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol

The Oxy Solution - Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser – Pt 2

Inside the Oxy Ice Cool Wash Acne Cleanser, the presence of the unique mixture of dual Blue and Green Beads makes cleansing more efficient. Different color bead has different part to play. The Exfoliating Green Bead does the important job of reaching deep into pores to eradicate trapped impurities, dirt and oil.

The cooling Blue Bead, on the other hand instantly energizes and refreshes the skin while simultaneously exerting your skin with a cooling sensation. Enhancing the exfoliation by removing the dead skin cells away from the skin so that skin

" The cooling Blue Bead, on the other hand instantly energizes and refreshes the skin while simultaneously exerting your skin with a cooling sensation "

always stays radiant and clear and this is what the dual beads actually do and the micronized dual beads are created by Oxy to be gentle to the skin. The presence of the Vitamin C will help to retain skin’s moisture by strengthening the skin cells through moisturizing and softening effects and also beneficial in reducing hyperpigmentation for brighter and clearer skin complexion. The availability of the Vitamin E, a strong antioxidant, can also repairs and protects the skin so that the skin will stay healthy always. The best way for treating excess oil and sweat is by performing cleansing on skin at least 2X using lukewarm water, as suggested by most dermatologists.

When you are using this Oxy Icy Cool Wash product, it is recommended by OXY that you firstly wet your face, then squeeze about 2cm in length of the of Oxy Icy Cool Wash into your hand, lather with water and then massage gently and thoroughly by anti-clockwise movement. After that, rinse thoroughly and wipe gently with a clean dry cloth. It comes in 2 standard pack sizes of 50g and 100g.

Image Right - Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser

Sandalwood Powder/Oil For Stopping Acne - Pt 4

The home DIY Sandalwood paste for removing acne pimple on face can also be made by mixing a combination of equal proportion of 1 tablespoon each from Sandalwood oil, fresh lime juice and Turmeric powder. Apply over the affected area and them leave it for approximately ½ hour. After that, rinse it off with lukewarm water and then dry your face with towel.

How about people with sensitive skin and side effects? You need not worry too much, as they all botanical extracts, meaning it can take a couple of sessions to see results and it is completely safe to repeat as many times as you want.

" Sandela ( man made synthetic molecule ), a close substitution to natural Sandalwood oil also has good antibacterial properties against Propionibacterium acnes "

For the sensitive skin, prepare a face mask from 1/4th cup of rose water and 2 tablespoon of Sandalwood powder. Apply the mixture evenly on the acne /pimples face area and leave it until it totally dry-up. After that, rinse it off with lukewarm water and then dry you face with towel. Rose water is known for its effectiveness in soothing and harmonizing sensitive skin. Finally, use a couple of drops of the Sandalwood oil and start massaging the said area as to sooth and harmonize the skin from itchiness and flaming sensation caused by acne pimples. Sandalwood oil is also known for its antibacterial activity as natural fragrance. However, due to the high price and scarcity of this natural oil prevent its widespread use in commercial cosmetic products needed for a growth inhibition of skin bacteria.

Sandela ( man made synthetic molecule ), a close substitution to natural Sandalwood oil also has good antibacterial properties against Propionibacterium acnes, meaning it is also useful for the prevention and treatment of acne / pimples as well as Brevibacterium epidermidis, the organism involved in formation of foot odor. In other words, whether for good or bad, the scarcity and high price of natural Sandalwood will push for new man made substitution such as Sandela and illegal logging on Sandalwood trees.

Image Right - Sandalwood For Stopping Acne

The Oxy Solution - Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser – Pt 1

In the hot weather during the summer time or in tropical countries with plenty of sunshine, it will tend to make our skin dirty and oily easily. Far worse, the smoke, face make-up, dust and every imaginable floating particles surrounding the environment in which our skin is exposed everyday will aggravate the skin condition.

Those oil, accumulated dirt and dead skin cells that are not properly removed can cause the skin pores to clog-up. This will eventually result in the appearance of acne pimples on face and therefore

" Those oil, accumulated dirt and dead skin cells that are not properly removed can cause the skin pores to clog-up "

, it is vital that we perform a proper cleansing our pores and incorporate it into your acne pimple removal program. OXY, the expert and also a leader in acne solution for over 30 years and also one of the favorite picks by teens, launches its latest Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser that is specially targeted for oily prone skin. Oxy belongs to the Mentholatum Company of Canada Ltd with the HQ presently situated at Ontario, Canada. Among the unique features of this new Ice Cool Wash sensational cooling cleanser include 1) refreshing cool sensation feeling 2) moisturising effect and 3) deep pore cleansing.

Now, let’s tour this Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser a little more deeper. To say it in a simple manner, this cleanser incorporates an unique combination of Dual Beads for gentle skin exfoliation for smoother, clearer and brighter skin and it isn't just about removing acne pimples alone. Apart from this, it also help to encourage new skin cells growth, skin blockages removal and blood circulation improvement.

Image Right - Oxy Icy Cool Wash Acne Cleanser

Elicina Snail Cream For Acne Removal - Pt 4

However, do not expect this nature's gifted Elicina Snail Cream to produce miracle results of removing the acne pimple, burn scar and face wrinkles completely 100% and although this Elicina is a good product, you still can’t beat the law of nature.

Until today, this snail complex organic ingredient still cannot be copied by even the most advanced laboratory on Earth.

" Due to the popularity of the snail cream which is now becoming more like a hype, let’s beware on the imitation products "

Does this cream have competitors? Yes. There are snail creams from 1) Nichkhun PRESTIGE Cream, 2) Missha's Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Cream and 3) Etude House Darling Cream as to name a few. Due to the popularity of the snail cream which is now becoming more like a hype, let’s beware on the imitation products. Imitation and sub-standard products are very illusive and difficult to detect by naked eyes and you will only realize when you apply it, so the best bet is to buy from reputable brand and avoid anything that draws suspicions.

Here are the full range of original Ellicina Products by Elicina Cosmetics Ltd, if your also are interested on beauty and skincare apart from removing acne pimple. Visit to www.elicina.com for further details.

• Eye Contour Cream XT – for treatment of delicate facial skin and eye areas for the signs of aging

• Xtreme Facial Mask - Exfoliant mask that reduces the signs of facial aging
• Body Lotion - Body Lotion containing 50% snail extract and 50% moisturizers, humectants and emollient
• After Shave Balm- For men with sensitive skin and thick beard
• Pocket style cream – Versatile pocket style cream that can be taken everywhere
• Plus Cream – For dry and sensitive skin
• The Original Cream – For oily and mixed skin complexion

Image Right - Elicina Snail Cream For Anti Acne

Blue | Red Light - Photodynamic PDT Acne Therapy – Pt 3

The Porphyrins that is produced by P. acnes bacteria in the sebaceous glands as a result from metabolism by-product is sought and activated by the blue light that eventually kill the bacteria. However, before being zapped by the blue light, a painless and clear solution called the Levulan or Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is first administered to your skin.

It is a powerful photosensitizing agent that boost the sensitivity to the blue light and It is left to stay at your skin for approximately 30 minutes for proper absorption to the sebaceous gland and then the ALA is activated by the intense

" Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Methyl Aminolevulinate (MAL) are the 2 most common photosensitizers administered in dermatology "

blue light for about 10 minutes and through the chemical reaction, the P. acnes bacteria is destroyed. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and Methyl Aminolevulinate (MAL) are the 2 most common photosensitizers administered in dermatology. If you are exposed to the sun as soon as after the treatment, you can get significant sunburn very quickly and also skin peeling effect. It is recommended that you go for home confinement for couple of days after the blue light therapy and the other side effects include mild dryness, swelling and pigmentation. Repeat treatments may be needed in order to achieve good result as the blue light therapy targets only a single source, the P. acnes, and this bacteria can come back again as they can regenerate very quickly and therefore an on-going treatments are needed.

Blue light is not a UV light, and it belongs to the visible light ( can be seen by human eyes ) and it is not damaging to our skin. Here are some information on the wavelength of the visible light spectrums:

Violet – 380nm-450nm
Blue – 450nm-495nm
Green – 495nm-570nm
Yellow – 570nm-590nm
Orange- 590nm–620nm
Red – 620nm-750nm

Image Right - Hand Held Blue LED Light

Acne Scar Types | Treatment | Removal - Pt 3

Methods by surgical are often the finest available options for removing acne pimple scar that are in deepest forms and also most fibrotic unlike the popular physical method like the chemical peeling and dermabrasion where they are more suitable for less adverse scarring.

For the subcision method which is surgical, the main advantage comes from producing lasting perfection for the rolling type acne pimple scar ( scar which is elevated, having blunt penetration but even in appearance ) with very low risk of injury to the affected skin layer,

" Another surgical method called the dermal grafting, is also quite useful for mending defects with deep contour "

quite simple to perform, patient can tolerate well and considered to be quite a safe procedure. Minor bruising and swelling are seen to be the only setbacks but with fast recovery time. During the subcision procedure, a specially designed needle / blade is speared underneath the scar and by moving back and forth, the piercing of the fibrous tissue will take place and then disconnecting the acne pimple scar from the subcutis layer in order for the scar to will be elevated, making the surface free from dents. Another surgical method called the dermal grafting, is also quite useful for mending defects with deep contour similar to using 1st-aid handyplast for patching your bleeding after a fall with the handyplast being the dermal graft. Dermal grafting is not very expensive, readily available, can be cut precisely to shape and size the size and hardly subjected to rejection and it offers permanent and long-term rectification.

Similar to the subcision, this dermal grafting is injury free and you will only expect some only minor bruising and swelling. The only drawback is that patient must be prepared to accept for new defects somewhere in his / body as a donor, in which this donor site is normally chosen at the area camouflaged by clothing. For the punch and excision method, their main aims are to remove acne pimple scar that tend to be deep and piercing like the ice-pick scar and the deep boxcar scar.

Info - The acne cannot just be removed by a single “best” treatment. The most popular methods involving removal of acne scar are the dermal grafting, subcision, punch technique and the excision

Blue | Red Light - Photodynamic Acne Therapy – Pt 2

The PDT itself has wide application, not only limited to the blue light for removing acne pimples treatment which is the topic for this discussion but also for beauty and aesthetic treatment, eye treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which normally occurs for age >50 and lately for the cancer.

PDT applications needs 3 mandatory components to function: 1) light source 2) photosensitizer and 3) presence of oxygen. The mechanism of PDT it is different from other light-based and laser therapies such as removing face wrinkle,

" Then, how do we classify this blue light therapy ? It really depends on the source and application "

facial rejuvenation and wound healing as PDT requires a photosensitizer. In other words, photodynamic therapy is the application of light to stimulate photosensitizers by exogenously administered or endogenously formed and for the case of blue light therapy, the Porphyrins is endogenously formed by the stimulated photosensitizers. Then, how do we classify this blue light therapy ? It really depends on the source and application as the blue light applied at doctor’s clinic can be classified under IPL ( Intense Pulse Light), another type of laser that activates the photosensitizer. If it is from the portable hand held device done at home, then they are just ordinary light based therapy as it doesn’t involve the use of chemicals ( photosensitizer ).

This innovative hand held units are made from tiny semiconductor emitting diodes ( LEDs) connected to electrical circuit. They do not get burnt like light bulbs, do not generating heat, lower energy consumption and longer lifespan and light is generated solely by the electrons movement within the conducting material. The hand held LED is an enjoyable and simple equipment to use and it works just like a desktop lamp shining on your face while you watch TV or listening to music.

Image Right - Hand Held Blue LED Light

Blue | Red Light - Photodynamic Acne Therapy – Pt 1

It has long been noticed that sunlight has been known to have the tendency to improve the condition for acne pimples on face. However, whether this observation can be proven correctly or not, it always remains skeptical as UV is not friendly to the skin, It’s UVA has ‘progressive’ effect that is damaging to skin in the long run. It just doesn’t sound right when you are stopping the pimples while damaging the skin in return.

However, it has been quite sometimes already and today, the fields of medicine and dermatology have advanced further. The blue light therapy for acne pimples has recently been endorsed by the US FDA as an effective therapy

" The blue light therapy, known interchangeably as PDT ( Photodynamic Therapy ) was started initially from clinical based procedure only "

for acne pimples for severity mild to moderate and it is also clinically proven by the American Academy Of Dermatology for reducing the sign of inflammation on acne pimples and this blue light therapy steadfastly becoming a more popular treatment by choice. This is due to the fact that it has no negative side effects related to drugs, non-invasive procedure, painless, concern over antibiotic resistance and a further need for alternative therapy or even a combination of a few therapies where patients fail to respond to current treatments. It was recently found that some of the visible ultraviolet in sunlight (range: 405nm-420 nm, 1 nano is one billionth of meter ) can actually triggers Porphyrins, an organic elements produced by the bacteria itself, to destroy and ultimately eliminate the bacteria.

This finding led to the invention of concentrated blue light therapy both in-patient at dermatologist’s office and for home DIY hand held LED. The blue light therapy, known interchangeably as PDT ( Photodynamic Therapy ) was started initially from clinical based procedure only, where patients with acne pimples would seek their dermatologist for treatment.

Image Right - Blue LED Light