Topical treatments

Among topical acne treatments benzoyl peroxide is the most well known treatment which targets prominantly bacterial colonization. Bacteria that normally live on the skin also play a role in acne development. The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes are responsible for causing acne. Staphylococcus aureus and anearobs are secondarily involved. However, all follicular micro-organisms may, under apporpriate highly local conditions, increase or prolong the pathological state in a specific follicle. These bacteria produce substances that cause inflammation,which, in turn, makes work of topical acne treatments more difficult. They also make enzymes, which dissolve the sebum (oil from oil glands in the skin) into irritating substances. These substances also make the inflammation worse. Among topical acne treatments only afew show evident antibacterial effect.

Benzoyl peroxide was probably the first proven effective topical treatment for skin breakouts, acne and comedones. Free-radical oxygen is released upon administration and oxidizes bacterial proteins in sebaceous follicles, decreasing the quantity of irritating free fatty acids and of anaerobic bacteria. It also has keratolytic and comedolytic effects. This agent is most effective for inflammatory adult acne.

The action of benzoyl peroxide on sebum excretion is questionable. It has been shown that it reduces sebum synthesis. Benzoyl peroxide, however, has a dramatic effect on cutaneous bacteria, reducing by 2 log cylcles the number of skin surface Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis so that it must be counted as first line modality in acne treatment and may be used in mild to moderate forms of acne. One study on ductal bacteria confrims that benzoyl peroxide reduces colonization in the duct. This propety renders Benzoyl Peroxide an effective topical acne modality. Benzoyl peroxide also may have an anti-inflammatory effect since a reduction in number and size of inflamed lesions is observed early in treatment.

Skin irritations and mild dermatitis may be seen. Dryness and scaly skin are not common. Benzoyl peroxide is a skin irritant and its concentration and mode of of preparation also play a siginficant role in its harshness once the final product is applied to the skin. So skin irritation could vary from one product to another with the same concentration of benzoyl peroxide. For precautions please see here.

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There are three major therapeutic goals for acne vulgaris: Resolve existing acne, prevent scarring, and suppress the development of new clinical lesions by treating and preventing the development of subclinical microcomedones. Hippocrates skin treatment is aimed at these objectives. Benzoyl peroxide, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and azelaic acid are appropriate therapeutic options for use in maintenance therapy. Those agents that demonstrate the best cutaneous tolerability, are easily integrated into patients' lifestyles, and are associated with potential therapeutic dividends such as "skin-repairing" effects offer the highest potential for patient adherence.

Hippocrates adult acne skin treatment Kit has been bioengineered to respond to the four etiological factors responsible in development of acne. Increased sebum excretion is controlled during the day by "Day Effect", an element of Hippocrates acne kit, and overnights by the acne serum. Depletion of essential fatty acids (linolenic acid) is associated with sebaceous gland hypertrophy and hyperkeratinizaton of the ducts, two features relevant to acne even cystic lesions. "Day Effect" and Hippocrates Acne serum by providing the skin with essential fatty acids regulate sebum excretion. This regulating cream also targets bacterial colonization. "One-Step Cleanser and Toner" is an aimed weapon toward bacterial colonization in acne.

"Day Effect", sebum regulator, keeps fighting bacterial colonization during the daily activities while controls skin's secretions. Acne inflammation which is far greater in cystic form, is controlled by extracts and essential oils of Chamomile, Lavender Sage, Licorice root and Green tea present in Hippocrates serums such as Hippocrates serum for acne, "Day Effect" and "One-Step Cleanser and Toner". Bioflavanoids, Greentea extract and alpha lipoic acid help to mitigate stratum corneum changes as a result of depletion of its antioxidants.

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