New Acne Treatment Clears Blemishes at Ethos Spa, Summit, NJ

April 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States.  Even though it primarily affects adolescents, many adults are also experiencing acne.  Many factors lead to the development of acne such as genetics, hormones, certain medications, cosmetics, stress, and improper hygiene.  However, there is not any conclusive evidence that foods such as chocolate can cause acne.

The pilosebaceous unit or the hair follicle coupled with the oil producing gland is the culprit leading to the development of acne.  A surge of hormones especially in adolescence leads to an increase in the production of sebum or the oily substance comprised of fatty acids.  This coupled with blockage of the pore with debris and dead skin cells leads to the comedome which can be open or closed.  A closed comedome is referred to as a whitehead while an open comedome is referred to as a blackhead. These are non-inflammatory but can become inflamed if the oil, debris, and bacteria break through the walls of the follicle into surrounding skin.

Proliferation of the Propionibacterium acne bacteria in these oil and debris rich environment leads to inflammation which can lead to papules or pustules, which are red and inflamed and sometimes filled with pus.  This can eventually lead to the development of nodules or cysts, which are red swollen and hard bumps, sometimes filled with pus.  In severe acne, these can coalesce to form sinus tracts and cause systemic complaints such as fever and body aches.
Mild to moderate acne can often be managed with proper hygiene and topical formulations which target the different factors leading to acne.  Often times oral antibiotics may need to be added to keep the P. acne bacteria under control.  For severe cases, oral medications such as Accutane may be necessary and can often provide significant reduction in moderate to severe acne. Many people do not like the thought of taking a medication which has been linked to an increase in suicide, liver injury, and fetal malformations if taken before or during pregnancy.
At Ethos Spa, our focus has been on the treatment of mild and moderate acne.  We have formulated a prescription strength formula that attacks the different components leading to the formation of acne.

The main component is retinoic acid, also sold under the brand name RetinA and Renova.  Retinoic acid is a vitamin A derivative which has shown to be beneficial in the treatment of acne by working at the molecular level to decrease oil production as well as normalize the hyperproliferation of skin cells which promoted blockage of the pore. An additional benefit of retinoic acid is its anti-aging properties which help to even out skin tone and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.  Retinoic acid is also found in many prescription strength anti-aging formulations such as Obagi Condition and Enhance System.

Another component in our signature acne formula is salicylic acid.  This has been used in multiple acne preparations including cleansers, gels, creams, and lotions.  Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxyacid that is able to cut through the oil and promote exfoliation of the superficial layer of skin and help unblock the pore.

We also use other components such as lactobionic acid which is a poly hydroxy acid.  This is a hydrating acid which again promotes gentle exfoliation.  It has also been shown to have anti-aging properties by promoting collagen productions.

A fourth component is azelaic acid which is a naturally occurring substance found in wheat, rye, and barley as well as produced by yeast that is a part of our normal skin flora.  The benefit of azelaic acid is that it has anti-bacterial properties as well the ability to lighten abnormal pigmentation as found in sunspots and hyperpigmentation typically associated with acne.  
Our acne formula also contains niacinamide, which helps with inflammation and also has been as effective as clindamycin gel, a topical antibiotic.  

Our acne formula contains many benefit over other acne skin care found in many skin care products including ProActiv. While benzoyl peroxide limits inflammation and has anti-bacterial properties, it only targets 2 of the factors responsible for acne.  Our specially formulated acne skin care line works on the different components of acne, from decreasing oil production, to unclogging pore, to limiting inflammation and fighting bacteria responsible for acne.  While moderate to severe acne may still require oral medications, our formula is perfect for those who do not want to take systemic medications. No other acne formula can make the claim that it attacks the different factors leading to acne.

We welcome you to try our specially formulated acne formula.  You can visit our Acne Site, http://www.acneskinnj.com for more information on the causes of acne and the various different treatments available to end acne.  

You can also visit our website, http://www.myethosspa.com to book your consultation with one of our board certified physicians.  There is a solution to acne and getting beautiful, clear skin.

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Luxurious medical spa in an upscale tranquil environment dedicated to advanced skin care products and services including Botox, Juvederm, laser based treatment for skin resurfacing, hair removal, skin tightening. All procedures performed by physicians