7/19/2007

Anti-aging Moisturizers in the Treatment of Adult Acne


Anti-aging moisturizers have traditionally been used to soften and hydrate the skin and removing fine lines and wrinkles. However, very few women know that this product can effectively be used to combat acne. There exists a connection between anti-aging and acne. Dermatologists, named Dr. Albert Klingman and Dr. Eugene Van Scott started research with the aim of finding an alternative for benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne, and they had Vitamin A in mind. Most over-the-counter acne treatment products, like Clearasil, Proactive and the like use benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. The flip side is that repeated use of this product can dry out the skin. Dr.Klingman finally succeeded in deriving Retin A from Vitamin A, and Dr. Van Scott discovered the beneficial effects of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, commonly known as AHAs. Women started using these products to treat acne. Soon noticeable reduction in wrinkles of the skin was also noticed by the adult women using these substances for alleviating acne problems. Retin A and AHAs emerged as the most effective anti-aging skin care products all over the world.

Both acne and wrinkles stem from the same problem build up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Skin becomes rigid and the outer layer of the skin that is less flexible creases to produce wrinkles. When the dead skin cells clog the pores on the skin, acne is formed. AHAs, like benzoyl peroxide, can exfoliate this outer layer of dead skin, and effectively educe acne and wrinkles. Since benzoyl peroxide dries out the skin while removing oil, it ends up increasing the amount of dead skin tissue on the face. Ordinary moisturizers cannot help because these contain oils that further block the pores and aggravate acne.

Eminent companies like Murad and Olay have come up with a solution, and have developed moisturizers that suit acne prone skin. Moisturizers formulated with emulsified Jojoba oil have also been developed. Jojoba oil is highly effectual in moisturizing the skin. However, its molecular weight is lesser than that of sebum, the oil formed by skin glands. Jojoba oil effectively penetrates the layer of sebum and unclogs the pores, clearing out nascent whiteheads and blackheads. These types of moisturizers can be blended with AHAs to aid in exfoliation and thereby prevent future attacks of acne.

These novel acne products thus provide two-fold protections effective acne treatment as well as termination of wrinkles.

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