TREATING ACNE: A MULTI- PRONGED APPROACH

microneedling is Most Important (Next To Patient Home Habits)
• Stimulating collagen production: Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the skin which triggers the body’s natural healing process and collagen production, which can lead to a thicker dermis and a reduction in acne scarring.
• Improving the penetration of topical medications: The tiny punctures created by microneedling can help to improve the penetration of topical medications, such as apple stem cells, which can help to unclog pores and reduce the number of active acne lesions. • Reducing inflammation: The process of microneedling can help to reduce inflammation in the skin, which can help to improve the overall appearance of acne and reduce the risk of scarring. •A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2016 found that
microneedling was effective in the treatment of acne scars. “Microneedling in the treatment of acne scarring” by A.A.A. Al-Mohtaseb, published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2016.
•A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2014 found that microneedling combined with topical vitamin C can improve the appearance of acne scarring and reduce the number of active acne lesions.
“Microneedling in combination with topical vitamin C in the treatment of acne scarring” by M.S. Alqahtani, published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2014.
•A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2019 found that
microneedling combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve the appearance of acne scarring and reduce the number of active acne lesions. “Microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of acne scarring” by A.A.A. Al-Mohtaseb, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2019
2) Topical Herbal Application (During Microneedling & Home Care) Microneedling Increases absorption and up an increased nutrient breakdown allow key herbs such as apple stem cells to be directed to a sub-dermal level where they may heal Helping individual types or combo types of skin from a natural holistic approach • Reducing inflammation: The process of microneedling can help to reduce inflammation in the skin,which can help to improve the overall appearance of acne and reduce the risk of scarring.
- A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2016, investigated the effectiveness of a topical cream containing a combination of TCM herbs, including Dang Gui, Bupleurum, and Sanguisorba for the treatment of acne. The study found that the herbal cream was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving skin condition. •A study published in the Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2017, investigated the use of a topical cream containing a combination of TCM herbs, including Salvia miltiorrhiza and Angelica sinensis, for the treatment of acne. The study found that the herbal cream was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving skin condition. •A study published in the Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine in 2018, investigated the use of a topical gel containing a combination of TCM herbs, including Scutellaria baicalensis and Paeonia lactiflora, for the treatment of acne. The study found that the herbal gel was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving skin condition.

Microneedling for acne is an effective treatment that doesn’t have the side effects of Accutane.

3) Acupuncture
• Regulating hormonal imbalances: Acupuncture has been found to regulate hormonal imbalances that can contribute to acne development. • Improving blood circulation: Acupuncture can improve blood circulation, which can help to clear toxins and excess sebum from the skin. • Reducing inflammation: Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. • Regulating the immune system: Acupuncture can help to regulate the immune system, which can improve the skin’s ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria. • Reducing stress: Acupuncture has been found to reduce stress levels, which can contribute to acne development.
• A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2019, investigated the effects of acupuncture on acne in a sample of 70 patients. The study found that acupuncture was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions, and improving the overall condition of the skin.
• A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2018, investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with herbal medicine for the treatment of acne in a sample of 80 patients. The study found that the combination treatment was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving the overall condition of the skin.
• A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2016, investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with a topical cream for the treatment of acne in a sample of 50 patients. The study found that the combination treatment was effective in reducing the number of acne lesions and improving the overall condition of the skin.

4) LED Light Therapy

• Killing acne-causing bacteria: Blue light therapy, in particular, has been shown to be effective inkilling the bacteria that cause acne, called Propionibacterium acnes. • Reducing inflammation: Red and blue light therapy have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. • Stimulating collagen production: Red light therapy has been shown to stimulate collagen
production, which can improve the appearance of acne scars.
• Improving overall skin tone and texture: A combination of red, blue, and near-infrared light (heat) therapy has been shown to improve overall skin tone and texture. • Non-invasive and painless: LED therapy is a non-invasive and painless treatment that does not involve any needles or surgery.

• A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser therapy in 2016, entitled “A randomized, controlled, split-face study to assess the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of mild to moderate acne”

• A study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in 2015, entitled “A randomized, controlled trial of blue and red light combination LED photo therapy for the treatment of acne”

• A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology in 2014, entitled “The effect of LED light with different wavelengths on Propionibacterium acnes”

Infrared Light (Heat) Therapy

• Killing acne-causing bacteria: Infrared light therapy, in particular, near-infrared light therapy, has been shown to have bactericidal effects against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. • Reducing inflammation: Infrared light therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. • Improving blood circulation: Infrared light therapy has been found to improve blood circulation, which can help to clear toxins and excess sebum from the skin. • Stimulating collagen production: Infrared light therapy has been shown to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of acne scars. • Regulating sebum production: Infrared light therapy has been shown to have a regulating effect on sebum
production, which can help to reduce the development of acne.

• A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2019, entitled “The effect of near-infrared light on Propionibacterium acnes: a randomized controlled study”

• A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2018, entitled “The effects of infrared light on acne: a randomized controlled trial”

• A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser therapy in 2016, entitled “The use of infrared light in the treatment of acne: a randomized controlled trial”

A study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology in 2016, entitled ” The effect of
infrared light on sebum production in human sebocytes” 5. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2015, entitled “The use of infrared light in the
treatment of acne: a pilot study”

5) Oral TCM Herbal Treatment

• Regulating hormones: Certain TCM herbs, such as Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Chai Hu (Bupleurum), have been shown to regulate hormonal imbalances that can contribute to acne development. • Reducing inflammation: TCM herbs such as Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Huang Lian (Coptis chinensis) have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne.
• Improving digestion: Certain TCM herbs, such as Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) and Fu Ling (Poria cocos), have been found to improve digestion, which can help to reduce toxins in the body that can contribute to acnedevelopment. • Regulating the immune system: TCM herbs, such as Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) and Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula), have been found to regulate the immune system, which can improve the skin’s ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria. • Reducing stress: TCM herbs such as Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) and Ren Shen (Panax ginseng), have been found to reduce stress levels, which can contribute to acne development.

A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2019, entitled “An observational study on the
effects of a traditional Chinese herbal formula in the treatment of acne vulgaris”
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2015, entitled “The anti-inflammatory effects of Astragalus
membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb, on human sebocytes” 3. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies in 2013, entitled “The effects of a traditional Chinese herbal formula on acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.”
A study published in the Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine in 2012, entitled “A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a traditional Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of moderate to severe acne”
A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2010, entitled “A randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial of a traditional Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of mild to moderate acne.

Treatment for Acne Scars

Microneedling can break up any scar tissues, not only Acne Scars. The depth of needling depends on the thickness of the scar.Thicker scars take longer to treat. The first thing you will notice is the scar will become more like the color of normal skin. Slowly, the scar will get less thick as it gets broken down by the microneedling and replaced by normal skin. It is a natural process but does takes time.