What causes acne?
Skin follicles clogged by excessive sebum or dead cells become the perfect breeding ground for a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. The immune system rushes to the rescue, and lesions or pustules are formed. There are several reasons for excessive sebum production, mostly traced back to an increase in androgens (male hormones), which can be triggered by various factors including puberty and stress.
While antibiotics and the acne wonder-drug Roaccutane are the answer for some acne sufferers, more and more people want a drug-free alternative to treat their skin.
1. The green peel
This herbal peel is used to help skin conditions such as wrinkles, open pores and pigmentation, as well as acne.
Optimum results are achieved when this peel is used in conjunction with a course of deep-cleansing facials. On the first visit the peel is applied and slowly massaged into the skin for about 10 to 15 minutes. The skin becomes hot and red, and begins to peel a few days later. After five days, with surface cells lifted, the skin is ready for a deep cleanse, typically including a steam treatment, extraction of blackheads and pustules, and an antibacterial mask.
One to two Green Peels are needed, at a cost of around $600 each, and six to eight deep cleansing facials one to two weeks apart, from about $45 each, depending on the severity of the acne.
2. Heritage Healers Acne Diffusion
This is a wholistic treatment, based on the principle that acne is caused by emotional upset. Flower essences work on the subtle energy system to bring it back into alignment thus restoring physical health.
Australian wildflower essences are used both internally and topically. Special attention is paid to how you're feeling on the day of the treatment to ensure the correct essence is chosen to balance your emotional state.
The first visit begins with a deep cleanse to remove impurities, and in subsequent treatments pure oxygen is incorporated into a special facial, which also includes exfoliation with gentle papaya enzymes, deep cleansing and application of pure vitamins A and C.
Holistic Deep Cleansing costs $65. Five Acne Diffusions are recommended. They cost $140 per treatment, or $595 for a course of five.
3. Environ Problematic SkinTreatment
Salon treatments begin with a mild TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel. A clay mask follows, which neutralises the pH (acid balance) of the skin. Then there's a vitamin infusion, via a special Environ iontophoresis machine that emits a current to break up vitamin molecules and allow them to penetrate deep into the skin. Visits to the salon or clinic are complemented with regular use of the Environ B-Active range.
The use of acids prevents the skin follicle from becoming blocked. Deep infusion of vitamin A and other vitamins through iontophoresis helps normalise production of sebum, and also boosts skin regeneration to protect from scarring.
Cost: from around $90 a treatment. Ten fortnightly treatments are recommended, although some people may need more.
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