Acne, impacting up to 50 million Americans each year, typically starts during puberty and affects adolescents and young adults. It occurs when hair follicles become blocked by a combination of sebum and dead skin cells, resulting in pimples or zits.
Now, a team of Australian scientists may have found a potential remedy. They utilized nanoparticles, which are a thousand times smaller than a strand of hair, to deliver the antibacterial compound Narasin in gel form to treat acne, as part of a study led by the University of South Australia (UniSA).
Tiny Magic Bullet Designed to Solve Acne Problems
Australian scientists have made significant progress in the fight against acne by using nanoparticles to deliver an antibacterial compound called Narasin. Acne is a widespread skin condition that affects millions of people globally, particularly adolescents, leading to emotional distress and other challenges.
The researchers, led by UniSA PhD student Fatima Abid, created nano-micelle formulations of Narasin, which proved effective in treating drug-resistant acne bacteria. When delivered via nanocarriers, this treatment exhibited a remarkable 100-fold increase in absorption compared to traditional water-based solutions.
The findings offer hope for developing safer and more efficient antibacterial therapies for acne, addressing concerns such as antibiotic resistance and the limitations of current topical treatments.
Professor Sanjay Garg, a pharmaceutical scientist and Abid's supervisor, stressed the pressing need for novel antibacterial treatments due to increasing antibiotic resistance and the ineffectiveness of many topical drugs in penetrating acne-affected hair follicles.
The research team also investigated how effectively Narasin, encapsulated in nanoparticles, penetrated various layers of skin, using pig's ear skin as a model. The micelle formulation demonstrated successful Narasin delivery to targeted acne sites, outperforming traditional compound solutions that struggled to permeate skin layers.
The findings of the study, titled "Nanotechnology and narasin: a powerful combination against acne" published in the journal Nanoscale, represent a promising step forward in the quest to combat acne effectively, offering potential relief to the millions of people worldwide who suffer from this skin condition.
Tips To Prevent Acne
Although there's no foolproof method to permanently eliminate acne, breakouts can be minimized. Below are some tips to prevent acne and promote healthy skin:
- Ensure you wash your face thoroughly.
- Identify your skin type for suitable products.
- Incorporate a moisturizer into your routine.
- Consider over-the-counter acne treatments.
- Stay well-hydrated for skin health.
- Use makeup sparingly.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure.
- Resist the urge to pop pimples.
- Experiment with tea tree oil.
- Consult with a healthcare professional about antibiotic options.
- Apply French green clay as needed.
- Be mindful of your diet and avoid specific foods.
- Incorporate stress-relief activities into your routine for healthier skin.
Preventive measures for pimples can also be effective in their management, including a balanced diet, stress reduction, and avoiding pimple popping. If severe acne persists, prescription-strength treatments like topical retinoids, oral contraceptives, or oral isotretinoin can be considered, but they may come with potential side effects, so consulting a dermatologist is advisable.
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