Can a topical acne treatment target the root cause of acne, not just the symptoms?

You have probably tried a number of over-the-counter products that focus on the symptoms of acne rather than the biochemical causes of acne.  While this may be okay for light acne, it won't prevent light acne from progressing into the moderate to severe stages.

What is the root cause of acne?

Scientists have discovered that the root biochemial cause of acne is not bacteria, but a non specific inflammatory response of our innate immune system to a stimulus.

Inflammatory Events Are Involved in Acne Lesion Initiation - Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2003) 121, 20–27. Anthony HT Jeremy, Diana B Holland, Susan G Roberts, Kathryn F Thomson and William J Cunliffe. Department of Dermatology, University of Leeds, and Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK

The stimulus is a deficiency of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) in the sebum glands because of a dilution effect of high sebum production.

This leads to a perturbation of the barrier function within individual follicles and induces the release of small soluble proteins known as pro-inflammatory cytokines (ie., interlukin (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor) from keratinocytes. Those cells release these proteins into the dermis to act as intercellular mediators or messangers (cytokines are like alphabet letters that combine to spell words which make up a molecular language).

Cytokines generate an inflammatory cascade that leads to connective tissue destruction by stimulating the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances derived from arachidonic acid) and collagenase enzymes.

Inflammatory events occur prior to and act as causal factors in the hyperproliferative changes observed in acne lesions, as opposed to secondary consequential events.

Thus, acne vulgaris should be classified as an inflammatory skin disorder as opposed to a keratinocyte / hyperproliferative disorder.

The study also provides good evidence to support the treatment of uninvolved skin in acne patients and not just the visible lesions alone and validates the topical use of anti-inflammatory based therapies for this skin disorder.

One of the characteristics leading to the development of an acne lesion is hypercornification of the follicle wall. The follicle walls of the inner funnel shaped section of comedones possess a thicker cornified layer. The composite cells of this layer have thickened cell membranes and their cellular integrity is maintained with many layers of keratinized cells compacted together, which are sloughed off as such. This is dissimilar to the nature of these cells found in normal follicles, which lose their integrity and are sloughed off as single or smaller groups of cells. This hypercornification gives rise to the "horny" plug, which is formed within the follicular duct/lumen.

Although persons with acne have consistently been observed to have elevated levels of sebum secretion, no mechanism relating sebum secretion rates to comedogenesis is known. Acne patients have also been shown to have low levels of linoleic acid in their skin surface lipids. To explain this observation, the hypothesis is advanced that the linoleate concentration in human sebum depends on the quantity of linoleic acid present in each sebaceous cell at the commencement of its differentiation and on the extent to which this initial charge is diluted by subsequent endogenous lipid synthesis in each sebaceous cell. A corollary hypothesis holds that low concentrations of linoleate in sebum impose a state of essential fatty acid deficiency on the cells of the follicular epithelium and induce the characteristic response of hyperkeratosis. Both hypotheses could hold, without there being a systemic deficiency of linoleic acid, simply as the result of elevated lipogenesis in individual sebaceous cells.

Essential fatty acids and acne.

J American Academy of Dermatology. 1986 Feb;14(2 Pt 1):221-5.

In wound healing and many pathologic conditions, keratinocytes become activated: they turn into migratory, hyperproliferative cells that produce and secrete extracellular matrix components and signaling polypeptides. At the same time, their cytoskeleton is also altered by the production of specific keratin proteins. These changes are orchestrated by growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines produced by keratinocytes and other cutaneous cell types. The responding intracellular signaling pathways activate transcription factors that regulate expression of keratin genes. Analysis of these processes led us to propose the existence of a keratinocyte activation cycle, in which the cells first become activated by the release of IL-1. Subsequently, they maintain the activated state by autocrine production of proinflammatory and proliferative signals. Keratins K6 and K16 are markers of the active state. Signals from the lymphocytes, in the form of Interferon-gamma, induce the expression of K17 and make keratinocytes contractile. This enables the keratinocytes to shrink the provisional fibronectin-rich basement membrane. Signals from the fibroblasts, in the form of TGF-beta, induce the expression of K5 and K14, revert the keratinocytes to the healthy basal phenotype, and thus complete the activation cycle.

Keratins and the Keratinocyte Activation Cycle - Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2001) 116, 633–640

Your skin is studded with thousands of oil glands that produce sebum to lubricate and enhance the skin’s ability to perform as a protective barrier. Sebum within each gland is carried to the surface through ducts or pores. The highest density of oil glands is found on your face, especially at the nose, forehead and mid-cheek areas. The largest oil glands are found on the back and mid-chest. This explains in part why acne appears mostly on the face, chest and back.

Hormones play a role for testosterone (an androgen hormone) targets the skin and the sebaceous glands where sebum is produced.  It combines with the enzyme 5alpha-reductase to produce dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce increased volumes of sebum. 

Sebum is expelled into the follicular tube and out to the surface of the skin. If sebum flow is blocked the build-up of oil within the pore forms blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and other bacteria on the skin and within the follicles produce bacterial lipases (enzymes) that move into the follicle opening and convert sebum into free fatty acids of a type that irritates the follicle lining.  This irritation causes proliferation of keratin cells and cellular debris, which also blocks the follicle and traps P. acnes inside. 

The P. acnes inside the blocked follicle breed and produce acne infections.  Infections grow and irritate and inflame the skin and macrophage cells produce histamines that cause the skin to become red, puffy and sensitive or even itchy.  This causes more follicle blockage and promotes more acne infections, inflamed red bumps or pustules. Some of these large sacs of oil may rupture leading to large red lumps or cyts (also called nodules). .

Most Acne Treatment Products attempt to kill P. acnes with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and keep the follicles open with them and/or with glycolic acid.  They do not address the other issues involved in causing acne. Benzoyl peroxide can cause premature skin aging and slows healing. 

GLYCO BALM is an acne treatment product that not only kills P. acnes and a variety of other undesirable bacteria that produce lipases but also provides a natural serum packed with glycoconjugated molecules and soluble protein enzymes that orchestrate skin repair AND signal the immune system that the area is being taken care of and need not react with an inflammatory cascade. It also supplies linoleic acids directly to the area that becomes deficient in those essential fatty acids. 

Antibacterial agents include licorice extract and small amounts of willow bark extract, a natural form of salicylic acid that has none of the undesired side effects of synthetic salicylic acid. 

The product keeps the follicles open thanks to the activity of enzymes and the action of willow bark extract that dissolves keratin plugs.

Licorice extract and Inca Inchi oil both block 5alpha-reductase and thereby reduce dihydrotestosterone. This reduces sebum production. 

This acne treatment product very significantly reduces bacterial lipases by removing a variety of undesirable bacteria, and thereby reduce the production of free fatty acids of the type that promotes follicle blockage.

GLYCO BALM addresses all aspects of the biochemical progression that cause acne and achieves control or a complete acne cure in over 85% of moderate cases. More severe cases are those where bacterial infection has spread inside the dermis and needs to be treated by a series of measures under the supervision of a Doctor.

GLYCO BALM's high rate of success comes from its comprehensive approach of treating the multiple causes of acne, rather that focusing on the symptom like most other over-the-counter products.  GLYCO BALM has been designed based on a clear understanding of the skin biochemistry involved in acne and with natural ingredients that will correct this skin chemistry and provide an effective acne cure.

More on the role of linoleic fatty acids in the biochemistry of acne:  Linoleic acid is a normal component of sebum.  It is an "essential fatty acid" required by the body and you may be more familiar with this bio-chemical as omega-6 oil. 

Essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents and sebum made with linoleic acid is calming to the skin.  Modern foods have avoided these essential oils in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fatty acids and research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of essential fatty acids.  When linoleic acid is not available in the skin, the sebaceous gland produces sebum with oleic acid and this form of sebum is irritating to the skin and promotes acne.  It has been suggested that oleic acid sebum is drier, firmer and more prone to cause blackheads, whiteheads and promote follicular plugs that lead to acne infections. 

GLYCO BALM contains Inca Inchi oil, a virgin oil from the Amazon that is the best source of linoleic and alpha linoleic acid. Inlcuing Ina Inchi Oil ensures those essential fatty acids are available for production of non-irritating sebum and to act as a powerful antioxidants and reduce skin inflammation. 

People with very dry skin and continual follicle blockage (blackheads, whiteheads and/or acne) may benefit from increasing their consumption of foods rich in linoleic acid/omega oils or taking supplements such as flax seed oil.  Do NOT take flax seed supplements if pregnant or nursing.

One product, no steps, for all types of blemishes, without any side effects and very effective for moderate acne pimples and cystic acne breakouts.

Is this acne treatment too good to be true?
Many of our customers have told us how tired they were of acne medicines, drugs or over the counter pimples and spot treatments that cause skin to peel, leave skin dried out or caused rough spots and peeling. Worst, didn't clear up acne.

GLYCO BALM is a biological skin cream that stops acne inflammation, keeps acne bacteria under control, prevents proliferation of cysts, unclogs pores quickly, eliminates redness, dryness, scarring. It regenerates your skin. It also keeps it moisturized, smooth, kissable and rescilient. It provides linolic and linolenic essential fatty acids. It starts yielding lasting results when applied twice a day for about 2-3 weeks. This cream mobilizes your body's own healing resources to maximize the effectiveness of the biological ingredients it supplies.

Acne breakouts, acne scarring, blemishes, stubborn pimples, and skin maintenance no longer has to be a hard, time consuming, ongoing work for you.

Compare what acne sufferers have to bear with salycilic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and the likes...to what our customers say:

"With the other [product] acne came back... twice as bad! Very harsh treatment - dried the hell out of my skin, caused small bumps around my jawline and chin, itchy, burning, flaking skin. I was more ashamed to go out in public AFTER using those products! With yours it is a completley different story ... I have been using GLYCO BALM for two months now and I can't believe the difference.  I am excited to wake up every morning and see the changes in my skin.  I had deep acne scars and I was considering laser surgery to remove them. Luckily I found your website.  I started using Bioskincare and after two weeks I was hooked.  I have been using the cream faithfully two times a day. My scars are now almost completely gone and my overall skin looks so much better.  Thank you for your wonderful product.  Kara Potts. Salt Lake City, UT

The acne clearing up with [...] was definitely not worth itching and burning. I called ... to ask about this. The only suggestion they had was to use the exfoliating gel every other day. Tried that and after a few days, I started to get scaly! As soon as I started to look like a mutant, I quit right away. All this in only 7 days. No thanks! Now I have been using GLYCO BALM on my back, chest and shoulders for acne breakouts and to reduce minor scarring left from previous breakouts. I have only been using the cream for a few weeks but already the breakouts have been greatly reduced and I am seeing much improvement in the scarring already! Donna H, Illinois, USA

My skin looked fantastic for the first week - I used ["the other product"] exactly as directed, except I cut back on the gel because it was so harsh. Within a couple weeks I broke out in deep, painful cysts. I developed acne on my cheeks (which had never happened) and a cystic lesion smack between my eyes that was haunmting me and refused to budge -until I purchased Bioskincare, the only product that has cleared up my cystic acne and reduced my acne scaring. Kim Muller, Tucson, AZ

I am 33 yrs old and have had cystic acne for 10 years. I did not like being on antibiotics all the time and tried dozens of other products before I found yours. I can't say that it completely prevents the cysts from appearing but they are much less frequent and much less severe. The cream has also helped the dark patches that appeared on my face while I was pregnant with my sons. Thank you for your help! Shannon Bloemker. MA. USA.

I have been using the cream for about 7 weeks now and I love it. I have noticed a reduction in my deep cystic acne scars caused by to 30 years of acne breakouts. I have had in the past 2 dermabrasions and several chemical peels, years of glycolic acids which reduced the scars somewhat but the cream is definitely working better than all those methods. It has such a calming soothing effect in general on the skin that compares to nothing else I have come across in my search. I believe that it will take time, perhaps about a year, for them to heal at the rate it is going. (...)  I am so grateful ad that I found GLYCO BALM! Irene Sowton. CA, USA

This is my second order and I'm ordering two this time! My cystic acne hasn't gone away completely but it's a tremendous difference! My old scars/broken capillaries are diminishing as well! After going to the dermatologist for years, having cortisone injected, using oral antibiotics as well as topical ( benzoyl peroxide as well as every product out there) this is the one product that's actually shown results without over drying and irritating my skin! I've only had the one jar for not even a month now and I haven't needed any of the prescribed benzoyl peroxide or oral antibiotics! I was so skeptical at first because I've tried so many things on the market but I'm definitely recommending this to my family and friends! Thank you all so much! Sincerely, Lauri L. Gowell Portland, Maine USA

I am using the product in conjunction with the antibiotic minocin and I've never seen such great results from any other product. I've struggled with breakouts since the fifth grade and I am now 32. In the last 3yrs. I developed cystic acne which is very damaging to the skin. GLYCO BALM is the answer to my prayers, the results were so fast, I've also noticed a change in old acne scars. I am grateful for finding this product. I highly recommend this to everyone.  Vicki W. Weedville, PA, USA

I bought this product for my 18 year old niece in the hope that it would improve her complexion as she suffers very badly from scarring (and cystic acne). She is a very pretty girl and this condition really hurts her and consequently it hurts her very large extended family. She has asked me for the web address to order more as she has found that it has helped her complexion, therefore I am more than happy to buy her some more in the hope that it continues to give her some relief. Angela Wikeley. Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

The evidence shows acne is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by superficial skin eruptions. And those may or may not become infected with the acne bacteria living inside our hair follicles. Did you know that acne Propionibacteria live in symbiosis with our body, feeding on dead cells, helping the sebaceous glands transform them into sebum, and metabolizing components of sebum into fatty acids with antimicrobial properties?

GLYCO BALM addresses the root causes of acne which is inflammation and not just the symptoms

• Moderates the inflammatory reaction —triggered by even the slightest lesion or disorder (deficiency of linoleic acid) in the sebum canals— by supporting the protective strategies of the innate immune system of the skin, directly, within the hair follicles and at the site of skin lesions.

• Supplies linoleic and alpha linoleic acid by including Inca Inchi Oil, a virgin oil from a plant of the Amazon, the richest source of the two essential unsaturated fatty acids that are used in the synthesis of the PGE3 prostaglandins which regulate the inflammatory response and help to reduce a number of inflammatory related disorders from which the body suffers, including skin rashes and redness. Inca Inchi Oil composition of unsaturated fatty acids is 94%: Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega 3) 45 - 50% ; Alpha-linoleic acid (Omega 6 Precursor) 35 - 40%;  Palmitic acid 2 - 5%; Stearic acid 2- 4%. The oil also inhibits 5-Alpha-Reductase (the enzyme that produces dihydrotestosterone), and blocks the androgen receptors.

• Provides cellular messengers that communicate to your body that it is being taken care of and can moderate an otherwise extreme inflammatory reaction that may end up destroying healthy skin cells, and not just the bacteria and sebum that has turned into a foreign matter.

• Fights bacterial infection by signaling your system to increase the release of the skin's own natural antimicrobial peptides, which defend your system and make the skin an unwelcome place for bacteria, microbes and parasites and can not possibly create any bacterial resistance whatsoever.

• Unblocks clogged pores with gentle enzymes and willow bark extract that dissolve or "digest" the plugs, and without peeling and no dryness. On the contrary, while moisturizing the skin deeply and triggering healthy skin regeneration, the removal of scars and the release of amino-acids that help rebuild damaged tissues quickly. It also relieves the side effects of Accutane®.

• Provides antioxidants that fight free radicals. Persistent Acne and Benzoyl Peroxide Cause Premature Skin Aging: While moderate to severe acne will cause the skin to age quickly, the use of benzoyl peroxide will significantly increase this speed. Benzoyl peroxide creates free radicals and is known to cause premature skin aging, just like repeated sun exposure or persistent acne.  Damage is determined by the concentration of benzoyl peroxide and the frequency and duration of use. 

Did you know that your skin produces hydrogen peroxide to fight each acne infection and this may continue for weeks, until the infection is resolved? 

Hydrogen peroxide is a free radical which causes skin damage and skin aging.  Over a period of time the volume of hydrogen peroxide acts just like continual sun exposure, damaging skin components such as collagen and causing the skin to sag and wrinkle.

Additionally, the healing process of acne infections involves thousands and thousands of chemical processes.  These chemical processes produce more free radicals as a natural by-product and add to the volume of free radical damage (aging). 

The skin has a supply of antioxidants that reduce the volume of free radicals and their damage.  It is believed that moderate to severe acne literally depletes the skin's level of antioxidants, leaving it nearly defenseless against free radicals that are created by normal skin functions.

Control of acne pimples is not only important to the appearance of the skin today, it is an important strategy to prevent the premature aging of the skin.  If skin damage has already become a problem,  you should achieve control of acne quickly and once this is accomplished, continue treating your skin with BIOBALM to effectively rejuvenate your skin.

The Strongest Natural Acne Remedy