A recent study by scientists at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, suggests that synthetically created phytosphingosine can be topically applied to boost the skins natural defense properties.

Phytosphingosine is a member of the active lipids found in the skins surface that play an important role in anti-microbial defense, as well as displaying important anti-inflammatory functions. The hypoallergenic nature of this new acne treatment, no long term side effects and the combination of anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of Phytosphingosine should be a nice change than the “peels” that are currently available and can have undesirable side effects and healing time for the skin. These products would be available in over-the-counter creams and lotions, having some serious competition in the already flooded market.

Recent studies with Phytosphingosine, taken over a period of 60 days with 30 acne sufferers (15 male and 15 female) with an average age of 20 years and moderate inflamed acne, the combination treatment reduced blackheads and pustules (inflamed pimple) by 72 per cent and 60 per cent respectively, whereas treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide alone led to reductions of 22 and 32 per cent. They also tested the efficacy of Phytosphingosine versus a placebo treatment (using the same type of test group), concluding that Phytosphingosine was significantly better than the placebo treatment in controlling the development of new blackheads, and noticeable reducing the number of pustules.

This new acne treatment may be just the answer for acne sufferers that have extremely sensitive skin and can’t use other acne treatments because the ingredients are too harsh. Having a hypoallergenic acne treatment that actually is effective against acne will be a welcome addition to the ever growing acne treatment market.

Any one who suffers from any form of acne usually has experiences a whitehead or blackhead both having there own unsightly effects on our skin. So what are they exactly and how does each one for? To better understand how to control acne you have to know the composition of a blackheads and whiteheads.

Acne is formed by the sebum (oil) becoming trapped in the skins pores. This mixed with dead shin cells causes the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to form and multiply. Here is where a blackhead or whitehead is formed and it all depends on the infection which affects the Comedones (small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture and are found at the openings of pores).

Whiteheads, which is also, knows as closed comedones, are pores filled with sebum and dead skin cells and have only a microscopic opening to the skins surface. With such small openings, air is unable to penetrate the skins surface and reach the follicle meaning no oxidation of the melanin (or skin pigment). Since there is no oxidation there is any color change so there for it remains white; also the bacteria multiply more causing the infection to be trapped and swell.

Blackheads, also knows as open comedones, are pores filled with sebum and dead skin cells and have am overly large opening to the skins surface. With such large openings, air can easily penetrate the skins surface and reach the follicle oxidizing the melanin. Since oxidation takes place the color changes to black; usually the bacteria does not multiply as much so little to no swelling occurs.

Any of the regular skin care treatments that include a Benzoyl peroxide should be effective in clearing and maintaining acne. If you have trouble finding an acne treatment that works for you consult a dermatologist. In many cases they will prescribe a prescription topical medication (OTC). These acne medications will be applied directly to the effected pore or the entire face helping to eliminate and prevent Blackheads and Whiteheads.