Magnesium supplementation shows promiseTreatment of Resistant Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents Using Dietary Supplementation with Magnesium, Phosphate and Fatty Acids (Omega 6 and 7): Comparison with 13-Cis-Retinoic Acid.
Relevant results highlight efficacy
We examined how dietary supplementation with magnesium, among other nutrients, could help treat acne vulgaris. In a six-month study, one group received this natural supplement while another was given isotretinoin.
Notably, all participants in the magnesium group reported complete regression of their symptoms, contrasting with 68% in the isotretinoin group. This significant difference suggests that magnesium can be highly effective for acne treatment, offering a promising alternative with fewer side effects.
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Calcium filler shows promise for scarsCombined use of microfocused ultrasound and a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler for treating atrophic acne scars: A pilot study.
Limited isolated calcium effect observed
We explored the effectiveness of combining microfocused ultrasound with a calcium hydroxylapatite dermal filler for treating acne scars. This approach was evaluated in a group of healthy adults aged 35-55, who had moderate to severe facial scars from acne.
During the treatment, ultrasound was applied in a cross-hatch pattern to stimulate the skin, followed by injections of a diluted calcium hydroxylapatite filler mixed with lidocaine for comfort. The results were assessed 90 days later, focusing on changes in scar severity and overall satisfaction of the subjects.
The findings revealed significant improvement in acne scars, particularly in those with severe scarring. The majority of participants reported being satisfied with their results, and no adverse side effects were noted. While calcium hydroxylapatite alone was not isolated in this study, its combination with ultrasound showed promising results for reducing scar visibility.
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Calcium enhances sebum productionKrüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) facilitates lipid production in immortalized human sebocytes via regulating the expression of SREBP1.
Direct link to acne treatment
We examined how calcium treatment influences sebum production, particularly in relation to acne. Sebocytes, the cells in our skin that produce oil, were treated with calcium, and we confirmed increased lipid production using well-established techniques. This response is important because excessive sebum is a key factor in acne development.
Our findings showed that calcium not only increased the overall sebum output but also stepped up the levels of several key regulators involved in the lipogenesis process. Notably, we observed that calcium treatment boosted the expression of proteins like SREBP1, which plays a crucial role in managing lipid levels in skin cells.
We also discovered that the transcription factor KLF4 was elevated with calcium treatment. This raised a fascinating question: could KLF4 be enhancing lipid production? To test this, we overexpressed KLF4 in sebocytes, and indeed found that it further stimulated the expression of lipid-producing proteins and increased overall lipid production.
In conclusion, our study sheds light on the significant role of calcium in sebum production and highlights KLF4 as a promising new regulator in this process. These insights may open doors for developing more effective acne treatments by targeting sebum production pathways.
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Calcium effective, no added HIFU benefitProspective and randomized comparative study of calcium hydroxylapatite vs calcium hydroxylapatite plus HIFU in treatment of moderate-to-severe acne scars.
Study includes calcium and HIFU effects
We explored the effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite as a treatment for moderate to severe atrophic acne scars. In a carefully structured study, twenty women with noticeable acne scars were treated with calcium hydroxylapatite alone and also in combination with high-intensity microfocused ultrasound (HIFU).
Our assessments showed promising results. After just one month, those who received the calcium treatment noted an improvement in their skin texture and wrinkles when compared to those who received a placebo. By three and six months, every participant in the study reported an improvement in their acne scars.
However, it's important to highlight that while the calcium treatment was indeed effective, adding HIFU did not provide any additional benefits beyond the results seen from calcium alone. This suggests that while calcium hydroxylapatite stands out as a solid option for tackling acne scars, pairing it with HIFU doesn’t necessarily enhance its effectiveness.
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Calcium's role in acne treatmentIdentification and validation of amino acid-based mild exfoliating agents through a de novo screening method.
Limited evidence for acne benefits
We explored how calcium may impact skin health, particularly in relation to acne. The study utilized an innovative screening method to identify effective exfoliating agents, focusing on amino acids like carnitine and serine. While the results highlighted these agents as effective in enhancing skin exfoliation, the study also noted the role of calcium.
However, it’s important to clarify that while calcium was mentioned, the study did not specifically isolate its effects on acne treatment. The agents tested showed effective results in improving the skin's turnover rate, hinting at potential benefits for various skin issues, including dullness and minor acne.
Ultimately, while the research signifies the promise of calcium in skincare, it stops short of stating it as a proven treatment for acne. For now, the focus remains on agents like carnitine and serine, which could support healthier skin through enhanced exfoliation.
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