One question we are often asked is: ‘Will nefera help to alleviate acne?’ Whilst we can’t say yes positively as every person’s situation is different and acne has many causes behind it, Nefera’s formula has been shown to help with acne, especially following harsh treatment, to support skin as it heals and reduce the appearance of scars.
Recently Nefera founder Farid Kazem MD featured on popular Dutch TV show Gezond Verstand to discuss the benefits of golden masks designed to treat acne through calming and clearing the skin. He studies the results of using this treatment over a two-week period in order to provide his professional opinion on the efficacy of golden masks in the treatment of acne. Here we share his findings – and a few additional tips for acne sufferers searching for relief and effective treatment.
What is acne, and what causes it?
Acne is a skin disease which effects oil glands situated at the base of hair follicles within the skin. This results in pores becoming blocked, causing unsightly pimples and sores to appear. Causes of acne are largely unknown, but it is thought to be stimulated by high levels of androgen, a type of hormone.
What is a golden mask?
Over the past year, one particular homemade acne ‘remedy’ has experienced viral success. It’s been dubbed as the ‘golden mask’ thanks to its orange colouring, and consists of a mixture of yoghurt, honey and turmeric. Some bloggers swear by it, and hosts of articles and videos have been produced with how-tos and before and after pictures to prove its effectiveness. Gezond Verstand wanted to put it to the test – using scientific insights and the expertise of Dr Kazem to see whether it really works.
Can natural remedies help?
Some natural ingredients have been shown to be effective in treating the redness resulting from acne, and cleansing the skin without stripping it and exacerbating the disease. Honey, yoghurt and turmeric are traditionally thought to help as they possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, but there is no medical evidence for this, and as detailed below, skin tests usually show that they are not effective in eliminating the underlying causes of acne.
Do golden masks help with the alleviation of acne?
The short answer unfortunately is no. Using VISIA Complexion Analysis technology, Dr Kazem aimed to measure any positive effects arising from using a golden mask treatment to calm and clear skin suffering with acne. After two weeks analysis showed that the same number of porphyrins were present – bacterial components responsible for clogging pores and producing the symptoms of acne. Large pores were less visible, however. To get a clearer view of the mask’s efficiency, a test conducted over a longer period of time would need to be carried out. Dr Kazem’s advice? By all means use the mask to beautify skin and reduce the appearance of pores, but don’t expect remarkable results.
Are there any proven treatments for acne?
Yes, a range of treatments are available. Before researching treatments, it’s important to understand that every person is different, with different types and severities of acne. It isn’t known exactly what causes acne – but the possible stimuli behind acne can be varied – and include hormonal changes and genetics. Medical treatments include topical skin creams containing a range of chemical agents designed to resurface or regenerate skin, fight bacteria and strengthen skin cells. These need to be prescribed by a doctor or specialist dermatologist – which you are given depends on the type of acne you have, its severity and the causes behind it. Other treatments can be taken orally.
Cosmetic treatments should be approached with caution. Many over-the-counter skin washes and creams claim to help, but could actually make things worse. Only trust clinically developed and approved treatments and products with your skin.
Watch Dr Kazem’s interview now – or browse our range to discover how Nefera can help to strengthen and nourish skin following acne treatment.
