Download Review of Literature Example Pimples, Bacteria and You Have you

Review of Literature Example
Pimples, Bacteria and You
Have you ever gotten all dressed up for picture day at school, washed your face, brushed your hair,
and get in your fanciest clothes only to realize that in the middle of your forehead, there’s a HUGE pimple?
And when you go to Walgreens or you’re nearby CVS pharmacy, you have no idea what acne cream to get?
Well, that scenario has happened to many people I know, adults and kids alike! So I guess what we all need
to know is: Which acne cream, when tested on the bacteria contained in acne, will most effectively kill the
bacteria? In researching, I found out a bunch of things that will help you answer that questions, like the
definition of acne, all about the bacteria in acne, what ingredients are in over the counter acne products, how
to use microorganisms, and how different products affect your skin. So first, in order to answer your overall
question, you have to know what acne really is…
Acne is a skin condition commonly called pimples. It’s usually found on the face, chest, back, and
shoulders, which are some of the places with the largest amounts of working oil glands. Acne occurs when a
“hair follicle”, the place where hairs grow, is plugged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells.3 Some acne
products you should avoid cause itching and flaking because when they get rid of the acne they take away
ALL of the oil, which leaves very dry skin. This causes your face to produce oil in larger then usual amounts
to compensate for the dry skin. Then the oil helps more acne to appear, which is the opposite of what you
want. So try to avoid creams that say “super strong” because they will probably just end up causing more
acne in the end.2/1
Propionibacterium acnes (p. acnes) are the bacteria usually found in acne. Indirectly, P. acnes allows
Staphylococcus areas (a different bacteria) to take over a clogged pore by it’s oozing of chemicals that take
apart the interior pore lining around the hair follicle. It lives off of the fatty acids found in Sebum (an oily
substance produced by the Sebaceous Glands in the skins pores.) When people have acne, their “sticky” skin
cells mix with the Sebum and clog the hair follicle into the skin. The clogged skin traps bacteria (p. acnes)
which causes the area around the follicle to puff up. Then the bumps that we call “acne” appear. These small
red bumps can develop into full on pimples.6
Some common ingredients in over-the-counter (OTC) acne products are:
· Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient can be found in both OTC and prescription products. It kills the
bacteria in acne, helps remove oil from skin, and also gets rid of dead skin cells to help slow the clogging of
pores. This ingredient is very strong and can sometimes be harmful to sensitive skin because it sometimes
causes dryness.4
· Salicylic Acid: This ingredient is usually only found in OTC products. It slows the dropping of skin
cells inside of the hair follicles, and helps to prevent the clogging of pores. Salicylic acid sometimes causes
slight stinging and a little skin irritation.4
· Alpha hydroxy acids: This ingredient is usually only used in OTC products. Two types of Alpha
hydroxy acids used in acne products are Glycolic acid and Lactic acid. They help to get rid of dead skin cells
and to reduce inflammation. They also provoke the growth of smooth, new skin without acne scars.4
· Sulfur: This product is often combined with benzoyl peroxide. It helps remove dead skin cells and
excess oil. Beware though, that sulfur products often smell unpleasant, and may cause dry skin. 4
These ingredients are all harsher ingredients that are pretty strong. Although they help to get rid of pimples
quickly and effectively, they may cause skin irritation.
The microorganisms safety guide from the website “Science Buddies” says that when containing bacteria,
you should use a plastic petri dish. These are 9 steps to safety from the guide: 5
1. Treat all microorganisms as potential pathogens. 5
2. Sterilize equipment and materials. 5
3. Disinfect work areas before and after use. 5
4. Wash your hands. 5
5. Never pipette by mouth. 5
6. Do not eat or drink in the lab, nor store food in areas where microorganisms are stored. 5
7.
8.
9.
Label everything clearly. 5
Autoclave or disinfect all waste material. 5
Clean up spills with care.5
When spreading bacteria on an agar solution (a mixture that promotes bacterial growth in the Petri
dish) you can use the side of a sterilized micro pippete to gently spread bacteria droplets across the solution.
Finally, try not to use oily or greasy cosmetic products, including acne concealer. These products, although
they cover blemishes, usually end up increasing them (the oil increases the clogging of the pores). The best
acne creams for your face are usually one’s labeled “water based” or “non comedogenic”. These products
are usually natural and have a gentler effect on your skin. However, these products don’t usually get rid of
acne as effectively because they don’t contain the harsh ingredients that other creams use. The opposite of
these products would be the ones mentioned in the second paragraph that make your face dry and flaky.
These get rid of acne VERY effectively, but aren’t great for your face.6
Next time one has a pimple mishap on picture day, they don’t have to ask a Walgreens attendant for
help! You can do it yourself! You know what acne is, and what bacteria is contained in acne. You know
what ingredients are in acne creams, and which ones are the best for your face, not to mention how to deal
with bacteria and which products have which effect on your face.