Managing Acne and Dispelling Myths

Improper hygiene, poor diet, stress and sexual behavior were thought to be causes of acne, but in reality the causes are unclear. What is clear is the cascade of events that form acne. Hair follicles, or pores, become blocked by oil, which normally drains to the surface of the skin. This blockage occurs way below the skin surface, and causes the pores to collapse. At this point bacteria begin to overgrow, resulting in the formation of a white head. If this trapped oil, and bacteria partially reaches the surface, a black head is formed. Acne affects most teenagers, however this condition is not restricted to any age group; adults get acne as well. In addition, acne can occur on the face, neck, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. While not life threatening, acne has a profound social effect, and if severe enough, can lead to permanent scarring. Avoiding acne is a difficult task; treating acne has become more manageable.



Contrary to popular belief, face scrubbing with an abrasive washcloth will cause skin irritation, and worsen the problem. A gentle cleanser twice per day, that does not over dry the skin, would be the better alternative. Avoid using any bar soaps, which can irritate the area. Research has been done on the efficacy of different antibacterial alternatives. Several studies have shown that a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution has a very high acne bacteria kill rate, and is not subject to bacteria tolerance. Applying Benzoyl Peroxide liberally to the infected area should improve the acne within 10 days. It is important that a moisturizer be used in conjunction, since Benzoyl Peroxide does dry the skin. Further, it is important to check to see if any allergies to Benzoyl Peroxide exist by applying a small amount to the skin, and observe any reactions. Most cases of acne can be easily managed, however there are cases that are extreme, and result in scarring.



In cases of extreme acne that cause pain, and scarring it is necessary to see a Dermatologist. Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved, and future out breaks can be avoided with the appropriate Dermatological care. Several options are available if scarring does occur. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure whereby the physician attempts to make scars less noticeable by sanding them using a small hand held tool. This procedure is ideal for shallow imperfections. Laser Resurfacing works the same as dermabrasion, utilizing a laser rather than a hand held tool. Skin augmentation is a nonsurgical way to remove small skin depressions caused by acne scars. Various materials are injected into or under the skin to raise the surface and make the scar look smooth.



Not only is acne a physical condition, a psychological component is present as well. Acne sufferers can experience, behavioral problems, academic decline, social isolation, substance abuse, depression, even suicide. Teenagers are more vulnerable in this respect because both acne and depressive disorder have a peak incidence during adolescence. Although acne is not a life-threatening disease, appropriate management is vital to its successful resolution.

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Acne Remedies Visit http://newacne-control.com/ for more information.

[tags]Acne, dermabrasion, acne treatment, acne product, adult acne, benzoyl peroxide[/tags]

Make Superior Skin Cleansers at Home

Are you tired of paying top-dollar for skin cleansers that never work? Then follow these recipes for home remedy skin cleansers, and never waste money on inferior products again.

For your body, the best ingredient you can use is sea salt. Mix it with water to the consistency of paste, and rub it on your knees, elbows and feet to remove dead skin. For more sensitive skin, grind oatmeal flakes in a clean coffee grinder, mix with brown sugar, aloe, and lemon juice.

Oatmeal can also be mixed with yogurt to create an effective facial cleanser. For a facial scrub, mix yogurt and walnuts (finely ground). Mix witch hazel and rosemary for a refreshing facial toner.

Facial masks are also easy to make at home. Experiment with ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, and mashed fruits and veggies such as cucumbers, strawberries, or peaches.

Looking for the benefits of Alpha hydroxy-acids, but tired of paying the price? Don’t worry – these acids are found naturally in papayas, pineapples, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, apples, and sugar cane. You can puree or mash any combination of these and mix it with sugar or milk for a mask that can be left on for up to 30 minutes.

Vitamin C is also great for your skin, and it can be found in citrus fruits as well as veggies such as peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

Experiment with combos to achieve your own personal recipe. It won’t take long to find the aroma and consistency you prefer, and your skin will look and feel great!

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne skin care products that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

[tags]alpha hydroxy acids,acne treatments,oily skin,clogged pores,zits,pimples,blackheads,cures,acne[/tags]

Know Your Enemy Acne Basic Training

You have company -- acne affects almost everyone. It strikes nearly 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24. 40% of acne sufferers have breakouts severe enough to require medical treatment.

Acne doesn't show favorites. Men and women of all races during adolescence and adulthood are nearly equally prone to acne.

Location

It's a widespread skin condition characterized by lesions that break out on the skin. The lesions form as whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts because pores get clogged.

The so-called 'T zone' of the face -- the nose, the chin and forehead -- are the most common areas for pimples to appear. The back is the second most common area for acne, followed by the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Timing

Usually acne first attacks during adolescence, most often at puberty because that's when the body starts producing an abundance of an oily substance called sebum. Normally a good thing, sebum keeps the hair and skin soft and lubricated. But during puberty, the body produces too much. The excess oil clogs the pores and leaves the skin feeling oily.

Puberty also triggers an excess production of follicle cells. Dying cells quickly build up and combine with sebum to form whiteheads. The oil and dead cell creates a breeding ground for bacteria that creates redness and swelling in the area resulting in pimples.

A Bad Image

Acne becomes a self-image difficulty for many people because it affects their appearance. Teenagers are particularly at risk as acne can cause feelings of reduced self-confidence and even depression. It causes some to withdraw from social interactions and others become angry and troubled.

Most people find their acne has cleared up by the time they reach their 20s. Although for some it can last throughout their adult years.

Treatable

The good news is there are many modern medical treatments for acne. The first line of defense is to keep the skin clean and oil-free. Do this by gently washing with soap and water twice a day, especially following activities or conditions that cause perspiration. There is a wide variety of medical treatments available, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

For serious cases, a dermatologist is needed for advice about nutrition, lifestyle changes, topical medications, and antibiotics that fight the bacteria causing pimples.

Don't just look in the mirror and cringe. Fight back!

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit latest-acne-solutions for recent acne research info.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

[tags]acne medication, acne[/tags]

Is Your Environment Contributing to Your Acne

Is there a possibility that other factors such as the environment may be causing your acne problems? A goal of acne prevention would be to keep your skin pores clear from clogging and becoming infected and irritated, resulting in blemishes and inflammation. But you may need to also take a look at your external environment throughout the day for factors that could trigger skin pore clogging.

Here are some examples of what to look for: grease, oils and sun, like being around open fryers in kitchen areas, or around machine oil and grease in workshops or factories, or out in the sun all day on a construction jobsite. Too much oil, grease or sun on the skin can clog pores and trigger acne and other skin irritations.

Minimize contact by wearing long sleeves and other protective wear and gear and discussing further options with your dermatologist or healthcare provider. With regards to being out in the sun, note that a small amount of sun each day can be fine and healthy.

However, extended periods can trigger the sebaceous glands to create more oil as your skin dries out. At the same time, the dried out skin needs to be cast off or shed at a faster rate than normal. The resulting extra oils and dead skin make a wonderful environment for pore clogging. So here, too, use protective clothing for outdoor activities and apply sunscreen; oil-free products are best for acne-prone people, and those with a minimum protection of SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection.

Geri Stogsdill is a freelance writer specializing in healthy lifestyle information. For more about living a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating tips, visit http://www.foryourhealthinfo.com.

For more information about ACNE causes, treatments, prevention strategies, coping tips and more, visit us at http://www.naturalacnetreatmentinfo.com.

[tags]natural acne treatment,acne relief,acne,acne treatment,acne help,acne prevention,acne tips[/tags]

Is There Acne Treatment

Acne treatment is something that many people seek out each year. Many of the cases of acne are those that are brought on during the teenage years. This type of acne can begin at the onset of puberty and will continue until the early 20’s. The severity of acne can range from minimal to severe. There is little knowledge of why it affects people in different ways. But, acne treatment can be used to help those who need it.

There are different types of acne treatment as well. For those who have severe cases of acne, there are several options to consider. The first thing that is done routinely is to find out what is causing the over production of oils in the skin. From there, there will be one of two types of treatments done.

In the first, the medications that will be given will help to turn off the production of the oils or at least minimize them. At the other end of the spectrum, these oils remain in pores throughout the skin and it becomes a breading ground for bacteria who just love the warm, wet environment to reproduce. In the second form of treatment for acne, the mediations taken will work to help fight the bacteria that are active. Most times, the medications will be oral medications but other times they are will be creams that are applied to the skin.

In any case, to get the acne treatment that you need, you should first see your dermatologist to determine your needs. You may need one or other types of medications. In some cases, treatment can be as simple as using a different type of soap to wash the face. Most of the time, you will need to take proper care of the skin to remove and keep bacteria away. And, you may need medication to stop your body from producing excessive amounts of oil. The combination is the best treatment for acne is some.

for more information please see http://www.acne-treatment-info.co.uk

[tags]Acne medication[/tags]

Is Accutane Safe

Isotretinoin, sold under the brand name Accutane, is the only drug that can cure acne, but it can cause horrible birth defects when taken by pregnant women. Reports from Britain and Israel show that Accutane otherwise is much safer than we used to think.

Acne is a condition in which normally colorless, liquid skin oils are converted to solid white material. Then the skin responds to the trapped solid oil by turning red and swelling. A three- or four-month course of Accutane damages the oil glands and markedly reduces the amount of oil that your skin produces, making Accutane the most effective drug to treat acne. Having less skin oil should not cause any serious side effects as its only known function is to keep you from feeling too cold in the winter, because it slows evaporation of sweat. Dry skin is associated with lack of water, and aging of skin is associated with lack of collagen, not with lack of oil.

In the British study, ninety-three per cent of the people taking Accutane reported no long-term side effects. The British researchers reported that two percent suffered muscle aches at follow up, and 5 percent suffered from dry mouth. Fewer than one percent claimed that they had dry eyes and skin and joint pains. Higher doses were not associated with more side effects. The authors concluded that their study showed that isotretinoin is a safe drug with no serious long-term side-effects. However, it causes birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

A study from Israel also shows that Accutane is far safer than many doctors think. Many doctors refuse to prescribe Accutane for severe acne because they are afraid that Accutane will damage livers, raise triglyceride levels and cause heart attacks. In this study, none of the patients had liver tests that were abnormal enough to stop treatment. Only 1.5 percent of patients had serum triglyceride levels above 400 mg%, but all continued treatment. Only 3.5 percent of patients required a second treatment.

I insist that all women who take Accutane do nothing that could cause a pregnancy while they take it. Three months after stopping Accutane, a woman has no increased risk for birth defects.

I check liver tests and triglyceride levels and if normal, prescribe 40 mg of Accutane twice a day for 14 weeks. I check liver tests every four weeks and stop the drug immediately if the liver tests become abnormal. I repeat liver tests two weeks later, and if normal, restart Accutane. Eighty-two percent of those who follow this regimen are cured of acne for life. If the acne returns months or years later, I usually prescribe 40 mg of Accutane four times a day for one month. Check with your doctor.

For Journal references on Accutane see http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/G200.htm

Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com

Free weekly newsletter on fitness, health and nutrition

[tags]acne, Accutane, safety, cure acne, teens, skin problems, pimples, blemishes, isotretinoin[/tags]

How To Tackle Acne - Simple Yet Effective Guidelines!

The most common problem facing a majority of young people is acne. Acne is a skin disease that generally afflicts people in their 20s. However it is also seen in some people as old as 40. Many people tend to ignore the condition, as it is not a serious or a debilitating disease. However if the condition is not treated properly, it can lead to ugly and permanent scars on the face and other parts of the body.

The condition is caused by hormonal imbalance. Acne leads to closing of the pores and that leads to black and white pores. The condition if not treated can lead to permanent scars.

Acne is of two types, Inflammatory and noninflammatory. While the noninflammatory is generally mild, the inflammatory type of acne can be quite painful. The inflammatory glands turn into pimples and sometimes turn infectious. This condition if left untreated can lead to deep and permanent scars. The condition results in white and black pores
on the face, neck back and the chest.

The first and the foremost measure to tackle acne are to follow good hygiene. Excessive intake of coffee, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle are also the major causes for acne.

A strict regimen of good personal hygiene will bring in good results. And if this coupled with a balanced diet and proper lifestyle, the problem can be tackled most effectively.

However, for any remedy to bring in good result, it should be followed up regularly and repeatedly. Temporary measure will only bring in temporary relief. Therefore do not neglect acne when it is in a mild condition this can deteriorate and lead to a far severe chronic condition that may require expert care and treatment.

By following a proper diet and simple remedies, acne can be completely cured.
You can follow any one of the following methods to treat acne.

Apply lemon juice on the affected area.

Apply mashed papaya on the affected areas.

Apply sandalwood paste.

Apply a pack of Multanimitti.

Wash the face with a sulfur based soap.

Along with the above treatment a healthy and balanced diet will go a long way in controlling acne. Drink at least one liter of water every day. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

Use a face pack that suits you skin regularly and then wash your face thoroughly with plain water. Apply antiseptic lotion on the pores and clean them thoroughly. The most effective method for preventing acne however is by following good hygiene, taking a balanced diet, proper exercise and leading a tension free and active life.

Venkata Ramana is the writer of Acne Solution blog.
Read his informative reports about Acne Scar and get rid of acne forever!

[tags]acne solution,acne one solution step,acne natural solution,acne best solution[/tags]

How To Prevent & Control Acne

Remedies For A Smoother Skin.

Do you have acne? Acne maybe the scourge of adolescent years, but it can follow people into middle age and beyond.

Acne is really a catchall term for a variety of symptoms such as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. It's a condition where the pores of skin become clogged and the person gets inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.

So what's the cause of all the clogging?

Heredity - at least for the most part. Acne is genetic - it tends to run in families, it is an inherited defect of your pores. If both your parents had acne, three out of four of your brothers and sisters will get it too.

Factors that can aggravate an acne outbreak are:

Stress, sun exposure, seasonal changes, and climate can all precipitate an acne attack. Certain types of makeup and taking birth control pills can also cause a breakout.

Change Your Make-up.

In adult women, make-up is the major factor in acne outbreaks, especially oil based products. It's the oil that causes the problem. The oil is usually a derivative of fatty acids that are more potent than your own fatty acids. Use a non-oil-based make-up if you are prone to acne.

Read The labels.

Cosmetic products that contain lanolins, isopropyl myristate, sodium lauryl sulphate, laureth-4 and D & C red dyes should be avoided. Like oil, these ingredients are too rich for the skin.

Wash Properly.

Wash your make-up off thoroughly every night. Use a mild soap twice a day and make sure you rinse the soap entirely off your face. Rinse six or seven times with fresh water.

Use Less Make-up.

Whatever make-up you use, try to cut down on the amount you put on.

Leave Well Alone.

Don't squeeze pimples or whiteheads. A pimple is an inflammation, and you could add to the inflammation by squeezing it, which could lead to an infection. A pimple will always go away in one to four weeks if you leave them alone.

Know When To Squeeze.

Most pimples are best left alone, but there is one kind that you can squeeze to help get rid of it. If the pimple has a little central yellow pus head in it, then a gentle squeeze will make it pop open very nicely. Once the pus pops out, the pimple will heal more quickly.

Attack Blackheads.

You can also get rid of blackheads by squeezing them. A blackhead is a very blocked pore, and a gentle squeeze will help rectifty this.

Give Dry Skin Extra Care.

Dry skin can be sensitive to some over the counter skin treatments, so please use these treatments with care. Start with the lower strength products first, and then increase the concentration slowly.

Stay Out Of The Sun.

Acne medications may cause adverse reactions to the sun, so minimize you exposure until you know what the reactions going to be.

Use One Treatment At A Time.

Don't mix treatments, use only one at a time because they may cause an adverse reaction if mixed together.

Stop The Spread Of Acne.

Apply acne medication about half an inch around the affected area, to help keep the acne from spreading. Acne moves across the face from the nose to the ear, so you need to treat beyond the inflamed area. Most people make the mistake of treating only the pimples and not the outlaying areas of skin. This is wrong.

If you are an acne sufferer, then I trust this information will be very helpful to you. Thanks for reading my article.

Author John H Moore - please use my link

http://www.acne-information-guide.com

[tags]acne,spots,pimples, skin problems[/tags]

How to Get Rid of Acne A Step-By-Step Tutorial

To get rid of acne, you have to understand what causes it in the first place. All in all, the formation of acne pimples a pretty complicated process that even scientists and dermatologists don't fully understand. What is known though, can be summed up in a fairly simple manner – Acne bacteria (p. acnes) get trapped inside a pore (hair follicle). The bacteria then feed upon the sebum (oil) trapped inside the pore, and multiply, causing an infection. The body spots this infection, and tries to protect itself from it, leading to inflammation, which makes for a huge, red, inflamed “spot”.

Using this basic information, we can come up with three to-the-point ways to combat acne.

1.) Kill the bacteria. If there's no bacteria to cause an infection, then there will be no acne.

2.) Reduce the oil on the surface of the skin. Since oil can clog pores, and gives “fuel” for the bacteria to thrive off of, less oil means less acne.

3.) Stop the pore from getting clogged in the first place. If you can keep dead skin cells from clogging up a pore, you'll reduce the number of spots.

With that said, we'll move on to the basic regimen.

Step 1 – Washing your Face

In this step, we will be trying to accomplish two goals – Removing excess oil from the surface of the skin, and killing the bacteria on the skin.

To do this, we will need a gentle, non-comedogenic, non-irritating antibacterial cleanser. These are few and far between, and I have only found one cleanser that can do the job: Noxzema “Triple Clean” Cleanser. This is a gentle cleanser that contains an antibacterial ingredient called “triclosan”.

First of all, splash your face once or twice with warm water. Then, squeeze about a dime sized amount of the cleanser into your hands. Work into a rich lather, and then apply to the face, being extra careful to be gentle. There is no need to scrub or rub it hard, as this will NOT help with acne, it will only make it worse. With that said, very gently, using no pressure at all, and only the tips of your fingers, rub it onto your skin for one minute straight. This is to make sure that all of the bacteria are killed off. Then rinse the cleanser from your face, and gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 2 – Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a very common over-the-counter acne treatment product. BP works by creating an oxygen rich environment within the skin, interrupting the metabolic process of the p. acnes bacteria, causing it to die off. It is also antiinflammatory, helping to reduce redness.

Avoid anything that is 10% BP, unless it won't be staying on your skin for long. Go for 5%, or better yet, 2.5%. The two products I recommend are Neutrogena's “on-the-spot” acne treatment cream, and Stridex's BP pads. Both contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.

No matter which product you choose, apply it gently to your skin after cleansing.

Step 3 – Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid – meaning it is an exfoliant, and will help your skin to shed dead skin cells faster. This prevents the dead skin cells from forming a clog inside pores, trapping bacteria and leading to a pimple.

The salicylic acid product I recommend is Clean & Clear's “advantage” acne spot treatment. It is a sort of gel, that contains 2% salicylic acid. It goes on smooth, is invisible once it has dried, and stays on all day to provide protection against acne.

After the benzoyl peroxide has dried, gently apply the salicylic acid. I use about a quarter sized amount for my face, but if your skin isn't “used to it” yet, start with less.

And that's it! You're now protecting your skin from three major causes of acne, and hopefully your skin will begin to clear up!

This regimen is meant to be done twice per day – once in the morning, and again at night. Since both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are irritating to the skin at first, don't jump right in. Your skin has to get used to the products before you can use them to their fullest extent. Be patient, and at first, only apply benzoyl peroxide, and only apply it once per day. Then work up to twice per day. Once your skin is used to that, add in the salicylic acid slowly. Eventually, you should be using quite a bit of both products. Definitely remember to wear a sunscreen if you'll be venturing out into the sun.

Ryan Bauer is a former acne sufferer from Springfield, MO. He runs an acne information website called Acne Elimination.

[tags]acne,pimples,zits,skin,clear skin,benzoyl,salicylic,pantothenic,ryan bauer[/tags]

How To Get Rid Of Acne 3 Steps Toward A Fair Complexion

There are many types of acne, but the most common form occurs during the teenage years when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria as well. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as “pimples,” the symptom most commonly associated with acne.

Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and severe cases can lead to social alienation, or emotional and physical scars. Although mild acne can not be entirely prevented, you can take three steps to minimize its impact.

Gently Cleanse Your Skin: Each day, gently wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard or washing it too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Apply Topical Ointments: At least once daily, but no more than three times a day, apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unplug clogged pores, while salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes by causing the top layer of skin to peel. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acid are also desirable. However, remember that if you use a product too often, your acne can get worse. So confine your applications to less than three times per day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Avoid the Following: Make sure to avoid the following acts which can trigger acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, the wearing of tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, excess stress, constant touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair hanging in your face, or the use of hair care products that contain oils. Also avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples can result in an infection and/or long-term scaring.

While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne by their early-twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps part of your daily routine, and you should be able to control your acne. However, those with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.

About the Author

Britt Gillette educates people on the numerous benefits of Himalayan Goji Juice. You can find more articles like this one at The Goji Juice Resource.

[tags]acne, how to get rid of acne, pimples[/tags]