Saturday, December 29, 2012

Benzoyl Peroxide Products Get A Facelift

One of the problems with benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatments is that they can be quite irritating, particularly to sensitive skin. Those fans of benzoyl peroxide will thus be pleased to learn that one skin care company that supplies prescription acne and skin care products is releasing a treatment with a delivery system that reduces benzoyl peroxide's irritating effect.

Called NeoBenz Micro, this acne treatment will be available only by prescription, which is one drawback. On the plus side, it should mean that the acne sufferer is given the appropriate strength to their particular needs. It is aimed at helping people with mild to moderate acne, and comes in three strengths. These are 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, and 8.5% benzoyl peroxide.

The difference in this treatment as compared to regular benzoyl peroxide solutions, is that it is a time release product. The method designed by SkinMedica, NeoBenz Micro's developer, uses very small 'sponges', called microsponges. These hold the active ingredient, in this case benzoyl peroxide, to be slowly released throughout the day. It means that though acne is kept in contact with benzoyl peroxide for the whole day, only small amounts of it are released onto the skin. These amounts are enough to be effective but far less irritating.

The side effects that this benzoyl peroxide acne treatment aims at reducing are rashes, skin soreness, and irritation. Aside from the unpleasant feeling these effects create, they unfortunately also reduce the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in clearing acne.

NeoBenz Micro is one example of a new trend in the pharmaceutical industry. It aims at taking existing products and developing new ways to package and deliver the active ingredients, thus effectively modernizing many treatments. The emphasis in the past had been more research oriented - finding new and more powerful treatments rather than fine tuning existing ones that were proven to work.

Other examples of this phenomena include converting treatments into sprays, with the effect of increasing absorption and convenience. MedPharm, a research contracting firm, is turning one eczema treatment and two acne treatments into sprays. These are still in the development stage, however.

References:
1. in-pharmatechnologist.com/news/ng.asp?n=65831&m=1IPE215&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
2. outsourcing-pharma.com/news/ng.asp?id=64465

Monday, December 24, 2012

Retin-A Revitalises Your Skins Like Never Before

Skin problem is undoubtedly the most embarrassing problem that one may face during his or her life. It makes people to hate themselves and in many circumstances doesn’t provide the zeal to move further in life. It gives the heaviest inferiority complexes within oneself. Even at times one may feel left behind by their colleagues. So lots of circumstances may arise due to problems related to skin and when the problem is on your face.

But we should be thankful to today’s medical science. As a result of some hectic and tough grind researches dermatologist across the globe are successful in finding concrete solutions for skin problems.

This medication is used in the treatment of acne. It reduces the formation of pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples that do develop, especially in the case of blackheads, pimples and papules.
It is also found very effective in the treatment of aged or sun damaged skin. Within a use of one year continuously, it reverse aging of the skin a continuation can improve the appearance of the skin even ten years after starting treatment.

Clinical trials show that 0.1% Retin-A significantly improves the appearance of old stretch marks and works best on those stretch that are new and young.

It is recommended to apply a thin layer on the affected area once a day before bedtime. But wash the area before applying the medicine. Precautions should be taken by avoiding direct contact into the eyes, mouth or open cuts. If contact occurs, rinse the area carefully with plenty of clean water. Acne may appear to worsen at the initial stage of medication but continue the therapy. It may take 4-6 weeks before the full benefits Retin A are seen. So have patience and continue it.

Due to the possibility of side affects like irritation it is wise to begin treatment on a small area of the body skin. Though no critical side affects has been recorded till date, but during the first week of medication there may be apparent worsening of the skin problem. This medication can be very sensitive to wind and heat depending on your skin. So, in order to avoid severe infection better consult a reputed dermatologist for its better use.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Best Acne Treatments Start With Understanding Your Current Lifestyle

If you happen to be searching for the best acne treatments, before you choose your treatment I would suggest that you take a little memory trip back to your teen years, and assess how your skin used to be back then.

For individuals still in their teens, I would recommend that you check and see what is going on in your life right now, and see what may be different or has changed prior to you having your problem skin!

I know most of you may think that it’s all part of nature, or it’s part of your family genetics, and you would like to find that miracle cure! However, the true problem may exist because of your lifestyle choices, and until you fully understand why you’re currently experiencing severe blemish breakouts, or increased blackheads in your pores, you can then follow the cycle of your consistent outbreaks that cause you to feel helpless in your battle.

It’s a fact that our society is placing more pressures on students, and many working individuals. Schools are placing more study loads on the student, and the business industry is downsizing, causing more hours to be placed on the employees! What this does to your body and your mind is that it places an incredible load of stress on you, as well as the affects, which can easily change your daily lifestyle.

You may be asking, how does this all come into play with my acne condition, and how do I connect these facts to my acne treatment?

There are many studies out today indicating that “stress” and the way you take care of your body, and the products you may be using are a contributing factor to your pimples and blackheads. If you can look back when you had good skin and see what you may have been doing differently, you could hopefully make some lifestyle changes for the better. With these changes, you could possibly see positive results, and avoid having to take acne medications prescribed by your dermatologist.

There are many elements that can be contributing to your skin blemishes, and the ingredients in the select treatment product you’re using can also be the cause of your skin irritation, which is causing your reoccurring pimple breakouts. So let’s look at some topics that have come up in some studies, and see if we can clarify some of the elements that may be affecting your current lifestyle.

Facial Medications, Caffeine, Stress, And The Sun! What Do They Have In Common, And How Does It Affect Your Blemish Situation?

I’m not a doctor, and I don’t have any professional skin care background, but what I do have is a common sense approach to issues. When I read about certain acne products, and also the food and drink we consume on a daily basis, plus the type of life we live makes sense to me when we mix it all together and try and link it to our skin condition.

First we should talk about coffee, pop and alcohol, and see what the connection is to skin problems. In my opinion, the way I interpret coffee, pop and alcohol is that they contribute several elements to your body that assist in major changes to your skin.

Caffeine and sugar in coffee and pop, plus alcohols are partial diuretics that assist in drawing more water out of your body than bringing water back in, plus they’re a stimulant and can prevent you from getting the recommended amount of sleep that your body needs, which ranges from at least 7 to 8 hours per night. What this all means is that by consuming these products daily, they could be changing the entire dynamics of your body, and affecting you dramatically without you even realizing the changes.

What happens is this: your body may become over stimulated with all these items going through your system, and either consumed separately or in combination, your skin may seriously become affected by these products. Depending on your body’s tolerance level, your reactions could be reflected by the daily consumption.

Let’s look at the connection of the cleansers, creams, and acne cosmetics you’re currently using, and see why some may not work to prevent your acne breakouts or increased blackheads. When taking a common sense approach to the ingredients, avoid any product that will shrink your pores! Now this information may contradict products that say they reduce pore size, and make them look less visible.

What that means I don’t know. But when you think about it for a moment, if you have a product that shrinks your pores, that’s going to increase the chance that you will have more oil trapped in your skin. The more of the skin’s oil that is potentially blocking your pores, the higher chance you’re going to form blackheads and whiteheads, plus the trapped oil will be tasty food for bacteria that feeds off the oil and dead skin, eventually turning it into a nasty blemish. Think about that, and if it makes sense to you, then avoid products that have any astringent agents in them.

The sun is one that I have been very confused about for a long time, but again when it was explained to me, it made total sense, and now I really understand the benefits and the damages it can cause. The sun actually can help you in your battle on acne; however, the time you spend in the sun can make the big difference. I found out that the sun actually aids in killing bacteria on your skin, but you should limit your time to approximately 15 minutes per day, because when you spend long periods of time in the sun, it will eventually dry and reduce the pores in your skin. Now like above, what happens when the pores shrink? Absolutely, trapped oil and the formation of zits!

Stress, in my opinion, is the biggest contributor to your body’s lifestyle changes, and believe it or not, it seems to tie in with everything above, because stress is caused by many elements from the types of food you consume, to the everyday lifestyle you lead with your work and play.

Again, I’m not a doctor, but even with my own body I notice that if I don’t get enough sleep, or I worry about a project that has to be completed, and the everyday choices I make in cleaning my skin all is in some way a contributor to stress, and the changes in my body. So when you sit back and see if you can adjust anything in the way you live your life for the better, you may be on the right track to not only a healthier lifestyle, but also clearer, blemish free skin!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Causes Adult Acne

What Causes Adult Acne?

Regardless of age, acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. An acne lesion forms when a hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum and dead cells. The pathogenic (disease-causing) events in the sebaceous glands are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with the growth and development that occurs between the ages of 12 and 21. Therefore, it is important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:

1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence

2. Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy

3. Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:

* Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

* Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

* Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

* Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.

It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Acne Treatment - Know About All Topical Treatments

Before we discuss the topical treatments for acne we have to note down the effects we desire from those treatments. The desired results in acne treatment are- reduce inflammation, open the closed pores, kill the bacteria and reduce the oil. To get these results the following topical treatments are generally used-

Benzoyl Peroxide-The most common medicine that has been used since long to treat acne has been benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide performs three main functions - it removes excess oil, unclogs the closed pores and kills the bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide is available in form of cream or gel and can cause excessive dryness because it removes oil, can some times also cause redness and some swelling. Because of these possible side effects do not use more than recommended dose of benzoyl peroxide.

Salicylic Acid-This is commonly used to treat non-inflammatory acne. Salicylic acid corrects the abnormal shedding of skin cells that block the pore openings. Salicylic Acid does not kill the bacteria nor reduces the sebum production. It helps unclog the pores. It can be effectively used to treat whiteheads and blackheads.

Sulfur and Resorcinol- they are commonly used in combination and help unclog the blocked pores and reduce excess oil. This combination can treat white heads and blackheads. It may also cause peeling of skin and redness.

Alcohol and Acetone -Alcohol is a mild antimicrobial agent and acetone is a solvent that cleanses dirt and oil. This combination can be used to treat mild form of acne.

Azelaic Acid -azelaic acid reduces the bacteria P.acnes and helps reduce the abnormal shedding of dead skin cells. It reduces inflammation by these two actions. Azelaic acid is used to treat mild and moderate acne. Azelaic acid can produce some dryness and lighten the skin where it is applied. Otherwise it is well tolerated by most people.

Topical Antibiotics- antibiotics such as Clindamycin, Erythromycin and Sodium sulfacetamide are used to reduce the population of inflammation causing bacteria P.acnes. Prolonged use of Antibiotics can produce resistance in the body. It is important to use antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Most of the topical antibiotics do not have any side effects except dryness or irritation. You should report these to your doctor.


Topical Retinoids- retinoids are Vitamin A derivatives and are very effective in treatment of mild to moderate acne. Topical retinoid formulations may contain active ingrdients such as Adapalene, Tazarotene and Tretinoin. Topical retinoids clear the clogged pores and have anti-inflammatory properties. Another advantage of using topical retinoids is that they help remove fine lines and wrinkles. Topical retinoids may produce skin irritation. They should be strictly used under medical supervision as some of them such as Tazarotene have shown birth defects in animal trials.


This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Should You Get Medical Help For Your Acne?

Acne can be a terrible nightmare for so many people. Acne does not discriminate, not matter what your age Acne can strike. When you have an outbreak, you want to be certain that the treatment you are using is actually effective.

Sometimes it can appear that you have spent a lot of money buying treatments that don’t work, and you are left terribly disappointed by the lack of results, perhaps it is time for a different approach to your acne treatment.

Typically using commercially available preparations will be sufficient to successfully treat your acne out break, but there are some more difficult types of acne that need medical treatment. Sometimes even cases that might not appear to be serve might require medical treatment, if you are in any doubt the best thing you can do is to go to see your doctor.

Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you should visit to a dermatologist. This way you can be certain that your acne is getting the best treatment from a professional. This referral will also have the added advantage of allowing you to receive the treatment at a reduced cost, because your insurer will subsidize the expense of any medicine or surgery.

Another benefit of going to your doctor is that you will no longer have to examine piles of information, use trial and error to decide what is wrong with you and what treatment works best for you.

Before you consult your doctor there are a few things you should do to make certain you will be able to communicate your problem correctly.

The first step is to record the details of any acne treatment you have used in the past and every product you have used on your skin and what benefits you derived from it. You should also include details of how long each product worked for and how it cleared your face.

If your history reveals that you have not had any long-term success on your own, you should let your doctor know that. You might just be using products that aren't actually ment for your skin type, but not being a professional yourself, you don't know if something else is available.

Your dermatologist will be able to advise the acne treatment product you require to achieve long term results given your exact problem and this is just what you want, better results in the long term.

To summarize if you have any concerns about the effectiveness of treatment you are using to help with your acne out break, don't hesitate go and see your doctor he will be able to help.

Roger Overanout

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Home Acne Treatments Tips

Over the counter and prescription acne treatments often contain chemicals that many people do not wish to use. Instead, these people search for home treatments for acne. There are many home treatments for acne that actually do work. Here are some things you can try.

1. Apply essential oils, such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. For sensitive skin, dilute the oil with grapeseed oil. Apply the oil before going to bed at night, then wash it away in the morning with a pure soap, such as Ivory, and clean water.

2. If you are not taking any medications that could cause you to be overly sensitive to the sun, try getting some sunshine everyday. The purpose is not to tan to hide the acne. Instead, the sun actually kills the bacteria, and dries up the sebum oil that produces acne. This is a common home treatment for acne that doesn't cost anything.

3. Acne begins on the inside of the body, not on the surface of the skin. Drink plenty of water - at least eight glasses per day - to help detoxify your body and cure acne. Also eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

4. For home treatment for acne, apply an oatmeal mask at least once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal, and while it is still warm (not scalding hot) apply it to your entire face. Allow the oatmeal to dry, then wash it away. You can also use dried oatmeal, dampened - but not cooked - with warm water as a facial scrub to exfolliate the skin and clean the pores.

5. Avoid eating processed foods, and stick to more natural fruits and vegetables. No food has ever been scientifically proven to cause acne, however, if you have a food allergy, the allergy often results in acne. Many people have food allergies, and go their entire lives without knowing it. Don't assume that a food allergy will leave you unconscious on the floor - the allergic reaction can appear in many forms, like acne breakouts. You can visit an allergist for a simple blood test to find out if you have any food allergies.

There are many other home treatments for acne, some of which work, and some of which do not work. The important thing is to drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, get plenty of sleep, wash your face at least twice a day, and take vitamins - especially vitamin A and vitamin E.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Acne Scar Solutions

Acne is a common skin infection that affects over 80% of youth and 5% of adults. When acne eventually heals, it leaves ugly blemishes called acne scars. These become permanent if they are not treated in time. Acne scars are damaging to the ego and personality of an individual, and a lot of time and money has been invested in research to treat this problem.

Acne scars are classified by size, shape and appearance they are identified as Icepick, Boxcar and Rolling. They are also tagged as early or permanent on the basis of their duration. Early scars respond well to topical medications. Permanent scars require surgical intervention. Presently, scars are treated with combinations of topical skin care medications in tandem with carefully selected surgical and skin resurfacing procedures.

At least a half dozen surgical procedures are also performed to repair acne scars. Each has benefits and pitfalls and a surgeon will closely examine the patient’s age, sex, medical history, skin type and type of scarring before agreeing to perform surgery. Cost is also discussed, as it can be quite expensive.

When dermal fillers are used, a surgeon will inject fillers such as collagen and hyaluronic acid derivatives into the skin. This raises the base of the scar to the level of normal skin. The “punch excision” procedure is used in

icepick and boxcar type scars and relies on making incisions in the skin with a punch biopsy tool and stitching the skin edges together. The new scar heals, leaving a clear skin. Punch excision with skin graft replacement is a variant of the punch excision method. Instead of suturing the skin after excision, surgeons use a skin graft to repair the scar. Punch elevation is used on deep boxcar scars that have sharp edges and normal appearing bases. Here the base of the scar is excised and elevated to the surface of the skin. Sutures and glue are used to join the edges together. Subcutaneous Incision is used for treating rolling scars and centers on the use of a special beveled needle that is inserted under the skin and used to cut the binding tissue in the scar. The resulting bruises fade after about 1 week. Laser resurfacing is used to burn the top layer of the skin and reduce it to the same level as the base of the scars.

Prevention is always better than cure. Simple precautions such as avoiding strong sunlight, using medications like tretinoin and alpha hydroxyl acids, avoiding picking scabs, regular exercising and dietary control go a long way in preventing acne scars and saving a lot of embarrassment and expenses.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Acne and Alternative Acne Treatments

Acne is very common and medically classified as a skin disease. They are caused by excessive secretion of oily substance called the sebum by sebaceous glands. Although sebum is very good in maintaining skin and hair texture, excess secretion of the same gets stuck in hair follicles and leads to formation of acne lesions. Due to the oily nature of sebum and its exposure to dust and dirt causes bacterial growth and results in what is commonly known as the pimple.

Pimples are not the only outcome of such bacterial formations. Cysts, whiteheads, blackheads are also quite common depending on exposure and skin types. Occurring mainly in the age group of 10 to 40 years, these conditions need to be cared for with various acne treatments available.

Various kinds of acne and various skin types need different treatments. Keeping this in view, there are some fast acne treatments while there are some that take some time to help one get rid of acne. Although acne treatments are available across drug store and on the internet, it is important to know one's skin type and the kind of acne that they have been afflicted with before deciding on a cure. In case you cannot assess your skin type, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist and follow his prescription instead of medicating yourself.

Herbal treatments for acne are much sought after now a days, since traditional acne treatments have become very expensive and so have dermatologists. Herbal or alternative acne treatments have become more and more popular due to lack of considerable side effects that most acne treatments seem to have.

Not only the lack of side effects, but also additional benefits like vitamin and botanical nourishments such as DMAE (anti-oxidant), anti-ageing compounds, vitamins and other supplements in alternative acne treatment make skin pristine, add tone and improve texture.

Pharmaceutical cures for acne treatments have also evolved since and have stopped making the "magic pill" that fell out of vogue. Although many a company has made the magic pills in the past, their expensive touch and side effects have left them in the cold. Taking a cue form alternative treatment methods that comprise of herbal acne treatment, pharmaceutical medication for acne treatment have evolved to integrate the goodness of the additives in herbal medicines and have become more affordable and grown in variety to suit various skin and acne types.

Alternative acne treatments also include no medication. Yes, no medication. Acne can also be cured over a longer period of time through sheer self discipline of eating nutritious, anti-oxidant diet, reducing stress levels, drinking more water, proper hygiene and through regular exercise.

Diet recommended for people plagued with acne would consist of fruits and vegetables, no-oily and non-fatty food taken with a lot of fluids. This will help in removing toxins from your system and produce healthy sebum. This kind of diet is also good for overall health and contributes to proper digestion and detoxification.

Reducing stress levels would result in reducing pressure thus controlling the secretion of sebum and. This can be achieved through meditation or even getting proper sleep of at least eight hours a day. Drinking more water helps in keeping your body hydrated, since dry skin also causes acne and inflammation. This increases kidney function and removes toxins via the urinary route.

Exercise helps reduce toxin levels due to sweating and opens up pores on your skin. It also regulates the water levels in your body. Exercise also contributed to reduction of stress and contributes to overall health.

Hygiene for acne treatment would include regular washing of the affected areas. Always wash with plain water, several times a day. Although, washing with water removes only surface dirt, this would prevent further development of acne. Never use harsh or oily soaps. Try to use a normal soap that would help retain the pH balance of your skin.

Added to this, further alternative remedies for acne are available, which could be classified as grandmother's cure. These remedies are local to regions and countries and have been developed with many years of experience. They are known to work because they have been made to the cure acne in specific environmental and pollution specifications of the said region.

However, despite all these remedies and perspectives of looking at acne treatments, it is strongly advised to take the opinion of a qualified dermatologist before embarking upon any acne treatments.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

What Causes Acne

There is no exact cause for acne. There are several factors that doctors think bring on this problem for many people. One of those important factors is the hormone level in the body. The hormones are called androgens and increase in both boys and girls when they are going through puberty. This is the reason why there are so many pre teens and teenagers that have to deal with acne get some form of acne medication to treat it.

Another cause of acne is genetics. If a child has a parent that had to deal with a lot of acne problems as a child, then chances are they will too. When a pre teen or teenager sees that they are having a problem with acne, it is important for them to seek acne medication to help fight this problem early so that there are no long term affects of the acne.

One factor that can cause acne in girls is their menstrual period. This is a time when hormones are really active and this can cause a flare up of problems in most pre adolescent girls. There are many acne medications that can treat this problem and get their skin looking perfect again over a time period. It will take time for the skin to clear up and get back to normal.

Pregnancy and birth control pills are another reason why women get acne. When a woman is pregnant this is a time when her hormones are changing and all different things are happening to her body. Birth control pills are another source that will cause women to have an acne problem and have to resort to acne medication.

Certain medications that people have to take can also cause acne to occur in certain people. This is typically normal and can affect just about anyone. Usually once the body accepts the medications the acne will stop or at least lessen. There are acne medications to help when this is the case.

Certain fabrics as well can cause acne to appear also. Wearing tight collars, backpacks, and hats can bring on a case of acne on any part of the body. That is another factor; acne can be on any part of the body. It is not just limited to the face. When acne appears on different parts of the body, you may be able to control it with over the counter medicine or you may have to go to a doctor for your acne medications.

There are many myths of way acne starts, like chocolate or greasy foods. However, there are no actual links to these rumors and it is not proven. However, in some cases a person’s diet will affect their skin and that it why it is important to have a healthy well balanced diet so that you do not need acne medications in the future.

Monday, November 12, 2012

10 Easy and Natural Ways to Get Rid of Acne

Are you looking for acne solutions that really work? The good news is, whether you're a teenager or an adult suffering from acne, you don't have to live with it. Here you can find 10 super easy and effective ways to get rid of acne.

1. Do not pick, press or rub your pimples. These actions actually increase the sebum production and rupture the membranes below your skin. The infection and sebum will spread underneath your skin and cause more pimples. Also, you risk increasing the chances of leaving scars on your face.

2. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soup. It is even better if you can buy sulfur-based soap especially for acne. If your skin is too oily, use a soap with benzoyl peroxide. Do not use rough sponges, brushes, or anything similar on your face. You shouldn't, however, over-wash your face because it will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum which will increase your acne.

3. Check if it is because of the food. For many people, food allergy can cause very serious acne condition. You should avoid eating too much oily and spicy food. Recent studies have shown that acne can also be caused by milk which contains hormones as well as seafood with relatively high levels of iodine. If possible, cut down on those foods. Other foods you may consider avoiding are: sugar, dairy products, deep-fried food, meat, nut butters, etc. On the other hand, it is believed that green vegetables, vegetable fuices and foods rich in zinc can help alleviate acne condition.

4. Drink more water every day. "Eight glasses of water a day can keep acne away." says Jennifer Thoden, a respected acne expert. The reason is that water can carry waste material out of our body and it really helps heal and prevent acne flare-ups.

5. Do not wear makeup if possible. Makeup products can clog your pores, cause more blackheads and pimples. If you have to wear makeup, make sure it is water-based. Be sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly and cleanse your skin before you sleep.

6. Do not use oily products. Avoid products such as hair pomades, intense oil-based facial moisturizers, and oily cleansers.

7. Keep your face clean. Do not rest your chin on your hands or constantly touch your face. Regular shampoo your hair and keep it off your face, especially when you sleep.

8. Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and eliminataion of toxins.

9. Stay stress-free. Studies have shown that stress not only worsens acne flare-up, it also worsens the overall skin condition. Talk to your friends, listen to your favorite music, or take a walk in the park. There are many things you can do to be stree free.

10. Get Sunshine and fresh air. Sunshine stimulates vitamin D in the body, an essential vitamin for healthy skin. Fresh air and sunshine can also reduce stress (tip #9) and increase oxygen to the skin. Don't get burnt in the sun though. Burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a layer on the skin that doesn't exfoliate quickly enough and can lead to blocked pores.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Acne Facts And Conclusions The Real Cause

 Facts and conclusions:

1.Hormones are chemical substances ,which regulate ALL functions in human body (they tell organs and cells what to do)

2.In human body exist various hormones,but for acne,we are interested in testosterone (androgen)

3. The most active androgens are testosterone, precisely 5-testosterone (DHT) and they control SEBUM production. Too much of Sebum leads to acne formation. Why we have no acne before puberty? Simply because testosterone formation begins in puberty.

4.Other hormones can also aggravate acne, but they are not direct cause.Example:Stress situations,when our body produce hormone called glucocorticosteroids.

5.DIRECT cause of Acne is not: food,stress, poor hygiene,vitamins and bacteries on our skin. Bacteries are just last player in our story.Even hormones are not direct cause.

Direct cause of Acne is HORMONAL IMBALANCE on the first place, and toxins in our body on the second place.

 List of main acne causes:

Complex Mix of causes of Prostaglandin insufficiency > insufficiency of Prostaglandins > Hormonal imbalance > Liver can not remove all those hormones and send it to the skin > Acne

As you can see,liver health is very important.

What the hell is prostaglandin,you ask? The messengers, or communicators between the cells and the hormones are called Prostaglandins and without them there will be no communication between the cells and your hormones. When there is no communication, hormones will be out of balance. Prostaglandins are biochemicals that communicate with hormones and cells and trigger cells into action. Prostaglandins work inside the cells and help regulate the function of cells and organs through the communication of cells and hormones. Prostaglandins make sure your androgen hormones are in balance, as they regulate your hormones so that just the right amount of sebum will be produced by your skin oil glands and thus prevent excess amounts of sebum production that leads to acne.

6. Why there is no sufficient number of prostaglandins in our bodies? Because we have no enough of GLA- gamma-linnolenic acid , which is main precursor of prostaglandins. GLA is a special fatty acid from which the body can produce Prostaglandins. GLA is made from LA-Linolenic Acid, which we take through the various food. Main problem is inability of our body to convert LA to GLA ,because of stress.bad habits,foods,alcohol,lack of vitamins etc. (if we have no enough GLA ,our body can not produce prostaglandins,which regulate hormones).

7. What’s happening when we are out of prostaglandins? Hormonal imbalance! If there is an over-load of hormones in your body, the liver can have problems removing them.Liver sends overbalanced hormones our skin in form of ACNE! So,Strong Liver is a must for all acne sufferers!

8. So,what is the final solution for Acne? Answer is Restoration of Hormonal balance and making your liver stronger. This can not be done with topical and oral drugs. It can be done with HERBS and their extracts in form of tablets. GLA is main ingredient of Omega 6 fatty acid. It is best absorbed together with other fatty acids EPA and DHA.

Source Naturals ArcticPure EFA Fish Oil Contains : Essential fatty acids EPA, DHA, and GLA

Evening primrose oil is an oil rich in essential fatty acids , polyunsaturated fats that are as essential as vitamins and minerals for the maintenance of good health. The oil contains 74 percent linolenic acid (LA) and 8-10 percent gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Although other oils such as borage oil and black currant oil contain higher amounts of GLA, evening primrose oil is by far the most popular and familiar source of this fatty acid.

Some herbs make your liver stronger. Milk Thistle is best known. more on this topic on my blog

http://acne-guidelines.blogspot.com


Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Herbal medicines are not harsh because they do not contain chemicals and are made from naturally available plants. This article helps find out the natural remedies to treat acne.


Millions of people are affected by acne all over the world, as the number of skin care products proves it available in the market for treating pimples.  Many of the over-the-counter products meant for treating acne contain chemicals, which might deteriorate the skin and might be only a temporary remedy.  As the people are now aware of the hazards of the chemical usage, everyone is looking for a natural and herbal remedy to treat acne.  Herbal medicines are not harsh because it does not contain any chemicals and are compounded mixtures of naturally available plants and herbs.
Some of the natural herbal treatments for acne:

Natural treatments can be in the form of lotions, creams, home made products or even herbal formulations.  Below listed are some ingredients, which can be procured from a herbalist and made to use for treating acne.

Echinacea and tea tree oil are the very common natural herbal remedies known for treating acne and is available widely.  Echinacea and Oregon grape can help in increasing the immune system of the body.  While tea tree oil consists of terpenoids, which is known for its antifungal and antiseptic property.

Green tea is used in the defense of bacteria lowering the hormone activity, thus acne can be controlled.  Almond oil is very good in removing acne scars.

Apricot and citrus juices alleviate the presence of cysts and acts as a natural exfoliate, getting rid of the dead skin cells making the pores free from clogs.

Distilled white vinegar can be applied as a topical solution on the affected area to cleanse the pores.  Honey mask helps in the healing process of the skin affected by acne due to its anti bacterial quality.

Green tea, chamomile and oatmeal are excellent herbs for treating inflammation due to its anti inflammatory properties.  It helps to soothe the affected part and aids in the release of heat and making the skin to heal properly.  When the affected part is washed with oatmeal, the itching sensation is reduced.  Ginger helps to reduce redness and inflammation and can be consume in any form.

Licorice is a very important herb used in the treatment of acne since the Middle Ages.  Licorice increases mucous secretion, stimulating the adrenal gland function making the natural defense system of the body into overdrive to remove bacteria and germs responsible for acne and pus.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Rosacea and Acne Treatment


If you've ever suffered from rosacea, then you already know what a debilitating affliction it is. I have had to deal with bad skin ever since I was a teenager, so I am very familiar with the shame and embarrassment that comes from having a face covered in a red rash. One unique characteristic about this skin problem is the fact that sometimes it doesn't clear up completely, and in extreme cases, can even lead to scarring. This happened to me, which meant that I was faced with the possibility of carrying around reminders of my skin troubles for my entire life. Fortunately, however, I discovered several rosacea laser treatments that have worked wonders.

Of course, my dermatologist had been mentioning the possibility of rosacea laser treatment to me for years, but financial difficulties prevented me from following through. Because my insurance company considered rosacea laser treatments elective cosmetic procedures, I would have had to pay for everything out of pocket and the expense was simply too great at the time.

But, as is usually the case, things have changed with time. Now rosacea laser treatment are more common and more affordable than ever before. From what I was able to see, they are more effective as well. So I finally decided to take the plunge and get the rosacea laser treatment that I'd been putting off for so long.

The first thing I had to do was decide which treatment method would be best for me. As you might expect, there are several different kinds of rosacea laser treatment available on the market, so I had to do some research on the subject. I discovered that choosing the right one comes down to a combination of factors, including the severity of the scarring and the amount of money I was willing to spend. In cases where the scarring is more or less superficial, over-the-counter creams and ointments may be able to help. For more serious cases, advanced rosacea laser treatment such as prescription medications and laser therapy.

Another thing I learned is that rosacea laser treatment can help lessen the effects of scarring, but most likely won't remove the scars completely. Even so, I saw dramatic improvements in the before and after photos that my dermatologist showed me during my consultation. But my dermatologist also reminded me that each patient's case is different, and that results will almost certainly vary from person to person. Nevertheless, I had already made up my mind to undergo rosacea scar treatment.

Overall, I have to say this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am happy to report that my skin's appearance did improve as a result of the rosacea laser treatment I chose, and now I feel like a whole new person. If your skin is causing you embarrassment and preventing you from enjoying your life, I recommend checking out some rosacea laser treatment today.


Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Skin Care For Acne Sufferers


For many cases of acne, a physician will recommend that individuals gently wash their skin with mild soap and possibly a cleanser.  The best time for acne sufferers, or anyone, to wash their skin is in the morning and the evening and following any exercise program.  In caring for skin, many acne sufferers believe it’s better to scrub their skin in hopes of getting it clean.  However, this is not a good idea.  If you already suffer from acne, scrubbing will only make the condition worse and may cause irritation to your otherwise healthy skin.  Instead, gently washing the skin with a soap that does not contain harsh ingredients and contains some type of moisturizing lotion may help to cleanse and rejuvenate without the potential for irritation.

Individuals who notice the presence of acne should avoid the temptation to pick, squeeze or pinch their blemishes.  This action may lead to scarring or even infection if not left alone to heal.  In addition, acne breakouts should not be touched or rubbed in order to avoid irritation.  Individuals should also avoid a sunburn or suntan for the sole purpose of concealing acne.  Because either of these two darkens the skin, many believe that this will lessen the visibility of their breakout.  While this may be true, it is also very temporary and it’s important to note that prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning bed may increase the risk of early aging signs, developing skin disorders or even cancer later on in life.

If they are makeup wearers, individuals who are being treated for acne may wish to reconsider their choice in cosmetics.  Any type of product that is used, including foundation, moisturizers, eye shadow and bush should be oil free.  It can sometimes be difficult to evenly apply cosmetics when acne is present.  The reason is because it’s nearly impossible to get a smooth application when your skin has red bumps or inflammations.  The best way to conceal blemishes is to dampen a makeup sponge before dipping it into the foundation.  Once the foundation is present on the dampened sponge, it should be evenly applied over the face.  This technique will provide better coverage for acne sufferers and will result in a much smoother look than just using a dry application.

When some people think of skin care, they feel that they couldn’t possibly have the time to devote to making their skin look and feel great.  The truth is, however, that regular cleansing with the proper soap and choosing the right cosmetics can go a long way in improving the tone of your skin.  In addition, skin care is linked to other factors, including diet and exercise.  If you can maintain a well-balanced diet and participate in an exercise as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week, your skin tone ay improve dramatically.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only.  It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of acne.  If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of cleansers or other effective treatment methods.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Taking Birth Control Pills to Fight Acne


Anybody who’s ever had a run-in with acne probably knows that there’s a vast array of products out there that all claim to get rid of zits fast and effectively. Unfortunately, there’s just not that one miracle product out there that will cure everybody’s acne ailments. More often than not, a person who suffers from acne has to try and test out a variety of products before they find anything that really works with them. It can be a long and frustrating road to travel down at times.

There are really a lot of factors when it comes to determining what causes acne in certain people. Cleanliness of the skin is one factor that is important but not the main cause. When experiencing acne breakouts, a clean, well moisturized face is essential to help prevent further attacks, but having a completely clean face at all times does not guarantee that it will be free of acne for all of that time. Diet is another widely ignored factor that is important when it comes to a clear complexion. The foods and drink a person consumes does have a direct effect on what is secreted through the skin. If someone has a diet that is high in fat, sugars, and preservatives, they have a much greater chance of experiencing acne breakouts.

Another major factor that causes acne is an imbalance of hormones in the human body. Hormonal imbalances that cause acne in humans are primarily because of the bodies over or under production of sebum. Sebum is a substance found in the sebaceous glands that the body normally produces to lubricate and protect the skin from the environment. When there is either too much or too little of this sebum being produced, the pores and hair follicles can become dry and irritated, leading to acne breakouts.  Acne problems happen for women when there is either an overproduction of androgens or they are overly sensitive to the body’s natural level of those androgens. Another imbalance can be an underproduction of estrogen; the chemical found in females that counteracts the effects of androgens. Birth control pills contain two chemicals- estrogen and progestin, which are known agents in maintaining a normal hormonal balance.

Progestin is a pill that contains a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. It is both helpful and harmful when it comes to acne on the skin. It is beneficial in that it bonds with the progesterone to maintain normal sebum production but is also known to cause the body to retain more water than usual, which can lead to bloating and blocked pores and hair follicles. The birth control pill helps to prevent excess androgen formation by reducing the amount found in the bloodstream and blocking them from the receptors or the sebaceous glands. This is why birth control pills are so effective in helping to prevent acne in so many women.
Just like acne products, there are a multitude of birth control pills that are produced and manufactured for a variety of physical body types. In order to get on birth control pills, a woman must first consult a physician in order to find out what will be the best type for her personal needs. Pills come in a variety of brand names and ingredients and range in a number of strengths. A physician will be the most helpful in determining which is the appropriate type. If you are a woman who is suffering from acne, you may benefit from looking into the use of contraceptive pills to help fight off future acne breakouts.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Understanding Acne in Puberty Stage


Puberty acne develops from a few simple steps. First, teenage acne occurs when for some unknown reason or combination of reasons, hair follicles, also known as pores, become blocked. Although the exact combination of reasons that pores become clogged may not be fully known, many contributing elements for teenagers and adults alike can include:

    * genetics (whether or not there is a history of acne problems and if so, to what extent)
    * hormones
    * dietary and vitamin make up (or lack of /deficiency)
    * stress related factors

Other denominators in the development of puberty acne could include factors like how your body normally rids itself of its dead skin cells. And influences that may be working against this regularity. For example, climate and other environmental factors, overall body health at the time of the outbreak, and your hormones and their effect on your own body's sebum production (especially for females).

Second, the normal dead skin cells that combine with your body's natural sebum oil as it drains through the skin's surface become clogged in these blocked pores. This substance becomes somewhat sticky, further clogging the passageway.

Third, bacteria begins to grow around these clogged areas. As a normal reaction, your body's white blood cells attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body.

And forth, the resulting growths during this 14-day to 21-day battle are called microcomedones. Microcomedones turn into comedones, commonly referred to as blemishes, pimples or acne.

There are basically four types of puberty acne: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and nodules.

Whiteheads are when the sebum (oil) and resulting bacteria are trapped below the skin's surface and you can actually see a white head appear above (or near popping out of) the skin.

Blackheads are when the sebum and resulting bacteria are only partially trapped, slowly draining out the surface and turning black because of your skin's melanin or pigmentation. In the absence of either white or blackhead are generally (but not always) smaller pimples. And the often deeper, boil-like lesions are referred to as nodules.

All forms of puberty acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Typically, mild puberty acne is visible in the form of whiteheads and blackheads, sometimes pimples.

With moderate puberty acne, more pimples and pustules are present on the face, some may appear on the back or chest.

And with severe puberty acne, many nodules develop, often large and sore, over parts of the face, back, chest and other body areas. This type of acne can lead to scarring.

Actually, lesser cases of puberty acne have been followed by scarring. So for those with possible nodular acne, seeking advice from a healthcare provider as soon as possible is recommended.

A gender issue to note is that males more often have the severe form of acne rather than females, due to their hormones. And the areas where they tend to break out most frequently are unfortunately more difficult to treat, the chest and back.

Friday, June 1, 2012

The Acne and Diet Connection


Acne, as you may notice, affects additional than ninety percent of the world’s population at some occasion in their life. It is in detail the most common skin disease treated by dermatologist and most of its victims are teenagers and adults. According to some technical research, acne is caused by different factors like hormones, bacteria, and some genetic factors. Some even oral that acne is caused by a poor diet, to which many did not agree.

 Well, the acne and diet issue has been studied for several years. Although some dermatologist claimed that diet has naught to do with the formation of acne, many still hold that acne and diet has a certain dovetail. Acne and diet are somehow correlated as diet plays a role in the maturation of acne. Here’s a common interpretation that cede show how acne and diet are connected.

 Certain studies own found out that eating pure carbohydrates and sugar leads to a surge of insulin as well as an insulin - like swelling factor proclaimed as IGF - 1 in the article. If this forms, it then can escort to an excess of mainly hormones, androgens, which are deemed as the most potent produce of the acne formation. The acne and diet connection maintains that if an excess of manlike hormones is produced, the pores of the skin leave emit sebum or oil, which is a greasy substance that generally pulls the weight of acne - causing bacteria. In addendum, this process triggers the IGF - 1 to create skin cells proclaimed as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, which in turn is a process material with the acne formation.

 further, the dovetail between acne and diet is shown with the impact of certain studies conducted on the acne cases in islanders of Papua New Guinea and hunter - gatherers of Paraguay. According to this acne and diet connection study, the face of acne is triggered by some environmental factors to which diet is one. Many posses found out through such acne and diet study that limiting grains is an integral pace toward optimizing your health, which led the researchers to think that no - grain diet is somehow salutary for acne.

 Today, the acne and diet fit is one of the hottest issues in the medical field. Many own claimed that there is only little research regarding the connection between acne and diet for there is no money in it. Some even claimed that doctors and dermatologists only chat that diet has naught to do with acne since they can’t sell you a healthy diet. Now, come to think of it, underneath it all, acne just like some diseases is caused by diet, but you can’t cure it by just focusing on the diet since some other aggravators are behind it.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Using Acne Cleansers To Control Your Acne


Before getting into acne control, let us know how it is formed. Oil called sebum is secreted normally from hair follicles which travel up to the pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes, there are overworked oil glands which enlarge and produce too much sebum which can get trapped in the hair follicle. Thus the pores will get clogged which are either called blackheads or whiteheads, allow bacteria overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. In the surrounding skin, acne will be formed by inflaming the hair follicle by this bacterium.

Acne control

Including a variety of seeds, nuts, vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet can be a good control for acne. Drink plenty of water every day since dehydrated skin sheds dead cells which can lead to clogged pores and effective acne control. Most skin care products contain chemical ingredients that can aggravate acne. If you use make-up, try products that are non-comedogenic. Keeping stress levels low can also reduce the release of stress hormones and reduce the intensity of acne. Dairy products and red meat in your diet can cause acne. Heavily tanned skin can lead to blocked pores. Some of the acne control guidelines recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology are as follows.
Do not squeeze, pop or pick at the acne lesion. This can spread the inflammatory process and worsen the acne.
Wash your face twice a day gently with mild soap or sulfur soap. Just pat your face dry and do not rub it with a towel.
Avoid oil based products.
Avoid acne irritants such as airborne grease from fast food restaurants, rubbing or friction from sporting equipment etc.
Give anti-acne products time to clear up the lesions. This can mean several weeks or even months.
Some acne products increase the skin's photosensitivity. When in the sun wear a hat and use sunscreen and avoid tanning booths while using these products.

Acne Cleanser

Acne Cleansers have an important part in skin care. A good acne cleanser will remove make-up, oil build up, dirt and other debris from the skin's surface, preparing it for acne fighting treatments.

Before the acne treatment, the skin has to be washed properly. Avoid using bath soap on your skin for cleansing. There are many kinds of skin cleansers in the market and you can choose the mildest cleanser for your skin. They are all natural and medicated cleansers and are great in controlling acnes. Some of the natural daily cleansers are as shown.

1. PhytoMe Gentle Cleansing Gel
Ingredients include herbal extracts that remove debris, impurities and excess sebum from the skin's surface to leave a clean refreshed feeling to your face. It can be used  2-3 times daily as a facial cleanser or make-up remover.



2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser
It includes all natural, facial cleanser/toner/make-up removers. This acne cleanser uses the properties of orange extracts to remove impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin. This product does not clog pores and it keeps the skin clean and nourished and is great even for oily skins.



3. FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser
The self foaming formula of this cleanser clears all make-up and impurities without harming the skin. The skin is cleaned and refreshed and can be used both in the morning and night.


4. St. Ives Facial Foaming Cleanser
It is 100% soap-free and includes acne-fighting tea tree oil combined with gentle glycerin and chamomile extract to balance the moisture, creating a cleanser that prevents breakouts without drying the skin. This cleanser is excellent for removing facial make-up, oil and dirt.

5. Fira Foaming Tea Tree Facial Cleanser
The clarity, tone, and texture of your skin can be greatly improved by using this instant, self-foaming acne cleanser. The tea tree oil has the natural properties for controlling skin problems and fighting acne causing bacteria. Due to the deep penetrating action of the foam, the skin is cleaned, leaving it fresh, and refreshed.

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Friday, May 25, 2012

The Best Way To Clear Up Acne


When you have a pimple on your face it is certain that this will attract remarks from friends and foes. The only snag is the comments can be derisive, rather than complimentary. I experienced the same thing in high school, when my biggest priority then was finding the best way to clear up acne. Let's face it; no one likes a face full of pimples, because they have a way of lowering your self esteem. But fortunately, there are several methods available for getting rid of this skin condition.

I can bet not many people know of any method that can guaranty a total clear up acne. And the reason for this has to do with our skin types. Again, I can wager my monthly pay that most folks don't know their skin types either. I got to know mine when I was 19 years old.

But a fact that is both glaring and disturbing is that males have oilier skins than females, which can only indicate one thing: males are more susceptible to acne. Regarding your skin type, consulting a skin physician will help clarify this, and this doctor can also suggest ways to clear up acne, and prevent its reoccurrence. Acne are caused by the blockage of skin pores by dirt’s and oils, so the best way to prevent this skin blemish is to free the skin from the causative agents.

If you find the subject of how to clear up acne confusing, you can turn to the Internet for assistance, of course using your computer or Mac. You can find one of the numerous products that really clear up acne very quick. One good product I recommend is Proactive Solution, but your physician can also prescribe an effective cream or pill.

Other factors that can aid the process of removing skin blemishes is by following a healthy diet regimen and drinking plenty of water. Also the right amount of sleep can go a long way in keeping your body rejuvenated. Generally, you can clear up acne by living straight and adhering to the appropriate treatments for your skin blemishes.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

What Causes Adult Acne?


Regardless of age, acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. An acne lesion forms when a hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum and dead cells. The pathogenic (disease-causing) events in the sebaceous glands are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with the growth and development that occurs between the ages of 12 and 21. Therefore, it is important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:

   1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence

   2.   Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy

   3.   Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:

    *   Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

    *   Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

    *   Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

    *   Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.

It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.


Friday, May 18, 2012

Top Five Acne Remedies


Many people are concerned about products to remove acne, yet perhaps the more important factor to consider is prevention. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, here are five of the basic but most important ways in order to treat and prevent acne build up.

1. Cleaning

Washing away the outside layer of the skin with natural oils is not really helpful preventing or curing acne, or pimple for other people, for it develops under the skin. Although it's a belief the people develop acne due to the fact that they don't cleanse their skin thoroughly. For everyone's information, washing the skin too much can cause irritation and produces more whiteheads and blackheads that turn into pimples after being infected. Gentle washing is only needed. Use mild soaps or cleanser, an example is Cetaphil or acne bars. Another good sample is Neutrogena product that washes acne.

2. Exfoliating

It is also important to exfoliate; this helps remove the dead skin cells, to maintain a healthy and glowing skin. A mild cleanser will help exfoliate the face after washing. Scrubbing will also help exfoliate the face, which can be done once or twice a week. This procedure will aid in reducing dead layers skin cells that clog the pores, reason why more pimples or acne.

3. Keeping the skin Clear

- Make sure that all cosmetics such as powder, lotion, blush on, foundation, and even sunscreen are oil free

- Complex 15 is oil free moisturizer that helps avoid dry skin

- Get in the habit of using oil-free lotions

- Get rid of hair chemicals such as gels or hair cream

- Always watch for labels with the term non-comedogenic, which means they don't cause pores to be clogged

4. Proven Chemicals

Benzoyl Peroxide

This eliminates the bacteria that worsens acne and it also unplugs oil secretions and helps pimples or acne to heal. This can be found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. Start traditionalistically with a five percent moisturizer once everyday like after washing the face before going to bed. After a week, make it twice everyday if there are no other medications being taken or used. If the acne is not yet healed after four to six weeks, try a ten per cent mixture. This can be bought over-the-counter, however, there is a need to seek for a doctor's prescription. Just be sure to request for a real form: the pharmacist can be asked which can be bought over-the-counter or which needs prescription.

Antibiotics

These are available only if there's a doctor's recommendation. Antibiotics are very helpful aid for pimples or acne that is already swelling and red and usually have pus, or for if it not those not anymore being treated with medications as expected. These antibiotics eliminate the bacteria, which develop to whiteheads. Make it a point to follow the doctor's recommended dosage and always take the antibiotic pills with enough amount of water. Some of these bacteria killing medicines may also increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun, for this use sunscreen when going out to prevent any sunburn.

Accutane

Accutane are antibiotics that are available only under a doctor's order and recommendation. Accutane is a very optimized pill that is intended for those with deep scars, or pimples that can no longer be treated by other medications or antibiotics. Blood test is taken every now and then when using Accutane as medication, as this can affect the levels blood cell and blood count. For women, the physician, possibly an obstetrician-gynecologist may require the intake of birth control pills prior to prescribing the Accutane. Extra caution is really taken into consideration, as it can be very harmful to to pregnant women. However, until this time some physicians are not prescribing Accutane.

5. Treatment Information

The Treatment can take some time which often takes six to eight weeks for the pimple to heal after there will be another start of treatment. Some medications can cause acne to get even bigger or redder before it gets well, there are times when these could have pus too. If the acne still has not welled after several medications with other drugs, the doctor may suggest that the patient take an oral medicine. Doctors recommend this retinoid as a last treatment, due to its serious effects and it is also very expensive. Sometimes women are asked to take birth control pills as to help them control acne especially in women who mood swings even before their menstruations start.


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

What Is Acne?


Don't let Acne decrease your self-confidence.
Anyone can be affected by it.  
Acne is commonly known as pimples, it is a skin condition that commonly afflicts people during their teenage years. Acne pre-dominantly affects the face but can also show up on the back, neck, shoulders and chest. While most common in teenagers it can appear on adults as well. Neither race or gender is an indicator of acne as it affects male and female and all races equally.

The medical term for it is Acne Vulgaris. It can be diagnosed by the lesions that form on the skin. These lesions can take several different forms: blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Cysts are formed when the pore becomes completely blocked. Acne is most common during puberty because at this time your body is creating an excess of sebum.
Sebum is an oily substance designed to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated. During puberty the production of sebum is greatly increased which can cause the skin to feel oily and clog pores.

During puberty there is also an increase in the production of follicle cells. Dead follicle cells mixed with sebum can build up and cause white heads. This mix of oil and dead cells is a perfect breeding ground for bacterial which will cause the swelling and redness associated with pimples.

Acne affects about 85% of all people sometime from the age of 12-24. Around 25% of these people will have acne on their back and/or neck as well as the face. The acne will be severe enough to cause about 40% of these people to seek medical treatment.

Acne is most common on the face, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. The back is the next most common area of affliction followed by the neck, chest and shoulders.

Most people will have outgrown their acne problems by the time they reach their twenty's, but some people will continue to suffer from acne even as adults. In some cases people will not have any acne issues until they are adults, this happens more frequently in men than women.

Acne can have severe emotional and psychological repercussions. Since it affects their appearance it also affects their self image and self esteem. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to this attack on their self-confidence and can even trigger withdraw and depression, as well as feelings of anger and frustration.

Fortunately in this day and age there are many treatments that can help with acne. The foremost thing that can be done to help avoid or alleviate acne is to keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Washing the most common problem areas several times a day with soap and water, especially after any activity that triggers perspiration, is usually adequate. There are also many medications available by prescription and over the counter to help with acne control.

If the acne is severe enough you can consult a dermatologist, they can prescribe medications for the skin as well as antibiotics to help fight the bacteria. They can also offer advise on life style and diet changes that might help with the condition.