The holiday season is undoubtedly a time for rejoicing. Unfortunately, the average adult does a little too much celebrating during this time of year, which leads to extra baggage when the New Year rings in. Festivities that include indulging in extra helpings, snacking on seasonal treats, and little to no workout time all contribute to the increase in dieters in January.
So, this holiday season buck the trends and avoid the Seasonal Seven (the average weight most of us will gain between Thanksgiving and the New Year). That’s one trend you don’t want to participate in!
Even though this time of year may bring upon additional stresses and challenges, there are ways to find balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Though at times it may seem impossible to bypass the season's traditional foods, there are many ways to partake in the fun without increasing your pant size. The festivities don’t have to be eliminated or avoided. You can have a fabulous time while also maintaining your weight and your fitness regimen.
Moderation is the word of the season. It’s the secret to achieving a fun but also healthy holiday time. With a moderate approach both to what you eat (or don’t eat) and how much exercise you do (or don’t do), you can avoid packing on weight AND also partake in all the fun of this time of year. So this season, get a head start on the New Year instead of starting January with extra pounds to lose.
Here are some tips to help you during those hectic holiday weeks:
• Create a plan ahead of time. Before the holidays sneak up on you, create a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutrition into your daily routine. Evaluate your holiday schedule and then determine how much time you will realistically have available to devote to working out.
• If you work in an office setting be prepared for the deluge of guilty treats your co-workers and other business associates will graciously want to share. Stash your own healthy snacks in your desk so you won’t be tempted to overindulge when your grumbling stomach demands a 3:00 snack time.
• Don’t put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If you can’t exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately. Don’t use the excuse that since you don’t have time for your full workout you just won’t workout at all. Instead accept your limited availability and simply reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It’s much better to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
• When attending a holiday function, try to eat ahead of time to lessen your hunger. If the party is in the evening, eat breakfast, lunch and a snack before hand (just as you would on any other day). Since you have eaten meals earlier in the day, you’ll be less tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight. However, if you instead starve all day long attempting to “save up” all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time it begins that it will be difficult not to overeat.
• Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.
• At holiday dinners, skip the gravy, dressings, and high-calorie condiments.
• On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. You’ll probably end up doing more than that once you get started. Even if you only end up completing 10 minutes, that is still a lot better than zero minutes.
• When at a party, scout out healthy food options rather than doing a grab and run on all the unhealthy selections. For example, vegetable sticks (without dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces, etc. Then move on to some of the less healthy (but yummy) offerings. You will be less likely to overindulge on these foods if you have already filled-up on some of the healthier items. Yet, you will not feel deprived or unsatisfied.
• Exercise at home. You’ll be more inclined to follow-through on your exercise commitment if you don’t have to drive somewhere to do your workout. Plus, you won’t waste any time on driving, parking, the locker room or waiting to use equipment. Working out at home requires very little equipment (it even can be equipment-free) and is quite inexpensive.
• Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you’ve drunk the equivalent calories of an entire meal. If you partake in these beverages, choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing half a glass of wine with sparkling water or with a diet soda. This will help cut your calories in half.
• When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some healthy snacks to have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big appetite, you won’t be tempted to grab something at the mall food court or the fast food restaurant on the way home.
• Don’t linger at the buffet or in the kitchen. If you loiter in close proximity to all the guilty temptations, you’ll struggle to keep from unconsciously shoveling food into your mouth.
• Focus on socializing. Remember one of the great things about the holidays is spending time with friends and family. During get-togethers spend the majority of time sharing conversation instead of sharing desserts.
Hopefully these tips will help you find a balance between staying fit and also enjoying the fun of the season. Remember, moderation is the key. Have a great holiday season!
Acne Scarring - What Are My Treatment Options?
Acne Scarring can have serious effects on a person's self-image and emotional state. Fortunately there have been significant advances in the treatment of acne-related scarring in recent years. It is important to note that nothing will completely heal the majority of scars.
Laser Therapy - Using lasers to treat scars is a new technology, but is one of the most promising options for severe scarring. The lasers remove the scarred skin, and encourage growth of new skin in its place. After treatment, the skin will be pink and swollen for a week or so. During this time, bandages need to be kept over the skin to prevent infection. It takes months for the skin to return to normal, but most people will see less noticeable scars and smoother skin. Laser scar treatment can be quite expensive, however.
Surgical Therapy (Dermabrasion) - This form of scar treatment uses a motorized burr, which usually contains diamond particles. Diamonds are very strong abrasives when in a powder-form. A scab will form once the procedure is completed. Once the wound is healed, a smooth pink layer of new skin will appear. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and each one can cost $1500.
Creams and Gels - There are many topical treatments that claim to reduce the appearance of scars. Some contain Vitamin E and other nutrients. Mederma is a popular brand name. Many people report that it can improve scars in as little as 8 weeks for new scars, or 6 months for older scars. Results with topical ointments like this will vary from person to person.
Collagen Injection - This is a temporary fix, where the patient's own body fat or collagen is injected into the scar site. This works well for some people with deep-pitted scars. The material injected serves to raise the skin, and reduce the pitted appearance, and wrinkling from the scar. However, this procedure needs to be repeated every 6 months and can be expensive.
Laser Therapy - Using lasers to treat scars is a new technology, but is one of the most promising options for severe scarring. The lasers remove the scarred skin, and encourage growth of new skin in its place. After treatment, the skin will be pink and swollen for a week or so. During this time, bandages need to be kept over the skin to prevent infection. It takes months for the skin to return to normal, but most people will see less noticeable scars and smoother skin. Laser scar treatment can be quite expensive, however.
Surgical Therapy (Dermabrasion) - This form of scar treatment uses a motorized burr, which usually contains diamond particles. Diamonds are very strong abrasives when in a powder-form. A scab will form once the procedure is completed. Once the wound is healed, a smooth pink layer of new skin will appear. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and each one can cost $1500.
Creams and Gels - There are many topical treatments that claim to reduce the appearance of scars. Some contain Vitamin E and other nutrients. Mederma is a popular brand name. Many people report that it can improve scars in as little as 8 weeks for new scars, or 6 months for older scars. Results with topical ointments like this will vary from person to person.
Collagen Injection - This is a temporary fix, where the patient's own body fat or collagen is injected into the scar site. This works well for some people with deep-pitted scars. The material injected serves to raise the skin, and reduce the pitted appearance, and wrinkling from the scar. However, this procedure needs to be repeated every 6 months and can be expensive.
Acne’s Top 10 FAQ’s
1.) Can you get (catch) acne from other people?
Answer: While certain types of acne do contain a bacterium, it is located in the hair follicles under your skin and can not be transmitted through contact. So no, touching or kissing someone with acne will not cause you to develop acne.
2.) If both my parents had acne does that mean I will develop acne?
Answer: Studies show that heredity does play an important role in determining who develops acne. So children of parents who had or have acne are at a grater risk then others. It should be noted that as with any disease just because you have a family history, does not guarantee you will get it; only that you have a much great chance then someone with no family history.
3.) Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?
Answer: Over the years studies have suggested everything from chocolate, candy, fried foods, sugar, drinking water, orange juice to milk can cause you to develop acne or make existing acne worse. However their is no scientific evidence to support any such results. There are so many factors effecting acne development that it is very difficult to isolate any one cause. So whether or not to avoid certain foods or drinks is really just an individual preference. If you find your skin reacts negatively to certain foods, then just don’t eat or drink it.
4.) Does dirt on my skin cause acne?
Answer: Having proper hygiene will help with healthy skin. However dirty skin will not cause acne, but anybody with acne should be extra vigilant in having a good cleansing routine. Over washing can irritate your skin and make it more vulnerable to infection. Washing with a gentle cleanser will help reduce skin cell build up and keep your skin looking at its best. So find a balance and try not to over wash.
5.) Does stress cause acne?
Answer: Stress has been shown to make acne worse, not directly cause it. So if you suffer from acne you should be aware of how you react under stress and develop ways to help manage and keep it under control. This will not only help with controlling your acne but also benefit your over all health.
6.) Can you develop acne once you are out of your teens?
Answer: The simple answer is yes. In fact many people who never experienced acne as a teen can develop it in their 30, 40, and 50’s.
7.) Does make up or sunscreen make acne worse?
Answer: Certain products that are overly greasy and thick can plug the skins follicles leading to the development of acne. Not all products affect everyone the same way, so while you many develop acne using one product someone else may not. If you are prone to acne you will need to be extra careful with what you put on your skin. Try to always use oil free products and also test a small amount on a patch of skin for a few days before using it all over.
8.) Will exercising affect my acne?
Answer: While it is still unclear why this happens, vigorous exercising that causes your body to heat up and sweat does seem to cause acne to get worse for certain people. One theory is that exercise increases the production of sebum, the oil that when to much is produced can lead to acne.
9.) Can a facial help with acne?
Answer: There is no easy way to answer this question. The term facial is used to describe everything from an over the counter product you buy from a drug store and do it yourself to something done at an expensive spa for hundreds of dollars. The bottom line is anything that might irritate your skin can make your acne worse.
10.) Why does my acne stop responding to my current treatment?
Answer: Acne medication, like all medications can become less effective over time as your body builds a resistance to them. It might be necessary to use acne treatment regiments on a rotational basis for optimum effectiveness.
Answer: While certain types of acne do contain a bacterium, it is located in the hair follicles under your skin and can not be transmitted through contact. So no, touching or kissing someone with acne will not cause you to develop acne.
2.) If both my parents had acne does that mean I will develop acne?
Answer: Studies show that heredity does play an important role in determining who develops acne. So children of parents who had or have acne are at a grater risk then others. It should be noted that as with any disease just because you have a family history, does not guarantee you will get it; only that you have a much great chance then someone with no family history.
3.) Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?
Answer: Over the years studies have suggested everything from chocolate, candy, fried foods, sugar, drinking water, orange juice to milk can cause you to develop acne or make existing acne worse. However their is no scientific evidence to support any such results. There are so many factors effecting acne development that it is very difficult to isolate any one cause. So whether or not to avoid certain foods or drinks is really just an individual preference. If you find your skin reacts negatively to certain foods, then just don’t eat or drink it.
4.) Does dirt on my skin cause acne?
Answer: Having proper hygiene will help with healthy skin. However dirty skin will not cause acne, but anybody with acne should be extra vigilant in having a good cleansing routine. Over washing can irritate your skin and make it more vulnerable to infection. Washing with a gentle cleanser will help reduce skin cell build up and keep your skin looking at its best. So find a balance and try not to over wash.
5.) Does stress cause acne?
Answer: Stress has been shown to make acne worse, not directly cause it. So if you suffer from acne you should be aware of how you react under stress and develop ways to help manage and keep it under control. This will not only help with controlling your acne but also benefit your over all health.
6.) Can you develop acne once you are out of your teens?
Answer: The simple answer is yes. In fact many people who never experienced acne as a teen can develop it in their 30, 40, and 50’s.
7.) Does make up or sunscreen make acne worse?
Answer: Certain products that are overly greasy and thick can plug the skins follicles leading to the development of acne. Not all products affect everyone the same way, so while you many develop acne using one product someone else may not. If you are prone to acne you will need to be extra careful with what you put on your skin. Try to always use oil free products and also test a small amount on a patch of skin for a few days before using it all over.
8.) Will exercising affect my acne?
Answer: While it is still unclear why this happens, vigorous exercising that causes your body to heat up and sweat does seem to cause acne to get worse for certain people. One theory is that exercise increases the production of sebum, the oil that when to much is produced can lead to acne.
9.) Can a facial help with acne?
Answer: There is no easy way to answer this question. The term facial is used to describe everything from an over the counter product you buy from a drug store and do it yourself to something done at an expensive spa for hundreds of dollars. The bottom line is anything that might irritate your skin can make your acne worse.
10.) Why does my acne stop responding to my current treatment?
Answer: Acne medication, like all medications can become less effective over time as your body builds a resistance to them. It might be necessary to use acne treatment regiments on a rotational basis for optimum effectiveness.
Acne and Adult Acne (Rosacea), what is wrong with me?
When my friend Sid was small he used to get pimples. His brothers used to get acne pimples as well but they were lucky because their acne used to disappear quickly. He was the unlucky one because he used to get a new one almost every other day. Everyone told him that once he will reach the age of 25 they will go away, and they did but unfortunately he contracted with rosacea, i.e. adult acne.
He used to get patchy-redness and sudden flushing all the time, sometimes he had a pimple or two but his skin used to remain oily all the time. He used to wash his face every couple of hours with medicated soap but his face used to get oily very quickly.
The problem was that he didn’t even realize that he had rosacea for the first few years until his skin specialist diagnosed him with rosacea. He became self-conscious and used to avoid gatherings. He tried many different treatments and medicines antibiotics, Retin-A you name it he tried it including herbal treatments. Even used gram flour and orange peel, which his grandma prepared and forced him to used but nothing worked for him.
First I had Acne and now adult acne, what is the problem with me? The question he used to ask himself and to everyone else almost everyday for which the answer we still don't know.
He tried different creams and changed his skin specialist again and
again to find the right one. But unfortunately nothing and no one could help him. This is because what causes rosacea is still unknown. It is still a mystery even for some doctors that which rosacea treatment is actually right for someone who has rosacea. It’s not that treatments do not work with rosacea, some treatments work well, but which one is the right one is a million dollar question.
Until one day when his mum's ever increasing criticism became unbearable he stopped using soap, drinking more water and he started washing his face only with warm water. In his own words the first 3 weeks were terrible for him. He could not go out, he could not face anyone. I think it was just his imagination that he looked awful but after that his face accepted water and the oiliness of his face started to decline. It took about 2 months before his face started to remain dry and he got rid of oiliness.
The flushing was still the big problem for him. Even though he promised himself that he will not used any new treatment but a sudden flare-up still made him look around for treatments. Then he discovered Jojoba Oil, which was a turning point and a true-life saver for him, that’s what he says about the oil. It took about a week before his face actually accepted the oil. The best thing was the application of Jojoba oil was simple, just warm water a drop of pure jojoba oil every morning and evening and his face redness started to decline. Nowadays he doesn't get sudden flare-ups.
I hope that some people who are suffering from acne rosacea, if increase the use of water and use jojoba oil instead of experimenting on new medicated soaps and creams then they might help them with their rosacea problem.
He used to get patchy-redness and sudden flushing all the time, sometimes he had a pimple or two but his skin used to remain oily all the time. He used to wash his face every couple of hours with medicated soap but his face used to get oily very quickly.
The problem was that he didn’t even realize that he had rosacea for the first few years until his skin specialist diagnosed him with rosacea. He became self-conscious and used to avoid gatherings. He tried many different treatments and medicines antibiotics, Retin-A you name it he tried it including herbal treatments. Even used gram flour and orange peel, which his grandma prepared and forced him to used but nothing worked for him.
First I had Acne and now adult acne, what is the problem with me? The question he used to ask himself and to everyone else almost everyday for which the answer we still don't know.
He tried different creams and changed his skin specialist again and
again to find the right one. But unfortunately nothing and no one could help him. This is because what causes rosacea is still unknown. It is still a mystery even for some doctors that which rosacea treatment is actually right for someone who has rosacea. It’s not that treatments do not work with rosacea, some treatments work well, but which one is the right one is a million dollar question.
Until one day when his mum's ever increasing criticism became unbearable he stopped using soap, drinking more water and he started washing his face only with warm water. In his own words the first 3 weeks were terrible for him. He could not go out, he could not face anyone. I think it was just his imagination that he looked awful but after that his face accepted water and the oiliness of his face started to decline. It took about 2 months before his face started to remain dry and he got rid of oiliness.
The flushing was still the big problem for him. Even though he promised himself that he will not used any new treatment but a sudden flare-up still made him look around for treatments. Then he discovered Jojoba Oil, which was a turning point and a true-life saver for him, that’s what he says about the oil. It took about a week before his face actually accepted the oil. The best thing was the application of Jojoba oil was simple, just warm water a drop of pure jojoba oil every morning and evening and his face redness started to decline. Nowadays he doesn't get sudden flare-ups.
I hope that some people who are suffering from acne rosacea, if increase the use of water and use jojoba oil instead of experimenting on new medicated soaps and creams then they might help them with their rosacea problem.
Acne: The battle of facing acne
Acne is a problem for everyone. First, because it is difficult to accept it; and second, because you have to figth against this skin disorder and social beauty parameters too. However, everything goes worst when a young girl or boy suffers acne, since classmates are cuel and do not watch themselves.
Something similar happened to Chelsea Fahey a girl who had always been celebrated for her looks, since she was a child model and won more than 10 beauty pageant titles, eventually going on win the Miss Teen America 2004 crown.
Her nigthmare began in seventh grade, when she fought an embarrassing battle against severe acne. “I would hide my face with my hair, and I would look down so I wouldn't see people's reactions and I wouldn't have to deal with the pain of seeing people wincing”, remembers Chelsea, who is now 18.
Acne affects personality and emotions of people. Although it is a common problem, it devastates even who are stronger. According to the Academy of Dermatology, almost every teen aged 12 to 17 will suffer from some form of acne, but 40 per cent of those will develop severe acne. They will not get pimples; they will get cysts that can cause scarring and emotional devastation.
“I didn't make very many friends, not wanting to date anyone. I didn't want anyone to touch my face, not looking in mirrors. It was really sad”, tells Chelsea.
She even covered all the mirrors in her house, so she could not see herself. Chelsea tried everything in treatment and medication, such as pills, creams, different face washes, medicated makeup, but nothing seemed to work.
Chelsea refused to talk about the problem, even to her mother. She thought that if she talked about it, she was admitting that she had a problem. And she didn't want to have any more problems than any normal teenager has.
Under Chelsea's mother point of view, she seemed to be fighting a losing battle and retreated further into herself, but the first and main thing Chelsea got to do, it was to admit that she had a problem.
Something similar happened to Chelsea Fahey a girl who had always been celebrated for her looks, since she was a child model and won more than 10 beauty pageant titles, eventually going on win the Miss Teen America 2004 crown.
Her nigthmare began in seventh grade, when she fought an embarrassing battle against severe acne. “I would hide my face with my hair, and I would look down so I wouldn't see people's reactions and I wouldn't have to deal with the pain of seeing people wincing”, remembers Chelsea, who is now 18.
Acne affects personality and emotions of people. Although it is a common problem, it devastates even who are stronger. According to the Academy of Dermatology, almost every teen aged 12 to 17 will suffer from some form of acne, but 40 per cent of those will develop severe acne. They will not get pimples; they will get cysts that can cause scarring and emotional devastation.
“I didn't make very many friends, not wanting to date anyone. I didn't want anyone to touch my face, not looking in mirrors. It was really sad”, tells Chelsea.
She even covered all the mirrors in her house, so she could not see herself. Chelsea tried everything in treatment and medication, such as pills, creams, different face washes, medicated makeup, but nothing seemed to work.
Chelsea refused to talk about the problem, even to her mother. She thought that if she talked about it, she was admitting that she had a problem. And she didn't want to have any more problems than any normal teenager has.
Under Chelsea's mother point of view, she seemed to be fighting a losing battle and retreated further into herself, but the first and main thing Chelsea got to do, it was to admit that she had a problem.
What Is Acne Laser Treatment?
Acne laser treatment is a method that has helped millions to get rid of acne. Each year, individuals find out that the over the counter medications that they get at their local drug store just do not provide enough help to them. They have likely tried several products and can not find method to get rid of acne. Acne laser treatment can actually help to stop acne once and for all for many individuals.
How Does It Work?
Acne laser treatment is just what it sounds like. The technician will use a very powerful and small laser to effectively trigger the acne. Usually, the procedure will be done because the acne is being caused, at least in part, by over producing oils in the skin. The laser will get to these glands that are under the skin and causing the oils and destroy them. While this seems harsh, laser acne treatment is virtually painless. There are no ramifications to having these glands destroyed either. Once the glands stop producing oils, the bacteria that cause acne will not have an optimal place to grow. This in turn effectively stops acne.
It is important to know that in most causes acne treatments will not necessary cure the acne that is already on your face or body. This will usually be done with antibiotics. Once the oils slow or stop though, there will be fewer outbreaks of acne on the face or body once these heal.
Scar Treatment
Another option for the use of acne laser treatment is that in which the acne scars can be removed. This very powerful laser can actually remove the top layers of your skin near and on the scar. When new skin grows back, it will be healthy and scars are either gone or they are not as visible. Acne scar laser treatment is fast becoming a way to get rid of acne scars that have been on a person’s body for years.
In either treatment, laser acne treatment can be quite effective. In some cases, there will be the need for several treatments to be done, though. The only bad part of acne laser treatment is that it is not necessarily cheap. With the several treatments that may be necessary, it may be quite expensive. Yet, even with that said, the results for laser treatments are amazing for many.
How Does It Work?
Acne laser treatment is just what it sounds like. The technician will use a very powerful and small laser to effectively trigger the acne. Usually, the procedure will be done because the acne is being caused, at least in part, by over producing oils in the skin. The laser will get to these glands that are under the skin and causing the oils and destroy them. While this seems harsh, laser acne treatment is virtually painless. There are no ramifications to having these glands destroyed either. Once the glands stop producing oils, the bacteria that cause acne will not have an optimal place to grow. This in turn effectively stops acne.
It is important to know that in most causes acne treatments will not necessary cure the acne that is already on your face or body. This will usually be done with antibiotics. Once the oils slow or stop though, there will be fewer outbreaks of acne on the face or body once these heal.
Scar Treatment
Another option for the use of acne laser treatment is that in which the acne scars can be removed. This very powerful laser can actually remove the top layers of your skin near and on the scar. When new skin grows back, it will be healthy and scars are either gone or they are not as visible. Acne scar laser treatment is fast becoming a way to get rid of acne scars that have been on a person’s body for years.
In either treatment, laser acne treatment can be quite effective. In some cases, there will be the need for several treatments to be done, though. The only bad part of acne laser treatment is that it is not necessarily cheap. With the several treatments that may be necessary, it may be quite expensive. Yet, even with that said, the results for laser treatments are amazing for many.
The Secret Of Acne Treatment
Acne has become awful disease for modern day people, especially girl. People just can’t wait to get rid of red pimple in their face. A lot of quick-cash seeker may offer you product that can clean your acne in a day.
However, sadly to say, what works for one may not work for others. The most important things to remember when it comes in terms of acne treatment is not about magical product that can remove your acne problems in a night. But knowing the simple rule of lifestyle is all you need to solve your acne problem.
For example, you must never be pop your pimples no matter how desperate you want. Another example is knowing what you eat can make significant different in getting rid from your acne in long term as we know that oil is the number one cause of acne.
Another things to bear in mind is give time for something to works. You can purchase hundreds of dollars acne treatment product but without give it a time to works it will do you nothing.
Choosing your acne treatment products is something that cannot be counted on your friend's opinion. Because every people has different skin condition. So when choosing your acne treatment products you have to try yourself what works for you and what not.
Or you can simply consult to doctor or professional to know what best to do. Not only they can point you out on what works best for your skin type but also they can save you from months of trial and error.
The worse thing about acne is not of acne itself but because psychology condition it may impact. When you feel low self esteem because you have over-extended acne remind yourself that others too have same problems with yours. You may want to create your own discussion group to support each other along the way.
Don't worry about whether others may want to join your discussion group or not just simply ask for it. You will be shocked at how many people that will become your new friend-in-needs.
However, sadly to say, what works for one may not work for others. The most important things to remember when it comes in terms of acne treatment is not about magical product that can remove your acne problems in a night. But knowing the simple rule of lifestyle is all you need to solve your acne problem.
For example, you must never be pop your pimples no matter how desperate you want. Another example is knowing what you eat can make significant different in getting rid from your acne in long term as we know that oil is the number one cause of acne.
Another things to bear in mind is give time for something to works. You can purchase hundreds of dollars acne treatment product but without give it a time to works it will do you nothing.
Choosing your acne treatment products is something that cannot be counted on your friend's opinion. Because every people has different skin condition. So when choosing your acne treatment products you have to try yourself what works for you and what not.
Or you can simply consult to doctor or professional to know what best to do. Not only they can point you out on what works best for your skin type but also they can save you from months of trial and error.
The worse thing about acne is not of acne itself but because psychology condition it may impact. When you feel low self esteem because you have over-extended acne remind yourself that others too have same problems with yours. You may want to create your own discussion group to support each other along the way.
Don't worry about whether others may want to join your discussion group or not just simply ask for it. You will be shocked at how many people that will become your new friend-in-needs.
9 Acne Treatments That Definitely do Not Work
Given that acne is by far the most common disease in the world, I’m constantly surprised at the amount of misinformation there is about acne treatments. There are so many commonly held believes regarding treatments, which have no scientific or medical validity, but continue to be passed on from individual to individual. More worrying is the possible consequences of trying some of these options. Here are list of common acne treatments that categorically do not work:
1.Household cleaning products, even when diluted, should not be used to treat acne. There can be severe adverse reactions including chemical burns from pursuing this route
2.Similarly cleaning powders are ineffective for acne
3.Washing up liquid does not work for acne
4.Home facial saunas will do nothing for your acne, but will certainly aggravate, already sensitive skin
5.Sticky tape left on the skin overnight and removed in the morning will certainly remove dead skin cells and excess oil, but is likely to damage the sensitive skin, and may cause an allergy to the glue
6.Prolonged exposure to the sun or using a sun bed will not help your acne, and can be dangerous if you are also taking oral medication of certain types. For example taking certain antibiotics in tablet form, will make your skin highly sensitive to sun light
7.Sudocrem is an excellent treatment for nappy rash, but highly ineffective for acne, primarily because it contains a mixture of greases and oils which are bad for acne
8.Taking high doses of vitamin A or B will not directly help your acne, and may cause other side-effects
9.Squeezing your spots is universally not recommended in combating acne. Doing so will prolong and spread the acne to other parts of the affected area
There are many other ‘not recommended’ acne treatment regimes, many of which will worsen an already difficult condition. Avoid these shortcuts and stick with a programme overseen by your medical professional, or one which is based on solid scientific and medical evidence. If you do this, you'll succeed in overcoming your acne condition.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.
1.Household cleaning products, even when diluted, should not be used to treat acne. There can be severe adverse reactions including chemical burns from pursuing this route
2.Similarly cleaning powders are ineffective for acne
3.Washing up liquid does not work for acne
4.Home facial saunas will do nothing for your acne, but will certainly aggravate, already sensitive skin
5.Sticky tape left on the skin overnight and removed in the morning will certainly remove dead skin cells and excess oil, but is likely to damage the sensitive skin, and may cause an allergy to the glue
6.Prolonged exposure to the sun or using a sun bed will not help your acne, and can be dangerous if you are also taking oral medication of certain types. For example taking certain antibiotics in tablet form, will make your skin highly sensitive to sun light
7.Sudocrem is an excellent treatment for nappy rash, but highly ineffective for acne, primarily because it contains a mixture of greases and oils which are bad for acne
8.Taking high doses of vitamin A or B will not directly help your acne, and may cause other side-effects
9.Squeezing your spots is universally not recommended in combating acne. Doing so will prolong and spread the acne to other parts of the affected area
There are many other ‘not recommended’ acne treatment regimes, many of which will worsen an already difficult condition. Avoid these shortcuts and stick with a programme overseen by your medical professional, or one which is based on solid scientific and medical evidence. If you do this, you'll succeed in overcoming your acne condition.
Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com
He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.
What Foods Cause Acne Breakouts?
The old adage, “you are what you eat” cannot be truer than when it comes to common causes of acne. Often individuals who do not consume a healthy diet or whose diet lacks the proper amount of critical vitamins and minerals suffer from acne problems.
Remember, you body must be healthy before your skin can be healthy, so strive to eat a well balanced diet, and dedicate yourself to an active lifestyle in order to enjoy unblemished, smooth, and glowing skin.
If you are experiencing skin problems, instead of treating your body’s largest organ with harsh chemicals or taking medications that may interfere with your other prescriptions, look first at the nutrition value of your current diet. Work to improve your skin and protect yourself from acne by following these guidelines.
------>Banish Fats, Oils, and Sugars
Often times, consuming a diet high in fats, oils, and sugars can wreck havoc on an individual’s skin. Just as these unsavory additions to your diet can cause other issues seen in your body, what you eat directly affects the quality of your skin.
Most people have experienced a break out after binging on junk food or fast food, most of which is high in fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and oils. In order to stop break outs associated with eating this unhealthy food, begin to replace these items in your diet with foods that are natural and healthy.
------>Avoid Popular Misconceptions
Many individuals are under the misconception that eating certain foods can cause or worsen their acne condition. The most popular food to blame for bad skin is undoubtedly chocolate. Chocolate lovers will take great pleasure in noting that no one specific type of food—including chocolate—has been proven to cause or worsen acne in individuals. However, you should enjoy your chocolate sparingly, as your entire diet can definitely affect the quality of your skin’s appearance, even though one particular item may not be the trigger.
------>Try Organic Foods
When looking to change your diet for the better, take care in including fresh, wholesome foods into your new lifestyle. Many individuals have found great success in incorporating organic foods into their diet, since these items lack any added chemicals, preservatives, or potential toxins that can affect both your body and your skin.
Furthermore, structure your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, most of which contain necessary vitamins that will positively affect your entire body. Also, you may want to avoid eating meat products high in fat, since fats can be quickly be stored in your system, lasting long after that greasy burger has been digested.
------>Consider Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Many individuals do not receive the properly daily recommended dose of vitamins or minerals in their diet. For this reason, you should look into including supplements in your daily health regimen. Remember, before consuming any medications or supplements of any kind, be sure to consult your primary health care provider to ensure the dosage is proper and the medication will not negatively interact with your current prescriptions.
Too, you may want to find a solid multi-vitamin that is specified for your gender, age, or activity level. Be sure to look for supplements that include Vitamin E, a necessary vitamin when it comes to the health of your skin.
------>Hydrate Your Body
Unless you are drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day, you are not hydrating your body to a healthy extend. Most individuals are not properly hydrated and their skin pays the price. If you find your skin is dull, ashy, flaky, itchy, or excessively dry, you are not drinking enough water to benefit your body.
Hydrated skin is fresh and glowing, so you should drink up to experience these great effects! Also, drinking the proper amount of water on a daily basis will also benefit your overall sense of health. Avoid drinking sodas or sugary sports drinks, since the added sodium and sugar can be detrimental to your healthy lifestyle.
By following the above guidelines for clear skin, you can actively work to maintain healthy looking skin that is free of acne. If you find yourself suffering from acne or other skin conditions, focus inward instead for a treatment of this problem instead of slathering your skin with potentially harmful creams or lotions that may cause more harm that good. By eating a proper diet, you will ensure your skin is as healthy as you are.
Remember, you body must be healthy before your skin can be healthy, so strive to eat a well balanced diet, and dedicate yourself to an active lifestyle in order to enjoy unblemished, smooth, and glowing skin.
If you are experiencing skin problems, instead of treating your body’s largest organ with harsh chemicals or taking medications that may interfere with your other prescriptions, look first at the nutrition value of your current diet. Work to improve your skin and protect yourself from acne by following these guidelines.
------>Banish Fats, Oils, and Sugars
Often times, consuming a diet high in fats, oils, and sugars can wreck havoc on an individual’s skin. Just as these unsavory additions to your diet can cause other issues seen in your body, what you eat directly affects the quality of your skin.
Most people have experienced a break out after binging on junk food or fast food, most of which is high in fat, sugar, carbohydrates, and oils. In order to stop break outs associated with eating this unhealthy food, begin to replace these items in your diet with foods that are natural and healthy.
------>Avoid Popular Misconceptions
Many individuals are under the misconception that eating certain foods can cause or worsen their acne condition. The most popular food to blame for bad skin is undoubtedly chocolate. Chocolate lovers will take great pleasure in noting that no one specific type of food—including chocolate—has been proven to cause or worsen acne in individuals. However, you should enjoy your chocolate sparingly, as your entire diet can definitely affect the quality of your skin’s appearance, even though one particular item may not be the trigger.
------>Try Organic Foods
When looking to change your diet for the better, take care in including fresh, wholesome foods into your new lifestyle. Many individuals have found great success in incorporating organic foods into their diet, since these items lack any added chemicals, preservatives, or potential toxins that can affect both your body and your skin.
Furthermore, structure your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, most of which contain necessary vitamins that will positively affect your entire body. Also, you may want to avoid eating meat products high in fat, since fats can be quickly be stored in your system, lasting long after that greasy burger has been digested.
------>Consider Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
Many individuals do not receive the properly daily recommended dose of vitamins or minerals in their diet. For this reason, you should look into including supplements in your daily health regimen. Remember, before consuming any medications or supplements of any kind, be sure to consult your primary health care provider to ensure the dosage is proper and the medication will not negatively interact with your current prescriptions.
Too, you may want to find a solid multi-vitamin that is specified for your gender, age, or activity level. Be sure to look for supplements that include Vitamin E, a necessary vitamin when it comes to the health of your skin.
------>Hydrate Your Body
Unless you are drinking at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water each day, you are not hydrating your body to a healthy extend. Most individuals are not properly hydrated and their skin pays the price. If you find your skin is dull, ashy, flaky, itchy, or excessively dry, you are not drinking enough water to benefit your body.
Hydrated skin is fresh and glowing, so you should drink up to experience these great effects! Also, drinking the proper amount of water on a daily basis will also benefit your overall sense of health. Avoid drinking sodas or sugary sports drinks, since the added sodium and sugar can be detrimental to your healthy lifestyle.
By following the above guidelines for clear skin, you can actively work to maintain healthy looking skin that is free of acne. If you find yourself suffering from acne or other skin conditions, focus inward instead for a treatment of this problem instead of slathering your skin with potentially harmful creams or lotions that may cause more harm that good. By eating a proper diet, you will ensure your skin is as healthy as you are.
Acne - Living La Vida Loca
Now, the story I am about to tell you, is about one young man who has discover an acne cure in the most unusual manner. Acne is like the song; "Living La Vida Loca", it makes you live this life where you can't be yourself.
Many people don't understand what acne really is and how to find a cure for acne. But no one knows acne like my friend, Cleo. Cleo is one ugly guy, with huge acne scars in face.
But, do you know what separates Cleo and his acne scars from the rest of you?
Cleo, has found the perfect acne treatment that has enabled him to live the life of his dreams. Did he find a miracle cure for acne, by all mean not. What Cleo thought me was that to cure acne you first have to cure yourself internally and not focus on the outside.
He is the most friendliest and you can't find a nicer person, he has charm and personality, and you even tend to forget that he has acne scars. He said that he tried many different products over the years, but nothing worked, so he eventually realized that he wasn't going to find an external cure, so he found an eternal cure.
The problem is that like Cleo, many others, they wait until their acne has flared up to a point of no return, don't let that happen to you, take charge of your acne condition and start looking for a all natural acne home cure today.
So, before you set about thinking that there is no cure, there are methods to cure acne, but you have to first discover what type of acne you have. As an acne sufferer myself, I first cured my acne at the age of nineteen.
My acne cure didn't come cheap, I must admit that, I tried all kinds of different acne medications, but nothing worked. I just kept on believing that I would eventually find a cure and that is exactly what happened, I just kept believing that I would find a cure, so you too have to continue believing.
I used a simple product called Clearasil, today there are many better products online, but be very careful, because certain products can do more harm than good. You have to know which products works best on your skin type.
When I was an acne sufferer, I choose to educate myself on all acne issues, I didn't fell for any acne myths. Stop, reading all the false illusions online, they have no clue what acne is, they are simply creating little websites, with no accurate acne information or acne tips, only to try and make a commission from others.
I am not one who has no knowledge of acne, I used to dread going outside, hiding from friends, just wondering what someone was thinking whenever they stared at my face. But, I didn't let that bother me, I was interested in finding a cure for acne, one that really worked, and I did.
If you truly believe, it will happen, your cure is right around the corner, stop dreaming, take action today, go out there and educate yourself and find a cure for your acne.
Many people don't understand what acne really is and how to find a cure for acne. But no one knows acne like my friend, Cleo. Cleo is one ugly guy, with huge acne scars in face.
But, do you know what separates Cleo and his acne scars from the rest of you?
Cleo, has found the perfect acne treatment that has enabled him to live the life of his dreams. Did he find a miracle cure for acne, by all mean not. What Cleo thought me was that to cure acne you first have to cure yourself internally and not focus on the outside.
He is the most friendliest and you can't find a nicer person, he has charm and personality, and you even tend to forget that he has acne scars. He said that he tried many different products over the years, but nothing worked, so he eventually realized that he wasn't going to find an external cure, so he found an eternal cure.
The problem is that like Cleo, many others, they wait until their acne has flared up to a point of no return, don't let that happen to you, take charge of your acne condition and start looking for a all natural acne home cure today.
So, before you set about thinking that there is no cure, there are methods to cure acne, but you have to first discover what type of acne you have. As an acne sufferer myself, I first cured my acne at the age of nineteen.
My acne cure didn't come cheap, I must admit that, I tried all kinds of different acne medications, but nothing worked. I just kept on believing that I would eventually find a cure and that is exactly what happened, I just kept believing that I would find a cure, so you too have to continue believing.
I used a simple product called Clearasil, today there are many better products online, but be very careful, because certain products can do more harm than good. You have to know which products works best on your skin type.
When I was an acne sufferer, I choose to educate myself on all acne issues, I didn't fell for any acne myths. Stop, reading all the false illusions online, they have no clue what acne is, they are simply creating little websites, with no accurate acne information or acne tips, only to try and make a commission from others.
I am not one who has no knowledge of acne, I used to dread going outside, hiding from friends, just wondering what someone was thinking whenever they stared at my face. But, I didn't let that bother me, I was interested in finding a cure for acne, one that really worked, and I did.
If you truly believe, it will happen, your cure is right around the corner, stop dreaming, take action today, go out there and educate yourself and find a cure for your acne.
Acne: FDA Approved Aczone For Acne Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to market Aczone (dapsone) Gel, 5 per cent for acne vulgaris topical treatment. But patients who have the enzyme deficiency, G6PD (Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase), will need to be monitored with regular blood counts to detect if they are predisposed to one type of anemia (hemolytic anemia).
Aczone, a trademark of QLT USA Inc., is an aqueous topical gel which contains 5 per cent dapsone. According to scientific research, combining dapsone in a Solvent Microparticulate (SMP) gel enables dapsone to be applied topically and safely. This product achieved significant per cent reduction in the number of acne lesions and better success rate on the Global Acne Assessment Score in two randomized double-blind, vehicle controlled clinical studies in 3000 acne patients.
Oiliness/peeling, dryness, and erythema were the most common adverse events reported from controlled clinical trials. However, there were no significant differences in the adverse event rates between Aczone Gel and vehicle control treated patients.
Aczone, a trademark of QLT USA Inc., is an aqueous topical gel which contains 5 per cent dapsone. According to scientific research, combining dapsone in a Solvent Microparticulate (SMP) gel enables dapsone to be applied topically and safely. This product achieved significant per cent reduction in the number of acne lesions and better success rate on the Global Acne Assessment Score in two randomized double-blind, vehicle controlled clinical studies in 3000 acne patients.
Oiliness/peeling, dryness, and erythema were the most common adverse events reported from controlled clinical trials. However, there were no significant differences in the adverse event rates between Aczone Gel and vehicle control treated patients.
Acne: Common Illness May Be Increased By Usage of Antibiotics for Acne
According to experts based in last researches, the usage of antibiotics for acne may increase common illness or diseases, what it was demonstrated by an experiment in which a group of individuals that was treated with antibiotics for acne for more than six weeks (all of hem were volunteers). After the experiment, this group was more than twice as likely to develop an upper respiratory tract infection within one year as individuals with acne who were not treated with antibiotics.
The overuse of antibiotics, explain experts, will lead to resistant organisms and an increase in infectious illness. There have been, however, few studies about people who have actually been exposed to antibiotics for long periods and there the importance of this one.
According to experts, the ideal people to study consequences of using antibiotics for acne are patients with acne (an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones) , who use for long-term antibiotic therapy, representing a unique and natural population in which to study the effects of long-term antibiotic use.
9 Steps To Cleaner And Healthier Skin
According to Bestskinpeel, for cleaner, healthier and easier to manage skin just follow this list of nine items:
1) Lower your stress level through prayer and meditation. Stress creates hormones that actually age us as they destroy cells and create toxic biproducts and free radicals. Studies have shown that prayer and meditation can reduce our stress levels. Prayer and meditation have been proven to even alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer and other life threatening diseases.
2) Drink plenty of water. It is a fact that 90% of us do not drink enough water. For your skin cells to function properly and heal properly from cuts, etc... we need to drink 8-12 glasses of water every day. Our skin is one of our most important organs as it protects us from disease, cushions our falls, etc... It needs plenty of water.
3) Get proper sleep. Not getting the proper 8-10 hours of sleep per day will first show in your skin. Broken capillaries, puffiness, circles under the eyes.
Water and Sunlight Helps to Clear Acne
Drink More Water
The skin stores around 12% water. It is important to maintain this amount with the correct amount of good fat to keep your skin from getting acne. You need to drink around 2 quarts of distilled water every day. If you are not drinking this amount, just start increasing the amount that you do drink.
Drinking water helps you get rid of toxins in the blood and around your cells. By drinking water, you will urinate more and more toxins will be eliminated. You will sweat more and toxins will be eliminated.
The cleaner your blood the healthier your skin will be and your will not have a problem with acne.
Use glass containers when buying distilled or reverse osmosis water. Try to avoid using plastic containers for water since plastic containers contain chemicals, left in the container walls during manufacturing, which leaches out into the water.
The Truth About Acne Skin Care
Let's face it, you are engaged in an ongoing battle when you are afflicted with acne. While acne treatments for a mild case of acne are usually successful, moderate acne is a greater problem. Even dermatologists cannot cure a severe case of acne but can only provide an acne treatment regimen.
However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.
Knowing What You're Doing
One of the first pieces of advice is to make sure that you understand and follow the directions for any acne remedy that you are using. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. Typically for moderate to severe acne a dermatologist may prescribe several acne medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.
In order to achieve the acne free skin that you desire, it is important to use all the acne treatments properly and in the correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.
Remember, just because the acne clears with the use of your acne medicines doesn’t necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing acne. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.
What About Over-the-Counter Remedies?
Besides using medications prescribed by a doctor, there are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.
When cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin; never scrub your face with a washcloth. It is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin. You don’t scrub away the offending dirt; you can’t scrub away the offensive acne and achieve acne free skin.
Over-washing or scrubbing skin afflicted with acne only serves to aggravate the condition. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. When you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.
Do Natural Treatments Really Work?
Look for gentle cleansers that are sold as acne solutions. When you're evaluating skin cleansers for acne, include natural acne treatments in your search as well. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin.
Oily skin is implicated as a one of the causes of acne. It doesn’t necessarily make sense to use a moisturizer on oily skin as a means of achieving clear skin. But many of the acne treatments, whether they are prescribed or available as over-the-counter products, have a tendency to irritate the skin while curing acne.
A moisturizer is a boost to irritated skin and keeps skin from becoming overly dry due to the acne treatments that have been applied. Look for a moisturizer with the following properties:
- oil-free
- won’t clog pores (non-comodogenic)
- containing a sun-screen
Besides a great desire to just scrub away the acne, many people try to remove the acne pimples by hand as a way to get clear skin. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.
By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.
For male acne sufferers, the daily ritual of shaving can be a problem. One acne sufferer has recommended the Gillette Sensor Excel as a gentle and effective razor to use. Other males prefer to try an electric razor. The advice is to shave delicately to avoid nicking the skin and to shave only as often as necessary. Finding a moisturizing shave gel may be one way to enhance your acne skin care program.
Female acne sufferers have their unique problems too, in finding the right cosmetic products to use. Females who are accustomed to using a foundation product may find that the foundation is difficult to apply smoothly if the facial skin becomes irritated due to the acne treatments being applied.
You may have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (won’t clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.
Proper acne skin care is a necessary addition to your arsenal for fighting your battle with acne and achieving clear skin once again.
However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.
Knowing What You're Doing
One of the first pieces of advice is to make sure that you understand and follow the directions for any acne remedy that you are using. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. Typically for moderate to severe acne a dermatologist may prescribe several acne medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.
In order to achieve the acne free skin that you desire, it is important to use all the acne treatments properly and in the correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.
Remember, just because the acne clears with the use of your acne medicines doesn’t necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing acne. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.
What About Over-the-Counter Remedies?
Besides using medications prescribed by a doctor, there are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.
When cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin; never scrub your face with a washcloth. It is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin. You don’t scrub away the offending dirt; you can’t scrub away the offensive acne and achieve acne free skin.
Over-washing or scrubbing skin afflicted with acne only serves to aggravate the condition. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. When you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.
Do Natural Treatments Really Work?
Look for gentle cleansers that are sold as acne solutions. When you're evaluating skin cleansers for acne, include natural acne treatments in your search as well. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin.
Oily skin is implicated as a one of the causes of acne. It doesn’t necessarily make sense to use a moisturizer on oily skin as a means of achieving clear skin. But many of the acne treatments, whether they are prescribed or available as over-the-counter products, have a tendency to irritate the skin while curing acne.
A moisturizer is a boost to irritated skin and keeps skin from becoming overly dry due to the acne treatments that have been applied. Look for a moisturizer with the following properties:
- oil-free
- won’t clog pores (non-comodogenic)
- containing a sun-screen
Besides a great desire to just scrub away the acne, many people try to remove the acne pimples by hand as a way to get clear skin. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.
By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.
For male acne sufferers, the daily ritual of shaving can be a problem. One acne sufferer has recommended the Gillette Sensor Excel as a gentle and effective razor to use. Other males prefer to try an electric razor. The advice is to shave delicately to avoid nicking the skin and to shave only as often as necessary. Finding a moisturizing shave gel may be one way to enhance your acne skin care program.
Female acne sufferers have their unique problems too, in finding the right cosmetic products to use. Females who are accustomed to using a foundation product may find that the foundation is difficult to apply smoothly if the facial skin becomes irritated due to the acne treatments being applied.
You may have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (won’t clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.
Proper acne skin care is a necessary addition to your arsenal for fighting your battle with acne and achieving clear skin once again.
Don’t Spend Money on Acne Remedies. Fight Acne Naturally.
Eventhough acne is not life threatening, it can cause unwanted permanent scarring and cause emotional distress if it is not treated properly. People with Acne problems often tend to be more self-conscious about their appearances when having outbreaks or blemishes.
Instead of having you dig deeper into your pocket for various types of expensive Acne Treatment remedies, you should attempt to fight acne naturally by avoiding your pores to get clogged. For many people with acne outbreaks, it is about avoiding the common acne outbreak. Just by following some of the simply steps listed below, people that often have outbreaks can dramatically decrease their chance of another acne outbreaks:
- By not touching your face with your hands, including popping the zits.
- By washing your skin with a mild soap, acne cleanser such as Proactiv Solutions
- By avoiding stressful situations
- By allowing your skin to breath; wear loose clothing
Options In Acne Treatment
Acne treatment is one of the most common requests dermatologists hear from their patients. The condition generally begins in the teenage years, but can affect people into their thirties and forties. Blemishes often cause people to avoid social situations and, in extreme cases, can lead to feelings of depression.
The exact cause of acne is not known, but there are several theories. One is that break outs tend to be hereditary. If parents and siblings suffer from it, you may too. Another is that the hormones that surge through the body in puberty cause the sebaceous glands to increase in size and produce more oils. This leads to an increase in blemishes. Other hormonal causes include pregnancy, menstruation and birth control pills.
Although the exact cause of this skin condition is unknown, there are factors that can aggravate it. Squeezing a blemish can spread bacteria and cause more break outs on your face. Excessive humidity and sweating can also spread bacteria and aggravate the condition.
There are several myths surrounding acne. Stress is thought to cause acne, but it does not. However, the stress you feel as a result of the pimples is real. Consider relaxation techniques, reading the bible and prayer as a way to reduce this stress. Other myths include diet and having dirty skin.
How to Cure Acne Naturally
Let’s face it: We mostly judge people on how they look.
This is a fact that cannot be denied and the reason why almost everyone is obsessed with their appearance. This is also why if anyone suffers from acne, they often go to any length to control this image distorting skin disease.
I am saying this from first-hand experience, pimples, commonly known as acne, can literally make you miserable. Imagine having a big bump nestled right on your lower lip with other small bumps crowding your face and all the while you’re talking to someone you keep wondering : “ Is this person looking at the bump…?”
Perhaps you may have tried everything from the popular products advertised on TV, to the over the counter drugs at the local pharmacy. Believe me, I have and NOTHING worked, on the contrary, they made matters worse.
I tried exfoliating, using a mask, applying astringents, creams. My roommate literally had to yell once: “What’s with all this ‘make-up’ like you are a Vegas show-girl?”
It would be an understatement to say my experience with acne was horrible.
Amazingly Simple Skin Care Tips For People With Acne
Are you searching for the best skin care method to correct an acne problem? There are, in fact, several "anti-acne" steps you can follow when caring for your skin. Most acne reducing skin care tips are inexpensive and based on common sense.
When washing your skin, do so gently. Limit these cleanings to once in the morning and once at night. (It is also wise to wash after exercise, as well.) Do NOT use strong soap or a rough scrubbing cloth, when caring for your skin. Doing so will only make your acne problem worse.
Dermatologists suggest that you should avoid the use astringents unless your skin is extremely oily. If you feel an astringent is a necessary part of your skin care regiment, use ONLY on oily areas. If you have a problem with oily hair, it is helpful to wash it daily.
It is strongly recommended that those with acne avoid frequent exposure to the sun and visits to a tanning salon. It may seem as though these two activities are helpful when practicing proper skin care, but that is untrue. The results of each are temporary. Sunburn or tanned skin only help to hide an acne problem.
Do NOT squeeze or "pop" skin blemishes. This can cause permanent scaring and the appearance of dark splotches, on the skin. (Not something you want have for the rest of your life.)
The Acne Issue - Best Acne Treatments
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases that a person usually experience. Acne is defined as an inflammatory skin eruption that commonly occurs in or near the sebaceous glands of the different parts of the body including the neck, face, shoulders, and upper back.
Though acne is a common problem, it is also one skin disease that is very easy to treat and prevent. There are many products that a person could consider as the best acne treatment. The best acne treatment for a person could be not the best acne treatment for another. This is because the best acne treatment is determined by the type of skin a person has and the skin reaction on that treatment. The best acne treatment could also range from the medical ones which are proven best acne treatments that modern medicine has to offer up to herbal medicines that are also accepted as the best acne treatment to some people.
Another thing that a person must consider before deciding on what could be their best acne treatment would be assessment of toxicity which excess of it could lead to harmful risks in the health of the customer. Here are some of the best acne treatments that have been tested and contain a low level of toxicity in it (meaning there is minimal or even no health risk in using it).
Though acne is a common problem, it is also one skin disease that is very easy to treat and prevent. There are many products that a person could consider as the best acne treatment. The best acne treatment for a person could be not the best acne treatment for another. This is because the best acne treatment is determined by the type of skin a person has and the skin reaction on that treatment. The best acne treatment could also range from the medical ones which are proven best acne treatments that modern medicine has to offer up to herbal medicines that are also accepted as the best acne treatment to some people.
Another thing that a person must consider before deciding on what could be their best acne treatment would be assessment of toxicity which excess of it could lead to harmful risks in the health of the customer. Here are some of the best acne treatments that have been tested and contain a low level of toxicity in it (meaning there is minimal or even no health risk in using it).
Science Of Acne In Layman's Terms
In a nutshell, a few simple steps occur that cause skin blemishes. First, 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) and stress related factors. Other denominators 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 forces or overall body health at the time) 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, your body's white blood cells attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body.
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, your body's white blood cells attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body.
Skin Care For Acne
Caring for your skin is important for good health and beauty, but especially so if you are prone to acne. One of the best ways to keep acne under control is to maintain your skin's health as much as possible. This means keeping the skin clean and protecting it from damage from sunshine and harsh cosmetics.
Cleansing Your Skin
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle soap or special acne skin cleanser, using a gentle, circular motion of the fingertips. Do not scrub, since this can aggravate acne. Moisten the face with warm water, then apply cleanser from the hairline to the neck. Rinse with lots of water and pat dry with a soft towel.
Those with especially oily skin may need to use an astringent, but it must be alcohol-free, and used with care. Apply it only to the oiliest parts of the face and discontinue use immediately if your skin becomes irritated. If you feel you need an astringent, you may need to see a dermatologist instead.
Practical Acne Treatments For Girls
Girls go through many physical and psychological changes during puberty. These changes include body composition, fat distribution, menstruation, growth spurts, body and facial hair growth, body odor and skin changes. The body physically changes as the fat tissue increases in the hips, thighs, and breasts producing the typical hourglass shape of females. With all these changes going on, what effect does acne have on girls during puberty?
During puberty girls experience an increased likelihood and severity of acne from the increased oil secretions in the skin. Puberty is often a difficult time and acne only adds to the difficulty. During puberty girls usually experience increased irritability, mood swings, and feelings of low self esteem. Even girls who have been very sure of themselves may suffer from low self esteem when puberty sets in. These changes may be even more severe in the girl also suffers from acne.
The negative changes in girls during puberty are made even worse if acne is a problem. You can help deal with the changes when you know how to lessen the problems of acne.
Practical Acne Treatments For Girls...
Proper skin care is the first step in treating acne. The face should be gently washed with a facial cleanser. There are many skin care products on the market that may help with acne. To kill the bacteria that cause acne the cleanser should contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur. Gentle cleansing is an important factor when dealing with acne. A common mistake is to clean the face too often and with harsh cleansers. Careful cleaning of the face twice a day is the best way to go.
Over-the-Counter Topical Medications For Acne
In the early stage of the ongoing war with acne, most people go to a pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter medication. There are so many treatments available for acne, that it can be a complicated decision. Advice from friends is not a reliable method for making a choice, because what worked for 1 person may not work for another. And advertising advice? Who trusts that?
You can make a more informed choice about which product to try just by knowing about the active ingredients in the various acne medications.
Benzoyl Peroxide
1 of the most popular ingredients in acne medications, benzoyl peroxide is available in gels and ointments. It kills the bacteria that causes pimples and helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells, when combined with sebum (oil), create blackheads and whiteheads. Dry skin is the only side effect, which can be minimized with less frequent application. It has a bleaching effect, so avoid hair and clothing when applying it.
Over-The-Counter Acne Treatment
There are many types of over-the-counter treatments for acne. Most people, when first faced with an acne condition, usually go to the local pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter medication on the basis of recommendations from their friends or perhaps even television ads. It's always a good idea, however, to consult with a doctor before using any kind of over-the-counter medication. Even though acne is a fairly benign condition, a doctor can advise on the best course of treatment and also offers suggestions based on your particular kind of acne.
Because of the large number of products available for treating acne, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. Depending on advice from your friends is not too reliable, because what works for one person may not work for another. It's best if you have some background knowledge about the active ingredients in various acne medications, so you can make a better informed choice about which medication to try.
One of the most popular ingredients in acne treatments is benzoyl peroxide. It is found in gels and ointments and works by combating the bacteria which causes pimples. It is also useful for removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It is these dead skin cells which combine with sebum to create blackheads and whiteheads.
Effective Acne Treatment Options
Acne is the most prevalent skin disorder that usually afflicts first the adolescent population. With 70% of the adolescents affected with this skin disease, it is considered one of the most menacing disease especially during this transitional period of an adolescent's life since, though it may not be that fatal, it could cause some serious emotional trouble to a person ridiculed because of his or her not so clear complexion.
The medical community to help resolve this skin dilemma presents various acne medications and therapeutic methods. Formulation of various medications and solutions are being studied cautiously to finally come up with the most effective acne treatment. But the question is, which among these medications is or are really effective acne treatments?
Here's a rundown of the various acne treatments that claim to be successful in dealing with the troubles of acne according to the type or severity of acne:
The medical community to help resolve this skin dilemma presents various acne medications and therapeutic methods. Formulation of various medications and solutions are being studied cautiously to finally come up with the most effective acne treatment. But the question is, which among these medications is or are really effective acne treatments?
Here's a rundown of the various acne treatments that claim to be successful in dealing with the troubles of acne according to the type or severity of acne:
Combat Acne With Effective Acne Treatment And Acne Products
"Oh no, is that a pimple on my face? Icky, it is so gross! Oh I cannot face anyone ever again -- I look hideous!"
Many teenagers around the world probably share this sentiment as they discover with horror their first pimple on their freshly scrubbed face. As teenagers enter into puberty, they are faced with new and exciting discoveries and challenges. Puberty though is also fraught with frustrations and changes, including physical changes in their bodies that often leave the teenagers with less than desirable pimples on the face.
Acne commonly occurs during the adolescence period. It is often caused by excessive secretion of oil from the glands. The typical acne lesions that appear on the face and body are comedones, papules, pustules and pimples.
Aside from the physical scar that acne leaves on your skin, it also inflicts an emotional toll, negatively affecting teenagers' self-esteem and confidence. For some, acne can become so severe that they shun social contact, leading to social insecurity and sometimes even depression.
Many teenagers around the world probably share this sentiment as they discover with horror their first pimple on their freshly scrubbed face. As teenagers enter into puberty, they are faced with new and exciting discoveries and challenges. Puberty though is also fraught with frustrations and changes, including physical changes in their bodies that often leave the teenagers with less than desirable pimples on the face.
Acne commonly occurs during the adolescence period. It is often caused by excessive secretion of oil from the glands. The typical acne lesions that appear on the face and body are comedones, papules, pustules and pimples.
Aside from the physical scar that acne leaves on your skin, it also inflicts an emotional toll, negatively affecting teenagers' self-esteem and confidence. For some, acne can become so severe that they shun social contact, leading to social insecurity and sometimes even depression.
Who Should Use Acne Medication?
Anyone can have acne and it is a painful and embarrassing problem for most people. There are ways to treat it so that no one has to deal with this uncomfortable appearance that makes him or her self-conscious all of the time. For some people they are just entering their teenage years and there are others who have been dealing with acne for most of their adult lives.
There are so many forms of acne medication out there to choose from. There are different skin needs and it is important to recognize all of the different types of acne and what the needs for it are. There are so many over the counter products that can help treat acne for just about anyone.
Anyone can get acne at any stage in his or her life. There are many things that can cause acne and that are why it may be necessary for someone to get different forms of acne medication for their problem. There are different ways to handle the different kinds of acne and at different stages that it occurs. With the right help, you will have a good result in the end.
There are so many forms of acne medication out there to choose from. There are different skin needs and it is important to recognize all of the different types of acne and what the needs for it are. There are so many over the counter products that can help treat acne for just about anyone.
Anyone can get acne at any stage in his or her life. There are many things that can cause acne and that are why it may be necessary for someone to get different forms of acne medication for their problem. There are different ways to handle the different kinds of acne and at different stages that it occurs. With the right help, you will have a good result in the end.
Why I Swore off Acne Medications
There are over 50 million people in America alone who suffer from acne and sadly this permits for exploitation from the many marketers and impostors out to make a fast buck at the expense of the vulnerable and desperate.
Now, I was once in the category of the frantic and susceptible, in my desperate attempts to get rid of my acne-both as a teenager and a young adult- but not anymore.
After adopting the use of drug-free methods of curing my acne such as a drastic change in my diet, facial massaging and other basic hygienic steps such as changing my pillow-cases daily, having a towel that was exclusively for my face etc, I have since swore off the use of acne medications as I am of the firm belief that most don’t work and may actually aggravate an already debilitating situation.
Now friends, I tried it all (well everything except plastic surgery) Proactive, Clearasil, Neutrogena, Benzoyl peroxide medications…you name it, I tried it and from my experience, nothing worked.
Why The Best Acne Treatment May Be a Change in Diet
Western medicine is notoriously sophisticated when it comes to drug formulations and targeted medicine approached from a perspective based in deductive science. It has, however, been largely a failure when it comes to being open to solutions to medical problems which come from outside the realm of deductive science. That is why for years western medicine failed to draw ties between diet and acne. Medical development, and treatments for acne sufferers, has progressed significantly within the last 15 years alone. Yet the problem of acne has remained largely uncurbed, until recently.
In the past few years empirical studies first trickled and are now flooding in indicating that there are links between acne and diet. The basic premise of the research is that eating refined carbohydrates and sugar is the ultimate culprit for many individuals’ problems with acne. The scientific theory holds that when carbohydrates and sugar are metabolized they lead to an increase in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 production. This growth factor then causes male hormones to begin being produced in the body in much greater quantities. These growth hormones lead directly to an increase the amount of sebum produced. Sebum is the grease-like substance that comes out in your pores which people often describe as ‘oily skin’. Sebum then clogs your pores and ultimately causes to an accumulation of bacteria in those pores which cannot escape because of the sebum. This of course ultimately leads to acne.
In the past few years empirical studies first trickled and are now flooding in indicating that there are links between acne and diet. The basic premise of the research is that eating refined carbohydrates and sugar is the ultimate culprit for many individuals’ problems with acne. The scientific theory holds that when carbohydrates and sugar are metabolized they lead to an increase in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 production. This growth factor then causes male hormones to begin being produced in the body in much greater quantities. These growth hormones lead directly to an increase the amount of sebum produced. Sebum is the grease-like substance that comes out in your pores which people often describe as ‘oily skin’. Sebum then clogs your pores and ultimately causes to an accumulation of bacteria in those pores which cannot escape because of the sebum. This of course ultimately leads to acne.
Scalp Acne Problems - A How-To Guide
Rosacea and Acne Treatment
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.
Rid Your Skin Of That Acne
The topical acne treatment is also designed to remove oils and bacteria that are present in pimples. The topical medicine pulls the dirt and oil out of the pores helping the affected area to dry up quickly. These medicines are also effective in reducing inflammation associated with many acne breakouts. The reduction of redness and swelling make the pimples less noticeable.
Dermabrasion is an example of a relatively simple approach to treating shallow scars. The skin is massaged with a rotating brush that removes the surface scars. The chemical peel is an acne treatment that removes scars using chemicals that slather off the scarred skin.
More invasive approaches include scar excisions that remove the scar and pull the healthy skin together and punch grafting. Punch grafting involves removing the scar with a surgical hole-punch. The open plug where the scar originally was is filled with a plug of new skin.
About Acne - What can you do to cure or alleviate acne?
THE SKIN ANATOMY
To understand the acne process, some knowledge about skin anatomy and physiology is essential:
The skin has there layers: The outer layer called epidermis consists of epithelial cells. Under this lies the dermis consisting of connective tissue. At the bottom there is a layer called the hypodermis consisting mostly of fat cells.
The skin has narrow pores extending from the surface down to the top of the sub-dermis, called hair follicles. A hair extend from a growth zone in the bottom of each hair follicle and out at the skin surface. Around the hair in the dermis, there are small glands called sebaceous glands. These glands produce a fatty substance, sebum, which empty through the follicle opening and lubricates the hair and the skin.
Getting To Know Acne
This factsheet is for people who have acne.
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots. Most people affected by acne are aged between 12 and 25.1 However, men and women in their 30s and 40s can also suffer. There are many treatments available to help deal with the condition.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that typically causes one or more of the following:
* blackheads (comedones)
* whiteheads
* red or yellow spots
* greasy skin
* scars
Acne typically affects the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms and the severity of the condition can vary.
Acne affects people of all skin colours. The processes that cause acne are exactly the same in people with black or brown skin but the impact is altered by the skin pigmentation.
Acne is very common and affects about 80 in 100 people aged 11-30 at some time.
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Acne
This factsheet is for people who have acne.
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots. Most people affected by acne are aged between 12 and 25.1 However, men and women in their 30s and 40s can also suffer. There are many treatments available to help deal with the condition.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that typically causes one or more of the following:
* blackheads (comedones) 2,3
* whiteheads2,3
* red or yellow spots2,3
* greasy skin2,3
* scars2,3
To Know Acne
This factsheet is for people who have acne.
Acne is a skin condition that causes spots. Most people affected by acne are aged between 12 and 25.1 However, men and women in their 30s and 40s can also suffer. There are many treatments available to help deal with the condition.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that typically causes one or more of the following:
* blackheads (comedones)
* whiteheads
* red or yellow spots
* greasy skin
* scars
Acne typically affects the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms and the severity of the condition can vary.
Acne affects people of all skin colours. The processes that cause acne are exactly the same in people with black or brown skin but the impact is altered by the skin pigmentation.
Acne is very common and affects about 80 in 100 people aged 11-30 at some time.
home | health information | health factsheets
Acne
This factsheet is for people who have acne.
Acne at my age?
The number people over 30 needing acne treatments has climbed to the extent that a report published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology recommends raising the age for insurance coverage of the acne drug tretinoin to at least 40. The authors of the report, Drs. Steven Feldman and Alan Fleischer, add that many insurance companies refuse to pay for tretinoin prescriptions for patients older than 25.
Cosmetic Catch 22 Even if your insurance company leaves you to fend for yourself, you still have options for freeing yourself from acne and wrinkles. At first, coping with acne and wrinkles may seem like a cosmetic catch 22. Do you dry your skin with acne cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and worsen your wrinkles? Or, do you smear on the moisturizer to smooth the wrinkles, but cope with the zits brought on by the extra oil or sensitivity to a new product?
The Causes of and Possible Solutions to Acne Vulgaris
Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent. However, the disease is not restricted to any age group; adults in their 20s - even into their 40s - can get acne. While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to serious and permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead to scarring. Why does acne happen?
- An inflamed spot occurs due to the release of inflammatory fatty acids by a particular bacterium known as p.acnes, which causes the body’s defence systems to respond.
- You would however not get p.acnes colonisation of the hair follicle duct without a plug forming.
- The plug forms due to an increase in skin cell turnover, increased keratin deposition narrowing the opening of the hair follicle duct, combined with increased sebum production, which mixes with the debris to cause a blockage and a plug to form.
- The increased sebum, keratin and cell turnover would not happen if linoleic acid levels in the skin had reduced dramatically.
- Linoleic acid levels reduced due to the development of sensitivity to the hormone DHT.
- DHT is formed from testosterone.
Acne's Frequenlty Asked Questions
Q: I've tried a million over the counter products for acne and they work for a while and then they stop. I've tried oil-free cleansers, gels, cover-ups, and makeup - all of which claim they help acne-prone skin. But they're not; what am I doing wrong?
A: You're not doing anything wrong except wasting your money. The products you're buying don't work. Even though they are labeled oil-free, they really aren't oil-free. All products with the exception of water, are oil-based. Just like in the foods you eat, there are good oils and bad oils. The products that you have been using are full of bad oils and are producing new acne, not helping it. Over the counter eye shadows and lipsticks are fine, but when it comes to make-up and cleansers, the stuff you've been buying just isn't helping.
Q: What about all the acne soaps and astringents I use? I wash and scrub my face constantly, but I still break out. Why?
A: You can scrub all you want but it won't make a difference. Acne forms inside your hair follicles which are below the surface. The same thing goes for drying-out your skin with alcohol or astringents. All this does is clean the top layer of your skin, but it doesn't go inside the clogged hair follicles to clean them out. It's important to realize that your pimples are forming beneath the top layers of your skin and that over the counter products can't help you there. The Acne Treatment Clinic offers topical medications which go deep into the clogged hair follicles to clean them out and prevent new pimples from forming. Whether you suffer from severe acne or occasional breakouts, our products work quickly giving you positive results.
Acne Scarring
Before talking about scars, a word about spots that may look like scars but are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Even though they are not true scars and disappear in time, they are visible and can cause embarrassment.
Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Causes of Acne Scars
In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.
Acne Scars
Acne Scarring
A detailed and comprehensive discussion of acne scars starts with causes of scarring, prevention of scarring, types of scars, and treatments for scars.
Before talking about scars, a word about spots that may look like scars but are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Even though they are not true scars and disappear in time, they are visible and can cause embarrassment.
Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Causes of Acne Scars
In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.
When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue.
A detailed and comprehensive discussion of acne scars starts with causes of scarring, prevention of scarring, types of scars, and treatments for scars.
Before talking about scars, a word about spots that may look like scars but are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Even though they are not true scars and disappear in time, they are visible and can cause embarrassment.
Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.
Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Causes of Acne Scars
In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.
When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue.
Acne Medications
What is the most important information I should know about Accutane?
Accutane is used to treat a type of severe acne (nodular acne) that has not been helped by other treatments, including antibiotics. However, Accutane can cause serious side effects. Before starting Accutane, discuss with your prescriber how bad your acne is, the possible benefits of Accutane, and its possible side effects, to decide if Accutane is right for you. Your prescriber will ask you to read and sign a form or forms indicating you understand some of the serious risks of Accutane.
Possible serious side effects of taking Accutane include birth defects and mental disorders.
1. Birth defects. Accutane can cause birth defects (deformed babies) if taken by a pregnant woman. It can also cause miscarriage (losing the baby before birth), premature (early) birth, or death of the baby. Do not take Accutane if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while you are taking Accutane. Do not get pregnant for 1 month after you stop taking Accutane. Also, if you get pregnant while taking Accutane, stop taking it right away and call your prescriber.
All females should read the section in this Medication Guide "What are the important warnings for females taking Accutane?"
2. Mental problems and suicide. Some patients, while taking Accutane or soon after stopping Accutane, have become depressed or developed other serious mental problems. Symptoms of these problems include sad, "anxious" or empty mood, irritability, anger, loss of pleasure or interest in social or sports activities, sleeping too much or too little, changes in weight or appetite, school or work performance going down, or trouble concentrating. Some patients taking Accutane have had thoughts about hurting themselves or putting an end to their own lives (suicidal thoughts). Some people tried to end their own lives. And some people have ended their own lives. There were reports that some of these people did not appear depressed. No one knows if Accutane caused these behaviors or if they would have happened even if the person did not take Accutane.
The Most Asked Question About Acne Is Concerned
Questions and Answer does follows:
1. What causes acne?
The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.
Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.
Frequent Questions Raised About Acne
Questions and Answer does follows:
1. What causes acne?
The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.
Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.
In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.
Why Use Acne Medicine.
Many people have to deal with acne. This very annoying problem can happen to anyone at anytime in his or her life. Acne is the clogging of pores. They are often times called pimples and can occur on the face, neck, back any many other parts of the body. Acne is some thing that is more common to be found in teenagers and adolescents. It is not restricted to any certain age group and can be found to be a problem for many adults as well.
Having one or two pimples may not be a problem for most people. It is when ‘there is a group of acne’ lurking on your face and body that is uncontrollable. Many people are very self-conscious about their acne problem. It can be hard for anyone to deal with if the problem persists and is out of control.
Using acne medicine is just one way that you can get an acne problem under control. There are many medicines out there on the market for people to purchase. Many of the over the counter acne medicines work just fine. These medications can be used for most people of any age and will resolve the problem with in a few weeks.
Why wasn’t I told this about acne as a teenager?
Well, based on what some people say about Positive thinking and all, I guess I allowed it to have too much control over me. However, at that age, how the heck was I to know about all that? Moreover, with bumps, bumps and more bumps all over my face, it was kind of hard you know. I doubt if any girl would have wanted to kiss a guy with a big red bump nestled on his lip today or his nose the next.
Needless to say those were sad years and had I known then what I know now about acne, folks, it would have been a different story. Either way it goes, I still come across helpless and understandably sad teenagers almost on a daily basis so if it helps any: if you are a teenager or know of a teenager who is plagued with pimples, here are a few tips that should help you cure your acne in no time.
1. First and foremost, I care not what some sites and product endorsers say about how diet doesn’t affect acne; you have got to make a change in your eating habits, plain and simple. You are what you eat. If you want to have clearer skin and the added bonus of improved health, of course eating right will be essential. That said: Fruits and vegetables friends. Shop more in the produce aisle and steer clear of the snack stands at the cash register. I know it may sound boring for a teenager but trust me, it’s worth the sacrifice and this forms the basis of an internal acne treatment right there from its root cause.
2.For external acne-care, you could learn such simple tips as facial massaging and exercises. However, (now I’m speaking from what I went through and believe me I had acne BAD…) simply washing your face with nothing but clean hands and plain cool water may perhaps be the most efficient way to clean the pores. Combined with the facial massaging and occasional steaming of the face, this will be very sufficient to clean the skin.
3. Change your pillowcases daily and make sure you have a towel exclusively for your face or you could employ the use of paper towels.
4. If you use greasy hair-products, shampoo the hair before retiring or at least use a clean do-rag to hinder the introduction of oily substances to the pillowcase and inevitably your face while asleep.
5. On that subject, try to also sleep on the right side. Besides checking against contaminations getting on the face, this is great for the heart and lungs and allows for a better and restful sleep (which co-incidentally helps with controlling acne.)
6. Deal with stressful situations amicably. This is another topic into itself but briefly these work: Proper diet (factor #1), proper thinking habits and exercise.
For stress, allow me to mention Yoga-don’t have the space to explain why, but friends, with its sun-exercises and its derivative, Hindu push-ups, Yoga is awesome for stress-relief. Moreover, for teenagers who are more likely to engage in sports and other recreational activities, you’ll be getting the added advantage of improving your fitness levels and with your own body weight at that.
Boy, had I known of some of these in my time. Well, don’t let the story of my teenage years be yours, a sad one because of one thing-Acne.
With the tips above, I can confidently assure you it won’t be the case.
Just remember you owe me and my payment is to pass it on to your friends if they need it. (I want every teen with acne to know of this…chuckle)
Here’s to a clearer skin naturally.
Acne Treatments: The Cheap Option Or The Potent Stuff?
In most cases, these readily available measures achieve the simple goal of alleviating your acne problem without causing any discomfort. Of course, given individual reactions to the chemicals in the skin treatments, that may not always be the case. Prescription medication, which is typically more potent, may also cause the same unwanted side-effects as those that come from over-the-counter products.
Various factors influence the effectiveness of an over-the-counter or prescription acne treatment product. You might be inclined to wonder which of the two would be the best acne medication, with minimal possible side effects. Well, the answer to this is that all medications can potentially cause side effects. Every person's skin will react differently to different drugs or medications.
Acne Treatment, Best Acne Treatments
Although acne isn't life threatening it can be uncomfortable and hard on your ego. There has always been a debate about the actual cause of acne. The actual cause isn't as important as finding a cure. There's acne treatment for teenagers that has been specifically configured for the teenage age group. Adult acne is also common and adults can experience acne problems well into their 40's.
So is there a cure for acne? Well yes and no. There are many products available and for some they are a cure, for others they do not help. A cure is only a cure when you find a product that works for you.
Most acne treatments will take time to work. It usually takes around 8 weeks before you see any significant improvement so you are going to have to be patient. Once your acne's cleared up it's important to continue with the acne treatment that's working so it does not return.
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