Showing posts with label skin care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin care. Show all posts

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Adult Acne - Frustrating Problem With No Easy Answers

What are the reasons that more and more adults are suffering from acne?

That’s probably related to the more varied and volatile hormone changes that accompany the adult physiology and lifestyle. Also, subtle early pre-menopausal changes in estrogen and testosterone may contribute.

Women are subject to more stress than perhaps at any other time in history. There are more concrete demands and more mixed messages demanding personal and professional perfection. The price is often physical and emotional exhaustion and emotional stress. How is it possible for the skin to not respond badly as well?

The final basic “cause” of adult acne is the same, abnormal response of the follicle lining cells to androgens. However, there are many more potential and identifiable causes in women, i.e. hormone medications, menses, pregnancy, personal care, etc.

The following regimen is one which is typically recommended to varying degrees of adult acne:

- Non-comedogenic soaps, cosmetics, etc. Many skin cleansers, make-up, etc. actually leave residues which block pores, and can make acne worse. The products which are used should state that they do not exacerbate acne. Some have recommended a very inexpensive, "natural" topical antibiotic. Placing 1 tsp. of essence of lemon oil (found at supermarkets) in to 4 ounces (120 cc) of liquid soap. This is used for cleansing the skin - essence of lemon has antibacterial properties.

- Topical antibiotics: several antibiotics (esp. tetracycline types, erythromycin, clindamycin, etc..) are prescribed for adult acne twice daily. They usually come in a "roll-on" type bottle.

- Topical Vitamin-A acid (e.g.. Retin-A): cause peeling of the superficial layer of the skin to lessen new comedone formation. Quite effective. Face gets "raw" if use to much. Must use a sunscreen. Takes 4-6 weeks of consistent use to attain benefit.

- Facial cleansing: people with adult acne usually have very clean skin because attention they give to this area.

- UV light therapy: should be done with great care and under the supervision of a dermatologist.

- Oral antibiotics: tetracylines or erythromycin are most commonly given by mouth for moderate to severe acne in adult. More expensive antibiotics are not necessarily any better than plain tetracycline. Tetracyclines work very well, however because they can discolor new bone formation, they are contra-indicated in youth who have not completed their permanent teeth, as well as pregnant and nursing females.

- Isotretinoin (Accutane) is indicated in only the severest adult acne cases. It is highly effective at reducing sebum production, comedone formation, inflammation, etc. However, it can cause severe birth defects if taken while pregnant and runs the risk of toxicity, requiring certain laboratory monitoring prior to and during therapy. It usually needs to be taken for at least 20 weeks. All other adult acne therapy is stopped while on isotretinoin.

In general, it’s not how you wash, what you eat, what you drink, or impure thoughts. The over-the-counter, television, and internet “miracle cures” are too good to be true. REALLY. You need real therapy that can clear your skin.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Acne- Why It Forms More During Adolescence?

Acne- the causes of acne formation The main cause of acne formation is excess sebum production. The sebum is produced by sebaceous glands that are attached to hair follicles. This sebum protects our skin from infection and dryness. During young years hormones bring about many changes in the body. These hormones activate the sebaceous glands to produce more of sebum. Sebaceous glands and acne- Imagine of a balloon. If you keep it filling, it will expand and then burst. Something similar happens to the sebaceous glands. The hormonal activity also blocks the pores that allow sebum to come out on the skin surface. So you now have a gland that is blocked from the top and filled with sebum. The bacteria P.acnes takes advantage of this and multiplies in the sebum and infects it. You get inflamed acne as the gland bursts under pressure. As the hormones are at peak during the adolescent years, acne forms most during this period. A young person can develop many types of acne. Acne- effect on adolescents Acne spots affect the psychology of the young people. They suffer in confidence and are doubtful about developing relationships. It is important that adolescents be guided properly about their acne and treated as soon as possible. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Acne- When It Becomes Severe

Acne Vulgaris- We all know of common acne that is called acne vulgaris. But there are severe forms of acne that have different names. They are difficult to treat and cause lot of mental agony and skin scars. Let us find out something about the severe forms of acne. Acne Conglobata- If acne vulgaris suddenly flares up and instead of settling down begins forming more inflammation and nodules with deep cysts that infect the deep insides it is called Acne Conglobata. You will find many body parts full of blackhead sin this and a nodule with surrounding comedones. The nodules get infected, and after treatment leave scars. This form of acne cannot be treated with OTC medication. You must approach a doctor and get it treated. Acne Fulminans- This acne type generally follows untreated acne conglobata. This causes fever and forms deeper abscesses. Doctors may use steroids and other anti-inflammatory agents to treat this condition. Gram Negative Folliculitis- This is not acne, but inflammation of the hair follicle. It causes pustules around the hair follicle and may even form boils around them. This is treated with antibiotics. Isotretinoin is commonly used for all severe forms of acne with other medications. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Acne Website Review – Acnereviews.net

In this article I will discuss what this site is all about and what it has to offer. Acnereviews.net is the internet's superior guide to getting rid of acne! Here you'll find top-quality information on what acne is, different types of acne and how to effectively treat it so that it never bothers you again! The site helps you by providing reviews and guides in order to choose the right skin care products that would make your skin look healthy and youthful. ACNE is a common inflammatory disease of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules and, in the more severe forms, by cysts and scarring. The lesions appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and arms. There are several types of acne, including tropical acne, a condition of light-skinned people who are exposed to unaccustomed heat and humidity, and chloracne, a form resulting from exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons. Washing the skin removes surface oils and can prevent acne from spreading. The contents of blackheads and pustular lesions should be evacuated only by a physician under proper aseptic conditions to lessen the possibility of scarring. Unfortunately, acne hits young people at a time when they most want to look their best ? acne can make you feel embarrassed and feel bad about yourself. Parents and older people might tell you that pimples are a part of growing up, and that you just shouldn't worry about them, but if your acne or pimples are making you miserable, you should seek treatments that can help a lot. The site is well designed and it is very easy to find the information that you are looking for. As the name suggests, the site primarily talk about acne and provides free advice and information. The site provides a detailed background on what acne is and how to treat it. It also clears some of the misconceptions that are out there about acne. It has a section called ‘Tips’ that provides invaluable tips on acne dos and don’ts. The section that is very valuable is the ‘Top Products’ section. Here the site provides unbiased reviews of leading acne products. It reviews Acuzine, ClearPores and a few other very popular acne treatments that are available today. This site does not accept sponsors and that can be a little assuring since you know the site is not trying to sell you anything. People who are suffering from acne must visit the site and reap many benefits that it has to offer.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Acne Treatment - Surgical And Physical Procedures For Treating Acne

Acne Treatment focuses on quick acne cure and avoidance of acne scarring. As acne progresses, the possibility of scarring increases. With surgical and physical procedures doctors hope to bring quick healing to acne. These procedures are mainly performed to drain acne, dry out the oil and reduce the size of sebaceous glands. Let us look at some of these common procedures. Comedone extraction- in this procedure the blackheads and whiteheads are removed by doctor using sterile instruments. The extraction stops further growth. This procedure may be combined with oral or topical treatment. Cyst drainage- large cysts are drained and extracted skillfully by doctors to remove the pus, dead cells, sebum and other matter that is accumulated in the large cysts. This prevents cysts from further growth and scar formation is reduced. Steroid Injection- Sometimes cysts are injected to dry them out with steroid. This gives quick results. Peeling and dermabrasion- with mild chemical peeling and microdermabrasion, the epidermis is cleaned of dead skin cells, the pores are opened and acne is reduced. Laser - Diode laser can be used to treat acne. Light source- some lights such as blue light and green yellow lights are used to kill P.acnes bacteria that creates inflammation in acne. Most of these procedures are used along with topical or oral treatment of acne. The main objective is to treat acne at a stage where scar formation will not take place. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Acne Skin Care Methods

Acne can be a painful and embarrassing condition for a person to be afflicted with. Often, a person who has acne cannot control its occurrence. But, by following a few acne skin care practices, acne can be controlled and even gotten rid of. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of individuals. The most universal type of acne is known as "common acne". Acne is caused when too many oils are secreted from the glands and those oils mix with dead skin cells, blocking the hair follicles. More oil secretions increase underneath the already blocked follicles (or pores), and skin bacteria begin to grow rapidly. This leads to red and irritated skin that most often appears as bumps on the skin's surface. Any skin surface of the body is susceptible to acne, but it most commonly (and heavily) appears on the face, chest, back, and upper arm region. Acne commonly begins to occur during puberty due to an irregular response by the body to regular levels of testosterone, a male hormone. Often, acne begins to subside or disappear altogether by the mid 20's. However, some individuals do suffer with it throughout adulthood. And some adults do not even see the onset of acne until well into the adult years. This is known as adult onset acne. Acne can leave scarring on the skin, as well as have a scarring effect on a person's self-esteem, and even lead to depression. Because society can be so unforgiving about appearances, there are various medically prescribed treatments available, as well as acne skin care regimens that can be utilized in order to minimize the symptoms of acne. Different things cause acne for different sufferers. A few of the recognized causes of acne include heredity, hormonal activity (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy), stress, certain medications, and skin irritation. All of these things have the potential to cause acne, as well as exacerbate it. There are a few myths regarding acne. For instance we've all heard of a mom telling her child not to eat too many greasy foods like French fries, or eat too many sweets, because it will give him or her pimples. That is simply an old wives' tale. Diet does not cause acne, and does not affect it. Also, poor hygiene has no bearing on the occurrence of acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, and having poor hygiene habits will not aggravate the condition. There are many treatments for acne available, both through prescription, and over the counter. There are antibiotics in the form of pills, as well as topical creams that are designed to treat the condition. Exfoliation can be used as a treatment to remove and prevent the build up of dead skin cells. And light therapy is being used more and more to treat acne. It is important to consult a dermatologist in order to determine the best course of treatment and learn the best regimen of acne skin care to carry out. Dealing with the occurrence of acne requires knowing how to properly care for the skin. Acne skin care can help keep the problem from getting worse, and even alleviate it. It is important to gently wash the skin at least twice a day with a gentle skin cleanser. Do not scrub with a rough pad or use a rough soap. This will make the acne problem worse. And always completely rinse the skin after cleansing. As part of an acne skin care routine, it is important to remember not to touch the afflicted skin areas. Do not try to squeeze acne. An infection could occur, compounding the problem, and scarring could result. Also, avoid the sun when possible. Wear protective clothing to avoid tanning or burning. The skin will age faster, and any fading effect of the acne is temporary and will become visible again when the burn or tan fades. When using cosmetics, take care to use oil-free products, and products that are non-comedogenic (won't clog the pores). And for men who shave their faces, it is important to shave very carefully. Shave with a light hand to avoid cutting or nicking the blemishes. If these steps in acne skin care are taken, the pain and embarrassment of the problem can be alleviated, and over time, eliminated completely.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Acne Skin Care - How To Clear Up Those Embarrasing Blemishes

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease. For most people, acne tends to diminish by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem. I remember when I used to get acne myself. Was that annoying. And it sure ruined my social life, that's for sure. There is nothing more embarrasing than going out in public with acne all over your face. You know people are staring at you. You know they don’t want to get near you because of those ugly marks on your face. I think they think it’s contagious, which is not true at all. It’s a good way to lose friends quickly. So, how did I get rid of my acne ? Well, before you can clear up your skin, you should know exactly who the enemy is and what you’re up against. Here’s a summary for you and some real honest to goodness solutions. It worked for me and it will work for you too. What is Acne? Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it). Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither does stress. How Is Acne Treated? You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor). Over-the-counter(OTC) Medicines Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad. Prescription Topical Medicines Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. Prescription Oral Medicines Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin. Other treatments There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the counter medications, but often with less side effects. How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin? * Clean Skin Gently with a mild cleanser 3 or 4 times a day. * Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin. * Shave Carefully. * Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan. * Use Non-Oily Cosmetics. In summary, there are many treatments out there for acne skin problems. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure what to do. Try some of the suggestions mentioned here. In no time at all, you’ll look better, feel better, and you’ll be back out there enjoying your social life, your friends, and your family much more.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Acne Scar Treatment Techniques

Acne is one of the most common and bothersome skin conditions for adolescence. Although acne itself is not curable, even the most severe cases can be treated effectively. For these sever conditions, various types of acne scar treatment are available if warranted by the situation. Recent estimates indicate that 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from acne. The severity and amount of time a person has acne can vary from person to person, but for most of us, it will eventually go away by itself. It is true that even mild acne may affect normal social activities because of the undesirable changes to your appearance, but this is considered more of a nuisance than anything else. Unfortunately, there are more severe forms of acne with greater consequences. In addition to being painful, sever cases of acne can cause serious scarring. Acne scars can occur in both mild acne or severe acne, but the chances of scarring increases as the acne severity increases. Luckily, you have the option of choosing between several acne scar treatment techniques available. The purpose of acne scar treatment is to restore your skin to its original appearance. You will find, however, that restoration is not always 100%, but acne scar treatment works to make the scarring almost invisible. There are a variety of techniques available to remove acne scars and each one uses a different approach. It is recommended that you consult with a dermatologist to determine the best technique based on your type of acne and the severity of scarring present. At this point, you may be asking yourself how acne scars occur. In general, acne scars, and other types of scars for that matter, result from tissue damage. After tissue is damaged, the body will begin healing itself and in the process discourages any chance of infection. Your body sends a special chemical call collagen to the affected area. Sometimes, the collagen is produced in excess and develops into an irregularly shaped fibrous mass resulting in an acne scar. Other types of scars that may also occur include soft scars, depressed scars, "ice-pick" scars, atrophic macules, and many others. For the most part, these types of scars are caused by the loss of tissue from a particular area. Injecting collagen under the surface of the scarred skin is one of the most popular acne scar treatment techniques being used. The purpose of this technique is to puff out or restore the skin, which makes the scar much less noticeable. Another acne scar treatment technique is called autologus fat transfer. This process uses the fat from one part of your body for injection into the affected area. This helps to fill in the scar, but since fat is eventually absorbed into the body, repeated applications may be needed. Other effective acne scar treatments include laser or dermabrasion. Skin grafting and even surgery is a possibility, but these procedures are used only used in the most extreme cases. Hopefully, you will not have to undergo any of these techniques to address your acne, but if scarring is present, with the help of your dermatologist you will be able to make an effective choice.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Acne Free Treatment

Acne is very common among teenagers, and adolescents. No one is really sure what causes acne, or why it is known to form in the teen years. Although scientists don't know what causes it but heredity is at the top of the list of possible factors. Heredity has long been thought to be a large roll in who gets acne. If someone in your family has had, or has, acne, then you are more then likely going to develop it. Acne can vary from mild to very severe. It is commonly formed when the skin ducts and oil glands start to work overtime. The lining of the duct will actually shed cells which are then moved away to the outside layer of skin. The skin duct clogs and oil is trapped underneath. This plug of the pore is called a comedo. When the plug is below the skin it is called a whitehead, or closed comedo. But then, if the plug pushed up and pops out of the skin duct, pore, it is then called an open comedo, or blackhead. It is called black head because the top of it appears dark, although it is not dirt that is trapped in your skin, and it cannot be easily washed away. It is important that you do not let having acne restrict or control your life. Here are some tips for and easy Acne Free Treatment. One of the most dismissed treatments for acne is water. Something so easy as drinking enough water a day is very effective in getting rid of acne. This is thought to be because water is alkaline, with a pH of 7.3, and is considered a natural treatment to become acne free. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will help your body get rid of oil and waste toxins that can damage your skin. Water even helps moisten your skin and keep your pores from clogging. Drinking water will also lower your stress levels and relax your body, letting you get a better sleep. Along with drinking more water, try to lessen your intake of coffees, sodas, teas, and alcohols. These types of drinks are diuretics that take more water out of your cells then they put in. Although astringents shrink your pores and decrease the appearance of acne for a short while, they are unhealthy for your skin in the long one. For one, they dry out your skin, forcing your cells to produce more oils, and that can lead to acne outbreaks. Also, when your pores shrink, oil is trapped in there, clogging the pores. Another thing to avoid is stimulants. Stimulants such as coffee, tea, cigarettes, and sugar from sweets and soda should be considered unhealthy for the entire body. These stimulants affect the whole nervous system and brain, and can easily stimulate the oil glands to start producing more oil than usual. These can also trigger stress, which is also bad for your skin. Watching what you eat is a good way to limit your acne breakouts. Diet does affect acne, so be careful what you eat. Try to stay away from foods that are high in fat, or foods that tend to be greasy. Think low fat foods and you will be just fine. Alcohol is thought of as one of the best ways to relieve stress, alcohol is also a big contributor to acne. It is an astringent and shrinks pores. Also, alcohol inhibits sleep and can cause stress. You need rest and a stress free lifestyle to have healthy skin. Scrubbing your skin, along with abrasive soaps should be avoided. They irritate the skin and damage the natural barrier between you and the acne causing bacteria. Sure, the sun does kill most bacteria, but it also harms the skin. The skin is very fragile, and is harmed easily. The sun acts as an astringent that tightens and clogs the skin pores. It also dries out the skin, and there is also sun spots, freckles, and skin cancer. You should spend 15 minutes under the sun daily. There are many medicines and cream that are used to fight acne. But so far, maintains a healthy lifestyle is the easiest way to go. It is important to say that by leading a healthy lifestyle, you will not only get healthier skin, but also a healthier body. Changing habits will be hard at first, but in the long run you will have a better general health, and more energy, and clearer, healthier skin.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Acne- Does sunshine improve it?

Acne and treatments- Acne has many treatments. Being a very common problem, people have found their own ways of treating acne. Some of them don’t cure acne but may further damage the skin. Many of us believe that acne can be treated by getting exposed to sun, but is it true? Let us find out the truth. Acne- causes Once we know about what causes acne, we can find out if sunshine affects any of them. The causes of acne are very simple. Because of hormonal changes and sometime pressure or chemicals, body produces more sebum. The gland keeps on producing sebum, but the gland opening gets closed with dead skin. This makes the gland expand like a balloon. The bacteria P.acnes infects the gland and inflames it. This gland forms the acne. If the infection is not severe you will call it black head or white heads, otherwise pimples, cystic acne etc. Acne - treatments- Every acne treatment tries to address one or more of the causes of acne formation. Sunlight does not address any of the causes. What it does is to either burn the skin or tan it. With tanned look, acne looks less apparent and we believe that it is going away. But that is not true. Rather sun damages the skin and may cause early wrinkles, aging and even cancer. Please consult your doctor about acne treatment and stop believing that sun can cure it. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Acne- Does Food Make A Difference?

In the quest to cure acne faster and prevent it, medical science is looking at all the possible causes and treatments. In this respect various foods are getting examined and doctors are trying to find out if food has any connection with acne formation. Let us find out more about it. Acne and chocolates- Many people believe that chocolates make acne worse. Many people believe that oily food will cause oily skin and make them more susceptible to acne. Acne formation does depend on stress. Genetics may have a definite role in acne formation. Why a teenager has got face full of spots, while other gets none. These are the mysteries of human body. Both produce hormones and both are at the age when most of the teenagers should expect acne. But some of them don't get any. Some of them not only get acne in adolescence but keep on getting it as they grow up. Acne and food connection- There may be a connection between eating a particular food and getting acne. But science has yet to come to a conclusion about it. That does not mean that your acne may not be getting by a particular food. Science has not solved all the mysteries and many of grandma's recipes work for no scientific reason. It is for you to make a chart of food and acne. Whenever you get a flare up, try to find out if you had eaten any particular food. If this match continues, avoid that food. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Acne- Do Miracle Cures Work?

Acne is a frustrating condition. It takes quite some time to resolve and by the time one pimple resolves, one may get another. That frustrates us more. Daily application of formulations that seem not to work makes us look for cures that may be quicker. Sunshine, application of toothpaste, essential oils etc. are al taken as quick treatments. Before you get taken in by any of such treatments, please read further. Acne- why do many of us look for miracle cures? The main reason that many of us look for miracle cures for acne is because we can not tolerate acne. If it is severe, we want to get rid of it immediately. It makes us feel very bad. Our confidence is affected because of acne. Modern medicine has proven acne therapy but all of them take weeks to show effect. That frustrates us and we want a quick cure. This makes us look for miracle cures. If you have an important function to attend and are affected by acne, please consult your doctor about steroid injection. A steroid injection in the acne can dry it within few days. Please talk to your doctor about that option. Acne- is there anything wrong with modern medicine? There is nothing wrong with modern medicine for acne except the time. We want that our acne should resolve as early as possible. All medicines take time. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, etc. all take time to treat acne. Many of us have no patience and that is how we get trapped to use other methods. These methods do not work because there is no scientific finding that says that they can. But in the process we lose precious time and spoil our looks further. Please get acne treated by your doctor and have patience. Even the severest form of acne has proven treatment. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Acne- Can You Stop Acne Formation?

Acne- How It Troubles Most Of Us? Acne troubles most of us. Either when we are teenagers or when we grow up. Those who have acne on face are shy of meeting friends and those have acne on the back are shy of removing their shirt in public. Teenagers ask if acne will spoil their relationships. Acne has been taken as a way of life. We have all come to believe that cane cannot be prevented. it can be only treated once you get it. Can acne formation be stopped? Acne- How It Forms? Acne is associated with our sebaceous glands with hair. When the gland produces more sebum, and dead skin cells accumulate, they block the pore of the gland. This increases the pressure in the gland and forms acne. If we want to stop acne, we have to address these two main issues along with getting rid of excess P.acnes bacteria that produces inflammation. Acne- How To Stop Its Formation? Suppose I am prone to acne. I can surely try all the measures to control the oil. i can consult my doctor about drugs that will bring my hormones in order and not activate sebum production. I will ask my doctor about how to make my skin shed the dead skin cells regularly so that they don't block the pores. I will try methods such microdermabrasion and AHA treatments to remove the dead skin layer. I will find out which antibacterial will take care of the P.acnes and don't allow it to grow. The issue is that most of us never ask our doctor in detail about the prevention but are happy to clear whatever acne we get. Please talk to your doctor in detail about you can address these three issues and prevent acne. Don't allow it to form. Take help of science and make every effort to stop it forming. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Acne And Skin Changes In Pregnancy

All thanks to hormones your complexion may act up to during pregnancy. If you have had clear skin all along, pimples, acne, etc seems like unwanted guests. On the other hand, acne, pimples, etc prior to your pregnancy, your skin might just clear up. Irrespective of the situation, you can start by keeping your skin clean and moisturized. And if pimples, acne, start to appear, do not pick, squeeze, scratch or pop them. You make things worse for your skin by risking scars. Speak with your doctor if acne becomes worse. Acne prevention pointers - Wash your face twice a day with mild cleanser. Exfoliate but do not scrub your skin. - Exercise to reduces stress, increases blood circulation and oxygen penetration to your skin - Do not squeeze, pop, scratch or pick at your pimples, as this can make the infection spread. - Drink adequate amount of water each day to help detoxify the body from the inside out. - Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink loads of water to maintain healthy skin. Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates - Avoid oil based cosmetics and clean your cosmetic brushes in warm soapy water. - Avoid exposing your skin to too much sunlight, heat or cold. - Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing as it can trap sweat against the skin. Acne Remedies - Apply lavender or tea tree oil on the acne affected area. These essential oils are natural antibiotics destroying a broad range of microorganisms and reduce redness, itchiness and stinging. Try a steam facial of boiling water mixed with couple of drops of tea tree oil. When you are finished, splash your face with cold water, to help close the pores again. - Cut fresh garlic clove in half and put it on the affected area. - Put a tsp of lemon juice and ground cinnamon on the acne. - Apply vinegar to the face with a cotton ball and let it sit for ten minutes and then rinse with cold water. - Lemon or any citric fruit are good natural exfoliates. Squeeze a lemon or citrus fruit into a bowl and soak a cotton ball in the juice. Apply the lemon juice to the face and then leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with cool water. - Beat one egg white and apply it on the face for 15 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Egg white with large amount of proteins and fatty acids replenishes the skin and tightens the pores. - If you see a pimple starting to break out on your face, rub an ice cube on the affected area.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Acne - Remove Milia That Look Like Whiteheads But They Are Not Acne

All of us want good-looking skin. Acne is the biggest obstacle in our effort. There are other skin problems that look like acne but are not acne. Milia is one of them. Milia are white spots on the face that can form at any age. Milia look like white pearls and most of us confuse them with whiteheads of acne. They are not whiteheads. So the treatment is different. Common acne treatment will not help remove milia but create more skin problems. Find out the difference between milia and whiteheads for a good-looking face. Acne- what are whiteheads: whiteheads form when the dead skin cells, white blood cells, bacteria P.Acnes and sebum block the opening of the sebaceous glands. The gland has a closed mouth and this comedone is called acne. This acne troubles us because if it gets further infected, it can create scarring and spoil the facial skin forever. Mila- milia is the accumulation of dead skin cells that is not able to get out of the skin. Milia has no infection like whiteheads and no bacteria or pus. Milia has no sebum in its formation. Our skin sheds dead skin cells everyday. Sometimes, when these cells cannot be shed out from the skin, they accumulate and form miila. When you extract a milia from the skin, you will only see white mass. They are dead skin cells. Milia treatment- the only way to remove milia is to get them extracted from skin. Don't extract milia yourself if they are located on your eyelids. The best way to prevent milia is to get the top skin layer exfoliated regularly. Get microdermabrasion done regularly. AHAs are also good for removing the top dead skin cells regularly. Vitamin A derivative creams are also good to peel off the top skin layer. Consult your doctor about prevention and removal. This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Acne, if Only It Would Go Away

Acne is one of life's little irritants and a major cause for loss of self esteem and self worth for our youth. Occurring at any age, but commonly in your teenage year's acne is one of the most frustrating skin conditions you can have. As a teenager I personally battled acne and lost. I didn't know what caused it and there were myths all over about too much candy and chocolate, too much stress, preservatives in foods, sweating from exercise, etc. There are probably hundreds of wrong statements about what causes acne and just as many home remedies that don't help to cure acne. Acne is caused by excessive oils on your skin that clog your pores and eventually will result in an infection, which produces the pimple with its redness and swelling. A blackhead is simply a pore that has been partially plug by oils or dead skin but still remains open and doesn't have an infection. The key to controlling your acne is your ability to control the body oils that you have on your face, neck and shoulders. As a teenager your hormones are the cause of some of this excessive oil in you hair. So it is important to keep your hair clean to help reduce the amount of oil you have around your face and shoulders. As a teenager, I had very oily hair and had acne on my shoulders, I had sought doctors help and tried many things but what finally got it under control was a shorter haircut and washing my hair at least once a day, in addition to keeping my face clean by washing with mild soap and water. If you have acne you should try not to pick at and pop your pimples. It can be very difficult not to pick at your acne, but what you are actually doing when you pop a pimple is spreading the infection to other pores in your skin. You may have noticed that if you do pick at your acne it tends to spread, this is caused by spreading the infection (the white puss like substance) to other pores that may only be partially clogged but now have additional infectious material to completely clog the pore. Keep in mind acne can also be caused by some medications so if you're taking proper care to control your body oils and it still hasn't worked, you may be taking a medication that is the main cause. Be sure to consult with your family physician as he can determine the side effects of your medication and adjust if necessary.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Acne: Fact And Fiction

Myths about acne die hard. Old wives’ tales about its causes continue to persist, in spite of scientific condition to the contrary. This article aims to shed light on some common myths about acne and attempts to separate fact from fiction. Myth 1: People who have acne are unclean and maintain poor hygiene There is absolutely no truth to this statement. Acne is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the body. When the oil glands responsible for keeping our skin waterproof and moist, over react to produce excessive quantities of sebum, they block the associated hair follicle, causing clogged pores, which develops into acne. So hygiene has absolutely nothing to do with it. In fact unnecessary scrubbing of the skin can exacerbate the problem. Do take care of your skin though - wash your face gently and pat dry. Myth 2: Eating the wrong foods will lead to acne The fact is that there is no co-relation between what you eat and acne. The chocolates, the French fries, the cheese pizza, and all those other fatty foods that have been lambasted ever so often, because of their unhealthy consequence have no affect whatsoever on your skin. However, eating a well balanced diet makes sense. So while you don’t have to be concerned as to whether your favorite treat affects your skin (at least directly), do remember that it does affect your overall health. Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress The truth is that the stress that most of us experience as part of our day-to-day existence does not lead to acne. Sometimes, acne can arise as the side-effect of drugs taken to treat severe stress. Talk to your doctor to find out if your stress medication is responsible for your acne. Stress can however make an already existing acne condition worse. Myth 4: Acne is a merely a cosmetic disease Well, acne does affect the way you look and yes, it is considered a threat to your physical well being. However, the fact remains that in some cases acne can lead to permanent scarring which is more than just purely cosmetic. Acne affects people psychologically. It is known to affect their perception of themselves, their self-esteem and confidence and their interaction with others. It can cause feelings of frustration, depression and social embarrassment. Myth 5: Acne can not be cured With the kind of products that are available in the market today, there is no reason why anyone should have to suffer the agony caused by acne. The fact is that acne can be cleared up with the right medication and a regime specific to their needs. Consult your dermatologist if you have acne.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Aloe Vera and Its Natural Skin Care and Health Benefits

Aloe vera plants, particularly aloe barbadensis miller plants, have been used for centuries to help burns, cuts, and other skin ailments. Perhaps your grandparents always had one of these unique, cactus-like plants nearby, just in case of an emergency. If someone got a cut or burn, they would break an aloe leaf apart to extract gel from inside the leaf. The aloe gel inside the leaf is used as a natural healing salve. With the onset of commercialism and the recent boom in all-natural products, aloe has become the ingredient of choice in many skin care and health products. Commercial aloe products include everything from creams to lotions to nutritional supplements in pill or drink form. The products often combine aloe gel with other ingredients to enhance the gel's natural healing components. For example, an aloe-based Hawaiian product, called AhVahleen, combines aloe with some natural extracts taken from organic honey and a Hawaiian Kalo herbal plant. Natural Aloe-Based Solutions for Skin Care and Health Aloe gel, especially when combined with other natural ingredients, can greatly enhance the skin and its ability to replenish skin cells. As skin cells die, new skin cells must replace the old to promote healthy skin. This also slows the aging process and helps keep the skin moist and beautiful. Aloe creams and gels on the market can help enhance this process. There are also creams and gels to help with itching, burns, cuts, psoriasis, shingles, and other skin conditions. Aloe vera gel is also known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which allow skin ailments to heal while reducing risk of infection. Some aloe-based products are said to help soothe and dry up chicken pox as well. Aloe gel can work as a natural anesthesia to reduce or alleviate pain caused by burns, cuts, and skin rashes. For severe sunburn and/or sun poison, aloe vera gel can cool the burning skin and speed up the healing process. How to Buy Natural Aloe Products Besides growing your own aloe vera plants, the next best thing is to buy natural aloe-based products. But before buying, be sure the products are all natural with few or no added ingredients that could decrease the aloe's beneficial properties. Read the ingredients on each product and learn why the ingredients were added. You'll find some products, such as AhVahleen, to have added natural ingredients to enhance the product's skin care and health properties. These products often provide more benefits than even the actual aloe plant alone. Shop online to find aloe-based products that are unique to your skin care and health needs. If you have psoriasis, for instance, look for creams, gels, or lotions to soothe this condition in particular. If you work in the sun or are outdoors a great deal, look for aloe products that can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. If you have multiple needs for aloe, find a natural aloe product that offers many benefits in one. Start enjoying natural skin care and health today with the wonderful natural solution of aloe vera!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Acne Skin Care Basics

When you have an acne outbreak, do you know how to take care of your skin? Unknowingly, many people tend to use acne skin care methods that aggravate their present condition further. Take for example the notion that a patient must seriously scrub his face to take away dirt. Is this the correct way for acne skin care? Not quite. Here's the scoop. First, it is important to understand the cause of acne before knowing what acne skin care measures to use. Acne is neither a direct resul of dirt or uncleanness. However, your acne problems worsen when dirt mixes with sebum and other skin debris to create a mixture which may settle in the pus of the pustules. Medically speaking, acne is caused by many internal body factors such as a weak immune and digestive system, impaired internal detoxification system, and stress. Outside influences like weather elements, pollutants, humidity and the bacteria thriving on the human skin contribute to aggravate your acne. Ultimately, all these factors may not have effectively produced acne if it were not for the "P acnes", which digest excess sebum. The effect results in inflammation, swelling and pain. It is not easy to pin point the cause of acne on your own. It is best to solicit the help of a dermatologist to help you determine the cause of your acne and to recommend an appropriate acne treatment. Notwithstanding, there are a couple of tips on proper acne skin care that you should be aware of. The first step to good acne skin care is to minimize the sebum production to a level to sustain normal skin. However, in most cases, to treat acne, more needs to be done. If skin oiliness persist, it is best to keep the pores open. The principle behind this acne care is to release the clogs in the pores and wash them out. The only way to achieve this is to wash the face with extremely hot water. Repeat this procedure to help repel skin bacteria. It is also recommended that you do not zealously wash your face with harsh scrubs or cleansers. By doing this, you may only aggravate the severity of your acne. Actually, washing your face gently two times a day is enough. In terms of acne skin care products, choose the ones that work best best for you. Select the acne care product that gently clears away the oil and dirt without leaving your skin dry and irritated. In fact, ,mild acne care works best for all skin types. This will require some trials and consequently, some errors. It is best to trust your dermatologist recommendation first. If his recommended product does not work, then shift to other acne skin care products. This way, you are experimenting with acne care products that may suit you best. It is important to note that during your first applications, use small amounts on a small area so that any damage is at best limited. Also, avoid alcohol-based cleansers as these may only dry out your skin. Dry skin is more vulnerable to serious acne outbreaks. On the other hand, minimize the use of oil-based products as these in themselves may add up to the pre-existing oil content of the skin. At any rate, an acne patient must avoid applying cosmetics, however oil-free they may appear to be. Proper acne skin care methods can go a long way to help you in your acne problems. Good diet and lifestyle habits are other measures that you can also adopt for better glowing skin. Good luck!