Saturday, December 31, 2011
Acne Treatment Products
When talking about skin problems, nine times out of ten you will discover that the topic is acne. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, mostly in teens but also with adults, acne can prove to be a very serious problem.
One of the products that have been swiping the markets is acne soap, almost every cosmetics and dermatology company that respects itself has some kind of acne soap out there for the public to use, many soaps may cause irritation to some of its users, some soaps are scented and some users are irritated by them too. Soaps have become the number one product to fight acne.
These anti acne soaps come in two different forms, in liquid or in classic bar shape, most of the soaps have a similar version in bar or liquid so it is really the preference of the user if he or she likes this form or the other better. Cleansers are used to fight and remove oil and dirt from the surface of the face thus cleaning and “opening” it. this is not a one step procedure, the cleaning is a first step, allowing the active topical acne cleaner to treat the acne and decrease it.
One major problem with teens using these soap and anti acne treatments is that they are too eager to eliminate their acne that they overuse the products, this may cause other problems, as the use of soap on the face skin creates dryness and irritation. In this case there should be a regular, and steady use of the treatment products, and not an acne blitz to try and eliminate acne immediately, this simply does not work.
Another important factor is the kind of skin the user has, it is important to know and understand what kind of skin you have before you even buy your acne treatment products, soaps or cleansers. Dry or oily skin require a product that will treat the face skin accordingly, otherwise the user may make his problem worst than better, this is very important, and this should not be left for the salesperson to deiced. Users with dry skin should gentle cleansers and soaps, as they will feel an aggressive one immediately and it would not help their condition. Synthetic detergents are sometimes recommended for dry skin, they should not be used often and have been known to work well on that skin type.
One skin type that needs to be most careful of all is a sensitive skin type, if you have sensitive skin you should be very careful with what you use, try and make sure well in advance that the product is fro sensitive skin and that it will not hurt your skin face, try not to use any products that require scrubbing or aggressive washing, look for gentle soaps and liquids, cleansers and special sensitive skin products.
It is important to know what you are shopping for and what kind of skin you have, before you even go out to the shop. You should put some thought into the acne treatment that you are going to use, and think about a long term fight against acne and not a one day effort, find a product you like and that is good for you, and use it every couple of days, always read the instructions and use common sense when looking for new products.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Acne Treatment Product Information
Recent studies have concluded approximately 90% of all teenagers, 50% of all adult women and 25% of all adults had suffered from acne, either as a chronic skin disease or at some point in their lives. Although there's no universal cure, acne is definitely easier to treat now than it used to be. However, finding the right acne treatment product is still a mystery for many of the sufferers.
Despite all the scientific knowledge today, people still think that acne is caused by particular things we do. Actually, it is mostly a combination of factors underneath our skin that lead to acne. The good news that there are acne treatment products that can eliminate it completely in about 95% of all cases.
Your skin has many wonderful features that help it recover completely even from serious acne if treated properly:
* It is self healing.
* It is very elastic.
* It registers and remembers sensations very precisely.
* It is very resilient.
* It is self-cleaning and hardly ever suffers any serious infection.
* It lets in some elements and protects you from others.
* It holds in the entire amount of liquid that flows through your body.
Salicylic Acid
There's a lot of evidence that salicylic acid is one of the most effective approach on acne problems. It decreases the number of primary acne lesions, as well as the number and severity of all lesions associated with acne. Salicylic acid is safe to use even on dark skin and gives good and fast results.
Glycolic Acid
Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars.
Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used ingredient in acne treatment products. It used to be very popular in the 1930s, but since then, medical science has come up with new and more effective treatments. However, many dermatologists are still pleading for the benefits of acne treatment products that contain Benzoyl peroxide.
In addition to its antibacterial effect, Benzoyl peroxide apparently has an anti-oxidant action as well. Among its most common side effects is dry and irritated skin.
Many acne treatment products available on the market today use one of the ingredients mentioned above in combination with other ingredients. Some of the most famous and effective products against acne are ProAcrive, ZENMED Derma Cleanse System, Accutane and Benzoyl Peroxide. However, when purchasing an acne treatment product, you have to look through the side effects thoroughly, as some of them may be worse than your acne itself.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Acne Treatment- Isotretinoin
What Is Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is a retinoid. That means that it is derived from Vitamin A. The chemical name of Isotretinoin is 13-cis retinoic acid. Isotretinoin is a very effective drug for acne. It is normally prescribed for severe acne when other therapies fail. Isotretinoin should be taken very carefully because it can produce birth defects in fetus. While taking Isotretinoin, you should be always in contact with your doctor and report any side effect. You should also discuss about any possible pregnancy with your doctor if you are sexually active. Isotretinoin generally gives relief in severe acne and is a drug of choice for acne patients who may have lost hope about cure of their acne.
Prescription
Isotretinoin is prescribed for acne treatment. Isotretinoin works in treating acne by shrinking the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production. Isotretinoin is anti-inflammatory and removes comedones. The treated skin is dry and inhibits the growth of acne bacteria. Isotretinoin is prescribed in case of severe acne, scarring acne, moderate acne that is not responding to other medication and every case of acne where doctor feels that Isotretinoin should be prescribed to get rid of acne. Isotretinoin may also be used for some other conditions that include- folliculitis, seborrhoea, chloracne and other diseases that look like acne.
The dosage of Isotretinoin will depend upon the severity of acne, body weight, other treatments being used at the same time etc. Your doctor is the best person to decide about the dose. Normally the treatment begins with small dose and as body adjusts to Isotretinoin the does is increased. Doctors also monitor the cure during this period and if they find that patient is not responding, they may stop the therapy. As Isotretinoin needs fat to help its absorption in body, it is taken after food. Please follow your doctors advise about these.
Side Effects- The common side effects of Isotretinoin are dry mouth, dry nose, thinning of hair, fatigue, dry skin, red itchy eyes, sore lips etc. If you experience any other side effects such as muscle aches, difficult walking, depression vomiting etc. please talk to your doctor immediately. Please discuss about side effects with your doctor before beginning of the treatment with Isotretinoin and report any expected or unexpected side effect immediately. Please note that you may not be able to wear your contact lenses for some time in the beginning of treatment with Isotretinoin. You are also not supposed to donate any blood while you are taking Isotretinoin and for one month after you stop taking it. Please talk about dos and do not with your doctor. You also must tell your doctor about any medicine or Vitamins that you are taking. You are not supposed to take any medicines without consulting your doctor while taking Isotretinoin.
Isotretinoin and Pregnancy
Isotretinoin can cause serious defects in the fetus. Therefore you should inform your doctor if you are pregnant. You should also tell your doctor if you plant to become pregnant or breast-feeding. You have to test yourself for pregnancy before you begin Isotretinoin and continue getting tested while taking Isotretinoin. Your doctor will explain the details to you. If you get pregnant while taking Isotretinoin you should stop taking it and call your doctor immediately. You must adopt two reliable methods of birth control for one month before taking Isotretinoin, continue while taking Isotretinoin and till after one month of stopping Isotretinoin. You should talk to your gynecologist and dermatologist in detail before taking Isotretinoin.
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, December 28, 2011
Acne Treatment- How to Take Care of Your Skin?
Basic skins care for acne can help you control aggravation and stop scars to a certain extent. Please take the following care -
1. Do not pick acne. Trying to squeeze out blackheads or whiteheads may lead to further infection. Picking up acne at second stage may lead to scarring.
2.There is a misconception that excessive sweat or dirt can cause acne. In blackheads what you see black is not dirt but oxidized sebum. Please do not be harsh with your skin. That will aggravate the acne condition. Gently clean your face with mild soap or cleansers formulated to care for acne and warm water. Pat dry, do not rub.
3. Use noncomedogenic cosmetics and skin care products. Noncomedogenic products are certified to not cause or aggravate acne.
4.Protect your skin with sunscreens. Avoid getting tanned. If you are under treatment for acne, consult your doctor about sun exposure as some medicines make your skin more sensitive to sun.
5. Facials may aggravate your acne. Avoid any kind of facial if you have an acne outbreak.
6. Do you have the habit of touching your acne frequently? Avoid that. Also avoid any bangs coming on the forehead.
7. If you think that more than recommended dose of cream/lotions prescribed for your acne will cure acne faster, it is time to change your thinking. That may harm you rather than helping you.
8. Keep your face free of make up as much as possible. Let the skin breath fresh air. Acne prone skin needs fresh air.
9.Avoid using any oil or oil rich product for your hair. Use oil free hair care products. Oily hair may worsen your acne.
10. Do not get worried if your medication does not produce immediate result in treating acne. Consult your doctor and find out the time during which you would get relief from acne. Do not worry till then. Acne medication takes time to treat acne and produce clear skin.
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 27, 2011
Acne Treatment from the Inside-Out
Acne will affect almost every person at some stage of their life. Some are lucky and only ever get a pimple or two, but for many, acne can be a socially demoralizing condition... and it's not just in teens, adult suffer too. Studies suggest that 20-25% of males and 40-45% of females suffer prolonged bouts/occurrences of acne, whether it be persistent acne or regular breakouts.
In a lot of cases, the acne treatment that is administered ends up making the situation worse and can be damaging to the skin. You see, most people either scrub their skin really hard in the hope of cleaning it more thoroughly, and some see a pimple and just can't wait to squeeze it. That's the wrong approach for 2 reasons. First and most importantly, when you are squeezing your skin you are damaging it. Our skin is a very fragile commodity, and acne scars happen all so easy, so squeezing pimples isn't desirable. Second, when you squeeze a pimple or scrub the skin very hard, you invariably push some of the sebum (the oil that causes the pimple) back into the pore and down the hair follicle shaft. This can magnify the problem by creating a further blockage and swelling which may just end up causing an infection. So instead of suffering once, you suffer twice.
To better understand how acne happens, we can simply describe it as the result of the blockage of a skin pore. The blockage is typically caused by excess sebum and/or dead skin cells which haven't exited the hair follicle via the skin pore. (Sebum is naturally occurring fatty oil that moisturizes the skin and hair. Without it, your hair would be thin and brittle, and your skin would be dry and hard). What happens is that as your body continually replaces its skin, sometimes the skin cells do not shed evenly causing a blockage. The sebum (oils) keep producing in the hair follicle and when these oils cannot exit via the pore, they back-up in the follicle and swelling occurs.... and you have a pimple!
Acne treatment is a science that is progressing at a phenomenal rate. In the 80's and 90's the best acne treatment on offer were chemical-based products that worked for most cases. Some were very harsh on the skin, and some actually made the situation worse. In recent years, a switch to a natural acne treatment has seen far more positive results because scientists have been able to study closer how/why the acne is caused, and apply ingredients that actually correct the problem rather than mask it.
So what is the best way to treat acne ? The best acne treatment for you will obviously be the one that rids you of your unwanted condition quickly and with little or no side effects. But there are just so many products to choose from and so many different approaches/rationales. Some say that all acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, some say that it is totally to do with skin care and hygiene. Reality suggests that it is a combination of these two variables. The human body is an ever-changing organism and it needs balance, so an approach that recognizes this fact could very well be labelled as the best acne treatment.
Choosing your solution is more complex than this. For example, should the best treatment for adult acne differ from the best treatment for teenage acne ? Behind every one of the so-called Best Acne Treatment Products, will be a legacy of FAQ's, customer testimonials, comparisons with other brands/solutions and claims of how long it will take to rid you of acne. The truthful ones will tell you that there is no single product that will solve your acne problem, and they will also tell you that acne cures are not an overnight magic solution. The truthful ones will also tell you that the chemical-based products have side effects, and that natural solutions have little or no side effects.
The Zenmed system fit's this profile as it promotes healthy/supple skin condition while attacking the problem from the inside too. Instead of being a harsh skin tonic, it is like an Acne Cure and a Skin Care System at the same time. You get relief from acne, and you get a skin care regime all in one. The products combine together to alleviate the internal cause of the swelling/acne, while cleaning and nourishing the skin at the same time.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Acne Treatment for Teenagers
Everybody has had to pass through this tumoultous period and the acne that characterizes it. Apart from causing unsightly physical appearance, it carries a multitude of psychological effects that affects teens in different ways, especially if it is of the severe type.
Teens being a very self conscious lot are greatly affected by acne making them have low self esteem. This might lead to them shunning social settings due to perceptions of others.
So what are the social ramifications that this condition brings?
Those suffering from acne have often been accused by their non-acne friends of being overly-sensitive. However the physical and psychological problems suffered by them have been recognized nowadays as being real and efforts have been made to deal with them appropriately.
Acne is every bit as much how you feel as it is about how you look. This is much more so with teens who usually judge by physical appearances. In a society which places high value on the physical, and sets high standards for them to comply to the "norms", teens suffering from acne are particularly disadvantaged.
The teens suffering from acne often feel they are ugly and this feeling might extend with adult acne.
Parents are constantly faced with a dilemma on how to deal with their children who are afflicated with acne and experience feelings of depressions and inferiority.
Often it is difficult to discern whether the psychological traumas passing through the teens are acne related, or are the usual tantrums and emotional phases that characterizes teenage hood.This makes it difficult to understand the psychological effects associated with acne.
The simplest and most effective way of understanding this psychological effects is just listening.By listening to how acne makes them feel and the insecurities it causes them, parents can show that they emphathise with them and care.
Additionaly informing them on the causes , types and treatment can reassure them that they aren't viewed as being dirty or having poor hygiene. Hygiene doesn't directly cause acne.Parents should also let them know that teenagers all over face the same issues with acne, thus showing them that they aren't alone in this.
As stated before, finding out the cause and type of acne is the first step to seeking treatment.Once one begins on a treatment plan, they end up feeling better about their appearance and consequently themselves.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Acne Treatment- Do You Know What Is Acne?
Acne is one of the most common skin disorders that can cause damage to skin. Acne not only may disfigure skin, but it also affects the psychology of the sufferer. Acne that begins with plugged skin pores develops in stages. Let us find out more.
Acne development stages- In the first stage acne normally begins in the form of whiteheads and blackheads caused by plugged pores of the skin. Blackheads are also called as open comedones and whiteheads are called as closed comedones. The blackheads and whiteheads are the first stage of acne. The second stage is pimples or zits. They are medically known as papules and pustules. Pimples form when the acne gets inflamed. Some people suffer from very large acne that is called nodules and cysts. These are very large and deep lumps of acne.
Where does acne develop- acne develops on all the places of the body where sebaceous glands are found. Skin produces an oily substance called sebum. This sebum is produced by sebaceous glands. With the clogging of these glands, acne develops. Sebaceous glands are attached to hair follicles and the sites are mainly - face, neck, chest, back, shoulders neck and upper arms. So you can expect to get acne on all these sites. face is not the only place for acne.
Who gets acne - Any body can get acne. Though most of the teenagers suffer from acne. It can occur in the higher age groups of thirties, forties or above. Even if you did not get acne during your teenage , you can get it later in life.
Why should we worry about acne - acne can disfigure the skin permanently. It causes lot of mental stress and affects confidence by spoiling the looks. Though acne can clear without medication in few years, treatment can cure acne quickly and stop this irritating condition.
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.
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