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Posts Tagged ‘Acne’

How To Determine What Is The Best Acne Remedy For You

July 12th, 2009

Definition- Acne is defined as a skin condition caused by over active oil glands, blocking, clogging and plugging pores with skin, dirt and hair instead of evenly distributing oil over the skin surface. The exact cause of the acne must be established before a suitable acne remedy can be identified.

Identification- It is absolutely essential to identify and diagnose acne correctly, often very difficult to do as acne resembles many other skin problems. Acne features include excessive oil on skin surface, white and black heads and large lumps or bumps on or below skin surface.

Types- Acne can either be inflammatory and non-inflammatory depending on the severity of the condition. White- and black heads will fall within non-inflammatory acne type. Whiteheads form when oil and bacteria is trapped below the skins’ surface. These white spots are not easily visible. Blackheads form exactly in the same way whiteheads do with oil and dirty blocking pores. However in the case of black head the melanin and oxidizes contained in the oil change to a black or brown colour. Blackheads’ are extremely stubborn to get rid of and merely washing or scrubbing the area will not be enough. In general the oily contents will take a long time to drain. Papule’s and Pustules are considered inflammatory acne. Papules are formed when follicle walls brake with white blood cells rushing to the pore or pores causing extreme discomfort and inflammation after a few days. Inflammation can increase in the papule areas when the pore totally collapses causing Nodules or Cysts.

Triggers- Acne can be triggered by bad hygiene, unhealthy diet, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, stress or hormonal changes.

Treatment options- An endless range of acne treatment options are available from natural and herbal remedies to prescription medication in the form of antibiotics, ointments and topical creams.

Natural remedies- Homemade as well as natural remedies are great for treating acne. Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV for short, is super for treating and clearing spots and acne scars. Dab the spots with a ACV soaked cotton ball and leave overnight. Calamine Lotion is a wonder cure both drying and clearing acne by merely rubbing a bit of lotion on the spots and leaving it to dry. Juice of gel made from Aloe Vera will clear the condition with a couple of weeks of regular application. The skins’ overall health and glow will also significantly improve.

Plenty of water- Water is the key to flushing out poison and toxin build up in your blood and liver having a very negative effect on your skin. Your skin will love the detox effect from mere consumption of plenty water. You will notice the difference almost immediately, your skin will be soft, glowing and acne outbreaks significantly reduced or even cured.

Dietary deficiency- Acne can be caused by a lack in your diet in the form of vitamins and minerals. A great range of vitamin and mineral supplements are available at your pharmacy or local health store.

Professional analysis- It is essential to have your skin condition analysed by a professional such as a Physician or Dermatologist, he or she will be able to recommend the best treatment for the acne. The acne treatment should absolutely match you skin and acne type.

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The Causes of Adult Acne

February 3rd, 2009

For many people in the world, the question of what causes adult acne has been a tireless quest in search of an answer to a problem which plagues many individuals. For example 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. In terms of gender approximately 50% of all adult men and 50% of all adult women have suffered from adult acne.

One difference in gender is where the acne outbreak takes place and the severity of blackheads and zits that form. Males are more often have the severe acne rather than females due to their hormones. Normally the infected areas where tend to break out most frequently are more difficult to treat.

The real cause of adult acne can truly be a blend of several factors. Typically there are several steps which lead to pimples, blackheads, zits and minor skin blemishes. The main cause of acne is because of the blocking or clogging of hair follicles which more commonly know as pores.

Unfortunately the reasons and combination of events which cause pores to become clogged is not fully known. There are many contributing elements for teenagers and adults alike which can include hereditary factors. Some experts say that acne also caused by hormones, vitamin supplemental intake and stress related factors.

Other forces or events which can strongly influence the development of adult acne include your body’s normal function of eradicating itself of its dead skin cells. This cycle gets out of whack or becomes irregular as climate and other environmental forces or overall body health at the time. It can cause your hormones and their effect on your own body’s sebum production to increase which is bad for your complexion however outstanding for breeding acne.

When the body’s function of shedding dead skin cells becomes unstable, the normal dead skin cells which combine with your body’s natural sebum oil because it drains through the skin surface become clogged and cause blocked pores. This stuff becomes somewhat sticky and further clogging the passageway. This allows the incubating and cultivating of bacteria which starts to grow around these clogged areas.

As a normal reaction, your body’s white blood cells attack the bacteria by fighting it and pushing it out of the body. The outcome of this battle between the white blood cells and bacteria leads to a growth normally within 14-day to 21-days. These growths are referred to as microcomedones which turn into comedones and commonly referred to as adult acne.

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Signs and Symptoms of Acne

February 3rd, 2009

Acne is a very common skin complaint, which not only affects teenagers but quite a few adults as well. It is caused when the too much sebum (oil) is produced and causes the pores on the skin to become blocked. Certainly if left untreated not only is it unsightly but also can if severe enough lead to scarring on a person’s skin. Below we take a look at the acne signs and symptoms.

Generally a person who finds that they have acne will find it mainly appears on their face. However, in some cases it can also affect a person’s back, shoulders, chest and neck as well as all these parts of the body have glands, which produce oil. Yet we it does appear it can take on various different forms and below we look at just what these are.

1. White heads and Black heads also known in medical terms as Comedones that are produced when the hair follicle openings become blocked with the oil and dead skin cells. Plus in some cases there may well be bacteria encased in these blocked openings also.

2. The next form of acne that some people suffer from is known as Papules and which will often appear on the skin as little raised bumps. These are often formed around the hair follicles on the skin, which have become infected and inflamed and will not only be tender to touch by red in color.

3. Another form of acne that some people may get is pustules that are very similar to Papules but will have a white tip, which contains pus. This pus is made up of bacteria which if allowed to come into contact of other areas of skin can cause further eruptions of acne.

4. The next type of symptom that forms on the skin of acne suffering is large solid lumps known as Nodules, which form underneath the skins surface. As well as being large and unsightly these are also painful as well and have been caused because oil and other secretions have been able to build up deep within the hairs follicles.

5. The final form of acne that some people may well suffer from and which is the worse of all the symptoms is the Cysts. These just like the Nodules are large and painful but contain large amounts of pus (containing bacteria) as well. If left untreated then these can cause further permanent damage (scarring) to that person’s skin.

The biggest problem a person faces with these signs and symptoms of acne is that if any are allowed to rupture they can actually lead to the infection and inflammation spreading to other areas of skin surrounding them. Therefore it is important that a person suffering from any of the acne signs and symptoms above should seek medical advice from their doctor as soon as possible. Simply because they may actually find that they have some other underlying medical condition that is causing them to suffer from this particular kind of skin condition.

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Why Should I Use A Home Facial Mask?

February 3rd, 2009

Even though masks and exfoliators are generally made of natural items, exfoliators have a mildly abrasive texture while masks are smooth. Additionally, they can be made of distinct ingredients like plant, citrus, fruit or clay based goods and the always popular mud mask. It is because the consistency of masks is so concentrated that you’ll notice the results immediately.

What do They do?

According to the author, Andi of www.andibradshaw.com the purpose of a mask is to produce a polished, healthy more vibrant result that will enable your skin care products to glide on and penetrate with ease. Masks can calm or stimulate your skin, but if you have concerns about acne or rosacia, etc., stick to masks for sensitive skin. This type mask will be gentler to all skin types.

-Dry skin needs a mask that moisturizes and hydrates (adds oil and water), to relieve that really dry, flaky and tight feeling that you may have after cleansing. This type mask may contain amino acids, oils, lanolin, milk proteins and/or buttermilk. This extra oil conveys an intense mixture that is designed to rehydrate those extra dry skin cells. Those plumped up or re-hydrated cells minimize the appearance of any fine lines, or shallow wrinkles.

-Normal/Combination skin needs a mask that addresses dull, tired skin that lacks that vibrant, healthy look. For this type, masks usually contain ingredients like eucalyptus, menthol, or peppermint which stimulates the skin, while sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt. Often peel-off or hardening masks contain the stimulating effects of the above ingredients. These produce a pleasant tingling that revives and invigorates the skin, leaving it healthier looking.

- Oily skin gets best results from deep cleansing, clay or mud masks that will cleanse the skin while drawing out dirt, excess oils and impurities. Clay masks increase perspiration and open pores. They absorb the excess oils as the pores release dirt and impurities. Deep cleansing and mud masks draw out imbedded oils and dirt and tighten the pores temporarily. They also have anti-bacterial additives that reduce the growth of bacteria as it leaves the skin clean.

- Masks for Sensitive skin should be mild, gentle and soothing. Components like honey, chamomile, caffeine and aloe are all comforting. You’ll find that honey helps retain moisture, chamomile will be soothing, caffeine reduces inflammation and caffeine can minimize redness and puffiness. With either ingredient in your mask, sensitive skin that is dry and or splotchy will achieve a result that will feel softer and look healthier and smoother.

How do I use Masks?

With clean hands or brush, liberally apply to face while avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Lay back, prop your feet up and try to relax while carefully noting the recommended time. A mask that has a gel or cream consistency may be tissued or splashed off. The masks that peel off, once dry should be removed in downward motions as your skin cells grow in that direction. Masks for acne prone or oily skin usually dry to a paste or crust type of mask, use a wet cloth to loosen and remove the mask. To complete, thoroughly rinse, then blot your face dry with a clean towel and proceed with the application of your moisturizing items.

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Understanding Your Acne Treatment

February 2nd, 2009

There are several acne treatment methods that work well and are not very expensive or time consuming. Such techniques would be the treatment with alpha hydroxyl acid or several forms of chemical peels that can do wonders for zit treatments. These methods of treating acne are proven and effective and many cases of patients suffering from aggravated pimple irritation found these to be the perfect acne treatment.

Adult Acne Treatment Method

The causes of acne are related to the changes that happen when a child passes from infancy to puberty. Many people still believe that acne is triggered by dirty skin. The truth is that to only wash your skin will not make acne disappear nor does it avoid it.

Adult acne treatment methods works just like those addressed to other age of groups. Washing the skin will helps to remove the excess of sebum and the dead skin cells and adults should be aware of this as well. Many people use the type of product like alcoholic detergents and exfoliate creams often irritating the skin more than clearing it!

Adult acne treatment approaches should also consider the social effects and psychological of adult acne. Wash the face two times a day in a delicate way with detergent and water is the best choice. However acne is caused from a complex array of biological factors that cannot be eliminated just by washing. For this reason, it is necessary to start a serious adult acne treatment focused on the acne problem.

Myths and Facts of Adult Acne Treatment

For some cases, acne may also happen in the adult age. This type of acne generally hits the skin of the face however also the one of the body and men are more exposed than women. Adult acne treatment for women takes into account the fact that the happening of this type of acne is parallel to the menstrual cycle.

In other cases, the acne is introduced randomly in the adult age as this type of acne plagues men and women alike. Acne will not cause by food however some food items do have the potential to irritate the skin. To follow a tight diet will not help too much in recovering your skin.

As some may think that their acne problem is caused from the foods they consume such as the chocolate, foods, drinks and fat oysters. However there are no scientific studies which demonstrate this being true. It’s not a mistake to prevent the fatter foods however a well-applied and focused adult acne treatment is also necessary in order to get rid of this annoying condition.

There are a few tips to eliminate zits in adulthood. The most successful acne treatment tips may include acne blemish laser treatment, acne rosacea treatment and laser acne treatment. Ask your dermatologist to determine which adult acne removal treatment will work best for you.

Alpha Hydroxyl Acid Acne Treatment

Also known as ascorbic acid in the medical community, this technique usually focuses on improving the levels of oil in the skin. It actually reduces the oil amount produced by the skin thus diminishing the chances of acne eruptions. Alpha hydroxyl acid also reduces the number of dead skin cells so that your face looks healthier and with less irritation.

This particular acne care treatment is effective when used in the early or mid stages of the acne problem however it also used in severe acne treatment. The acid is found in several acne treatment ointments and drugs.

Chemical Peels Acne Treatment

In most cases, chemical peel acne treatments are applied to remove lines under the eyes and around the mouth as well as sun-damaged skin, mild scarring, age spots and other skin problems. This acne treatment may include this tip in which the dermatologist applies a certain chemical substance to the skin. The targeted spot will swelling and can be peeled off.

This acne care treatment is effective mostly for removing scars especially in the facial area. The treatment of acne is accompanies by some heat and stinging sensation, a fact that most patients found acceptable given the efficiency of acne treatment.

There are some other methods for curing acne like home remedies or laser treatment. In order to choose the best treatment for your zits and pimple, you should ask your doctor or dermatologist.

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Acne Introduction - The Causes Of Acne And How To Prevent It

February 1st, 2009

Acne is a skin disease caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (made up of a hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and a hair), everywhere except in the palms of the hands, the soles, the top of the feet, the lower lip.

The face and upper neck are the most commonly affected, but the chest, back and shoulders may have acne as well. The upper arms can also have acne, but lesions found there are often keratosis pilaris.

It’s estimated that about 85% of all teenagers will have acne to some degree. Most of them will simply outgrow acne by the time they are in their early 20s.

The best thing a teenager can do to help prevent acne is to keep their faces clean. Using harsh cleansers will not prevent acne. Use a mild soap and don’t scrub with a washcloth.

Built-up oil of the skin can block the passages of these pores, so standard washing of the face could wash off old oil and help unblock the pores. Clean your face at least twice each day, morning and evening.

NOT consuming certain foods (nutrients) can contribute to acne. Vitamins A, E, and B6 are the biggies, but there are also many other trace elements that the body and the average American diet does not include enough of these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements.

Take foods that are high in zinc such as brewers yeast, whole grains, Brazil nuts, and pumpkin seeds, as zinc gluconate has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne.

If you want healthy, glowing, acne-free skin, you need to eat a diet that is high in fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, whole grains, fish, and shellfish. And clean you skin completly and correctly twice a day.

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The Best Acne Treatments Available

February 1st, 2009

Acne is influences the majority of teenagers and a very large number of adults as well. It can be cured by using various different methods with prices ranging from relatively inexpensive to incredibly expensive. But the best acne treatments are those that treat acne from inside the body as well as on the surface of the skin.

The name of the package definitely does not matter as much as what is inside the package. Some ingredients have proven to be effective for treating acne whereas others do not seem to have any affect at all. Some ingredients are absolutely safe while other’s have risks associated with them. What you use to treat your acne is up to you however it is important that you make informed decisions in order to get the best acne treatment.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most outstanding ingredients found in a large majority of acne medications however there is some controversy surrounding this chemical. It has been correlated to skin cancer and it is on the FDA’s ensuring list. This means that as it has been allowed by the FDA for human use, the FDA cannot say that it is perfectly safe to use however the FDA has not determined that it is dangerous either.

Some of the most effective acne treatments for majority people who suffer with acne are Accutane, ProActiv and Retin-A. This does not mean that these acne medications suitable for everyone. It just means that it is especially effective for the majority of people who use these treatments.

ProActiv is a three step topical acne fighting system which does not need a prescription, although it does contain prescription grade Benzoyl peroxide. Accutane is an oral prescription type of acne medication. There are many side affects related with the use of Accutane like dry skin, chapped lips, headaches and eye irritation. There are even some psychological side effects such as depression.

Due to serious birth defects, Accutane cannot be prescribed to women who are pregnant or nursing. Retin-A has very few side effects and is available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms. It is used to treat a variety of skin problems other than acne as well including scars, wrinkles, lines and discoloration.

Whenever using one of these products is of interest to you, you should begin with ProActiv. If ProActiv does not work for you, then you should consider Retin-A. Try to avoid using Accutane but if you do decide that you want to give Accutane a try, make sure that you weigh the possible side effects carefully.

The best acne treatments are not always the suitable for everyone. What worked for others may cause your acne to become worse. Work to find the best acne treatment for you and make sure you give it time to work!

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Acne Prevention Diets: Do They Really Help?

February 1st, 2009

Many diets have been designed to help people prevent future acne breakouts, wherever they may occur on the body. Acne can appear on the face, back, chest, and shoulders. To make an acne prevention diet truly successfully, it is important to remove certain aggravators from your diet. Nothing special has to be added to what you regularly eat, however.

Fats and Grease

For your acne prevention diet to help you clear your skin, you will need to greatly reduce your consumption of foods high in grease, fat, and oil. These products cause the body to create an overabundance of sebum and other oils. It is those oils that fill up pores and cause acne.

The pores on your face can easily become clogged due to the presence of high levels of sebum and facial oils. Once a pore has been clogged by this mixture, bacteria begin to grow and the pimple that forms becomes more difficult to get rid of effectively.

Carbohydrates and Sugars

Studies have shown that those carbohydrates that exhibit an elevated glycemic index increases the risk of an individual developing acne break outs. This is due mainly to the elevation of insulin and glucose which are factors to acne breakouts. The studies have shown a remarkable link of carbohydrates and sugars to the increase of acne breakouts due to the high glycemic index of these foods. On the other hand, an acne prevention diet consisting of carbohydrates which have a low glycemic index and more lean protein have turned out favorable responses.

Some adults can have bouts of acne even after their puberty. An adult acne diet is highly similar to that of an adolescent. There should be a reduction of fatty and greasy foods as well as sugars and carbohydrates with high glycemic index. Acne prevention diets should have considerations for these kinds of foods being omitted from them.

The severity and frequency of acne breakouts can both be significantly reduced by making use of an acne prevention diet. Despite the fact that some people do not believe that the things you eat can affect the condition of your skin, it really can. Remember the old adage, you are what you eat. Eating right and sticking to a good acne prevention diet can help you to keep your skin clear, healthy, and beautiful.

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Search for Acne Solutions

January 31st, 2009

Billions of dollars are spent worldwide each year in finding acne solutions. Both consumers and pharmaceutical companies alike are spending the money to find an acne solution that works. Unfortunately in most teenage acne cases, the person will outgrow acne before they really find a solution for treating it.

What many people fail to realize is that it takes more than medication to treat acne. It may also require some lifestyle changes like the way you care for your skin, foods you eat and what you expose your skin to. For example, if a food allergy is causing acne breakouts, you may use acne medication to clear up however once you eat that food again, you might have another outbreak.

Besides applying acne solutions, you also need to maintain your skin. You must wash your face at least twice a day so that can remove the dirt that clogs pores. You may even need to wash your face more frequently if you live in an area that has a lot of air pollution.

Make sure that you follow the directions when applying the acne solution. Overuse of the product can bring as many problems as under use of the acne solution. Follow the orders to the letter, except your dermatologist or doctor advises otherwise.

Acne begins on the inside of the body but it is prevented and healed on both the inside and outside of the body. Consult your doctor or dermatologist to get the best acne solution for your condition. Be sure that you are aware of all of the potential side effects before choosing to use any type of acne treatment.

Moreover you should stick to one form of acne treatment and give it time to work. That is the main reason for failure with acne solutions. Some acne treatments can take up to three months before they prove to be effective.

Keep in mind that those acne solutions that work for one person may not work for other person. We all have different types of skin and we all respond differently to acne treatments and medication. You need to try out so that to find the best acne treatment for you.

It is possible to get acne solutions that can cure your acne. You just can not depend solely on the acne treatment to treat or prevent acne without making other lifestyle changes. You must be patient and consistent in order to treat acne successfully.

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Acne in Adults

January 31st, 2009

Around 25% of all men and 50% of all women in their adult lives will suffer from acne. Today people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s are going to their doctor to seek medical assistance in order to treat adult acne. Just like teenagers, some of these people are also finding the condition very difficult to cope with.

As you can see from the figures we have mentioned above this form of acne is more common than one could have first imagined. However, what is actually causing it is still unknown, but the main cause is thought to be hormonal changes that have taken place in the adult’s body. Therefore, as soon as you think you may have this skin condition it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Along with hormonal changes in a person’s body possibly being the reason why as an adult they have got acne, but there are other reasons for which this has been caused. Below we take a look at a just what some of these are.

1. You may be suffering from this condition because your diet is extremely bad. Look carefully and you may find that you are actually consuming high amounts of fat, sugar and carbohydrates without realizing it. By having a diet that is high in such items means that your body is unable to absorb the nutrients it needs effectively. Along with you suffering from acne you may find you have problems with your digestive system and also in relation to your hormones as well.

But as well as eating foods which have high levels of fat and sugar in them they also prefer to eat a lot of processed (ready prepared and pre-packaged) foods as well. So if you want to ensure that you do not suffer from this skin condition as you grow older it is an idea to make changes to your diet and begins to eat more fresh (organic where possible) foods. Plus increase your water intake to as much as eight glasses each day and this will further help to eliminate unwanted toxins from the body.

2. Some adults may suffer find they suffer from this form of acne because they have inherited a gene from a parent that makes them far more susceptible. In some cases this condition can become severe and if not treated correctly can lead to their skin becoming scarred.

3. Another reason for why some adults may get this skin condition is because they are using synthetically made makeup and skin care products. These products are causing the acid and alkaline levels in their skin to become unbalanced and results in the eruption of the spots associated with acne. So the best way to avoid such skin problems if you use such products regularly is by only using those made with natural ingredients in them.

In the article we have shown you a few of the reasons as to what may be the cause for your adult acne problem. But just like teenagers you can use the same kinds of products that they do in order to treat the condition. Also along with using these it is advisable to make some changes to your dietary habits and to use only skin products, which contain natural ingredients.

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Acne