Posts Tagged ‘acne’

What is Acne?

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

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Our body is covered with millions of tiny pores. These pores are bigger in some parts like the face. All these pores lead to the sebaceous or the oil glands of the body. Normally, the sebaceous glands secrete sebum, which is oily in nature. On the face, which is the most exposed part of the body, it attracts dust and solidifies into blackheads and whiteheads. These are the most minor form of acne. Acne is a collective term for blocked pores, pimples, and deeper lumps like nodules and cysts.

Acne can occur anywhere, ranging from the face to the neck to the chest, back, upper arms and in some cases the buttocks. Mostly teenagers are affected by these eruptions on the various parts of the body, but adults as old as 40 may also have acne. Although acne starts occurring after a certain age, it is a myth that acne occurs only in the youthful.  Acne, as a disease is not fatal, but its consequences are not very desirable either. They can leave marks which wear off with time, but the severe cases can lead to scarring, which disfigures the area of the scars. Acne may not be a very serious medical problem, but the ugliness it causes can be very upsetting.

Teen Skin Care and Acne

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

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It can not be disputed that acne is by far the number one skin issue plaguing teenagers. However is the bigger problem is many believe that is something that merely a part of puberty and must be waited out, this is not the case. Acne is a recognized medical condition and has very real side effects including permanent scarring of the skin and emotional pain and low self esteem. Teenagers are indeed faced with raging hormones but the embarrassment and grief of acne is unnecessary because it can be effectively treated.

French fries, greasy burgers, and chocolate are often blamed for the cause of acne, this however is not true. The fact is, no scientific connection has been made between diet and acne. A balanced healthy diet is always beneficial, and if you personally find that staying away from certain foods helps your complexion then by all means do so. The improvements of blemishes due to diet changes are more likely in conjunction with food allergies.

Oil is indeed a contributor to the appearance of acne but it is from environmental sources not dietary. There are many day to day skin care tips that can help reduce acne blemishes but consistency is the key. One of the easiest and most over looked skin care practices by all ages is simply washing your face. A large number of individuals wash their faces in the morning while preparing for the day, however surprisingly few wash their faces before bed. Washing your face with a gentle acne treatment cleanser morning and night will help to eliminate the excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Always remember that scrubbing harder does not make you cleaner it just causes damage to the skin.

Teen skin care is so important because of the increase in oils that are produced during the teen years. That oil mixed with the makeup that most girls pile on makes for a bad combination therefore it is recommended then when shopping for a foundation choose products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic. Non-acnegenic means it does not cause or promote acne and non-comedogenic means it does not cause or promote comedones (blackheads). Although makeup is extremely important for many teenage girls giving your face a break with possible is always a good idea, if it is once a week when you are hiding out at home.

Another thing to do which can be a bad habit to break for not only those worried about teen skin care, but adults too, is to keep your hands away of your face. Even though we may not realize it, we endlessly transfer oils and bacteria from our environment to our faces. To help keep oils away from your face, shampoo your hair regularly and daily if possible. Hair rubs constantly against your face both during the day and at night.

Teenage acne treatments can be very drying to the facial skin so when choosing a moisturizer look for non pore clogging. Again it is important to choose products that contain the words noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic in their labels. Moisturize the areas of your face that require a little help but avoid it on the oily surfaces.

Many over the counter products are available specifically for teenage skin care. Be consistent and give the products a couple of weeks to work. It is important to note that in many cases there is an increase of breakouts at the beginning of a new skin care regime but this will level out and improvements will been seem. If after a few weeks there is no improvement seek the help of a doctor or dermatologist, because acne is a medical issue.

Looking for the facts on skin care, tips and product reviews to help make informed decisions about the skin care products that are best for you and your family. Visit: http://www.professionalskincaretreatments.com

Acne Skin Care Treatments

Monday, April 14th, 2008

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Anyone that suffers with acne (Zits) may feel as if they spend most of their time searching for remedies; but that doesn’t mean it’s something that cannot be tackled. It is one of those areas where research has continued to make advancements; this is good news with the range of effective skin care treatments improving all the time. Acne skin care products all fall into one of three main categories:

  • Drugstore: Preventative treatment
  • Over-the-counter
  • Prescription only: Requires visit to doctor
  • Those that fall into the preventative category are based around general skin conditioning to help stop acne from forming; products like skin cleansers and toners fall into this category. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; in many instances the user has never had a skin condition to worry about. There are acne skin care products that are more specialized in there approach; they work by limiting the production of sebum/oil and prevent clogging of skin pores. Excess oil needs to be stopped from clogging the pores as this oil make it easier for bacteria to grow, exacerbating the condition.
    Other skin care treatments can help exfoliate the skin; these are easily obtainable in any drug store. This type of peel helps reduce the chance of oil clogging up the pores as well as removing other skin impurities; this can reduce the bacterium growth on your skin. There is a huge market for these types of acne skin care products as they don’t require a consultation with a dermatologist. These formulations contain the chemical benzoyl peroxide and the naturally occurring salicylic acid; these include creams, cleansers and peels that slow down acne formation.Although benzoyl peroxide works well, reactions can happen so it is suggested that any skin care product containing this should not have more than 5.5 percent of the active ingredient; should a reaction occur, products containing alpha hydroxy acid are generally safer. It might just be a case of trial and error to find an acne skin care product that works; if finding something that works is proving difficult, your dermatologist should be able to help. On-prescription treatments are prescribed by a dermatologist and can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical ointment.

    Under certain circumstances, having the infected material removed from the pores under a local anesthetic may be suggested by your dermatologist; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage. An alternative that has been shown to work well is hormone therapy; studies show that hormone based skin care treatments often prove effective. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.

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    Will This Little Device Take the Place of Acne Laser Treatment?

    Thursday, April 3rd, 2008

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    For many people who find that home remedies and over the counter acne treatments are ineffective, another option that comes into the picture is acne laser treatment. A laser beam is used on the surface of the skin to treat the acne problem and it helps to shrink glands that produce sebum as well as control P. acne bacteria as well. However, this is a treatment that is effective for only some of the people who try it. There are some benefits to acne laser treatment, but a new treatment for acne has emerged that just may take the place of laser treatment - the zit zapper.

    What is a zit zapper?
    So, you may be wondering what the zit zapper is. Well, basically it is a type of heat therapy that is used to treat acne from your own home. It is a device small enough to be held in your hand. Of course, the device comes with a fairly heavy price tag, which makes it one of the most expensive treatments out there today. However, it does have a special heat shock response that helps to heal zits from the inside out.

    Why is the zit zapper a Better Choice?
    With the emergence of the zit zapper, many people are wondering if it is a better option than acne laser treatment. Well, there definitely are some aspects of the new treatment that make it a better choice than the laser option. First of all, though the zit zapper may be expensive at first, once you have it, you can continue to use it as often as you need to. However, when you go for laser treatments for acne, you will have to continue with your sessions until your acne goes away, which will continue to cost you for each treatment. So, in many ways, it is more economical to go with the zit zapper for your acne treatment needs.

    Which Treatment Works the Best?
    One of the main questions that people have when it comes to acne laser treatment and the zit zapper is which treatment will work the best. Well, that really depends on the person using it. Both treatments have proven to be quite effective; however, neither of them work for everyone. So, you will probably have to experiment with both of them to find out which treatment really works for you.

    So, will the new zit zapper take the place of laser therapy? Well, probably not anytime soon. While it is proving to be a great home treatment for those who do not want to go with acne laser treatment, it has not shown that it will work for everyone. However, if you are looking for home treatment options that will save you from paying for laser treatment over and over again, the zip zapper definitely is an excellent purchase that shows great potential for treating acne.

    Terry Price is a regular contributor to, Rosaceafix.com which is an informational website offering support and reassurance for people dealing with zits, and looking for an alternative to acne laser treatment.

    Acne - What Makes it Worse?

    Monday, March 31st, 2008

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    There are several factors that can worsen your acne.It is helpful to know what these are so we can take simple steps to avoid these factors, thereby lessening the damage they bring. These factors include:

    opping the pimple. This forces the bacteria and dead skin cells deeper into the skin thereby causing inflammation and possibly scarring.

    Using cosmetics.  Use of make-ups or cosmetics can bring about more irritation and harm to your acne. These products can actually block your skin pores and prevents the skin’s oil to reach the surface.

    Washing too much. Too much washing and cleansing of your face strips your skin of its natural oils, therefore making it dry and more prone to blemishes. During flare-ups, washing and scrubbing it too much irritates the acne leading to inflammation.

    Sun exposure.  Exposing your face to the sun can do more harm than provide benefits, to contrary belief.The sun’s ultra-violet rays can penetrate the surface of the skin and will eventually damage the follicles.

    Hair products.  If you have long hair, try to keep them away from your face especially if you use hair products.Certain ingredients of these products can do harm to your blemishes especially if your hair touches your face.

    Stress.  Though stress does not cause acne, it can certainly aggravate existing ones.The stress glands produce more hormones and intensify the production of more acne lesions.

    Types of Acne

    Thursday, March 27th, 2008

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    There are several types of acne, ranging in severity from mild and moderate, to severe, which can cause severe scarring and even facial disfigurement.

    Mild to moderate acne types consist of:

    • Whiteheads. This is a type of acne resulting when a pore is entirely blocked, trapping oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells underneath, producing a white-ish appearance on the surface.
    • Blackheads. Another type of acne that results when a pore is not entirely blocked, allowing some of the oil, bacterial and dead skin cells to surface and show. Contrary to popular belief, it is not dirt that is making it appear black in color. Rather, it is a reaction of the skin’s pigment, melanin, with the oxygen in the air.
    • Papules. Papules are red and inflamed bumps with no opening or head.
    • Pustules. Pustules are similar to papules, the only difference being that they have a white or yellowish center instead of a red one, and similarly inflamed.

    Severe acne types consist of:

    • Nodules. Characterized by hard, large, red bumps under the surface of the skin, these can be pretty painful and will usually last for weeks or even months.
    • Cysts. Similar to a nodule but is filled with pus. Cysts can be very painful and can often cause irritation and infection.

    These types of acne are just a few from the many various types that are known today. It is a global consensus that acne is a hardship to those who experience it. Therefore, knowing the types and their differences can help us greatly in treating these afflictions.

    Skin Care Tips To Avoid Acne

    Monday, March 24th, 2008

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    In order to prevent the dreaded skin disease called acne, it is considered best to take care of your skin, making sure it’s always clean and free of dirt and bacteria. Here are some of the best skin care tips to avoid acne and maintain your healthy, smooth and acne-free complexion.
    Tip #1

    Determine your skin type. Is it dry? Oily? Or a combination of both? Establishing your kind of skin type is advisable so that you’ll know which kind of products will work best for you.
    Tip #2

    Establish a good face cleaning routine. The usual cleanse-tone-moisturize is an adequate method that most women agree on. Be diligent in cleaning your face, but don’t be over-zealous! Over-washing your face will strip your skin of it’s needed moisture, making it dry and more prone to acne.
    Tip #3

    Exfoliate at least twice a week. It’s great for removing bacteria and dead skin cells from your skin.
    Tip #4

    Put on some sunscreen. Protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays by applying a mild and gentle sunscreen on your face. There’s lots of sunscreen suitable for facial use that aren’t oil-based. It’s important not to use oil-based facial products because it won’t clog your pores.
    Tip #5

    Exercise! Exercise is a good skin care tip to avoid acne. It’s great way of reducing acne because it helps you flush out toxins that would otherwise harm your body. It supplies the skin cells of oxygen produces sweat that helps in unclogging your pores.

    Herbal Acne Treatment

    Friday, March 14th, 2008

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    There are certainly many acne sufferers around the world. Babies, adolescents and adult alike have experienced this kind of skin affliction. And of course, there are many kinds of treatment available. But most of the time, it’s always a good idea to treat skin problems the safe and natural way. That’s where herbal acne treatment comes in. It’s an all-safe, healthy and natural solution to help us with our acne problems.

    What kinds of herbs to use?
    There are many varieties of herbs to use in dealing with our acne problems. Herbs most recommended are those that cleanse, purify, and detoxify the blood. Such herbs include: dandelion roots, milk thistle seeds, red clover and burdock roots.

    Other herbs for acne treatment come in the form of oils that are applied on the acne itself. Such herbs include: aloe vera, calendula, and tea tree oil. Aloe vera gel has an antibacterial function that helps in killing bacteria and stops infection. Calendula is used to heal the infected skin tissues and is often present in creams and ointment. Tea tree oil works as an antibacterial agent that helps to remove infection and helps in soothing and lessening the irritation and inflammation of any acne present.

    Exercise Can Help Get Rid Of Acne

    Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

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    Though it’s not scientifically proven that exercise can help in getting rid of acne, some people testify that it’s a great approach to treat this skin affliction. Exercising helps reduce acne by increasing the flow of blood to the skin and supplying oxygen to the skin cells. And when we exercise, inevitably we will sweat. But sweating is a good thing too. It helps clean up your pores from the inside, and helps wash away or flush the bacteria clogged in your pores.
    Exercise can help get rid of acne because it ultimately reverses the hormonal imbalance in your body and helps in reducing stress, which are both considered as triggers of acne breakouts.

    Tips
    Make sure you take a shower as soon as possible after your exercise. Though sweating is good, it is best not to let it linger on your skin for too long. You must wash away the sweat or else bacteria will grow on your skin, and thereby cause irritation and eventually, an acne breakout. Shower is important especially those who have acne on their backs or on their chests. Using medicated soaps can also help in reducing your acne, but do not scrub the affected areas because it can make it worse and cause irritation and inflammation.

    Causes of Acne

    Wednesday, March 5th, 2008
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    Acne Vulgaris, commonly referred to as acne or pimples, is a skin disease usually experienced during adolescence. It is caused by the effects of hormones on the sebaceous glands, and is most active during puberty when hormonal changes occur. Acne is common among teenagers during their adolescent and puberty years, but can still affect them into adulthood.

    There are many causes of acne and here are some of them:

    It is hereditary. Some family histories have wherein members of their family have the tendency to develop acne while some just don’t.

    Hormonal activity. During puberty or menstrual cycles, there is a rapid increase in hormones, which causes the sebaceous glands to increase and make more sebum.

    Stress. When you’re stressed, the adrenal or stress glands increase their output of hormones, which can then cause a breakout of acne

    Poor skin cleaning habits. Poor cleansing habits can cause the dirt and oil to remain in the pores, leading to the production of acne.

    Diet. Some studies show that eating food rich in iodine, refined sugars, and carbohydrates tend to make existing acne worse but probably not enough to cause an outbreak.

    Vitamin A and E. People with lower levels of vitamins A and E have been found to be more susceptible to acne than those with high levels of these vitamins.