Archive for February, 2007

Posted on Feb 20th, 2007

Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.

What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what’s the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)

These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver’s main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney’s work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.

But whatever the toxic source is that‘s causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

Houa Yang is giving away free subscriptions to his "Clear Skin" Newsletter. To get your free subscription, visit http://www.howtogetridofacne.com and grab your subscription today, while it’s still free.

Posted on Feb 19th, 2007

Acne results from the pores on the skins surface becoming blocked, the follicles under the pores have a hair and a oil gland in them, the oil gland is designed to help keep the skin lubricated, but some times it produces to much oil and that is when the problems start. The pores may become blocked this can lead to blackheads and if an infection gets in, to Acne.

So what can we do to help lessen the risk of infection or to reduce the effects if we should be unfortunate enough to be infected with Acne.

1.When cleaning your skin use a gentle mild, non-drying soap there are several on the market including Dove and Neutrogena.

2.Be sure to clean all the dirt or make-up from your skin, but don’t over do it, to much washing can dry your skin out and lead to even more problems.

3. Be sure to wash your hair every day, an oily scalp or hair will exacerbate the Acne infection. Comb or fasten your hair back to keep it away from your face.

4. I know it’s a great temptation but avoid trying to squeeze, or rub the pimples. It can lead to skin scarring and help to spread the Acne infection.

5. If at all possible don’t touch your face with your hands or fingers unless you know they are clean i.e. you have just washed then thoroughly.

6. Only use water-based or none pore blocking formula cosmetics or creams. Be sure to carefully take off your make up at night and completely clean your skin.

If the above measures don’t clear up the infection, it may be time to try over-the-counter Acne medications. These treatments are usually applied directly to the skin but make sure your hands are clean when using them or use a sterile cotton swab to apply the medication.

This type of medication will normally contain one of the following ingredients, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid the amounts are quite small but remember it is important to read the label and only use them as directed.

They work by killing the bacteria that course acne, and drying up the excess oil that coursed the problem.

If the Acne pimples are still causing a problem after using this type of medication, it is time to consult your family doctor or a dermatologist who can prescribe stronger medications and explore alternative treatment options with you.

DISCLAIMER:

This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.

For further vital information and news about Acne and its treatment pay a visit to http://www.acne-care-review.com

You may reproduce this article provided you maintain an active link back to http://www.acne-care-review.com

Posted on Feb 19th, 2007

Million of people suffer from acne breakouts young and old. If your doctor has you on topical or oral treatment and it is not working try other ways to cure the breakouts.

For example: Topical retinoids (Retin-A, Differin and Tazorac, for example)are helpful for mild to severe acne especially when they are used early on combining with hormonal antibiotics,or benzoyl peroxide treatments. When you discontinue the antibiotics you can maintain clear skin with retinoids. Another way to treat your acne is with laser light. The doctor applies a chemical called aminole-v-vulinic acid and then exposed to a sunlump called Clearlight. You need two to four treatments to kill bacteria and keep skin clear for 5 months or up to 2 years.

Over the counter products aren’t strong enough to treat severe acne. Try using a product with 10% benzoyl peroxide plus another product with 2% percent salicylic acid. Keep a daily routine faithfully and if your skin doesn’t improve see your dermatologist.

Mina Dimakis-Lev http://www.BeautyImagebyMina.com

Posted on Feb 18th, 2007

There are so many acne treatments on the market today; it is very easy to become confused. Every treatment claims to be the next miracle cure for acne. The truth being, most treatments are variations on a small number of effective approaches. One of the most critical issues you must accept, is that there are a range of different causes for acne, which in turn means there are a number of different options that could be effective in treating your condition. The key for an effective treatment starts with a thorough understanding of the causes of acne.

One of the most common causes of acne is the overproduction of oil (sebum) by the sebaceous glands under the skin. This oil combines with the cells that are present within the lining of these glands, resulting in clogged pores. These clogged pores manifest themselves as blackheads or whiteheads, commonly found on the face, neck and back.

What triggers this overproduction of sebum?

In truth nobody really knows, but it is clear from extensive scientific research that some of the key factors include stress levels, hormones, bacteria and the genetic make-up of the individual.

Hormones stimulate certain glands within the skin to produce an elevated level of oils. As I’m sure you’ll remember from your teenage years, hormone levels (and often acne outbreaks) are at their highest during this period of our lives. There is clearly a link between hormone production and increased levels of acne.

The most common bacteria found on our skins is known as Propionibacterium acnes, and the latest research suggests that those with extra high levels of sebum on their skin have a similarly high level of this type of bacteria.

Despite the fact there is no permanent cure for acne, there are a number of actions that you can take that will help prevent acne from occurring, or effectively treat it when it does appear. A thorough washing and cleansing routine is a key requirement for preventing acne. This should be supported by the use of an appropriate treatment for the areas of skin that are most affected. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day will really help. Trying to reduce stress levels through exercise, meditation or any other ‘calming’ activity will deliver positive results for adult acne sufferers.

New treatments are being developed all the time, and as our medical understanding of the disease improves, so will our treatment regimes.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.

Posted on Feb 18th, 2007

There are a plethora of acne medications currently on the market. Some of these are prescription medications, such as accutane. Others are over the counter chemical compounds, such as benzoyl peroxide. There are even herbal based acne medications, such as tea tree oil. However, many of them are not as effective as advertised.

Part of the problem with finding the right acne medication is that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to acne. Different people respond differently to the various medications and treatments. However, there are several acne medications that have been clinically proven to be effective in treating acne, and these are the medications that will stop acne for most people.

Prescription Acne Treatments

Of the prescription medications, Accutane is one of the best. It is a chemical derivative of vitamin A, and is often referred to as the “miracle drug” for acne. Accutane is most effective in the treatment of severe cystic acne, and not to be taken lightly. For some people, the many side effects can be worse than the acne itself. However, this is one treatment that works.

Retin A and Renova are also prescription medications. These are topical derivatives of vitamin A, and are also good at clearing up fine lines, wrinkles, and slight skin discolorations. One of the biggest downsides is sunlight and other topical acne treatments must be avoided while using either of them. However, they are proven to reduce acne.

Birth control pills and antibiotics round out the acne medications most commonly prescribed. Birth control pills are used exclusively by women to help regulate hormones, and therefore lessen the hormonally related acne that many women experience. Antibiotics work by attacking the acne causing p.bateria as it grows deep in skin pores.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

There are some over the counter acne treatments that work well. The two best are benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

Benzoyl peroxide works by penetrating the skin pores, and eliminating the acne causing bacteria that grows deep in the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used acne treatment because it is affordable, easily available, and nearly as effective as most prescription medication.

Salicylic acid works by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. This helps the skin renew itself faster, and decreases the chance for pore blockage and a subsequent acne breakout.

Herbal Acne Treatments

The vast majority of acne treatments fall under the heading of “herbal” acne treatments. The reason is because of the lack or regulation for herbal products. This can be very frustrating to the general consumer, because it is impossible to tell which herbal treatment will work to stop acne, and which ones will do very little at all.

Of every herbal treatment available, there are only 2 that are currently proven to stop acne. Tea tree oil will help get rid of acne, and so will green tea cream.

Tea tree oil is an oil derived from one tea tree plant that is unique to Australia. For several hundred years it was touted as a cure all, until penicillin was introduced to fight bacteria. However, tea tree oil has seen a recent revival due in part to study conducted in 1990 that proved it is as effective in treating acne as 5% benzoyl peroxide. Furthermore, it had none of the side effects that benzoyl peroxide does.

Green tea cream has been validated more recently, at the 2003 American Academy of Dermatology conference. It was proven that green tea is as effective in treating acne as a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. Though the study has not been corroborated yet, it demonstrated that there is another herbal treatment besides tea tree oil.

These are some of the acne medications proven to work. For those who are experiencing acne, any of the aforementioned treatments would be well worth trying.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and the editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Posted on Feb 17th, 2007

Acne is widely accepted, as no longer, being a physical problem. There can be deep emotional issues that arise from acne irrespective of the severity of the condition. Over the last 5 years or so, doctors have started to look at some of the more serious psychological effects of acne. Some of the most problematic psychological effects of acne include:

1. A feeling of lowered self-esteem

2. A reduction in self-confidence

3. Social withdrawal

4. Feelings of depression

5. Feelings of anger and aggression

6. Feelings of despair.

It is becoming increasing common for one of these feelings leading to another, and another and so on, each new issue re-enforcing the previous in a vicious feedback loop, concluding in feelings of helplessness. Interestingly the degree of impact is rarely proportional to the extent to which acne is present. Sometimes a small number of spots can cause lasting emotional stress, in some individuals, where as others may not be affected at all.

The first important factor to remember when you start to feel the emotional stress of acne is that these days acne is much easier to treat than it was maybe only 10 years ago. Having acne is not a life-long sentence, and there are an enormous range of treatment options. Do not suffer in silence, go and see your Doctor, carry out research on the internet, talk to friends and family that may have been through similar experiences.

The second critical factor is the simple acknowledgement, and sharing how your acne is making you feel. Do not skip this element in your discussion about treatments with your doctor. The key to recovery from the emotional issues, starts with an acceptance that there is more to acne than the simple physical scars. Speak to someone today about how you feel.

The third critical factor in addressing the impact of acne, is deciding to get medical help now, and sticking to the treatment prescribed. If the first treatment does not work, go back and try another and another, until you get the right one. Be sure to share with your Doctor how your acne is affecting your life, and ensure you put across the seriousness of the issue.

Both the physical and the emotional side of acne can now be very effectively treated, as long as you are willing to take some action, and act on the advice you are given.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of adult acne treatments, which you can readily research on his website.

Posted on Feb 17th, 2007

In the United States alone, there are over 40 Million people who struggle with acne. Many of these people treat acne using chemicals such as antibiotics, prescription drugs, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid.

However, there is a growing number of people who choose herbal acne treatments over traditional medications. Usually, herbal medications have far fewer side effects, and are not as dangerous as some of the prescription drugs.

The problem however, is that the United States does very little to regulate the herbal supplement industry. Unlike traditional chemical medications, herbal medications are not required to be clinically proven to work, or even to be safe. An example of this lack of regulation recently came to light with ephedra related deaths, and ephedras subsequent ban.

This lack of regulation results in many different acne products on the market. All of which claim to heal, prevent, or even cure acne with few, if any, side effects.

The truth is, there are very few herbal acne treatments that are scientifically proven to work. Traditional chemical treatments are still the most effective in stopping acne.

There are only 2 herbal treatments that have been clinically proven to help stop acne, tea tree oil and green tea cream.

Tea tree oil is a natural oil, derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia, a particular type of tea tree found exclusively in Australia. While it has been used from hundreds of years by the native aboriginals as a treatment for just about anything, it has only recently been accepted by modern medicine as being a viable anti-bacterial agent.

Even though tea tree oil has been suspected as an anti-bacterial agent for some time, A groundbreakings study was conducted in 1990 by I.B. Bassett, which compared tea tree oil to benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. It was found that tea tree oil is as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. It takes longer (6 weeks) for the tea tree oil to be as effective, but participants in the study reported none of the side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide, such as redness, skin irritation, or dry skin.

This study has helped tea tree oil become a recognized and legitimate herbal acne treatment. However, there is no need to purchase an expensive cream that contains tea tree oil. Just applying several drops of the oil directly on the acne has shown to be the most effective way to apply tea tree oil.

This was the only herbal acne treatment that had been proven to work until recently, when Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong conducted a study that shows green tea can also effectively fight acne.

Dr. Gan-Wong compared a green tea cream with 3% green tea, to a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution, and found that the results in treating acne where the same for both the tea and the peroxide. These results were recently presented at the 2003 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

These findings are relatively recent, and are not yet corroborated by additional independent studies. However, this evidence does demonstrate that the natural anti-bacterial properties of green tea can be effective to treat acne.

For those of you who are confused by the plethora of herbal acne treatments available, there really are only 2 that have been proven to be effective in fighting acne. Green tea cream, and tea tree oil. While many other herbal acne treatments may be good to moisturize the skin, or reduce oils, these are the only two that should be considered truly effective acne treatments.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Posted on Feb 16th, 2007

All acne sufferers should implement a skin-care routine alongside their acne treatment. The products you choose must be carefully selected to complement your treatment, particularly given that they can have a profound effect on the overall state of your acne. So many of today’s acne products have harsh chemicals, which when combined with scrubbing or harsh toners, could make your acne worse.

Try and keep your skin-care routine as simple as possible. This is particularly important if you are already on prescription creams from your doctor, because of the likelihood that they will make your skin red and flaky. Here are some simple skin-care tips you should follow, in order to maximize your chance of tackling your acne:

1. Look for oil free products which will not further block pores in your skin.

2. If your skin is dry and flaky from applying acne creams, try and find an oil free moisturizer, and apply it as frequently as your skin needs it. Because these moisturizers do not contain oils, they do not lock in the moisture as much as their oil containing counterparts.

3. If you’re using a soap free cleanser, ensure that it is ‘balanced’ at around pH 5.5. Try and select one that you apply, foam up and wash off. This type of cleanser will not strip your skin of the natural oils that are present, and required for a healthy complexion.

4. When you wash your face do it with warm water, never hot water. Always finish up by gently patting your face dry, as opposed to scrubbing/rubbing it dry.

5. Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. This will help remove dead skin cells which can sometimes block pores on acne prone skin.

6. Avoid the use of toners. They are often alcohol based, and therefore dry out your skin much more than necessary. This will result in your skin feeling tight, and sometimes tingly.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you are unlikely to go far wrong, and will be well underway to a healthy, acne free complexion.

Peter Vine is a successful online publisher of Acne-Treatment-Expert.com. He provides practical advice and the latest information on all aspects of acne skin-care, which you can readily research on his website.

Posted on Feb 16th, 2007

There are literally hundreds of various treatments available to reduce acne. There is everything from all natural herbal remedies, to powerful chemical pharmaceuticals such as Accutane.

However, the most commonly used acne treatments in the United States are over the counter acne medications. They are generally inexpensive when compared to prescription medications, and some work very well.

Benzoyl peroxide is the most commonly used over the counter acne medication, and for good reason; Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective acne treatments available.

A 5% solution is usually all that is needed to treat acne, and it has almost no side effects for most people who use it. Unlike antibiotics and other prescription medications, Benzoyl peroxide can be used for months, even years at a time, and there are really no long term side effects (including a tolerance) that can be associated with it.

Furthermore, benzoyl peroxide has been compared to some of the prescription medications for acne, and it is nearly as effective as many acne antibiotics. Over all, benzoyl peroxide is the most successful over the counter acne medication.

However, there are others that can be very beneficial as well, including salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, and it works as an astringent to remove dead skin cells. By removing the dead cells, this helps eliminate clogged pores, as well as help the skin renew itself faster.

Since acne is caused by p.bacteria that builds up in sebum in the pores of the skin, it is very important for the sebum to have a way of draining out of the pores before it becomes infected. Once salicylic acid is used to eliminate the dead skin cells, then the sebum is much less likely to become trapped under the skin and infected.

Salicylic acid is often sold as a makeup remover, but it is most commonly used in acne treatment via stridex pads or oxy pads.

Sulfur is also used in some over the counter acne medications. Sulfur is one of the oldest acne treatments, and reacts with the skin in such a way that it makes it dry, and peel. This works on acne by drying out the Sebum, and therefore, stopping the bacterial growth.

Many soaps and facial cleansers have sulfur in them. Sulfur is effective in getting rid of whiteheads and blackheads. It doesn’t work well against the more inflamed cystic acne. One of the drawbacks is that it can increase skin cell adhesion to the skin, and therefore help cause more pimples in the future. It is best to use a gentle exfoliator when using sulfur to treat acne.

Sulfur also has a strong odor, and some people have skin that reacts harshly to sulfur, causing excessive redness and peeling.

Resorcinol is another over-the-counter chemical that is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne. It works by breaking down hard skin. For acne, this means less clogged pores, and faster skin growth. Resorcinol is commonly used with sulfur to treat acne. It is also good for eczema and dandruff.

Because it is a strong chemical, don’t use resorcinol with other astringents or cleansers unless advised by a dermatologist to do so.

These are the most commonly used over the counter acne treatments. For anyone who is suffering from acne, these 4 over-the-counter treatments have a good chance of helping to reduce or eliminate acne.

Greg Podsakoff is a former acne sufferer, and editor of http://www.acne-treatments-guide.com

Posted on Feb 15th, 2007

A trip to your local drugstore or even upscale department store will produce shelves packed with products all designed to clear up acne. Their products are often harsh and contain numerous chemical additives that can potentially damage sensitive skin. If you are interested in keeping an all-natural approach to clearing up your skin, turn to tea tree oil for acne treatment. Used for hundreds of years, individuals who use tea tree oil for acne treatment find themselves pleased with the results and often pass the information along to their friends and family who suffer from acne.

Tea tree oil is a powerful, yet all natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal solution that has been used to cure numerous medial issues, including acne. A great many natural-based products contain tea tree oil, although many individuals find the have the best response by using the oil without any additives. Tea tree oil can be purchased at your favorite natural, herbal, or organic store or bought through a virtual storefront on the World Wide Web.

The substance itself comes from the “Land Down Under” and is extracted from a native Australian tree. Found in the leaves of the Melaleuca Alternafolia tree, tea tree oil is completely natural. Instead of making your skin look better, tea tree oil works at the source of acne: the bacteria found on the skin’s surface. When the bacteria are properly killed and the skin is clean, zits will not form. This being said, tea tree oil works to effectively treat acne, but is not a cure-all substance.

Before you decide to use tea tree oil, any wash or lotion containing tea tree oil, or any treatment in general, you should first consult a dermatologist. He or she will be better able to pinpoint the exact type of acne that is affecting your skin and can suggest a variety of treatment options. Additionally, a dermatologist will be able to determine if your skin is too sensitive for using tea tree oil or if the substance can potentially cause an allergic reaction.

If it is determined that your skin is too sensitive for tea tree oil, consider using a less potent substance. Most tea tree oil extracts come in a container that only holds pure tea tree oil. If this is the case, consider diluting the liquid to lessen its activity. Furthermore, if your skin shows any signs of reaction to the presence of tea tree oil or you experience any discomfort after using the extract, immediately discontinue the use and consult a dermatologist. Using a product that negatively affects your skin is almost as bad as not treating your acne at all, since the results—red, blotchy, swollen, or painful skin—are often the same in both situations.

Tea tree oil is a fantastic all-natural item that is often used on the front lines of acne fighting. Whether you choose to use tea tree oil in its pure extract form or choose a product that includes tea tree oil as an active ingredient, your skin is sure to show immediate improvement.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada. Undergoing several failed acne treatments before finding treatments that worked on her own, she offers more advice and information at Your-Best-Acne-Treatment.Com, and offers a free newsletter at http://www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/free-acne-weapon-newsletter.html/

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