Archive for March, 2007

Posted on Mar 31st, 2007

If you are already tired of your acne, you may resort to finding expensive acne treatments or you may try some surgical procedures. But these things are so expensive and you don’t know if both will be successful.

Here are some easy tips for acne cure and avoidance:

1. Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help in acne cure by fighting off negative stress intensity that can come from negative confidence and depression. But avoid wearing tight nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Using Safe Cosmetics

To avoid the clogging of pore and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "oil-free". Select "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. This may be the best acne cure for women.

3. Have a Healthy Diet

What is best for your body is best for your skin. Don’t forget to eat the right kind of foods that are less in oil and carbohydrates Make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals that have been recommended to prevent and help acne cure. Some of these vitamins and minerals are Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic), Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, L-Carnitine, and Zinc.

Don’t forget to eat the right kind of foods that are less in oil and carbohydrates.

4. Drinking plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day helps cleanse our body internally. We know that acne cure can start from within. Fluids, especially water, can wash away the dirt inside our body.

5. Hormonal Treatments and Healthy Skin Regimen Hormones during later years, especially for women, can play a role in acne cure and prevention for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or current treatments, prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Avoiding harsh scrubbing or over-washing is a good acne cure, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what’s washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help acne cure and prevention instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. Shaving can help remove whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas that are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin. Gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain" will be good for the skin. A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin’s ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like worry, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne outbreak and other skin irritations. To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours.

These are just some ways of acne cure that can help prevent acne outbreak in teens and adults. Always remember that healthy living is the key for a healthy skin.

Acne cure, acne skin care and acne solutions.

Michelle for http://www.acne-care-solutions.com - Learn about herbs for acne.

Posted on Mar 30th, 2007

When skin care products fail to clear up your acne problems, it is an indication that they could be a result of hormonal imbalances. Below are some general guidelines on how to tell if your complexion problems are hormonal:

* You experience acne breakouts the week before your period, mostly on the jaw line, chin and neck.
* Irregular periods and/or excess hair on the face or body in addition to acne could signal a hormonal disorder. Consult your doctor.
* Your skin tends to feel much more sensitive during the fourth week of your monthly menstrual cycle.

Keeping skin acne free requires more than just diligent skincare. It is also a matter of timing your skin care according to your monthly hormonal surges. That is because monthly hormone fluctuations stimulate the skin’s sebaceous glands to secrete oil. The more oil our skin produces, the higher the possibility that acne problems will arise.

THE HORMONAL CYCLE 101

Your cycle begins on the first day of your period and can last anywhere from 21 to 40 days. In the first week after your period, your oestrogen level increases, helping to keep skin clear (oestrogen is the hormone that helps keep oil glands in check). When ovulation occurs around day 14 of your cycle, progesterone (another hormone) starts to surge and your potential for acne blemishes increases and peaks, just days before your period. That is when you will experience oily skin and acne breakouts.

WEEK-BY-WEEK SKINCARE

Week 1 (The cycle begins on the first day of your period)

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Hormone levels are at their monthly low. Skin may appear dull or it could be recovering from premenstrual acne flare-ups.

WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS: Regular and gentle care.

* Use mild cleansers that contain soothing ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile or Green Tea. While washing, massage your face gently with the pads of your fingertips.

* Concealers are your skin’s best friends this week. Choose an oil-free one that contains Salicylic Acid or Sulphur, which can help to unclog pores.

* Treat skin to a moisturizing or exfoliating mask. Left on for 10 minutes, an exfoliating mask will remove any flakiness on the skin and have skin lightening effects on a dull complexion. The moisturizing element will provide much needed extra skin hydration.

* Treat lingering acne scars and blemishes with acne treatment products that contain Salicylic Acid or Tea Tree Oil.

TIP: Do not skimp on your moisturizer. Hydrate your skin regularly and choose moisturizers that are oil-free or comedogenic.

Week 2 (The week after your period)

WHAT’S HAPPENING: As oestrogen levels are rising, your skin condition is at its peak with a clear and balanced complexion.

WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS: Maintenance and prevention

* For most skin types, ranging from normal to combination skin, this is a good time for professional pampering. Since your skin is not overly sensitive, you can get a simple gentle facial done.

* If you have very sensitive skin, do not go for facials as this may have the effects of over-stimulating your sensitive skin and cause further problems. Opt for a simple regimen that consists of a mild cleanser, sunscreen, moisturizer and a good acne treatment product (if you still experience acne breakouts during this week).

* Keep using the same mild cleansers you used in Week 1 and make sure that you keep your skin clean and fresh by washing your face twice a day. There is no need to carry out excessive cleansing as this may strip your skin of its natural sebum.

* Exfoliate your skin with exfoliating products that contain skin sloughers like Glycolic acid, Lactic acid or Salicylic Acid. However, if your skin is extremely sensitive, you should avoid using such exfoliating products as they may further sensitize your skin.

TIP: Always remove make-up before going to bed. Sleeping with your make-up on can cause pores to clog and trigger acne breakouts.

Week 3 (Ovulation)

WHAT’S HAPPENING: While your oestrogen levels peak, progesterone surges. These hormonal fluctuations cause oily skin flare-ups and acne breakouts.

WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS: Acne blemishes battling treatments and moderate exfoliation.

* Keep skin clean and fresh by washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, in the morning and in the night. Use an alcohol-free toner to deep-cleanse your pores.

* During other times, cleanse skin by using water only. Water is the natural healer for skin and can calm your skin without stripping your skin of its natural sebum.

* During Week 3 and Week 4, bring oil-blotting pads with you to mop up excess oil for a matte complexion.

* Pamper your skin with products that prevent acne scars and blemishes. They usually contain Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Chlorhexidine and Tea Tree Oil.

* Use an acne clearing mask this week. For normal skin users, the mask can be used 2 times a week, while sensitive skin users should only use it once a week.

TIP: Resist the urge to squeeze your pimples. Apply a warm washcloth to the pimples for several minutes and follow with an antibacterial Benzoyl-Peroxide or Chlorhexidine product.

Week 4 (The week before your period)

WHAT’S HAPPENING: Your oestrogen plummets while progesterone continues to surge. Your skin is at its oiliest, and painful pimples, bumps or acne cysts flare up.

WHAT YOUR SKIN NEEDS: Tender, loving care.

* Keep skin clean and fresh by washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, in the morning and in the night.

* During other times, cleanse skin by using water only. Water is the natural healer for skin and can calm your skin without stripping your skin of its natural sebum.

* Treat your acne scars and blemishes with spot treatments, in the morning and in the night.

* Declog your pores by using an acne mask at least twice this week. Sensitive skin users should only use an acne mask once a week.

* Look for foundations that contain Salicylic Acid, which will help clear pores. Also make sure that your make-up is labeled non-comedogenic so that it would not clog pores.

* Stay away from any sort of skin trauma this week. No waxing, laser treatments, microdermabrasion and facials. You are bound to experience extra discomfort on the acne affected areas if you do.

TIP: If the acne affected areas show no improvement and seem to be getting worse, you should immediately consult a dermatologist who can prescribe topical acne medication or oral antibiotics.

Ben Ong is a senior product development consultant at Acne Detox Skin Science. Backed by a team of experienced cosmeceutical researchers, Acne Detox Skin Science is a company that specializes in the formulation of acne treatment products that can help to rectify acne, pimples, acne scars, blemishes and blackheads. Please visit their official website for more information and tips on how to combat and treat acne effectively.

Posted on Mar 29th, 2007

Different people have different types of skin. Acne prone skins are very sensitive skin types. Therefore, acne care must be given special attention by persons that have these skin types.

Acne sufferers follow a specific type of acne care depending on their skin type. They must be vigilant about the methods and products that they use.

Some skin types are sensitive to dyes, perfumes and chemicals in many beauty products. If you have mild to moderate acne, here are some acne care tips just for you:

Acne Care: Dealing With Problem Skin

1.Beauty Products

We have already heard of dry skin, oily skin and a combination skin. If you have acne, you may have decided that your skin type is either oily or combination. But actually, it’s neither of these. Acne prone skin falls into a completely different category: problem skin.

People prone to acne should choose beauty products specially made for acne. Don’t use any beauty products that have added dyes and perfumes, as these ingredients can seriously aggravate your blemishes.

2.Nutrition

There are a number of vitamins and minerals like mineral zinc, vitamins A, C, E and B-complex vitamins such as vitamin B6. These are often used to improve the look and condition of the skin and also in acne care because these are important for the health of the skin.

Eating foods that are rich in sulfur may also be helpful because it helps to cure acne. Garlic and onions both contain a good amount of sulfur. Your acne care provider may also recommend that you avoid eating sugar, fried foods, or foods that have a high fat content. Carbonated beverages with sugar should also be minimized or perhaps eliminated.

Acne Care: The Dos and Don’ts

Acne prone skin needs special care. Here are the dos and don’ts of acne skin care:

DO’s

• Gently wash your skin with warm water and a mild natural facial cleanser. Washing your skin twice a day will help to remove dirt and pollutants that could block pores.

• Choose oil free cosmetics and beauty products. Regular make-up contains fatty acids that are higher in fat than the fatty acids in your skin.

DON’Ts

• Over wash your skin. Excessive scrubbing will aggravate acne and causes more blemishes to open up and spread.

• Pick your skin. Never pick, squeeze or pop your acne blemishes. Squeezing a pimple or other blemish can cause permanent scarring. And breaking the scar can allow a secondary bacterial infection.

• Smoke. Cigarette smoke is a toxin that is destructive to the organs both inside and outside the body.

• Use skin toners. Skin toners provide extra cleansing to skin, but they are made of very drying ingredients such as alcohol and acetone that could be damaging to skin.

• Expose your skin to sun. Many people think that sunlight will improve acne. And while it’s true that some sun exposure may help dry up surface acne blemishes, prolonged sun exposure can damage skin and make acne worse in the long run.

People must be aware of the things that can cause acne so that it can be prevented. And for acne sufferers, they must always be aware of the things that can irritate their skin. A proper acne care starts with proper care of the skin.

Your guide to acne skin care and acne solutions.

Michelle for http://www.acne-care-solutions.com - Learn about Acne medications.

Posted on Mar 28th, 2007

Acne causes are multifactorial. The exact cause of acne has never been pinpointed, and it is believed that several interrelated factors can cause acne. Perhaps it is because we often are unable to determine the root cause of acne in individuals that the statistics of this skin disease is so shocking.

The causes of adult acne and causes of cystic acne are particulary difficult to determine.

17 million people in America alone have acne. If you are between 12 and 25, you are among the 85% of people who have acne. 25% of men and 50% of women get acne during their adult lives.

The following are some of the external and internal factors that have been linked to acne in some way.

External Contributors to Acne

Makeup and skin care products

Comedogenic skin care products can cause irritation or make you break out. These include any products that clog oil ducts. Look for non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic products, but be aware these products can still make you break out.

Occupation

Depending on where you work, it is possible that your work environment can cause acne. Such environments include manufacturing or construction facilities where you may come in contact with chemicals or polluting agents that cling to the skin.

Too much sun

Evidence shows that another that exposure to sun rays is also one of many acne causes. This can even cause acne a few months after exposure.

Climate

Humidity can cause moisture in follicle cells to swell up. On the flip side, dry air can create thick sebum inside follicle cells. Both extremes can ultimately cause acne.

Picking and squeezing pimples

Touching your face or using your fingers to pick or squeeze pimples is one of the simpler acne causes that are more from habit. Picking pushes bacteria deeper into the skin cells or spread the bacteria already beneath the surface of the skin.

Sweat

Sweat trapped in by your clothing creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin or the pressure of bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars can contribute to or worsen acne.

Internal Contributors to Acne

Bacteria

Bacteria that typically live on the skin are a contributor to acne. The bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes are responsible for causing acne. These bacteria create enzymes that dissolve the oil in the skin, and irritate the skin causing inflammation.

Sebum production

Generally, there is a relationship between the amount of sebum produced and the severity of acne. The largest sebaceous glands are located on the face, neck, chest, upper back and upper arms.

Follicle growth

Sometimes follicle walls will grow abnormally and this can cause acne. As well, increased growth of cells can interfere with the follicles and form a plug. This plug gets bigger until it bursts and spreads bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Hormones

Many acne causes come from hormonal change or imbalance. There are hormonal changes during stress, menstruation, pregnancy, stopping/starting birth control pills, menopause, and hormonal disorders.

Androgens: Androgens are produced by the adrenal glands is one of the internal acne causes that stimulate oil glands and oil production. Increased androgen levels leads to more acne.

Stress: Although stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it will aggravate it. This is because stress leads to increased androgen levels, which then affect your sebaceous glands.

Diet

Dermatologists still aren’t 100% sure if what we eat affects acne. There exists an ongoing debate among experts about the role of food.

Prescription drugs and steroids

Certain drugs, including lithium, barbiturates, and steroids such as for muscle building (androgens) are known to cause acne.

Genetics

If your parents had acne, or one of them, there’s a chance you will inherit their complexion. It is now believed that acne can run in the family, but the specific genetic factor has not been discovered.

As you can see, there are many acne causes that can be both independent or interrelated. It is almost impossible to separate out interlinking activities that contribute to acne. Being aware of these acne causes can help you minimize breakouts.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

Posted on Mar 27th, 2007

The acne scar co2 laser treatment is performed with a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It is considered state of the art technology for laser surgery and is revered by laser surgeons. Is ease of use and precision is unmatched. This laser treatment is best suited to atrophic scars or depressed scars that don’t have deep pits. More surface or facial scars respond well to the treatment.

Scars that have already been treated will be more difficult to treat with the CO2 laser. If you are on Accutane (isotretinoin, roaccutane) or have taken Accutane, you should stop it for at least 6 months before using the co2 laser treatment. Do not go on this treatment if you have a skin infection or inflammatory disease.

What is acne scar co2 laser treatment?

A laser beam passes through a carbon dioxide (CO2)gas-filled chamber and performs collagen remodeling. The laser removes one layer of skin at a time, which can eliminate more surface scars. The heat from the laser also makes the skin tight and smoothes out scars.

The surgeon may give you some intravenous anesthesia before the procedure.

How long does it take to see results?

You likely will see results at about 18 months. The best results occur when this type of laser resurfacing is used in combination with other treatments, like topical creams that help to speed the healing process. Laser treatment is great for getting rid of more shallow boxcar scars, reducing wrinkles, and smoothing out and tightening existing scars.

Does acne scar co2 laser treatment have disadvantages?

This method for acne scar treatment does have its downsides. For one, healing is painful and takes a long time. Some people experience redness for many months, while others experience changes in skin color. In darker skin, the acne scar co2 laser treatment can cause noticeable skin color changes.

Helpful healing tips after acne scar co2 laser treatment

Carbon dioxide or Er:YAG laser resurfacing of atrophic scars
-Work with your dermatologist to find a topical cream to help your healing process along.
-Use ice or a cooling mask if necessary.
-Always keep your skin clean.
-Make sure you see your surgeon or practitioner for follow-up.
-Treat any side effects or complications right away.
Alternative laser treatment – Erbium:YAG laser

The Erbium laser is not as harsh as the co2 laser. It produces less heat and therefore results in less redness and faster healing. However, it does not perform collagen remodeling as well as the co2 laser.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

Posted on Mar 26th, 2007

Over the counter acne treatment products typically include acne or spot treatments, cleansers and washes, moisturizers, lotions, pads and wipes, masks and strips, shaving creams, and toners and astringents.

So how do you know what over the counter acne treatment you should use? Here’s some simple, yet powerful information that most folks unfortunately don’t take the time to find out.

Benzoyl Peroxide the Bacteria Slayer

Benzoyl Peroxide (BP) in over the counter acne treatment products:

-works best for moderate to moderately severe acne,

-deeply penetrates into the skin to kill tough bacteria,

-is best used preventatively,

-dries and exfoliating the skin,

-works faster than prescription antibiotics, and

-doesn’t allow bacteria to build resistance like prescription antibiotics.

However, BP is a very harsh chemical. It causes redness, dryness, and scaling. BP can also lighten fabric colors.

You can find a cheap tube of BP in any drugstore at 2.5% which will work wonders over a few weeks time.

Salicylic Acid – the Surface Slougher

Salicylic Acid or “beta hydroxyl acid” (BHA) works best for mild acne and sensitive skin, as a cleanser ingredient to slough surface skin cells, and as an agent that prepares the skin for other acne treatments. It breaks down a protein that holds the skin cells together. Over time, it exfoliates old skin and allows new healthy skin to surface. It loosens whiteheads and blackheads and helps expel them.

Salicylic acid is fairly mild. It does not reach down deep into the skin follicles like benzoyl peroxide. It can take up to 3 months to loosen smaller whiteheads and blackheads.

However salicylic acid works well if you use it over a consistent and long period of time.

Some side effects of salicylic acid include some skin peeling, dryness, and irritation when used at concentrations of 2% or greater. Possible adverse effects include salicylate toxicity, toxic inner ear damage, and hypersensitivity. Also risk of increases in skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Look for an over the counter acne treatment cleanser with concentrations of 2% salicylic acid, in an acid base with a pH of between 3 and 4.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Alpha Hydroxy Acids work best for all types of skin, as a mild or strong cleanser, and for healing and preventing acne.

AHAs are natural acids which come from fruits, milk sugars, and plants. Glycolic and lactic acids are the most frequently used in over the counter acne treatment products, and are the most well researched AHAs to date.

AHA’s gently peel away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. They make way for the newer skin beneath.

Look for a product with a glycolic acid concentration between 8 and 10% and no other active ingredients. You should see results in the texture of your skin within a few weeks.

Side effects include more susceptibility to sunlight and minor skin irritation or blisters and burns. Fewer AHA products have FDA approval.

Retinol

Retinol is the chemical name for vitamin A – which is the active ingredient in the prescription drug Retin-A, the favored topical prescription acne treatment.

Retinol works best in high concentrations and when packaged stably. It hasn’t really proven its effectiveness for acne.

Sulfur and Resorcinol

Basically, sulfur kills acne bacteria. Resorcinol helps shed the outer layer of skin, and increases the effect of sulfur. However, experts aren’t entirely sure how it works in combination with sulfur.

Resorcinol alone is not an effective acne treatment. It can be very irritating to some patients. For those who can’t use BP or Retin-A, sulfur may be a good alternative.

The side effects are minor: dryness and unpleasant odour. It’s not recommended for pregnant women unless their doctor prescribes resorcinol. There are no major known adverse effects in resorcinol’s combination with sulfur.

Everyone is different

For maximum effectiveness, find a cleanser containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid, a leave-on benzoyl product, and a moisturizer you wear overtop.

As a general rule of thumb, OTC drugs should work within 6 to 8 weeks. If they don’t work within 10 weeks and even promote breakouts, see a dermatologist.

Now you have enough knowledge to look for effective skin products, as well as how to use them to use them the right way.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

Posted on Mar 25th, 2007

Whether you’ve just begun your research on how to get clear skin, or you’ve already been through several treatments, this simple plan can help you at any stage.

The 7 Step Acne Plan is based on the habits of long-time acne sufferers who are now acne free, as well as on practical advice from dermatologists.

Let’s get started!

STEP 1: Understand the True Enemy. It Isn’t Acne!

Acne is a symptom of a problem. It is not the root.

The first thing you need to do is determine your type of acne and understand your own body.

Some questions you should ask yourself include:
· Do you have mild, moderate or severe acne?
· How well do you take care of your skin? (cleansing routine or squeezing pimples, etc.)
· What is your acne treatment history?
· Are you currently taking any prescriptions or medications for other conditions?
· Do you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet? Do you get exercise?
· Where do you work and how clean is the environment?
· Does anyone else in your family have acne?

STEP 2: Do Your Research

Educate yourself. Knowledge is power. This is the information age, and learning how to get clear skin is easily within your grasp. Doing your research on available acne treatments is critical.

STEP 3: Assess Your List of Options

Assess your list of possible treatments to rid acne: Talk to the appropriate specialist of your choice and assess your list with their help.

Assess your comfort level with each treatment: Consider the possible side effects, benefits, time expected to work, money, other products, routine, and effort required.

Finally, choose the treatment you are most comfortable with: Now you’ve made a decision on what you want to try – either on your own or with the help of a specialist.

STEP 4: Design Your Experiment

Now it’s time to decide on your plan of action to rid acne for good. This is directed by your environment, your schedule, the amount of time and effort you are willing and able to put in, and the type of acne you have.

You need to determine an active ingredient (“variable”) to test while keeping the other conditions (“controls”) the same.

Decide on your controls and record them. What will you be keeping the same? Your cleanser? Your exercise routine? The application frequency of your acne treatment?

Decide on your exact regimen/routine. Introduce ONLY 1 variable at a time. Next, set a time limit. Allow this sufficient time to show improvement before introducing the next change.

STEP 5: Keep a Journal or Skin Log

Keep a journal or diary.

Record what what worked, what didn’t, environmental or emotional factors, your diet, your skin-cleansing routine, and lifestyle habits and any changes that may have occurred (positive or negative).

Make it fun! And enlist support. Have someone take pictures of you once a week. Make it a habit to record your daily lifestyle and acne condition so you can pinpoint any correlations or trends.

STEP 6: Monitor Your Regimen!

Monitor your progress and change it if you see it’s not working. Trial and error is important! Make note of the main active ingredients that your skin reacts to.

Know the time it takes for results to show. Make sure you find out an expected time frame your treatment should work within for your type of acne. Every treatment is different.

Don’t be disappointed by failure. It is only by failure that you can begin the process of elimination.

STEP 7: Stick with Your Strategy!

Acne is an ongoing battle. If you have moderate to severe acne, do NOT expect to rid acne overnight or even see a change within 1 week. Just like science, answers on how to get clear skin can only be found by trial and error. And the more consistent your method, the faster and easier it will be to find your treatment to rid acne.

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Ungoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/

Posted on Mar 24th, 2007

Adult acne is a much more common problem than may people, especially sufferers, think. Many adults will suffer from acne at one point during their adult lives and the problem can be just as serious for them as it can be for adults. Treatment techniques are basically the same regardless of your age and these include eating healthily, taking vitamin and nutritional supplements, cleansing your skin and regular washing. You should never pick your pimples as tempting though it may be and you may want to consider using a specialist skin cleanser. There are a large number of acne ‘treatments’ on the market and people have made good reports about several of these.

Acne, in general, is one of the most common medical problems in the world and it is estimated that 30% of all visits to dermatologists will be due to acne. However, because the world looks at acne as a teen problem they fail to realize the mental anguish that adult sufferers can face. Adult acne can lead to serious depression and social anxiety as grown men and women become afraid to go out in public.

There are a large number of natural botanical remedies to help with adult acne that you may want to consider trying. Dandelion and Burdock are both proven to help as are Lavender, Dock Root, Turmeric and Strawberry Leaves. There are many more natural solutions that are very easy to find and even easier to incorporate into your daily lives.

The exact causes of adult acne, like teen acne, remain unknown. Certainly hormones have a big part to play in people of any age contracting acne but the exact relation nobody knows. Because of it’s similarity, though, the treatments and prevention for adult acne are virtually identical to those of teen acne and are easy to use or follow.

Adult acne really is a lot more widespread than you might imagine. 25% of adult men and up to as many as 50% of adult women are expected to suffer from adult acne at some point during their adult lives. It really is a lot more common than you probably imagine and there is no reason to be ashamed by it.

John Mancini has been writing about acne online and offline for a long time. Visit http://www.fast-acne-treatment.info or http://easy-acne-treatment.info to read more about matters like cystic acne and adult acne.

Posted on Mar 23rd, 2007

Acne is a skin condition that has plagued teenagers and adults for centuries, and there are a lot of myths about what causes acne and how to cure it. The fact is we still don’t know exactly why some people suffer from acne and others don’t.

Basically, acne starts and pimples form because sebum gets blocked in the pores of your skin and bacteria begins to grow. Science doesn’t yet have a definite answer when it comes to acne causes, but several myths relate to eating junk food, stress, cosmetics, and exercise. Each of these things may be an acne cause, but not all doctors agree. The general consensus is that the strongest cause of acne is genetic, although these other factors may contribute to acne as well.

Adult Acne and Teenage Acne

Acne in teenagers is caused by the changes in hormone levels that occur as teens enter puberty. Not all adolescents experience teenage acne as they enter puberty, but many do. Most non-prescription acne products use ad campaigns that target teens, because teenage acne tends to have a great psychological impact on adolescents.

Adult acne is somewhat different, because it isn’t typically caused by hormonal changes. However, some women suffer from acne due to higher than normal levels of testosterone. Usually, adult acne is related to stress and diet, although these are not conclusive causes.

Natural and Alternative Acne Solutions

Consumers are always clamoring for natural solutions to medical problems, and acne natural treatments are no exception. There have been many suggested natural remedies used for acne treatment over the years, but recently some alternative methods have proved somewhat successful.

Some recent studies, for instance, have shown that acupuncture may help treat acne. Acupuncturists usually try to treat the root problems in the body, and acne happens to be a symptom caused by other factors such as hormonal imbalances. This why your acupuncturist may suggest a change in diet or some form of stress relief.

Tea tree oil has acquired a good reputation as a natural acne treatment too. As an acne solution, it helps kill the bacteria and cut down the amount of inflammation and redness on the skin. In some cases using tea tree oil can help traditional acne products penetrate deeper as well.

Home Acne Products

The most common home acne product available is benzoyl peroxide. This is the active ingredient in many acne treatments including Clearasil, ABY, AcneControl, and Proactiv Solution. It works by killing the bacteria that causes acne, and it also has a mild peeling effect which can reduce breakout and inflammation. Some sources say the bacteria can actually build up a resistance to benzoyl peroxide, making it less effective the longer you use it. Also, beware that a small percentage of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, and if you experience any excessive skin irritation when using it, you should try a different acne product.

Salicylic Acid is another common acne treatment that is the active ingredient in many home acne products. It works by unclogging the pores of your skin and works best when used in conjunction with an antibacterial agent like benzoyl peroxide. Some products such as Clearasil 3-in1, Neutrogena, and Proactiv Solution Deep Cleansing Wash use salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide together.

A trip through the Health and Beauty section of most grocers will supply you with plenty of options for acne products that contain these ingredients. The best acne solution may be to develop a regimen that cleans your skin, unclogs your pores, and kills acne causing bacteria. Choose your acne products based on this daily regimen.

Martin Stephens is a professional author and speaker who is constantly researching new treatment methods for acne. Part 2 of this article is available at http://acne-treatment-steps.com Part 2 discusses natural health treatments

Posted on Mar 22nd, 2007

Acne is a much greater problem than you may realize. More than 25% of the population will contract acne at some point during their adult lives. Acne can vary in severity and the length of time a patient suffers. Very bad acne can lead to nasty scarring that is very difficult to get rid of around the face, neck, shoulders, arms and back. Treating it early is one way to try to prevent this and there are several ways to get rid of acne. Recent developments and the improvement in technology and medical research have found dermatological cures that really do seem to work for most people. However, you should be aware that just because a treatment will get rid of acne for one person doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you.

Acne seems to be closely related to increased levels of hormones. For this reason many women suffer from acne at the same time each month during their menstrual cycle. A doctor may prescribe a birth control pill that balances hormone levels and therefore works effectively to get rid of acne.

Short treatments of intense light have been proven to be very effective in helping your get rid of acne. usually conducted over a four week period many patients have shown excellent progress, especially when compared to medicines and other techniques.

Antibiotics can work well with some patients, but the body quickly builds up an immunity to most antibiotics rendering them useless. Also, while antibiotics might work to get rid of acne they can also produce undesirable side effects in users. You may become more light sensitive or suffer from dizziness or nausea.

There are a number of cleansing lotions and moisturizers that can be bought over the counter in chemists or supermarkets. These have a varied degree of success and some will work better than others. Unfortunately they can be expensive, especially if you need to try several before you have any success.

John Mancini has been writing about acne online and offline for a long time. Visit http://amazing-acne-treatment.com or http://easy-acne-treatment.info to read more about matters like acne scars and acne.

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