Archive for June, 2007

Posted on Jun 30th, 2007

Back acne, like other forms of acne is caused by hormones acting on the oil producing glands in the skin. This interaction leads to clogged pores and outbreaks on the surface of the skin. Natural back acne treatments are available to help deal with both the external outbreak and the infection that occurs under the surface of the skin.

The following list of natural remedies for back acne has provided relief and comfort for many. Try them out for yourself:

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is applied directly to the surface area of the infected skin. The oil penetrates the skins surface helping to control the infection while keeping the surface skin supple and hydrated. Tea tree oil soap may be used to treat the whole back and prevent further breakouts.

Capsule Supplements

Some evidence indicates that supplementing the diet with capsules containing Brewers yeast, potassium, magnesium and zinc help as a natural back acne treatment.

Lavender Essential Oil

When used as a natural back acne treatment lavender essential oil is rubbed on the skin surface. It stimulates circulation to the infected area, helping to naturally cleanse the tissue. It is also a natural antiseptic and is used to treat wounds and burns to prevent scaring.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel has strong astringent properties and may be helpful in cleansing the skin area around a breakout of back acne or as a cooling toner that can be applied to the back as a natural acne treatment.

Aloe Vera

While aloe vera does not stop outbreaks, it is a very effective natural back acne treatment for skin repair and reducing redness, swelling and scaring. Aloe vera is applied in gel form after a thorough washing of the affected area.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar

This product, found in most health food stores, can be effective in treating back acne. Apply the apple cider vinegar, diluted with three parts water, to the acne at least twice a day. After a week increase the strength of the solution to half and half. If there is no irritation you can dab on the apple cider vinegar full strength. The astringent properties of the vinegar help clear up the acne. Discontinue use or go back to a weaker dilution if skin becomes irritated or burns after application.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the best treatment for adult acne and fast removal of acne scars.

Posted on Jun 29th, 2007

1 out of every 2 teenagers has oily skin. We hear about it every day on TV and the radio in ads for Proactive and Murad. Stars like Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, Puff Daddy, Eminem, and even Paris Hilton all pitch various products and treatments for oily skin. Most of these products are nothing more than a mild benzoyl peroxide or salicylic (less than 2%) cleanser. The reality is that when we questioned real dermatologists none recommended these products. Their actual recommendations were:

1) skin peels and laser treatments.

2) tetracycline

3) Accutane - in severe acne cases only.

4) Doxycycline

5) Cetaphil - Every dermatologist said this was a great face wash.

You have to remember Paris Hilton, Eminem, and Jessica Simpson are all paid endorsers. Read the fine print. Not one of them guarantees or stands behind the product. To properly treat oily skin and the acne it can and usually does cause, you have to get to the source.

Benzoyl peroxide will only affect the surface and irritate it. Salicylic acid is a weaker acid and must be used in much stronger strengths to be effective - lees than 10% just won’t cut it. What really works is treating the bacteria that are rampant in oily skin. This is what causes acne. A trichloroacetic acid (TCA peel) skin peel is the most effective external treatment and now the most cost effective as it is currently available to consumers for in home use. A TCA peel will alter the skin pH (acidity levels) and make the conditions unfavorable for the bacteria. TCA peels will also get rid of excess oil, increase exfolliation, collagen production, and new skin production - all helpful with oily skin. TCA peels are also very effective on acne scars - an added plus. And the best thing is there are no side effects.

Tetracycline is available by prescription only. It will kill the bacteria, but only for as long as you keep taking it. It will not affect the oilyness and is not effective against mild to severe acne. It also has side effects like yellow teeth. Their are similar antibiotics like doxycycline that have basically the same results.

Accutane is a very drastic prescription only medication. The side effects can be quite severe and are common. Blood tests must be done on a weekly or monthly basis. Accutane will cease the production of oil by stopping the functionality of the sebaceous glands. Usually this was reserved for mild to severe acne patients. The complications are so severe there have been numerous class action lawsuits (just watch TV or look up Sokolove the attorneys office on the internet).

Lasers have been used in a limited capacity as they are still too expensive and are mostly effective on thee resultant scarring from the acne, not on the oilyness and excess sebum production.

So, straight from real non-paid dermatologists all over the country, one can conclude that the most effective treatment with the least cost is TCA peels. And they are now available for home use. Now you know how to permanently cure oily skin, treat acne, and have beautiful skin from a real dermatologists perspective. Don’t be misled by a highly compensated endorser like Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Eminem, Puff Daddy, etc…

For more information on TCA peels contact www.bestskinpeel.com

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

Posted on Jun 28th, 2007

It would almost be shorter to list the things that birth control pills DON’T effect, then to mention all the things they DO effect. They don’t, for instance, effect vegetables, they don’t effect rocks, and they don’t effect outer space, however they may, on occasion, effect machinery and small animals.

Weather you’re taking them to even out your menstrual cycle or to keep yourself from getting pregnant, now you have yet another reason to try out birth control pills,… clear skin. Birth Control Pills have proven that they help reduce acne. So much so in fact that the FDA has approved Ortho Tri-Cyclen and generic norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (the stuff in Birth Control Pills) for use in the treatment of acne.

How Does this work? Androgen is a male hormone that increases oil production. Androgen is always working away, but it increases it’s production of oil just before menstruation begins, which could result in your skin breaking out around you period. Where does "the pill" fit in? Low-doses of birth control pills have shown that they decrease these excess androgens. That means less oil and less breakouts, and they can even be used with other acne therapy (details can be found in the February 2001 Skin Therapy Letter)

Does this mean you should go out and pick up some birth control pills to kill that acne? Probly not, remember these studies were done with low doses of birth control pills. You might wanna think of it more as one of the things to add to the benefits of birth control pills. Maybe it’ll help offset the nausea and headaches over on the drawbacks side.

Jessica MacQuarrie is a writer from San Franciso California. She currently edits her web site http://www.endacnenow.com from her bay area home.

Posted on Jun 27th, 2007

Acne is a disorder of the skin that affects adults as well as teens. It occurs when follicles, or pores, become blocked. Oils, naturally present in skin, are unable to drain and become blocked inside the follicles. Before long bacteria begins to grow.

Skin blemishes referred to as blackheads and whiteheads then begin to appear. When the oil and bacteria that is trapped remain below the skin, the blemish is referred to as a whitehead. A blackhead occurs when the oil and bacteria are partially exposed. The color of the blemish turns black due to pigmentation within the skin. Blackheads usually last far longer than whiteheads due to the fact that it takes longer to drain.

It is believed that hormones, diet, stress and vitamin deficiency may play a role in the development of acne. While acne includes both whiteheads and blackheads, there are a variety of types of acne that range in severity.

Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne and includes everything from whiteheads and blackheads to cysts. Acne Vulgaris may be either mild or moderate as well as severe. The mild and moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris include common pimples with inflammation apparent below the surface of the skin as well as blackheads. Small red bumps that have no ‘head’ may also be present and are known as papules.

Acne Vulgaris in its most severe form includes lesions that are known as nodules and cysts. These are normally much larger than mild or moderate acne and may be more painful. Nodules are usually small and hard, below the skin and do not contain pus while cysts do. Scars can appear if Acne Vulgaris is not treated correctly.

A gentle cleanser and a benzoyl peroxide cream can be effective in treating mild to moderate forms of Acne Vulgaris. Avoid overwashing; gently cleansing the face in the morning and at night should be sufficient. Taking care not to touch your face during the day and using oil free cosmetics may also help. Extreme caution should be used in trying to ‘pop’ pimples, as this can result in scarring. Papules (small red bumps with no head) should never be popped or squeezed.

Acne Rosacea can easily be confused with Acne Vulgaris and often appears to be quite similar. Most people who suffer from Acne Rosacea are adults over the age of 30. A red rash along with bumps and pimples signal the presence of Acne Rosacea, which normally appears on cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Blackheads are normally not present with Acne Rosacea. This type of acne can be quite serious because when it is left untreated it can actually cause excessive tissue to begin growing.

There are three types of extremely severe acne; all of which can be disfiguring. Acne Conglobata usually appears in men instead of women. It is commonly found on the trunk and limbs of the body instead of the face. Individuals normally develop this form of acne at some point between the ages of 18 and 30. It can remain active for several years and can be extremely difficult to treat. Dermatologists normally use Accutane as a treatment.

Young men sometimes experience what is known as Acne Fulminans. Typical acne may be accompanied by fever and aching joints with the onset of Acne Fulminans. Oral steroids as well as Accutane may be used to treat this form of acne.

Women between the ages of 20 and 40 may experience what is known as Pyoderma Faciale. This type of acne is generally confined to the face. Unlike other forms of acne, this form does not last for years; instead its presence is normally restricted to a year or less. It can, however; be very painful as well as disfiguring.

Severe and extremely severe acne should be treated by a dermatologist.

Emily Clark makes it easy for anyone to understand complex health conditions such as acne. Learn about the best treatments applicable to your acne problem for free, by visiting her Acne Control website.

Posted on Jun 26th, 2007

There are many over the counter (OTC) preparations for treatment of acne. Sold as lotions, gels, creams, and cleansers, OTC products can be a precarious buy and consumers should be aware that chemicals applied to the skin can also be absorbed into the body. The potential adverse effects of chemical agents make natural skin care products seem more attractive.

This is especially true for skin conditions such as acne and rosacea as harsh chemicals may only worsen matters. Synthetic chemicals can induce unnecessary inflammation beyond the confines of the sebaceous glands resulting in acne scars. Additionally, some chemicals can even be absorbed into the skin and have varying levels of systemic toxicity.

Benzoyl peroxide, the first topical agent for acne vulgaris, remains the most widely used OTC acne treatment in the United States. It is inexpensive to manufacture and widely marketed. Benzoyl peroxide dissolves comedons and has bactericidal effect by oxidizing proteins of the offending microbe, P. acne (Leyden, 1997). Though it may be effective for mild acne, benzoyl peroxide is not free from adverse effects according to the European Commission.

The most common adverse effect is extreme dryness and premature aging of skin of skin. It can also causes irritation, stinging, burning and peeling of skin. A formulation containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide was found to have less burning and peeling of skin as compared with 5% or 10% benzoyl peroxide (Mills et al. 1986). Allergic contact dermatitis was found in 1-2% patients using benzoyl peroxide (Ives, 1992). It can cause bleaching of hair and clothing.

Temporary skin discoloration may occur if benzoyl peroxide is used with sunscreen containing para-amino benzoic acid (PABA). Similarly concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide with tretinoin can lead to severe irritation of skin. Benzoyl peroxide should not be used in pregnancy as its safety during pregnancy is not documented. The safety in breast-feeding women and children is also not established.

In animal studies, it was has found to induce skin cancer after 1 year of use (Kraus et al. 1995). Long-term studies are needed to profile its adverse effect in humans. Benzoyl peroxide has been banned for use in cosmetics by the European Union. OTC Acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide are included in this ban throughout Europe.

Acne preparations made of benzoyl peroxide may contain various other chemical ingredients. Glycolic acid is a photo sensitizer and may be toxic to gastrointestinal system, nervous system and kidneys. Triethanolamine can form carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds on the skin or in the body after absorption. It may also elicit immune reaction in form of allergic dermatitis or asthmatic attacks. Diisopropanolamine may release carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds.

While, benzoyl peroxide can be used for short-term treatment of mild acne in the US, its long-term use has the potential to damage skin. On the whole, safer options that allow natural resolution of acne are recommended. Natural alternatives to benzoyl peroxide are calendula or tea tree oil (Bassett et al. 1990). Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts were found to be beneficial in treating acne (Qadan et al. 2005). Granulysin peptides were also found to be effective against P. acne and may form an alternative therapy against acne in future (McInturff et al. 2005).

If acne are severe and not amenable to benzoyl peroxide treatment, one should consult a dermatologist for prescription drugs like topical retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene and Tazarotene), topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin), oral isotretinoin, oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline).

References: 1. Leyden JJ (1997) Therapy for acne vulgaris. New England Journal of Medicine 336, 1156-62.
2. Ives TJ (1992) Benzoyl peroxide, Am Pharm NS32 (8), 33-8.
3. Kraus AL, Munro IC, Orr JC, Binder RL, LeBoeuf RA, Williams GM (1995) Benzoyl peroxide: an integrated human safety assessment for carcinogenicity, Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 21, 87-107.
4. Mills OH Jr, Kligman AM, Pochi P, Comite H (1986) Comparing 2.5%, 5%, and 10% benzoyl peroxide on inflammatory acne vulgaris, Int J Dermatol 25, 664-7.
5. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS (1990) A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust, 153: 455-8.
6. Qadan F, Thewaini AJ, Ali DA, Afifi R, Elkhawad A, Matalka KZ (2005) The antimicrobial activities of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts to acne- developing organisms. Am J Chin Med 33,197-204.
7. McInturff JE, Wang SJ, Machleidt T, Lin TR, Oren A, Hertz CJ, Krutzik SR, Hart S, Zeh K, Anderson DH, Gallo RL, Modlin RL, Kim J (2005) Granulysin-derived peptides demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects against Propionibacterium acnes. J Invest Dermatol 125, 256-63.

James Dalton is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions including acne, rosacea, and eczema. Visit http://www.AcneResearchLabs.com for more information regarding natural skin care solutions including effective acne treatment and rosacea treatment for sensitive skin.

Posted on Jun 25th, 2007

Essential oils is the name given to more than 90 pure extracts from various plants. Despite the nomer ‘oil,’ essential oils are not, in fact petroleum products. They can be rubbed on the skin or used in aromatherapy. High quality essential oils are completely derived naturally and won’t clog pores. Because of their cleanliness, many essential oils can be used to help diminish acne.

Two of these oils are tea tree oil and emu oil. Emu oil, however, is not technically an essential oil, as it is derived from an animal. The emu is a mainly flightless bird originating mainly in Australia. The indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines, use emu oil for its healing and restorative effects, particularly with regard to joint pain. Today, however, emu oil is used for a variety of purposes, one of those is to lessen the problem of acne.

Because emu oil is non-greasy and won’t clog pores, it makes a good skin moisturizer and softener. Lotion, no matter how ‘clean’ it is can still clog pores. Emu oil does the same job, but without the gunk that can cause acne.

Tea tree oil is another good choice for use on acne. This essential oil helps heal scars and won’t clog pores. Like other essential oils, tea tree oil can also be used for aromatherapy, soothing, even as it reduces acne. Common tea tree oil and New Zealand tea tree oil are the two common forms. The sent is balsamic and woody. The New Zealand variety has a warmer, earthier aroma.

Essential oils can be combined, and emu oil is an excellent carrier of essential oils, including tea tree oil. A combination of emu and tea tree oils can give softer, moisturized skin with a pleasant smell—all while reducing acne.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at http://www.best-in-essential-oils.info

Posted on Jun 24th, 2007

Acne is induced from imbalances and impurities in the body, and that’s why we treat the problem an internal cleansing course of action that goes right to the source and fights acne prior to it even begins. Most of the Acne treatment will bring antioxidants that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness.

Practically everyone has to deal with acne from time to time. It’s not because we eat hot foods or chocolate. It’s not because we do not wash our face enough. In fact, cleaning too vigorously can produce acne worse! The basic of acne treatment with following immediate results that:

i ) Works for adults & teenagers distress from facial or body acne;

ii) Eliminates spots, pimples, redness, puss, blackheads & whiteheads;

iii) Natural acne medication formula with no side effects;

iv) Fast and effective acne cure from the inside out;

v) Dermatologist Recommended with Guaranteed Results;

vi) And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally.

Thousands of people from all across the globe suffer from this debilitating disorder, and just like you they’ve tried every single thing with little or even no results.

Dangers of prescribed medications for acne treatment:

i) Even though you will notice short term results;

ii) Produce you feel ill;

iii) Even more disturbing is that the FDA warns that can cause depression, liver damage and birth defects, along with an extended list of more possible side effects;

iv) Patients of this chemical prescription must be under a dermatologist’s supervision for the 5-month course of coarse of action.

Choose wisely and know about danger of Acne prescribed medications.

Jasmine Yap

Find out more information about Acne Product - http://acne-product.natural-herbal-essence.com/

Posted on Jun 23rd, 2007

Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, a substance which is produced by your Sebaceous glands. Your Sebaceous glands can be found on your face, upper neck and chest. Sebum production increases during adolescence and starts to wean around the age of 20. This does not mean that acne vanishes at age 20. Infact, acne, which is usually thought of as a teenager’s skin care issue affects adults both female and male.

Treating acne requires patience, finding the right acne treatment products and sticking to a good treatment routine. Here are tips on what to do and what to avoid.

Dos

Cleanse. Fighting acne requires you to establish a daily routine of gently washing your face with a good acne skin cleanser. Acne skin cleansers will get rid of the accumulated makeup, oils, sweat and dirt on your face. There are skin cleansers for various types of skin types: oily, dry, sensitive and normal. You will want to buy the correct product for your skin type.

Exfoliate. Exfoliation allows your new skin cells to shine through by getting rid of your dead skin cells. The result is a new replenished look that helps give your skin a youthful, fresh appearance. It is advisable to exfoliate more during the summer months since you tend to sweat more.

Moisturize even if you have oily skin. Choose the right moisturizer for your skin type.

Use "noncomedogenic" comestics and skin care products. These products do not clog your pores.

Consult a day spa esthetician or dermatologist for expert advice, if your problem gets consistently worse.

Don’ts

Do not overwash your face.

Do not scrub or rub your skin excessively.

Never pop, squeeze or pick at acne. This spreads the inflammation and makes things worse.

If you find that certain foods aggravate your acne, try to avoid them (e.g. oily foods such as fast food).

Avoid excessive sun, tanning booths and sun lamps.

Avoid excessive sweating or humidity.

Visit your local day spa esthetician for more skin care tips.

Access the list of day spas in your local community at http://www.dayspafan.com

Posted on Jun 22nd, 2007

Let’s face it: We mostly judge people on how they look.

This is a fact that cannot be denied and the reason why almost everyone is obsessed with their appearance. This is also why if anyone suffers from acne, they often go to any length to control this image distorting skin disease.

I am saying this from first-hand experience, pimples, commonly known as acne, can literally make you miserable. Imagine having a big bump nestled right on your lower lip with other small bumps crowding your face and all the while you’re talking to someone you keep wondering: “Is this person looking at the bump…?”

Perhaps you may have tried everything from the popular products advertised on TV, to the over the counter drugs at the local pharmacy. Believe me, I have and NOTHING worked, on the contrary, they made matters worse.

I tried exfoliating, using a mask, applying astringents, creams. My roommate literally had to yell once: “What’s with all this ‘make-up’ like you are a Vegas show-girl?” It would be an understatement to say my experience with acne was horrible.

I had just about given up hope and decided to accept the myths that maybe just maybe it was in my genes or as my pastor at the time said: “It was God’s will for me…” but, it was right around this time that I stumbled upon an associate whose conversation with me that day forever changed my life-at least in regards to dealing with acne.

He asked what I was using to control the acne and if you are a sufferer, you may know the feeling that arises within when someone brings up the subject of your malady. I got defensive and mentioned the product I was using rather snappily. He kept right on and as if sensing my discomfort, assured me he was only trying to help.

He introduced me to juice fasting as a therapeutic measure of healing (not the religious practice I thought it was) and also discussed facial massaging and how to properly cleanse the face. I was intrigued by these methods for the following reasons

1. They were natural

2. They cost little or nothing

3. They made the most sense

After trying each of the methods simultaneously, within about 3 or 4 days, I was relieved of the acne and even the razor bumps I also had. If felt good to be able to walk into the office and know that the girls were looking at me admirably and it was also a relief to know this horrendous mask was finally taken off me!

Years later after learning more about Naturopathy, Yoga and diet, I decided to dedicate a page on my website to offer this free information on how to cure acne naturally to my readers and am now including some of the tips in this article.

1. If you want to control your acne; you must make a change in your diet now. This will not only clear up your skin, but will increase your all around health and well-being. A suggested diet will be a mucus-less diet comprising of raw and cooked Fruits, Leafy and Root vegetables augmented with a fast of some type. Remember the quote by Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine: “Let your foods be your medicine as nature heals ALL diseases!”

2. I can boldly say rid yourself of all topical and ingested drugs you are using to control acne as they only- from my experience- make matters worse.

3. Learn how to massage the face. You can type up facial massaging in your favorite search engine or simply view the free instructions and photos on my site. (Thank Goodness for the internet eh…?)

4. Change your pillowcase daily.

5. Steer clear of using microwaves. My anecdote on this device is in the same section mentioned in tip #3.

6. Engage in some form of vigorous exercise. This not only makes you fitter and healthier but aids tip #1 in detoxifying the skin, this being the second most important eliminating organ next to the lungs as stated by Dr. Stanley Burroughs, the author of the Master Cleanser.

In applying these steps above, you will definitely notice a drastic improvement in your skin. You too can cure your acne naturally without drugs and expensive visits to the dermatologists; you only need to be shown how.

If one way is true, it is the way of Nature.

Foras Aje is the author of the e-book Fitness-Inside and out, a book on Naturopathy about Yoga, Calisthenics, Proper diet and mental attunements. For more information on how to control acne,health, fitness and Drugless Healing, visit http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com

Posted on Jun 21st, 2007

Even though acne sufferers know that their friends also suffer from acne, it still sometimes makes them feel isolated and alone. The unsightly zits that pop up when they are least wanted, like just before a hot date, can cause extreme despair and frustration. Worse still is that the lack of self esteem many adolescents suffer from is often made worse by what they see in the mirror during an acne attack.

There may be worse cases of acne, but for the sufferer, theirs is always the worst. If your teen suffers from the moodiness and despair brought on by acne, it might be a good idea to allow them to find an acne support group. These days, this would usually be an online forum where teens can post questions about treatment and the likely duration of their acne and get quick answers from one or more specialists in the field.

It could be a chat room where they could make friends with other suffers and find out for sure that they are not only not the only ones to suffer from acne, but that others also feel the same way about it as they do.

Make sure that you find the right one for your child. It doesn’t pay to be casual about chat rooms because you don’t know who is likely to be lurking there, but if you can get in first and check out that the site is of good reputation, it will ease your mind and keep your child safe.

A quick search on Google will bring up many acne sites and most of them seem to have helpful advice, even if it is aimed at eventually selling their product. But if you choose one with .org after the address, you will know that this means it is a non-profit organization, and so they will not be giving advice simply to sell a product.

www. acne-answers.org is one such site. You can join up for free to receive their weekly newsletter on controlling the dreaded zit, or can even do an e-course on acne control.

Acne Support Group typed into Google will bring up a registered charity (No. 1026654) where teens, or anyone can email their question about acne and get a sensible reply, either by a cosmetic or beauty consultant who is trained in acne problems.

When finding acne sites, just make sure they are not in another country, because some acne treatments are not available in all countries.

Come visit http://www.AcneGalore.info for all your acne needs. Regular published articles on acne information.

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