Dairy consumption has been positively linked to acne for many teenagers and adults. There have been numerous studies proving this association, including a portion of the landmark Nurses Health Study involving 47,355 women in 1998. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this milk-acne connection are much less concrete.

Regardless, the facts are that thousands of people have given up dairy foods only to have their acne magically disappear. The results these people have seen speak for themselves and they need no particular explanation. For those of you who are still hesitant on the trial and error method, here are a few different theories behind their success:

• Milk Allergies – Like eczema, acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and can be a byproduct of food allergies. In fact, it is believed that food allergies, particularly dairy and gluten, are the top aggravator of acne. Since acne does take time to come and go, and many food allergy reactions are delayed, about two weeks off of a suspect food is typically required to begin noticing results.

Most dermatologists recognize the crucial role that diet plays in skin conditions, and many site milk products as the top food culprit of acne. Dairy elimination may not be the solution for everyone, but something so simple to get rid of acne is definitely worth a shot!

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Acne is a very common skin disorder. It is a sad part of the lives of Millions of people in the USA and many more millions in other countries.

The good news in that acne is a very "treatable" disease. It is possible to reduce it’s appearance to the minimum, thus decreasing the scarring that in many cases appear in severe acne cases.

It is however very important to discuss the myths that surround acne and address them the right way. This way we can avoid false treatment and unrealistic expectations.

Here is a list of 5 very common myths about acne and it’s causes:

Myth number 1: Acne is caused by diet. This is perhaps the most widely used myth. Let’s make this clear right now. Hundreds of studies were conducted and not one of them proved that certain diet ingredients cause acne. not chocolate, not pizza, not French fries. However, one recent study shows a connection between milk consumption and appearance of acne. Another suggested linkage is between the consumption of high-glycemic foods and acne (soft drinks, sweets etc.). This also may explain the absence of acne in non-western countries. This link is not fully established, but is a good idea to reduce the consumption of such foods, anyway.

Myth number 2: Deficient personal hygiene. Acne is not caused by dirt. This is a common misconception because acne manifests as infection on the surface. the truth is that these infections origin deep beneath the surface, within the clogged pores of the skin It is advisable to clean the skin on a regular basis, but doing so will not prevent acne.

Myth number 3: Sex. So many myths surround sex, why not invent an acne-sex myth…It is believed that masturbation or celibacy may create acne. There is not scientific support to the claim.

Myth number 4: Acne is caused by stress. The ordinary stress of day-to-day living is not an important factor in acne. Severe stress that needs medical attention is sometimes treated with drugs that can cause acne as a side effect.

Myth number 5: You just have to let acne run its course. There is no reason in the world that you, or anyone else, should endure acne for a long time. Some acne cases leave scares.

After dispelling the myths and lies about acne, it’s time to take action and deal with it. It is very advisable to treat acne as it is a very treatable disorder.

Visit our Acne treatment Ance Treatment website for information about the causes of acne, and how to trear it and banish is forever.

By now most online acne sufferers have probably heard of vitamin B5 acne treatment, but in case you haven’t, B5 is known as one of the most effective natural acne solutions available. Unlike typical treatments, vitamin B5 (also known as Pantothenic Acid) has gained its popularity almost totally by word of mouth, spreading via internet forums following the discovery of a clinical study performed by Dr. Lit-Hung Leung in Singapore. In the study, high doses of vitamin B5 (ranging from 10 to 20 grams per day) were shown to increase the rate of sebum metabolism, leading to a total remission of acne for almost 100% of participants.

Now that B5 has become more popular, there is some debate over just what is the best way to take the vitamin in order to maximize effectiveness and decrease the chances of side effects. The possible side effects for B5 are mild compared to other acne treatments, but include stomach irritation and diarrhea.

The most common solution is to take standard vitamin B5 supplements in the form of capsules or tablets. The usual pill size is 500mg, meaning you would have to take 20 pills per day in order to get 10 grams (the average recommended dose to stop acne). For best results, pills should be taken at four intervals per day, since your body can only absorb so much at once. This solution works, but is certainly an inconvenient one for people who don’t like to frequently take pills. Also, it can get expensive quickly. Another potential problem is simply the limitations of standard pills, in that your body can only absorb a fraction of the contents.

Another method is the use of pure B5 powder, taken with water. Powder has the advantage of being more easily absorbed by the body, meaning the B5 you take will be that much more potent. Also, vitamin B5 powder may be easier to take for people who dislike pills, and it almost always costs less. The main disadvantage is that it takes a bit more effort to prepare, as it does not easily dissolve in water, and also tastes quite horrible. Thankfully, due to its high absorbance, you may require less powder. However, you will still need to take it 3-4 times per day when starting out.

The last method is the use of time-release pills, and this is the one I most recommend. Time-release B5 has the advantage of a higher rate of absorbance, along with the convenience of taking pills rather than preparing the powder. Time-release pills are usually a bit more expensive than standard capsules or tablets, but this is generally offset by the fact that you need to take less due to the higher rate of absorbance. Unfortunately, even with time-release, in order to get enough B5 to stop acne you will still need to take doses at multiple times per day.

In order to minimize the chances of side effects, some vitamin B5 acne treatments include other vitamins in their formula as well. These may help to a small degree, but with the high levels of B5 most users require, additional supplements are really the best way to avoid any deficiencies. For best results, a daily multivitamin and B-complex (with Biotin) should be taken.

Biotin is important in that it woks with B5 to improve the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins; and can be reduced by high amounts of vitamin B5. This is due to the fact that both vitamins are absorbed by the same receptor molecule, and thus are in competition (along with other B vitamins). In order to get the best level of absorbance, it’s best to avoid competing with B5 and instead take your other supplements at a different time.

Vitamin B5 is both a highly effective and an extremely safe means to clearing up acne. It has worked for thousands, including myself. Whichever approach you choose, make sure you stick with a steady regimen, and you’re almost certain to see results.

For more information and a complete guide to vitamins for acne, visit Acne-Vitamins.com.

Copyright 2005 Donald Amodeo. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and link are left intact.

You have company — acne affects almost everyone. It strikes nearly 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24. 40% of acne sufferers have breakouts severe enough to require medical treatment.

Acne doesn’t show favorites. Men and women of all races during adolescence and adulthood are nearly equally prone to acne.

Location

It’s a widespread skin condition characterized by lesions that break out on the skin. The lesions form as whiteheads, blackheads, or cysts because pores get clogged.

The so-called ‘T zone’ of the face — the nose, the chin and forehead — are the most common areas for pimples to appear. The back is the second most common area for acne, followed by the neck, chest, and shoulders.

Timing

Usually acne first attacks during adolescence, most often at puberty because that’s when the body starts producing an abundance of an oily substance called sebum. Normally a good thing, sebum keeps the hair and skin soft and lubricated. But during puberty, the body produces too much. The excess oil clogs the pores and leaves the skin feeling oily.

Puberty also triggers an excess production of follicle cells. Dying cells quickly build up and combine with sebum to form whiteheads. The oil and dead cell creates a breeding ground for bacteria that creates redness and swelling in the area resulting in pimples.

A Bad Image

Acne becomes a self-image difficulty for many people because it affects their appearance. Teenagers are particularly at risk as acne can cause feelings of reduced self-confidence and even depression. It causes some to withdraw from social interactions and others become angry and troubled.

Most people find their acne has cleared up by the time they reach their 20s. Although for some it can last throughout their adult years.

Treatable

The good news is there are many modern medical treatments for acne. The first line of defense is to keep the skin clean and oil-free. Do this by gently washing with soap and water twice a day, especially following activities or conditions that cause perspiration. There is a wide variety of medical treatments available, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

For serious cases, a dermatologist is needed for advice about nutrition, lifestyle changes, topical medications, and antibiotics that fight the bacteria causing pimples.

Don’t just look in the mirror and cringe. Fight back!

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit latest-acne-solutions for recent acne research info.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

I remember both my cousin and I, who were only two years apart in age, each suffering through adolescence with fairly severe acne problems, dreamt of a day when we’d find a miracle cure for a smooth and beautiful complexion. I, on one hand, had been on everything from Retin-A to Tetracycline and Erythromycin for my acne. She had also been prescribed these drugs and even additional topical treatments which would work for a little while, but then become ineffective.

That was fifteen years ago. At this time, there were no serious and effective alternatives to agressive acne treatment. Accutane was pretty much it.

I remember feeling envious when she was allowed to go on Accutane, which at the time was practically a "miracle" treatment for those with stubborn and persistent breakouts. The drug was not without it’s warnings back then though. I remember the biggest warning was to not get pregnant while on the medication. It was actually mandatory to be on birth control if you were being treated with Accutane, since the medication drastically increases the likelihood of birth defects.

Other than that, I was oblivious to any other warnings and I didn’t care about them quite frankly. When you’re fifteen and you have severe acne, you would do almost anything to have a clear complexion, especially when your peers can be cruel about physical imperfections!

Green with envy, I tracked my cousin’s progress eagerly, and hoped to talk my parents into allowing me to go on this agressive medical treatment. Her skin did break out much worse at first - to the point where she did not want to go out in public due to the large and painful inflammations. This was a known drawback, so I took heart in knowing she would clear up later. Then, as promised, her skin did clear very nicely, and all that was left was the old scarring.

Looking back, I am glad I never took this serious drug. Especially now, hearing about the new allegations of serious depression and even suicidal tendencies that some Accutane patients have experienced. You can’t search the net for Accutane without coming across stories of litigation, and advertisements for lawyers who exclusively represent Accutane patients.

Not only are the potential side effects scary, the drug also permanently dries up your primary oil-producing glands, which are the mechanism responsible for acne. While this is good in acne prone adolescents, what about when your skin starts aging? You WILL need that oil as your skin ages, to replenish and protect the moisture in your skin, and help prevent the signs of aging and progression of wrinkles.

My cousin now has some regrets too, since her skin seems to be chronically dry and flaky. She blames the medication for some of her premature aging signs as well, and hypothesizes that had she not undergone Accutane therapy, her skin may have maintained more of it’s elasticity in later years.

You should know, there are some excellent natural alternatives on the market today that will prevent and fight acne internally just as well as Accutane can, for a fraction of the cost, with no adverse side effects and excellent, long-lasting results. You just need to know where to look!

Visit Acuzine Acne Pill for information on the effective natural acne remedy talkeed about in this article. Danna Schneider is the founder of Acne Magazine: Alternative Acne Treatments

Benzoyl peroxide is probably the most common acne fighting ingredient found in over the counter topical gels, creams and face washes.

This chemical mixture can be fairly effective topically in treating very mild acne in my opinion, but it just doesn’t cut it for more severe acne that is usually related to hormonal imbalances or high stress levels.

This more severe and "deeply rooted" cystic-type acne is much more stubborn and usually requires a more agressive oral treatment aimed at calming hormones and cleansing the skin from this inside, so to speak.

Benzoyl peroxide is a solution that acts as an antibacterial agent, and helps prevent further infection and growth of acne cysts and postules.

When I’ve used benzoyl peroxide, it was effective for me only in one product for spot treatment - Neutrogena acne spot treatment gel. It helped dry out the blemish, and seemed to keep it from reforming a whitehead pretty effectively. The drawbacks to benzoyl peroxide for me were: increased redness and irritation, excessive dryness and flaking.

Many times these side effects override the benefits, since dry, flaky, red skin can look just as bad if not worse than the acne itself!

Bottom line, this OTC acne medication can come in handy for some spot treatment, but I wouldn’t rely on it for serious acne or any type of cystic acne needing a more serious approach like internal natural medicine (recommended) or even a dermatologist prescription.

Danna Schneider is the founder of CosmeticsGalore.com CosmeticsGalore.com Cosmetic Product Reviews. Visit Acne Treatments for daily updates on the latest in acne care and acne treatment technology, from over the counter acne products, cleansers and pills, to herbal remedies and natural alternatives for the treatment and elimination of acne vulgaris.

Acne remains a bit of a mystery. It seems to be partly hereditary, but why some people are affected by it and others are untouched isn’t exactly known. We do, however, understand some of the biology behind it.

The main culprit is the excess production of sebum, an oily substance whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. The production of the oily sebum blocks the skin’s surface, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. The bacteria multiply, the skin area becomes red and inflamed, and then a pimple pops up.

The Role Of Testosterone

The excess production of sebum is caused by testosterone, the male hormone. However, testosterone is present in both males and females. During puberty, the body changes in its reaction to testosterone, thereby producing extra sebum. This irregular reaction, occurring mainly during adolescence, causes the skin — particularly the face and upper torso — to become oily.

The sebum then combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block hair follicles.

The body usually regulates its reaction to testosterone by the early 20s, and then the annoying acne clears up.

Hair Follicle Theory

Narrowing hair follicles could be involved with the production of acne — so says a recent scientific theory. Evidence suggests that hair follicles may become restricted for several reasons, including excessive shedding of cells within the follicle, abnormal cell binding, or water retention which causes the skin to swell.

The narrowed hair follicles prevent dead cells from being expelled from the body, creating a buildup beneath the skin. Combined with sebum, it produces ideal conditions for acne.

Making Matters Worse

Many people can’t resist squeezing their pimples. This may make the condition worse, by spreading the bacteria to the surrounding skin area. It also can lead to scarring, sometimes permanently.

Even touching the face can worsen acne. Without realizing it, most of us touch our faces many times throughout the day. The problem is that our hands contain oils and bacteria that will increase the acne symptoms. In fact, all objects, including eyeglasses and telephone handsets, that make contact with the face must be clean.

Hair, particularly long hair, also touches your face, so it is important to keep your hair clean and oil free. Fabric accessories such as hats and headbands should be avoided or used as little as possible.

Other Factors

Other things that seem to aggravate acne conditions include diet, skin irritation, stress, hormonal activities such as menstrual cycles, and certain medications.

Dietary links show skim milk products to be related to acne. There is no statistical evidence, however, that foods such as chocolate and fast food have any association with pimples or aggravates acne.

Medications associated with acne include anabolic steroids (used for bodybuilding), lithium, barbiturates, halogens, and androgens.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Latest-Acne-Solutions for recent acne research info.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress. Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.

You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along; myth or truth? This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.

Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough. Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.

Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.

Visit Shelley’s site http://www.removing-blackheads-guide.com for more information on acne.

What we think we know about acne is steadily being replaced by what scientists are learning. Meanwhile, many myths continue to circulate and endure. Clearing up some of the misunderstandings about acne is what this article is about.

Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance

Acne can also cause deep psychological distress. Severe acne can lead to low self-image and feeling depressed. There is a strong link between severe acne and social withdrawal.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene

While skin infections are associated with acne, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne outbreaks. The combination of oil and dead cells which produce acne is located beneath the skin’s surface where it is impossible to clean it away. Gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily will keep your skin as healthy as possible. Scrubing too hard may worsen acne.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods

Chocolate has long had a reputation as a pimple producer. Studies have shown no scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for potato chips and sugar. There are some foods that do seem to aggravate (not cause) the condition: milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood.

Myth #4: Acne has to run its course

There are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist.

Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better

Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should just use more medicine. That’s a bad idea because medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Excess use of acne ointments may just irritate the skin further.

Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne

Exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, so it does improve acne short-term. However, long-term the skin adapts and the acne is unfazed. Worse, there is scientific evidence that sun exposure damages the skin and increases the chance of skin cancer.

Myth #7: Makeup causes acne

Some makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for the health of your skin. Cosmetics that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.

Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition

While most teens have acne, so do many adults. Acne generally clears up by the early 20s. But some people experience acne for the first time as late as their 40s. And for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.

Myth #9: Acne is related to sex

We’ve probably all heard that either celibacy or too much sex causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.

Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them

The fact is popping pimples may worsen acne by spreading the bacteria that is causing it. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases, can be permanent.

Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Acne Medications for recent acne research info.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Since acne is the most common skin disease in the United States, the best acne cures are, fortunately, found close to home.

The condition of acne includes black heads, white heads, pimples and under skin lumps or small cysts which occurs mostly in our teen years when hormones are simply playing havoc with our metabolism.

Best acne cures are needed, though, even up into the 40’s, if you are dealing with stress, or toxins in the atmosphere become imbedded in your skin, or for simple reasons of heredity.

Most cases respond to the best acne cures, but if your case does not respond well, you may need to consult a dermatologist and then use the best acne cures that find, with care to prevent serious and permanent scarring.

The absolute best acne cure, and by far the least expensive and easiest, is to keep the skin clean and free from dirt and oil! Uses soap and water or peroxide, or a specialty face cleanser, and wash the affected area several times a day.

Some of the best acne cures are proven medications that include Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A or Retinoic Acid, antibiotic lotions, hormonal therapies and corticosteroids, which are a powerful anti-inflammatory, prescribed for very short courses to treat only the most severe acne .

Even with the best acne cures, patients may expect that it could take weeks or months to bring acne under control.

The best acne cures and treatment should be geared towards the individual’s needs and condition.

Natural solutions may be the best acne cure for you.

These acne cures could include mudpacks, facial treatments, steaming the affected area to open pores and applying Vitamin E to the area.

Keep in mind that the best acne cure is to keep your skin as clean as possible, and the second is to keep junk foods, which are toxic to your system – Out!

These two tips will lower the chance for infections and reduce the outbreak of acne.

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