Conquering Your Acne - A Few Helpful Tips

Acne is the all-encompassing term that refers to blemishes, blackheads, whiteheads and lumps on the skin. While it’s mostly associated with teenagers it is not necessarily restricted to any one age group. People of any age can suffer from acne.

While it’s true that acne is not a life-threatening ailment, it can be uncomfortable and can leave nasty acne scars. There has been a lot of debate on the cause of acne. One of the most recently discussed causes is milk. That’s right, the same milk that is good for our bones, teeth and hair is now apparently causing acne.

Is There a Cure for Acne?

It’s very difficult to find a definitive answer to this question. There are many miracle creams and facial wipes that claim to be the answer on how to get rid of acne but many are simply soap. A cursory glance down cosmetics and personal health aisles at supermarkets will undoubtedly furnish you with many acne brands and acne treatments, all of which are aimed at the teenagers.

Most Acne treatments take time to work. Roughly six to eight weeks is the usual time for acne to clear, and cosmetics that claim to be an overnight cure are advertised to catch the attention of sufferers who don’t want to wait that long. Once acne has cleared up, it is important to continue with the treatment to prevent its return.

Probably the most effective cure for acne is to consult a dermatologist, although this may only be necessary with the most severe cases. You should bear in mind that just because one treatment has worked on your friends or family, it doesn’t mean it will work on you.

Teenagers and Acne.

While it is true that almost anyone can suffer from acne, it is also true that nearly every teenager between the age of 12 and 18 suffers with acne. Nearly 40% need treatment from a physician.

As with many illnesses or ailments, early treatment is essential. Leaving it too late can cause severe acne scars that may last for many years of a person’s life.

It is important to know what type of acne you have. The following information gives you insight as to what may have actually triggered your acne. Once you know your acne trigger, you are a step closer to removing the acne activator and living acne free.

Adult Acne Sudden onset, or continuation of acne, during adulthood may be caused by hormone imbalances, stress, pollution or medications. Studies have shown a direct link between hormone imbalances and the onset of acne in women ages 30 to 40 years old.

Acne fulminans (too much testosterone acne) is an abrupt onset of acne which is seen in males. This type of acne causes acne on the chest and back, severe acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, loss of appetite or weight, and a high white blood cell count. This acne is caused by the use of testosterone legally or illegally to enhance muscle growth. Over the counter treatments for this type of acne are not effective.

Acne keloidalis nuchae. This form of acne occurs with people of African descent. It is characterized by firm papules and pustules at the nape of the neck.

Acne medicamentosa (drug induced acne). This is acne which is caused by medications. Common culprits include phenytoin (Dilantin), isoniazid, lithium, bromides, iodides, androgens and corticosteroids. Lithium worsens acne vulgaris and can cause acne in persons who have never experienced acne before.

Ways to Conquer Acne

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. Avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These types of fabrics 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. Safe Cosmetics

Avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, try perfumes and cosmetics that are "hypo-allergenic" and comodogenic or “oil free”. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can also cause skin irritations and clogged pores. Try a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more comedogenic content which causes pores to clog.

3. Healthy Diet

What is best for your body is best for your skin. A good quality multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices including plenty of fruits and vegetables daily will help you maintain optimal health.

4. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. Studies show that about 50 percent of women have acne, which is referred to as hormonal acne, during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. Oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

5. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation and can contribute to an over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and avoid products that contain alcohol.

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne. Shaving can also help to get rid of whiteheads and blackheads. Do not shave areas that are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Use a sharp blade. Gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure are better and also go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they may be a better choice for the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts.

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 anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

Alan is a freelance writer. For further information, go to: http://www.a1-acne-remedies.net

[tags]acne, blackheads, blemishes[/tags]

Conquer Acne but Leave the Spots Alone

Acne is the bugbear of the majority of teenagers and a number of adults too. In the U.S.A. alone, 17 million people suffer from acne.

I wish I’d known that comforting statistic when I was a teenager!

It begins when you’re a teenager and your body begins to produce the hormone androgen. This causes the over-stimulation of oil glands which in turn block pores and then, hey presto, a spot appears.

There are many “cures” on the market some are good and work, some work only very temporarily and others just have pretty packaging.

If you had acne, it made you feel miserable and you’ve gotten rid of it, then all credit to you.

But this article goes out to all those people who can’t get rid of their acne and who are destined to suffer it for the majority of their schooldays.

I know how it feels because I was one of them.

Fact is, the majority of damage that acne does is psychological. Cries of “spotty” and “pizza face” at school don’t help and although eradicating the spots on the outside would cure this problem, it won’t cure the problem on the inside.

If you suffer from acne, the best thing to do is realise that it’s up to you whether you get upset about it or not.

When you can get through the day without feelings of paranoia, if you can build up your self-esteem even though you don’t like what you see in the mirror, then you have really conquered acne.

No one can change how you feel on the inside and you and only you control your thoughts and therefore your feelings.

So hold your head up high, realise you are a beautiful (or handsome) person, whether your hormones are playing havoc with you or not, and truly wipe the acne problem from your life!

Rosa Dawson is the writer and owner of http://www.preventingacne.info the complete resource for the acne sufferer

[tags]acne, preventing acne[/tags]

Clear Skin Without Cleansers

Is it really possible to get clear skin without using cleansers? Most people will probably tell you no. However, chances are that if you look at a lot of the people you know with clear skin, you’ll find that many of them do not have to use cleansers. In fact, a lot of people with clear skin seldom do more than rinse their face with water. Maybe all those cleansers you’re using to try and fight acne are not really the answer.

A few years ago I was living in the dorms at my college, trying everything to win the battle against acne that had plagued me for so long. I’m a guy, but my list of skin care products was well beyond what most girls I knew possessed. I had a full selection of acne products, including antibacterial soaps, creams, wipes, toners, pore cleansers, and more. I treated my face at least three times per day with the system I developed, and managed to keep my acne from getting too horrible, although it was never really gone. The worst were the large cystic lumps that would occasionally pop up, and nothing really worked against them.

What would drive me crazy was that while I slaved away at trying to keep my face halfway presentable, my roommate who barely washed his face always had clear skin! There were people in that dorm with perfectly clear skin, whose personal hygiene habits would make baboons cringe!

Even back in high school, I remembered staring into the mirror while washing my face with a three-step system and wondering: “does anybody else really have to do this?” There had to be a better way.

Determined to find a real, long-term clear skin solution, I turned to the source of all random knowledge and gossip: the internet.

Visiting acne message boards, I found plenty of unorthodox treatments, but a lot of them sounded too much like the temporary fixes I had already been using. The only one that really stood out was vitamin B5.

The testimony I had heard from B5 users sounded almost too good to be true, and the fact that these people were talking about a generic vitamin rather than a name brand product made the testimony that much more interesting. The doses required were large, but since the vitamin was water-soluble and had no side effects, I decided it was worth the trouble. My father also happens to be a doctor, and he confirmed that B5 was harmless before I started using it.

My results were fast, and different from any acne treatment I had used before. After four days, my face began to feel less oily and I noticed the redness in my acne diminishing. Many of the smaller zits I had just disappeared. I did not get clear skin all at once, but within weeks I simply ceased to get new zits, and surprisingly, my face stayed that way. I know it sounds corny, but I really felt like I had discovered this big secret that I wanted to share with world.

After a few months I was able to reduce my dosage of vitamin B5 and still keep my skin clear. The tons of skin care products I had accumulated began collecting dust, and my only regret was how much money I had wasted on all those temporary treatments. It just felt great not having to worry about a system of cleansers. I rinsed my face in the morning and at night, and that was it. In a word, I was “normal”.

So if you’re looking for a real acne solution, my advice is to skip the cleansers and give B5 a shot. Having clear skin without cleansers is not as crazy as it sounds, it’s actually the most natural solution out there.

Don Amodeo is a former acne sufferer and webmaster of Acne-Vitamins.com, which offers vitamin B5 acne products and a free guide to vitamins for acne. This article may be republished provided that the author's information and all active links are left intact.

[tags]clear skin, acne products, vitamin b5 acne, acne treatment, natural acne treatment[/tags]

Budget Friendly Acne Home Cures

Acne can be a physically and emotionally scarring condition that affects many individuals of all ages, races, and genders.

This skin condition generally affects teenagers or young adults, but acne can also plague adults as well.

Whatever the age, this condition can be painful and scarring, in both the physical and emotional sense.

When it comes to treating this condition, look into acne home cures.

Many professional products come with a hefty price tag and are well out of reach for acne sufferers, especially teens.

Instead of forking over a good bit of your hard earned money for costly complexion concoctions, make your own acne home cures for a few pennies!

If you find yourself at a loss for what product to purchase for your complexion problems, look into your kitchen cupboard for a few great items.

Baking soda is prevalent in most kitchens and plays a big part in most acne home cures.

This wonderfully natural item is budget friendly and can be used to cleanse and exfoliate or create a healthy mask.

Open your refrigerator for some excellent natural skin care items that may come as a great surprise!

Use egg whites to clear up pimples.

Sparsely apply a small around to the affected area and leave on for a period of time—usually around 20 minutes.

Vinegar is a great cure all for many health issues, and acne is no different!

Dab vinegar soaked cotton balls on affected areas after thoroughly cleaning your face.

Instead of using a harsh cleanser full of chemicals and additives, take the natural approach and wash your face in a salt-water bath.

There are a variety of budget-friendly options available that can be used for a number of skin care products.

Try these healthy alternatives instead of costly chemical laden products that may worsen your acne issues instead of clearing up your skin.

'Discover the Remedies and Treatment regarding Acne and Skin Care' at Acne Treatments That Will Work

[tags]acne home cures,care, natural[/tags]

Blackhead Removal - How To Get Rid Of Blackheads

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are small “plugs” that develop in the pores of the skin. They are caused when the over active sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin become clogged with oil. This sebum then begins to harden in the pore. Since skin pores are open to the air, the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black. This black top of the oil plug is then forced closer to the surface of skin by the oil hardening beneath it. This then causes the blackhead to be visible.

It is not clearly understood why the sebaceous glands begin to become overactive. It is often noted that this situation begins at puberty, and may stop at the end of puberty leading to the conclusion that it is hormonally controlled. For some people this is not the case however, and they may continue to experience blackheads and whiteheads well past puberty and into adulthood. Whiteheads are formed the same way as blackheads with the exception that the pore is closed and the oxidation does not occur.

Acne results from infection of the oil gland due to the blockage by the blackhead. Preventing and removing blackheads helps to control acne.

Blackhead Removal

The following are some tips for removing blackheads:

- Keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks to accomplish this. Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish.

- Use a gentle exfoliant to keep the dead cells off your skin and away from the pore openings.

- Avoid harsh squeezing or scraping at the blackhead. Excessive squeezing can damage the skin surround the pore and can actually increase the size of the pore leading to more blackheads in the future.

- A warm compress of water applied to the area of the blackhead followed by a very, very gentle pressure can help in clearing the clog from the pore.

- Commercial “blackhead strips” which are basically a tape like substance that is placed over the nose and then pulled off will remove some blackheads that are at the surface. Caution should be used with these products and it is important to read the directions completely before deciding to use the strips or not.

Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.stopping-acne-now.com/ On his website, he provides articles about the acne causes and treatments and how to get rid of acne scars.

[tags]acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, treatment, skin[/tags]

Benzoyl Peroxide

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 Cosmetic Product Reviews. Visit Natural 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.

[tags]benzoyl peroxide, acne benzoyl peroxide, topical acne treaments, over the counter acne treatment[/tags]

Balancing Prostaglandins for Acne Control

There are two main groups of hormones that are neccessary to balance if you want to effectively treat and cure your acne.

The first type of hormones, androgens, are responsible for the regulation of sebum (skin oil). Your body creates acne when you have too much sebum mixed with other elements such as toxins in the blood and dead skin cells that clog up the skins pores.

Bacteria breeds in the blocked pores which create redness, inflammation and swelling which is your acne.

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances which are produces in cells as chemical messengers. Prostaglandins are the important hormones that are responsible for inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in the cells otherwise known as 'good' and 'bad' prostaglandins.

So the question is, how does someone regulate prostaglandins hormones in the body?

Most people lack the nutrients the body needs to produce enough 'good' prostaglandins while on the other hand produce too many of the 'bad' type which is why acne sufferers more often than not have inflammed, red and sore spots on their faces that take longer than normal to reduce.

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is an Omega 3 essential fatty acid is the precursor to 'good' prostaglandins. Most americans are simply deficient in Omega 3 efa's.

Most animal products and household oils have very high amounts of Omega 6 efa's but very little if any Omega 3. Omega 6 is the building block for 'bad' prostaglandins.

Two of the best sources of Omega 3 acids are in fish oil and flax seed oil. Flax seed oil is great because it has a 2-1 ratio of Omega 3 which is good to counter the inbalance of these EFA's people have had most of their lives.

It would be a good idea to take enzymes with these oils to make sure they are broken down and utilized properly. Considering most americans also have an enzyme deficiency it would be a wise decision.

Alternatively, you may want to take flax/fish oil capsules with fruits that are high in enzymes such as bananas, papaya, pineapple, figs and kiwi fruit.

One of the biggest theifs of prostaglandins is stress. Smoking and other things that create free radicals, attack the chemicals that are used in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

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To effectively treat your acne, you need to fix the problems in your body that are causing your acne. Acuzine is a great product that attacks the main, internal causes of acne.

[tags]acne, prostaglandins, hormones, regulate, control[/tags]

Back Acne Havoc

If you are between 10 to 40 you have great chances of getting back acne. People use different terms to refer to back acne, some of them are bacne and zits. Back acne is more prevalent during or starting with puberty and more common in male and female puberty cycles. There are many manifestations of back acne some of them to mention are pustules, blackheads, pimples and cysts. Back acne can appear on your back or even on buttocks. So, some times it gets very painful because we cannot possibly keep these parts of our body untouched either by carrying something or pressed against clothing or by sitting.

Though how back acne is formed is studied, unfortunately, the medical field is still unable to put its finger and say this is the reason why back acne is caused. All that is known is it is due to bacterial growth under the skin. May be there are more than one reason for the cause of back acne. While for other acnes heredity or genetics may play a vital role, for back acne heredity plays only a minor role.

There are lots of misconceptions regarding back acne. People believe that back acne is caused due to eating lots of chocolates and or oily food or fat rich food or fried food but medical tests show no direct correlation between back acne and oily food. The second misconception is that mental stress aggravates back acne. No, mental stress does not aggravate back acne though stress might play a minor role in other forms of acne; it does not aggravate back acne. The third misconception is that back acne is contagious. Back acne is not contagious. The fourth misconception is that many think that by repetitive washing of the affected part they can get away with back acne. But it is not true though it may keep you from more acne buds sprouting, it certainly does not wash away your back acne. Another dangerous misconception is that you can cure back acne with moisturizer. At times the use of moisturizer will only aggravate the condition of back acne.

There are many back acne treatments available in all fields of medicine including herbal and natural medicine. In treating back acne one should exercise patience. It is for sure a long term treatment. Since there are lots of treatments for acne people tend to switch from one to the other, this can produce undesirable effects. Those affected with back acne should identify one form of treatment and continue with the same for a considerable amount of time before they can see any noticeable improvement.

One of the major side effects of back acne is that the affected individuals tend to undergo depression and tend to have low self confidence and self esteem. This is more prevalent among the adolescents. Those affected with back acne tend to reduce their social life and stop going for swimming or any other activity that will force them to expose their body. Eventually, back acne which could have been easily cured with persistent treatment changes itself to a chronicle psychological disorder.

For further resources to understand acne and various acne treatments please visit the following website http://www.acne-site.com/

[tags]back acne, acne, acne treatments, acne medicine[/tags]

Are You Tired Of Looking For The Acne Cure

When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a difficult task. Everyone claims their product to be the one but are they. The acne cure is the product that works for you and what works for you might not work for someone else.

So how do you determine the acne cure that’s right for you? Well I wish I could tell you it’s very simple just buy product A or product B but the truth is you are going to have to experiment try different products until you find the one that works for you.

I could fill you full of bull and tell you Neutrogena is the one or Proactive is the one. For some that would be true, for others however it would not.

When trying a new product try to buy the smallest quantity available. Many acne products offer a trial size which is perfect! If no trial size is available then you’ll have to buy the next smallest size you can find.

Remember price has no bearing on what works. For some the cheapest acne products do the job for others it’s the most expensive. Trial and error is the only way you’ll find out.

There are some general things you can do that help almost all sufferers to some degree.

Increase the amount of water you drink daily. It should be at least 10 8 ounce glasses. Water helps flush your system and that includes your skin which then can better move impurities and toxins out of the body.

Increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables you eat.

Exercise. Exercise helps boost the immune system which can then better fight our acne outbreaks.

Take a zinc supplement. Zinc has shown great results for many acne sufferers. If you want more information on zinc visit us at the acne cure center or do a quick search and you’ll find other sites providing valuable information.

Reduce stress. Stress can trigger an outbreak so try to keep your stress under control. I know this can be easier said than done but there are many relaxation techniques available. Give one a try.

Contrary to the old wives tails floating around. Acne is not caused by sugar or greasy foods. Although they don’t directly cause acne, they are overall not healthy for the body and can reduce the bodies ability to build a strong immune system so you should consume in moderation. But cutting them out of your diet won’t make your acne magically disappear.

Many acne outbreaks are a result of hormonal imbalances. That’s why acne is so prone in teens. There are hormonal treatments available that you can talk to your doctor about.

There are also many other treatments available from your doctor or dermatologist. This is certainly a route worth exploring if you suffer from severe acne.

But for the occasional outbreak you can find the acne cure that works for you over the counter. So why not start now?

M.D. Stacener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at The Acne Cure

[tags]the acne cure, acne, zits[/tags]

An Introduction to Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage. Originally developed in Italy during the mid 80s, microdermabrasion evolved from the much harsher but effective procedure known as dermabrasion. This new, gentler procedure produced such impressive improvements to the skin’s overall appearance and vitality that dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, spa clinicians, and ordinary people have embraced this safe and proven-method all over the world.

Exported from Europe to the United Sates in the late 90s, microdermabrasion has flourished as a safe and equally effective alternative to many surgical and laser skin-enhancing procedures. This modern technique restructures the skin from the inside out and is much more forgiving than chemical peels. It polishes and renews your skin utilizing specially formulated creams packed with contaminant-erasing micro-crystals and cutting-edge microdermabrasion kits. The micro-crystals are circulated onto the skin with a hand-held cleaning device that extracts debris, unclogs pores, and unveils a supple surface free of dead skin cells and other contaminants.

Microdermabrasion and Acne

Acne is quite simply your skin’s response to clogged pores. Oil trapped in the skin’s surface causes pimples to form and, eventually, acne scarring. Microdermabrasion elevates acne treatment to a powerful level. It activates circulation, deeply exfoliates the skin’s surface, and effectively clarifies pores of trapped oil deposits and other contaminants while diminishing acne scars. The professional, hand-held re-surfacing tool massages, vacuums, and sweeps the skin’s surface with the combined action of a healing cream infused with special crystals that banish the oil and dead skin cells that cause acne.

Micrdermabrasion Peels

Microdermabrasion peels steer clear of harsh chemicals and capitalize on the power of debris-leeching micro-crystals. Microdermabrasion peels should not be painful but relaxing and revitalizing, like a deep tissue massage. This therapeutic, “lunchtime” procedure is convenient and can be done as an outpatient in a medical setting, at a health spa, or at home requiring a minimal amount of time. Microdermabrasion peels deeply exfoliate and cleanse the skin’s surface with a rejuvenating cleansing device (hand-held machine). Skin treatment regimens usually consist of a series of four to six peels spaced at one to two week intervals followed by a maintenance peel every six weeks or as necessary.

Microdermabrasion Info provides detailed information on microdermabrasion, a progressive skin re-surfacing technique that targets wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage. Microdermabrasion Info is the sister site of Acne Treatment Web.

[tags]microdermabrasion, acne, peels[/tags]