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Saturday 30 June 2012

Acne Scars Review


A detailed and comprehensive discussion of acne scars starts with causes of scarring, prevention of scarring, types of scars, and treatments for scars.

Before talking about scars, a word about spots that may look like scars but are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Even though they are not true scars and disappear in time, they are visible and can cause embarrassment.

Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain—unlike a scar.

Post-inflammatory pigmentation is discoloration of the skin at the site of a healed or healing inflamed acne lesion. It occurs more frequently in darker-skinned people, but occasionally is seen in people with white skin. Early treatment by a dermatologist may minimize the development of post-inflammatory pigmentation. Some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months, especially with excessive sun exposure. Chemical peeling may hasten the disappearance of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Causes of Acne Scars
In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.

When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its repair kit to the injury site. Among the elements of the repair kit are white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that have the task of repairing tissue and fighting infection. However, when their job is done they may leave a somewhat messy repair site in the form of fibrous scar tissue, or eroded tissue.

White blood cells and inflammatory molecules may remain at the site of an active acne lesion for days or even weeks. In people who are susceptible to scarring, the result may be an acne scar. The occurrence and incidence of scarring is still not well understood, however. There is considerable variation in scarring between one person and another, indicating that some people are more prone to scarring than others. Scarring frequently results from severe inflammatory nodulocystic acne that occurs deep in the skin. But, scarring also may arise from more superficial inflamed lesions. Nodulocystic acne that is most likely to result in scars is seen in these photos:

(Photos used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

The life history of scars also is not well understood. Some people bear their acne scars for a lifetime with little change in the scars, but in other people the skin undergoes some degree of remodeling and acne scars diminish in size.

People also have differing feelings about acne scars. Scars of more or less the same size that may be psychologically distressing to one person may be accepted by another person as "not too bad." The person who is distressed by scars is more likely to seek treatment to moderate or remove the scars.

Prevention of Acne Scars
As discussed in the previous section on Causes of Acne Scars, the occurrence of scarring is different in different people. It is difficult to predict who will scar, how extensive or deep scars will be, and how long scars will persist. It is also difficult to predict how successfully scars can be prevented by effective acne treatment.

Nevertheless, the only sure method of preventing or limiting the extent of scars is to treat acne early in its course, and as long as necessary. The more that inflammation can be prevented or moderated, the more likely it is that scars can be prevented. (Click on Acne Treatments for more information about treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne). Any person with acne who has a known tendency to scar should be under the care of a dermatologist. (Click on Find a Dermatologist to locate a dermatologist in your geographic area).


Types of Acne Scars
There are two general types of acne scars, defined by tissue response to inflammation: (1) scars caused by increased tissue formation, and (2) scars caused by loss of tissue.

Scars Caused by Increased Tissue Formation
The scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloids or hypertrophic scars. The word hypertrophy means "enlargement" or "overgrowth." Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are associated with excessive amounts of the cell substance collagen. Overproduction of collagen is a response of skin cells to injury. The excess collagen becomes piled up in fibrous masses, resulting in a characteristic firm, smooth, usually irregularly-shaped scar. The photo shows a typical severe acne keloid:

(Photo used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

The typical keloid or hypertrophic scar is 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some may be 1 centimeter or larger. Keloid scars tend to "run in families"—that is, abnormal growth of scar tissue is more likely to occur in susceptible people, who often are people with relatives who have similar types of scars.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars persist for years, but may diminish in size over time.

Scars Caused by Loss of Tissue
Acne scars associated with loss of tissue—similar to scars that result from chicken pox—are more common than keloids and hypertrophic scars. Scars associated with loss of tissue are:

Ice-pick scars usually occur on the cheek. They are usually small, with a somewhat jagged edge and steep sides—like wounds from an ice pick. Ice-pick scars may be shallow or deep, and may be hard or soft to the touch. Soft scars can be improved by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars cannot be stretched out.

Depressed fibrotic scars are usually quite large, with sharp edges and steep sides. The base of these scars is firm to the touch. Ice-pick scars may evolve into depressed fibrotic scars over time.

Soft scars, superficial or deep are soft to the touch. They have gently sloping rolled edges that merge with normal skin. They are usually small, and either circular or linear in shape.

Atrophic macules are usually fairly small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger on the body. They are soft, often with a slightly wrinkled base, and may be bluish in appearance due to blood vessels lying just under the scar. Over time, these scars change from bluish to ivory white in color in white-skinned people, and become much less obvious.

Follicular macular atrophy is more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These are small, white, soft lesions, often barely raised above the surface of the skin—somewhat like whiteheads that didn’t fully develop. This condition is sometimes also called "perifollicular elastolysis." The lesions may persist for months to years.

Treatments for Acne Scars
A number of treatments are available for acne scars through dermatologic surgery. The type of treatment selected should be the one that is best for you in terms of your type of skin, the cost, what you want the treatment to accomplish, and the possibility that some types of treatment may result in more scarring if you are very susceptible to scar formation.

A decision to seek dermatologic surgical treatment for acne scars also depends on:

* The way you feel about scars. Do acne scars psychologically or emotionally affect your life? Are you willing to "live with your scars" and wait for them to fade over time? These are personal decisions only you can make.

* The severity of your scars. Is scarring substantially disfiguring, even by objective assessment?

* A dermatologist’s expert opinion as to whether scar treatment is justified in your particular case, and what scar treatment will be most effective for you.

Before committing to treatment of acne scars, you should have a frank discussion with your dermatologist regarding those questions, and any others you feel are important. You need to tell the dermatologist how you feel about your scars. The dermatologist needs to conduct a full examination and determine whether treatment can, or should, be undertaken.

The objective of scar treatment is to give the skin a more acceptable physical appearance. Total restoration of the skin, to the way it looked before you had acne, is often not possible, but scar treatment does usually improve the appearance of your skin.

The scar treatments that are currently available include:

Collagen injection. Collagen, a normal substance of the body, is injected under the skin to "stretch" and "fill out" certain types of superficial and deep soft scars. Collagen treatment usually does not work as well for ice-pick scars and keloids. Collagen derived from cows or other non-human sources cannot be used in people with autoimmune diseases. Human collagen or fascia is helpful for those allergic to cow-derived collagen. Cosmetic benefit from collagen injection usually lasts 3 to 6 months. Additional collagen injections to maintain the cosmetic benefit are done at additional cost.

Autologous fat transfer. Fat is taken from another site on your own body and prepared for injection into your skin. The fat is injected beneath the surface of the skin to elevate depressed scars. This method of autologous (from your own body) fat transfer is usually used to correct deep contour defects caused by scarring from nodulocystic acne. Because the fat is reabsorbed into the skin over a period of 6 to 18 months, the procedure usually must be repeated. Longer lasting results may be achieved with multiple fat-transfer procedures.

Dermabrasion. This is thought to be the most effective treatment for acne scars. Under local anesthetic, a high-speed brush or fraise used to remove surface skin and alter the contour of scars. Superficial scars may be removed altogether, and deeper scars may be reduced in depth. Dermabrasion does not work for all kinds of scars; for example, it may make ice-pick scars more noticeable if the scars are wider under the skin than at the surface. In darker-skinned people, dermabrasion may cause changes in pigmentation that require additional treatment.

Microdermabrasion. This new technique is a surface form of dermabrasion. Rather than a high-speed brush, microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide crystals passing through a vacuum tube to remove surface skin. Only the very surface cells of the skin are removed, so no additional wound is created. Multiple procedures are often required but scars may not be significantly improved.

Laser Treatment. Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions. The type of laser used is determined by the results that the laser treatment aims to accomplish. Tissue may actually be removed with more powerful instruments such as the carbon dioxide laser. In some cases, a single treatment is all that will be necessary to achieve permanent results. Because the skin absorbs powerful bursts of energy from the laser, there may be post-treatment redness for several months.

Skin Surgery. Some ice-pick scars may be removed by "punch" excision of each individual scar. In this procedure each scar is excised down to the layer of subcutaneous fat; the resulting hole in the skin may be repaired with sutures or with a small skin graft. Subcision is a technique in which a surgical probe is used to lift the scar tissue away from unscarred skin, thus elevating a depressed scar.

Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions—for example, sometimes dermabrasion unroofs massive and extensive tunnels (also called sinus tracts) caused by inflammatory reaction to sebum and bacteria in sebaceous follicles. Skin grafting may be needed to close the defect of the unroofed sinus tracts.

Treatment of keloids. Surgical removal is seldom if ever used to treat keloids. A person whose skin has a tendency to form keloids from acne damage may also form keloids in response to skin surgery. Sometimes keloids are treated by injecting steroid drugs into the skin around the keloid. Topical retinoic acid may be applied directly on the keloid. In some cases the best treatment for keloids in a highly susceptible person is no treatment at all.

In summary, acne scars are caused by the body’s inflammatory response to acne lesions. The best way to prevent scars is to treat acne early, and as long as necessary. If scars form, a number of effective treatments are available. Dermatologic surgery treatments should be discussed with a dermatologist.

Friday 29 June 2012

Are There Celebrities Who Suffer From Acne?

Is there any such thing as a celebrity who suffers from acne?

At first, it seems not… but that's only a myth - there really are celebrities out there who suffer from acne!

Many people envy those who have achieved celebrity status. They are viewed as rich and powerful… glamorous and sometimes even a little super-human.

When you see them on television, in movies or in the glossy magazines the men always look ruggedly handsome and the women look stunningly beautiful.

Seldom are we given the chance to see these celebrities, in the comfort and privacy of their own homes, as they wake up in the mornings. No doubt the envious population would change their options somewhat knowing that almost no one is particularly glamorous at that time of day.

Cosmetics, technology and advanced photo editing methods can easily make people look younger, thinner and magically cover up flaws such as freckles, scars and acne. This is just what the producers of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire have had to do.

All three adolescent stars - Daniel Radcliffe who plays Harry Potter, 15. Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley, 17 and Emma Watson 15, who plays Hermione Granger - have broken out with acne forcing the film makers of Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire to use special effects to hide their skin imperfections.

Celebrities deal with the same problems the rest of us do, acne being one of them. Britney Spears, Judith Light, Stephanie Seymour and Elle Macpherson have all publicly discussed how they have suffered from and corrected their acne problem.

By doing so, they have not only helped themselves, but millions of other acne sufferers around the world - they are positive proof that acne treatments work.

Your acne problem won't be gone overnight, it will take time. But as you begin to see an improvement in your condition it's quite possible that you will begin to feel like a celebrity, too!
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Thursday 28 June 2012

Vitamin Deficiency Causes Acne?

Acne is a major concern in the world today. As the media continues to grow, people become more and more self conscious and worry about their looks constantly. Acne is a major cause of low self esteem in many people and this can lead to future problems. There is a huge push in the fight against acne and the high sales of acne fighting products shows this. However, there are a few other methods to help battle acne that should also be considered.

Before thinking about treating acne, one should know the basics of it. Although the basic causes of pimples is unknown, what is known is that they are caused by the pore collapsing on itself and preventing the sebum (the oil) from escaping. Causes of acne can range from hormones, diet, biology (genes), vitamin deficiency, and stress. Most often the causes involve a variety of these factors.

Since the exact cause of pimples and acne can't be traced and targeted, dealing with the other factors that can lead to acne is the next best thing. Obviously, medication can't help things like biology, hormones, and stress. However, diet and vitamin deficiency are two important factors that should be considered when looking to combat acne. Whenever a person considers taking steps to fight their acne, looking to change their diet and increase their consumption of certain vitamins should be at the top of their list and should always be involved in their battle plan.

While there are many vitamins that can all contribute to the vitamin deficiency that can be a factor in causing acne, the main ones are Vitamins A, B, C, E, Chromium, and Zinc. The simple fact is that most people are deficient of vitamins and minerals, most in fact, due to diet habits. In fact, it is estimated that only between 10-20% of Americans actually consume the recommended amount of most vitamins and minerals. Due to this, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies led their hand to many problems such as causing acne.

You're probably thinking, "How can vitamins possibly help?" Well, one important thing to remember is that your skin is the largest organ on your body. Although the outer layer may be dead cells, the skin is still a living, growing, replenishing organ that requires nutrients and case just like any other organ in the body. A lack of these nutrients can cause many problems, one of them being that nuisance acne, and it important to keep the body and the skin well nurtured.

No vitamin is a miracle cure that will wipe acne out of your life and be some sort of savior. However, used in combination with other methods of acne prevention and cleansing, vitamins help to flush out the skin and actually promote the defense against acne. Many of the vitamins mentioned are antioxidants and will help to flush toxins and free radicals from the body, including the skin. Other vitamins have antibacterial effects and actually help to fight acne before it starts. Both of these are extremely important factors in fighting and preventing acne.

It is also very important to note that any vitamin taken too excessively is toxic and can lead to many negative effects and is very dangerous. Remember, these aren't miracle cures. Fighting acne is not a quick process, it takes time, and taking too many vitamins not only won't clear up the acne any quicker but it also will can cause illness and other problems. Be patient and smart about any vitamins you decide to take.

Wednesday 27 June 2012

9 Steps To Avoid Acne

According to Bestskinpeel, for cleaner, healthier and easier to manage skin just follow this list of nine items:

1) Lower your stress level through prayer and meditation. Stress creates hormones that actually age us as they destroy cells and create toxic biproducts and free radicals. Studies have shown that prayer and meditation can reduce our stress levels. Prayer and meditation have been proven to even alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer and other life threatening diseases.

2) Drink plenty of water. It is a fact that 90% of us do not drink enough water. For your skin cells to function properly and heal properly from cuts, etc... we need to drink 8-12 glasses of water every day. Our skin is one of our most important organs as it protects us from disease, cushions our falls, etc... It needs plenty of water.

3) Get proper sleep. Not getting the proper 8-10 hours of sleep per day will first show in your skin. Broken capillaries, puffiness, circles under the eyes.

4) Eat well. Get proper nutrition. Too many junk foods can cause or worsen skin problems like pimples and acne. A well balanced meal 3 times per day has been proven to help alleviate spikes in skin problems and help to average out the outbreaks in acne vulgaris.

5) Take vitamins to supplement your skin and body. We can't always make sure we get 100% of each vitamin and mineral with the foods we eat, but we can take a multivitamin once a day. They are cheap at Walmart and there is no excuse. People that take multivitamins once a day live longer. Its a proven fact just like persons that smoke take years off their lives.

6) Properly clean your skin. Harsh soaps can dry out your skin and even stimulate further sebum (oil) production which can worsen acne. Use a mild cleanser with 2% salicylic acid. This has been proven very effective in ridding excess oils while maintaining proper hydration and pH. The slight acidity will keep bacteria at bay.

7) Don't smoke. Smoking puts years on you. Literally, smoking can add 10 years to the aged look of your skin. Why would you want to do that? If you must have nicotine then get nicotine gum or the patch - they will cure your cravings and there is no evidence or statistics of anyone developing cancer, lung disease, etc... from these.

8) Wear sunscreen. The skin does have keratonin to protect against the suns rays, but it is no match for UV rays, etc... that we expose ourselves to. Melanoma has several forms and all are deadly. If you don't think you will get skin cancer or think you are invulnerable, just go to your local dermatologist and ask to see pictures of clients with skin cancer, better yet go to the oncology center at your local hospital. You won't think that way ever again. Wear sunscreen.

9) Treat yourself to a spa treatment atleast once a year. Skin peels, TCA peels, deep tissue massage, complete relaxation, aromatherapy, etc... will all energize and heal your skin. TCA peels will actual improve your skins ability to regenerate itself and improve collagen levels.

Remember, follow these nine steps to enjoy healthier skin.

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Acne treatment is changing very fast. Research is continuing around the world to find acne treatments that can treat acne at the initial stage. At the later stage of acne growth, the chances of acne scarring become very high and therefore scientists are devoting efforts to treat acne painlessly at the beginning itself. The following are the latest treatments for acne that are being used to get clear skin.

Blue Light- P.acnes bacteria is responsible for inflammation in the sebaceous glands causing acne. Blue light of low intensity destroys this bacterium. This is a painless procedure, which normally lasts for fifteen minutes per sitting. The interval of days for each treatment may vary and will depend on your doctor. Some side effects such as swelling, dryness and pigment change may occur because of blue light. By killing the bacteria, blue light treats acne quite painlessly.

Green-yellow light and heat energy- this combination of pulses of green-yellow light and heat energy is supposed to kill the P.acnes bacteria and shrink sebaceous glands. By shrinking the glands, sebum production decreases.with reduction in sebum, acne shrinks and dries out. It is the sebaceous gland that is the place where acne forms. By shrinking it, sebum production decreases and acne formation reduces.

Diode laser- this laser can destroy the sebaceous glands. Diode laser does not harm the outer layer of the skin. This kind of treatment can be painful and can create redness that is temporary and can also produce some swelling that is also temporary. The pain of laser can be reduced with application of anesthetics on the skin during the treatment. By destroying the sebaceous glands, acne can be controlled effectively.

Microdermabrasion and chemical peeling- these treatments can be used to treat acne with other traditional therapies. Both these procedures are used to remove the dead skin, open the pores and accelerate growth of new skin. Traditionally these procedures have been used to remove scars, sun damage, fine wrinkles etc. They are now being tried to treat acne.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article

Monday 25 June 2012

Caring Acne Prone Skin

Acne is not confined to teenagers and puberty, it also prevalent in adults and in women mostly during pregnancy. Acne is often characterized by pimples and breakouts all over the skin in large numbers, frequently seen on the face and the back. It is caused due to the over activity of the sebaceous glands or the oil producing glands. When it combines with dead skin cells, hormones and bacteria, the oily substances are trapped inside the pores and causes swelling. The lumps often have a crown of a white head or a black head or even red lumps, which are very tender. Acne, if not treated on time, can even lead to scarring. Some acne go so deep inside the skin that they form into nodules and cysts, which leaves scars which may not disappear even after healing. Acne can be caused due to stress, fatigue, and cosmetics and even due to humidity, although nothing has been proved till date.

Do’s and Don’ts on the acne prone skin:

Professional treatment is the best for acne, the earlier the treatment provided, the better. A good doctor will be in a position to treat acne-using medications by controlling the over-active sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalance, or even stress.

It is good not to squeeze or break the pimples and acne, as it will lead to spread the infection and can make the area swell and might even lead to permanent scarring.

Usage of oily cosmetics are also not recommended, as the acne prone skin already is oily enough, usage of such cosmetics will add up to it. Instead of using oily cosmetics, it is better to go for water based ones, which might be less harsh. It is always good to remove make up at night, if left on the whole night might cause irritation to the skin.

The acne prone skin should be pampered with gentle wash and pat dry. Vigorous scrubbing needs to be avoided as it only worsens the condition and may even block the pores.

Regular shampooing is recommended as it may reduce the pimple appearing on the forehead, it is good to avoid hair products like gels and pomades, as they are oily.

Cosmetics which are non comedogenic should be used. Acnes sometimes can make the skin hypersensitive, hence sunscreens can be used to avoid sunburns. It is good to avoid tanning, as it cannot make the skin clearer.

Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can curb mild acne.

Sunday 24 June 2012

Adult Acne|Effective Care And Treatment

Adult skincare can be a challenging task even under the best of circumstances. Working to maintain healthy looking and feeling skin can be a complicated and time consuming task even for a person who is not afflicted with any type of troublesome or bothersome skin condition. Any man or woman who is afflicted with adult onset acne has additional challenges to face and meet in dealing with skincare related issues. With that said, by keeping some basic facts and following some proven treatment regimens, a person suffering from adult acne can achieve success in reigning this particular skin condition into control in the not too distant future.

Understanding the Causes of Adult Onset Acne

In reality, the primary causes of acne in adults are not all that different from what causes acne in children and teenagers. Indeed, in some instances when it comes to trying to trace the exact cause of adult acne, the task can be rather difficult as it is with younger people, including teenagers. In many instances there can be multiple reasons why a person becomes afflicted with acne as an adult. In some instances, an adult experiences an outbreak of acne due to improper skincare efforts. A person in such a situation is not properly cleansing and treating his or her skin on a daily basis. As a result, oils and dirt can build up on the skin causing there to be an outbreak of acne.

Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that diet can play a role in the onset and development of acne in adults. There are a significant number of myths associated with foods and acne. However, the bottom line is that if a person does not eat a healthy and well balanced diet on a regular basis, he or she become more prone to the possibility of becoming afflicted with acne. Stress has been demonstrated to be a cause of acne in some men and women. Of course, stress can have a number of different negative consequences if it is not properly dealt with in an effective manner. On occasion, a person develops adult acne in response to different environmental conditions. In this regard, many people overlook the fact that their very homes can be the sites of contaminants in the air and in other areas that can result in different problematic conditions, including adult onset acne.

The Importance of Thorough Skin Cleansing

The most important step in dealing with (and preventing in the first instance) adult acne is a thorough and regular skin cleansing and washing program. For example, when it comes to the care and treatment of the skin on your face and neck, a person needs to make certain that he or she thoroughly cleans and washes his or her skin at least twice a day with an effective and appropriate facial cleansing product. In this day and age, there are some reliable skin cleansing and treatment products on the market for people who are suffering from acne, including adults and young people. An example of such a product that has proven to be most effective in properly cleansing skin and treating an acne condition is ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse®. Additionally, ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse® has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing acne outbreaks on the first instance.

The Necessity of Exfoliation

In addition to making certain that a person utilizes an effective skin cleansing product on a regular basis, that person will also want to make certain that he or she regular exfoliates the skin. Exfoliation is vital for the removal of dead skin cells, dirt, debris and oils that otherwise can accumulate on the and in the skin. By not regularly exfoliating, these waste products can accumulate on the skin, clogging the pores and then establishing an environment ripe for an acne outbreak.

Viable Skin Treatment Regimens

As mentioned previously, it is important for a person to utilize reliable and viable skin treatment regimens for the care and treatment of acne. Unfortunately, there is a wide array of different products on the market that are not in fact effective in the care and treatment of an acne condition. As a result, it is imperative that a person use only those treatments and products that have an established track record for successfully resolving an acne condition. Also as was mentioned earlier, ZENMED™ Derma Cleanse® is an example of a product that has proven itself successful in the care and treatment of acne, including adult onset acne.

Conclusion

While the outbreak and presence of adult acne can be a frustrating experience, there are now solid methods through which a person can work to resolve an adult acne condition. By following the tips and steps outlined in this article, an adult can be well on his or her way towards combating an acne condition. Additionally, by paying attention to the tips delineated in this article, an adult can work to prevent an outbreak of acne in the future.

Saturday 23 June 2012

Adult Acne Best Treatment

Adult acne is an inflammatory skin disorder which is commonly seen in people aged between 30 and 50 years. The main aim of any best adult acne treatment should include prevention of scarring and clearance of acne.

Adult acne is an inflammatory skin disorder which is commonly seen in people aged between 30 and 50 years. Adult acne is more likely to be seen in people with fair skin. The exact reasons for adult acne is unknown but is believed to relate to the changes or imbalance in an individual’s body hormones. It is believed that the hormonal changes of an individual, at various times in his/her life, leads to the increases in the amount of oil in the skin which results to clogged pores or hair follicles in the skin. This leads waste particles to build up under the surface of one’s skin which becomes infected by bacteria and generates acne or the spots suffered by acne sufferers.

Hence the main aim of any best adult acne treatment should include prevention of scarring, clearance of acne, and morbidity minimization. Acne sufferers must be advised to cleanse their skin gently using a non-comedogenic moisturizer. It is also advisable not to use harsh skin products and avoid picking and rubbing the skin. Consuming more amount of water can also help skin stay healthy.

People who are suffering with mild to severe adult acne can be treated with tropical or oral medicines. For severe form of adult acne systemic therapy is mainly used. A wide assortment of systemic agents used to clear adult acne includes isotretinoin, interlesional corticosteroid injection, oral contraceptives, and oral antibiotics (tetracycline and erythromycin).

In United States, some of the most popular prescription topical antimicrobials used to treat adult acne include benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, erythromycin, clindamycin, and sodium sulfacetamide. Some of the various types of prescription topical retinoids used in the treatment of adult acne include tazarotene, adapalene, and tretinoin.

Most treatments for adult acne are similar to ordinary acne. Remember not every popular adult acne products work well for everyone. It is always a better idea to consult your physician before you choose any adult acne treatment.

Friday 22 June 2012

Halting Acne Tips

Acne - now there's a four letter word. During my teen years I was the Prince of acne and for good reason. I was the face of acne, pun intended. I had it all, blackheads, whiteheads, you name it it was there. And If the scorn of my peers (especially the girls) was one thing, the impossibility of getting rid of the hideous acne I had was quite another thing altogether.

The myths and fairy tales surrounding acne didn't help either. My family members firmly believed that acne was a result of poor (or more specifically, junk) diet. Yes, I will admit that I, like any other team, enjoy my fair share of junk food, but I wasn’t too sure that eating out was the cause of my acne. I mean, a lot of my buddies ate out with me, and what’s more, ate the same junk food even more frequently than I did, but they had little or no acne. Something had to be wrong with conventional wisdom right? I had seen the myth being shattered right before my eyes. And I'm sure you've heard the one about chocolate causing pimples. And since I loved chocolate in all of its glorious forms, I would have found giving it up, even at the risk of remaining acne king, an unimaginable cruelty. But having done my homework and checking news and medical reports on the subject, I soon found to my great relief that chocolate consumption had nothing absolutely nothing to do with acne.

My friends and classmates weren't a lot of help either. Most of them, hinted with delightful sarcasm, that my acne advertisement face was a result of my inordinately frequent happen of masturbating. Hell, for a while there even I thought it was true. But then I quickly realized that this was yet another myth. Well I'm starting to learn actually, if by no other means than by the process of elimination. For if my acne was linked to my masturbation, was I to conclude that my male friends who had no acne at all did not masturbate? I would have sooner believe that they were from another planet! So, that was another acne myth dispelled.

Another myth that I did believe, and which made perfect sense and even sounded scientific at that time, was the accumulation of dirt on my face that blocked my pores. But if that was a case then why didn't my arms and legs, which more regularly came into contact with dirt, have acne all over them? In any case, I spent several days, weeks and months meticulously scrubbing my face with a variety of soaps and anti acne lotions in a bid to get rid of my acne, to no avail. Finally, I gave in to a fatalistic attitude and reasoned that the more I stressed myself out thinking about my acne, the worse the problem would become. It was at that point that I gave up bothering about my acne filled face. And guess what? A few short years later, as I slowly climbed out of my adolescence, the acne magically disappeared on its own! Although there are still a few tell tale scars of my acne prince days, for the most part you would never know they were there!

Thursday 21 June 2012

Everyone's Acne Effect Problem

Teens are getting more conscious about the changes that they undergo. This is just normal for a person who enters the adolescence stage. The changes may include several factors such as the physical and emotional aspects of their transition.

The transformation that they go through is considered as the normal physical change any person goes through. It comprises the growth of hair in various parts of their body, the change in their voice, the menstrual period and a lot more. Instead of being hysterical and confused, they should always take them as natural occurrences as a part of their growth and development.

Skin disorders like Acne is also present in this transformation because of the increasing production of glands in the system. This is a chronic disorder characterized by excess production of oil from sebaceous glands that causes the hair follicles to become plugged.

Most of the lesions that must be treated in acne are the common disorders that come out the skin. Some of these are the pimples, papules, pustules and the black and white heads.

Acne may appear on any part of the body in pimple form, but most particularly on the face, neck and upper arm.

Acne causing diseases are not only present to the young individuals but also to some adults. This is commonly caused by over sensitivity to the normal level of hormone that is found inside the body.

It causes terrible effect on the person's confidence. Teenager usually feels a different reaction which results to shyness when mingling with other people because they get more conscious about their appearance.

However, people with acne should not be much bothered because this is simply a skin problem that can easily be treated and it does not bring any terrible effect on the general health condition of your body.

Wednesday 20 June 2012

Natural Acne Remedy|Water

natural acne remedy

There are many products designed to treat acne. Some are over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and medicated pads, while others are prescribed medications given to you by a dermatologist. The increasing popularity of has also become prevalent in treating many common conditions, and acne is no exception.

This article discusses one of the most common natural remedies and why it is preferred. It may even surprise you.

One of the best natural remedies for treating acne is water. Water is used to hydrate the body, which, of course, hydrates the skin as well. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and must be properly hydrated to work correctly and serve its purpose. This is accomplished in two ways: by washing the face, which hydrates the surface of the skin, and by drinking water, which hydrates the entire body, from the inside out. This, of course, includes the skin. Drinking plenty of water will keep the skin looking and feeling healthy. Healthy skin cells promote a healthy body.

Doctors tell us we should drink six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water a day. While this sounds like a lot of water, think of what it can do for your body. In addition to improving skin tone and texture, it can stimulate cell growth and will help all your organs work correctly. It also helps filter out unwanted substances that can be harmful to your skin.

Water is also a crucial component deep within your skin. It provides the basis for a soft, smooth, and healthy complexion and will help you look more youthful. Though very little water is stored in the outer layers of your skin, this moisture is important and is constantly removed by outside elements such as sun and wind.

Sun and wind can dry your skin, removing moisture and irritating its surface. When this occurs, pre-existing acne can become even more irritated, which in turn prolongs the problem. While irritation won't directly cause more acne to form, it can worsen the problem. It is important to keep proper moisture in the skin.

Perhaps one of the most common myths is that oily skin does not need moisture. This is not true. Just because skin is oily, does not mean it is moisturized. By cleansing the skin, you are wiping away excess oil, and my moisturizing it, you are helping it remain smooth and decreasing your chances for irritation.

Properly hydrating the skin not only promotes and stimulates cell growth, but also helps the other organs of the bodywork together. If properly hydrated, the skin will not wrinkle or sag as easily, and will appear youthful for a longer period of time.

Though water is not the only natural remedy for the skin, it is the most important. Without it, the skin could not do its job in keeping the rest of the body in check.

natural acne remedy

Steve


Tuesday 19 June 2012

Acne Types & Symptoms

What is Acne?
Acne is a chronic disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Some of the characteristics of acne include black heads, pimples, cysts, infected abscesses, and rarely scarring. Acne usually occurs during adolescence in both men and women. To be more specific, acne starts during puberty and tends to get worse for people with oily skin. Acne badly affects teenage boys. Only mild to moderate forms of acne occur in middle-aged women. Acne can be seen most commonly on the face. The other places where it can occur include the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms and legs. Most forms of acne are the result of heredity and hormonal problems and has nothing to do with a harmful diet or poor hygiene.

Types of acne

Acne starts in a similar way for all but can take different forms and can react in a unique way according to the body conditions of the individual. A basic lesion called the comedo is the begining of acne. The comedo is an enlarged hair follicle plugged with oil and bacteria residing under the surface of your skin, that waits for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. Whenever the skin produces more oil, the bacteria grows within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders. Two main types of acne include non-inflammatory acne and inflammatory acne.

Non-inflammatory acne

Closed comedo:

If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps. This condition is otherwise called as whitehead.

Open comedo :

If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin. This condition is otherwise called as blackhead.

Inflammatory acne

Papule:

This appears on the skin as a small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:

These are small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Cyst:

These are large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:

This is a rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest. In addition, to the presence of pustules and cysts, there may be severe bacterial infection.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of acne include persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin known as pimples. The pimples become inflamed and get filled with pus. The pimples usually occur on the face, chest, shoulders, neck, or upper portion of the back. Some of the other symptoms include dark spots with open pores at the center, which are known as blackheads, bulged spots under the skin without openings, which are known as whiteheads, and red swellings or lumps filled with pus, which are known as pustules. The pustules can develop from blackheads or whiteheads. Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin known as cysts are also a symptom of acne. These cysts can become as large as an inch across.

Monday 18 June 2012

Acne Social Impact


How acne affects people's lives
"There is no single disease which causes more psychic trauma, more maladjustment between parents and children, more general insecurity and feelings of inferiority and greater sums of psychic suffering than does acne vulgaris." --Sulzberger & Zaldems, 1948

While known for quite some time, the psychosocial effects of acne have not been fully appreciated until recently. The reasons for this are many. After all, everyone gets acne to one degree or another. In most cases, it goes away on its own. While it's running its course, it is not a serious threat to anyone's overall physical health. In addition, until the last couple of decades, there was very little anyone could do to treat it.

Acne, nonetheless, has a significant impact on a person's outlook on life. Recent studies have detected the following as common among people with acne:

* Social withdrawal

* Decreased self-esteem

* Reduced self-confidence

* Poor body image

* Embarrassment

* Feelings of depression

* Anger

* Preoccupation

* Frustration

* Higher rate of unemployment

The effects listed above are often interrelated, with one effect leading to another and another, only to make the first effect worse. These negative psychosocial effects can have a crippling impact, discouraging patients from pursuing life's opportunities--socially, on the job, or at school.

Actual quotes from people with acne
The fact is, people with acne generally hate the way they look with acne. Let people with acne tell you-here are some testimonials about living with acne*:

Verbatim #1
"I don't look in mirrors.... I am like a vampire--I shy away from mirrors. I comb my hair using my silhouette on the wall to show the outline of my head. I have not looked myself in the eyes in years, and is painful not to be able to do that, and that is a direct result of acne, the acne scarring."

Like a vampire, hating mirrors! Unable to face himself, how can this person hope to face the world?

Verbatim #2
"I think that if I had more self-esteem about the way I looked, I think I would have been more outgoing. I would have gone to more parties. I probably would have been more outspoken in class and would not have felt so insecure about going up and speaking in front of a group of classmates."

Here is an extrovert, turned in on himself (or herself) because of acne. Who knows how different things would have been if he didn't have acne?

Verbatim #3
"It is really humiliating to feel like I have no control over my acne. I hold my head down and I am ashamed to look at: people, embarrassed. I am 25 years old and to be acting this way is very frustrating."

In just three sentences, this person revealed humiliation, lack of control, shame, embarrassment and frustration. With the treatments available today, there is no reason to suffer like this.

Verbatim #4
"It's associated with being dirty, and I hate that, because it's not at all like that. I inherited it from my mother, and she's always telling me that she had the exact same thing and that it will go away. I am mad that I inherited it from her. My dad makes me feel bad because he never had bad skin when he was younger, so he doesn't understand.... I hate that the first thing people see when they look at me is bad skin. I really. really hate that."

Myths about acne are a common source of family conflict. Teenagers tend to be rebellious anyway--do they need to have acne misinformation driving another wedge between them and their parents? One myth that makes this family situation worse: The notion that nothing can be done to clear serious acne sooner than if it were left alone.

Verbatim #5
"I feel like I don't look right no matter how hard I try to dress up and look nice--there is always that area of pimples there, and it is very unsettling. There really hasn't been a day gone by that I don't think about it, or look at my face.... Should I spend that much energy on it? I could be doing other things...instead of wasting 5 to 10 minutes every day looking at my face in the mirror, or playing with it, picking at my acne."

This person is so preoccupied with acne that he almost neurotically picks at it. He is also clearly frustrated, as acne thwarts all attempts at achieving a good appearance.

These testimonials show the extent of the psychological, emotional and social disturbances that acne can cause. Clearing up the acne would relieve the source of these disturbances, but many people don't realize that something can be done.

Many myths about acne, especially regarding diet and hygiene, are still considered to be true. And many parents and older siblings are stuck in the attitude of past generations that nothing can really be done but wait it out.

Making matters worse, there is confusion among people with acne and their families about what works and what doesn't. They are often frustrated by products that promise to clear skin but that don't work for them.

Some nonprescription products may be more effective than others, but dermatologists have treatments that work just about 100% of the time. Most cases of acne can be cleared up with the right treatment.

Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Acne Treatment for Teenagers

Everybody has had to pass through this tumoultous period and the acne that characterizes it. Apart from causing unsightly physical appearance, it carries a multitude of psychological effects that affects teens in different ways, especially if it is of the severe type.

Teens being a very self conscious lot are greatly affected by acne making them have low self esteem. This might lead to them shunning social settings due to perceptions of others.

So what are the social ramifications that this condition brings?

Those suffering from acne have often been accused by their non-acne friends of being overly-sensitive. However the physical and psychological problems suffered by them have been recognized nowadays as being real and efforts have been made to deal with them appropriately.

Acne is every bit as much how you feel as it is about how you look. This is much more so with teens who usually judge by physical appearances. In a society which places high value on the physical, and sets high standards for them to comply to the "norms", teens suffering from acne are particularly disadvantaged.

The teens suffering from acne often feel they are ugly and this feeling might extend with adult acne.

Parents are constantly faced with a dilemma on how to deal with their children who are afflicated with acne and experience feelings of depressions and inferiority.

Often it is difficult to discern whether the psychological traumas passing through the teens are acne related, or are the usual tantrums and emotional phases that characterizes teenage hood.This makes it difficult to understand the psychological effects associated with acne.

The simplest and most effective way of understanding this psychological effects is just listening.By listening to how acne makes them feel and the insecurities it causes them, parents can show that they emphathise with them and care.

Additionaly informing them on the causes , types and treatment can reassure them that they aren't viewed as being dirty or having poor hygiene. Hygiene doesn't directly cause acne.Parents should also let them know that teenagers all over face the same issues with acne, thus showing them that they aren't alone in this.

As stated before, finding out the cause and type of acne is the first step to seeking treatment.Once one begins on a treatment plan, they end up feeling better about their appearance and consequently themselves.

Saturday 16 June 2012

Acne Teen Disease

Acne is one of the major problems teenagers face, it is something that, in some conditions, may have a devastating effect on their social life, self esteem and mental health. The acne condition can range from mild to severe, and in some cases is very difficult to treat and decrease. In addition to acne being a skin condition that is, to say the least, unpleasant, it also have social and emotional effect. This effect carries with it a multitude of psychological issues that change teens lives in different ways.

When thinking back I remember my acne problem and very clearly remember that my friends and peers were not much of a help to me at those times. Society seems to react to this skin condition in the worst possible way, when the spirit of the teenager is at its most delicate phase. This is a prime reason to why many teens try and avoid social events, situation where they might be in danger of embracement over a skin condition on which they seemingly have no control.

One big problem is that some people do not understand the acne problem for the mere reason that they never suffered from it, obviously this creates a terrible situation where the teen is not only ridiculed for the acne he suffers from, he gets this from others that very clearly do not have the problem. In more recent years, however, the problems faced by those who suffer from acne are being more widely addressed, and the social and psychological effects being studied more closely.

Some will say that the problem is our society and the norms it sets, the definition of beauty or of health in certain ages and in certain cultures. In a society where so much importance is placed on appearance and complying to the "norm", higher standards have been set concerning what people do and don't accept. In the defining phase of his life, the teenager is extremely exposed to these social agreements and this creates problems with the understanding of the limits to improvement and the shame that follows lack of improvement. For teens this very important and sometimes even seem crucial. Many teenagers slowly get used to what other teenagers say about them and within a short period of time become very critical of their appearance and social possibilities, it is of course ridicules that a young man will judge himself for having a skin condition but this actually happens and even more, some teens begin to develop inner hate towards themselves – because of this social pressure.

The best solution for explaining and combating acne and its social implications, it is recommended that a parent or a guide of some sort will explain to the teen that acne is caused by many different things, many factors contribute to the development of acne. In teens it is believed that hormones are the primary reason, hormones cause the body to produce excess oil, which in turn clogs pores and causes pimples. This kind of situation can be solved by regular acne treatment. The parent should also explain that eating certain foods and the way you clean your face also has little to do with the development of acne, reassuring the teen at this point is very important as he is very likely to be bombarded with exaggerated acne urban tales that create a feeling like everything the teen is doing is the cause of the acne, as if it was a curse he couldn’t shake.

Friday 15 June 2012

The Best Way To Clear Up Acne

When you have a pimple on your face it is certain that this will attract remarks from friends and foes. The only snag is the comments can be derisive, rather than complimentary. I experienced the same thing in high school, when my biggest priority then was finding the best way to clear up acne. Let's face it; no one likes a face full of pimples, because they have a way of lowering your self esteem. But fortunately, there are several methods available for getting rid of this skin condition.

I can bet not many people know of any method that can guaranty a total clear up acne. And the reason for this has to do with our skin types. Again, I can wager my monthly pay that most folks don't know their skin types either. I got to know mine when I was 19 years old.

But a fact that is both glaring and disturbing is that males have oilier skins than females, which can only indicate one thing: males are more susceptible to acne. Regarding your skin type, consulting a skin physician will help clarify this, and this doctor can also suggest ways to clear up acne, and prevent its reoccurrence. Acne are caused by the blockage of skin pores by dirt’s and oils, so the best way to prevent this skin blemish is to free the skin from the causative agents.

If you find the subject of how to clear up acne confusing, you can turn to the Internet for assistance, of course using your computer or Mac. You can find one of the numerous products that really clear up acne very quick. One good product I recommend is Proactive Solution, but your physician can also prescribe an effective cream or pill.

Other factors that can aid the process of removing skin blemishes is by following a healthy diet regimen and drinking plenty of water. Also the right amount of sleep can go a long way in keeping your body rejuvenated. Generally, you can clear up acne by living straight and adhering to the appropriate treatments for your skin blemishes.

Thursday 14 June 2012

Types of Acne

Acne comes in many forms. Although most commonly found on the face, acne ranges from Mild to Severe and can be located anywhere on the body. Most frequently self-treated, mild cases are manageable. However, severe cases should be treated under the supervision of health professionals, such as dermatologists.

Acne Vulgaris, translated as 'common acne,' is the most common type of acne. It is better known as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Blackheads - Occur in partially blocked pores. Dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum (the substance that causes oily skin) drain to the surface of the skin; the pigments are exposed to air, which causes the black color. Blackheads can take a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads - Contained beneath the surface of the skin, the trapped sebum, dead cells and bacteria are completely blocked in the pores.

Pustules - With the appearance of a red circle with a white or yellow center, this form of acne is more often called Pimples or Zits.

Nodules - Much larger than other forms of acne, nodules form hard lumps beneath the surface of the skin which can be painful and last for several months. Highly susceptible to scarring, this form of acne is recommended to be treated by a dermatologist.

Cysts - Similar to a nodule, this form of acne is filled with pus. Like nodules, cysts can be very painful and lead to scarring if untreated. Cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Conglobata - More common in males than females, this rare form of acne vulgaris is extremely disfiguring. Large lesions form on the face, chest, back, buttocks, upper arms, and thighs, sometimes accompanied by numerous blackheads. Acne Conglobata can cause severe psychological as well as physical suffering, damage to the skin and permanent scarring. This condition can last several years.

Acne Fulminans - A sudden case of Acne Conglobata, with a fever and aching joints. Generally treated with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis - A bacterial infection which causes pustules and cysts, this form of acne may be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotics.

Pyoderma Faciale - Affecting only females usually between ages 20 and 40, most commonly in women who never had acne before, this type of acne consists of painful pustules, cysts and nodules on the face. Permanent scarring is potential. Generally clears up within a year.

Acne Rosacea - Notably affecting people over the age of 30, Acne Rosacea causes a red rash on the face. Pimples or other skin blemishes may also be present. This should not be confused with Acne Vulgaris as there are two different treatments for these types. Acne Rosacea occurs more frequently in women than men but is more severe in the men it affects.

Wednesday 13 June 2012

Diet And Acne Condition Are Related

What you are is what you eat! Whether this statement holds good in the case of acne has been a topic which has been under rigorous research. Some people believe that certain foods cause acne while others think vice versa. But, it is very much possible that acne may be the result of food allergies in some cases.

In such cases, the prevalent notion is that skin acts as an elimination organ. When you eat a food that you are allergic to, a toxic reaction occurs which leads the immune system of your body to set up defenses against it. Thereafter, the body starts expelling out the toxins from the food leading to inflammation on the skin in the form of papules and pustules.

According to a research published in December 2002 issues of Archives of Dermatology, certain high-glycemic foods cause acne. These food stuffs lead to high production of insulin in the body, which raises the male hormones. As an effect of rising hormones, there is excess production of sebum in the body which ultimately leads to clogging of pores thereby causing acne. Foods such as grains, milk, processed food, bread, french fries and potato chips are the main culprits in this case.

The experts suggest a switch over to a lower-glycemic diet. A lower-glycemic diet would contain the following:

1. Cereals that contain bran, barley and oats
2. A lot of fresh vegetables and fruits
3. Lots of water, herbal teas and vegetable juices

And a lower-glycemic diet would not contain the following:

1. Walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, and filberts
2. Large amount of dairy products and milk
3. Sodas and other aerated drinks
4. Potatoes

Vitamin B5 is considered to be a very important part of a nutrient rich diet. It is commonly found in foods such as pork, beef, chicken, eggs, saltwater fish, potatoes, wheat and fresh vegetables. The variety of foods is large, but the problem is that 50 % of the vitamin is lost during milling of grains and sadly, the average American diet lacks in fresh vegetables. Diet may not be the particular cause of acne and rosacea but can obviously help in the prevention and elimination of the same. Hot and damp foods such as sugary cakes, cookies, sweets, alcohol, chocolate, fried and greasy food, dairy products, peanuts, coconut products, fats and oils, generally trigger acne.

The link may not be direct but it is always advisable to stop the intake of these believed-to-be acne causing foods. A healthy and well-balanced diet keeps your body healthy and the health inside radiates outside on your skin.

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Acne Blemish Control Product

Ah, the teenage years. Those awkward times when your self esteem depends on the state of your face . Is it clear or is it a minefield of bumps and breakout? This is one of the age-old afflictions of man. How do we keep our skin clear and free of pimples? While a few of us act like it's not happening, the majority of us head to the local drug store in desperate search of some miracle acne blemish control product. Zits can totally ruin our lives. Well, this is how it seems sometimes; especially as an insecure teen. Luckily, these days we have an abundant supply of acne blemish control treatments to use.

Do you have acne? If you're like the majority of us humans, then, it's quite possible you do. Some of us are affected as teens and some as adults. Then there are those who have it their whole life. Regardless of your acne phase, one thing is for certain; you don't have to just put up with it. The drug store shelves are constantly overloaded with acne blemish control products. I don't care if you're struggling with whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps, or the whole lot of them, there is an acne blemish control treatment out there for you. If you haven't browsed through the local drug stores, then it's certainly time you did. Check out the cosmetics aisle. You will be overwhelmed with the options. Now, you are stuck with the problem of what product to buy.

When it comes to your face, it is crucial to know and understand what skin type you have. Do you know yours? I found out when I was about 20 years old that I had normal to dry skin. Get online and take a quick test to better understand your skin type right away. This way you will be able to narrow down your search when browsing for quality acne blemish control products. Many of these treatments are specifically for oily, combination, dry, or normal skin. Don't waste all your time and money trying them all out. This is your face we're talking about here. You need the acne blemish control treatment that is right for you.

The Internet is a perfect place for you to understand acne and how to control it. You will soon find out that there are an incredible amount of solutions to this age-old problem. Probably the most popular acne blemish control product on the market today is Proactive solution. Many happy customers, including well known celebrities, swear by this unique treatment. It's time to get your life back. Don't let acne ruin your self-confidence. Log on to the internet and find that ideal acne blemish control product that's right for you.

Monday 11 June 2012

Acne Skin Care Treatment : Prescription Method

It is a well-known fact that most acne sufferers do not seek the professional advice of a qualified doctor to treat their acne condition. The idea here is to consult a skin specialist, also known as a dermatologist, who can give you valuable information, advice and tips on how to treat your acne.

If your acne condition is only moderate and not serious, then you can go for the over-the-counter type of medications. But please do seek the help of a dermatologist if your acne has reached a severe state, where he will recommend some prescription medications. However, it is still advisable to go for the prescription method even if your acne is mild, because the prescription method tends to be much more effective than what over-the-counter method can offer.

There are basically two types of prescription acne skin care treatments, namely antibiotics and ointments. Antibiotics are the common agent used to combat acne, and they can be used as a type of lotion, or taken orally. Ointment prescriptions include ingredients such as zinc or retinoid.

Antibiotics

Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used to treat your acne condition. What the tetracycline does is kill the bacteria which causes the acne, and it also helps to reduce any inflammation which may result from the acne. One thing you should know about antibiotic treatment is that it may take up to a few weeks or even months to see the effect. Not only that, you must continue the antibiotic treatment even after your acne has subsided.

Just like any other medications out there, the tetracycline antibiotic does have side effects. It will increase your skin’s overall sensitivity to sun light, which will lead to severe sun burns if you stay under the sun for a prolonged period. Other possible side effects include dizziness and stomach upset.

Ointments

Antibiotic ointments generally have lesser complications as compared to oral antibiotics. They are highly useful when it comes to killing the bacteria which caused your acne. When the ointments are used in conjunction with other treatments like benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Retinoid

Derived from vitamin A, retinoid can be applied directly onto the skin in the form of creams or lotions. Retinoid medications are particularly useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by opening up clogged pores. The one common side effect of retinoid is that you will experience dry skin.

If your acne condition is so severe that it doesn’t respond to either antibiotics or ointments, then oral retinoid can be your next option. What an oral retinoid does is to cause the upper most layer of your skin to peel off, and in the process opens up more pores. Oral retinoid can also restrict the body from producing excess sebum, the oily substance which is responsible for your oily skin.

Oral retinoids must be used with caution, because there are known serious side effects and complications that comes with this type of retinoid. They can cause birth defects if a woman takes them during pregnancy. Other complications include depression and liver damage. So if an acne sufferer is on oral retinoid treatment, then regular medical attention and follow-up is required to make sure that the side effects and complications are reduced to the minimum.

If you are not sure of the reliability of over-the-counter medications, then always seek the advice of your dermatologist who can give you reliable prescription medication, and other advice for the most effective acne skin care treatment for your particular condition.

Feel free to visit my blog at http://www.acne--treatment.eoltt.com , where I will share more useful information on various acne skin care treatments.

Sunday 10 June 2012

How To Fight Acne Bacteria

Acne is an inflamed disease of the skin, and it has many causes. One such cause is bacteria that is breeding in the pores of the skin. When the body's immune system is weak, it becomes allergic to this type of bacteria. Blood cells are attracted to fight the allergy, and the pores become blocked. Oil secretions begin to build up at these pores and provide a breeding ground for even more bacteria. Eventually, pimples form.

When faced with a bacteria causing acne, it is likely that you will begin to panic. Just imagine when you have red bumps that resemble small boils on your face. These red bumps get filledl with a nasty puss caused by the body fighting the infection of the bacteria. What can you do? Well, there are a number of things that you can do to fight the bacteria for acne treatment.

Treatments that kill the bacteria that cause acne included the use of antibiotics like tetracycline, doxycycline and minocyclne. These are to be taken orally. Also topical antibiotics or bactericides like Benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin can help. The bacteria also known as “P. acnes”, does however become resistant to the antibiotics eventually. However Benzoyl peroxide, an oxidizer, does not seem to generate resistance by the bacteria. While the acne will come back, it is a short term and temporary cure and is applied topically.

Gently exfoliating the skin can also help. This method can be done by using a cloth or a liquid scrub, or by using certain chemicals. Chemical exfoliating substances include salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Both of these agents cause a peeling of the top layer of skin, which prevents a build up of dead skin.

Another over the counter acne treatment is salicylic acid, which softens skin and gets rid of dead skin cells, which in turn unclogs pores. Many face wash products contain this ingredient. Also sulfur contained in many over the counter products works well for many people. Another product is glycolic acid, which is found in anti-aging products as well as acne medicines.

However, natural health practitioners prefer to recommend the use of natural acne treatment. Tea tree oil is gaining in popularity. It kills the bacteria and also reduces redness and inflammation. It works much the same as Benzoyl peroxide but causes less skin irritation. Tee trea oil can be easily found at health food stories.

Acupuncture is used by some and is thought to alleviate hormonal imbalances in the body. Those who use acupuncture also usually suggest lifestyle changes and a change in diet, including cutting back on dairy products.

Light therapy is another natural remedy to fight the bacteria that has many adherents. Many people believe that the bacteria that causes acne insensitive to light in the blue wavelength of the light spectrum. Light therapy means shining blue light onto a patient for fifteen minutes at a time twice a week, usually for four weeks. This treatment can be expenses, running about $150 per treatment. Not all patients have had good results, but some have. Also since light in this wavelength is not harmful to the skin, there are no side effects or after effects.

Some people think that acne is caused by poor hygiene and by eating certain foods. There is no scientific evidence linking diet to acne. But a good diet sure will not hurt in skin repair and damaged tissues.

Good personal hygiene also goes a long way in your acne treatment. Also using makeup that doesn’t clog pores helps prevent the spread of bacteria and acne from getting worse.

Any of the above mentioned methods for acne treatment should help you in your fight against bacteria. You will see clearer skin as your bacteria is being wiped out. Practising good hygiene and adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle should also help in the acne inflammation. Good luck!

Saturday 9 June 2012

Acne Treatment|Doctors Advice The Best


Doctors are extremely busy people that are often overworked, underpaid and sometimes harassed by patients that have little to complain about. However I believe they genuinely want to help their patients, and will take your acne condition seriously. There are a number of simple steps you can take to ensure you maximise the chance of getting the right help from your doctor in treating your acne

1. A key skill in getting the best out of any situation is clear communication. Your doctor can only act on the information you give him about your condition. Not providing the ‘full story’ is the primary reason for misdiagnosis or a lack of urgent attention. Make sure you tell your doctor, how long you’ve had the acne, what treatments you’ve tried, where does the acne occur and is it worsened by reaction to stress of sunlight.

2. Ask questions about any aspect of your acne that you want to clarify. A good tip is to write down the questions you want to ask, before you speak to your doctor, to ensure you cover everything. Don't feel embarrassed by asking certain questions, remember there are 'no dumb questions'

3. Understand that there are no miracle cures for acne, and that you may have to try a number of different treatments before you find one, which is effective, against your particular type.

4. Make sure you mention the emotional side of how your acne makes you feel, if this is of particular concern to you. This is a vital area that is often overlooked, and is clearly important particularly if your acne is resulting in depression, or resulting in a reduction in your social interactions with others.

5. If your doctor prescribes any medication, make sure you fully understand

1) how to apply the treatment,

2)how long will it be before you see any improvement,

3)any side-effects that you may experience,

4)when do you need to return for a follow up, and

5)how long the treatment will last. These key questions will ensure you are fully informed about the treatment programme you are embarking on.

Remember your doctor is there to help you overcome both the physical and emotional side of acne. If you don’t feel you can easily approach your doctor, find an alternative medical professional, such as a dermatologist. What ever you decide to do, ensure you seek help, and don’t let acne get the better of you.

Friday 8 June 2012

How To Treat Acne or Zits

Zits or pimples may appear harmless but it can ruin a person’s social life and can even destroy his self confidence. For one, it is disfiguring and can mar even a beautiful face. A person who has a severe case of acne usually has low self regard and prefers to live away from people.

Pimple or acne usually appears during puberty, a point in a person’s life when he still has not yet fully developed his confidence. Having acne at that young age limits a person’s social life because he may have bad feelings about showing his face to others. Ultimately, it can destroy a person’s future.

It is unthinkable how many people allow their lives to be inhibited by acne when there are numerous ways of treating such skin disorder. A person, or even his parents, should immediately seek treatment for this skin disorder as soon as possible to avoid further damage top the skin.

Acne is caused by the secretion of oil that is thickened and leads to the clogging of pores. When the pores get clogged, it can lead to inflammation and infection and then to scarring.

While acne is commonly identified with those facial zits, other body parts like the back, neck and chest can also experience acne breakouts. However, most people do not really fuss about these zits since these are located in hidden body parts. Facial acne is however another story since it is the first thing that a person sees.

To avoid acne, you have to keep your skin clean and free of oil all the time. Too much oil build up in the skin can cause acne. Some people are more prone to getting acne so they have to be more careful about keeping their skins free from oil build up.

People who have acne can resort to topical treatments at first but if it does not work out, then it is best to seek treatment and proper prescriptions from licensed dermatologists.

When stronger acne treatments have been prescribed but they do not work, your dermatologist may recommend accutane. This is a prescribed oral medicine which can be effective but its effects can only be seen after a few months of taking it.

Whatever you do with your acne, never prick them because it can only add to the bacteria and can result to scarring. Acne treatments that work for other people may not work on you but keep on seeing your dermatologist until you come up with an effective treatment.

Do not let acne limit your social life. Get help and get some acne treatment before your acne becomes worse and even more difficult to handle.

Thursday 7 June 2012

How To Find Best Acne Treatment for Troubled Skin

Acne causes embarrassment and discouragement for millions of people. Most are in their teen years, but adults are affected, too. There are many choices of acne treatment on the market. Some are well formulated, while others are weak and ineffective. Finding the best acne treatment for your skin can improve your outlook, and your looks.

The best products for treating your acne are natural, gentle products. Look for botanical ingredients in the list. Some herbal ingredients that are healing to blemished skin include sage, yarrow, coltsfoot, wild thyme, horsetail, althea (or marshmallow), and balm mint (or melissa). Aloe vera is a well known skin healer, and is often included in good acne products.

Also valuable in a treatment remedy for acne are certain essential oils. Some essential oils are harsh for skin. (None should be used straight, but should always be diluted with a carrier oil!) The best acne treatment products might include oils such as lavender, rose, tangerine, and geranium. These are not only healing to the skin, but will make the product smell great, too.

If the product is made with a transdermal system, any vitamins or herbal ingredients will be able to absorb into the skin and treat the acne where it starts. Some vitamins that might be included in a topical acne treatment include vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and pro vitamin B5.

Just like healthy food for the body, the best acne treatment will provide nourishment and nutrition directly to the skin. The skin tends to reveal the health of a person. What shows up on the outside often indicates a deficiency or need on the inside. Getting a healthy diet can help you overcome your acne, and is a good addition to make to your use of good products.

Even the best products, however, won't clear up that acne if they are used inconsistently. It's a good idea to get into the routine of taking your vitamin supplements and cleansing your face every day. Don't let procrastination or disorganization leave you without time for taking care of yourself. The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is a major agent in removing toxins from the body. It needs to be pampered and cared for.

A moisturizer is also an important part of an acne treatment. Like other components, it needs to be 100% natural, or it can make matters worse by contributing to clogging the pores. Make sure you take the time to read the label to make sure the ingredients are natural botanicals, nutrients, and healthful oils.

Some people say you should try to use only products on your skin that you would be willing to put in your mouth. This might not always be the case, since the skin does act like a filter, while absorbing nutrients and other substances. Still, one should be cautious about using unnatural products.

There's a lot more to learn about acne treatments, and you can do it at http://www.natural-acne-treatment.info

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Acne Prevention Ideas and Home Remedies

Any skin disorder that is very apparent can prove extremely embarrassing and a trying experience for the sufferer. Everyone who is prone to develop acne would love to know a dozen effective ways to prevent it in the first place. Who wouldn’t want to save face and another month or longer worth of painful self-consciousness? I have listed a number of practical ways to prevent another acne breakout from embarrassing you, and if despite your honest efforts acne still rears its ugly head, I also suggested a few effective steps for treating acne, naturally.

Acne Prevention Tips


Use a honey mask on a weekly basis. Honey is considered as a disinfectant and a great way for healing pimples. It can also kill bacteria found in your skin.

Cut your hair short if it’s long. Hair has oil. When you are moving, dust particles often culminate in your hair, and as your hair touches your face, neck, or forehead, it can provoke acne or worsen an affected area.

Take a powerful multi-vitamin twice every day; the biggest organ—your skin
—requires proper nutrients to stay healthy.

Take vitamin A daily. It both protects your skin and prevents acne. Plus, vitamin A reduces sebum production.

Avoid over washing and rubbing or scrubbing your skin excessively. Acne is not caused by not washing or by having dirty skin.

Some people, especially students, have claimed that their acne grows worse when experiencing stressful situations. Advise: if it’s in your power, cut down on stress.

Drink 8 glasses of water everyday. Water helps to clean and hydrate the skin.

Avoid alcohol-based creams and lotions.

Either change or wash your pillowcase everyday.

Eat food rich in zinc. A deficiency in zinc may cause acne breakouts.

Add a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.

When you are undergoing much stress, breathe deeply. It has been discovered that there exists a direct connection between acne and stress.

Exercise regularly, for it helps your blood to circulate and to remove toxins.

Eat a well-balanced diet to reduce the reoccurrence of acne.

Choose your cosmetics very carefully. Sometimes what you wear to disguise acne can actually turn out to be the root cause of a skin disorder.


Acne Home Remedy Tips


Put ripe tomato pulp on your pimples, and keep them there for as long as one hour. Next, wash the treated areas.

Apply the juice of raw papaya on your swelling pimples.

On and around your pimples apply fresh garlic. Pimples will fade away when this treatment is used regularly, not leaving a mark.

Drink wheatgrass juice; it can remove acne.

Create a paste from orange peel by grinding the peel in water. Then, apply this paste on and around your pimples.

Tuesday 5 June 2012

Acne Problem of All Age

Twenty-five percent of all adult men and fifty percent of all adult women suffer from some form of acne. These are the facts but how many adults have never had at least one acne flare up in their adult life? Adults can develop acne well into adulthood- twenties, thirties and forties and beyond that even. No acne is pleasant but somehow adult acne seems worse as acne is typically thought of as an adolescence problem. In reality adult acne, or any acne for that matter, is very hard to deal with and can lead to depression, a negative self-image and social anxiety may occur as well. The causes of adult acne are different for all people and the treatments vary as mush as the causes do. Most adult acne can be treated and managed effectively.

The causes of adult acne are unknown; some people think that adult acne has hormonal roots. The appropriate adult pimple treatment may involve balancing your hormones, which typically requires a trip to your healthcare provider or dermatologist for some testing to conclude that hormones are indeed the problem. The development of a pimple is very detailed and very intricate. While it is known that pores that are clogged can block oil from escaping, it is not known why it happens in one pore and not another. It is also not known why this does not happen in all of the pores. The many causes of adult acne and teen acne include hormone imbalance, diet, genetics, vitamin deficiency, stress, and more. The real explanation may be a complex mix of many of these factors. Since it is not know what causes pimples, it is important to focus on the proper treatment of acne.

Acne is often considered a hormonal disease or condition, meaning hormones are responsible for the maturing of the oil producing glands in our skin. Did you ever wonder why you never see acne on a young child? Young children do not have the hormones needed to mature the skin's oils. Once a person becomes and adult there are many things that can throw our hormones out of balance and in turn wreak havoc on our skin, among other things. Some things that cause such imbalances are puberty, pregnancy, menopause and many other things that cause hormones to flare up. Acne may be precipitated by androgens, the male hormones found in men and women. Oil surpluses made by these hormones are the biggest cause of clogged pores and hair follicles, which results in bacteria growth and acne pimples and blemishes. Acne that is caused by hormones is typically more prevalent in women during natural cycles like menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.

Treatment for adult acne is very effective and there are many forms of treatment available. The best treatment happens to be the same treatment recommended most for teenage acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne much better than any other acne medication out there on the market today, including all prescription medications. For this product to be effective an acne sufferer must use enough of the product and use it according to the given instructions. If used correctly and in a large enough amount the acne will start to clear up. This method of treatment is also very simple and is not evasive in any way. Benzoyl peroxide does not have a negative effect on the skin first unlike other prescription acne treatments, meaning you will not see a worsening of the skin before you see the improvement. Skin does not build up a tolerance to this treatment so it will be effective for long-term use. If it works on acne the first time, it will always work.

There may be a genetic component involved meaning acne can run in families. Up to fifty percent of women whose acne continues beyond their teens show evidence of increased androgen levels, with raised testosterone and/or lowered sex hormone binding globulin, a protein found in the blood. Correction of these abnormal hormonal imbalances often improves symptoms, so you need to see to it that your doctor is prepared to measure these hormone levels and help you seek a treatment. Several different treatments are available over the counter to help mild to moderate symptoms and your pharmacist can advise on which product would suit you best.

It is important to realize that adult acne is more common than most think and adult sufferers are not alone, there is a large population of adult acne sufferers. If you are troubled by adult onset acne, first consult your doctor. He or she may have a hormonal adult acne treatment that can help. If you have adult acne and it is severe or causes you pain do not hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider and discuss possible medical treatment of your acne.

Monday 4 June 2012

How To Clear Acne Skin Blemishes


People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease.

For most people, acne tends to diminish by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.

I remember when I used to get acne myself. Was that annoying. And it sure ruined my social life, that's for sure. There is nothing more embarrasing than going out in public with acne all over your face. You know people are staring at you. You know they don’t want to get near you because of those ugly marks on your face. I think they think it’s contagious, which is not true at all. It’s a good way to lose friends quickly.

So, how did I get rid of my acne ? Well, before you can clear up your skin, you should know exactly who the enemy is and what you’re up against. Here’s a summary for you and some real honest to goodness solutions. It worked for me and it will work for you too.

What is Acne?

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it). Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither does stress.

How Is Acne Treated?

You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Over-the-counter(OTC) Medicines

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

Prescription Topical Medicines

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid.

Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin.

Prescription Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

Other treatments

There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the counter medications, but often with less side effects.

How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?

* Clean Skin Gently with a mild cleanser 3 or 4 times a day.
* Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin.
* Shave Carefully.
* Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan.
* Use Non-Oily Cosmetics.

In summary, there are many treatments out there for acne skin problems. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure what to do. Try some of the suggestions mentioned here. In no time at all, you’ll look better, feel better, and you’ll be back out there enjoying your social life, your friends, and your family much more.

Sunday 3 June 2012

What It Is Acne And How To Fight Them

Acne is basically a blockage in the pore which causes bacteria to be trapped and form either a whitehead or a blackhead. While there are many myths that point to diet as a cause of acne, these are unfounded. Junk foods and chocolate are not associated with acne. The reason people get acne is because of overactive oil glands or blockage of pores. Acne is a condition that afflicts both children and adults. It is, however, more prevalent in teenagers when hormones are at their most active. Heredity also plays a large part in who gets acne and how severe it may be. Those who are genetically inclined to acne will often get more severe cases than people who are simply going through a stress induced or hormone induced acne phase. They also may have a more difficult time clearing up blemishes. The blemish that occurs on the skin can be unsightly and embarrassing so prevention and treatment should be the focus.

The best form of treatment for acne is prevention as it is with any affliction. You should try to keep your hands away from your face because dirt and oils can contaminate pores. Proper health is also important. This means proper diet, exercise and sleep to reduce stress. Keeping your face clean using mild soap is also a good preventative. If you have an outbreak, there are home remedies, over the counter medications and prescription medications that can help. There are several topical creams and soaps that are used in the treatment of acne. These can be found in pharmacies and in the cosmetics department of grocery stores. Benzoyl peroxide creams, vitamin A and zinc are all used to help treat acne. For more severe cases a prescription oral antibiotic may be prescribed along with a topical cream that is stronger than the over the counter medications.

Saturday 2 June 2012

The Truth About Acne Skin Care

Let's face it, you are engaged in an ongoing battle when you are afflicted with acne. While acne treatments for a mild case of acne are usually successful, moderate acne is a greater problem. Even dermatologists cannot cure a severe case of acne but can only provide an acne treatment regimen.

However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.

Knowing What You're Doing

One of the first pieces of advice is to make sure that you understand and follow the directions for any acne remedy that you are using. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. Typically for moderate to severe acne a dermatologist may prescribe several acne medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.

In order to achieve the acne free skin that you desire, it is important to use all the acne treatments properly and in the correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.

Remember, just because the acne clears with the use of your acne medicines doesn’t necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing acne. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.

What About Over-the-Counter Remedies?

Besides using medications prescribed by a doctor, there are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.

When cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin; never scrub your face with a washcloth. It is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin. You don’t scrub away the offending dirt; you can’t scrub away the offensive acne and achieve acne free skin.

Over-washing or scrubbing skin afflicted with acne only serves to aggravate the condition. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. When you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.

Do Natural Treatments Really Work?

Look for gentle cleansers that are sold as acne solutions. When you're evaluating skin cleansers for acne, include natural acne treatments in your search as well. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin.

Oily skin is implicated as a one of the causes of acne. It doesn’t necessarily make sense to use a moisturizer on oily skin as a means of achieving clear skin. But many of the acne treatments, whether they are prescribed or available as over-the-counter products, have a tendency to irritate the skin while curing acne.

A moisturizer is a boost to irritated skin and keeps skin from becoming overly dry due to the acne treatments that have been applied. Look for a moisturizer with the following properties:

- oil-free
- won’t clog pores (non-comodogenic)
- containing a sun-screen

Besides a great desire to just scrub away the acne, many people try to remove the acne pimples by hand as a way to get clear skin. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.

By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.

For male acne sufferers, the daily ritual of shaving can be a problem. One acne sufferer has recommended the Gillette Sensor Excel as a gentle and effective razor to use. Other males prefer to try an electric razor. The advice is to shave delicately to avoid nicking the skin and to shave only as often as necessary. Finding a moisturizing shave gel may be one way to enhance your acne skin care program.

Female acne sufferers have their unique problems too, in finding the right cosmetic products to use. Females who are accustomed to using a foundation product may find that the foundation is difficult to apply smoothly if the facial skin becomes irritated due to the acne treatments being applied.

You may have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (won’t clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.

Proper acne skin care is a necessary addition to your arsenal for fighting your battle with acne and achieving clear skin once again.