Posts Tagged ‘Acne Problems’

Adult Acne: Nothing To Be Embarrassed About!

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Adult Acne is not something to feel embarrassed about. Though the general notion is that acne and pimple outbreaks are for prepubertal and teenaged populations, adult acne is not unusual. A majority of adults, who were lucky to be ‘acne free’ during their teenage years and who saw the desperation of their peers trying to combat acne, feel mortified when they find that just when they assumed they were free of acne for ever, they have become afflicted by adult acne.

Most of the adults are confused and embarrassed. They wonder, isn’t acne an adolescent problem? But the truth remains that adult acne is more widespread than imagined. Statistics show that in the United States alone, nearly 40% of all acne cure products are purchased and used by adult acne sufferers.

What is the reason behind adult acne? Well. It is not one but many. However, the most universally attributed cause, that of bad personal hygiene, is a myth. Nearly all acne cases even adult acne, are a direct consequence of blocked pores on the skin or hormonal imbalances. Faulty closing of facial hair ducts or infection of the oil glands are a probable cause of adult acne.

The good news is that acne can be cured to a greater or lesser degree. The bad news is that most adults, in their zeal to overcome the embarrassment of an adult acne outbreak, try the first remedy they can lay their hands on from their neighborhood drugstore. Little do they think that this could do more harm than good to their acne problem. The remedies found over the counter cater to acne problems of the majority of the younger populations. These medications and remedies might not have the potency or the capacity to deal with adult acne because the reasons of which may vary to a great degree.

Adult acne demands tougher remedies despite the fact that adult acne is no different from regular acne. So what should be the first step to cure adult acne? A good idea is to consult the dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of what caused adult acne. The next step after the diagnosis is done is to use simple prescription drugs to eradicate the acne problem forever.

However, there is one important piece of advice. All adult acne sufferers need not be embarrassed about their problem. Like I stated above, adult acne is commoner than imagined. So which option do you feel is better? To make that one visit to the dermatologist to do away with your acne problem or to spend a fortune at the local pharmacist in trying to find the elixir for acne in addition to the fear and worry that comes with it? Think about it. The choice is yours.

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Acne Treatment Product Information

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Recent studies have concluded approximately 90% of all teenagers, 50% of all adult women and 25% of all adults had suffered from acne, either as a chronic skin disease or at some point in their lives. Although there’s no universal cure, acne is definitely easier to treat now than it used to be. However, finding the right acne treatment product is still a mystery for many of the sufferers.

Despite all the scientific knowledge today, people still think that acne is caused by particular things we do. Actually, it is mostly a combination of factors underneath our skin that lead to acne. The good news that there are acne treatment products that can eliminate it completely in about 95% of all cases.

Your skin has many wonderful features that help it recover completely even from serious acne if treated properly:

* It is self healing.
* It is very elastic.
* It registers and remembers sensations very precisely.
* It is very resilient.
* It is self-cleaning and hardly ever suffers any serious infection.
* It lets in some elements and protects you from others.
* It holds in the entire amount of liquid that flows through your body.

Salicylic Acid

There’s a lot of evidence that salicylic acid is one of the most effective approach on acne problems. It decreases the number of primary acne lesions, as well as the number and severity of all lesions associated with acne. Salicylic acid is safe to use even on dark skin and gives good and fast results.

Glycolic Acid

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars.

Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used ingredient in acne treatment products. It used to be very popular in the 1930s, but since then, medical science has come up with new and more effective treatments. However, many dermatologists are still pleading for the benefits of acne treatment products that contain Benzoyl peroxide.

In addition to its antibacterial effect, Benzoyl peroxide apparently has an anti-oxidant action as well. Among its most common side effects is dry and irritated skin.

Many acne treatment products available on the market today use one of the ingredients mentioned above in combination with other ingredients. Some of the most famous and effective products against acne are ProAcrive, ZENMED Derma Cleanse System, Accutane and Benzoyl Peroxide. However, when purchasing an acne treatment product, you have to look through the side effects thoroughly, as some of them may be worse than your acne itself.

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Acne Treatment

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Acne is a skin condition which is characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is the most common of all skin disorders and is most often found on the face, neck, back, and chest. Almost everyone will develop acne, to some degree. Most people will get mild cases, some moderate, and a few people will get severe cases. Teens are not the only ones to get it. It generally affects those between the ages of 12 and 44.

Acne often starts at the onset of puberty, when the body increases its production of androgens, which are the male sex hormones. These hormones stimulate of sebum which is an oily skin lubricant. It this sebum is secreted faster than it can pass through the skin pores, a blemish develops. Most people get acne on their face, back, or chest, but it can also appear on other parts of the body, including the arms and thighs.

Factors that may contribute to acne include diet, hormonal imbalance, heredity, oily skin, menstrual cycles, stress, allergies, and the use of certain kinds of drugs. Along with the obvious physical symptoms of acne, there can be an emotional impact as well. One can experience embarrassment and anxiety about their appearance. This may lead to social withdrawal, depression, and mood changes.

In acne treatment, there is a difference between skin care and acne cure. Using astringent lotions, pads that remove oil, and medicated bar soaps can help keep the skin clean, but will probably not prevent you from having further acne problems. Prescription medications and lotions may help, but will most likely not cure you of acne. To actually cure acne, one needs to get to the core of the acne problem, not just mask its symptoms.

The largest organ of the body is the skin. One function is to help eliminate toxins from the body by sweating. When the liver and kidneys are unable to fully discharge body toxins, the skin then begins to help out. As toxins are released from the body via the skin, acne may be triggered. It is important to keep the skins pores clean and open, but acne may still result.

Curing your acne by natural treatment involves cleansing the skin from the inside. Balancing the natural testosterone and estrogen found in the male and female body gets to the source of the problem. When there is excess estrogen and excess testosterone, as is common in the teenage years, acne may result. Therefore, achieving hormonal balance will cure acne naturally, and have a longer-lasting effect. External acne treatments normally mask the symptoms and are more short term.

Following a natural acne treatment plan that involves balancing your hormones allows your body to heal itself from the inside and is more effective in the long run.

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Acne Skin Care Basics

Saturday, February 20th, 2010

When you have an acne outbreak, do you know how to take care of your skin? Unknowingly, many people tend to use acne skin care methods that aggravate their present condition further. Take for example the notion that a patient must seriously scrub his face to take away dirt. Is this the correct way for acne skin care? Not quite. Here’s the scoop.

First, it is important to understand the cause of acne before knowing what acne skin care measures to use. Acne is neither a direct resul of dirt or uncleanness. However, your acne problems worsen when dirt mixes with sebum and other skin debris to create a mixture which may settle in the pus of the pustules.

Medically speaking, acne is caused by many internal body factors such as a weak immune and digestive system, impaired internal detoxification system, and stress. Outside influences like weather elements, pollutants, humidity and the bacteria thriving on the human skin contribute to aggravate your acne. Ultimately, all these factors may not have effectively produced acne if it were not for the “P acnes”, which digest excess sebum. The effect results in inflammation, swelling and pain.

It is not easy to pin point the cause of acne on your own. It is best to solicit the help of a dermatologist to help you determine the cause of your acne and to recommend an appropriate acne treatment. Notwithstanding, there are a couple of tips on proper acne skin care that you should be aware of.

The first step to good acne skin care is to minimize the sebum production to a level to sustain normal skin. However, in most cases, to treat acne, more needs to be done.

If skin oiliness persist, it is best to keep the pores open. The principle behind this acne care is to release the clogs in the pores and wash them out. The only way to achieve this is to wash the face with extremely hot water. Repeat this procedure to help repel skin bacteria.

It is also recommended that you do not zealously wash your face with harsh scrubs or cleansers. By doing this, you may only aggravate the severity of your acne. Actually, washing your face gently two times a day is enough.

In terms of acne skin care products, choose the ones that work best best for you. Select the acne care product that gently clears away the oil and dirt without leaving your skin dry and irritated. In fact, ,mild acne care works best for all skin types. This will require some trials and consequently, some errors.

It is best to trust your dermatologist recommendation first. If his recommended product does not work, then shift to other acne skin care products. This way, you are experimenting with acne care products that may suit you best. It is important to note that during your first applications, use small amounts on a small area so that any damage is at best limited.

Also, avoid alcohol-based cleansers as these may only dry out your skin. Dry skin is more vulnerable to serious acne outbreaks. On the other hand, minimize the use of oil-based products as these in themselves may add up to the pre-existing oil content of the skin. At any rate, an acne patient must avoid applying cosmetics, however oil-free they may appear to be.

Proper acne skin care methods can go a long way to help you in your acne problems. Good diet and lifestyle habits are other measures that you can also adopt for better glowing skin. Good luck!

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Acne Skin Care

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Acne is the scourge of the teenage years and a source of great distress and embarrassment at an age when young people are most conscious of their appearance. Almost no teenager, or adult for that matter, is spared a prolonged period of acne problems.

Pubescent girls are generally affected to a more serious degree because of the hormonal upsurges associated with the onset of menstruation. Basically, acne is the result of increased hormonal activity, which causes excess oil production in the skins sebaceous glands. Unfortunately, the areas most affected by acne are those which are almost constantly visible with todays youthful fashion trends.

In extreme and far from rare cases, acne can lead to extensive and permanent scarring. Because of the emotional trauma attached to this disorder, it has assumed top priority status among problems that must be avoided at all costs, but this is easier said than done.

It has now been proved that oil-saturated foods, chocolate, poor skin hygiene and emotional upset actually play no role in acne occurrence at all, so there go a number of time-honored prevention targets. In fact, the most widely employed means of addressing the problem of acne camouflaging cosmetics are actually among the main acne aggravators. Many of them cause subtle skin changes that exacerbate acne occurrence. They can also cause the obstruction of the sebaceous glands, thereby preventing the free drainage of excessive oils. Often, this even applies to some of the so-called acne-prevention compounds.

While there is apparently very little an individual can do to prevent acne, there are now effective methods of treating it medically. However, for optimal results, these must necessarily be employed before serious disfigurement can take place. Since these treatments may involve hormone manipulation, they must take place under strict medical supervision.

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Acne Myths: Discover 9 Ugly Lies About Acne Causes and

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

Acne Myths: Discover 9 Ugly Lies About Acne Causes and Treatments

It’s unbelievable … What if I told you that most of the popular beliefs about acne, are in fact myths?

Lets take a look at some popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors …

Myth #1: Is it true that increased stress spreads acne?

Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the bodys creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

Myth #2: Acne is contagious, true or false?

Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.

Myth #3:Youll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone – myth or truth?

This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldnt be left alone to possibly worsen.

Myth #4: Being out in the sun helps acne, right?

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

Myth #5: Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?

Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your bodys oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Myth #6: Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?

False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

Myth #7: People with acne are dirty and dont wash enough.

Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Myth #8: Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldnt make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality?

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

Myth #9: OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne?

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

So there you have it … now that you are armed with this information you can do something to treat your acne condition. Why not visit Emily Clark’s website at http://www.faqon.com/acne.html now to get more helpful information and subscribe to her free newsletter.

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Acne at this Age? But Im no longer a teenager.

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Acne at this Age? But Im no longer a teenager.

Contrary to some myths about acne, pimples are not for only teens going through puberty and hormonal upheaval.

In spite of the fact that they may the highest percentage of the population that may have to cope with unsightly pimples, acne can affect just about anyone and speaking from personal experience, if left untreated or un-prevented, acne can be just as debilitating physically and emotionally on adults as it is for teens.

Actually, adult acne may even be more devastating since theres no excuse such
as its just puberty, you will outgrow it. I guess all the people who tried to console me as a teen, who sadly had to deal with acne till I was about 22, were wrong. They meant well, but were still wrong.

Now, adult acne plagues 25% of adult males and up to 50% of adult females, though it is often not recognized. Consequently, how to effectively control this predicament is obviously necessary.

Although, conventional treatments of acne for adults and teens are what a good deal of the population turns to, based on my experiences and dare I say common sense, what worked for me was and is a natural acne remedy.

Since treatment and control for adult acne does not differ drastically from that for teens, with drug-free healing, these simple steps could be used by anyone coping with acne problems.

1. First and foremost, I care not what some sites and product endorsers say about how diet doesnt affect acne; you have got to make a change in your eating habits, plain and simple. You are what you eat. If you want to have clearer skin and the added bonus of improved health, of course eating right will be essential. That said: Fruits and vegetables friends. Shop more in the produce aisle and steer clear of the snack stands at the cash register. Its worth the sacrifice and this forms the basis of an internal acne treatment right there from its root cause.

2. For external acne-care, you could learn such simple tips as facial massaging and exercises. However, (now Im speaking from what I went through and believe me I had acne BAD) simply washing your face with nothing but clean hands and plain cool water may perhaps be the most efficient way to clean the pores. Combined with the facial massaging and occasional steaming of the face, this will be very sufficient to clean the skin.

3. Change your pillowcases daily and make sure you have a towel exclusively for your face or you could employ the use of paper towels.

4. If you use greasy hair-products, shampoo the hair before retiring or at least use a clean do-rag to hinder the introduction of oily substances to the pillowcase and inevitably your face while asleep.

5. On that subject, try to also sleep on the right side. Besides checking against contaminations getting on the face, this is great for the heart and lungs and allows for a better and restful sleep (which co-incidentally helps with controlling acne.)

6. For males, when shaving, shave in the direction of the hair-growth (mostly downwards) and for an after-shave procedure, look into face massaging and occasional facial steaming as well.

7. For females-Avoiding the use of elaborate and inadvisable makeup regimens is advised. Besides, the clearer your skin becomes, you will see less of a need to have to spend time using make-up. Its safe to say most guys like you ladies- you knownatural.

8. Deal with stressful situations amicably. This is another topic into itself but briefly these work: Proper diet (factor #1), proper thinking habits and exercise. For stress, allow me to mention Yoga-dont have the space to explain why, but friends, with its sun-exercises and its derivative, Hindu push-ups, Yoga is awesome for stress-relief.

Adult Acne can be frustrating and embarrassing, but with the steps above, take it from a guy who went through it and doesnt anymore, you definitely will be on the path towards clearer skin.

So empower yourself with the use of these tips to be free from adult acne starting today.

In Friendship,

Foras Aje

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Acne: There are a lot of treatments to fight acne

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

Acne: There are a lot of treatments to fight acne

Acne is the most widespread skin disorder in the world, according to statistics. Experts spend a lot of time doing research to determine how acne forms and how it is eliminated. Different treatments, medicines, and products have been produced to help control and eliminate this skin disorder.

There exit about 7 different treatments that are used in prevention and elimination of acne. There are also much different products that use these treatments in one way or another.

Some of these acne treatments that help to reduce or eliminate acne problems are: Accutane, antibiotics, Benzoyl Peroxide, herbal remedies, Retin-A and Salicylic Acid, among others.

Accutane (Isotetinoin) is a powerful drug that is normally prescribed for severe acne in cases where other treatments have failed to work. It is normally taken for a 4-6-month period.

Antibiotics were designed to fight bacteria. These are used to control acne mainly from the inside. Some topical antibiotics (clindamycin) are applied directly to the skin. Other antibiotics (tetracycline) are in pill form.

Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti-bacterial agent that has been used to control acne for many years. It has been proven to work very well in the elimination and prevention of acne.

Herbal Remedies are a relative newcomer to mainstream acne fighting. It is thought that certain herbs are effective in regulating oil levels and other bodily functions that are part of acne.

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a combination of retinoic acid and vitamin A acid. It was designed to treat acne, sun damage, and wrinkles. It unplugs follicles and turnovers over dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid helps to slow down the shedding of cells inside the follicle and it is available in many treatments purchasable without a doctor’s prescription.

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Acne, The Bane Of High School

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

If you had acne problems, I feel sorry for you. I mean there is nothing worse than the social rejection suffered by those with less than average complexions. The especially sad part is that there was nothing that they could do to prevent it. And on top of that some people suffer from the indirect consequences of acne that can go with a person for the rest of his life.

Now because the problem is so important in so many ways it is easy to see why there has been so much effort put into learning about the problem and trying to solve it. There are a ton of different ways offered to cure acne and some are a lot more worthwhile than others. These cures range from spreading disgusting mixtures of organically produced potions to ultrasonic technology that “zaps” the gland that is producing the offending inflammation.

That is what acne is by the way, inflammation that starts deep down in the dermal layer, that attracts all sorts of different immune competent cells to make the pain, redness, swelling, and pus that you find with acnes. It would be great if we new what turned the “switch” on to this inflammation– but the fact is that we do not. We know that several factors bring it on, a major one being puberty and all of the changes especially the hormonal ones that start circulating through the body. Another major focus is the dirt and oil that get on your face during the day and that you grind in on your pillow at night that is clogging the pores and producing the crops of zits. Another think is the foods that we eat namely foods high in oils, sugars, and chocolate.

The trouble with all of these ideas is that as much as you work to change these factors the chances are that you will not get rid of the painful and unsightly red pus filled pimples. You can wash until the take off the first layer of skin but you won’t get rid of them all. You can also stop eating anything good, trying to avoid the foods that supposedly cause acne but if you have any success it will only be partial.

So obviously we haven’t found what is at the root of the problem but that doesn’t mean the effort isn’t there. So my recommendation at this point is to get a doctor that will take the time to get to understand who you are and what methods would be most effective for your particular strain of acne. They have access to the best training and information and they are in the best spot to start working with your individual case and hopefully make your life a lot better.

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About Acne: Getting the Most from Your Doctor

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Theres nothing trivial about having acne problems. If you are one of the millions that suffer from acne outbreaks, you know that it can be uncomfortable and even sometimes devastating to someone who is seriously afflicted. As you consider treatment options, you may want the professional help of a physician or dermatologist. These highly trained specialists can be invaluable in helping you achieve clear skin again. While they are not magicians who can make your acne disappear overnight, they can be essential in diagnosing and treating you so that you dont have to suffer any longer than necessary.

It is important to remember a few things when visiting a skin care specialist. Because there are so many people in the world that suffer from acne outbreaks, dermatologists are often very busy with lots of clients. Dont let this vex you; a doctor is concerned about your condition and wants to help you. Here are some things that you can do to maximize your visit when you see them. Having effective doctor visits will help you overcome your acne sooner and also help you save money and time.

First, dont be afraid to ask questions about your condition. Remember, we are all different, so a treatment that is highly effective with one person is not necessarily what is going to work for you. Knowledge about the particulars of your condition will help you better understand the condition you are trying to overcome. You may even want to write down any specific questions you may have to make sure you cover all the topics you want to know about.

The most important aspect of having an effective doctor visit is good communication. By keeping some facts or aspects about your condition from the dermatologist, you are only hurting yourself by giving them an incomplete knowledge of the facts. The doctor can only base his diagnosis on what you have told him, so try to be thorough with the details about your acne. Tell them how long your acne has been affecting you, what other treatments youve attempted to do before, what worsens your condition, and any other factors that you think may apply. Tell them how your acne is affecting you emotionally and socially, as mental health is synonymous with your physical health.

Once your doctor and you have discussed your condition, make sure that you fully understand what they will be doing in regards to your treatment. Be sure to understand the correct way to apply the treatment, how long the treatment will last, and how long it will be before you begin to see results. Also, be sure and find out if there are any side effects that go along with the use of the treatment; this will help you be better prepared for any occurrences or problems that may arise. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor and discuss what the status of your condition should be when you return. If you are knowledgeable about the treatment and looking for the desired results, you will know sooner whether your current method is working or not.

Remember that there are many treatments available that work better or worse for different people. Dont be discouraged if the first method you try does not attain the desired results. Be patient and work with your doctor and you will soon be able to find the most effective treatment that is right for you.

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