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The Truth About Acne Skin Care

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

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 doesnt 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 dont scrub away the offending dirt; you cant 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 doesnt 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
- wont 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 (wont 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.

Tags: Acne Medicine, Acne Medicines, Acne Problem, Acne Remedy, Acne Scars, Acne Skin Care, Acne Treatment, Acne Treatments, Cleansing Skin, Facial Cleansers, Flare Ups, Jot Down, Moderate Acne, Patient Leaflet, Pore Cleaners, Pore Cleansers, Severe Acne, Skin Cleansers, Treatment Protocol, Treatment Regimen

The Stubborn Truth About Acne

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Have you ever washed your face more than twice a day to clear up your skin? Do you avoid chocolate and greasy foods in the hopes that when you look in the mirror, you wont see another blemish? Have you ever drank more water, or avoided or increased your exercise to prevent acne flare-ups? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, youre not alone.

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders affecting nearly 85 percent of all people. While the variety of effective acne treatments continues to grow, so does the number of myths about how to control the condition.

Although new acne treatments are developed every day, a cure for acne has not yet been discovered. As such, many patients choose to self-treat or experiment with unconventional treatments, stated by a doctor. Yet many of these treatments are based on anecdotal observations and have not been rigorously tested by science. The survey indicates that these myths are still affecting how patients care for their acne.

Myth: Poor Hygiene Worsens Acne

The relationship between face washing and acne has always been greatly misunderstood, with most individuals believing that dirt and poor hygiene contribute to acne. In fact, a recent survey conducted at Stanford University asked participants about what they thought made acne worsen, and the majority, 91 percent, mentioned poor hygiene. If a patient believes that dirty skin causes acne, they logically conclude that washing their face more often will improve their acne, said by a doctor. But dermatologists caution patients against washing too often, as the resulting irritation can exacerbate their acne.

To determine the scientific validity of this myth, the effects of face washing on acne were recently studied at Stanford University. A group of twenty-four males washed their faces twice a day for two weeks using a mild over-the-counter facial cleanser. Then the participants were randomly selected to wash their faces either once, twice or four times a day for another six weeks. The study found that washing the face either once, twice or four times daily did not significantly change the appearance or condition of acne, and determined that the positive effects of increased facial cleansing are minimal at best. Dermatologists continue to recommend washing the face twice daily to maintain good overall skin health.

Myths: Exercise Can Clear Acne or Exercise Can Worsen Acne

The relationship between acne and exercise continues to show high levels of individual variability. Some believe that exercise and sweating can help clean out the pores, especially on the chest and back; while others note that their skin worsens when they exercise, especially those who use special equipment that rubs against their skin.

In another study conducted at Stanford University of patients with acne, it was determined that exercise-induced sweat does not have a significant positive or negative influence on acne of the chest and back. Twenty-three male participants were assigned to three groups: no exercise, regular exercise
followed by immediate showering and regular exercise followed by delayed showering. The number of acne lesions on the chest and back were counted over a two week period and no difference was noted between the three groups. Based on the finding of this study, regular exercise can be encouraged for patients with acne, stated Dr. Boer Kimball. But they should avoid tight-fitting clothing and equipment. If tight-fitting equipment is required, it should be cleaned on a regular basis.

Other Acne Myths

While misconceptions about facial hygiene and exercise are still the most commonly recognized acne beliefs, the Stanford survey also found that respondents believed that poor diet and decreased sleep can negatively affect acne. In addition, more than 80 percent of participants believed that increased stress, touching the face and popping pimples exacerbated the condition. Among male and female participants, the only differences noted were that more females believed that increased stress could worsen acne and that drinking more water would improve the quality of their skin. The study also found that some beliefs that were previously popular about acne were no longer viewed as true, including the idea that tanning improves the appearance of acne.

What this survey and these studies have shown is that substantial differences still exist between popular belief and scientific support, yet this does not change the way patients attempt to care for their acne, stated by a doctor. It is important for anyone who is affected by acne to seek the help of a dermatologist who can diagnose and provide treatment options that are specific to the patients skin type to effectively address the condition.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

Tags: Acne, Anecdotal Observations, Blemish, Common Skin Disorders, Cure Acne, Cure For Acne, Dermatologists, Dirty Skin, Facial Cleanser, Flare Ups, Greasy Foods, Myth, Myths, New Acne Treatments, Poor Hygiene, Stanford University, Survey Indicates That, Unconventional Treatments, Ups, Validity

Pregnancy and Acne Treatment

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

Do you ever see all those Clearasil or Oxy 10 commercials with the completely blemish free teenagers smiling broadly and telling you about how their perfect complexions were a result of the use of that product? It doesnt seem like these over-the-counter and massively available acne solutions could be of any threat to anybody, but if youre a pregnant woman, you should be aware of a few things. There are many acne treatments that are available and safe to use during pregnancy, many of them natural and available right in the home. On the other hand, many manufactured products should be avoided during pregnancy.

It should be noted first that some acne during pregnancy is fairly common among women. During the first trimester, as the body prepares itself to provide for two, hormone levels increase and cause a rise in the bodys oil production. The result is acne flare-ups. The good news is that this usually clears up by the second trimester as the body begins to plateau in hormone levels.

The two most common ingredients found in the majority of most acne treatments are Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. It has been tested and determined that benzoyl peroxide is safe for women to use during pregnancy. However, it has also been determined that salicylic acid that is taken orally, such as a pill, has been known to cause some birth defects and may complicate pregnancy. Women must be careful when selecting a product to use, as a product that contains benzoyl peroxide will often contain salicylic acid as well.

So what about a topical application of salicylic acid? It has not been proven that it will cause birth defects or pregnancy complications, but as a pregnant woman that knows now that salicylic acid taken orally is potentially harmful, do you really want to run that risk? Some acne treatment products that doctors have recommended pregnant women should avoid are retinoid, oral retinoid, and Accutane. Retinoid is a form of Vitamin A that can cause birth defects in unborn children. There is no evidence that retinoid taken topically is harmful, but again, why run that risk?

For the desperate new mother that is trying to treat her skin, there are a variety of safe and natural ways to fight off acne. Of course, before women begin any new treatment they should consult their physician or obstetrician. Some products that mothers can safely use topically are Echinacea, lavender essential oil, and tea tree oil. But there are also even easier things one can do to control their outbreaks. Keeping your skin clean by washing with soap and rinsing with warm water to rinse off any remaining soap that may stay and cause block-ups or break-outs is one of the easiest things to do for extra care. After your face is washed and rinsed, avoid picking or popping blemishes to prevent scarring. It should also be mentioned that diet plays an important part in controlling acne. A high fruit and vegetable ratio in a womans diet should be maintained throughout pregnancy to not only help keep acne more clear, but also for the babys proper growth and development. Apples and blueberries are both rich in antioxidants, making them very good fruits to consume for the prevention of future outbreaks.

There are also a number of household treatments available. A mask of warm oatmeal cooked without additional ingredients in it and applied to the face for about 15-20 minutes may begin to clear up blemishes in as little as a few days. A lemon that has been cut in half and put on acne is another possibility. Uncooked natural oatmeal, garlic, olive oil, mashed potatoes, and even warm sugar water are ways to fight blemishes and prevent new ones from forming again.

So mothers, if you find yourself going through those frustrating outbreaks during your pregnancy period, have a little patience, try to go natural, eat a healthy diet of low-fat and preservative-free foods, and stay away from all those manufactured products that claim to clear your face up in five days or less.

Tags: Accutane, Acne During Pregnancy, Acne Solutions, Acne Treatment, Acne Treatment Products, Acne Treatments, Benzoyl Peroxide, Clearasil, Complexions, First Trimester, Flare Ups, Free Teenagers, Hormone Levels, Oxy 10, Pregnancy Complications, Pregnancy Women, Pregnant Woman, Salicylic Acid, Second Trimester, Topical Application

How To Get Rid Of Acne: 3 Steps Toward A

Friday, May 28th, 2010

How To Get Rid Of Acne: 3 Steps Toward A Fair Complexion

There are many types of acne, but the most common form occurs during the teenage years when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria as well. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as pimples, the symptom most commonly associated with acne.

Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and severe cases can lead to social alienation, or emotional and physical scars. Although mild acne can not be entirely prevented, you can take three steps to minimize its impact.

Gently Cleanse Your Skin: Each day, gently wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard or washing it too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Apply Topical Ointments: At least once daily, but no more than three times a day, apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unplug clogged pores, while salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes by causing the top layer of skin to peel. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acid are also desirable. However, remember that if you use a product too often, your acne can get worse. So confine your applications to less than three times per day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Avoid the Following: Make sure to avoid the following acts which can trigger acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, the wearing of tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, excess stress, constant touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair hanging in your face, or the use of hair care products that contain oils. Also avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples can result in an infection and/or long-term scaring.

While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne by their early-twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps part of your daily routine, and you should be able to control your acne. However, those with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.

Tags: Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, Clogged Pores, Dead Cells, Excess Oil, Fair Complexion, Flare Ups, Hair Care Products, Hormone Levels, How To Get Rid Of Acne, Lukewarm Water, Physical Scars, Problematic Areas, Salicylic Acid, Skin Glands, Social Alienation, Tea Tree Oil, Topical Ointment, Topical Ointments, Trap Bacteria

Do you have Rosacea? How to diagnose this chronic skin

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Do you have Rosacea? How to diagnose this chronic skin condition.

If you suffer from a red complexion, flushing or blushing, a red nose and cheeks and dry, flaky skin with pimples, you probably suffer from the chronic skin condition rosacea. Formerly known as acne rosacea, rosacea is more common in women than men, although men often have more severe symptoms. Most people who have rosacea are fair-skinned, fair-haired and blue-eyed, although it is also seen more rarely in dark-skinned people. The disease affects at least 14 million people in the United States of America, typically between 20 and 50 years of age.

The main symptoms of the skin condition are:

- a burning or tingling sensation
- a persistant redness after blushing or flushing
- pimples, papules or pustules on the face
- tiny visible blood vessels under the skin
- thickening of skin, especially around the nose area
- gritty, uncomfortable eyes (ocular rosacea)

The true cause of rosacea is not really known but certain factors are known to aggravate the condition. Sufferers should avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, such as the sun, the cold and wind. Sun avoidance is particularly important, and sun screens, hats and parasols are useful ways to avoid sun-related flare-ups. Alcohol and hot drinks and food are also known to excacerbate rosacea, as is exercising in hot temperatures and hot showers, baths, steam rooms and saunas. Loofahs, rough towels, exfoliators, astringents and cosmetics with perfumes and many additives should also be avoided. Gentle perfume-free cover-up cosmetics can help disguise a flare-up and reduce the psychological and social effects of rosacea.

Rosacea is a condition that is controlled rather than cured and many people find that keeping a diary helps them to pin-point their own triggers. Keeping cool, drinking water to stay hydrated and using natural gentle skin care products go a long way to controlling this chronic condition.

You should, of course, consult your dermatologist for advice about prescription creams and other procedures that may be available to relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Generally, rosacea treatment is aimed at the control of redness, inflammation and skin eruptions, and this treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the skin.

If he decides that you do have rosacea, a dermatologist will often prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics and the use of antibiotic gel as initial treatment. The oral antibiotics will reduce the redness and reduce the pustules, then the topical gel may help to keep the symptoms under control. The dermatologist will also be able to help a patient look at lifestyle factors to help control the rosacea in the future.

Steroids are also often prescribed for rosacea because they appear to relieve the symptoms quickly, but sufferers should be aware that topical steroids are thought to make the symptoms worse longterm. The steroids dilate the blood vessels in the face and thin the skin and dermis by breaking down elastin and collagen in the skin’s structure. Topical steroids have actually been thought to cause rosacea in the first place in some instances.

Tags: Acne Rosacea, Astringents, Chronic Condition, Chronic Skin Condition, Dry Flaky Skin, Extreme Temperatures, Flare Ups, Gentle Skin Care, Hot Showers, Keeping A Diary, Nose Area, Papules, Pustules, Red Complexion, Skin Care Products, Steam Rooms, Sun Avoidance, Sun Screens, Tingling Sensation, Visible Blood Vessels

Acne Treatments with the Use of Birth Control Pills and

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Acne Treatments with the Use of Birth Control Pills and Antibiotics

Acne / Birth Control Pill

For some female patients, treatment-resistant acne is caused by excessive production of hormones called androgens. With extra androgens in your system, your oil-producing glands go into high gear and so does your acne. Several clues can help your doctor identify acne that may be influenced by hormones: acne that appears in adults for the first time; acne flare-ups preceding the menstrual cycle; irregular menstrual cycles; hirsutism (excessive growth of hair or hair in unusual places); and elevated levels of certain androgens in the blood stream.

Adult women and teenage girls whose acne has resisted treatment with antibiotics or topical retinoids may be candidates for hormonal therapy. Once a patients acne is identified as hormonally influenced, the doctor will be able to prescribe a number of different therapies, or perhaps a combination of several different drugs; “combination therapy” is often the best approach to this kind of acne. Following are a few common components of therapy for hormonal acne, but remember to consult your doctor before using any of the remedies listed here.

Acne / Birth Control Pill – Oral contraceptives. Birth-control pills (a combination of estrogen and progestin taken orally) are often prescribed for hormonal acne. Low doses of estrogen help suppress the androgens produced by the ovaries, and the newer progestin agents, including desogestrel and norgestimate, are less androgenic than those found in older formulations. While only Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estro-Step are currently approved by the FDA for this indication, experts agree that low-dose contraceptives improve acne regardless of which formula is used. Consult your gynecologist to find the formula thats right for you. While side effects are uncommon, some women may experience brownish blotches, or melasma (hyperpigmentation) on the skin. These can be treated with topical bleaching agents.

Acne / Birth Control Pill – Anti-androgens. In combination with oral contraceptives, doctors also may prescribe an anti-androgen ; these drugs inhibit androgen production in the ovaries and adrenal glands and help prevent existing androgens from causing excessive oil production. Spironolactone, a high blood pressure medicine with anti-androgenic properties, has proven quite effective in the treatment of acne. Side effects may include breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities (in women not using oral contraceptives), headache and fatigue; since it’s also a diuretic, you may experience frequent urination as well.

NOTE: Spiranolactone is tetrogenic and can cause feminization of a male fetus. If you are sexually active and not taking the pill, its imperative that you use another form of birth control.

Acne / Birth Control Pill – Corticosteroids. Small doses of corticosteroids, like prednisone or dexamethasone, may curb inflammation and suppress the androgens produced by the adrenal glands. Keep in mind that in some acne sufferers, corticosteroids may actually aggravate acne; theyre most effective when used in combination with oral contraceptives.

In conclusion, if you think your acne is hormonally induced, see your doctor right away. While this kind of acne requires a different course of treatment, it is highly treatable. More about your hormones.

For patients who suffer from moderate to severe acne, doctors may prescribe a combination of topical remedies and oral antibiotics. The most common oral medications used to treat acne are tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline and erythromycin.

Antibiotics for Acne – HOW THEY WORK

Like Benzoyl Peroxide, antibiotics control breakouts by curbing the bodys production of
P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and decreasing inflammation. This process may take several weeks or months, so be patient. And remember, youre not cured just because your breakouts have subsided. Thats the medicine doing its job so if you stop taking it, your acne will probably come back. Likewise, doubling up on your medication wont make your skin clear up twice as fast. Using your topical antibiotics more frequently than prescribed may actually induce greater follicular irritation and plugging, which slows clearing time. And taking your oral medications more often than prescribed wont help your skin clear faster but it will increase your chance of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

Antibiotics for Acne – WHERE TO GET THEM

If you have moderate to severe acne, consult your dermatologist; he or she will discuss your options and help you make the best choice. Once youve begun treatment, give it time to start working. Keep your doctor apprised of your progress, so he or she can make changes to the course of treatment if necessary. And again, dont stop using your medication when your skin clears let your doctor make that call.

Antibiotics for Acne – COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

With most of the antibiotics used to treat acne, side effects may include photosensitivity (higher risk of sunburn), upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, hives, lupus-like symptoms and skin discoloration. Some women report a higher incidence of vaginal yeast infection while taking antibiotics; these can usually be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medication or a prescription antifungal, such as diflucan. Tetracycline is not given to pregnant women or children under 12 years of age because it can discolor developing teeth. Lastly (and least common), because doxycycline is also the treatment of choice for Lyme disease, there is the theoretical possibility that a patient who takes this medication for a long period of time would build a resistance, and therefore be unable to fight Lyme.

Tags: Acne Treatments, Adult Women, Birth Control Pill, Birth Control Pills, Birth Control Pills And Antibiotics, Blood Stream, Blotches, Combination Therapy, Contraceptives Birth Control, Desogestrel, Excessive Growth, Excessive Production, Flare Ups, Gynecologist, Hyperpigmentation, Irregular Menstrual Cycles, Norgestimate, Oral Contraceptives, Ortho Tri Cyclen, Topical Retinoids

Acne Treatment- What Is Sebum

Friday, March 12th, 2010

Sebum is part of the oil that is found on the surface of the skin. Other ingredients of the oil on the skin are- sweat, lipids and environmental dirt. It is sebum, which contributes a lot to our body odor. Sebum itself is odorless but its bacterial disintegration produces odor. That is why if you keep your skin clean of bacteria with anti bacterial soaps regularly, you can reduce body odor to a great extent. Sebum reaches hair follicles
and coats the hair and also reaches the skin through the hair follicles. Many people experience oily hair if hair is left unwashed for few days. That happens because of sebum. The Latin meaning of sebum is fat.

How sebum is produced- sebum is produced by sebaceous glands. These glands are found on most parts of the body. Except few, most sebaceous glands open into a hair follicle. These are the sites of acne formation.

What does sebum do- sebum protects skin from bacterial infection. Sebum also reduces the natural water loss of body from the skin. Increased sebum production can cause acne.

Sebum production- sebum production decreases with age. Particularly in women it reduces after menopause. Adult females produce less sebum than men. Sebum production may experience jump at the time of puberty in men.

There are some common theories about sebum. Some people believe that drying excess sebum with blotting oils will reduce sebum production. Some believe that if you use products supposed to control oil production that will increase sebum production. Both are wrong conclusions. Drying excess oil will only remove surface oil. And using oil control products will not increase sebum production. Sebum is required to protect our skin, but increased production of sebum leads to oily skin and frequent acne flare-ups.

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.

Tags: Acne Treatment, Adult Females, Bacterial Infection, Body Odor, Disintegration, Excess Oil, Excess Sebum, Flare Ups, Hair Follicle, Hair Follicles, Informative Purposes, Medical Concerns, Natural Water, Oil Control, Oily Hair, Oily Skin, Professional Medical Advice, Sebaceous Glands, Surface Oil, Water Loss

Acne Rosacea Treatment

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

Acne rosacea is a chronic disease that affects mainly the facial skin, characterized by flare-ups and remissions. It generally begins over the age of thirty on cheeks, nose, chin or forehead, but sometimes can occur on the chest, neck, scalp or ears too. If untreated, pimples often develop and in most severe cases th nose grows swollen and bumpy due to excess tissue. In many cases, it acne rosacea also affects the eyes, which feel irritated and look watery and bloodshot.

Even though anyone can suffer from it, people with fair skin who flush or blush easily are prone to develop rosacea. It is more common in women than men, but men tend to develop more severe forms. There is no cure for acne rosacea, but medical therapy helps keeping it under control and reversing the symptoms. If you suspect you have rosacea, you should consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

What Are The Main Symptoms?

Acne rosacea symptoms vary widely from one individual to another and generally only some of the potential sign appear. Experts claim that it always includes one of the following primary symptoms:

* Flushing
* Persistent Redness
* Bumps and Pimples
* Visible Blood Vessels

Acne Rosacea Treatment

As signs and symptoms vary widely from one sufferer to another, acne rosacea treatment should be tailored by a dermatologist for each particular case. Dermatologists can prescribe various oral and topical treatments to cure pimples and redness associated with the disease. Generally, the initial treatment consists of oral antibiotics combined with topical treatment to bring the condition under control, followed by long-term topical treatment to maintain it. In some cases, laser or intense pulsed light therapy are used for acne rosacea treatment, in order to reduce redness, remove visible blood vessels and correct nose disfigurement. Ocular rosacea is usually treated with antibiotics.

Skin Care

Individuals who suffer from acne rosacea should consult their dermatologist to make sure the skin care treatment they are using is suitable for their condition. Patients are usually advised to use mild and non-abrasive cleaners to wash their face, rinse it with warm water and blot it dry using a soft cotton towel. They should only use non-irritating products and use a sunscreen with an SPF of minimum 15 to protect their skin from sunlight.

If you have acne rosacea, you may use cosmetics to conceal the effects. Green tinted, followed by a skin-tone foundation in natural yellow tones can be used to conceal redness. Makeup with ping or orange hues should be avoided.

Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is also part of the whole acne rosacea treatment and it can help you maintain remission and avoid the external factors that cause flare ups or aggravate your skin condition. Here are some of the things you should do:

* Avoid hot drinks, lots of coffee, spicy foods and alcohol. Although most people think acne rosacea is linked to alcoholism, it can also affect someone who doesn’t drink at all.
* Practice a good sun protection and avoid extremely high or low temperatures.
* Avoid aggressive behavior against your face, such as rubbing or scrubbing, as it can irritate the reddened skin.
* Work out only in cool environments and do not overheat.
* Avoid cosmetics and skin-care products that irritate your skin and use hair sprays properly.
* Try keeping a diary of all flushing episodes and write down what foods, products, medications ore activities are they associated with.

Even though the causes are still unknown and there is no acne rosacea treatment that can ensure you got rid of it forever, there are a lot of things that do help. Consulting a dermatologist and getting the right treatment, as well as following these lifestyle guidelines, can decrease the risk of pustules and redness and help you keep the situation under control.

Tags: Acne Rosacea Treatment, Acne Treatment, Chest Neck, Cure For Acne, Dermatologist, Excess Tissue, Facial Skin, Flare Ups, Initial Treatment, Intense Pulsed Light, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy, Medical Therapy, Ocular Rosacea, Oral Antibiotics, Pimples, Rosacea Symptoms, Topical Treatment, Topical Treatments, Ups, Visible Blood Vessels

Acne Medication From Your Dermotologist

Friday, January 15th, 2010

You may decide that your acne problem is serious and wish to consult a dermatologist. Before visiting a dermatologist for the first time, it is good to know what to expect especially in the type of acne medication that he or she is likely to prescribe.

While seeking treatment, your dermatologist may prescribe you with more than one type of acne medication. This can be normal as acne is usually assessed on a-case-by-case basis. Therefore, acne medications that work for another does not necessarily imply that it will also work for you. Depending on the seriousness of your acne problem, your dermatologist may be prescribing you with a topical acne medication and/or a systematic approach to reduce the cases of flare-ups and inflammations.

A topical acne medication treatment is one that is applied on the skin surface. It can come in different forms; for example, lotions, gels, soaps and creams. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in the majority of acne medications as it helps in slowing down the activities of the oil glands in producing skin oil called “sebum”. However, continued use of this acne medication may cause the skin to dry and crack up plus a possible irritation and burning sensation may be felt. But this can be resolved pretty easily through minimizing the level of usage of benzoyl peroxide.

It is important that this product is used over the infected area, not just directly to one or two individual pimples. Smearing and flaking are likely to carry the infection to other parts of the skin, like the back, shoulders and neck. So you have to be careful, when you apply this product.

Retin A, a derivative of Vitamin A is not a topical acne medication but it is noted to show great effects on the growth of acne. It works by drying the skin thus preventing new pimples form developing. However, it is suggested that if you should use this, you must at all times, stay away from the sun as this may only aggravate the skin condition.

Meanwhile, systematic acne medication is one that is taken internally to combat acne. It usually comes in the form of antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that you may use will depend largely on the severity of the case and your skin type. At times, you may be prescribed to use small amounts of antibiotic contents like that in Bacitracyn and many over the counter acne medications.

On the average, these acne medications may take six to eight weeks before significant developments take effect.

In certain cases, your dermatologist may prescribe you with hormonal acne medication reatment. The principle in most hormonal treatments is to control the release of hormones such as androgens and testosterone. This happens when the dermatologist decides that hormone imbalances is the cause of your acne.

Of course, it is always best to get a professional and qualified skin specialist or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. Choose one that comes highly recommended by your friends and relatives. Spend time to search for a good dermatologist.

Tags: Acne, Acne Medication, Acne Medications, Acne Problem, Acne Treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide, Burning Sensation, Case Basis, Dermatologist, Dermotologist, Flare Ups, Medication Treatment, Oil Glands, Pimples, Seriousness, Skin Condition, Skin Oil, Skin Surface, Smearing, Systematic Approach

Acne – Quick Tips

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Quick Acne Tips 1: Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin; however, they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

Quick Acne Tips 2: If a non-electric razor is your choice, a single-edged blade is actually better. Why? Because double- and triple-edged blades grab hair follicles and pull them out from below the epidermis. And in the process, your skin “heals itself” by closing over these holes, making it difficult for future hair follicles to grow outward – creating inflammation in the tight areas.

Quick Acne Tips 3: Thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or soaked up into your pores.

Quick Acne Tips 4: Cosmetics – To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

Quick Acne Tips 5: More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.

Quick Acne Tips 6: Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during workouts; especially watch hair gels and mousses so that they don’t cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing fragrance and scented cosmetics, too, and opt for “hypo-allergenic” or “fragrance-free” versions where possible to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an ear is recommended).

Tags: Coal Tar Derivatives, Edged Blade, Electric Razor, Electric Razors, Eye Creams, Facial Areas, Flaky Mineral, Flare Ups, Hair Follicles, Hair Gels, Hair Styling Products, Heavy Cream, High Gloss, Lip Gloss, Matte Finish, Preventative Measures, Skin Breakouts, Skin Irritations, Tight Areas, Ups

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