Acne Treatments: Don’t Settle For Dry Skin

Filed Under (Acne) by Amy Nutt on 05-09-2008

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by Amy Nutt

Acne is a common skin condition that often flares up during puberty. Hormonal changes, Vitamin A deficiencies, bacteria and other factors can cause this irritating problem.

Two of the biggest issues with acne are the overproduction of sebum (the oily substance that blocks the pores and leaves the skin feeling greasy) and the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium causes inflammation and produces enzymes that break down the sebum into an irritating substance. The result is red, swollen skin and ugly pimples.

By targeting the main components of acne breakouts you can drastically improve the look and feel of your skin. However, while there are a number of treatments aimed at disinfecting and clearing your skin, many of them also leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. That is why it is important to choose your acne treatment carefully.

The Problem With Acne Treatments

Many acne treatments are designed to dry up the excess oil (sebum) on your face and kill the bacteria that cause the inflammation. While this sounds good, the treatments often only target the top layer of skin, leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable. On an already irritated face this has the potential to cause other problems. A better choice is to treat the issues using products that will leave the skin feeling moisturized without clogging the pores or adding excess oil.

Skin Care Routine

The best thing you can do for your skin if you suffer from acne is to develop an ongoing skin care routine. Two products that will help with this are: Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Gel. - Wash your face with a 5% Tea Tree Oil solution (5ml Tea Tree Oil in 95 ml of water) to kill those nasty bacteria and to dry up any excess sebum (oil). Gently pat your skin dry and then apply an Aloe Vera Gel designed for use on the face. The Aloe Vera will sooth and moisturize the skin without clogging pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and will aid in healing acne scars. Do this twice daily. Once in the morning and once before bed. - Invest in regular acne facials. Proper acne facials will help clear clogged pores and add much needed moisture back to your face. They also have the added side effect of reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

What Is An Acne Facial?

Acne facials are a step-by-step procedure that can be done at home or by an experienced esthetician in a spa or treatment facility. You can buy acne facial kits through health stores and online.

Acne facials usually involve a three-stage process: - First: The skin is thoroughly cleansed. - Second: A steam massage loosens the blackheads and whiteheads and softens the skin to prepare for the removal of toxins. - Third: A soothing facial mask is applied to draw out any remaining dead skin and pore clogging materials. This step also moisturizes leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh.

In a spa environment the esthetician will work on your skin during the process and may perform extractions (manually unblocking pores and clearing impactions) and use a fingertip facial massage to relax and release stress. Stress is known to be a major contributor to acne outbreaks and so reducing your stress level can reduce your acne.

By using these natural remedies in an ongoing skin care routine, you can effectively treat the two main causes of acne without settling for dry, flaky skin. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne always talk to your dermatologist before starting new skin care regiments.

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Accutane Acne Treatment Is A Last Resort

Filed Under (Acne) by Jim Bolding on 04-09-2008

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by Jim Bolding

If your dermatologist has suggested accutane acne treatment for you don’t panic. He knows the dangers of accutane and has probably discussed all the options with you.

This article is a refresher on accutane acne medication just in case you want to review what you have probably told already. The product information sheet provided with accutane is really confusing.

Even though accutane acne medicine will cause adverse side effects it does have good effects. Number one is that it does cure acne. Within a few weeks of treatment your cystic acne will go away.

Accutane works by drying up the oil in the sebaceous gland that commonly blocks the pores and causes acne.

Accutane often will keep working for months or even years after you quit taking it, so if you are a good candidate you might want to try it. Lots of teens have benefited from Accutane, and adult acne sufferers also have experienced success!

The bad news about accutane medication can outweigh all these good qualities. It does have side effects. At the very least you can expect drying of the skin, nose and lips. It will also cause irritation of the eyelids and eyes. Taking a vitamin E supplement and using a moisturizer can alleviate these symptoms.

Birth defects are one of the biggest dangers of accutane medication. Women who are in their childbearing years probably shouldn’t consider accutane at all. At the very least extra precautions should be taken against becoming pregnant.

If you are female and your dermatologist prescribes accutane and you agree to the treatment you will be given a pregnancy test. You will also be required to sign a waiver that will release him from liability in case you do become pregnant.

The best course of action is to double or triple up on birth control - some physicians say a form of hormonal birth control (such as a patch, pill or shot) plus a spermicidal (foam, lubricant) plus a barrier (condom, etc) is the best way to go. This should give you an idea how serious it is!

There are some other adverse side effects of accutane including suicidal depression! You can also develop liver problems, hair loss, loss of some vision and headaches. You will be tested regularly for liver problems and should advise your doctor of any of the other symptoms.

Granted some of these adverse reactions are rare. They occur is less than 10% of patients. But you need to be aware of them before you agree to accutane acne treatment. Accutane is serious acne medicine!

Your dermatologist will prescribe accutane as a last resort because it is such a risk. Prescription medication in general has risks but accutane is especially risky.

There is an alternative to accutane!

Before you agree to taking accutane you should check out alternative treatments. There is a product available that is all natural, just as effective as accutane and has none of the side effects.

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Alternative Acne Treatments that Work

Filed Under (Acne) by David Warple on 15-08-2008

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by David Warple

The Chinese believe that heat and toxins flowing through the bloodstream are the cause of acne. Another belief is that poor digestion produces toxins which affect the skin resulting in acne. While there may be various theories as to the causes, there is general agreement that a number of alternative treatments may prevent or possibly cure acne.

The most rudimentary alternative treatment is simply maintaining a low-fat diet, taking the right vitamins, and taking care of your hygiene. In addition, calories from saturated fat should be extremely low due to the adverse effects that can damage body tissue and cause swelling. It has also been asserted that other foods can cause the body to retain heat, and that drinking coffee, using a lot of garlic, and eating spicy foods are things that should be steered clear of.

To maintain beautifully clear skin, an abundance of vitamin A should be ingested daily. The intake of zinc is also a crucial part of nutrients getting transported to the cells in you body. Menstruation can also be a factor in causing acne. If that happens, vitamin B-6 should be taken in order to help reinstate a normal metabolism. Diets high in fiber are also vital for having regular bowel movements. There is also reason to believe that acidophilus tablets will help regulate digestion.

Some alternative acne remedies must be applied to the skin. One such treatment is a honey facial in which uncooked honey is applied to the face, where it remains for five to ten minutes. This revitalizes the skin.

Another method of choice is tea tree oil, which is also applied directly on the skin. It is believed that this will prevent bacteria from growing on the skin.

Exfoliants are another option available for the treatment of acne and pimples. The various acids found in citrus fruits, which include alpha-hydroxyl, glycolic and lactic acids, have been thought to stop the build-up of dead skin cells. Mixing water and lemon juice, applying that mix to the face, and letting it dry for ten minutes, is one example of how this can be done. A greater amount of water should be used for those with sensitive skin so a “burning sensation” does not occur.

Herbalists often have their own favorite alternative acne treatments. Some suggest evening primrose oil or black current seed oil capsules. Others prefer the use of teas using herbs such as Echinacea or Goldenseal.

Exercise, as well as relaxation is important in the practice alternative treatments for acne. It is essential to ones well being that the body is at its peak level. Alternative acne treatments tend to be controversial, especially with doctors, but the success of them depends greatly on the person and the degree of severity of the acne they are suffering with.

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Effective Treatment of Retinol Acne

Filed Under (Acne) by Peter Kingston on 15-08-2008

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by Peter Kingston

Retinol acne is an extremely prevalent skin condition affecting many people globally but does not just affect the young. Whilst it is true that retinol acne will often become apparent during the formative years, many people do in fact find it a temporary condition although as many as nine in every ten people will suffer with at some point in their lives.

Our sebaceous glands produce oil called sebum which fouls up the hair follicles and contributes to retinol acne but this is not the only substance responsible. The oil clogged inside the pore, not on the outside of the skin is what makes a pimple although retinol acne is more of a contemporary problem and not a condition people in the past generally had to worry about.

Among the many causes of clogged pores are the use of makeup, everyday air particles and often a simple case of hormonal changes but while retinol acne is a part of life for many individuals, it can be effectively treated. Even out diet can play a part in the cause of retinol acne as much of our diet today is made up of unhealthy processed foods.

In more serious cases of retinol acne, some of the proprietary treatments may not be effective and it may be necessary to see a dermatologist. Having a dermatologist treat the condition is not such a bad idea as he or she will be able to better check on how well the treatment is he prescribed.

Cleanliness is important, especially beneath the fingernails where germs and bacteria can be found and infect the already sensitive skin condition by scratching.

Germs and bacteria are not normally seen by the naked eye so just because the fingernails look clean does not actually mean they are. It is for this very reason that anyone who suffers with retinol acne should not touch their retinol acne with their bare hands.

The chances of perfect skin are virtually zero and you are more likely to suffer with retinol acne if your parents also had the condition. By far the biggest reason for retinol acne is when a youth child enters into puberty and the change in hormone levels associated with that period.

When the condition is affecting the individual both physically and emotionally then this is a good time to take advice from a dermatologist. Please be aware that the information here is provides as a guide only and does not try to replace the professional guidance supplied by a professional about the condition and treatment of retinol acne.

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Selecting the Best Acne Remedy

Filed Under (Acne) by David Warple on 14-08-2008

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by David Warple

There is no one single treatment that will cure acne in most cases. This despite there being many available medical treatments. Normally, a person will undergo several different treatments prescribed by their doctor before finding the one that works.

Treating acne can prove rather difficult. This is because every case of acne differs per individual. Successful treatment is found only after a vast amount of experimentation and trial and error. For those searching for a quick-fix cure, this can prove frustrating. This is especially true for those with a stubborn strain of acne. It is beneficial to see a doctor or dermatologist with a lot of experience in treating acne, so they can lend their own professional experience.

Some things should never be done when dealing with acne. Acne affected skin should never be scrubbed. Irritation and inflammation will result, making healing more difficult due to increased numbers of pimples.

The treatments you receive will always be determined by your symptoms. The focus of treatment might include cleansing skin pores, using antibiotics to destroy bacteria, using drugs such as Accutane to reduce the oiliness of skin, regulating sweat glands with hormones or oral birth control medication.

The first thing that most physicians will prescribe is a topical cream. While this is not a cure, it may help reduce the symptoms of acne. An oral antibiotic may be added to the regimen if the topical cream does not prove to be effective on its own.

Benzoyl peroxide is the main ingredient found in many topical creams and while it is normally effective, it should be used sparingly. Using too much or using this medication over a long period of time can be a factor in premature aging of the skin.

Working with a trained professional that you trust is essential to the successful elimination to acne. Attempting to self-medicate or self-treat is also not advised. Only a doctor in an antiseptic environment should attempt pimple removal.

Being patient is also necessary. Acne does not clear up overnight, even in the best of cases. As a matter of fact, even after you find a treatment that works, your skin is likely to get worse prior to improving. Most of the time doctors recommend continuing a treatment for at least four to six weeks before you can expect to see results. You can expect to try several different treatments before finding the one that works for you, so don’t give up if the first one doesn’t work.

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Live Your Life Acne Free

Filed Under (Acne) by Marcel Stephenson on 14-08-2008

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by Marcel Stephenson

To live an acne free life may sound a bit overboard but getting control of acne is very important. Why is it important? Because it has probably been running and ruining your life up to now. If you have a very severe case you might want to see a dermatologist.

Most acne conditions do not have to actually involve the dermatologist. Sometimes the solutions are right under your nose. It’s really a matter of, knowing the enemy.

Oil, dirt and bacteria are the three main culprits that cause acne. Oil is somebody your body produces and bacteria is eliminated in the oil so dirt is the bad one. All these combined with dead skin cells will clog your pores and become inflamed.

All this results in acne, so invariably it is a reaction. When the pored become clogged and congested pimples form. Bacteria helps to spread the infection and you have a breakout.

The real problem is the overproduction of oil and bacteria, therefore getting rid of the dirt by washing is the easiest.

The excessive oil is mixed with the body’s bacteria to be eliminated from the body through the sweat. This is one of the reasons, that sweat has an odor to it. When everything becomes backed up, the acne is a result of this. So, controlling acne has a lot to do with keeping the skin’s pores unclogged of dead skin cells and external dirt.

The answer to the acne problem has more to do with “high end” maintenance. Taking care of and treating the acne area is essential, to eliminating the condition. You need to start pampering yourself.

This acne maintenance is very necessary and ongoing. In other words, it’s a job. But, it’s a job worth fighting acne about.

You will have to scrub with a defoliant scrub pad twice a day. This will help to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface. You also have to follow this up with a mild soap and soft cotton cloth 3 times a day to clean the acne area.

Only use all natural, mild treatments. You should never use harsh chemical products unless you have a sever case of acne. These chemicals are so harsh that they make the acne worse so read the labels before buying any treatment.

Acne is a condition that you treat from the outside, as well as the inside. Look at your dietary habits. If you find that you are having more acne breakouts, because of the foods you eat, then pay attention to what you are ingesting. Most junk foods will have a lot of chemical additives and preservatives that can cause allergic reactions, when they are processed in your system. Most processed foods will have some of these chemicals.

Most processed foods have additives and preservatives, these could cause an allergic reaction whice your body is processing them. Pay attention to the food you eat, especially junk food, because you may find that after eating these that they cause you to have a break out. Watch your food habits, because acne should not only be treated from the outside, but also from the inside.

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