10/05/2007

Acne Prevention � Stop Acne Before It Happens!


A natural cure for acne will be one that has products in it that are not man made but naturally occurring in the world. These products can be virtually anything as long as they are non toxic to the body. Many natural acne skin care products are the best for your body as the body already knows how to work with these natural substances and therefore can be better suited for you.

Now that B5 has become more popular, there is some debate over just what is the best way to take the vitamin in order to maximize effectiveness and decrease the chances of side effects. The possible side effects for B5 are mild compared to other acne treatments, but include stomach irritation and diarrhea.

Makeup conceals acne, it doesn't cure it! But you already knew that, right? Using makeup to conceal acne isn't difficult, but there are some basic rules that you should always follow. Your three acne hiding weapons will be a concealer, a foundation and a finishing powder. Stay away from the dollar store and use only brand names that you can trust. Choose only oil-free makeup products that match your skin tone. Oil-free is the key to success here so read the labels carefully. You don't want to aggravate your existing acne problem by layering a fresh coat of oil on skin that already has too much to begin with. Choose a hypoallergenic brand while you're at it.

Hormones during later years, especially for women, can play a role in acne cure and prevention for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or current treatments, prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Herbal Remedies: Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne. Here are a few natural herbal recipes to cure acne.

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective. Usually, the first signs of acne develop during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to rise. When hormone levels surge, the sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle, produce excess oil. This oil combined with dead skin cells and dirt becomes trapped within the skin's pores and acne develops. Since acne can be triggered by fluctuating hormone levels within the body, it stands to reason that acne can appear at the various 'stages' in life when hormone levels are changing such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It also makes sense that controlling hormone levels may help to reduce acne outbreaks. The use of birth control pills for the treatment of acne is an attempt to regulate hormones.

10/04/2007

Biological Remedy for Acne


How many different acne treatment remedies have you bought in the in the past few years that have not worked? Are you stuck using the same old light blue or yellow acne lotions in the aisle at your grocery store? There is an all natural acne cream that is making all others obsolete. Stop buying strong chemicals and agents that dry out your face and cure acne at home with a unique ingredient. A facial abscess from acne can be crippling. Facial acne problems are a punch line in jokes and movies. When afflicted with acne inflammation, everyone's first sentiment is to run to the pharmacy and buy the first lotion they can get their hands on. The problem with store bought treatments is that they can further abuse your skin. People are becoming more and more weary so now they use the web in search of homemade remedies for acne. Home Remedies for Acne Marks Because there is no difinitive acne cure for everyone, natural acne remedies flourish. Everywhere you look natural remedies for hyperpigmentation and acne control home remedies are right in front of you. Now the leading problem with all these skin remedies for acne is that there is no objective proof backing their claims. Someone can see results in their complexion and just post a home remedy for all to see. There is absolutely no guarantee these treatments will work for you. Toothpaste, some people contend, is not solely for your mouth. Thousands of acne sufferers all over the globe put toothpaste on their pimples at night in hopes of diminishing swelling. Another home remedy for acne entials mixing lime concentrate and rose water and applying it to the skin for about 30 minutes which 'should' treat acne and reduce acne scars. Does ice sound like it has a place in a review of natural homemade acne treatments? According to some individuals, applying ice before going to bed makes zits considerably less swollen in the morning. Vinegar, salt, ice, and lime extracts are not the best ingredients to fight acne inflammation. You do not cure acne from the produce aisle at the market. These are overnight home remedies for acne reduction. They center on reducing redness and zit size but they do not concentrate on the root cause of why the acne evolved in the first place. Would you rather address an existing breakout or prevent one from ever appearing? And I would think you want a solution that is medically proven, not just a myth. Cure Acne at HomeThere is an all natural acne solution that will remedy all your acne blemishes naturally. You can reduce existing pimples and prevent blemishes from developing using biological enzymes made fully in nature. The biological ingredient regulates the inflammatory response of the body by stimulating the innate immune system of the skin.When applied twice daily to clean skin, the acne remedy will: * moderate the innate inflammatory response and trigger cellular turnover in the skin matrix. * antimicrobial peptides in the natural skin care product neutralize microbes and make the skin surface anunpleasant place for breeding bacteria. * enhance cellular communication and signal your system that only a suitable response is necessary to foreign materials. Dead cells, destroyed by your own immune response, clog pores and make acne inflammation even more prevalent.* diffuses scar buildups and pore plugs. When topically applied to the skin, it stimulates renewal and healthy skin rebuilding. Acne inflammation is cured biologically from the inside out.

10/03/2007

Address Acne Pimples and Get Rid of Acne Scars Using a Biological Skin Renewal Cream.


Would you be surprised to know that all your skin care needs have been living in your garden for years? Are you fed up with driving to the grocery store and purchasing a light blue product that promises to eliminate acne? Many people fall prey to usual misconceptions concerning acne skin care treatment. A complete and balanced skin care product, generated completely in nature, is now available for everyone with disorders like rosacea to that left over acne scar.Do you crave that healthy complexion you had a couple months ago? Has your complexion been affected by acne zits? It is possible to care for your skin using an all natural cream that will help you prevent acne and at the same time, rejuvenate your appearance. You can have that spotless complexion again. Stop using a coarse acne medication and heal your breakouts with a unique ingredient.Address All your Acne Skin Care Needs Using a Cream Loaded With a Biological Skin Treatment. You can honestly alter the health of your skin by washing too much. Regular soaps do not prevent acne problems. In fact, excessive cleaning can eliminate vital natural oils that are critical for the overall well being of your skin. The acne pads you purchase in the pharmacy may help slough the superficial layer of skin, which can prevent pore clogs, but it will not help you avoid future acne problems. People looking for an effective treatment for acne need to be patient. There is no way that any acne treatment will solve your problem overnight. You should look for slow improvement in your skin, acne does not go away overnight. If you have oily skin and your acne problems endure, you can take prescription drugs. There are some very severe side effects associated with Accutane and other skin care treatments so be sure to talk with your dermatologist before starting a regimen of high powered acne drugs. There is a natural acne skin treatment on the market that functions better than any other acne topical lotion. It is a natural skin care cream that works in unison with your own skin cells to destroy hazardous bacteria on the skin, dissolve pore clogs, and promote regeneration of damaged tissues. It is truly a complete and balanced acne skin care product. A Biological Ingredient Can Help Treat Acne Breakouts and Renew Acne Scars from the Inside Out. When used on the skin consistently at least twice a day, the acne treatment will saturate into your own skin cells and:* curb the reaction of the immune system. The appropriate number of immune cells are emitted to discharge foreign matters, reducing the chances of acne inflammation.* antimicrobial peptides in the cream kill bacteria and make the skin an undesirable place for breeding bacteria.* elements found in the cream diffuse blockages and damaged tissues while provoking the production of new, healthy tissues.* trigger fibroblast proliferation in the damage site. This brings in fresh, flawless collagen and elastin fibers and help remodel acne scars left behind by acne breakouts.* saturate into the skin and boost cellular turnover.

10/02/2007

Do Not Waste Money On Acne Medicine


There are a number of vitamins and minerals that can be used to improve the look and condition of your skin. The mineral zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E, and B-complex vitamins like vitamin B6 are often used to support acne treatment, as these vitamins are very important for the health of your skin. Eating foods that are rich in sulphur may also be helpful as sulphur helps to cure acne. Garlic and onions both contain a good supply of sulphur. Your health care provider may also recommend that you avoid eating sugar, fried foods, or foods that have a high fat content. Also eliminate any sugar based carbonated beverages.

Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

There are basically four types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and nodules. Whiteheads are when the sebum (oil) and resulting bacteria are trapped below the skin's surface and you can actually see a white head appear above (or near popping out of) the skin. Blackheads are when the sebum and resulting bacteria are only partially trapped, slowly draining out the surface and turning black because of your skin's melanin or pigmentation. In the absence of either white or blackhead are generally (but not always) smaller pimples. And the often deeper, boil-like lesions are referred to as nodules.

Eye shadows, blush on, moisturizer, and other cosmetics we use should be free from oily substances to permit healthy acne skin care maintenance. Even hairstyling products in forms of gels or aerosols that come in close contact with the skin may destroy a healthy acne skin care practice. Choose hairstyling products, which are commercially labeled as non-comedogenic are products which do not provoke the formation and growth of blemishes and other related skin disorders.

There is a new form of EPA and DHA that is available in a product called Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) NKO is the new EPA and DHA product, which maybe better to use than Borage Oil. NKO has the omega-3, EPA and DHA in the phospholipid form, which is easier for your cells to absorb compared with Borage oil. Borage oil contains the omega-3, EPA, and DHA in triglyceride form, which is more difficult for cells to absorb. One other good property of NKO is that is does not have to be refrigerated like Borage. It can be kept in a cool place in your cabinets. However, it does cost more than Borage oil.

Lasers work by using various "soft pulsing light" wavelengths and intensities to help "reshape" scar tissue, making raised scars go down, and reducing the redness of the skin around healed acne postules. Home acne lasers actually emit a low, constant frequency of red light which helps to stimulate collagen, making scarring less visible, and helping to stimulate the healing of existing acne, and speed the whole recovery process.

10/01/2007

Acne - Natural Problem With a Natural Cure


The best choice for good acne skin care is to wear no makeup atall. But if you feel you must wear makeup, choose products labeled noncomedogenic -- that means they will not clog your pores. Be aware that these products may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Always remember that all acne products bought over the counter contain chemicals and can have disastrous results if used on the wrong skin types. Before embarking upon any treatment using these products it is important to read the label carefully and understand the risks involved. Your complexion is very delicate and any harmful results from inappropriate medications will decidedly show up. Certainly facial scarring is something to be avoided at all costs.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids work best for all types of skin, as a mild or strong cleanser, and for healing and preventing acne. AHAs are natural acids which come from fruits, milk sugars, and plants. Glycolic and lactic acids are the most frequently used in over the counter acne treatment products, and are the most well researched AHAs to date. AHAs gently peel away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. They make way for the newer skin beneath. Look for a product with a glycolic acid concentration between 8% and 10% and no other active ingredients. Side effects include more susceptibility to sunlight and minor skin irritation or blisters and burns. Few AHA products have FDA approval.

Once you understand the causes of acne, you will realize that you must develop a daily treatment system that remains consistent. There's no room for deviating here, and you're going to have to obtain quality cleansers that can remove deep stubborn blackheads. You will also need to find a good exfoliating cream to get rid of excess dead skin that can easily clog your pores, and a concentrated moisturizer.

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.

Adult acne can be caused by several things, one of which is mental stress. The body can react to stress by increasing the secretions of the skin's sebaceous glands or by releasing more hormones from the adrenal glands. Oils from the sebaceous glands can block pores, while a greater amount of hormones in the body can cause hormonal imbalance - both of which can give rise to acne flare-ups or exacerbate an existing acne condition.

9/30/2007

Why reading acne product reviews is a good idea.


If you're confronting some form of acne you should know that there are millions of people all over the world with the exact same problem. Acne is an inflammatory skin disease which usually appears in your teens because of abnormal hormone levels. However, the persistence of acne during adulthood is favored by a number of factors. Treating acne is sometimes difficult because you're never sure which product will do the trick. Reading acne product reviews will help you get an idea on what's your best option. At faceyouracne.com you can find advice, tips and acne treatment reviews to get your skin in perfect shape.

There are many factors in our day to day lives that can trigger acne. During puberty, the fluctuations in hormone levels stimulate sebum secretion. The bacteria and the sebum then block the follicles, causing pimples to appear. This is why acne is a very common skin disease during the adolescence and not so much during adulthood. However, there are several reasons why acne can appear even in your late 40s. First of all, your genes greatly influence the diseases your skin is prone to. If you have acne in the family there's a good chance that you'll face it some day too. Using a lot of make-up and not cleansing the skin properly also favors the appearance of acne. Stress is another factor you should avoid if you want your skin to be perfectly clear. Other factors that negatively influence your skin are certain foods, smoking or pollution. The best way to prevent acne is to thoroughly clean your face every day and avoid any harmful factors.

Acne can be a major problem if left untreated. Apart from being very unaesthetic, the pimples are also uncomfortable and can leave permanent marks on your face. People suffering from acne have stated that they don't feel as self confident as they used to. Some people have even experienced depression due to a severe acne problem. Therefore, if left untreated, acne can badly influence many aspects of your life. However, finding the appropriate treatment for your particular situation might not be easy. Here at faceyouracne.com we've prepared some acne product reviews. The acne treatment reviews are highly objective and meant to help you make the best possible choice.

Fortunately, dozens of acne treatments are available these days. If your acne is mild, you should go for cleansers, creams and a thorough daily skin care program. Over-the-counter acne treatment products are also a solution. You'll probably have to try out several products before finding one that works so don't get discouraged. Reading some acne product reviews before deciding on one in particular might help you find the one that's right for you much faster. If you're acne is severe and over-the-counter products seem to have no effect, you should go to a dermatologist and get on prescription acne medicine. Facyouracne.com provides acne treatment reviews to help you get an idea on which is the best product for you.

With so many different products that promise to cure your acne once and for all, it's difficult to know which one to trust. Acne product reviews are a great way for you to get an idea on what the effects of a product might be. Faceyouracne.com provides free advice, information and acne treatment reviews to help you get the perfect skin you've always wanted.

9/29/2007

Can You Be Acne Free in Only 3 Days?


For women it may be necessary to change some of the cosmetics you use daily ensuring that any foundations, blushes, eye shadow or moisturizers are oil free. It is best to look for products labeled noncomedogenic as these do not promote the formation of closed pores that cause the formation of spots and pimples. Even using these particular products some women may find their condition worsening. Additionally, it may be difficult to apply foundations during the first few weeks of treatment as the skin may become red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Using a natural acne remedy on the inside and out is your best acne solution. For exterior cleaning, try to find a product without alcohol, as it will dry your skin. Tea Tree oil is natural, but also very strong. I wouldn't use it for mild to moderate acne unless it had other ingredients in it to dilute it. If you have severe acne, that may work for you. An acne product that protects your skin and prevents acne from coming back is even better. There's one listed on my web site, see below.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids work best for all types of skin, as a mild or strong cleanser, and for healing and preventing acne. AHAs are natural acids which come from fruits, milk sugars, and plants. Glycolic and lactic acids are the most frequently used in over the counter acne treatment products, and are the most well researched AHAs to date. AHAs gently peel away the uppermost layer of dead skin cells. They make way for the newer skin beneath. Look for a product with a glycolic acid concentration between 8% and 10% and no other active ingredients. Side effects include more susceptibility to sunlight and minor skin irritation or blisters and burns. Few AHA products have FDA approval.

There are closed and open pimples: a closed pimple is a closed pore with a tiny plug. An open pimple, also known as a blackhead, is also a closed pore with a larger follicular plug. Blackheads are not dirty. The dark color is due to increased skin pigment and the sebum contacting the oxygen present in the air.

The reality about many of the skin care items that are available at your retail store, are that they are developed to target the mass audience, which means they don't have a long-term care system in place, or treatment plan to help you become free and clear of your pimples and zits. The concentrations of medication are very low, and in most cases they will include ingredients that may not work for all skin types. Read the labels on these over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and lotions, and you will more than likely notice that they claim to be good for all skin types, such as sensitive skin, normal and oily skin! What this means is that they add ingredients in very low levels of medicinal ingredients that will be ok for everybody, and normally only work for individuals with mild acne!

Lasers work by using various "soft pulsing light" wavelengths and intensities to help "reshape" scar tissue, making raised scars go down, and reducing the redness of the skin around healed acne postules. Home acne lasers actually emit a low, constant frequency of red light which helps to stimulate collagen, making scarring less visible, and helping to stimulate the healing of existing acne, and speed the whole recovery process.

9/28/2007

Secrets of Acne Skin Care Uncovered


To some, acne can be a very serious problem even for just a small outbreak. Teenagers, especially girls nowadays care for their skin and they are willing to fork out money to buy expensive facial care products. What they don't know is the power of nature which helps the modern facial care. This article will open your mind and sight of secrets of acne skin care.

Water is abundant in our environment thus making it a very powerful medium for acne care. Washing face requires the usage of water and the method of washing face is also important. When washing your face, do it gently as the skin on the face is sensitive to touch. Rubbing and scrubbing does more damage than helping to clean the face. Facial cleanser and tonner will help you as a tool to help ensure the face is clear from acne.

Some people have the habit of pricking pimples and blemishes on their face which they consider can help to reduce pimple. This habit is wrong and should not be practiced to ensure good skin care. Acne scar and skin inflammation risk is higher if this habit continued and by the end of the day, you will see more and more pimples. So, the advice is keeping your hand off your face for cleaner face results.

Sun tanning can be considered one of the favorite activities when going to the beach and sadly, it will harm your skin rather to make it look better. Rays from the sun which is known as ultra violet, makes the skin redder and drier. This is a recipe for disaster which will cause visible blemish, accelerated aging, damage to skin and worse skin cancer.

Girls like to make up when heading for shopping or dinner, but do you know whether your cosmetic is free from oil substance? It's a good practice to read the label before you buy your cosmetics and make sure it is not oil based. Hair gel or aerosols that are used for hair styling when come into contact with your face will spoil your skin. To be on the safe side, choose non-comedogenic products that are available in the market to avoid any mishaps to your skin.

In conclusion, these secrets which some of us are yet to discover is now presented to you for your knowledge and also help to care for your skin. Take this article as a guide but not a must.

9/27/2007

Acne Cures Revealed!


Are you still wondering how to get rid of acne? To effectively treat your acne, you need to fix the problems in your body that are causing your acne. When it comes to zits and finding the acne cure it can be quite a difficult task. Discovering a home cure for acne could be just what you need to get clear skin once again

Some Causes of Acne
. Acne bacteria only encourage acne formations if the production of oil on the face is excessive.The number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones called androgen that begins at puberty. Mineral makeup is known througout the world as the skin care makeup and recommended to acne sufferers by dermatologists. Some cosmetics, however, when applied on the body as makeup, produce chemicals which clog the body skin pores, a good ingredient for accelerating acne. Excessive salt intake, and some hormones found in milk and peanuts, changes in humidity, and high levels of calcium and magnesium clog the oil pores on the skin thus causing acne. Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne.

Some Treatments for Acne
Avoiding harsh scrubbing or over-washing is a good acne cure, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help acne cure and prevention instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. Use as natural a cure as possible for acne to prevent the condition and develop fantastic skin.

Prescription medications can put quite a dent into your budget, so use a natural cure for acne to save some cash while healing your skin in the mean time. In addition , to help in your acne natural cure, the following minerals and vitamins are also needed: Vitamin A; chromium, vitamin E, selenium, vitamin B6, vitamin C and pantothenic acid. Vitamins alone may not be enough to cure your acne, but by incorporating vitamins and vitamin supplements into your diet, you can start your acne cure from the inside out. As an acne natural cure, zinc is a very important nutrient needed to bring about stabilization in the body.Vitamin B5 it cuts down on overproduction of oil in the skin and secondly, it helps to reduce the size of pores on the face.

There is a product called TriChloroacetic Acid(TCA), also known as acne acid, that is said to be the only skin peel acid which is non-comodogenic and actually kills acne causing bacteria and stops pimples immediately (not 5+ days like benzoyl peroxide products).

Although acne on the face and back are formed by the same principle, it is much harder to cure back acne because the back is quite a "hidden" part of the body to ones own eyes and difficult to reach when you wash your body. While trying to cure acne, one should not forget that skin treated with alcohol, Benzol Peroxide, ether, acetone and other harsh ingredients may prematurely age the skin and leave the former acne sufferer with wrinkles and a grayish, sickly and tired skin tone.
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Birth control pills work double duty as an acne preventative because "the pill" contains hormones that lessen the production of something called androgen. There is also a drug called Isotretinoin (Roaccutane), and it works by stopping the driving forces behind acne � the excess production of sebum, and the building up of the ducts, which combine to cause blockages of the pores.

9/26/2007

Scrub the Floor, Not Your Skin � Acne Skin Care


Are your breakouts so intolerable that you'd want to plunge your face on your pillow all day just to hide your face? Or, are you the type who'd scrub your face hoping the acne would wear off and go down the drain? If only acne were that easy to get rid of? Having acne is a natural thing, but it is one of the natural phenomena that bring disaster upon you. That's right, sad but true.

You should know that acne are not caused by bacteria alone. It begins at the root of the hair follicle where dead skin cells accumulate, which gets inflamed when clogged and acted upon by bacteria. The best way to avoid and eliminate acne is to maintain a clean skin everyday. But does that put the need to wash your face frequently? The answer is "N-O". Gentle washing should be part of your acne skin care. And please, use only a mild cleanser, that is � once in the morning and before going to sleep. Other cleansers may contain harsh ingredients abrasive to your acne, worsening your skin's condition.

Acne skin care should ensure that the pores are well penetrated by cleansing agents. Dermatologists also warn us about the use of bars soaps as they strip important lipids away.

I guess you are probably so concerned about your acne that you want to feel them often (like checking if it's still there? duh!). Squeezing, picking or popping zits is a no-no in acne skin care.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun are also damaging to your skin and aggravate acne because it triggers a virulent production of sebum, not to mention that skin cancer is also attributed to UV rays. Having sun exposure is not ultra bad at all; just avoid the rays from 10AM � 4PM to save you from the risks.

Also, in case you can't do without your daily makeup, make sure you choose products that are oil-free or noncomedogenic.

Another way to treat your acne is exfoliating. This process removes the top layer of dead skin cells that contribute to flare ups. Do this only once a week to avoid tearing your skin and choose a gentle scrub with microdermabrasion (the ones with tiny grains).

Finally, do moisturize but select products that are water based and oil-free. For acne-prone skins, moisturize lightly � your skin deserves it.

9/25/2007

Acne Cleansers: The "Down and Dirty" on Five Top Facial Cleansers


Buying a facial cleanser isn't as easy as it used to be. There are so many different acne products on the market that it is easy to get lost in the skin care aisle! With over a dozen cleansers to choose from, this article tries to simplify things by reviewing five of the most popular facial cleansers.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser -- this product has great reviews from most users. The creators were aiming for a cleanser that doesn't strip the skin of healthy emollients and oils, and that's exactly what they got. It is gentle enough that it shouldn't dry out or irritate the skin, and is water-soluble so it comes off easily. Some found that it leaves a slight filmy feeling after rinsing, and others found that it was a little too gentle to remove makeup, but the general consensus is that this is one of the best acne cleanser products on the market.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser -- available in gel, cream, or cloth form, this product is much stronger than Cetaphil. For some people this is positive because it is strong enough to remove makeup, but for others it can be much too over-drying. This cleanser is oil-free and alcohol-free. Another plus with this product is that it contains hydroxy acids that help exfoliate the skin, a very popular ingredient for skin care treatment. While this cleanser is both oil-free and alcohol-free, it does contain fragrance and two separate color additives that most other cleansers can get away without.

St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub -- the special ingredient in this scrub is salicylic acid, an antiseptic compound that helps dissolve the outer layer of skin, clearing away dirt, oil, and dead cells on the skin's surface. This helps to keep pores open and unclogged. The exfoliating ingredients in this product are 100% natural, which is great, however it does contain fragrance which can irritate very sensitive skin. Also, many skin care specialists recommend that a mechanical exfoliant like this not be used on a daily basis, so an alternative cleanser might also be needed. This product is oil-free.

Clearasil Daily Face Wash -- another oil-free facial cleanser, this one comes in a rich cream form, and is intended to remove all dirt, oil, and makeup. Popular with many of those who have tried it, this cleanser is specially medicated with 0.3% Triclosan, an antiseptic chemical that rids the face of bacteria. It also contains microbeads that help exfoliate away dead skin cells. While alcohol-free, it does contain fragrance.

Johnson & Johnson Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash -- it doesn't come in a pretty container, but it certainly seems to do the trick. This cleanser is soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, and yet purportedly strong enough to remove makeup, oil and grit. It also features a special non-stinging formula so that it can be used on eye-makeup without the pain. Some seem to find it too drying, but they are by no means the majority. Most were more than satisfied.

With so many acne products out there, it pays to do some research. Start by figuring out your skin type (dry, normal, oily, or combination) and go from there. If you still aren't sure what you're looking for, skin care professionals are always there to help. Remember, what works for a friend might not work for you, so don't be afraid to experiment and try a variety of skin cleansers until you find one that is right. Feeling great about your skin is definitely worth the effort!

9/24/2007

Acne Review Treatment - The New Face Of Benzoyl Peroxide


One of the problems with benzoyl peroxide topical acne treatments is that they can be quite irritating, particularly to sensitive skin. Those fans of benzoyl peroxide will thus be pleased to learn that one skin care company that supplies prescription acne and skin care products is releasing a treatment with a delivery system that reduces benzoyl peroxide's irritating effect.

Called NeoBenz Micro, this acne treatment will be available only by prescription, which is one drawback. On the plus side, it should mean that the acne sufferer is given the appropriate strength to their particular needs. It is aimed at helping people with mild to moderate acne, and comes in three strengths. These are 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, and 8.5% benzoyl peroxide.

The difference in this treatment as compared to regular benzoyl peroxide solutions, is that it is a time release product. The method designed by SkinMedica, NeoBenz Micro's developer, uses very small 'sponges', called microsponges. These hold the active ingredient, in this case benzoyl peroxide, to be slowly released throughout the day. It means that though acne is kept in contact with benzoyl peroxide for the whole day, only small amounts of it are released onto the skin. These amounts are enough to be effective but far less irritating.

The side effects that this benzoyl peroxide acne treatment aims at reducing are rashes, skin soreness, and irritation. Aside from the unpleasant feeling these effects create, they unfortunately also reduce the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in clearing acne.

NeoBenz Micro is one example of a new trend in the pharmaceutical industry. It aims at taking existing products and developing new ways to package and deliver the active ingredients, thus effectively modernizing many treatments. The emphasis in the past had been more research oriented - finding new and more powerful treatments rather than fine tuning existing ones that were proven to work.

Other examples of this phenomena include converting treatments into sprays, with the effect of increasing absorption and convenience. MedPharm, a research contracting firm, is turning one eczema treatment and two acne treatments into sprays. These are still in the development stage, however.

References:
1. in-pharmatechnologist.com/news/ng.asp?n=65831&m=1IPE215&c=qgtqmovbyiaxdub
2. outsourcing-pharma.com/news/ng.asp?id=64465

9/23/2007

Do You Know The Real Cause Of Acne?


A natural cure for acne will be one that has products in it that are not man made but naturally occurring in the world. These products can be virtually anything as long as they are non toxic to the body. Many natural acne skin care products are the best for your body as the body already knows how to work with these natural substances and therefore can be better suited for you.

There are two dermatologist tested ways to facilitate the healing of acne, one is the use of Tretinoin, it's a form of vitamin A, which speeds up the skin's healing and renovation process shortening the inflammation period, thus preventing acne scars. The other treatment used by most dermatologists for acne scar prevention is the use of Aplpha-Hydroxy Acids of AHA's and Beta-Hydroxy Acids or BHA's. These help the skins remodeling process, with the right concentration and proper application; these can also prevent acne scars.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar swabs and other astringent cleansers work to remove the oil buildup that may become blocked in the skin's glands. These products may cause dryness, itching, and redness, so be sure to use them only on problem areas.

Some women never have a pimple until they hit their thirties. Talk about a real shock. This usually occurs when they decide it's time to go off the pill. Birth control helps balance hormones and for many it keeps acne at bay. So it may not be that they were ever immune to acne just that it's been so long they never realized they would have pimples.

The reality about many of the skin care items that are available at your retail store, are that they are developed to target the mass audience, which means they don't have a long-term care system in place, or treatment plan to help you become free and clear of your pimples and zits. The concentrations of medication are very low, and in most cases they will include ingredients that may not work for all skin types. Read the labels on these over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and lotions, and you will more than likely notice that they claim to be good for all skin types, such as sensitive skin, normal and oily skin! What this means is that they add ingredients in very low levels of medicinal ingredients that will be ok for everybody, and normally only work for individuals with mild acne!

Getting regular exercise can also help prevent acne. When we exercise, we are increasing the blood flow to our skin, and providing more oxygen to our skin cells. Sweating moderately also cleans our skin pores from the inside out, also aiding in the prevention of acne. Regular exercise and moderate sweating are excellent ways of helping to prevent acne, but taking a shower immediately afterwards is very important.

9/22/2007

What Should You Do When You Have Acne?


Using a peel may be the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes. Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor's office. The TCA is not perfect, however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun and cause hyper-pigmentation.

The most common "trigger foods" for acne are milk and all dairy products, wheat and most grain products, and refined sugar. Avoiding these foods is usually not enough to completely remove acne, however. Most people need to eat the most natural diet for humans to completely control and eliminate acne.

One popular myth about acne is that tanning will clear it. It may seem so at first, but soon you will notice that your tanned skin becomes less pliable, making it less able to shed oil and dead skin cells, which clog your pores. Your acne will become worse, not better.

There are a few choices available to treat moderate acne scarring. The most popular are dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Dermabrasion is a scar treatment in which a diamond plated wheel is used to "sand" your face. This technique has been around for a long time and sandpaper was once used instead of the new machines that utilize the diamond plated tool. Generally, this procedure takes around an hour to perform. You should expect some scabbing and redness for a few weeks. This method is most effective for individual with very pale or very dark complexions.

Contrary to facial acne, back acne is not generally acquired via heredity. No definite cause for back acne has been proven to date, but, just to be on the safe side, try to avoid using irritating detergents and fabric softeners with your clothes, maintain a healthy diet and keep yourself clean and feeling fresh always. Remember: back acne does not choose its target. Young or old, male or female, Black, White or Asian, no one is spared from the havoc back acne is bound to spread. It's best to be cautious than sorry.

Although there are some topical skin care products and medications that can improve mild scarring and acne problems, almost all of them are artificial and invasive methods. For example, acne scars usually are treated with a combination of surgical procedures and skin resurfacing. On the other hand, natural products only have natural ingredients and biological substances. Such is the case with tea tree oil, green tea extract, Vitamin E, rapeseed oil, Aloe vera, and some of the essential oils, which had long been proven to act upon blemishes on the skin.

9/21/2007

Lets look at some Reviews of the Best Acne Treatments


As you might know acne is a term used to describe whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Its a skin disease caused by the blockage of the skin pores and that causes the inflammation of the skin. Acne can be a temporary disease or can be severe, persist for a long time and cause scars in the skin.There are a number of products on the marketplace that promise to help you annihilate acne quickly and easily, However a lot of them may take you a while to see some important results, some can even cause secondary effects if not use it correctly and some are good. After doing my search from different trusted sources, consumer review sites and results from actual people using the products, Im going to show you some of the most beneficial acne treatments in the marketplace.The Acne laser treatmentFirst, lets have a look at one of the most advanced treatments that is gettting very popular, this is: acne laser treatment. This kindt of treatment can be effective specially if you have acne scars and want to eliminate them, but if your objective is to remove acne, this is not a fast treatment it could take a while and can be costly. Clearpores Skin Cleansing System This product may appear a little more expensive than the others, but it gives you great results. It consist of a two component system, that fights the acne bacterias from the inside out. Its supported by doctors and herbalists, the results have been incredible.ZenMed Derma Cleanse SystemThis acne treatment is also a three step system that is focused on sensitive skin rejuvenation. This will leave the skin healthy, clean and acne free, very effective.AcnezineAcne treatment known as acuzine, very powerful formula, its an entire skin care management system, it heals the blemishes you have and also treats future outbreaks, very effective.Those are brief reviews of the most effective acne treatments, the products that I just describe are the best on the marketplace and you cant fail with any of them, you should decide what you believe is the best for you and how much you are able to afford. Try them and you will feel the benefits, if you want further details read my signature.

9/20/2007

The Ultimate Guide To Acne Home Remedies


Your own body will naturally attempt to clear the clogged pores by sending in certain specialized cells that invade the follicles to help clean it up. However, in the process, the wall of the follicles may weaken and rupture, emptying the contents of the follicles into the surrounding tissue. When this occurs, swelling or redness can develop around the affected follicles, resulting in the larger bumps or pimples characteristics of acne. These are known as papules and pustules and can sometimes cause scarring.

There are many other adults that are finding they still have to fight the battle with acne - now coined "adult acne". It is estimated that more than fifty percent of adult women between the ages of twenty-five and fifty-eight have some type of adult acne, and those numbers are only getting larger.

Acne skin care products performance can greatly depend on how an individual's skin type reacts to it. It must conform to the skin's characteristics, which may include skin sensitivity, tone, ethnicity and gender. There are many acne skin care products in the market with different active ingredients and solutions for different skin types. Acne prone skin can be very sensitive to different chemicals and must be very careful in using different products. There are different tips and techniques for mild to severe cases of acnes. Some acne skin care products may not work for some people in helping them improve the look and condition of their skin.

On the other hand, there are many popular myths and delusions about what causes acne. Acne does not occur as a result of stress, or of eating chocolate and greasy food. Also, acne is not an infectious disease, i.e. it cannot be transmitted by touch or through a sexual intercourse (like Chlamydia which is also a skin disease but is transmitted sexually).

Though acne is a common problem, it is also one skin disease that is very easy to treat and prevent. There are many products that a person could consider as the best acne treatment. The best acne treatment for a person could be not the best acne treatment for another. This is because the best acne treatment is determined by the type of skin a person has and the skin reaction on that treatment. The best acne treatment could also range from the medical ones which are proven best acne treatments that modern medicine has to offer up to herbal medicines that are also accepted as the best acne treatment to some people.

Laser acne treatments for severe forms of acne work by the laser killing off the bacteria responsible for causing the acne. Lasers used for mild acne treatments like simple blackheads and whiteheads targets the serum producing glands to simply unplug the follicle to release the serum trapped inside by heating the top layer and shrinking the oil gland. This affects the top area of the skin leaving the deeper layers virtually unaffected and able to heal without incident.

9/19/2007

What is my acne really trying to tell me?


Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Resorcinol, sulphur, and Adapalene are products that approach acne skin care with the intent to reduce clogged pores by peeling or sloughing off dead skins cells. Salicylic Acid is found in over-the-counter acne care products, such as Stridex, as are Resorcinol and sulphur. While most acne skin care treatments in this group target the surface of the skin, Adapalene, a prescription-only medication, reduces the build-up of dead skin cells inside the pore itself. Also a prescription-only skin care product, Azelaic Acid has the added benefit of killing P. acnes bacteria.

During puberty girls experience an increased likelihood and severity of acne from the increased oil secretions in the skin. Puberty is often a difficult time and acne only adds to the difficulty. During puberty girls usually experience increased irritability, mood swings, and feelings of low self esteem. Even girls who have been very sure of themselves may suffer from low self esteem when puberty sets in. These changes may be even more severe in the girl also suffers from acne.

Many people are fed up from the side effects of acne drugs and are shifting towards alternative therapies for the cure and treatment of acne problems. Home remedies are one of the alternative methods that have been proven inexpensive and can be easily made at home without much effort.

Hygiene helps to control it, yet acne is not caused by a lack of hygeine, it comes about because of bacteria already present in the skin. The only true combatant, it seems, is to use a multitude of acne prevention methods at the same time or to find a permanent natural cure.

Unlike the small whitehead pustules that most people with acne experience on the surface of their skin, cystic acne appears as large irritated bumps, often with the pustule hidden deep beneath the skin's surface. These cysts are caused when hormonal shifts result in your skin glands overproducing oil (sebum) at an unnatural rate. The gland becomes swollen and eventually bursts, but not before the sebum has swelled and hardened into a clump too large to escape through your pores. The irritation from your gland bursting results in inflammation, and buried pustule can remain in your skin for a very long time.

Homeopathic treatment is made from minerals, herbs and other natural extracts that activate the body's natural defenses. Because these ingredients are in minute concentrations, they trigger the body to heal itself without side effects.

9/18/2007

Diet as a natural treatment for acne


Acne scars, like any type of scarring, can seldom be permanently removed. Fortunately, there are several acne treatments now available that can help the scarred area return to a more "normal" appearance.

Herbal remedies can be very useful in the treatment and prevention of acne. Chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can all be used to reduce toxicity in the skin and improve its overall condition. Other herbs like echinacea and poke root have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the swelling and reduce of the blocked oil gland. Red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action and witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective for cleansing acne prone skin.

Acne skin care products performance can greatly depend on how an individual's skin type reacts to it. It must conform to the skin's characteristics, which may include skin sensitivity, tone, ethnicity and gender. There are many acne skin care products in the market with different active ingredients and solutions for different skin types. Acne prone skin can be very sensitive to different chemicals and must be very careful in using different products. There are different tips and techniques for mild to severe cases of acnes. Some acne skin care products may not work for some people in helping them improve the look and condition of their skin.

With the advanced acne treatments and acne products available today, acne need no longer have such a crippling impact on the sufferers' life. Once the outward symptom of acne first becomes apparent, that is, inflammation and lesion on the skin, it is important that you treat it right away so as to slow down or stop further inflammation.

A suntan or sunburn that reddens the skin can make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier for a little while. But the benefits are only temporary and cannot take the place of proper acne skin care. The sun can seriously damage skin, promote aging of skin, and cause skin cancer. Furthermore, many of the medications used to treat acne make a person more prone to sunburn.

Body acne can arise from series of acne triggers. For instance, excessive rubbing or constriction by clothing can cause acne mechanica. On the other hand, body acne can result from pores on the back getting clogged by sunscreens or hair products that dribble down onto the back.

9/17/2007

Want To Know What Causes Acne?


People in various age groups can develop acne, but the reasons may vary in each case. Most people can't be bothered to find out the most important thing that can help cure acne: their very own skin type.

One of the reasons that most people failed to treat themselves from acne is that they have been unable to find the true cause of their acne. Without proper skin care, like most things it will cause unending problems down the road. Acne problem is just the tip of the iceberg.

Facial cleanser with high oil content is definitely not for those with oily skin. Common misconception among the majority is that you do not need to moisturize your face if you have oily skin. For every type of skin, moisture is a must and it prevents dryness on your facial skin.

Sometimes, medications are applied directly on the problem spot. These types of product are known as topical treatment. Over the counter product are the most commonly consist of topical product. This is acne treatment product which is applied directly onto your acne. Acne are commonly caused by dirt build up and excess oil on the skin and not to mention the bacteria. Acne treatment are not limited to topical treatment To help you treat acne, you must understand what is causing your acne.

When you see a teen with acne problems it comes as no surprise to associate acne problems with hormones production. Acne breakouts in adolescent are primarily caused by hormonal change in their body. Two of the most commonly know hormonal trigger for female are the menstrual cycle and the menopause periods which can trigger an acne episode. Excess testosterone hormone is known to have trigger acne breakout in typically male adult. Testosterone is another well known hormone that cause acne problems

It is a well known fact that people with oily skin are prone to acne attacks The formation of excessive oil in your skin cause blocked pores and trapped bacteria on your skin. People with oily skin can eliminate their skin problems by applying product that can either control or eliminate oil formation in their skin.

Are you stressed? If you are, then you are likely to develop acne problem. A stressed body releases chemicals and hormones that cause toxicities to rise and in turn cause acne to either develop or aggravated. Learn to be able to control yourself and prevent yourself from feeling stress. There are no one way to cure stress.

These foods are often advised to acne sufferer to be avoid at all cost. Three sources of food are said to be the main cause of acne breakout: chocolate, oily food and food with high sugar content such as soft drinks. There are no clear yes or no in acne problems. While some claim this to be the truths others seems to be actively disputing these notions.

Apart from the physiology causes, environment may also play a role in your acne problems. The use of certain perfumed soap can sometime aggravate your acne problems. Be sure to check the labels and conduct some sort of research to find out if the product can cause acne problems. It is extremely improtant that you keep your skin moisturized as previous mentioned. Regardless of your skin type.

9/16/2007

Dealing With Adult Acne - Physically and Psychologically


During the past several years there has been the general belief that acne is a skin disorder that affects only teens. In part, it is true that this skin problem is most common among teens and that's the reason why acne has been associated with teens for many years. However, the perception that this skin condition would go away when one reached adulthood is not the case any more.

There are many adults who have had acne as teens and are no longer afflicted by it. However, there is a great number of adult people who are battling acne too. It's a fact, while teens do make up a large percentage of the acne-suffering population, it is also more common in adults than one might think.


The Physical Effects Caused By Adult Acne

Perhaps the worst physical consequence that acne can bring to adults (and to all people who suffer from this skin problem in general) is the scarring it can leave. Scars make it really difficult to cope with acne. The main reason why this is so is because aging skin is thinner, and as such its recovery capacity is much more lower that than of teens. This might not be as much a concern for many young adults however, as the skin ages the consequences by acne can be more devastating. In the worst-case scenario, prolonged acne could produce deeper scars. And this undoubtedly will play a very significant role in how one is physically perceived.


The Psychological Effects Caused By Adult Acne

Besides its physical effects, perhaps the most negative effects that acne causes in adults are its psychological effects, which can be long-lasting and cause serious problems. Just like teens, adults who suffer from acne often become the victims of anxiety and depression. The problem is that acne makes them feel more sensitive to what other people around them might think of them and how they are perceived. But unlike teens, these psychological effects can be more harmful in adults because many feel they shouldn't be suffering from a skin problem that should have cleared up since long ago, or shouldn't even have hit them in their adulthood at all! The worst consequence caused by acne in adults in the end is lowering their self-esteem. With a very low self-esteem, many adults are often forced to stay away from attending any type of social event to avoid placing themselves in a situation where they might feel inferior.


Treating Adult Acne - Is There Hope?

Fortunately, nowadays there are numerous treatments available to treat adult acne both over-the-counter and prescribed. In order to have the best results, it is generally advised to learn about the cause, symptoms and type of your acne before the right treatment can be recommended. Once this is done, it becomes easier to control this condition. With the right treatment, you can begin a really great skin care regimen that will take the place of any harsh, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous treatment that you might be tempted to use.

Treating adult acne as soon as possible is the best thing to do. It does not matter what type of acne form you have, it is crucial to look for treatment. And although the results might not come for some time, you'll be taking the most important step towards recovery - taking action!

9/15/2007

All Natural Home Remedy for Acne Lesions


Any person with acne issues will tell you infected cystic acne is the hardest form of breakout to live with. An acne cyst is pus-filled and can often evolve to the size of a dime. They can be excruciating, swollen, and scarring is common. Squeezing an acne cyst may cause a deeper infection which will last much longer than if you had just left it alone. Keeping skin smooth and free of acne lesions is a concern to every person.Acne cysts are a regular skin reaction to bacteria and microbes. Bacteria (propionibacterium acnes) find their way into follicles and infect healthy cells living inside. The mix of microbes, dead cells, and sebum becomes clogged in the pore and develops into an acne cyst. Popping a cyst can lead to depressed acne scars and a loss of skin tissues. Homemade remedies for acne can be productive in removing the redness from acne but most will not help destroy bacteria and microbes. The issue is that most natural acne products lack any anti bacterial qualities and hence powerful antibiotics are advocated. Don't lose all hope in natural acne products. Thanks to the discovery of a biological skin care component, you can naturally halt acne cysts and kill bacteria thriving on skin, resulting in a fresh, flawless appearance. Remove Acne Brown MarksIsotretinoin is a commonly prescribed treatment for acne cysts and severe acne marks. Isotretinoin is advocated only after all other acne treatments failed to give results. What it does in a nutshell is stop the production of sebum and other natural substances in the skin. It aims to manage skin oil with the idea of eliminating the chances of the oils getting blocked in the follicles and causing cysts. Clearing acne lesions is not quite so simple. Common side effects of isotretinoin include skin peeling, itching, nose bleeds, nausea, and thinning of hair. More seldomly side effects can include lethargy, menstrual problems, bowel problems, pancreatic inflammation, and severe depression. This is disagreeable because many people just want to clear up their complexion and have acne free skin but end up with a worse affliction. An acne cyst product with hydrogen peroxide is a common choice because of the antibacterial properties contained in the mixture. An acne hydrogen peroxide cream will destroy microbes and therefore help clear up skin problems by making the skin an undesireable place for dangerous microbes. The negative side is that hydrogen peroxide is a powerful chemical. Concentrated levels are detrimental and if accidentally digested, can cause internal hemorrhaging and lung problems. Lower concentrations in skin products can cause hyperpigmentation and a searing sensation. Since acne lesions are agonizing and inflamed, no one wants to feel an additional burning sensation while trying to heal the lesions. People desire natural acne products that help the skin in a mild manner. Home Remedy for AcneYou can now neutralize bacteria and prevent acne cysts using an all natural acne cyst cream. There is no powerful chemical compound in the cream, only natural elements that provoke skin renewal and biologically clear out acne marks and scars. The same ingredient can help you fill in ice pick acne scars and eliminate brown acne marks. When applied to fresh, clean skin habitually for a period of at least two months, the biological skin care ingredient will fuse with your own cells and:* convert skin into a bacteria free environment. The ingredient rouses the constant production of natural antimicrobial peptides on your skin to keep micro-organisms at bay. * corrode pore plugs and damaged tissues while promoting the reproduction of new, healthy ones. This ensures the natural flow of sebum oils to the skin surface.* help flush the elements of the dissolved tissues back into the body in order to stimulate new cellular growth. This helps in the natural dissolution of acne scars and skin blemishes by regenerating healthy cells in place of dead ones.* fill in ice pick acne scars by triggering the production of more collagen and elastin components in the skin. Collagen and elastin components are brought into the area and the area is remodeled with flawless components.

9/14/2007

Biological 100% Natural Acne Scar Removal


You can do all the correct things and still have acne scarring. You can attend to your acne the best you know how and still have perpetual scars reminding you of the outbreak. Individuals search for news on how to get rid of a pimple scar and end up reading about laser scar treatments and any given acne scar removal cream. While it is better to address acne scars before they form by effectively treating your acne cysts, that is not always possible.You can explore all day long for the best acne skin care product and not get anywhere. Have you depleted all your strength searching for the best scar treatment and still have acne scars affecting your face? Ice pick scars and reddish acne scars can affect your entire life. Emotional scars sometimes are the most difficult to heal but with the help of a new acne scar product, you can start grinning again. Picture your life without that facial acne scar. Do you think you would be more satisfied? Think back to a period when you cherished your skin. Think back to when you had a fresh complexion. Do you miss those days? Acne skin issues do not need to alter your life anymore. You can have that perfect smile again. You can now have assistance fading acne scars utilizing an all natural product loaded with a powerful biological ingredient.An Acne Skin Care Treatment Product Made with Biological Ingredients Can Help Diminish Acne Scars. Laser acne scar treatment can cost into the thousands of dollars. After the procedure, you might possibly be out of work for up to a month recuperating while your puffiness and inflammation recede. While laser treatments can be effective in diminishing acne scarring, you have to judge whether the ends justify the means. Do you feel a serious surgical procedure is the way to be free of acne scars? Next to surgical procedures, most people tend to apply a cosmetic acne skin care product to conceal acne scars everyday instead of trying to eliminate them. This makes no sense because in theory you are just wasting your time. Why throw away 5 minutes every day putting on makeup when you can use the same 5 minutes to eliminate scarring? Acne Scars are not going to go away with the help of makeup. A home acne scar treatment should concentrate on treating acne and scars from within.Get Rid of Acne Scars With a Home Acne Scar RemedyA new all natural acne scars product is letting people move on with their lives without the painful scars. It has a biological scar treatment component that, when applied to acne scars, works together with your own skin cells to:* Digest the acne scarring and liberate their amino acid components. The amino acids are vital in the rebuilding of the damaged site with flawless skin ingredients. When you eliminate the dead cells and acne scars, you will lessen the reddish appearance of acne scars.* Improve exchanges between cells and stimulate evolution of fibroblasts. These vital skin cells boost collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, making it sturdy and strong.* Trigger the development of natural antimicrobial peptides. Bacteria and microbes live on the skin and infect healthy skin cells, giving acne scars that reddish tint. Destroying the bacteria before they have the chance to infect cells is a way of avoiding acne scars before the fact.

9/13/2007

An Acne Cream with Biological Enzymes Helps Alleviate the Dry Skin Associated with Accutane


Acne is not only for teenagers anymore. While it does largely burden teens going through hormonal changes, adults too can feel the pain and psychological effect of acne inflammation. When people have acne, they can experience lowered self-esteem which can lead to depression. If left alone, acne can lead to severe scarring so applying an effective treatment is very important for everyone, no matter what age.There is no connection at all to your skin and foods you consume. Cutting out chocolate and fried foods is not a treatment for a pimple. Breakouts are not a result of infrequent bathing. Washing excessively can inflame acne since you are washing away important natural oils than maintain the skin. Since acne is so damaging psychologically, people use some powerful prescriptions in order to prevent breakouts. These are not always the most effective way to fight acne breakouts. The seriousness of your breakout will most often dictate which product you choose. Treating nodular acne naturally with herbal teas or some other kitchen mixture is not going to be that beneficial since bacteria and microbes play a role in the evolution of acne cysts. People with intense breakouts turn to stronger pills but isotretinoin side effects turn people off the medication. Accutane Results Side Effects Reduce Dry Skin Associated with AccutaneIsotretinoin is regularly the last alternative for people with acne breakouts. Acne cysts form due to a mixture of excess oil, dying skin cells, and pathogens all being clogged inside a pore. Isotretinoin is taken orally and shuts down the production of oil in the skin. The concept is that if oil is eliminated from the equation, then the probability of developing acne is much less. The big problem is that if you shut off oil production in the skin, you can experience painful flaking. Moisturize the Dry Skin Side Effect of AccutaneReducing oil development is going to take away the vital nourishing aspect of sebum. Dry skin is not what you need when trying to address acne. Sure you can cease oil production but that does not help kill bacterial growth. Pathogens and microbes thrive in dry, peeling skin areas. Dry skin is more delicate than hydrated skin and when pathogens find their way into affected areas, the condition can get worse. People need to treat acne with resilient, moisturized skin since hydrated dermal elements are more likely to naturally repair damage and irritations before they become major issues. Organic skincare treatments are making a splash in today's market. There are some new treatments that use all natural ingredients to help you treat existing acne marks while also helping your pores stay unobstructed in order to avoid future problems. There is one new product that contains a biological ingredient that fuses with your own skin cells and triggers the natural renewal processes of your own skin. It gently cleans out clogged pores and prevents bacterial proliferation on your skin. Best Skin Rejuvenation CreamThe biological acne treatment product is absorbed radidly by your skin and initiates the innate response of your system in order to clean out pores and prevent marks. There are no dangerous or painful side effects associated with its use. This natural acne product is a perfect companion for people who have been taking Accutane. Biological enzymes in the treatment deeply moisturize dry skin by activating the synthesis of water holding molecules like glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These important elements work with the lipid barrier of your skin and preserve moisture, helping you avoid scaling and peeling. The product works in conjunction with Accutane and is praised by doctors to help alleviate the painful dry skin side effect of the drug. When the acne solution is used on clean skin, daily for at least 2 months, it will work in unison with you own skin cells and: * natural antimicrobial peptides kill breeding bacteria and make the skin an unwelcome place. Bacteria infect skin pores and kill healthy cells and clog pores and sebum outflow, triggering acne cysts. If there are no bacteria, there is a lower chance of cyst formation.* gentle biological enzymes diffuse injured cells and pore blockages on the outermost layer of skin. If sebum is capable of flowing normally to the superficial layer without getting blocked inside the pore, acne is less common. * Keep your skin biologically moisturized by stimulating the development of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These molecules moisturize the lipid barrier and thicken the skin. Strong elements prevent dry skin and help avoid cracking and flaking.* Works in unison with you innate immune system to oversee inflammatory responses. It provides needed cellular exchange controlers that your skin then uses to inform the brain that only an appropriate response is needed to foreign materials in pore clogs. Moderating communication can insure that all responses are appropriate in size, which can decrease the risk of acne cysts and whiteheads.

9/12/2007

What Are The Best Natural Acne Treatments?


Using a peel may be the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes. Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor's office. The TCA is not perfect, however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun and cause hyper-pigmentation.

Individuals that are prone to acne and are being treated for it should use oil free cosmetic products. Benzoyl peroxide and other acne skin care treatment can redden the skin so applying regular cosmetics products might be difficult. Regular cosmetic products usually contain more fatty acids that are harmful to acne prone individuals. Looking for organic and acne skin care products that will match your skin tone can help avoid more infections.

Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic used for treating acne. It reduces inflammation and is used to kill the bacteria responsible for the acne. It may take several weeks to a few months for antibiotic treatments to take effect. This type of treatment must continue even after the acne has cleared up. Common side effects that have been associated with Tetracycline include an increase in sensitivity to sun light. This may potentially cause a bad sunburn should the patient dwell in the sun for too long of a time. Various other side effects include hives, dizziness and upset stomachs.

Hormones during later years, especially for women, can play a role in acne cure and prevention for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or current treatments, prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Data from clinical trials on blue light therapy has revealed that is a promising acne treatment. Patients involved in the studies have received the blue light acne treatment in several sessions, each lasting about 15 minutes. Many of them, but not all, have registered significant improvement after the treatment, with approximately 55% clearance. Side effects were only mild and included short-term pigment changes, dryness and swelling of the treated area.

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective. Usually, the first signs of acne develop during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to rise. When hormone levels surge, the sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle, produce excess oil. This oil combined with dead skin cells and dirt becomes trapped within the skin's pores and acne develops. Since acne can be triggered by fluctuating hormone levels within the body, it stands to reason that acne can appear at the various 'stages' in life when hormone levels are changing such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It also makes sense that controlling hormone levels may help to reduce acne outbreaks. The use of birth control pills for the treatment of acne is an attempt to regulate hormones.

9/11/2007

Acne Medicines - Watch the Side Effects


Natural acne treatment is simple. Changing your diet or taking herbs and vitamins to cleanse and provide additional nutrition could be enough to clear your skin up. You should eliminate sugars, oils, and fats from your diet as much as possible. They are not part of a good balanced diet and are all unhealthy to begin with.

Individuals that are prone to acne and are being treated for it should use oil free cosmetic products. Benzoyl peroxide and other acne skin care treatment can redden the skin so applying regular cosmetics products might be difficult. Regular cosmetic products usually contain more fatty acids that are harmful to acne prone individuals. Looking for organic and acne skin care products that will match your skin tone can help avoid more infections.

Some people will require acne medications because more serious illness are the reason for their acne problem. Home remedies for acne through diet can alleviate many of your outbreaks because we truly are what we eat. If the eyes are the window to the soul then the skin is a reflection of your overall health so the beginning of a real cure starts from within.

One popular ingredient in some of the leading acne treatments out there, such as Proactiv� and Neutrogena On-The-Spot�, is the antibacterial agent Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide, or BP for short, works by attacking the p. acnes bacteria that build up in your pores, and is very effective for most people at clearing up current acne (note that BP does not prevent acne from forming, and acne products based on BP are not being honest if they make this claim). For most cases of acne, purchasing BP alone and applying it is just as effective as using expensive name brand products.

In performing acne LASER treatments, doctors are actually using two types of Lasers. One type deal with the inhibition of the bacterial growth that causes skin problems, while the other is made to work with the sebaceous glands in order to reduce the production of oil in particular parts of the body especially the face.

The first step an Acne sufferer must take is to come to terms with his or her condition. It will have a negative impact on your life because our society judges us by our appearance. The trick is that an acne sufferer does not need to face this alone. Think about the numbers mentioned in the home page "Acne affects about 80% of all adolescents". That means that eight out of every ten people around you is or has had to battle with acne and its negative social impacts. So don't be shy to inform and involve people you come into contact with to prevent the psychological scarring from becoming permanent.

9/10/2007

Treating and Preventing Acne The Easy Way


Using a peel may be the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes. Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor's office. The TCA is not perfect, however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun and cause hyper-pigmentation.

Herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, and burdock root can be used to reduce toxicity and improve the overall condition of the skin. Echinacea and poke root are often used for their anti-inflammatory properties and red clover may be beneficial for its estrogenic action. Witch hazel has excellent astringent properties and may be very effective on acne.

Do not pick, press or rub your pimples. These actions actually increase the sebum production and rupture the membranes below your skin. The infection and sebum will spread underneath your skin and cause more pimples. Also, you risk increasing the chances of leaving scars on your face.

Once you understand the causes of acne, you will realize that you must develop a daily treatment system that remains consistent. There's no room for deviating here, and you're going to have to obtain quality cleansers that can remove deep stubborn blackheads. You will also need to find a good exfoliating cream to get rid of excess dead skin that can easily clog your pores, and a concentrated moisturizer.

Unlike the small whitehead pustules that most people with acne experience on the surface of their skin, cystic acne appears as large irritated bumps, often with the pustule hidden deep beneath the skin's surface. These cysts are caused when hormonal shifts result in your skin glands overproducing oil (sebum) at an unnatural rate. The gland becomes swollen and eventually bursts, but not before the sebum has swelled and hardened into a clump too large to escape through your pores. The irritation from your gland bursting results in inflammation, and buried pustule can remain in your skin for a very long time.

There's a wide range of acne skin care treatment products available on the market. Some can prove very effective, while others are a waste of money. However, different treatments work for different people. The first thing to consider when purchasing an acne skin care treatment product is what type of skin you have. Most people have a dry, oily or combined skin. There are very few persons with a normal skin. Determining your skin type is the first step. There are a lot of products available for all types of skin.

9/09/2007

Learning The Basic Acne Care


Almost all teenagers developed acne at some point in their young life. Although not all, but this has become one of the many skin issues that people face, not just youngsters but adults too. Whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and cysts are the common forms of acne skin disorder. This type of skin disorder continues after the puberty stage for teens, while unfortunately for some, until they get much older. Acne care is extremely important as this skin problem knows no age and it can just occur at any moment.

You must pay attention to this matter as early as possible. Information on certain things is beneficial especially in concerning issues that need special attention. Usually, acne begins to form and develop from adolescent stage to adult life. The presence of acne can leave a person emotionally and mentally affected. Severe cases can leave scars on the skin causing an unpleasant look that naturally results to a low self-esteem.

A pus-filled lesion on the skin indicates acne. It commonly appears on the face, neck and back. There is absolutely no reason for you to panic if you wake up one morning to see a red spot on top of your nose. It may be traumatic, but do not fail to remember that acne is definitely curable.

Once you start to notice an acne breakout, it signifies another thing, which is to pay extra attention to your skin care routine. This is important as not to worsen your acne and minimize any possible future occurrences. As acne starts to swell, you will experience some irritations and itchiness every now and then. Bear in mind not to scratch or touch or even prick it. You are only opening room for more infections and scarring is very possible. It is best not to touch your face.

Keeping a clean face and skin is of importance. Acne is basically due to hair follicles trapped inside pores with oil secretions, dead skin and bacteria. Regular cleaning of your skin eliminates this dirt and regulates oil level in the skin. It helps to note that once acne starts to flare up, your skin prone to bacteria. Therefore, the more attention you must devote to cleaning your face.

Facial and acne creams are readily available over-the-counter. Most of these creams promise to bring utmost relief to your acne problems. Do not be deceived. Contrary to their well-publicized advertisements, only selected few really carry out positive effects. And you can be allergic to any of these products, so do not purchase with the hope of curing your skin problem. It is wise to consult first a reliable skin professional or any dermatologist for advices on any acne gels or creams.

On the onset of an acne breakout, avoid using any cosmetics as possible. This is so since cosmetics may contain fragrances, coloring agents, and preservatives that are totally not good for your acne. Though there are indeed non-comedogenic products in the market these days, still beware of such goodies since their containing chemicals can worsen your acne.

It is not always easy to abide with any rules. But you will have to sacrifice and exert effort, energy and time if you want a beautiful skin. Anyways, it is all for your sake to keep you happy and satisfied, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well.

9/08/2007

Looking for The Best Acne Skin Care Product?


If you have been suffering from acne for some time you have probably tried many methods or products to get rid of your acne problem. Finding the best acne skin care product can be difficult especially with all the various products out there.

What are The Ingredients in the Best Acne Skin Care Products?

Acne is often the result of a particular cycle in our body. You see the role of the Sebaceous gland is to keep our skin moisturized by releasing oil onto the skin. For people subject to acne this oil often blocks the skin pores causing the oil to be trapped under the skin. This is what is usually called a pimple. For the vast majority the process ends there but for some people this is just the beginning of an acne outbreak. The acne breakout occurs when the oil trapped under your skin attracts bacteria that are called Propionibacterium. Those bacteria will then feed on the trapped oil causing it to grow. When the white blood cells attack the bacteria, the end result is red, swollen skin.

Finding the best acne skin care product to get rid of your acne is not an easy task. To help you in your research you should first know what the essentials ingredients to fight acne are. Products containing Benzoyl Peroxide are amongst the best you can get. This particular ingredient will help unclog the pores of your skin and thus preventing the creation of pimples.

There are two other ingredients that can be considered a part of the best acne skin care products. Salicylic Acid and Alpha Hydroxy acts a little differently than Benzoyl peroxide. They act as a preventive measure by peeling a small layer on your skin preventing the dry skin from clogging your skin pores.

Of course there is always the natural approach that can be very effective. There are a lot of natural approaches that can be considered amongst the best acne skin care products. Most of these products are generally in oil form and will need to be mixed with water before application. All these products can be found at a natural food store, products like:

- Oils
- Tea Tree
- Bergamot
- Clove
- Lavender
- Rosewood

The tree oil is probably one of the best natural acne skin care product because it is able to fight the bacteria that is causing acne.

Finding the best acne skin care product is the best way to prevent further acne breakout and improve your skin as well as your self-esteem.

9/07/2007

Acne Skin Care Tips


The Best Acne Skin Care Tips We Have Ever Read!

Lets face it, everyone wants to get rid of those unsightly blemishes, unclog your pores, and feel better about your skin. Well, we have scanned the internet and have pulled together the TOP acne skin care tips. So please feel free to browse our list, print it out, or bookmark our site at the end to stay up on new information. Thanks!

Here are the first three basic treatments or solutions to helping you slow or reduce your acne.

Easy Acne Skin Care:

1. Determine what your specific skin type is. Is it dry? Is it oily? Do you have both on different places of your face? Determining what type of skin you have will help determine what treatments are going to work best.

2. The simplest yet most overlooked. WASHING YOUR FACE! Acne is caused by an over reaction of a chemical in your pores. If you have acne you have overproducing sebaceous glands. They secrete a fluid into your pores and since your face is dirty or you have not cleaned the dead skin off of your face, this fluid gets trapped in your pores, gets infected, and you now have acne. SO WASH YOUR FACE

3. Go back and read acne skin care tip #1 then decide if your face needs lotion or drying out with alcohol.


3. OK, the third step in this acne skin care method is to put lotion on your skin that will heal it. This is not the same as drying out your skin with rubbing alcohol or with anything else that will dry your skin. There is a whole industry trying to dry your skin instead of trying to heal your skin instead.

4. Clean your face as it needs it. In other words, if you have been out jogging in the hot sun, washing your face later that night at bed may not do it. You need to was your face as required. When you, look for a acne skin care product that contains cleaners such as Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicyclc Acid, Licochalone, Chamomile, Aloe Vera is Great, and Niacinamide. Don't get high alcohol type products as they will dry out your skin.

Remember, you want to wash as needed, you can over do it so be careful. Also make sure you gently rub, don't scrub your face as it will make your acne even worse.

5. Use some type of ex foliating method. Great for removing dead skin and bacteria from your skin.

6. This one should be first but here it goes; no picking your skin. That's right, now squeezing zits, not going to help you in the long run. Don't start and you won't have to stop. This can cause scaring so you want to follow this rule because at some point the acne is going to go away, but the scares wont.

7. The sun is not your friend. For all of its issues with skin cancer and such, over exposure is terrible for those fighting acne for 2 reasons.
a. Most acne medications make your skin sensitive to sun damage.
b. You don't want to use a sun block as these are predominately oil based and will assist in clogging your arteries.

8. Shaving is an issue with acne. These additional tips can help:
a. Use a safety razor and don't let it get dull
b. Prep your face to soften your beard and relax your skin
c. Use sensitive skin shaving creams and gels
d. Limit your shaving as no matter what you do to prevent it, shaving causes irritation


6. Chose your make up wisely

Only use water based products and don't use cheap Make-up as it could make matters worse. If you HAVE to use blush use a powder. It would be better if you could leave the area untreated. Make sure you take your make up off as soon as you can and no matter what, don't go to sleep wearing it. If you see that your current products are still helping clog your pores, try something new, if that does not help, you may want to consider not using anything for some time as cosmetics do not help heal acne.

7. Eat better, eat more fruits and vegetables. while there is no scientific truth to chocolate and acne, eating better will give you more focus. Now, there is some medicinal benefit to eating certain nuts, Brazil nuts for example have selenium while pumpkin seeds contain zinc � ingredients found at lower levels for those with acne problems.

8. Drink plenty of water to assist in the removal of dead skin that causes pore blockage.

9. If you have been prescribed some type of antibiotics, you may need to supplement with yogurt. Why? antibiotics strip your digestive track of good and bad bacteria, therefore you could develop digestion or constipation as the ability for your body to absorb vitamins, nutrients, and minerals decreases.

10. If you are not taking some type of daily supplement start doing so as there are many benefits to making sure you have the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your body daily.

11.Try and use natural skin care products if you can. These will contain a lot less harmful ingredients and are most often made for those with sensitive skin. Make sure your current products say non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, if they don't, time to look for new ones.

12. Stress causes acne. Help yourself and cut down on stressful situations as much as possible. Make sure you get plenty of rest as well. To cut down on stress try;

Exercise � Moderate exercise improves blood flow and supports the healing process.
Relaxation techniques such as Yoga, meditation. and breathing exercises.
Reduce caffeine consumption to help you relax.

13. Persistance! It isn't going to last for ever!

Acne happens to most everyone from time to time, so it's nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. You can find other tips and tricks to treating your acne with some fantastic skin care products at http://www.natural-skincare-resource.com

9/06/2007

Get Control of Your Acne


The best choice for good acne skin care is to wear no makeup atall. But if you feel you must wear makeup, choose products labeled noncomedogenic -- that means they will not clog your pores. Be aware that these products may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

The actual cause of acne is still not really understood. Some believe it lies in genetics. Others believe it is a combination of factors such as androgens, allergies, stress, or the use of certain mediations. Natural practitioners tend to believe it is a result of nutritional deficiencies, and toxins in the body that can cause the liver to dysfunction.

Use topical treatments, such as Nature's Cure medicated spray, anywhere that you tend to get breakouts for acne prevention - don't just spot-treat existing blackheads and pimples. The pore-clogging process happens two to three weeks before any blackheads or blemishes become visible on the skin. Since the salicylic acid acne medication in the body spray is an exfoliant, it helps to remove the dead skin that combines with oil and dirt to form those nasty blackheads and whiteheads that can get infected and become pimples.

Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment. It is an exfoliant and therefore helps to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. It also prevents bacteria from multiplying on the skin. It may come in gel, cream, or lotion form. And it may also be found in combination with sulphur which is another exfoliation agent. Benzoyl peroxide helps to prevent the development of new blemishes and clear up ones that are already present. It needs to be used on a daily basis and may initially cause itching, redness, and dryness. Skin will slowly show improvement over time with continued usage.

The two major types of acne lesions are classified as non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne lesions are more commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne lesions include papules and pustules and are more deeply seated in the skin than the non-inflammatory lesions.

It is interesting to note though that young men who are more likely to have severe acne, don't consult dermatologists as much as young women do. But then again, young women are more likely to have irregular acne due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or due to the cosmetic products they use. This kind of acne may afflict women even into adulthood.

9/05/2007

Acne Treatment Scams Revealed


Using a peel may be the easiest method to promote shedding of the skin. Exfoliation releases the build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in the pores, which could lead to the formation of blemishes. Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on the degree of the treatment. It is only performed in a doctor's office. The TCA is not perfect, however. The peel can make the skin sensitive to the sun and cause hyper-pigmentation.

Laser treatments are a recently approved form of treating severe acne and curing pimples should give you more confidence in the safety and success of the procedure. The laser device emits a smooth laser beam that focuses on the affected areas - one of the best methods for acne blemish laser treatment. It emits pulsating heat below the skin's surface and diminishes the size of the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for acne. Patients of acne blemish laser treatment use creams to numb the area where the laser will be applied, so the process is virtually painless.

Acne skin care products performance can greatly depend on how an individual's skin type reacts to it. It must conform to the skin's characteristics, which may include skin sensitivity, tone, ethnicity and gender. There are many acne skin care products in the market with different active ingredients and solutions for different skin types. Acne prone skin can be very sensitive to different chemicals and must be very careful in using different products. There are different tips and techniques for mild to severe cases of acnes. Some acne skin care products may not work for some people in helping them improve the look and condition of their skin.

Another ingredient in a topical acne medication product is Azeilic acid. Azeilic acid is known for its diminishing effect like that of benzoyl peroxide, on the bacterial presence on the skin. This acne solution is also effective in evening out the darker complexions produced by the recent flare-ups of acne. The side effects of this acne solution are impermanent discoloration on the affected area and extreme dryness. In addition, Erythromycin in its topical form may reduce the acne inflammation. This acne solution is often combined with benzoyl peroxide to rigorously attack belligerent infection caused by the "Propionibacterium acnes".

Acne isn't really helped by the sun, either. Although a suntan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won't help it go away permanently. So don't soak up those rays - either under the sun or from a tanning bed - in an effort to help your skin.

Over the years studies have suggested everything from chocolate, candy, fried foods, sugar, drinking water, orange juice to milk can cause you to develop acne or make existing acne worse. However there is no scientific evidence to support any such results. There are so many factors effecting acne development that it is very difficult to isolate any one cause. So whether or not to avoid certain foods or drinks is really just an individual preference. If you find your skin reacts negatively to certain foods, then just don't eat or drink it.

9/04/2007

The Zeno Zit-Zapper - Could Acne Have a Miracle Cure?


How many times have we woken on the morning of a big event only to find our face dominated by a monster zit? Acne is never fun at the best of times, but it seems to have an amazing ability to appear at the most inopportune moments. First dates, dances, weddings, and work presentations are all fair game when it comes to acne! (As if we needed another thing to deal with that day!) I'm sure that all of us, at one time or another, have wished for an instant acne treatment to get us through the next 24 hours zit-free. Lucky for us, we're living in the 21st Century, and the Zeno zit-zapper is reported to be just that kind of miracle cure! So how is it supposed to work?

Acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands, tiny glands that link to hair follicles and produce sebum to lubricate and protect our skin. In a normally functioning follicle, sebum climbs to the surface of the skin via a hair. If the pore is open, sebum keeps moving through the pore and onto the skin. Sometimes, however, a pore can be blocked off by dead skin cells or excess oil. In this case, sebum is trapped within that pore, along with natural skin bacteria. Although the exact mechanism of this response is still under debate, this bacteria gradually triggers an inflammatory reaction in the skin, leading to the redness and swelling associated with acne. Often the pressure or initial irritation of a blocked pore can be felt before a pimple fully develops, and it is on this principle that the Zeno works.

The Zeno is a handheld rechargeable device that uses heat to treat individual acne blemishes within four to twelve hours of when the blemish first starts to appear. The basic premise is that heat reduces inflammation, and in the case of acne, 119 degrees of heat disables the bacteria inside the pore without damaging the skin. The heat is also thought to increase blood flow to the inflamed area, which helps to heal the skin more quickly. The Zeno applies this heat consistently for two-and-a-half minutes, for between one and three treatments per pimple with at least an hour in between heat applications. According to studies done by the company that created the Zeno (Tyrell Inc.), over 90% of the patients that treated early pimples with Zeno experienced fading or a total disappearance of the pimple within the 24 hours following treatment.

There are a few catches to the Zeno. It is most effective on mild to moderate acne, but has no effect on whiteheads or blackheads. This makes sense, because there is no inflammatory reaction to be stopped and because the core to the blemish is already well-established. The Zeno is also best used on cases of acne where there are only a few pimples developing at a time. The more pimples, the harder it would be to identify and treat them within the early-formation phase, and so the Zeno probably wouldn't have the desired effect. Last but not least, the Zeno sells for quite a hefty fee (I found it on one website for $225 USD + tax). Those with occasional acne might not find that price worthwhile if their acne isn't all that bad to begin with.

So what's the verdict--is the Zeno a miracle device? Kind of. The theory behind it seems sound, and for those with mild to moderate acne and a good skin care regimen, it sounds like the Zeno could be perfect for stopping the few pimples that squeak through daily treatment. However, the limited use dictated by pimple development and type mean that it is not as ideal an acne treatment for many of those suffering from acne. Furthermore, while addressing the symptoms, the Zeno does nothing to counteract the sources of acne, namely excess sebum production, androgen-sensitivity, and delayed sloughing of skin cells. If you fit into the mild-to-moderate category and you have some extra cash kicking around, the Zeno could be your new best friend. Unfortunately, however, I think most of us will have to keep searching.