Suffering From Acne Problems - You're Not Alone

Acne affects an estimated 17 million people in the United States, and most often appears during the teenage years. It is a chronic disorder caused by the excess oil production from sebaceous glands which cause the skin's hair follicles to become plugged, inflamed, and sometimes infected. Contrary to popular belief, acne breakouts are not caused by eating chocolate or greasy foods. While there is no known cure for acne, it can be regulated with daily facial hygiene and/or medications.

Teens are the most common age group suffering from acne, caused by hormonal changes that stimulate the sebaceous (oil producing) skin glands. Teenagers are faced with the many problems of growing up, and acne can be an added burden that interferes with a young person's self esteem and confidence. The unfortunate reality is that acne isn't just an affliction that affects teenagers. While most teens will "grow out" of this awkward and uncomfortable phase, there are some who can't seem to get away from acne problems. There are many people who will continue to suffer from acne well into adulthood.

Adult acne refers to acne that begins or continues from teen years into adulthood. Surprisingly, this skin problem is extremely common and can occur at any age. It is estimated that about 25% of adult men and up to 50% of adult women have had acne during their adult lives. Women who have gone through their teen years almost pimple free may develop persistent adult-onset acne as they get older. Adult acne is commonly misdiagnosed as rosacea, a long lasting, non-scarring skin condition of the face. Generally, treatment for adult acne is no different from the usual treatment for acne.

We know more about the treatment of acne today more than ever. And after you find a treatment that works, use it regularly. For best results, any treatment you undertake should not be lapsed even for a day to get a better and faster result. The duration of treatment is determined by the severity of your acne and your body's response to the sessions.

Acne is the most prevalent skin affliction in the world. It affects nearly 85% of people between the ages of 12-24, and is a surprisingly common problem for people over 25 years of age. This affliction can be mild for some and harsh for others, but is a frustrating problem regardless of its severity. If you are suffering from acne, the first thing you need to do is locate the cause and stop it. Taking preventative measures in conjunction with a daily acne treatment is the key to healthy, acne-free skin.

Looking into Chemical Peels for Treating your Acne?

I've never been big on the thought of applying chemicals to any part of my body, and the idea of using them on my face to heal acne sounded counter-productive - not to mention more than a little painful! Chemical peels, however, have been a popular acne treatment for many, many years. Often more effective than simple topical treatments, but arguably less intense than laser skin resurfacing or microdermabrasion, chemical peels can be used to treat both acne blemishes as well as acne scars. There are a few different types of peels, differentiated by the depth of penetration and the chemical ingredients.

Chemical peels use a variety of chemicals to remove the upper layer of damaged, scarred, or lined skin. The idea is that, with the removal of damaged skin, new and healthy skin will grow in its place. Furthermore, removing the top part of the skin can take away any dead skin cells blocking the pores, allowing comedones to start healing and preventing new formations.

There are several different types of chemical peels, and AHA (alphahydroxy acid) peels are the mildest form of chemical peel, with the least recovery time involved. Sometimes doctors even recommend a face wash or cream containing AHA for a similar effect. AHA peels can be composed of glycolic, lactic, or fruit-based acids, and application generally lasts only 10 minutes at a time. Since the process is so gentle, repeat applications may be necessary with intervals of a week or more in between. Following the treatment, the skin generally responds with temporary flaking or sloughing of dead cells and may feel very dry and red, somewhat similar to a sunburn. This generally disappears quite quickly, and bandages aren't usually necessary.

Chemical peels done using TCA (trichloracetic acid) are a moderate form of chemical peel that affects a greater depth of the skin. This peel can take longer to apply, and results in a more intense burning of the skin. Although the procedure can be done relatively quickly during a visit to the dermatologist, sedation is sometimes used during the treatment in order to help the patient relax. Also, since the TCA peel is more intense than the AHA peel, it is recommended that sun exposure be limited, and the skin properly protected. Some crusting may occur with this treatment, but it is purely superficial, and should disappear within a few days.

The strongest type of chemical peel uses phenol, generally in combination with croton oil. This treatment is used to remove deep wrinkles, serious sun-damage, and sometimes even pre-cancerous growths. The phenol peel is the deepest one available, which is both beneficial and detrimental. The chief positive aspect of a phenol peel is that skin improvements are so obvious; smooth, even-toned, and more blemish-free skin can often be noticed within 7-10 days, lasting sometimes up to 20 years. The cost for such dramatic improvements, however, is not small. The procedure itself can be up to 2 hours in length. Also, the recovery time for a phenol peel can take over a month, and side-effects are reported to be much more common for this peel than for the AHA or TCA peels. These side-effects include swelling and crusting, but one of the most serious is a permanent skin pallor. Phenol peels essentially bleach the skin and render it unable to tan. This means that the effects of this peel will look natural only for those with pale skin who don't tan easily.

It is clear that chemical peels, as with any acne medication, are not a procedure to embark upon without a consultation from a professional. Since peels vary in penetrating depth, certain chemical peels are tailored towards certain types of acne. Also, while self-treatment kits can be purchased, it is highly recommended that patients go to a professional. Only professionals can ensure proper chemical control and minimize the chance of mistakes and irreversible side-effects such as scarring or adverse pigmentation. From most reports, chemical peels sound like they can be a very useful tool for acne treatment, often with fantastic results. That said, I don't think I'll be doing it myself any time soon!

Acne Skin Care for Men: Skin Care Made Simple

To say that men are not known for spending a lot of time on skin care is to make the understatement of a century. Although there has been a general increase in guys buying into skin care, many still use the same soap to wash their face that they used to wash their armpits only a few minutes earlier. Let's face it, skin care can be a scary world, especially for guys who haven't been shopping for acne products this century! There are billions of products out there, so not only do men have to brave aisles and aisles of skin care products in order to grab one and make for the cashier, they also risk buying a product that doesn't even meet their needs. Many guys would rather suffer, and suffering isn't that bad if you have great skin; however, men, like women, can also suffer from acne, and that old bar of shower soap doesn't do much to help with that!

Acne skin care for men doesn't need to be complicated. On the contrary, many men find that using a very basic skin care regimen helps their skin clear up noticeably, without the dozens of acne care steps that us women go through daily. Another difference between men and women's acne skin care is the number of products involved. Where women may be willing to use three different products each for a different effect, men can often get away with one product that has multiple functions. An example of a simple skin care plan for men is as follows.

Morning:
Step 1--use a mild, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free cleanser to get the face clean after a good night's sleep.
Step 2--follow this up with an oil-free moisturizer that contains a non-comedogenic sunscreen of at least SPF 15

Evening:
Step 1--use that same morning skin cleanser to wash off the accumulated grit and grime of the day
Step 2--apply a topical retinoid to act against acne and reduce oiliness of the skin

It's that easy!! Anthony Logistics for Men has a number of facial cleansers and moisturizers that satisfy these requirements, as do the Jack Black, DDF, and Peter Thomas Roth skin care lines, amongst others. Guys can get topical retinoids over the counter for mild to moderate cases of acne, but they may need a stronger prescription treatment if their acne is more severe.

In addition to the low-maintenance acne skin care regimen above, there are several other things that men can do to look after their skin and prevent acne breakouts. One particular source of irritation unique to men is shaving. Preparing the face with warm water prior to a shave can help minimize nicks and irritation by increasing the elasticity of the skin. Lathering properly is also important for preventing acne, and shaving with the grain as opposed to against the grain can prevent shaving rash that appears from too close a shave. Electric razors are much better for acne than blade shaving, but if guys prefer a blade, single blades are the least harsh on acne-prone skin.

A final skin care tip for men is to be wary of hair care products containing alcohol or oils that can wreak havoc on one's skin. Another option is to style hair in such a way that it doesn't touch the face, or to shower and wash hair at night so the product doesn't migrate onto their face via their pillow.

While the world of skin care may still be a little intimidating, many skin care products are now aimed for the specific needs of men. Simple, low-maintenance, and effective, all many guys need for acne prevention is a decent cleanser, a good all-round moisturizer with sunscreen, and a mild medicated acne cream to wear at night. Healthy skin is in, and both gals and guys can benefit from a regular skin care regimen.

Adult Acne: Why Me?!

Acne can been defined as a chronic skin disorder typified by pimples, blackheads, cysts, and infected abscesses...in other words, not very much fun! While once thought of as purely a teenage problem, the number of adults seeking help for their acne has increased substantially in the last few years. This could be due to either an increase in the number of those suffering from acne, or an increase in those now willing to seek treatment. Regardless, acne is no longer something expected to disappear once adulthood is attained.

Experts believe that acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands, which are found nearly everywhere on the human body. These glands secrete a substance called sebum, which is a mixture of fats and debris from dead cells. In healthy skin, sebum is brought to the surface along a hair shaft or through an open pore, where it lubricates and protects the hair and skin. Too much sebum can lead to blocked pores; too little sebum can lead to dry, unhealthy skin. For those who suffer from acne caused by an excess of sebum, this is often a direct result of rising levels of androgenic hormones

Acne is thought to occur when excess sebum production or abnormal retention of skin cells blocks a pore or hair follicle in the skin, trapping sebum and natural skin bacteria inside. A small, newly-blocked pore appears as a whitehead. A larger blocked pore is often called a blackhead. When whiteheads and blackheads form, their may be no initial irritation and they may be visible only upon close inspection. With time, however, the skin bacteria inside the pore reproduce and react with the sebum inside that blocked pore, irritating the surrounding cells. It is this irritation that causes redness and inflammation on the skin's surface.

Adult acne can be just as problematic as teenage acne, and sometimes even more so. With increasing age, the skin changes: collagen production decreases, and the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, making it less able to adapt and recover from disturbances and irritations. For this reason, persistent adult acne can leave deeper and more visible scars than acne on their younger counterparts.

Treatment for mild-to-moderate adult acne focuses on a three-step skin care regimen. The first step is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, opening up the pores and revealing bacteria trapped within. The second step is a toner that neutralizes the skin's pH and removes excess oil and bacteria. The final step is a non-comodegenic moisturizer to prevent over-drying. Some skin care regimens also recommend the use of a repairing product after the toner and before moisturizing the skin, and of course, over-the-counter products and prescribed acne medication can also be used in acne treatment.

Whether in one's teenage or adult years, acne can be a debilitating disease. Statistics suggest that at least 15 million people in the United States alone suffer from acne, and that a considerable percentage of those are adults. Adult acne used to be a source of embarrassment to many people who believed it was only a teenage disorder. Fortunately this misconception has been corrected and there are now several acne treatments that were created solely for adults, so don't be afraid to go to your doctor and ask for help!

Acne Solution: Stop Falling Prey to the Number One Acne Myth

Nine out of ten people fall prey to the number one acne myth: Acne is caused by dirt and oil on your skin, which leads to an infection under the skin. While this can be a valid cause for acne, could it be that the leading acne product manufacturers just want you to believe this is true so you'll continue to buy their products?

However effective these supposed acne solutions are for many people, the truth is that these products may only be "curing" you of your acne on the surface. Which means, you're not really being cured at all.

You see there's a common belief that acne is not caused by surface dirt and oil, but is caused by something deep below your skin's surface, like toxins in your body. Toxins come from air, water, and anything you ingest, such as food, alcohol, etc. that your body has to filter out.

Generally, your liver and kidneys work to filter toxins out of your body through your bowels and bladder. When your kidneys and liver become so full of toxins that they can no longer release them effectively in this manner, the toxins build up. Well, they need to come out somewhere �through your skin by way of your pores.

When toxins escape through your skin, they irritate and contaminate your pores. The result is an infection, evident by a pussy white pimple or a hard, tender bump on the surface of your skin, generally found in clusters.

One of the best ways � if not THE best way � to help rid your body of toxins is to detoxify. You've probably heard of detoxification before. There are numerous detoxifying aids available on the market today.

The concept of detoxification is a simple one: To aid your body in ridding itself of toxins. The process can last anywhere from a couple of days to a month, depending on your needs. Several components are included from simplifying your diet to drinking lots of water, juices and teas to taking herbal supplements to aid in ridding your body of waste.

During the detoxification process, your body may experience symptoms similar to being sick, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue. This is because the toxins are being processed out of your body. Once you get passed the initial symptoms, you'll find that you not only feel better but your skin will look better. And if you keep up a healthier diet by not reintroducing toxins to your body, you can continue to manage your acne for the rest of your life, without the use of acne products.

Find out another reason why acne products may not be an effective solution for you.

Skin Care For Acne Sufferers

For many cases of acne, a physician will recommend that individuals gently wash their skin with mild soap and possibly a cleanser. The best time for acne sufferers, or anyone, to wash their skin is in the morning and the evening and following any exercise program. In caring for skin, many acne sufferers believe it's better to scrub their skin in hopes of getting it clean. However, this is not a good idea. If you already suffer from acne, scrubbing will only make the condition worse and may cause irritation to your otherwise healthy skin. Instead, gently washing the skin with a soap that does not contain harsh ingredients and contains some type of moisturizing lotion may help to cleanse and rejuvenate without the potential for irritation.

Individuals who notice the presence of acne should avoid the temptation to pick, squeeze or pinch their blemishes. This action may lead to scarring or even infection if not left alone to heal. In addition, acne breakouts should not be touched or rubbed in order to avoid irritation. Individuals should also avoid a sunburn or suntan for the sole purpose of concealing acne. Because either of these two darkens the skin, many believe that this will lessen the visibility of their breakout. While this may be true, it is also very temporary and it's important to note that prolonged exposure to the sun or tanning bed may increase the risk of early aging signs, developing skin disorders or even cancer later on in life.

If they are makeup wearers, individuals who are being treated for acne may wish to reconsider their choice in cosmetics. Any type of product that is used, including foundation, moisturizers, eye shadow and bush should be oil free. It can sometimes be difficult to evenly apply cosmetics when acne is present. The reason is because it's nearly impossible to get a smooth application when your skin has red bumps or inflammations. The best way to conceal blemishes is to dampen a makeup sponge before dipping it into the foundation. Once the foundation is present on the dampened sponge, it should be evenly applied over the face. This technique will provide better coverage for acne sufferers and will result in a much smoother look than just using a dry application.

When some people think of skin care, they feel that they couldn't possibly have the time to devote to making their skin look and feel great. The truth is, however, that regular cleansing with the proper soap and choosing the right cosmetics can go a long way in improving the tone of your skin. In addition, skin care is linked to other factors, including diet and exercise. If you can maintain a well-balanced diet and participate in an exercise as simple as walking for 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week, your skin tone ay improve dramatically.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of acne. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the use of cleansers or other effective treatment methods.

Accutane: The Acne Killer?

Acne is the most common skin disorder amongst adolescence and adults alike.It has plagued us for generations and continues to affect us today.There are four main causes of acne, as stated by the American academy of dermatology. These four causes are hormones, increased sebum production, changes inside hair follicles, and bacteria.An oily substance, called sebum, is secreted by the sebaceous glands when the hair follicles and sebaceous glands are inflamed.An excess amount of sebum can clog the follicles (pours) and eventually leads to bacterial formation and inflammation of the follicles.Accutane is considered to be the ultimate, end-all medication for eliminating acne.Accutane is used to treat severe cases of acne which have not been healed through conventional antibiotics and topical creams.It is used to control all of the underlying causes of acne by normalizing your follicles, decreasing sebum production, reducing inflammation and limiting the growth of bacteria.However, there are also many side effects that you should be aware of when choosing to use Accutane as a remedy for acne.Two of the most serious possible side effects associated with taking Accutane include birth defects and serious mental health problems (including suicidal tendencies). There are also many other possible side effects associated with Accutane that you should review with your doctor or health care provider before the use of this medication.In order to decide whether this treatment is right for you; you should discuss with your doctor how severe your acne is, what other treatments you've tried, the possible benefits of accutane, the possible side effects of accutane and any other health related issues that may affect you while taking accutane (i.e. use of antibiotics, depression, etc.)Take a look at http://www.acnejournal.com for more information.

An acne herbal hand and footbath

n a book I read by William L. Fischer called Hidden Secrets of Super Perfect Health at Any Age, Book II, 1986, I learn how to do herbal footbaths.

In chapter 10, The F-M Circulizer System, Fischer discusses the use of an herbal footbath. After reading this chapter, I realized how herbs in a footbath could improve your skin and help you eliminate acne.

This book was written in 1986 and Fischer claims herbal footbaths have been in use overseas since 1946!

Now, you can do either a footbath or a hand bath. Once you prepare a container with hot water you can put your feet or hands into it and get the same results.

If you already have foot spa, thank your mother, sister, or whoever bought it because you're in for a treat. If you don't, with $20 or $30 you can get one just like I did.

When you use a heated footbath, veins in your feet start to expand. Over a period of 15-20 minute, the warm water affects your entire vascular (blood) system and you get improved blood circulation.

By adding an herbal infusion into the hot water in the footbath, minerals and other phytochemicals from the herbs enter the soles of your feet and into your blood stream.

This means that you can introduce herbal phytochemicals into your blood stream using the footbath. During your footbath, these herbal chemicals quickly circulated throughout your body and get to work neutralizing acid, killing bacteria, and improving your skin circulation.

Here is an herbal combination you can use. This herbal combination was taken and modified slightly from a book written by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D., called The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, 1986. Mowrey says,

"This (herbal) blend attacks external skin disorders from within, purifying the blood, carrying away waste, reinforcing the blood's ability to ward off infectious agents."

The herbal combination to use is,

* Dandelion root � purifies blood and improves liver function
* Yellow dock root � purifies blood, helps liver, is anti-bacterial
* Saraparilla root � has antibiotic action, promotes waste elimination through urine and sweating
* Echinacea � increases immunity and promotes skin healing
* Licorice � protects the liver so that it can detoxify the blood better
* Kelp � provide minerals and vitamins and binds heavy metal that are bad for health
* Chaparral � is anti-microbial making effective against acne.
* Fresh Garlic � cut up a few cubes of garlic and place them into the hot water. Garlic is has antibacterial properties.

Buy one ounce of each herb and mix them.

Here's how to do the herbal footbath,

* Place 2-3 tablespoons of herbal mix into 1 � cups of water
* Boil the water with herbs � use only a glass, porcelain, or stainless steel container
* After water starts to boil, pull the container off the stove
* Let tea sit for 15-30 minutes. The longer the tea sits the stronger the tea and its effects
* Prepare your foot spa with water
* Strain the tea to remove leaves and roots
* Poor tea and cut garlic into the foot spa
* Place your feet or hands in the hot water for 15 � 30 minutes.

I have been using a foot spa for many different conditions for my family and myself. I really like using the footbath. It is a convenient way to by pass your digestive system and get more nutrients into your body

Acne Myths Exposed - The Truth About Sunshine

In the years before now, one of the most common acne and skin care treatments suggested by doctors was the exposure of one's skin to the sun. This was thought to clear up acne, and the immediate improvements immediately following sun exposure seemed proof that the treatment worked. However, today's dermatologists, doctors, and skin care specialists are all in agreement - sun is not good for the skin, whether acne-prone or not. So why is the sun so harmful?

The basic story is this. The sun emits electromagnetic radiation, energy that reaches the earth in a variety of wavelengths. Certain wavelengths are visible to the human eye; others seem completely invisible. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are one wavelength category of electromagnetic energy that can't be seen by humans. UV rays have three general groupings, namely UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. All these rays can damage the skin, although UVA rays are the main concern. This is because 99% of the ultraviolet radiation that makes it through the ozone layer are of that wavelength group. Also, since UVA rays don't cause sunburn, it is very difficult to measure the amount of exposure an individual may receive.

Skin damage occurs when ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin, causing changes in the cells and potentially even mutating their DNA, a problem which can lead to cancer. People often think of suntans as indicative of controlled exposure, while believing that only sunburns (technically called erythema) are negative for their health. Many don't realize, however, that a suntan, like a sunburn, also indicates an injury to the skin. In fact, suntans can not be acquired without first damaging the epidermis. When UVB rays penetrate the epidermis, the skin reacts by stimulating melanin production to limit the depth of future radiation exposure. A suntan, therefore, is the skin's reaction to injury.

While the sun may be a temporary help for acne, the long-term picture is not so good. The sun is thought to kill acne-causing skin bacteria, and to blend in new acne scars and blemishes, however continued UV ray exposure actually increases the likelihood of clogged pores as a result of increased oil production and dead skin cell retention. For those with skin prone to acne, sun exposure can be a double-edged sword; they may be reluctant to use sunscreen to avoid adding grease to their face, but the unprotected exposure actually leads to more skin damage and likely more oil, so more clogged pores and acne.

Fortunately, several products have recently been developed that promise non-comedogenic effects, meaning that they have been proven to not cause acne. In addition to sunscreens, these include several moisturizers and even makeup products like foundation that include protection of up to SPF 15. SPF, of course, stands for Sun Protection Factor, and is a measure of how long a product protects the skin against sunburn when compared to how quickly the skin would burn without that protection. SPF 15 means that a person can stay in the sun for 15 times longer than they could without that protection, and without burning. So, for instance, if a person can spend only 10 minutes in the sun without burning, SPF 15 would extend that to 150 minutes, and SPF 30 would protect the skin for up to 300 minutes. This estimate, of course, depends on physical exertion and product exposure to water, both of which could mean that sunscreen needs to be re-applied more quickly.

For those with acne problems, sun exposure is not the idealized treatment it was thought to be. In addition to aging the skin and potentially causing skin cancer, the ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun can actually increase sebum production and sun-damaged skin cells can block pores. Temporary acne relief may last for the first few days after sun exposure, but acne generally returns quickly, and sometimes more severely. Acne-prone skin, just like any skin, should be protected from UV damage by using oil-free products containing a good SPF of at least 15. Covering the skin with loose-fitting clothing, and shading the face with a hat can also protect the skin. The sun is wonderful, but enjoy it responsibly and be well-aware of the risks.

Acne - Not Just a Physical Problem

Current statistics on acne are astounding; there are millions of people, world-wide, that suffer from this disease. While many might question why a simple skin disease could be so terrible, you need only to have experienced an acne outbreak yourself to understand how traumatic it can be. Acne patients have been known to suffer from a variety of psychological problems stemming from their acne, including clinical depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and social phobias. One study even suggests that acne patients suffer from more anxiety disorders and depression than many others who have more physically debilitating medical problems.

One reason for this may be the importance that many feel a society places on their physical appearance. This focus can skew an individual's feeling of self-worth if they don't match up. Media is often blamed for setting an unrealistic ideal for a person's physical appearance by showing, for instance, only those people with completely flawless skin or by using digital editing methods to make that person's skin appear perfect. This places an enormous amount of pressure on an individual to meet the perceived ideal of beauty, or sometimes even come close to their own expectations for themself. A focus on one's looks makes it much easier to become self-critical. In many cases, we can be our own harshest judge, seeing our flaws as much more noticeable than they actually are. Imperfections such as acne may become an accute source of embarrassment, especially since outbreaks may be hard to control.

Myths and misconceptions can also contribute to the psychological problems associated with acne. One myth maintains that the cause of acne is poor hygiene. On the contrary, many people with acne wash their faces several times a day in order to minimize acne-causing oil. Another acne myth is that people suffer from acne get it from eating junk food. Obviously healthy eating is better for your body and your skin, however, except in cases of food allergies or nutrient deficiencies, there is no widely accepted and direct link between the food a person eats and the presence of acne. Both these myths suggest that if you have acne, it is your own fault, and this is simply not true.

These misleading ideas can make acne a very traumatic experience. Feeling that they are being judged in social situations, acne sufferers may withdraw from events and gatherings, becoming shy and avoiding social contact. Others may respond with anger, acting rebellious to draw attention to their behaviour and away from acne-prone skin. Adults often feel particularly ashamed of their acne, since it is generally perceived to be an adolescent disease that should have disappeared by adulthood. A common complaint of many acne sufferers is that their quality of life has been compromised; the emotional and psychological stigma of acne can really take a toll on a person's self-confidence.

Fortunately, in these modern times, there is an abundance of help for acne sufferers. There are more skin care tips than ever before, and there are hundreds of products on the market, either over-the-counter topical acne treatments or prescribed acne medications. Even better, the knowledge base about acne has grown significantly, and dermatologists have identified a basic acne skin care regime that has proven helpful for many thousands of people suffering from acne. The first step is a good skin cleanser, often one containing or a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells. The second step is a toner, which neutralizes the pH of the skin and eliminates bacteria. The final step is a moisturizer, to keep the skin soft and supple. Some acne skin care regimes also add a medicated cream after the toner and before the moisturizer, to help existing acne heal more quickly. With so many acne treatment options, most people don't have to suffer from acne, and once treated, the psychological effects of the disease can also heal.

Can Dairy Trigger Acne? The Hormone Story

If you're anything like me, the saying "you are what you eat," has never been particularly satisfying. For years, acne sufferers have been told one of two extremes: that it's the food they eat that directly causes their acne, or that diet has no effect on their acne at all. Criticism has emerged regarding the design of past diet studies, whichever hypothesis they followed, suggesting that there are several gaps in up-to-date scientific studies on the acne-diet link. Modern research seems to be sitting on the fence between these two factions, saying that there is no direct link between diet and acne, but allowing that certain factors within foods can have an influential role on the occurrence and severity of acne breakouts. For instance, a finger has long been pointed at specific components of dairy products as acne triggers. So why the blame on dairy, and where does current research stand on this link?

Cows are the most common source of milk extracted and used in the Western diet. Reports suggest that this process generally starts a month or two after the birth of a calf, and is continued on for several months after that point. This is accomplished by artificially inseminating the cow to keep it pregnant and thus producing milk. Since cow milk is coming from a pregnant animal, several hormones are known to pass into the milk and therefore to humans. Although the hormones naturally occur in milk, it is still highly questioned as to whether humans should be consuming milk after the age of five.

Studies report that cow milk contains estrogens, progesterone, and several androgen precursors. These hormones can influence acne in different ways. Estrogen is thought to have a positive effect on acne, reducing overall outbreaks and counteracting negative effects of other hormones. Progesterone sounds like it can be positive, negative, or neutral; it increases water retention in the skin, pinching off pores and causing blockages, but can help in masking the effects of androgen hormones on the skin. Androgen precursors seem to be the biggest problem, because they create the potential for androgen expression which is thought to lead to increased activity in the sebaceous glands. More activity means more sebum, and overproduction of sebum can block the pores and start a chain reaction that results in acne.

Estrogen, progesterone, and androgens are not foreign hormones; all are naturally found in the human body. The reason for concern, then, is that hormones brought into the body through dairy-containing food or drink could potentially upset the delicate balance of naturally occurring hormones in a person's body, tipping the scale towards a surplus of androgens and therefore consequent acne. These effects are thought to be more extreme in women, since many have a genetic over-sensitivity to androgen hormones in the first place. This means that additional androgens brought in through dairy could exacerbate that reaction, making acne-prone skin even more sensitive.

In 2005, Clement A. Adebamowo et al. published an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology which had some interesting results. The authors studied 47,355 questionnaires completed by women answering questions about their high school diet and acne severity. The results established a positive relationship between acne and consumption of milk in teenage girls. Milk-based instant breakfast drinks, cream cheese, and cottage cheese were also found to cause acne. One important thing to note was that skim milk actually had a higher rate of severe acne associated with it than whole milk; this merely stresses that the resultant acne is not related to the particular fat content in milk.

Since the study was focused on establishing or negating the relationship between acne and milk, no reason for the link was proven. However, the authors did hypothesize that the hormones found in milk are in amounts large enough to effect girls in a biological manner. It would be interesting to see if the same is true for women, given height and weight changes in the years following high school.

More studies need to be done before this study can be taken as conclusive evidence. It is certainly a good start, though, and it does provide food for thought. Dairy does have many positive health benefits associated with it, not least the role it plays in strengthening our teeth and bones. So if you're thinking of reducing your dairy consumption to see the effect it has on acne control, talk to a doctor or dietician first to make sure that you're getting enough calcium and nutrients from other sources.

Yes, You Too Can Get Rid of Acne and Its Disfiguring Scars! Here's One Way. . .

Most people know that acne is hard to beat, but it is not impossible to win your personal war against acne. The good news is that there are quite a few different treatments for acne available to you.

One of the most popular of today's acne treatments are the various kinds of acne chemical peels. These peels come in different concentrations. The right acne peel can help you fight pimples.

A low-strength chemical peel may be gentler than a number of other treatment options. Because of this, you might want to consider an acne chemical peel as one of your acne weapons.

Acne chemical peels actually work. They remove the outer layer of damaged skin to reveal clearer skin underneath.

Here is what happens if you choose to use a chemical peel to help your acne. A special solution is applied to the parts of your body that have been affected by acne. Next comes the removal of the peel. It doesn't come off all by itself but grabs a layer of skin which also peels off when the chemical peel is removed. This exposes a new layer of skin previously concealed under the old layer. After a successful chemical peel, your skin's appearance may be greatly improved.

Since there are a number of strengths of chemical peels, the solution that your health professional chooses will depend upon how severe your acne is. You should try the mildest one first and see what happens unless your acne is extremely severe.

Acne peels can make your skin look more even and are that's why they are used to help remove scars.

Medium strength chemical peels are also available. And deep chemical peels for acne are also an option. These stronger types of chemical peels remove more layers of skin than the gentler peel. You need to consult a dermatologist before you decide to use either a medium or deep chemical peel.

The process of going through an acne chemical peel is quite simple and it could help you with your acne problem. Because of this, be sure to keep chemical peels in mind as you search for just the right solution to help you win your own personal war with acne.

Proactive - Skin Care Acne Control Products That Work

It can be hard to find skin care acne control products that really work. However, one of the best is Proactive. Several famous people use Proactive with great results including Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams. You, too, can use this skincare product that will help you fight your problem acne. This solutions was discovered when two doctors, Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields started trying to find a solution that worked for more than just acne spots. They wanted to make something to cure the problem. They used their research and experience to create a comprehensive skin care acne control product that works for everyone from teenagers to adults.

Proactiv is a three step solution that starts with a renewing cleanser. The smooth grains in the cleanser are so tiny, they are able to fit inside your clogged pores. They unclog the pore and start the long process of removing the dead skin cells that can cause acne. The renewing cleaner contains benzoyl peroxide that attacks the bacteria that causes acne. Once you've cleansed your face, you are ready for a revitalizing toner. Most toners contain alcohol, but Proactive skin care acne control products do not contain any alcohol, so they are far more gentle to your face than other products on the market. The toner balances your skin tone and finishes the process of dead skin cell removal. The Proactive process finishes with a repairing lotion. This helps to heal problem blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.

Finding the right skin care acne control product can be very tough. You have to evaluate things carefully. However, Proactiv is one of the best products on the market. Combined with a good diet and a healthy lifestyle, proactive can help stop your acne in its tracks, which can lead to a better self-esteem as well as a better complexion.

How to care for acne prone skin?

Acne is a skin condition that is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin. The overproduction of oil leads to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and reddishness on the face. However, acne can be prevented and the number of breakouts can be reduced.

You shouldn't ignore acne as a simple problem. If you have breakouts all over your body or on your back then acne can ruin your day. Acne can be painful and when it is on your face it can also effect your appearance. A persons self esteem can be effected if they find that people are focusing on their acne and nothing else. Your acne can be improved if you know how to take proper care of your skin.

Preventing acne before it starts was the original idea for acne skin care. A lot of self discipline is required for a individual to do acne skin care. You need to stick to a routine and discipline yourself in proper skin care in order for your acne to be prevented.

One of the most important parts of acne prevention is cleanliness. You can keep yourself healthy by keeping your body clean. Showers is the best and most effective way of keeping your skin clean. Showers are also an excellent way of relaxing your entire body. You should take showers as frequently as possible especially if you live in a hot area. Scars or dark blotches can result if you squeeze, pick or pop your zits. If you have acne you should avoid rubbing or touching the lesions. Scars will result if you pop any pimple.

Keeping your things clean is another important part of the cleanliness process. You should sleep in a clean room and make sure you wear clean clothes. In addition, it is a good idea to clean your brushes and face powder puffs so that you can increase your cleanliness and reduce your acne.

For removing dirt from your skin it is very important that you use a mild soap or oil free cleanser that is specifically formulated for your skin type. Once you find a cleanser that you skin responds to you should stick with it. When you wash your face be sure to do so from under the jaw all the way up to the hairline. Everyday in the environment you run into pollutants and harmful elements, these can be removed through the use of cleansers. You can prevent acne breakouts by regularly showering and washing your face. So your skin can breath it is a good idea to remove any makeup before you go to bed at night.

Scars can permanently mark your skin so to prevent these you should never squeeze out pimples. Changing your make up to one that has no oils is a good idea for those who suffer from acne. You should also discontinue use of moisturizers since this can often make your skin more oily and lead to acne breakouts. Over the counter medications can also be used to treat acne, but if you don't think your condition is improving then you should see a dermatologist for the best skin care treatment.

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!

Upping the Ante: Treating Acne with Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics have been a mainstream acne medication for several years now, often with positive results. But if acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands, how do anti-bacterial drugs help? Many descriptions of the causes of acne place the blame squarely on oil production in the skin. While it is true that excess sebum can play a role in creating acne, this isn't the entire story. This article explores the relationship between acne and bacteria, and the role that antibiotics can play in effective acne treatment.

The human body is covered in sebaceous glands. In fact, sebaceous glands can be found anywhere there are hair follicles! These glands have an important role in the skin, through the production of sebum. In healthy skin, sebum is produced in the gland and travels up the hair follicle to the surface of the skin where it acts as a natural moisturizer and protects the skin from environmental damage. If the pore becomes blocked, however, either by dead skin cells or excess sebum, sebum production within the sebaceous gland continues, causing the blocked follicle to swell. In addition to sebum, the follicle also contains natural skin bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria reproduce, which some experts think attracts leukocytes (white blood cells) to the follicle, triggering a vigorous immune response. It is this immune response that often causes the inflammation associated with acne blemishes, and can even contribute to scars.

So there you have it. Acne is not the product of any single factor, but the result of several conditions all coexisting at the same time, and in the same place. So how can oral antibiotics prevent acne?

When taken to combat acne, oral antibiotics are meant to accomplish two things. They are supposed to reduce the bacteria count on the skin's surface and within the follicles, which then helps them accomplish their second function as inflammation control of already infected follicles. Because of the potential for side-effects and to avoid bacteria becoming resistant to treatment, antibiotics are often prescribed only after other more mild topical treatments have failed to produce results and clear up the skin.

Antibiotics may take care of the bacteria load, but treating acne is usually a multi-disciplinary process. Even without bacteria, the skin pores may still become clogged, and as soon as the antibacterial treatment is stopped the problem may start all over again. For this reason, it is still important to have good skin care habits to take care of the other sources of acne. A simple step recommended by most dermatologists is washing the face no more than twice a day with a gentle cleanser. This can help slough off old skin cells, preventing pores from getting clogged in the first place, in addition to removing excess oil from the skin.

If you're on oral antibiotics for your acne and want to address the other causes of acne blemishes, it is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to help you create a multi-faceted plan to address the specific causes of your acne while taking into consideration your skin type and current medications. Certain products should not be taken together, so always follow a physician's guidance in this matter.

Adult Acne Care, Skin Care Is Not Skin Deep

The saying "beauty is only skin-deep" cannot be truer than in regards to adult acne. Studies have proven that topical acne creams and cleansers are simply not enough to stop acne in its tracks.

Recent studies claim that what you put into your body may be more important than what you put on your skin. It can't be denied that acne skin care treatments can help acne, but the majority of acne products are topical, meaning that they go on the surface of your skin. So, it's not far fetched to think that these products simply treat the symptom of something greater that's going on inside your body.

With a few easy changes to your lifestyle, you can get to the root of your adult acne problem and maybe even find a cure. This may sound like a big task to take on, but all it really involves is taking control of your personal habits. Here's how:

1. Eat Right
It's common knowledge that eating healthier provides many great benefits like just feeling better overall. Eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish can greatly benefit a bad complexion. But it's important for you to also limit the amount of bad fats, sugar and caffeine you take in, particularly if you eat a lot of processed foods.

The next time you shop at the grocery store, pay attention to where specific types of foods are located within the store. You'll see that all of the fresh foods � produce, meats, fresh fish and dairy products � are along the outside walls of the store, and all of the processed foods are in the center. Keep your cart away from the center aisles and you can be assured you're making good dietary choices.

2. Drink Plenty of Water
Our bodies are made up mostly of water. Water keeps us hydrated and helps remove toxins from our bodies. Make sure to drink water every day � not just when you're thirsty, but all day long. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you're already experiencing symptoms of dehydration? If you want more flavor than water has to offer, opt for teas or 100% fruit juices that don't have added sugar.

3. Get Lots of Rest
Our bodies aren't meant to be on the go all of the time. Not getting enough sleep can knock you out of whack. By getting enough rest every night and taking a nap if needed during the day, you can stay fresh and alert and keep your body balanced. When people don't have enough energy due to lack of sleep, they have a tendency to snack and drink caffeinated beverages to keep them going. Opt for a 15-minute catnap instead, and you'll be doing your body and skin a lot of good.

4. Move Around
Stress is a major cause of common health issues like weight gain, mood disorders, fatigue, headaches, and, yes, even bad skin. Exercise helps relieve stress and filter toxins out of your body. You'll not only feel better, but you'll look better, too.

You could face years of using topical solutions and medication to treat your acne, or you could address the issues that are going on inside your body and stop acne now. By making some simple lifestyle changes you're not only making yourself healthier on the inside, the results will be noticeable on the outside through your clear, glowing skin.

Read original articles on adult acne at All-About-
Acne-Treatment.com.

Acne Cured Through Dietary Changes

There are several reasons people develop acne problems. Some of them, like genetic tendencies and hormonal changes in teens, are normal functions of the body and the acne will usually go away in time. However, there are other factors that we do have control over and these are diet related.

Although hard to pinpoint, what you consume is by and large one of the main causes of severe acne cases. Your body has several ways to eliminate waste products. These are through your bowels, your urinary tract and kidneys, your liver, your lungs, and your skin. When your body eliminates waste through the skin, the skin pores commonly get clogged up and acne develops. It is this elimination of waste through the skin that is the focus of this article.

The first thing that I would like to point out is that today's diet, for most people, is simply garbage. Too many people have very poor diets that consists of fast foods or foods that are heavily processed and contain a ton of chemicals. Just look at the ingredients on any package and you will see what I mean.

If you go back a hundred years or so and examine the diets then, the food was fresh, void of any chemicals other than manure for fertilizer, and either grown on their own soil or a nearby farm. Back then, the population was much smaller and they tended to group together in small clusters that the local farms could sustain. You don't have that today. Today, people live everywhere, sometimes far away from their food source. That food has to be harvested and preserved to prevent rotting until it can reach someone's table hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away. It's mainly a logistical problem of keeping the food fresh for transport. That is the main reason that the advent of chemicals and preservatives came into the food chain. Every kind of food has this problem. You have to look very hard to find food that doesn't contain these toxic chemicals. It is the bodies attempt to rid itself of these foreign substances that is the root cause for acne problems today. Also, it shouldn't surprise you to learn that most of the chronic illnesses that exist today, were unheard of prior to the 20th century. Even President Eisenhower's personal physician stated once that he didn't see his first heart attack victim until the 1920's. Cancer didn't exist, nor did diabetes and heart disease. When I was young, old people got cancer and diabetes. Today, children get it also. You are what you eat, as they say. So, give serious thought to a diet consisting of nothing but organically grown foods that are pesticide free, and your acne problems will disappear and your overall health will improve.

The first thing that I would change in my diet is the consumption of dairy products, and cow's milk in particular. Today's milk contains so many preservatives, steroids, and growth hormones that it is a leading cause of acne and other health related problems. Acne is the least of these. Cardiovascular problems develop because milk is the leading contributor of plaque and mucus in the body. Nutritionists are becoming increasingly aware of the problems caused by cow's milk. Numerous studies have been made and presented to The New England Journal of Medicine about the health consequences of consuming cow's milk. Good substitutes are goat's milk or soy milk. The milk lobby has done a very good job of presenting a case that milk is a good source of vitamin D and calcium. It's not. Green leafy vegetables are a much better source for calcium. There are even several studies that state that past the age of three, the human body is incapable of digesting cow's milk, which gives credibility to the plaque build up and mucus build up in the bodies of heavy milk drinkers. So replacing cow's milk with either goat's milk or soy milk is the first step I would take to get rid of acne. Replace margarine with real butter if you must use any at all. Believe it or not, margarine is just one molecule away from being plastic. In fact, if you set a tub of margarine out in the sun, it will turn into a black greasy substance that bugs and insects will avoid. I guess they have better sense than humans.

Other areas I would take a strong hard look at is the consumption of red meat and processed sugars, for the same reasons. They are heavily laced with chemicals, especially red meat. Consider replacing red meat with fish, in particular, deep salt water fish. The reason there is the deep water doesn't contain near the pollutants that shallow water has, plus the Omega 3 Fatty Acids that deep water fish contain are good for the heart. Look at your sugar intake and make changes there. Don't even consider sugar substitutes like aspartame, saccharin, and others as they are highly toxic and there is a growing body of evidence pointing to that. If you need a sugar substitute, consider stevia, which is composed of crushed organic chrysanthemum leaves. Stevia can be obtained at your local health food store. It's much sweeter than table sugar and healthy for you.

Get rid of tap water in your diet. Do you realize that sulfuric acid is used in water purification plants to rid the water of waste products. Now that's a comforting thought, isn't it? Use distilled water or purified water instead. Drink at least 8 glasses a day to keep the body properly hydrated and the metabolic processes functioning properly.

If you try all the suggestions that I have mentioned, you will most likely get rid of your acne problem and improve your health in numerous areas, however, if you still have problems with acne after trying all that, then consider going to a food allergist and getting tested. You most likely have some sort of food allergy that is manifesting itself through outbreaks of acne. It's highly likely that you will find an allergy to some kind of grain product.

In summary, a truly healthy diet is one that is organic in nature, void of all the chemicals, pesticides, and harmful fertilizers. Consuming nothing but organic fruits and vegetables, fish, whole grains, nuts and beans, juices and distilled water, will go a long way towards eliminating acne in your life forever and improving your overall health drastically. Adding daily exercise will also help you eliminate toxins through your sweat glands and skin pores more efficiently.

A Permanent Cure for Acne Scars ?

Ask anybody who has ever suffered from acne what was the least enjoyable part of the whole experience and probably the most possible answer will be the scars - acne scars that remain long after acne is gone. If having acne is considered bad, then what about having acne scars for several years more ? If acne scars are what you want to either avoid or get rid of, then a few tips are presented here ...

Prevention is better than cure

If you are still in the early stages of acne then you might want to consult a qualified dermatologist at the earliest to prevent acne from getting worse. Getting rid of acne fast can greatly reduce the chances of scarring later on. A qualified dermatologist can help determine your skin type and the particular triggers that may exacerbate your acne help you get rid of acne fast.
What if you already have scars?
Well, if your acne has already progressed beyond the initial stage of whiteheads and blackheads and you now have pimples and scars on your face, then you have to do two things at the same time - get rid of pimples and get rid of acne scars.
Before discussing how to eliminate acne scars, you may want to know...

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are caused when pimples either get inflamed or do not heal fully. Acne scars are formed when at least one of the layers of healthy skin is injured. When the skin is damaged and bleeding, the body forms new tissue fibers at the place to heal the wound and stop the bleeding. It is these tissues that may appear as a scar.
So getting rid of scars requires that the scar tissue be replaced by healthy tissue by some process or method.
Becoming completely free of acne scars that already have been formed depends on two things : 1) The severity of the scarring and 2) the treatment method you follow. The more severe the scarring, the more effort and time it may require before the scar can completely heal.

Treatment methods for acne scars

There are several methods to heal acne scars but in practice very few of them may be very effective. And some methods may have side effects that you may want to be aware of before you start such a program.
Laser Resurfacing: A carbon dioxide laser burns away the damaged skin, layer by layer. The depth of penetration is controlled. As the outer layers of damaged skin is removed, new skin cells begin to form as the healing process starts and in a few weeks, a younger looking smoother skin surface begins to appear. This is how the process is supposed to work, at least in theory. Laser resurfacing is a relatively new process and you might want to ask your dermatologist about the effectiveness of this method in healing acne scars.
Dermabrasion: This uses a spinning diamond instrument or a rotating wire brush to wear down the outer layers of the skin that have been damaged. And when the skin starts healing, younger and smoother skin will replace the old skin removed by abrasion. The healing process may take up to 3 weeks.
Chemical peels for acne scars: Acidic solutions are applied to the skin to peel away the damaged layers and the new skin that is formed is usually smoother. Chemical peels range from mild to deep penetration. Though chemical peels can be applied at home, it would be advisable to get a dermatologist to apply it.
Punch grafts: More suitable for deep and pitted acne scars, this method involves punching a hole to remove the scar and then removing a small piece of undamaged skin - usually from the area behind the ear - and using it to replace the damaged skin.
There are treatments for acne scars. But the question you may want to ask is...

Do They Work?

All of the treatments mentioned above seem to have a moderate success rate - while they seem to work well for others, some are less than delighted with these treatments. While results like these may be expected with any medical procedure, your face is a very important part of your life and you will want to be absolutely certain that any treatment will be beneficial to your sense of well-being and not otherwise.

In case you want to read other acne treatments that seem to work very well, you may want to see how to get rid of acne marks

Herbal Acne Home Cures

Herbal acne home cures can be an effective adjunct to whatever other treatments are being used. It is important to understand that they are not hard and fast 'cures' in the absolute sense, but will instead support the body's capacity to metabolize fats and carbohydrates, and encourage elimination through the lymphatic system.

The class of herbs known as alterative herbs are conceptualized traditionally as 'cleansing' the body's tissues. They are thought of as detoxifying herbs, but they don't work in any obvious way on the body's elimination channels. - Namely, the lungs, kidneys, or colon. As such, they do not easily fit into a Western model of understanding the body. However, they do have a long tradition of use, and are certainly worth trying as an acne home remedy. Because they work on the internal condition of the body, they are not going to replace any of the topical, over the counter acne treatments. But they may provide benefit in an indirect way that these acne products don't.

Alterative herbs tend to be quite gentle in their effect, so they are best used as a long term treatment. Results won't be sudden, but they will improve the general health of the body. They tend to be given for chronic inflammatory problems, especially relating to the skin, such as acne.

These herbs include burdock, cleavers, red clover, figwort, poke root, echinacea, and blue flag. A great combination is blue flag, burdock, yellow dock, and echinacea. These can be mixed together and infused with hot water to make a tea. Drink a cup of this 3 times a day. You can put a little honey in it to make it taste better.

Another possible combination is burdock, dandelion, and sarsaparilla (not the cola!). Mix these together when they are dry herbs, and make a tea in the same way. They can be used separately as well.

There are a number of options for topical acne home remedies as well. Tea tree oil can be applied directly to breakouts, though for those with sensitive skin this may need to be diluted. Fresh cabbage juice can also be applied directly to acne blemishes, and this may be a better option for those with sensitive skin.

An anti inflammatory skin wash can be made from calendula and chamomile. Make a tea as above, then let it cool and keep it in the fridge. Spray or dab this onto the affected areas regularly.

Another combination for an acne home cure skin wash is yarrow, elder flowers, and lavender.

Colloidal minerals such as potassium phosphate and magnesium phosphate can help support the skin. Zinc is excellent to help prevent scarring, as well as fortifying the immune system, and help supports the normal functioning of hormones.

Vitamin C is excellent for encouraging the healing of acne lesions, as well as providing antioxidant support to the immune system.


References:
1. Simon Mills, The Essential Book Of Herbal Medicine
2. Judy Jacka, A - Z Of Natural Therapies
3. Paul Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing

Acne Medicine Treatment Found In Natural Acne Products

Treatment may be found in natural acne products or in acne medicine. - The side effects that usually are caused by acne medicines must be taken into account when you decide going under a treatment. The acne medicine isotretinoin is used in the treatment of serious cases of the skin disease acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a medicine that has revolutionized the treatment of acne. There is no single medicine or acne treatment. acne, ayurvedic acne treatment, acne medicine, acne adult, acne product, acne medication, best acne treatment Print Now! As this is a natural acne treatment guide, the normal laxatives in drugstores and prescription medicines will not be considered at all. The most popular acne medicine treatments include: Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is an over-the-counter acne treatment that kills the bacteria that causes acne. treatment with medicine: treatment of acne using drugs.

This medicine is a vitamin A derivative used to treat acne. -The best acne medicines are those ones that treat acne from inside out. Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make a person more prone to sunburn. Prescription Topical Medicines Several types of prescription topical medicines are used to treat acne, including antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Covered by most healthcare plans, this oil-free gel gently delivers the medicine to treat acne and prevent new pimples from forming. Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. Systemic therapies, medicines that work internally, are needed to treat severe acne and may be used for moderate cases. Retinoic acid Also known as Retin-A, this is another topical medicine used by doctors to treat acne. There are many types of medicines used to treat acne.

Topical medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the entire area of affected skin. In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. I applied many acne medicines topical skin care cream and lotions which would dry them, but only temporarily. It is important that you continue to take your anti-acne medicine as recommended so that your skin remains acne-free after the lesions finally fade. "Cleanse you skin thoroughly every time before applying any over-the-counter acne medicine," says Dr. When you start using a new acne medicine, you may have mild redness and swelling of your skin. Some acne medicines help prevent clogged pores by peeling off old layers of your skin.
http://www.acne-proactive-treatment.com/acne-medicine/

A Natural Approach To Managing Acne

Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.

In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body's toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.

Recommendations for Wellness

Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.

Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.

Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.

Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today's foods.

Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine's Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.

Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.

To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.

Acne Program - Step 9 Protein and 0ther Food to Eat

Eating the right kind of food is what can give you a strong immune system and help you prevent sickness and all kinds of skin blemishes including acne.

Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.

Protein

Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.

If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.

Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.

Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.

Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.

Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream

Here are the grains you should be eating:

* Brown rice - contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue
* Whole grains - contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber
* Oats - use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.

Seeds and nuts

* Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.
* Flax seeds - These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.
* Pecans - This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B's, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.
* Pine nuts - these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B's, protein and iron.
* Sesame seeds - They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.
* Sunflower seeds - These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.

All of these nuts and seeds should be eaten raw. Heating and other processing will kill the life force of the nut or seed and also reduce the quantity of the vitamins and minerals.

Eat these nuts and seeds as snacks. Sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax seeds can be put directly into your blender as you make your smoothies.

Eczema and Acne Herbs for a Powerful Footbath

In 1979, Maurice Messe'gue', the famous French herbalist, who practiced herbal footbaths for all kinds of ailments, wrote a book called "Health Secrets of Plants and Herbs." In this book he outlined his footbath treatment for Eczema.

I have listed his herbal recommendations and have added a few more that are effective in reducing eczema symptoms. I have listed 11 herbs that you can buy in small quantities, � oz, to mix together, produce a tea, and use in a footbath.

As mentioned in my other article on footbaths, create a tea, with herbs and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. Then strain and add them to a footbath. Use the footbath in the morning and evening for 10 � 14 minutes.

Use at least 9 of the herbs listed here.

Artichoke leaves � You can use artichoke leaves dried whole or cut down and as an extract. Artichoke leaves have been used for indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. They help increase bile and help the liver to regenerate. The liver needs to be in good condition to help eczema conditions when excess toxins are contributing to eczema. The liver helps to detoxify colon toxins and other toxins that may reach eczema locations and cause inflammation.

What I do is just buy some artichokes and cut them into small pieces � about a small hand full � boil water and put them into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Then I take the boiling water off the stove and put my herbs.

Elecampane leaves � This herb is used to expel intestinal parasites, helps to pull toxins out of the body, stimulate digestion and the immune system. A tea of leaves and roots help clean the skin by removing toxins and allowing your immune system to heal your skin.

Cabbage leaves � these leaves are known to reduce your susceptibility to cancer. It is thought that cabbage leaves have anti-inflammatory action. Cabbage has a healing action on open wounds. You can use fresh cabbage cut into small pieces and add them to the boiling water at the same time you add the artichokes.

Nettles � Nettle tea is good for wounds, stings, and burns. It is also used to eliminate worms and for colon disorders. Many times skin disorders can be the result of a toxic colon. That is why cleansing and detoxifying the colon will help with any type of skin problem.

Sage � is a strong astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It increases blood circulation, and helps digestive problems.

Lavender �It is used for inflammation from insect bites. Lavender helps to calms nerves. Many of the skin disorders stem from anxiety and nervous conditions which lower the immune system. This allows toxins or heredity conditions to surface and re-establish themselves as skin diseases.

Marigold � is used for pain and skin swelling. It is good for wounds, sprains, and inflamed and sore eyes.

Arnica � stimulates blood circulation and increases blood pressure. It is used for eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce swelling and pain and helps heal wounds.

Burdock root � Has an excellent history of helping bruises, swelling, and joint pain. It can help to eliminate ringworm on the surface of the skin.

Black Walnut � hull and leaves are used to rid you of various kinds of worms throughout the body. It is useful in constipation, parasitic and fungal infection. It also helps eczema, acne, herpes, skin parasites, and psoriasis.

Yarrow Flowers � helps to improve liver function. It has antiseptic and viral properties. It firms and tones tissue outside and inside the body. It helps to boost your immunity and kills many types of pathogens. Its oils absorb toxins and help the body dispose of them without out creating side effects.

There you have it. Don't be afraid of buying separate herbs and creating an herbal mixture that you can use in a footbath for eczema, acne and other skin conditions. One last thing, when you use the footbath, you will stir up toxins that may increase skin breakouts but this will pass as the footbaths help to clean out your body.

How the Liver Prevents Acne

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood as it comes from the colon, lungs, and lymphatic system. Once detoxified, this blood moves into your entire body to provide your cells with oxygen and digested nutrients.

Because you eat, breathe, and create so many toxins, the liver has a hard time neutralizing these toxins. If you are constipated, this puts an extreme toxic load on your liver, which eventually leads to the excretion of these toxins through your skin and face. Excessive toxins coming out through your skin can lead to acne and other skin disorders.

All cellular wastes, used up hormones, and excess hormones are routed to the liver through your lymphatic system. Once in the liver, the liver starts the detoxifying process. If the liver is overloaded with toxins, it will start to store these toxins in its own cells, in the cells of your organs, in your joints, in your skin, or any other place where the body is weak.

Hormones, such as androgens that are not neutralized by the liver, can get back into the blood and move into the skin cells where they pile up and cause an over production of sebum that will flow into the hair follicle. This over production can cause acne.

Eating good fiber daily can keep your colon clean and free of constipation. Fiber can also trap excess hormones and prevent them from being reabsorbed into your blood through your colon walls.

If you are a typical eater, then most likely you have been surviving on junk food. The quantity of toxic chemical and non-food additives that are in the food that you eat accumulates in your colon, your liver, your blood, and in your face as toxins that needs to be neutralized and eliminated.

All junk food and processed food is detrimental to your health and to your face. Once you stop punishing yourself and forcing your body to process toxic food products, you will have a chance of clearing your colon, liver, blood and the blemished conditions of your face.

One other thing, when the liver is congested and weak, it does not produce enough bile. Bile is needed in your small intestine to help digest fat and to promote good colon health. In your colon, bile helps to activate peristaltic action and thus prevents constipation.

Water and Sunlight Helps to Clear Acne

Drink More Water

The skin stores around 12% water. It is important to maintain this amount with the correct amount of good fat to keep your skin from getting acne. You need to drink around 2 quarts of distilled water every day. If you are not drinking this amount, just start increasing the amount that you do drink.

Drinking water helps you get rid of toxins in the blood and around your cells. By drinking water, you will urinate more and more toxins will be eliminated. You will sweat more and toxins will be eliminated.

The cleaner your blood the healthier your skin will be and your will not have a problem with acne.

Use glass containers when buying distilled or reverse osmosis water. Try to avoid using plastic containers for water since plastic containers contain chemicals, left in the container walls during manufacturing, which leaches out into the water.

If you are drinking fresh juices, you will also be getting water from these juices. Drinking sodas is not drinking water. If you are eating fresh vegetables you are getting distilled water. So the more fruits and vegetables you eat the less water you need to drink.

Here's a few things you do to help you drink more water or to make the water healthier. Find a 16 or 32 oz glass container and add distilled water. Then add one of the following nutrients:

* A few drops of Alkalife. This solution changes the pH of the water from 7 to 8 and also activates the water with its electrolytes � sodium and potassium.

* Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water. Do not add sugar. A few drops of honey may be ok.

* Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the water and add up to one teaspoon of powdered MSM. MSM is excellent for the skin disorders such as acne. It makes the skin cells more flexible, allowing more nutrients to go into and out of the cells, and its anti-inflammatory. MSM is also excellent in activating peristaltic action and will prevent constipation.

* Put 2 oz of mangosteen into the water. Mangosteen is an over all body tonic. It works on all parts of the body and will help keep you regular.

You can also choose to add your favorite nutritional flavor to give water an additional value.

Chose one of these natural additives for your water and drink this water little by little all day long. This is one more thing you can do to get rid of acne, improve your skin texture or to keep the nice skin you already have.

Get Some Sunshine

One more thing you can do for your skin is to get more natural light.

Expose your face to plenty of sun and air. This helps your skin to heal faster. But don't purposely place your face in the sun, but remaining in the shade and open outdoors gives you plenty of sun and air.

At least 20 � 40 minutes a day in the outdoors is necessary for you to get sufficient vitamin D for you daily needs.

Negative Mental Attitude Can Cause Acne

Acne control has become almost a compulsory thing in our society where outer beauty is so important. Many people do not realize that outer beauty actually starts from the inside and what you think and your mental attitude actually affect acnes. To make things worse, people who who suffer from acne are bound to feel inadequate, self conscious and even suffer from acne depression. This type of depression is often more severe than people realize.

Acne is the result of toxins in the body that are not properly disposed thus leaving skin as the only choice. Mind and body cannot be separated so thoughts can also be expressed as acne. How do thoughts can be expressed as acne? Negative thoughts and feeling produce chemicals which are toxic acids just like the ones produce in the colon and needs to be eliminated through 5 channels.

Past experience which is depressing can be an expression of acne. Past experience such as mental and physical torture or sexual abuse, you tend to compress them. As we get older, our natural defense system for these thoughts tend to weaken and unable to contain it anymore. Thus, these expression breaks out into other form of diseases can also be acne.

Our emotion of fear and anxiety can be inter-related to acne and also expression of remembering bad memories. It is similar to holding on toxic on your face and if your stress level is beyond manageable, breakout does happen.

It is a good way to forget and don't remember too much of a bad thing. It is unpleasant to your heart and soul. It requires a lot of strength to fight it and one may need to seek help from professionals like a psychotherapist. So, start thinking positive and try to maintain a balance healthy diet as this is the best prevention not only for acne but also for other health problems as well. Now you know that the world's best acne treatment and prevention actually comes within ourselves.

Three Errors That Will Stop You From Curing Your Acne...

Let me put it to you straight

I speak to plenty of acne sufferers. I assist them as much as possible. Some are extraordinarily successful right from the beginning. While others have problems initially. Those that have problems Ive observed share some commonalities.

Here are just a few of my observations of the pitfalls acne sufferers face and how to avoid them.

#1 Mistake: They believe the problem is with their skin and try to fix the problem with creams or gels...

Acne, be it adult acne or teenage acne has nothing to do with your skin. Now, before you think Ive gone crazy please hear me on this one...

Your skin, rather the health of your skin is an outside mirror of your internal health.

To fix your acne problem youve got to give up the irrational notion that you can put some cream or gel on your skin and fix the problem.

How do you correct the inner problem? We will get to that so stay with me.

#2 Mistake: Acne patients do not have a keen understanding of whats the cause of their acne...

Some will tell you brownies causes acne. Others blame it on too much sex, or birth control pills, or not having of birth control pills.

Then others say its the wrong diet or bad hygiene. While others say food doesnt effect acne.

And plenty of other theories.

(By the way, all of these "theories" are wrong. None of them are the true cause of acne.)

And because they dont recognize WITH precision whats really causing their acne they try lots of totally useless remedies, none of which ever addresses what's really causing their acne.

The crucial first step to overcoming your acne dilemma is you must understand with exactness what causes it. (If you havent done so yet please see my special report on what's causing your acne.

#3 Mistake: If they are lucky enough to find out whats the cause of they dont have an effective system or protocol to fix the dilemma...

...Or they are missing a key piece to the puzzle thats stopping them from getting results. Often having part of the solution is worse then having the full solution

So they give up...Only to jump for the next quick fix acne cream or acne fad...But they never fix the underlying problem. But they never correct the real cause of acne.

They end up anguishing longer when they dont have to. And they suffer more when its unnecessary.

Please hear me...

...Your life is worth it. Make the time to correctly understand whats really the root acne cause and how to cure it. Trust me, acquiring this education is the best use of your time.

But understand who you are learning from...

...Most dont have a clue of whats really the cause of acne. Listen to those who are getting results who have cured their own acne and have helped other acne patients do the same.

I've done it. And you can to. Discover how here: http://www.acneyoda.com