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.

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