10/01/2007

Acne - Natural Problem With a Natural Cure


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

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

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

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

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars. Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

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

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