7/26/2007

Fast Facts About Acne - Uncover the Myths!


There are several forms of medication, some preventive and others curative. Preventive medication stresses on keeping the skin squeaky clean to prevent the incidence of clogged pores. Antiseptic liquid cleansers like Cetaphil cleanse the skin without causing any irritation. In fact, these should form an integral part of your daily skin care regime.

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

There are 2 ways to treat acne, topical (applied to the skin) or systematic (taken by mouth). Both over the counter (OTC) (meaning no prescription is necessary) remedies are available. The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, to prevent new lesions forming, stop scarring, minimize psychological stress and embarrassment caused by the disease. Drug treatment is aimed at reducing several problems that play a part in causing acne: abnormal clumping of the cells in the follicles, increased oil production, bacteria, and inflammation.

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

Stress does not cause acne. Stress is a part of our daily lives and believe it or not it is not a contributing factor to the acne residing in your face. Only severe stress treated by the doctor may cause acne to erupt and then only as a side effect of the drugs a person may be taking. If this is the case, consult your doctor immediately.

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

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