9/28/2007

Secrets of Acne Skin Care Uncovered


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

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

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

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

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

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

9/27/2007

Acne Cures Revealed!


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

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

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

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

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

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

9/26/2007

Scrub the Floor, Not Your Skin � Acne Skin Care


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/25/2007

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/24/2007

Acne Review Treatment - The New Face Of Benzoyl Peroxide


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9/23/2007

Do You Know The Real Cause Of Acne?


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

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

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

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

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

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

9/22/2007

What Should You Do When You Have Acne?


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

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

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

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

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

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