Acne Disease Treatment

Skin Care & Acne Prevention

2006-05-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

Let’s take a look at how to combat your acne.

The main strategy to use is prevention where possible and better
skin care. Here are several top issues of focus for each:

exercise,
cosmetics,
diet,
hormones,
hygiene,
medications,
shaving,
stress.

Exercise – Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off
negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem
and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to
ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. First
watch which products you use on your body because you'll most
likely be sweating. With any sunscreen's for outdoor workout
activities and any make-up or other cosmetics, check for
“noncomedogenic” and “oil-free” on the labels to help prevent
pore clogging. And when your workout is finished, wash the
products off as soon as possible, especially if you'll be going
into a steam room or sauna where your pores will be opening up
more. You don't want these lotions and other cosmetics getting
into your pores and clogging them up, resulting in blemishes.

Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports
gear and equipment. For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise
outfits might look great in the movies and magazine models, but
if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic
fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in
a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton
or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin. And when
you’re finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from
perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean
clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too.
Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone
to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine
after workout sessions.

Tip: when cleaning your body after a workout, no need to scrub
with force and irritate skin. If possible, wash with medicated
soap (check for “exfoliant” on the label) or medicated wipes from
your athletic bag where showers aren't available.

Tip: When drying with a towel, even if it's during your workout
to erase sweat, always blot instead of rub. That way you avoid
grinding excess dead skin, dirt, sweat and other chemicals into
your pores and risking pore-clogging and skin irritation.

Cosmetics – To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations similar
to acne and can contribute to acne, use products labeled
“noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Shimmering facial colors can
contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin
irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can
cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and
heavy cream in blushes. More preventative measures include using
a lip gloss promoting a matte finish instead of a high gloss for
less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then
comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog.

Beware eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of
moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have
greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.
Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain
oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin
and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during
workouts; especially watch hair gels and mousses so they don't
cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing
fragrance and scented cosmetics, and opt for hypo-allergenic or
“fragrance-free” versions where possible to avoid allergic
reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an
ear is recommended).

Tip: Thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where
cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined
with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where
there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or
soaked up into your pores.

Shaving – Shaving for both genders is an excellent way of
exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and
spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores.
And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can
help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of
caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity
(redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at
the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin. For best
results with regular shaving, follow these procedures:

Steer away from shaving creams that are oily and choose one for
sensitive skin if available. Then moisten facial or other hair
with warm water, apply the shaving cream and lather well. Shave
with a sharp (not dull) blade. Note when shaving, use gentle
swipes instead of heavy pressure ones that can irritate
acne-prone areas. And go with the flow or “grain;” in other
words, adapt to downward, lateral, angular or upward swipes, for
a smoother shave with less nicks and irritating backward motions.
Experiment with different razors, both electric and disposable,
with single- double- or triple-edged (mach III) heads to see
which works best for you. And try shaving in a warm shower for
better results.

For after shaving applications, try toning to stop bacteria dead
in its tracks before it gets into your open follicles. Try
antibiotic gel or lotion, witch hazel, Dalacin T, a mild
alcohol-free toner, Benzoyl Peroxide in gel form and Salicylic
Acid in a gel.

Shaving Tip: Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin;
however, they help with the prevention of acne and other skin
breakout's and flare-ups better.

Shaving Tip: If a non-electric razor is your choice, a
single-edged blade is actually better. Why? Because double- and
triple-edged blades grab hair follicles and pull them out from
below the epidermis. And in the process, your skin “heals itself”
by closing over these holes, making it difficult for future hair
follicles to grow outward – creating inflammation in the tight
areas.

Diet – Studies show diet does not play a role in either the cause
or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne
preventative care is what is best for your body and best for your
skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your
body. So here are healthy vitamins, minerals and other
supplements known and recommended to prevent and help conquer
acne breakout's:

Hormones – Hormones or lack of, during later years and especially
for women, can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One
recent study showed about 50 percent of women have acne, referred
to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their
menstruation. Treatment options can include topical retinoids,
oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. On into
adult years, some acne aids include oral contraceptives or
hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy
(HRT) for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments,
prescription or over-the-counter products and medications, and
antibiotics for both sexes.

Hygiene – A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh
scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin
irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's
washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle
exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or
fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products
when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and
cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the
process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them.
Remember these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or
picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back
inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar.
If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative
treatments.

About the Author

Kim Standerline is a registered nurse working for a large hospital Trust in the UK. Her websites include www.nursing-hints.com, www.backpain-free.com and www.acne-and-you.com

Over The Counter Acne Treatments – Do They Work?

2006-05-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Over the counter, sometimes referred to as otc for short, products are starting to become an increasingly popular alternative to prescription medication in the treatment of acne.

These products are readily available as you don't need a prescription from your doctor to buy them and for people with mild to moderate forms of acne the best over the counter treatments will be just as effective as the more expensive prescribed ones.

Besides being cheaper, these products often have little, or no side effects, in comparison to some of the highly publicised prescribed antibiotic drugs used by doctors.

Although there are lots of over the counter acne products on sale, really there are only two kinds of treatments available - either medicated or natural. Both types utilise basically the same technique by using a drying agent to exfoliate the skin and to combat the acne and pimples.

Usually, in the case of a medicated product, this is either benzoyl peroxide, salycic acid or glycolic acid. Natural products tend to use combinations of ingredients and plant extracts like vitamin E, tea tree oil, aloe vera, witch hazel, green tea extract, cucumber etc.

There seems to be a growing number of different treatments but usually over the counter products come in the form of topical cleansers, soaps, washes, lotions, creams, gels or even pads and patches that are applied onto the skin.

When using these kind of preparations it is important, that you cover all of the area where you have acne because then you will also be treating the hidden blemishes that you can’t yet see as well as the acne breakouts that you can.

Expect some trials and errors as you experiment with the different treatments available, it may take you a while before you find the right type or combination of products that work for you. Whatever you do, don’t use more than one treatment at a time, particularly with medicated products, discontinue one before you try out another.

When you are trying a new product give it enough time to start working before discarding it to try something else. Typically you may need to use it for six to eight weeks before you notice any real progress but, of course, this depends upon the severity of your acne and your skin type, some people see improvements after only a few weeks.

After you have found the perfect skin care products that suit you and are providing good results, you may find that you will need to continue your treatments to keep your acne in check. This is because acne is a chronic (meaning long-term) skin disorder and it is possible that once you stop using your treatments the acne could reoccur.

To get the best out of any over the counter acne products you need to use them consistently and correctly. This may be common sense but do read the labels and make sure you use them in line with the instructions given! If you don’t you risk causing damage to your skin and doing more harm than good, this is especially true if you have sensitive skin.

The over the counter products that are available, whether medicated or natural, do successfully treat most forms of acne. Unfortunately, there are always exceptions to the rule and there are some types of acne that will not respond to these type of treatments. If this happens to you and nothing you try is helping your condition then seek the help of your doctor or dermatologist.

Elaine Clay is the owner of Acne Treatments Online.com :: Get articles and information to help you find proven and effective acne solutions available online to treat and get rid of your condition safely and naturally
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Natural smoothie formula to stop constipation and acne

2006-05-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here is how to build a natural smoothie that can stop constipation, relieve acne, improve your skin and give you more energy. The smoothie base is a liquid slurry that can be used to add more natural ingredients.

The liquid base can be made from various fresh juices or rice, oat, or almond milks. I stay away from milk since milk creates mucus along the gastrointestinal lining. Choose and mix any of the following liquids and pour them into a blender.

Juices – apple, pineapple, orange, tangerine
Milks – rice dream, oat milk, almond milk

I use a combination of 40% rice dream, 40% almond milk, and 20% apple juice. You can use the combinations you like. Sometimes I might just use all rice dream. Other times I will mix 75% almond milk with 25% fresh apple juice.

All of these juices provide liquid to your colon to help your stop constipation.

Sesame Milk

You can also make sesame milk and use this in your smoothies.

In his book, Blending Magic, Bernard Jensen, Nutritionist, has a real nice recipe for sesame milk.

“I believe that sesame seed is one of our best. It is a wonderful drink for gaining weight and for lubricating the intestinal tract. Its nutritional value is beyond compare, as it is high in protein and minerals. This is the seed that is used so much as a basic food in Arabia and East India.

Blend for 1- 1 1/2 minutes to make smooth,

·2 cups of distilled water
·1/4 cup of Sesame Seed
·2 Tablespoons Soy Milk Powder”

In place of 2 cups of distilled water use 1 cup of water and 1 cup of low fat rice dream and leave out the 2 tablespoons of soy milk powder. This will make this drink less fattening. I prefer not to give children soymilk or soy products because of their estrogen mimicking characteristics.
Banana Base

Next I always put in a banana. This gives the liquid a bit more thickness. Also bananas are high in potassium and other minerals. They contain little fiber and yet do not create constipation when used with other fiber fruits. Use bananas that are not spotted since at this point they are quite ripe and are more fattening.

I freeze bananas so when I am out of fresh ones I can use frozen ones.
Main Ingredients

Next I choose a fruit that will be the main ingredient. I use strawberries when they are in season, if you have fresh organic fruit, then this is the best way to create your smoothie. What I do is freeze fruit during its season so I can have some of this fruit a bit long than its seasonal run. If the fruit is organic, use the whole fruit without peeling. Whole fruits contain a lot of fiber that will help you stop constipation.

Choose from fruits that are in season.

·Avocado
·Cantaloupe
·Peach, mango, papaya
·Pineapple, apricots, apples
·Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
·Figs
·Dried prunes, peaches, apricots, figs

Nutrients to Add to Your Smoothie Base

Once you have your basic smoothie, you can add other nutrients that will provide you with additional fiber, oil, vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients.

Here is a shortlist of some of the ingredients you can add to your smoothies. Add only 2-3 other ingredients so your smoothie taste doesn’t get to complex or unusual. But can experiment with the different nutrients you wish to add.

·Almonds
·Beet Juice powder
·Black strap molasses
·Capra mineral whey
·Distilled water Ice cubes
·Fig Juice syrup
·Flaxseed and flax seed oil
·Honey, rice syrup
·Lecithin granules
·Powder vitamin C
·Raisins
·Rice or oat bran
·Sesame seeds
·Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
·Wheat germ

Making smoothies is fun and nutritional. Once you create the base slurry, then you can add many other natural ingredients the will give energy, stop constipation, clear acne, and provide many other health benefits.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter called “natural-remedies-thatwork.com “ His information can be seen at http://www.remedies-for-constipation.for--you.info

Natural and Dietary Therapies for Acne

2006-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

The typical modern medicine answer to outbreaks of acne include antibiotics, drying agents, skin peelers and in some cases a very toxic and strong drug Accutane TM. All of these will normally work for a short period of time, but eventually, if the original cause of the acne is not addressed and treated, the acne returns, usually stronger and more widespread than before.

Many of the common theories regarding the possible cause of acne point to the improper release of toxins. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it helps to eliminate toxins and waste through sweating if the kidneys and liver are overburdened. When a person's diet is unhealthy, their hormones out of balance or their skin clogged, acne is usually one of the red flag symptoms.

In using natural therapies to treat acne, the focal points of treatment are to decrease the amount of toxins that need to be excreted, balance the hormones, and in general, bring the body back into balance. All of the above can be regulated through diet, herbs and other nutritional supplements.

Vitamin and mineral therapy is a good place to start in the quest to clear up a case of acne. Crucial additions to the diet include essential fatty acids, chromium picolinate, and zinc. A variety of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B complex with extra B3, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E are also helpful in supporting the body while it works to come back into balance.

Herbal therapy includes any herb that works to detoxify the liver and kidneys. Examples include burdock root, dandelion leaves, milk thistle and red clover. Burdock root and red clover also help in cleansing the blood which is another important part of the overall therapy to decrease acne outbreaks. For hormonal balancing many claim that chaste tree berry works very effectively.

Regardless of the type of treatment you decide to use, always check with your doctor first about the natural therapies you would like to try.

About the Author

Rachel Dayer runs and operates MustAsk Network , a health related portal.

Natural Acne Treatments – Helpful Remedies in Your Kitchen

2006-05-26T20:10:00.001-07:00

These days we are exposed to so many harsh chemicals, and many people are beginning to wonder if the products that contain these substances are in fact as good for us as the advertising claims. Various skin conditions, such as acne, are increasingly recognized as symptoms of an imbalance in the way we live, leading many people to begin their search for a natural acne treatment that includes healthy eating and regular exercise. But for those of us whose skin requires a little further help – are there any natural acne treatments available that can help us improve our skin?

A well balanced diet, accompanied by some regular light exercise, are the first tools to help us bring our body back into balance, and are thus two of the best natural acne remedies around. While things like poor diet do not directly cause acne, taking care of our general health provides our bodies with the tools it needs to fight back against conditions like these, making general health optimization possibly the best acne cure of all. It makes sense to take steps to free your body from having to deal with the pressures of modern living, such as stress and other toxic factors. Healthy eating and relaxation will lead to a definite improvement in your health, and as a result, in the appearance of your skin.

If your body needs a little extra help in your natural acne treatment, there are various products sitting in your kitchen right now that can help. Some acne sufferers have found that the application of natural lemon juice to their skin has helped, while others have found that oatmeal makes a great natural facial cleanser. If you prefer to treat your skin with a pre-prepared product, look for one that contains natural oils, as these work in harmony with your skin. Tea Tree oil, for example, is a wonderful astringent that can speed the healing process of a pimple, while vitamin E helps in the healing of scars. Some patients have found that ingesting certain of the food in their kitchen aggravates their skin, so it makes sense to make a list of these foods and avoid them when you can. Work in harmony with the natural products around you and you will find that a natural acne treatment can be more gently effective than anything you might buy in a drug store.

About the author:
Find out more about Acne at Peter’s website http://www.acne-all-gone.com/as well as Acne cures and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more.

Natural Acne Treatment

2006-05-26T20:10:00.000-07:00

Natural acne treatments are desirable because they have few side effects, are inexpensive, and are effective for many. There are many natural acne treatments available for purchase. These contain various plant extracts that work to dry up the pimple and sooth the skin

Most of these products contain vitamin E, grapeseed oil, calendula, aloe vera, witch hazel or essential oils. For example, tea tree oil applied to acne has been found to be effective for hundreds of years. An herbal blend that can help with acne consists of equal parts of the herbal extracts of sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers. Take half a teaspoon of this blend three times daily.

Maintain a healthy kitchen with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat foods containing healthy omega-3 oils such as ground flaxseeds, salmon, and sardines. Drink six to eight large glasses of water a day. Vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as chromium and zinc, all play a role in reducing and preventing acne. Avoid refined sugar, fried foods, and trans fat (such as milk, milk products, margarine, and any hydrogenated vegetable oils). Some people find that chocolate, caffeine, carbonated beverages, iodized salt, shellfish, wheat and/or milk products aggravate acne.

Stress is popularly thought to be a cause of acne. Yoga, exercise, breathing techniques, biofeedback, massage, and meditation may be beneficial. Chinese, Ayuredic, Tibetan and Japanese herbal medicines can be used to treat acne. Massage is often recommended for people with skin problems. It can help to increase circulation and lymphatic drainage and speed the healing of blemishes.

When shopping for cosmetics and toiletries, look for the phrase "non-comedogenic" on the packaging. Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and non-comedogenic. Never pick, scratch, pop or squeeze acne, especially inflammatory acne or “pustules”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. For more information go to Acne Treatment and/or visit its sister site at Microdermabrasion Web for related information.

Mineral Makeup a Natural Acne Cure?

2006-05-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

Mineral makeup may offer new hope for acne sufferers. Because mineral makeup has several unique qualities not offered in any other makeup product that make it ideal for helping cure acne.

To understand how mineral makeup can cure your acne it is necissary to look at the seven causes of acne:

1. Genetics. Sadly, nothing can change your genetics. If your parents had acne as teenagers there is a good chance that you will too.

2. Hormones. During adolesence, hormones called androgens become active and stimulate oil glands in your skin, increasing oil production. This, in turn, clogs pores, causing pimples and blackheads.

3. Stress. Although stress doesn't actually cause acne, it can add to the problem by affecting hormones.

4. Diet. Many times what you eat has been shown to cause acne. Most of the time acne is an adverse reaction your body has to a food allergy.

5. Washing your face too often. This can irritate the skin making acne worse.

6. Medications. Many medications can cause acne or make an existing condition worse. Read labels or talk to your paharmacist to find out if acne is a side effect.

7. Using greasy skin care products and oily cosmetics. Most makeup falls into this category.

While these are the casuse of acne it is important to remember that acne is ultimately a result of bacteria growing in clogged pores. Bacteria is organic and thus cannot grow or multiply without the presence of water. This is where mineral makeup plays an almost magical role in curing acne.

Mineral makeup is made of natural minerals derived from the earth, these minerals are not only inorganic but they are also extremely resistant to water. They actually act as a shield on your face keeping bacteria feeding moisture away from your pores. Mineral makeup is not soluable in water so even if you put water directly on your face the minerals will not be absorbed and the water cannot pass through.

Mineral makeup does not clog pores either. Because it is so finely milled during production, the granules are much smaller than your pores. This not only prevents acne from forming, but makes the makeup extremely easy to blend into the skin with a very flawless look and conceals problem areas very well. If you suffer from a break out the finely milled minerals are very effective as disguising it.

Because of these and other unique qualities mineral makeup is known througout the world as the skin care makeup and recommended to acne sufferers by dermatologists. Ultimately, it does not matter what the cause of your acne is, without water to feed the bacteria, and something to clog the pores and hold that moisture in acne cannot form or worsen. If you suffer from acne, mineral makeup may end up being your best friend.

About the Author

Find more Mineral Makeup information at http://www.bare-mineral-makeup.info. Get the facts, ingredients, and benefits as well as advice about which brands are the best.

Middle Age Women - Acne Be Gone!

2006-05-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

For women who have suffered with acne since their teens and they continue to suffer through adulthood. Middle age women take heart! Acne be gone! It will be your time to finally ditch the acne. But in the meantime what causes women to deal with acne for so many years?

Hormonal imbalances are mostly responsible for acne in adult women, and God knows us women have a lot of hormone imbalances! Premenstrual, menses, pregnancy, and child birth all affect our hormones. We spend half our life on the hormone rollercoaster. And with that rollercoaster ride comes the dreaded acne.

If that’s not enough oestrogen and testosterone imbalances can easily occur from stress or medication. Something as simple as having an IUD device or taking Depo Provera, both methods of birth control, can lead to acne.

When the hormones are out of balance your body produces extra sebum which is any oily secretion of the skin. This clogs the pores and causes those dreaded zits.

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.

Some vitamins can also cause acne. Vitamin B supplements and Vitamin E creams are known to cause acne break outs. On the other hand taking zinc orally has shown positive effects to eliminate acne in studies.

There are other conditions that are often mistaken for acne. Conditions such as acne rosacea, keratosis, or perioral dermatitis are often confused as acne. If you are unsure what you are dealing with make an appointment to see your dermatologist.

There are three major reasons why adult women suffer from acne: the pill; antibiotics; and vitamin A.

Long term antibiotic use causes us to develop a yeast infection which lowers the body’s immune system and defences which can result in acne.

Vitamin A treatments such as Retinol-A are double edge sword. Initially they can cause outbreaks, but over time they will effectively remove damaged layers of skin including acne scars, as well as get the skin to form collagen which give you younger looking skin.

Interesting by the time women reach their mid 40’s they can almost be guaranteed to become acne free. It’s believed that our female hormones have mellowed some by then, and we aren’t on the hormone rollercoaster anymore. This is a welcome change for many women!

If you’re younger you’ll just have to find an acne medicine that works and wait for your mid 40s to arrive. See there’s something good about being over 40.

The main thing is not to let your acne control your life. There are plenty of treatment options to try and just persist until you find the one that works!

About the Author

M.D. Stracener from The Acne Cure has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at The Acne Cure

Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments – Harsh or Helpful?

2006-05-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

Many people think of microdermabrasion acne treatments as those supplied in salons by professional skincare specialists, but there are actually a multitude of microdermabrasion acne treatments available on your drugstore shelves. Many of the well-known and highly effective acne control products available today include beads or crystals that offer a microdermabrasion effect.

But many acne sufferers have been warned off using harsh products on their skin, as these can simply exacerbate the condition rather than helping to control it. Microdermabrasion acne treatments work by scraping away impurities and dead skin cells – surely this is not a treatment suitable for daily use? Won’t this aggravate my skin, leaving it raw and sore?

Older products might in fact have had this effect upon the skin – usually exfoliants were recommended as a once or twice a week treatment. But advances in skincare have produced a wide variety of microdermabrasion acne treatments that combine an exfoliating effect with mild and soothing cleansers, which in combination can clear the skin of debris without aggravating sensitive skin.

In fact, using a mild exfoliant, such as those used in microdermabrasion acne treatments, is one of the most effective weapons in acne control. The daily use of these microdermabrasion acne treatments clears the skin of impurities, leaving it refreshed and revitalised, allowing blemishes to heal and preventing new ones from forming. The beads or crystal are complimented by other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which are established tools in acne control. The combination of two powerful cleansing substances doubles your power in the fight against acne.

While this type of dermabrasion acne treatment might not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin, these products contain soothing ingredients that make them suitable for daily use in acne control. Home dermabrasion treatments are usually offered with toners and other products, and it is important to use all of these in combination, as the ingredients in each balance the effects of the other.

These skincare packages offer a complete routine for your skin that can make a real difference to your acne. Try a microdermabrasion acne treatment, and see what its gentle power can do for you.

Microdermabrasion acne treatments may be simpler than you thought.

About the Author

Find out more about Natural Acne Treatments as well as Acne Scar Removal and Adult Acne, Acne Skin Care Products, the Best Acne Treatments and more at Peter’s website, Acne All Gone.

Medication options for acne sufferers

2006-05-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Oral Acne Medication Options

At the onslaught of puberty, many teens suffer from various radical changes - physical, physiological, emotional.. you name it! Of course, one of the most apparent transformations is that of the physical changes. Aside from the males developing more muscles and moustache and females developing their breasts and hips, there's this one change that commonly annoys an enormous portion of the adolescent population. Acne vulgaris!

Acne vulgaris is also known as acne or pimples in more common terms. Overproduction of oil that suddenly happens to teenagers and sensitivity to dirt are the precursor to this menacing skin disorder. But those two or their combination are not the only cause of breakouts. Many other factors could trigger acne. Genes, weather conditions and certain substances from food may set off the invasion or just the presence of acne.

Dermatologists and researchers have been trying to discover the best acne medication. Acne, no matter how miniscule a disorder it may seem, needs adequate attention. These tiny bumps on one's face could elicit major effects on a person. Not only vanity motivates experts to find or formulate the most excellent acne medication. Ridicule for having a pockmarked complexion is often one of the leading causes of low self-esteem among adolescents. What's worse is that this lack of confidence may be brought until one reaches his maturity.

The most recent forms of acne medication are the following:

Oral Antibiotic Acne Medication. This type of medication should always be mediated by consulting a physician. Various acne medication antibiotics that may be taken by mouth are supported by researches. Assorted antibiotics that act as acne medication are intended for moderate, severe to persistent types of acne. It is very important that a doctor is asked first on which antibiotics for acne medication is right for you.

Cortiscosteroids. Very severe acne may be prescribed with this acne medication antibiotic. This potent antibiotic is usually taken in a short span of time only. They have metabolic effects that make them inappropriate for long-term use.

Oral Tetracycline. This antibiotic is one of the most popular oral acne medications. Moderate to severe acne may be treated with an initial dose of 500 to 1000 mg per day in a decreasing dosage as skin condition improvement is noted. This antibiotic is not for the pregnant women since it can cause skeletal defects to fetus. Children with age of under 8 years are also not advised to be given this medication.

Oral Minocycline and Doxycycline. These acne medications in the form of antibiotics are only derived from tetracycline. Research evidences tell that these acne medications are more effective than tetracycline. Doxycycline is reported to induce sunlight sensitivity. Both are advised not to be taken by pregnant women.

Oral Erythromycin. This antibiotic that serve as an acne medication may be taken as an alternative to tetracycline since it is safer for pregnant women and young children.

Isotretinoin. This acne medication antibiotic is said to revolutionize acne treatment due to its potent effect in dealing with severe and treatment-resistant acne. Reports has it that isotretinoin is very effective in treating all forms of acne. But it should be noted that many side affects are also attributed to isotretinoin. This includes severe birth defects to a fetus, dryness of the skin and mucous membranes. Therefore, pregnant women, breastfeeding women or those who are planning to become pregnant must not take isotretinoin as a form of acne medication.

About the Author

Stephen Brown offers advice to acne
sufferers from the young to old at his
website: www.acne-support.info

Makeup for Acne Scars – Hiding as You Heal

2006-05-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Acne is a pernicious and upsetting condition, and most sufferers long for the day when their skin is clear of it. But many acne patients achieve clear skin only to find themselves left with a disappointing aftermath – acne scars. While many scars will fade significantly with time, most patients will want to begin enjoying their improved skin immediately. Thankfully, there is great makeup for acne scars available that can balance the appearance of your skin, giving you the bright and clear complexion that you have waited so long to achieve. There is a wide variety of specialist makeup for acne scars available, but many people will find that ordinary makeup, applied correctly, will do the job just as well.

If you have had a history of bad skin, it is always wise to select light, non-greasy make up products – there are a huge variety of foundations and powders available for sensitive skins, and many medicated varieties, should you feel your skin still needs a little extra help in keeping clear. Remember that your scars will lighten as time passes, but if dark scars are making you feel particularly self-conscious then there is a good selection of speciality make up for acne scars available that can also be used to cover other types of scars and birthmarks. If you would like some first hand tips on minimising the appearance of your scars, then treat yourself to a makeover at one of your local drug stores make up counters. The professionals will show you how to use their products to best compliment your own skin.

If you feel that using makeup for your acne scars is simply not enough, then there are ways of getting rid of acne scars. Dermabrasion is a popular treatment among former acne sufferers, and can help reduce the appearance of pitted scars significantly. The procedure involves the light scraping of the top most layer of skin, and while it can be effective, the process will initially result in skin that appears very raw. Skin needs especially delicate treatment after this procedure and most doctors will advise against even the use of camouflage makeup after dermabrasion. This can be upsetting for many patients who have already spent too much time with bad skin, so before signing up for the procedure be sure that is worth the possibility of getting rid of your acne scars. Make up for acne scars can be just as effective.

About the author:
Find out more about Acne at Peter’s website http://www.acne-all-gone.com/as well as Acne cures and adult acne, acne skin care products, the best acne treatments and more.

Let's Dispel Some Acne Myths

2006-05-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

It is the bane of a person’s existence. Everybody gets it; everybody hates it. And once you have it, prepare to be tormented, embarrassed and humiliated. Such a small bump, so much at stake. So what is this little bundle of horror? What else but the dreaded pimple!

A pimple, or acne as some people calls it, is a dreaded red, swollen bump in the face. Nobody is spared from having it. Male or female, American, Chinese or Puerto Rican, they all have gotten it at some points of their lives and may even still have it. It is like a universal language; it is like a right of passage in a person’s life. Acne is a result of the hormones action on the skin’s oil glands (the sebaceous gland) which leads to clogged pores and outbreak of lesions like pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the sebaceous glands are most abundant in these locations. But the important question we should be asking to be able to avoid this dreaded “disease” is, “What causes this pain in the neck called acne?”

Unfortunately, the causes of acne cannot really be determined (unless your parents or their parents are acne infested too then there’s a big, big chance you’ll be called acne face by your peers and classmates) thus the acne myths are born! These myths claim to be the cause of acne. We shall enumerate them here.

Acne Myth Number 1

Acne is caused by not washing your face often and not scrubbing it hard enough. Many believed that acne is caused by dirt and dust in the face and by washing your face two-three even four times a day or even by scrubbing your face hard can prevent acne. Wrong, wrong, wrong! It is true that dirt and dust is unsightly to the face and washing the face is the way to eradicate them but washing often can actually irritate the skin more. Washing should not be done more than twice a day. More than twice is enough to strip the face of its natural oils making it dry. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Washing the face should be done as gently as possible with the gentlest facial scrub.

Acne Myth Number 2

Improper Diet can cause acne. Certain foods that are oily like French fries and junk food can cause acne to erupt in our face. But scientific studies have not discovered any connection between these two. So this means that food does not cause acne. Though a proper and healthy diet is always good for our system, eating like a pig won’t make pimples a permanent resident in your face. So feel free to eat your favorite Lay’s, French fries and chocolates anytime.

Acne Myth Number 3

When you’re stressed acne tends to pop on your face like popcorn pops from a kernel. Not true. 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 only as a side effect of the drugs a person may be taking. If this is the case, consult your doctor immediately.

About the Author

Discover all you need to know about acne and what you can do to combat and prevent it from taking over your life. Visit Adult Acne Solution
Total Health & Fitness Resource at #1 Health Fitness

Laser: The Ultimate Acne Terminator?

2006-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Acne is really a big deal to anyone that suffers from it! It is major problem for almost all the teenagers, not only in this country, but also in all parts of the globe. Everyone wants to get rid of it! In fact, there is a wide variety of things that can actually help you cure it. You can make a paste or mask from different kinds of plants and herbs or just buy non-prescription products on the nearest store. However,You should know that these are just meant to handle mild to moderate acne problems. So, when these products and procedures are not working well for you, it is advisable to see and consult a doctor for advise.

There are really extreme cases when acne can't be treated just by self medication. Your doctors can offer you a more potent drug, or he/she can suggest another good option - acne laser treatment. In our present day, technology is changing our world faster than we think! Through the advance of science, we can now take advantage of LASER technology further in medical operations. Medical specialists say that undergoing acne LASER treatment is one of the most advance and, probably, the most effective treatment you can have to totally get rid of acne today. This amazing procedure will surely give hope to people who are greatly suffering with their acne. We have already used LASER treatment on acne scarring successfully for years, but it is truly a breakthrough to be used in treating existing acne. The question now is how can acne LASER treatment actually cure acne? Is it safe and effective?

How can that be?

Acne LASER Treatment is done by applying extreme thermal or heat effect on the sebaceous glands in order to damage it. Studies prove that the laser equipment used in the operation can actually do four treatments in one-month intervals. Statistics shows that 16 out of 17 patients got a 100% success on clearing the face. Test through skin biopsy immediately afterwards the operations revealed that the sebaceous glands showed alterations caused by the induced heat, decreasing the production of oil. Immediate proofs that acne LASER treatment is taking a postive effect!

Two Types of LASER

In performing acne LASER treatments, doctors are actually using two types of LASERs. One type deal with the inhibition of the bacterial growth that causes skin problems, while the other is made to work with the sebaceous glands in order to reduce the production of oil in particular parts of the body especially the face.

Still Under investigation

Even if it already proved to be a success on totally eradicating your acne, doctors admitted that acne LASER Treatment is still under research to further study its short and long-time effects. Thus, it is still not available yet for widely use to everyone. The patients should also know that insurance is not covered in the acne LASER treatment and that not all states can distinguish who are and who are not allowed to perform operations using LASER. Medical specialists also warn that procedures that require the use of LASER should be done by qualified physicians only. It is also suggested that you should ask for the qualification of the one that will do the operation before undergoing acne LASER treatment.

How many? for how long?

Your doctor might suggest that you undergo acne LASER Treatment for about 5 months, one treatment every month, in order to get satisfying results. However, if acne reappears, additional acne LASER treatment done periodically will be required.

How does it feel?

You might wonder how it feels undergoing the procedure. Well, most patients say that acne LASER treatment will give you a rubberband-like sensation during the operation. If ever you find this uncomfortable, you are given the choice to have topical anesthetic cream applied directly on your skin.

About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit http://www.acnesolution411.com/ for more information on acne and acne treatments.
Source: www.isnare.com

Is There A Solution For Acne?

2006-05-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

Are there acne solutions that really work? If you are plagued by acne this may be a question that you have asked. There are acne solutions that really work and this article will give you some ideas of what you can try so you will be able to find some acne solutions that really work.

Acne solutions that really work idea #1: Check to see if you have a food allergy. Believe it or not this can be the reason for some very nasty cases of acne.

Acne solutions that really work idea #2: If you have problems with digestion this can cause acne because the stomach contains too much acid and then your body can’t absorb nutrients you need.

Acne solutions that really work idea #3: Try drinking more water. You should drink six to eight glasses a day because the water will help your body systems to work properly.

Acne solutions that really work idea #4: Be careful that you do not eat too many foods that contain iodine.

Acne solutions that really work idea #5: Many people find that when they cut down on milk, sugar, refined processed food, meats that are high in fat, nuts and white flour, acne is not a problem.

Acne solutions that really work idea #6: Balanced sea salt is a good substitute for iodized salt and can help those with acne.

Acne solutions that really work idea #7: Foods that are high in trans-fatty acids can be a cause of acne. Stay away from these foods.

There are acne solutions that really work and the information above should be helpful if you are faced with acne problems.

About the Author

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Clear-Skin-Solutions.com. He provides more acne clearing solutions, remedies and acne treatment information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Information on How to Treat Adult Acne

2006-05-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Although most teenagers get some form of acne, adults in their twenties, thirties, forties, or even older, can develop acne. Men and women alike experience acne, but men get it more severely. There are many adult acne treatments to choose from.

All acne treatments work by preventing new breakouts, and must be used over a period of weeks or months. Even if you begin to see improvement, continue treatment. Follow the directions on the package or as prescribed by your dermatologist.

There are many over-the-counter adult acne treatments to unblock pores, reduce bacteria and dry out pimples. They contain the acids or antibiotics benzoyl peroxide (such as Neutrogena On-The-Spot), salicylic acid (such as Stri-dex), sulfur or resorcinol (such as Clearasil Adult Care).

Even more numerous are prescription drugs and topicals that curb oil build-up, skin cell shedding and bacteria growth - all while drying and peeling away old acne and stimulating healthy skin growth. For women, there are even drugs that decrease testosterone levels. In cases of unresponsive or severe acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) may be used. Talk to your dermatologist to find out what is appropriate for your case of acne.

Beyond oral and topical medications, there are a number of other options for adult acne treatment.

Microdermabrasion is basically a sand-blasting technique that can clear up minor blemishes caused by acne. Light chemical peels with salicylic acid or glycolic acid help to unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth. Injections of corticosteroids may be used for treating large red bumps (nodules). Birth control pills have the desirable side effect of treating and reducing acne breakouts.

Laser resurfacing can be helpful in treating acne as well, by vaporizing the acne and clearing the way for new skin to grow.

To avoid scarring, you should never pick or squeeze acne, especially inflammatory acne or “pustules”. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin. If you do get scars, acne scar treatment is available in many forms. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

How To Use Fish Oil To Help You Stop Acne

2006-05-26T20:02:00.001-07:00

If you want to control acne breakouts, you need to supplement your diet with fish oils which contain omega-3 and omega-6 oils. These fish oil also contains EPA and DHA fatty acids which are necessary for creating prostaglandins.

Normally, enzymes in your body break down omega-6 into DGLA, AA, EPA and DHA fatty acids.

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)

Arachidonic Acid (AA)

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

These four fatty acids eventually change into prostaglandins.

What are prostaglandins?

Prostaglandins are chemical hormones that come from omega-3 and omega-6 oils and that help,

regulate every function in your cells and organs.

Postaglandins also keep androgen hormones in control so that excess sebum is not produce in the hair follicle, which results in acne.

This is the reason why Essential Fatty Acids – Omega-3 and Omega-6 – are critical foods to eat.

However, eating plenty essential fatty acids may not insure that you produce enough EPA and DHA, which produce the essential prostaglandins.

It is critical for acne and more importantly for your health that you get enough EPA and DHA in your cells and organs so they can produce the required prostaglandins.

To increase the prostaglandins in your cell walls, it is necessary for you to take a fish supplement, which contains both the EPA and DHA.

Of course eating salmon, halibut, and mackerel twice a week will be a plus in providing your body with more EPA and DHA.

Here’s what I use daily. Spectrum Essentials puts out an excellent product called

Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil

Two capsules contains

EPA – 360mg

DHA – 240mg

Omega-3 – 892mg

Stearic, Lauric, Palmitic Acids - 508mg

Using the Omega-3 Norwegian Fish Oil is critical in getting relief from acne, so take two capsules per meal.

When your body creates prostaglandins, it creates a good prostaglandin and a bad prostaglandin. Here’s how to encourage the production of good prostaglandins.

·Maintain a ratio of two times more omega-6 than omega-3 in your diet.

·Eating too much omega-6 can lead to producing excess bad prostaglandins.

·Take a multi-vitamin and minerals with your meals to provide these nutrients for breaking down the

essential fatty acids into prostaglandins

·Reduce the amount of meat, saturated fat, dairy, and eggs you eat to reduce the production of AA, which blocks the activities of the good prostaglandins

·Eat cold water fish at least twice a week to provide EPA and DHA to your diet

Include at least 20% of your diet calories as good fats – omega oils and fish oil. This is essential for controlling the excess activity of your hormones and reducing the inflammation of your acne.

About the Author

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. For more information on acne go to: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

How to Treat Acne for Black Skin

2006-05-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Acne treatment for black skin is the same as that for white skin, with some exceptions. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin, so topicals like benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Darker skin has a tendency to develop excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed. Severe inflammatory acne (cysts and nodules) may result in dark spots. The spots disappear over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.

Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.

Many doctors feel that laser resurfacing isn’t meant for dark skin because it alters the color of skin too dramatically and unpredictably. Others believe that in the hands of a very experienced surgeon, people with darker skin tones can benefit. Acne Treatment provides detailed information on the best acne treatments, including laser acne treatment, and scar treatment, as well as adult, natural, home treatment, and more. Acne Treatment is the sister site of Microdermabrasion Web.

How to keep your skin clean by brushing and keep acne away

2006-05-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

The skin is the largest of the elimination channels. Through the skin toxins are eliminated which are brought to the skin surface from the blood. When the regular elimination channels are sluggish or partial plugged up such as your colon being constipated, not all toxins move out through your feces.

Toxins that accumulate in the colon tend to move into the blood, when colon walls have been weaken through constant constipation or abused through eating excessive junk food. Once in the blood they move into the liver for detoxification.

If you are frequently constipated, than your liver will be overworked and unable to detoxify all of the colon toxins. The liver will store a lot of these toxins in its own tissue and else where in your body’s tissues, joints, organs, cells and skin.

When you have excessive toxins and your immune system is not able to detoxify them, these toxins will moved to the skin surface through the blood where they are enter the hair pores – follicles – and try to move to the skin surface. When your pores are not working properly, excessive toxins in the pores can lead to acne.

Body odor is also a result of toxins coming out through the skin that should be moving out through the other elimination channels.

If your body skin is clean and its pores are open and unclogged, toxins will move out through the pores without creating pimples or eruptions. The skin normally moves 1-2 pounds of toxins out of your skin daily.

You can tell when your pores are open. You sweat freely during exercise. If you do not sweat much during hot weather or during exercise, then your skin pores are probably plugged.

To keep your skin active and serving as a good channel of elimination you need to brush your skin daily before you shower or during your shower. When you brush your skin, brush in one direction, starting from your feet towards your heart.

In her book, Detox For Life, 2002, Loree Taylor Jordan, C.C.H., I.D. says,

“One of greatest gifts of health that you can give yourself is the gift of skin brushing. Dry skin brushing in one of the finest of all baths. No soap can wash the skin as clean as the new skin you have under the old. You make new skin on the body every 24 hours. The skin will only be as clean as the bloodstream. Dry skin brushing removes the top layer. This helps to eliminate uric acid crystals catarrh, and various other acids in the body. The skin should eliminate 2 pounds of waste acids daily.”

Understanding how your skin lives will help you keep it clean. Brush your skin daily and bring toxins to the skin surface where you can get rid of them during your shower.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

About the Author

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com.” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

How to Get Rid of Acne: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

2006-05-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

To get rid of acne, you have to understand what causes it in the first place. All in all, the formation of acne pimples a pretty complicated process that even scientists and dermatologists don't fully understand. What is known though, can be summed up in a fairly simple manner – Acne bacteria (p. acnes) get trapped inside a pore (hair follicle). The bacteria then feed upon the sebum (oil) trapped inside the pore, and multiply, causing an infection. The body spots this infection, and tries to protect itself from it, leading to inflammation, which makes for a huge, red, inflamed “spot”.

Using this basic information, we can come up with three to-the-point ways to combat acne.

1.) Kill the bacteria. If there's no bacteria to cause an infection, then there will be no acne.

2.) Reduce the oil on the surface of the skin. Since oil can clog pores, and gives “fuel” for the bacteria to thrive off of, less oil means less acne.

3.) Stop the pore from getting clogged in the first place. If you can keep dead skin cells from clogging up a pore, you'll reduce the number of spots.

With that said, we'll move on to the basic regimen.

Step 1 – Washing your Face

In this step, we will be trying to accomplish two goals – Removing excess oil from the surface of the skin, and killing the bacteria on the skin.

To do this, we will need a gentle, non-comedogenic, non-irritating antibacterial cleanser. These are few and far between, and I have only found one cleanser that can do the job: Noxzema “Triple Clean” Cleanser. This is a gentle cleanser that contains an antibacterial ingredient called “triclosan”.

First of all, splash your face once or twice with warm water. Then, squeeze about a dime sized amount of the cleanser into your hands. Work into a rich lather, and then apply to the face, being extra careful to be gentle. There is no need to scrub or rub it hard, as this will NOT help with acne, it will only make it worse. With that said, very gently, using no pressure at all, and only the tips of your fingers, rub it onto your skin for one minute straight. This is to make sure that all of the bacteria are killed off. Then rinse the cleanser from your face, and gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 2 – Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a very common over-the-counter acne treatment product. BP works by creating an oxygen rich environment within the skin, interrupting the metabolic process of the p. acnes bacteria, causing it to die off. It is also antiinflammatory, helping to reduce redness.

Avoid anything that is 10% BP, unless it won't be staying on your skin for long. Go for 5%, or better yet, 2.5%. The two products I recommend are Neutrogena's “on-the-spot” acne treatment cream, and Stridex's BP pads. Both contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.

No matter which product you choose, apply it gently to your skin after cleansing.

Step 3 – Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid – meaning it is an exfoliant, and will help your skin to shed dead skin cells faster. This prevents the dead skin cells from forming a clog inside pores, trapping bacteria and leading to a pimple.

The salicylic acid product I recommend is Clean & Clear's “advantage” acne spot treatment. It is a sort of gel, that contains 2% salicylic acid. It goes on smooth, is invisible once it has dried, and stays on all day to provide protection against acne.

After the benzoyl peroxide has dried, gently apply the salicylic acid. I use about a quarter sized amount for my face, but if your skin isn't “used to it” yet, start with less.

And that's it! You're now protecting your skin from three major causes of acne, and hopefully your skin will begin to clear up!

This regimen is meant to be done twice per day – once in the morning, and again at night. Since both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are irritating to the skin at first, don't jump right in. Your skin has to get used to the products before you can use them to their fullest extent. Be patient, and at first, only apply benzoyl peroxide, and only apply it once per day. Then work up to twice per day. Once your skin is used to that, add in the salicylic acid slowly. Eventually, you should be using quite a bit of both products. Definitely remember to wear a sunscreen if you'll be venturing out into the sun.

About the Author

Ryan Bauer is a former acne sufferer from Springfield, MO. He runs an acne information website called Acne Elimination.

How to Eliminate Your Acne and HAVE FUN at the Same Time!

2006-05-26T19:59:00.001-07:00

Who says you need to waste hours at the dermatologist centre and burn a hole in your wallet to have acne free skin? Here's PROOF on how you can do it for free and HAVE FUN simultaneously!

Have you ever wondered why we have acne and even more on how we can get rid of acne? Like a lousy tenant, acne doesn’t pay you rent, nor contribute anything beneficial to your life. It does however do the opposite by destroying your skin and worst of all, your self esteem and social life!

Well, before embarking on this simple method to destroy your acne for good, we need to know thy enemy. There are two major causes of acne and the rest are just secondary. Before we can tackle them, we need to understand what they are and how they affect us.

Firstly, acne is caused by imbalanced hormone production. When you were a teenager, your body began to produce a hormone known as androgens, which activates and stimulates the oil glands in your skin, thus increasing oil and sebum production.

Logically, with the limited size of each pore and the constant influx of sebum, your pores get clogged and you may notice the presence of blackheads and pimples. As that spreads across the skin, it becomes known as acne vulgaris.

Stress in this case acts more like a catalyst rather than a cause. But do not underestimate the damages of stress. It can potentially worsen the acne a person has.

Our secret weapon in eliminating acne lies in the sea water. The sea water is formed with a balance of the salts in minerals such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride and bromides. These forms of minerals are vital in their respective ways for acne treatment.

Magnesium reduces stress and water retention, hampering aging and soothes the nervous system. Calcium prevents water retention while increasing circulation.
Potassium balances skin moisture level and replenishes minerals lost in vigorous activities. Bromides ease muscle stiffness and tensions, thus eliminating stress, which is a major contributing factor to acne. Finally, sodium is a booster for immune system function. All these act as a natural defense for your body against any acne breakouts.

So how can we apply the power of sea water and exercise to your acne condition, the answer is simple. Just head down to the nearest beach and have a swim! The only thing you need to be careful of is sunburn. Therefore, only go on early mornings: 9am-11am or evenings at 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

You may begin to notice the effects of this treatment after your FIRST SWIM! And you will be amazed on how smooth your skin has become. The more vigorous your swim and the more you sweat, the more your skin will be cleansed. This is a double action cleansing as your sweat pushes the impurities off your skin, which by the way is no longer clogged after the sea water washes away the debris! Additionally, the minerals in the seawater penetrate the pores to do some deep skin cleansing, all while you’re having fun swimming!

About the Author

My name is Kenny and I'm a webmaster for www.1st-natural-acne-treatment.com.
I've been an acne patient during my teen years and I know how frustrating it can be trying one acne treatment after another. Therefore, I have published www.1st-natural-acne-treatment.com to share the acne treatments I've personally used as a way to get revenge on acne. Yes, I hate acne with a passion.

How to Brush Your Skin to Relieve Acne

2006-05-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

Brushing your skin with a brush or cloth is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your skin. If you have acne, this brushing will help to eliminate toxins through the skin and reduce the toxins that accumulate in your acne.
Brushing your skin while dry and just before taking a shower is a way to stimulate the flow of liquid through lymphatic system and increase the circulating of blood. It also has other benefits:

Removes and brushes away dry dead cells that can clog your skin
Opens pores to allow you to excrete more toxins safely
Activates the nerves near the top of your skin, making your skin work better
It stimulates the tiny blood vessels near your skin and brings more nutrients and acid neutralizing minerals to your skin
Improves your overall health since the skin must eliminate close to 2 pounds of waste through your pores.
If you practice dry or wet brushing your skin, you will see improved beauty and health in your skin.

You can also scrub your skin during your shower and this is the way I like to do it.

There are two different types of brushes that are designed for dry skin brushing.

A natural bristle brush
Loofah with a long handle
When you start bushing for the first time, do it softly and gentle until your skin gets use to the rough feeling. If you have not been brushing and scrubbing your skin, then you may have some side effects caused by stirring up toxins. Because skin brushing promotes release of toxins through the skin, you want to make sure you are not constipated, otherwise you will start to release to many toxins through the skin.

A word of caution: Brush only once a day and do not brush too hard. Excessive brushing over stimulates the skin and can produce unwanted side effects.

But, here is how to dry brush your skin before you take a shower,

Start with gentle light touch circular motions at your face. If you have severe acne do this gently massage with a clean hot face towel and do not brush your face.
Always brush only in the direction of your heart. From the feet upward, brush up toward the heart. At the neck, brush downward toward the heart.
After you finish brushing, about 5 minutes, take a shower to remove the dead and old skin.

What I do is use a loofa in the shower with soap and brush my skin as described above. It is a gentler way to brush your skin and you wash away the skin derby at the same time. Brushing your body decreases the amount of toxins that reach your face and can help you get rid of or prevent acne.

Copyright © 2005 Rudy Silva

About Rudy: Rudy Silva has a Physics degree from the University of San Jose California and is a Natural Nutritionist. He writes a newsletter called "Natural-Remedies-ThatWork.com." More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

How To Alleviate Your Acne Problem

2006-05-26T19:58:00.001-07:00

Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn't when everywhere you look, only clear skinned people are put on the pedestal.

You tried every acne product out in the market but nothing seems to work. At this point, you feel that your social life is doomed but fret not because acne won't stay forever if you take the proper actions early.

First step to take is to understand what acne really is and from there you can take the necessary actions in curing or at least reducing your acne problem.

Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads and blackheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (nodules) that happens in the face, neck, chest, back and upper arms. Acne is caused by build up of excess oil and dead skin in a pore. The causes of this are natural hormones, clogged skin and bacteria.

The onset of acne happens between the ages of twelve to seventeen. Almost all teenagers had acne. Many of them used non-prescription treatments to alleviate acne but more than 40% of teenagers in their mid-teens have severe acne cases. Normally, it goes away in the early twenties. Then again, there are many cases wherein acne starts or continues into adulthood.

It is interesting to note though that young men who are more likely to have severe acne, don't consult dermatologists as much as young women do. But then again, young women are more likely to have irregular acne due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or due to the cosmetic products they use. This kind of acne may afflict women even into adulthood.

The ultimate question now is how do you reduce acne?

Knowing the facts that debunk the myths and misconceptions about acne may help you alleviate your acne problem.

Myth 1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene.

This may be true if you don't wash your face at all. But if you resort to frequent and vigorous washing, it will definitely cause scarring which will worsen acne. The best approach is to gently wash face twice a day with mild soap and use appropriate acne treatment after.

Myth 2: Acne is caused by diet.

Scientific studies debunked this having found that there is no connection between food and acne.

Myth 3: Acne is caused by stress.

Stressors are not important factors in acne. Only severe stress that needs medication can cause acne as side effects.

Myth 4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease.

Acne does affect how people look but there's no serious threat to physical health. However, acne can result to serious scarring which can affect how these people live their lives.

Myth 5: You just have to let acne run its course.

The truth is, acne can be cleared up using acne products available in the market today. If they don't work for you, then try seeing a dermatologist.

According to Thiboutot (2000), cure of acne lies in knowing three things:

* That resolution to cure acne takes time;
* That what works for one may not work for another;
* and that a dermatologist's help may be needed if all actions you take to cure your acne fail.

Remember that acne responds well to early treatment. So to prevent scarring have your acne treated as soon as acne starts showing up on your face.

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©Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about acne, please go to: http://acne.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/

How the liver prevents acne

2006-05-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

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.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

How the kidney, lungs, and lymphatic system keep you acne free

2006-05-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

The kidney

The purpose of the two kidneys is to filter the water in your blood as the blood passes through the kidneys. About 4 gallons of water are filtered every day but only around 3 pints are pulled out as urine.

Alcohol and sugar are the most damaging to the kidney since they kill kidney cells and weaken the kidney function.

Water is the major way the body keeps toxins from accumulating in the body and skin. You need to drink plenty of clean water daily so the kidneys can remove toxins and excess nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the blood.

When you drink plenty of water, the skin does not have to act as a filter to filter out excess waste from the blood since it is been filter and excreted, as urine, by your kidney.

Water also is needed to keep your skin moist. Water in the skin layers helps to protect the skin from bacteria and toxins that try to pass into your skin.

The more fresh juices you drink and the more fruit or vegetables you eat, the less water you need to drink. All juices contain plenty of distilled water, which contributes to your daily water requirement.

Drinking sodas and other drinks that have sugar cannot be counted as water.

The Lungs

You have two large sacs that are called your lungs. As you breathe in air, the lungs pull oxygen out of the air, which is captured by your blood, routed to your liver, moved into your heart and then moved into all parts of your body.

As you breathe out, waste and carbon dioxide are pushed out through your mouth.

Your cells use oxygen to create energy for you to live by. You need energy for every movement your body does. Oxygen is also used to neutralize toxins, waste and pathogen. The more toxins, acid waste and pathogens you have in your body, the more oxygen is used up to neutralize them. This means you will have less oxygen for cell, organ and other body functions.

If the other elimination channels are weak and overloaded, the lungs will also become overloaded trying to get rid of toxic waste the other channels cannot get rid of.

When your lungs become overloaded with toxins or become weak, more waste stays in the body, making your body more toxic, acidic and susceptible to disease and infections. If you have kidney weakness, liver weakness, lung weakness mostly likely you will have skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and many other types of skin disorders.

Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is part of your immune system. It consists of a series of tubes, large and small, that cover your entire body. Through these tubes flow a whitish liquid called lymph. Since this system does not have a pump, the lymph is pushed through the tubes by your body’s movement or exercise.

Lymph liquid surrounds all of your body cells and is responsible for bringing nutrients to your cells from the blood and to move away toxins that come out of the cells.

Toxins and pathogens that are in your lymph liquid are moved into lymph nodes. In the lymph nodes, this toxic matter is neutralized into harmless chemicals and then moved into the blood and are eliminated through the other channels of elimination.

The lymph liquid is composed of electrolyte minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium phosphorus, and chloride. So strong lymph liquid is built when you eat fruits and vegetables.

When the lymph nodes become overwhelmed with toxic waste from the cells and the blood, they become inflamed and cannot keep the body free of toxic matter.

Excess toxic waste accumulates in the lymph liquid when your body does not have enough electrolyte minerals to neutralize this toxic acid waste. Now, your body is a considered acid and will have a difficult time fighting infections wherever they occur, including your face.

When you lymph system becomes weaken, it is unable to detoxify toxins and routes them into the blood where the liver is expected to clean the blood.

Keeping you lymph system strong is important for keeping your skin free of blemishes, skin disorders, eczema and acne.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More acne hints and information on his acne e-book can be found at: http://www.acne-remedies.for--you.info

How mental attitude and digestion affect acne

2006-05-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Acne is an expression of toxins in the body that are not being released through normal channels of elimination, so they come out through the skin. Since mental attitude and thoughts cannot be separate from the body, thoughts and feelings are also being expressed as acne.

Negative thoughts and feelings produce chemicals that are toxic acids. Just like toxic acids created in the colon, the toxic thoughts need to be eliminated through the 5 elimination channels

Acne can be an expression suppressed past traumatic experiences. As a child, when you were exposed to experiences that overwhelm you – constant mental, physical, or sexually abuse, you suppress them. So now as an adult, as your defense system weakens, you’re not able to completely suppress this information, so it becomes expressed as acne or other skin disorders. Of course, these suppressed experiences can be expressed as other diseases.

Acne can also be related to the emotion of fear or anxiety. It can also be an expression of holding onto old junkie or unpleasant memories. It’s a way of holding on to and burying the junkie or toxic memory into your face. It is these memories that are trying to surface and, in an usual way, asking you to face them. Many times, you and other people may not want to remember them or deal with them.

To deal with them requires a lot of strength and help from a psychotherapist.

Stomach Acid

Your stomach uses Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break down protein. It also has many other functions,

* Kills pathogens and microbes and prevents them from getting into the colon and blood
* Controls the adsorption of B12
* Controls the adsorption of iron calcium zinc, copper, magnesium and most B-complex vitamins
* Controls the adsorption of vitamin C
* Created indigestion
* Prevents constipation

When you have low levels of HCl chances are that you will be susceptible to getting acne. HCl can be increased by using a digestive enzyme that contains HCl.

Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes

When the food you eat passes the stomach and enters the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help complete the digestive process.

The bicarbonate helps to reduce the acid strength in the food coming from the stomach. The digestive enzymes digest carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

When the pancreas loses its efficiency and starts to release less digestive enzymes, less food is properly digested. This results in more undigested food reaching the colon. When this happens, the undigested food, if it stays to long in the colon, becomes a source for rotting matter and toxic material. This toxic material can get into your blood and cause skin disruption such as acne.

A healthy pancreas, which provides the necessary digestive juices to digest the food you eat, is needed for healthy skin and for eliminating acne and other skin sores and eruptions.

When you have acne or other skin diseases, they are created when there is an in-balance in your body and that includes many different organs and body processes and systems – your thoughts, digestion, liver, kidney, lymphatic system, lungs, and pancreas.
Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter call “natural-remedies-thatwork.com” More natural remedy hints and information can be found at: http://www.natural-remedies-thatwork.com/archive.html