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Saturday, December 23, 2006

How Does Salicylic Acid Help Acne

The End of Acne Infected Skin

by Michael Russell

Most people plagued by acne problems have tried everything on the market. Products like strong moisturizers and acne creams guaranteed to show results clutter store shelves. This article will end your days of wasting money on useless items and teach you to follow a simple and successful daily regimen. We will cover how to wash, medicate and moisturize your skin and why this works so well. Hopefully, after reading this article you will put into effect this easy regimen that is sure to clear your skin of acne once and for all.

One of the biggest mistakes a person can make when treating their face is using a strong soap that will strip your face of moisture. The fact is a gentle cleanser is all that you need to wash your face. Although considered gentle, do not use a bath soap on your face. Purchase a moisturizer that does not contain any active ingredients. The only exception to this is a mild antibacterial called triclosan. After washing your face, it is important to medicate it properly.

Most creators of acne medications would have you believe that a cream with a high percentage of benzoyl peroxide is best. This is indeed very wrong and ineffective. They can market this because they know people will want something containing a maximum strength ingredient. A cream containing only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is best. When you begin this regimen start out with a small amount of the acne medication so that your face can adjust and you will be able to determine if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide.

The last step in this process is to moisturize your face. Benzoyl peroxide is known for drying out skin so it is important that you keep your skin properly balanced. It is recommended that you use a gentle moisturizer containing alpha hydroxy. The moisturizer may sting a bit in the very beginning but will disappear in a short time and the alpha hydroxy will help eliminate the flakiness caused by the acne medication.

It is important to know why this simple regimen works so well. When the skin is irritated, acne problems will only worsen. Because it is essential to keep your skin from being irritated you want to use the gentlest products.

The second reason this regimen will work great is because of the use of a proper amount of benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne bacteria that grows in clogged follicles and is known to do this better than any other existing product. It is necessary that you use enough to be effective but that you only use medications containing 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Unlike many other acne medications, it is not possible for your skin to become tolerant of benzoyl peroxide.

As you can see, proper care of your face is simple and will result in beautiful skin free of acne. Remember to wash with a gentle cleanser, medicate with a cream containing only 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and use an alpha hydroxy moisturizer daily. If you keep to this plan, you will be rid of acne in just a short time.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Birth Controll Pill Help Acne

Tips On Makeup For Acne Scars

by Dean Iggo

Finding the right balance of makeup for acne scars isn't easy. You don't want to leave home without it either, though. It can be quite embarrassing to look at yourself in the mirror each morning, only to see the ravaged face your teenage acne left you with. Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the United States. More than eight-five percent of Americans have suffered from a pimple at one time or another. Many of those pimples lead to scarring that is not easy to remove. If you want to cover a terrible scar, the best way to handle it is through makeup for acne scars.

When you get ready to select a makeup for acne scars, be sure to select one that works well with your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, you want something that is hypoallergenic. If you have very oily skin, you want a makeup that won't add to the oil on your face, less you cause yourself yet another acne outbreak, which can lead to more scarring in the first place. Have a makeup professional help you determine your skin type and which makeup would be right for you.

There are a number of different products on the market that claim to be makeup for acne scars. Be sure you figure out what you are getting. Some of them won't work as well as others, and you don't want to simply throw your money down the drain. Ask friends and family members for recommendations on brands they use. Read product reviews on the internet to determine what makeup for acne scars worked well for other people.

You probably want to start your makeup regimen with a nice base coat. This will help even out your skin tone. You can get this in liquid or cream form, but the cream is more effective at giving your skin a smooth appearance. After you've done that, add a powder coat to further smooth things out.

Finding the perfect makeup for acne scars on your face will help you feel a bit better about yourself before you leave the house each morning.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of an acne treatment website providing a review of the best acne scar removal products as well as unbiased tips to clear skin with popular acne remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Iggo

Friday, December 22, 2006

Oral Contraceptives That Help With Acne

Upping the Ante: Treating Acne with Oral Antibiotics

by C. L. Jackson

Oral antibiotics have been a mainstream acne medication for several years now, often with positive results. But if acne is a disease of the sebaceous glands, how do anti-bacterial drugs help? Many descriptions of the causes of acne place the blame squarely on oil production in the skin. While it is true that excess sebum can play a role in creating acne, this isn't the entire story. This article explores the relationship between acne and bacteria, and the role that antibiotics can play in effective acne treatment.

The human body is covered in sebaceous glands. In fact, sebaceous glands can be found anywhere there are hair follicles! These glands have an important role in the skin, through the production of sebum. In healthy skin, sebum is produced in the gland and travels up the hair follicle to the surface of the skin where it acts as a natural moisturizer and protects the skin from environmental damage. If the pore becomes blocked, however, either by dead skin cells or excess sebum, sebum production within the sebaceous gland continues, causing the blocked follicle to swell. In addition to sebum, the follicle also contains natural skin bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. These bacteria reproduce, which some experts think attracts leukocytes (white blood cells) to the follicle, triggering a vigorous immune response. It is this immune response that often causes the inflammation associated with acne blemishes, and can even contribute to scars.

So there you have it. Acne is not the product of any single factor, but the result of several conditions all coexisting at the same time, and in the same place. So how can oral antibiotics prevent acne?

When taken to combat acne, oral antibiotics are meant to accomplish two things. They are supposed to reduce the bacteria count on the skin's surface and within the follicles, which then helps them accomplish their second function as inflammation control of already infected follicles. Because of the potential for side-effects and to avoid bacteria becoming resistant to treatment, antibiotics are often prescribed only after other more mild topical treatments have failed to produce results and clear up the skin.

Antibiotics may take care of the bacteria load, but treating acne is usually a multi-disciplinary process. Even without bacteria, the skin pores may still become clogged, and as soon as the antibacterial treatment is stopped the problem may start all over again. For this reason, it is still important to have good skin care habits to take care of the other sources of acne. A simple step recommended by most dermatologists is washing the face no more than twice a day with a gentle cleanser. This can help slough off old skin cells, preventing pores from getting clogged in the first place, in addition to removing excess oil from the skin.

If you're on oral antibiotics for your acne and want to address the other causes of acne blemishes, it is important to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to help you create a multi-faceted plan to address the specific causes of your acne while taking into consideration your skin type and current medications. Certain products should not be taken together, so always follow a physician's guidance in this matter.

Author C. L. Jackson wishes the topic of acne was simply an academic interest ... but unfortunately that�s not the case! You'll find much more information on this topic at the author's website http://www.acne-infosource.info/acne-medication.php

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=C._L._Jackson

Can Green Tea Help Acne

Acne - What Causes It?

by Jo Wood

Although all the reasons why acne happens aren't fully understood, research has certainly uncovered a great deal of useful information. The main reason people get acne is sebum. This is an oily substance that is supposed to keep the skin and hair supple and lubricated. But sometimes it can cause acne instead.

Sometimes, particularly during adolescence, the body produces far too much sebum. When the excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and other debris, it blocks hair follicles in the skin, which prevents more sebum escaping. This blockage becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which multiply and cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. This becomes a pimple.

Testosterone is one of the main causes for excess sebum production. During adolescence, the body can react differently to testosterone, causing the skin of the upper body to become very oily. Both males and females produce testosterone, even though the amounts vary, so this can happen to anyone. Usually the body balances out its production of oil by the early 20s.

It's also fairly well recognized that acne is hereditary, although nobody has really worked out why. It's likely that related people have similar patterns of oil production during adolescence, and that's partially the cause.

Acne can also be aggravated by other situations in life, including diet, stress, certain medications, skin irritation, and for women, the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle. Recent research has also suggested that people who are prone to acne have narrower hair follicles during the outbreaks. This could be caused in many ways, including abnormal cell binding, water retention causing the skin to swell, or excessive shedding of cells in the follicle. A narrow hair follicle will get blocked with oil and debris more easily, hence the higher chance of acne.

If you have acne, then it's important to leave it alone. Squeezing or popping pimples simply helps the bacteria to spread, which makes the acne worse. It can also lead to permanent scarring. Even just touching the face can cause problems, so it's really important to keep your hands away from your face, as hands often contain bacteria and oil that can make acne worse. Also make sure you regularly clean things such as glasses, to remove any oil or grime that could transfer to your face.

Finally, make sure you keep your hair back off your face as much as possible. Hair often contains oil, grime and debris, and can also cause the skin to sweat if your hair is resting against the skin. Hats and headbands should be avoided if possible, or washed frequently. Even though the causes of acne aren't fully known, by doing some of the things suggested in this article, you can certainly reduce the frequency and severity of acne outbreaks.

If you want to read more about what causes acne, click over to Jo's site at http://www.infoaboutacne.info Get 3 Free Reports about acne from http://www.infoaboutacne.info/reports

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_Wood

Best Practices To Help Acne

What You Need to Know About Acne

by Craig Dawber

Acne doesn�t discriminate. It can effect anyone irregardless of their age, race or ethnicity. It is unpleasant to have acne and can cause many social issues. Avoiding acne may be impossible, but there are things you can do to avoid a serious case of acne. If you already have acne there are many treatments available from home remedies to professional methods. Acne can really effect a person�s life so knowing everything you can about it can help you deal with it better.

Acne can occur anywhere on the body, but most often occurs on the face. It is caused by oil that get trapped in the pores. Acne comes in a few different forms: whiteheads, blackheads, pimples or swollen nodules. The most common cause of acne is hormone changes which is why teens are more likely to experience it. There are, however, other reasons that acne occurs. Clogged pores can trap oil and result in acne. Some people are genetically predisposed to getting acne. Once you have experienced acne you are probably likely to want to prevent it from ever appearing again.

Avoiding acne may be impossible. Almost everyone experiences it. There are some simple ways to keep your acne at bay, though, and prevent serious breakouts. Washing your face and body with a non-irritating soap is the best way to prevent acne. Eating right has also been shown to keep skin clear. If you use cosmetics or other products you should use water-based products that are less likely to clog pores. Lastly, avoid touching your skin or picking at your skin. Your hands are very dirty and can transfer dirt to your face easily. These few ideas can help you avoid many acne flare-ups.

Once you notice you have acne you are sure to want to get rid of it. Administer treatment when you feel it is necessary. A simple home remedy for decreasing the redness of acne is to apply a cream used to reduce the swelling associated with hemorrhoids or apply ice. Over-the-counter creams and liquids are easily found at a local drugstore. Most often these medications contain benzyl peroxide which kills bacteria and dries up the skin. If you have a severe case of acne you may seek help from your dermatologist. Most acne cases are easily cleared up with home remedies or OTC treatments.

Acne can be devastating to one�s self-esteem. Depending on the severity and our genetic background you may be able to avoid acne by keeping you pores clean from clogs. Treatments for acne range from simple to complex. If you are in doubt about how to treat your acne or it is really severe you should consult your dermatologist.

The acne article was written by Craig Dawber, The infomation found in this website can without doubt can help your acne and skin care check it out http://www.acnewebsite.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Dawber

Dermatologist Acne Help Treatments

Acne Comes in Many Different Varieties

by Paul Ghossain

Before you can treat your acne, it is important to understand that there are different types of acne. By understanding what type of acne you have, will help you choose the right treatment to control or cure it.

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common types of acne the affects people. This type of acne is commonly found on people that have very oily skin. Vulgaris acne alone comes in three different types. They are known as inflammatory lesions, non inflammatory lesions and secondary lesions.

Comendonal acne is a type of acne that appears without becoming inflamed. Hormones fluctuations, certain facial products or high humidity have a high risk of worsening this type of acne.

There is a certain type of acne that only affects babies. This type of acne is known as infantile acne. Infantile acne usually disappears a few months after the baby is born.

One particular type of acne that is very common amongst males is known as acne conglobata. This type of acne usually appears on a man's back or chest.

Acne mediamentosa appears due to a reaction from certain medications. Some examples of these medications would be anabolic steroids or oral contraceptives for women.

Acne excori is a type of acne that appears from the after effects of picked whiteheads or blackheads. The only way to prevent this type of acne from appearing is to stop picking your pimples.

Once you or your doctor has accurately identified the type of acne you have fallen victim to, the right treatment can be put into effect in order to control or cure your acne problem.

Read more on acne by visiting acne.healthsect.com. Also, discover great acne prevention tips to help you stay acne free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Ghossain

Acne Help Acne Products

10 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Acne

by Dave Poon

Do you have acne? That must be hard. But wait � there is still
hope.

Read the following tips for getting rid of that problem:

1. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. You can
easily create juices and smoothies using ripe fruit or consume one
salad daily, even as just a side dish. You can also pop in nuts
and dried fruits in between meals.

Brazil nuts have selenium while pumpkin seeds contain zinc � both
these minerals are lacking in people with acne. So take in lots of
these two.

2. Try to drink at least two liters of still mineral water
daily. When the skin is dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the
skin which may block pores and promote acne.

3. If you have been prescribed antibiotics to control your
acne, remember that antibiotics destroy all kinds of bacteria in
your digestive tract � even good bacteria. Without good bacteria,
you will have poor digestion, constipation, and be less able to
absorb essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

This, in turn, may lead to increased acne production since your
body cannot expel waste effectively. Toxins pass through your skin
instead. To prevent this from occurring, replace the good bacteria
in your digestive tract with a good quality probiotic.

4. You may try consuming some supplements since your diet may
not incorporate every vitamin, mineral and nutrient necessary to
getting and keeping clear skin. Some supplements are really
helpful to people with acne, such as:

� Maca � This is a powdered root vegetable from Peru that
balances and stabilizes the systems of your body while normalizing
hormones. Maca also has a lot of essential amino acids,
phytochemicals, fatty acids, and minerals such as iodine, silica,
potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium.

� Manuka honey � This one possesses strong antibiotic,
antiviral and antiseptic elements. It is great for the skin, as
well as for digestive disorders.

5. Rely only on natural skin-care products. Many skin-care
products on supermarket shelves have chemicals which can worsen
your acne. Too many chemicals can strip your skin of its natural
oils, meaning the skin will overproduce oil to compensate � thus
blocking your pores and causing more acne to show up.

Use only products with natural ingredients or try to use fewer
products to allow your skin to naturally heal.

Should you wear makeup, use formulas that are listed as
non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic.

Some products you can use are:

� Tea tree oil body wash � This product can be used for the
entire body, including the face.

� Tea tree oil � This product has antiseptic, antiviral and
antibacterial functions. It is remarkable for use by acne
sufferers. Use a cotton bud to apply this product to the acne
blemishes.

� Neem soap � This product is very good for acne victims due
to its antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral
and antibacterial properties. It also calms and soothes irritated
skin.

6. Cut down on stress as this acts as one of the strongest
precursors of acne, especially after puberty. There are different
ways you can reduce stress and aim for relaxation:

� Exercise � Moderate exercise such as Yoga and Tai Chi
improve skin blood flow and support the healing process. It also
boosts the condition of your internal organs which allows them to
eliminate waste more effectively.

� Try relaxation techniques including meditation and
breathing exercises.

7. Cut down on your consumption of sugar and refined
carbohydrates. Recent research has shown that eating these foods
triggers a process which leads to a production of too many male
hormones. In turn, the skin is moved to excrete huge amounts of
sebum which fosters the increase in skin bacteria - that triggers
acne.

8. Lessen your consumption of caffeine because it hikes the
level of stress hormones in the body, thus making acne worse.

9. Cut down on dairy and red meat products because these are
difficult to digest and raise acid levels in the body. As you try
to digest huge amounts of animal protein in your internal organs,
your body cannot eliminate waste products well and these will be
released through the skin � causing acne.

In addition, dairy and red meat have huge amounts of hormones.
These raise the hormone levels in the body and trigger even more
acne. Furthermore, symptoms of intolerance to dairy products can
crop up as acne.

10. Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air. Sunshine triggers the
production of Vitamin D which is essential to having healthy skin.
Fresh air and sunshine will cut down on your stress levels and
course oxygen through the skin. Learn to tell the amount of
sunshine you need every day though, it does not help to get burnt
in the sun.

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Skin Care. For more information regarding Get Rid Of Acne please drop by at www.clearacneworld.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Poon