Treat Acne Easily

Archive for July, 2009

If you ask an acne patient who for many years, has used a vast range of topical acne treatments in the hope of finding one that successfully got rid of all the acne spots on her face fully and consistently, whether or not she managed to find one… you can bet that her answer will be, “No I didn’t”.

Millions of people all over the world break out with acne spots. Unfortunately, only a very small proportion of them “luckily” get to meet somebody who points them in the direction of finding a good quality acne treatment. A topical cream that contains powerful natural and synthetic ingredients that are put together in the right mix to make a formulation that has the ability to effectiely free up some space in the follicular openings in the epidermal layer of their skin. A cream that then allows trapped oily sebum to flow out easily, which in turn, dramatically leaves their skin looking clearer, smoother, tougher, younger, and enviable. A product that does this well… in fact, very well.

It’s important to note that your skin is made up of several layers, and we are concerned with the stratum corneum (which is in actual fact the upper layer of the epidermal layer), the remainder of the epidermal layer itself, and the dermis which lies beneath the epidermis. Why note this? Because hyperstimulation of the sebaceous glands in response to a surge in androgenic hormones is what starts everything off, and this happens in the dermis. Also, many of the pronounced comedones form here. As far as the epidermis and stratum corneum are concerned, these layers are full of Propionibacterium Acnes, dirt, debris, and dead skin cells. You need to get rid of these to make it easy to unblock the plugged follicles in the dermis. The most efficient way to achieve this is by the process of “abrasion”, “sloughing”, or exfoliation, which all mean the same thing really.

My intention here is to talk about specific ingredients that go inside ance treatments that are topically applied, and why such ingredients set the treatments that they are found in, apart from the money wasters. The below average treatments that are merely adequate for people who break out with the mildest form of acne. The type where they break out with one little tiny red spot once in a blue moon. And this is certainly not the case with somebody with large prominent pimples.

If you fit in this latter category of people and would like to know what pioneering skincare experts include in their cosmetic products to bring them to a standard where the formulation is able to effectively get rid of such spots, then here are some pointers for you to follow before you purchase your next acne treatment. This is a list of the most effective, and widely used ingredients in good cosmetic products that will bring about a marginal improvement in your complexion:

1. Glycolic Acid – This is number one on the list for a good reason, and that reason is, that it is one of the most powerful and effective exfoliants in the industry. Glycolic acid penetrates your skin, frees plugged pores and follicles, and does this job well. I would suggest that you end your frustrations with benzoyl peroxide and move onto this ingredient soon.

Glycolic acid is classified as an “alpha hydroxy acid” (AHA). It is a naturally occuring chemical found in sugar cane. There are others – namely lactic acid, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. These are all less potent than glycolic acid, but they are now all found together in home chemical peel kits. Start using a glycolic acid face wash or moisturizer as soon as possible – a 5% concentration would be good to begin with.

2. Glycolic Compound – There are skin care products in the “chemical peeling” market that consist of high strength glycolic acid, typically 20-70%. These contain something called “glycolic compound” – a pH-balanced complex of glycolic acid and ammonium glycolate. You will find this compound has helped several people achieve excellent results with their skin problems, particularly acne. MD Formulations and MD Forte are top brands that have released lotions, creams, and gels containing this ingredient.

3. Salicylic Acid – Also known as “beta hydroxy acid” and the only one. This is usually found as a 2% concentration in most skincare products. Its mode of action is similar to glycolic acid in that it causes skin cells to slough off. Salicylic acid is a good choice if you get mild to moderate breakouts.

4. Ferulic Acid – This is commonly found in anti-aging products because of it antioxidant properties. Your skin is undergoing constant oxidation. It is being oxidized by free radicals, other

environmental pollutants, and the UV rays from the sun. You may think this to be inappropriate for your acne condition, but antioxidants stop oxidation, and this helps to prevent pre-existing scars and lines from advancing further. Antioxidants also help post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is a problem that many acne patients get. There are many antioxidants out there, but this one is good and it’s widely used in brands like Skinceuticals, Murad, and Dr. Michelle Copeland.

The point to note here is that acne treatments “treat” through different modes of action – exfoliation, dermabrasion, and anti-bacterial action for example. But then there are others which work to “protect” and this is what antioxidants do, so these can prove to be very effective, especially in adult acne. Overall, anti-oxidants are great at improving the integrity of your skin. They give it the radiacne and the glowing effect that you’re looking for.

5. Idebenone – Take the time to visit http://Prevageskin.co.uk and here you can read about idebenone. I have chosen this product to demonstrate the importance of stopping your skin from oxidizing.

Idebenone is an analogue of another anti-oxidant called Co-enzyme Q10. This will make an expensive, but a potent free radical quencher.

6. Ascorbyl palmitate – You will find this in the famous Jan Marini C-ESTA products. It is the fat-soluble form of vitamin C, another antioxidant. This synthetic compound was made fat-soluble to improve its absorption through the skin. Water-soluble products don’t penetrate the skin as well as lipid-soluble ones. Again, this one is great for tightening up contours around scarred regions in the T-Zone area, particularly around the nose.

So what I’ve tried to do here is to give you a good range of products like glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids that unplug your hair follicles and allow oil and debris to flow out from under your skin, as well as powerful antioxidants n the current market that improve the overall integrity of your skin by giving it shine, glow, and make it less bumpy and more smooth.

It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the habit of sticking to prescribed antibiotics, or OTC treatments for mild acne and end up frustrated having realized that they don’t work, and sometimes even make your acne worse. If this is happening to you, start branching out by discovering more advanced treatments that contain the ingredients discussed herein, and you never know… a breakthrough in finding a treatment that works wonders for you may be just weeks away.

Sonny Dhinjan
http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/6-effective-ingredients-of-quality-acne-treatments-70170.html

Acne is considered to be a problem of the adolescence. It affects teenagers mostly because it is primarily caused by hormonal imbalance, which occurs during the growing up years. However, this does not mean that the grown ups are immune to the problem. Men and women of all ages are susceptible to the problem. The basic fact is that it can catch up with amazing swiftness to even those who reach the age of 40, or more.

Acne In Men

Among men, there are a number of factors that can cause acne. Excessive secretion of oil and clogged pores are the basic cause of acne. Those who have oily skin are prone to the problem. So, if you have oily skin and your job demands you to stay in dusty environment, the likelihood of your developing acne problem is heightened manifold irrespective of age.

A substandard shaving cream may also cause acne. The same goes for after shave lotions. So, you need to take care of a few things. Use a fresh, good quality blade every time you shave, and use a good shaving cream.

Another cause of acne is stress. The hectic lives we lead today bring stress as a byproduct. This could be a reason for your acne. This does not mean that stress necessarily causes acne. Whether or not the stress would cause acne depends upon whether or not your skin is prone to acne. You have to be extra careful if you have been a teenager with the extended period of acne problem or you suffered from severe acne during your growing up years.

Acne In Women

So far as women are concerned, they are prone to acne at all those stages where they undergo hormonal changes. Acne, therefore, is likely to breakout during pregnancy and around the time of menopause because during these stages hormonal levels fluctuate.

Therefore, it is prudent that the women who are prone to acne prepare themselves beforehand by arming themselves with information and medical advice before the pregnancy and menopause.

Acne, therefore, is not simply a teenager’s problem. It might affect the elders too. Thus, it is important that you are prepared and not taken by surprise when acne breaks out.

Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-to-treat-acne-in-males-and-acne-in-females-131481.html

There are a significant variety of acne treatments and remedies out there in the marketplace and it can be difficult and confusing to find a solution that can work well for you long term. Many acne sufferers have reported that using natural products and methods have helped them in their quest to get rid of acne.

These natural approaches do not work for everyone since acne is complex and there is no single solution that can work for all people. However if you have not tried any natural acne treatments then consider doing so as you may see positive and lasting results. Diet is one of the first things to consider when looking at a natural solution to acne.

For many people eating the high fat foods and junk foods can make their acne worse. Consuming more fruits and vegetables is always recommended as these foods have many great health benefits such as detoxification which can help to reduce the amount of acne causing bacteria in your body. Unfortunately it can be difficult to always eat enough fruits and vegetables which is why it can be ideal to turn to either a whole food supplement or to juicing.

There are many great natural whole food supplements you can purchase at most large supermarkets and health food stores. Many of them go by the name of green drinks. These concentrated supplements contain many green foods which can have many positive health benefits including helping to reduce acne.

You can also purchase a juicer which you can then use to make your own fresh juices out of fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, apples, pears, oranges and any other hard fruits and vegetables that you like and that can be eaten raw. You should use your diet to cleanse and detoxify your body so that acne causing bacteria has the least chance of surviving in the pores of your skin.

In addition you can also purchase detox kits usually from a local health food stores that can also help to clear your skin. Consider starting with a colon cleanse as that may have the largest effect since most people have colons that are clogged with waste so getting rid of this waste can really make a good difference in your overall health. Many times acne is a sign that something may be wrong with your health so do your best to improve your health by eating responsibly.

Exercise may also be beneficial in helping to reduce acne. If you live a highly dormant lifestyle then make sure to implement some sort of workout routine into your life. Be sure to do both aerobics and strength training. Start slowly and do even ten to fifteen minutes of exercise a day. The important thing is to start and make it a habit. It will always be difficult in the beginning but if you do it consistently it will become a natural part of your life.

When it comes to strength training make sure you do not overdo it. It takes your body a lot of time to recover from each weight training workout so give yourself at least 1 week rest if you lift fairly light weights. The heavier the weights you lift the more rest you need to take otherwise you could end up in a state of over training which weakens the immune system and makes you susceptible to illness.

Also try to relax and enjoy your life. Stress can also contribute to making acne worse. While it is difficult, try to see the good things about every situation and focus on that as this can make a big difference in how you feel. In life we tend to get what we focus on so make it a point to focus on things that serve you in the long term. Follow some of these natural and holistic acne treatment methods to help you get the clear skin and confidence you deserve.

Shakil Zaman
http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/natural-ways-to-stop-acne-fast-357757.html

Keeping your skin clear doesn’t have to be a trying experience with so many cheaper natural treatments available today. Below are some helpful, cheap tips on what to do to keep your acne under control and keep your skin clear. The problem with most acne treatments and acne products is that not everyone reacts the same way to the same treatment; what worked for one may not work for another.

The most common types of pimples are whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Acne rosacea is a red rash predominantly on the face. Numerous studies have revealed that acne is not simply a problem of the young; it also afflicts people of many ages, and can severely affect their daily lives. In a survey conducted in Great Britain, 95% of 16-year-old males and 83% of 16 year-old females had acne.

Acne, zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and many other skin disorders are usually, but not always, the result of a bad diet. The liver gets rid of toxins from bad food, drugs and chemicals and sends them through the skin resulting in eruptions, acne, pimples and other skin disorders. Scientists are trying to find the cause of acne and working on ways to prevent plugs.

Since the latest research indicates a connection between stress and acne, make an effort to cut down on stress any way you can. Try applying a thin layer of coconut oil and massaging it deep into the skin to heal and soothe the affected area. There are many natural acne home remedies; you may have to try several to find one that works best for your skin type.

Treatment with raw apple cider vinegar will work better on your skin if it isn’t already noticeably irritated from acne medicines, acne products or other failed treatment. Remember, that even the most gentle and natural products you might use to clean your face can leave your skin a bit dry; use coconut oil as an excellent way to re-hydrate the skin after using any acne commercial or natural cleanser. Never underestimate the healing, restorative power of a good night’s sleep.

Use baking soda on a test area carefully for exfoliation, if you feel you need it. The treatment plan for acne includes trying to heal the pimples, stopping new pimples from forming, preventing scarring and helping reduce embarrassment. Shave carefully and try both electric and safety razors to see which works best for you.

Any makeup you use should list on the label non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic. Besides acne, if you also have eczema or dry skin, coconut oil will treat those skin conditions too. It bears repeating, you want to be good to your skin and never pop or squeeze a pimple no matter how tempting.

A new, non-invasive treatment using red light and blue light in combination has been extremely successful on severe acne. No over-the-counter creams can help your acne from the inside out; they can only kill some of the bacteria on your face and help reduce the redness.

To cure yourself of acne, you need to correct the problems going on inside of your body that are causing the acne. Drink lots and lots of pure, filtered water every day. Besides external acne treatment it’s even more important to work from the inside out too.

When you change your diet, your lesions should start getting better within a week or two, with significant improvement the first month. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis often suffer from constipation; if you are, make sure you’re drinking lots of water every day and add more natural fiber from raw fruits to your diet.

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water, a minimum of a quart a day. Good nutrition will help your skin from the inside out. Eat at least two organic apples a day while working to clear up your skin; apples are good for skin health – organic so you can eat pesticide-free skin (most of the apple pectin is in the skin), which helps with constipation.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Eating fruits that are red or orange in color will help improve you skin health and help to prevent acne.

One should always think about cheaper, alternative, natural, effective treatment methods to get the best cure or solution to their acne, zits, pimples and blackhead problems. Analyze all the acne treatments available and make the best decision for you, based on your circumstances. With cheap, safe, simple, natural, effective, alternative home treatments for acne and pimples, your skin should be well on its way to recovery.

Helen Hecker
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/natural-acne-tips-and-treatments-save-your-skin-and-money-134728.html

Oral acne treatments ensure an acne free face and body. Oral acne treatments always make use of various kinds of capsules and antibiotic pills that can well fight acne-causing bacteria and controls inflammation caused by acne. Apart from these oral acne treatments, there are various oral acne medications that can eliminate acne completely, reduce blemishes and scars, and control any further burst of acne. All these oral acne treatments along with the medications promise you with a clear, acne-free and glowing skin.

Use of antibiotics

Oral acne treatments include the use of antibiotics like Minocycline, Doxycycline, Azithromycin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Trimothoprim. Another very useful and effective oral medication is Isotretinoin that has the same molecular structure as that of Vitamin A. These oral acne treatments include medicines reduces the effect that fatty foods can impose on our body. Deep-fried foods or fatty foods leads to further burst of acne, so one should have a balanced diet as well as these oral medications to reduce fat content and eliminate acne.

Oral acne medications include consuming Accutane that provides long-term results for an acne free skin. These oral medicines actually help to control the secretion of oil thereby unclogging the pores underneath the skin surface. In case of treating severe cases of acne, the oral acne medications are combined with topical agents for enhanced results. The oral contraceptives often decrease the level of androgens, thereby decreasing oil secretion and reducing acne. But to compensate the intake of high-dose medicines, one should also have proper balanced diet comprising fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

How do the oral acne medications work?

Other typical oral medications that you can consume include Retin-A, Cyproterone Acetate, Clindamycin, Adapalene and Sodium Sulfacetamide. All these oral medicines can reduce the sudden bursts of acne and acne scars in both children and adults. You should take these capsules as directed with fat-containing foods [like 2% or whole milk]. The fat in the foods helps the acne germs to be fully absorbed thereby promising you acne-free skin. Pregnant women, however, need to use two reliable forms of contraception while taking this medication. The daily dose for normal people is determined at 0.5 to 1 mg per kg of your body weight.

All of these oral medications act as an anti-androgen thereby reducing the formation of acne and acne scars. Isotretinoin is an approved oral medication that prevents the maturing of sebaceous glands. It is these sebaceous glands that produce different oil and influence the lining of the hair follicles to produce acne bursts. Other medications help change the composition of oil to prevent the pores from clogging up with bacteria and pus.

Oral acne medications are truly most effective therapies that can reduce acne, however severely they affect your face and skin. They also reduce the risk of intense scarring. However, you should take the doses as prescribed by your doctor. Regularly undergo blood tests and blood pressure monitoring tests to make effective use of these medications and avoid any side effects.

treat acne to enjoy a fresh, healthy and acne-free skin.

anonymous
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/oral-acne-treatments-know-the-effectiveness-of-oral-medicines-85293.html