Acne

Fast Home Remedies For Acne

2008-10-01T06:32:00.001-07:00

If you have acne you are probably wondering what the best ways of going about beating it are. Chances are you have tried a whole bunch of mainstream products such as Clean and Clear that cost obscene amounts of money and offer little hope to those suffering from the depressing and frustrating skin condition known as acne. No matter what type of acne you have or where on your body it is located, there are ways you can cure it without ever setting foot in the skin products section of your local drugstore or grocery store. Acne sufferers know that vicious cycle all too well. Buy the expensive product, go home, try it out only to be disappointed in a couple weeks. There are indeed fast home remedies for acne available to you.

First let's examine what might be causing you acne, because once you know what causes it, that is half the battle. Most often acne is caused when excess amounts of oils enter the skin pores and they become clogged. It's healthy for you skin to retain a certain amount of oil, but when it becomes too much for your pores to handle, acne appears. Another reason for acne might be a hormonal imbalance within the body, which usually occurs during pregnancy and puberty when hormone levels are most imbalanced and out of whack. Poor hygiene and diet can also effect your skin, despite what some may say. By eating a nutritious diet you are doing a favor for both your skin and body.

Now let's look at some quick home remedies. There is always baking soda which works good mixed with water. This acts just like a scrub that you might purchase in the store, but it is less expensive and probably already in your kitchen. Just mix it with some water and apply it to the effected areas, letting it sit for about 30 seconds or so. You can also apply ice to the effected areas. The ice doesn't so much get rid of the acne itself as it does reduce swelling which can be a major problem for some and a huge relief once it is gone. Research home remedies more and find out which ones work for you.

Despite the great things people say about some of these products, I have found that most fast home remedies for acne simply did not work for me, and neither did any other acne treatments.

But after years of struggling to get rid of my acne, I finally found something that was able to almost completely cure my acne in less than a week.

Recovering From Acne

2008-10-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

If you have liver disease or heart disease, it's between you, your doctor, and your god. But skin disease is out there for the world to know about. You live with a constant reminder that there's something not quite right. Kids use body language to express their feelings. They might wear caps or have their collars turned up. Putting their hands on their face or covering their face is also common. I think those are clues that the acne is bothering them.

Appearance is a huge issue. Our culture worships beautiful people. You don't ever pick up a magazine and see someone with acne or rosacea unless it's a medical journal and it is in the context of diagnosis or treatment. We have many good drugs and products that can help kids with acne. And not only do we know more about the drugs, we also know more about the pathophysiology of acne, thanks to giants in the field such as Peter Pochi, John Strauss, Alan Shalita, and Jim Leyden. These are people who devoted their careers to better understanding acne and its treatments. I see kids with bad acne in the malls and in the grocery stores, working as clerks or carryout. I wish I could let them know, somehow, that we've got really good treatment for them, especially if they are obviously trying to cover up their acne. You look at all the body signals. Some of these kids are not depressed, but they still don't like their acne.

I have yet to have a teenager say "Yeah, I have acne and I like it!" I've never had one say that he or she wants to keep it. The best thing about acne is that it is a disease about which we can now say, with confidence, "We can get you better." We can't say that about every disease, but with acne we can almost always get the patient better. In some of these kids, there will be improvement within a month, but they never complain if they get better quicker.

This avoids disappointment. We dermatologists and our patients really are blessed with effective medicines for treating acne. The psychological impact of acne can be devastating, particularly for the young patients who are most susceptible to this extremely visible disease. Dr. Jan Hornets has lectured nationwide on the effects that acne can have on self-confidence and self-esteem. I educate them about basic skin care, explain how their medications work, and try to impress upon them the importance of compliance. I usually tell them, "It doesn't matter what I do. If you don't help, we can't get you better." I have them share responsibility. It is particularly important for teenagers to agree to a shared responsibility. The agreement must be between the patient and the doctor, not the doctor and a parent.

How To Get Rid Of Back Acne, Just Follow These Simple Tips

2007-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

By Robert Sheehan

Itching to wear that stunning Armani gown with the plunging back? You can. But after you have got rid of your back acne. And this entails that you stock up on the information on how to get rid of back acne.

Tips to Cure Back Acne

Back acne, or bacne is a common problem plaguing many acne sufferers. Acne, and especially on your back, is worsened by excessive sweat and the resultant congested pores. So the best advice that dermatologists can tender in this matter is to avoid tight-fitting clothes, especially in sultry weather. Remember, to prevent pimples and acne, always make time for taking frequent showers, particularly after a grinding day of work or workout regiment.

When you have painful back acne, heavy backpacks are a definite ‘no-no’. They rub against your back and cause further swelling and redness. During these times, carry a handbag and give your acne-assaulted back a rest.

A good idea is to use a mild exfoliating agent when you shower. This will ensure that your back is scrupulously clean at all times and you keep away those ungainly and painful spots of pimples and acne.

Since acne is caused by bacterial infection, it is important that apart from a cleaning regimen, you should follow tips to keep your back as germ-free as possible. This means that you need to wear clean and airy cotton clothes when you are working out. Also put a clean towel underneath your back before you lie down on any exercise machine or a mat. Unknown to many, it is unwise to go to a steam room just after your workout.

Anti-bacterial treatment like benzoyl peroxide is an effective acne cure and dermatologists often advice a dab of it after a bath.

Particularly stubborn back and body acne, and especially those caused by the genes, however demand stricter measures. In this respect, oral antibiotics are popular remedies. However, oral medication is often said to have unpleasant side effects like depression.

Back acne is more difficult to treat than acne on your face. Though the mode of treatment for facial and back acne are along similar lines, the latter in its severe form may require chemical exfoliation like glycolic acid peels.

The tips to get rid of back acne do not require much of an effort on your part. Follow them and boast of a smooth, clear back.

Treating Acne with Laser or Surgery

2006-12-24T00:35:00.000-08:00

By Rose Lindy

If you have a mild case of acne you will probably find success in treating it effectively by keeping the area clean and applying a topical product that contains benzoyl peroxide to help clear up the blemishes. If your acne is more severe you may want to consider some alternative treatment methods. Your dermatologist will be able to discuss different treatments currently available including treating acne with laser therapy or acne surgery.

If you are considering laser therapy or surgery as part of your acne treatment then you need to fully evaluate each of these processes. Consider the number required treatments, costs and side effects. You also need to select make sure that whatever process you select is designed to reduce the presence of acne, not acne scarring. I mention this because it does get confusing and you should know what to look for.

Acne Laser Treatment

Laser treatment has very few side effects, is simple, just a bit uncomfortable and does not involve the use of prescription medication. That is why it is such a popular and preferred method of acne treatment. This is how acne laser treatment works. Varying wavelengths are aimed directly at the affected area. The wavelengths pulsate against the skin working to destroy overly-large sebaceous glands and acne lesions. Inflammation and redness surrounding the acne lesions is reduced by the lasers. The outer layers of skin that are damaged are also removed to promote new cell growth. The laser technician who works on you varies the intensity of the laser, this is need to treat the area effectively. Lasers help to reduce the inflammation and redness that surrounds acne lesions.

As with most things laser acne treatment is the focus of considerable debate. Although even one treatment can dramatically improve your skin's appearance, there are some side affects to consider. Some of these side effects are red, burned skin that lasts for weeks. You may also notice an uneven appearance of the skin if the laser is applied inconsistently. Dark-colored skin may have discoloration with laser treatment. So those are some of the side effects you need to be aware of when deciding if laser treatment is right for you.

Surgery for Acne

The process of acne surgery involves draining the clogged pores by making an incision into the affected area. A small, pointed blade is used to open the comedone and gently work the material out using a comedone extractor. Because this process is not technically surgery, it may be performed by a nurse, esthetician or dermatologist.

A more involved process is called excisional surgery. This is used on severe acne cysts to drain and remove them. Because this treatment is so much more involved and also more risky, it is not normally used and is definitely not a preferred method. You always want to try and use the least invasive method of treatment available for any condition you may have, including acne. Because this is a more extensive process it should never be performed anywhere except in a sterile environment with a properly trained professional. This sterile environment will control the spread of bacteria to minimilize the risk of infection.

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

Products To Avoid When Treating Acne

2006-11-08T02:43:00.000-08:00

There are many over-the-counter products available for treating and helping to prevent acne. Some are developed specifically for this purpose, and contain acne medications and substances designed to unclog pores and reduce the chances of acne from developing. Others are simply cleansers, designed to do nothing more than cleanse the skin and remove excess oils and dirt, which helps control breakouts.

So which products are helpful, and which could actually be harmful to your skin? Soap is one of the most basic products used to cleanse the skin, and for some people is okay to use on acne afflicted areas. It can, however, aggravate these areas depending on one’s skin type, skin sensitivity, and actual acne condition. That is why it is important to use a cleanser that will work best with these factors. This will help you avoid further irritation to the skin and will promote faster healing. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from fragrant soaps, as the chemicals in them can cause breakouts. If your skin is oily, use soaps that are virtually oil-free, as products containing a substantial amount of oil will add oil to your skin, causing the pores to become clogged and subsequent breakouts to occur.

Cosmetics can cause acne to worsen. Certain makeup products contain chemicals that while on the skin, clog the pores and irritate the skin, causing breakouts. If you are suffering more breakouts than normal, or if you feel something is irritating your skin, you may want to find out what is in your cosmetic products that might be causing this to occur.

Instead, use cosmetics that are non-cometigenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and find one that doesn’t. Product containers now contain information about what is in the product, and what it should be used for, and often times, what skin types it works best on. You can gain information by reading these labels.

As mentioned above, remember not to over wash your skin, as this can cause it to become irritated and breakouts to occur. Also, wash gently. Harsh scrubbing will not remove any more dirt and oil than gentle scrubbing, and will also cause irritation.

Do not squeeze pimples, as this causes the bacteria to go deeper within the skin, and the area around the pimple to become irritated and inflamed. Instead, cleanse the area and use a toner to alleviate the problem and bring out the pus.

Be sure to choose your acne products carefully. You might even try sticking to one brand for your daily regimen, as this will help you be consistent. Often times, a specific line of products is engineered to work together, and will promote healing and prevention in the same way.

Stay away from harsh products that can irritate your skin, and change products if what you are using is not working for you. Consult a physician if use of over-the-counter hygiene products isn’t doing the trick.

Over The Counter Ideas For Treating Your Acne

2006-11-08T02:42:00.000-08:00

There are many products designed to treat acne. Some of these products are formulated to serve a specific purpose while others are dedicated to treating the general symptoms of acne.

This article discusses some of the basic products sold over-the-counter that can help prevent and combat acne. Remember, if products sold in most drugstores aren’t helping your condition, it may be advisable to seek medical attention.

Soap and water is the most basic product to help fight acne. Depending on your skin type, sensitivity, and possible allergies, you may want to choose a soap carefully so as to prevent further breakouts or irritation.

When you wash your face, you are removing excess oils that build up on your skin, clogging pores and causing pimples to form. Although it is strongly recommended that you not wash your face too often, and that you don’t scrub vigorously, as this can remove too much oil and irritate the skin, washing your face twice or even three times daily can remove unwanted dirt and oils and help control your breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide is another very common remedy that can be purchased over-the-counter to help fight acne. It is often recommended by physicians, it is usually used to treat mild forms of acne. It is present in many acne treatment products, and was the first product to be proven effective in treating acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide is helpful in fighting bacteria and stops excess oil from clogging pores. It is available in the forms of a lotion or a cream.

Salicylic acid is commonly used in many over-the-counter acne cleansers and treatments, and when applied to the skin, helps to correct the abnormal shedding of cells. In milder forms of acne, it helps to unclog pores and prevent lesions we know of as pimples.

Salicylic acid does not stop oil production. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, it must be used continually in order to see its effects.

Sulfur is also another common product found in many over-the-counter acne treatments. It has been used for years in conjunction with other products to help combat acne. Due to its unpleasant odor, sulfur is less often used by itself to treat acne.

Although it is widely used, and common in many treatments, it is not known exactly what characteristics help heal acne. Nevertheless, results have been shown and it continues to be used.

Herbal and natural products are often available for purchase over-the-counter to treat acne. Most of these products are organic, and have not been tested clinically to determine their effectiveness. In spite of this, they are sometimes preferred, and their usage is said to be increasing.

There are many over-the-counter options available to help heal and prevent acne. Different products react differently to different skin types, and the effects are different for everyone. It is important to find what works for you and stick to it.

Laser Treatments To Help Cure Acne

2006-11-08T02:41:00.000-08:00

There are many different acne treatments, designed to treat different types of acne. Mild forms of acne can often be treated by over-the-counter products and natural remedies, while more severe forms of acne require mediclal attention.

In recent yeatrs laser treatments have proven to be a faster, and sometimes more efficient means for treating many conditions. Acne is one of them.

Acne is rarely misdiagnosed, and is easy to analyze. It can leave lasting scars, which are more prevalent in forms of severe acne, while those left with milder forms of the condition are easier to treat.

One of the most successful treatment alternatives for treating acne scars is the use of lasers such as Erbium. Acne should be treated as early on in the course of the condition as possible, so as to prevent further scarring. This can also reduce the severity of the scarring.

One of the newest ways to treat active acne is with micro dermabrrasion using aluminium hydroxide crystals. These crystals abrate the skin, removing the top layers. This serves to remove excess debris associated with acne. This type of treatment is not necessary or recommended with milder forms of acne as it can be hard on the skin. However, this treatment has proven to be very effective in clearing up active acne.

This type of treatment is also used to clear acne on the back and chest. This can be helpful since back and chest acne is often more dificult to treat than facial acne.

Treating acne scarring requires a series of treatments before visible results are seen. Unfortunately, this treatment isn’t very effective in treating deep scarring caused by severe or pprolonged acne.

The downfall of micro dermabrasion treatment is that it is operator dependent. Over pealing the skin can lead to such side effects as hypopigmentation or scarring. So, in effect, if not done properly, the treatment you are using to clear up acne scarring could actually cause additional scarring.

Because of this, it is recommended it be done by a physician or qualified therapist who knows how to make it be effective without causing more damage to your skin.

Erbiuim laser treatment as a means of treating acne and the scars associated with it is painless, bloodless, gentle, and very effective.

The actual therapy is simple, fast, and accurate, and more severe scarring can be treated during several sittings if preferred.

Though the side effects of such lasting treatments are few, and may not occur, but they are still possible. Discuss this treatmet and its possible side effects with your doctor before deciding whether or not it will be the best treatment for you. Remember, there may be other options available that might be more highly recommended.

Green Tea As A Natural Remedy For Acne

2006-09-20T04:10:00.000-07:00

Natural remedies have become very popular in recent years. People have stopped looking at the expensive medications and creams to cure various conditions, and have started looking at remedies found closer to home. This is, in part, because they are less expensive, but they are also on hand and easily obtained.

Acne is a common condition in teens and adults alike, and is no exception to the theory that a home remedy can sometimes be better. If it’s worked for many years, why wouldn’t it work now? One such remedy believed to aid in the healing of acne is green tea.

While many teas are fermented, green tea instead, is steamed soon after being picked so as to prevent the oxidation of its leaves. This helps to retain the active substances the leaves contain. Camellia Sinensis, or as we know it, green tea extract, contains a high content of Polyphenol, along with other important antioxidants.

Green tea can serve many purposes, and it is recommended for a number of reasons. It acts as an anti-bacterial substance, decreasing hormonal activity. Since acne is often caused by hormones, which produce excess oil and clog pores, thereby causing blemishes, green tea could be a good remedy for this problem.

The antioxidents contained in green tea have been shown as very beneficial to acne prevention because they help the body fight against free radicals that cause cell and tissue damage. Green tea also has very few potential side effects, especially when compared to other acne products and medications.

Because of its advantages, green tea is also used in various creams and other topical products used to treat acne. When compared with other commonly used acne treatments, it ranked high, because of its natural anti-bacterial properties.

Other products containing green tea extract are also sold and developed, and are available as herbal remedies. It can be purchased as a cream.

Green Tea and honeysuckle is often called “Pimple Tea” in China. It also helps your body rid itself of toxins, which helps prevent acne.

Green tea is also easily available. It can be purchased in most stores that carry various herbal and other natural remedies, and can also be bought through many on-line sources. It comes in the form of tea that you drink, or can be purchased in the form of the cream mentioned above.

Drinking green tea will help cleanse your body from the inside out, while applying the topical cream, which goes directly onto the skin, will help cure and prevent acne at the source. No matter how you choose to use it, it can serve many purposes, and may be a welcome alternative to harsh products or unwanted medications.

Dealing With Teen Acne

2006-09-20T04:09:00.001-07:00

Acne is one of the leading problems teens face. It causes changes in their physical appearance that can range from mild to severe, and can be dificult to treat. In addition to these physical changes, it carries a multitude of psychological effects that effect teens in different ways.

Social situations may also become dificult and unwelcome, and teens may steer away from them because they are self-conscious about their appearance. So what social ramifications does this condition bring? This article will discuss some of those social aspects and what can be done to help teens understand and deal wit the condition.

Many people who aren’t afflicted with acne do not understand the dificulties associated with this condition, and often accuse their acne suffering friends of being overly sensativ about the matter. In more recent years, however, the problems faced by those who suffer from acne are being more widely addressed, and the social and psychological effects being studied more closely.

Acne is every bit as much about how you feel as it is about how you look. In a society where so much importance is placed on appearance and complying to the “norm”, higher standards have been set concerning what people do and don’t accept. For teens this is espcially important. Many teenagers face the pressures put on them by their peers, and by what they feel is expected of them. Appearance plays a crucial part in how others see them, and how they see themselves.

When asked, teens suffering from acne said they feel ugly and sometimes depressed. These feelings can cross over into adult acne, and aren’t gender specific.

It has been said that there is no other condition that causes more psychic ore mal-adjustment between parent and child, more generall insecurity, and feelings of inferiority.

Understanding the psychological effects associated with acne has become more important, especially in teens where self-worth is stil being developed. It is hard, however, to find a conclusive way in which to study these factors because of the many differences in acne causes and severity, and because it can be dificult to separate the effects of acne with other social tramas many teens face.

It is suggested that the best way to understand these effects is simply to listen. Find out how your teen is coping with his or her acne and how it makes them feel. Let them know that they certainly aren’t alone. Acne is a very common condition among teens and adults, and can be caused from various things that effect many people. Also make it clear to them that having acne doesn’t mean they are viewed as being dirty or having poor hygiene. Hygiene does not effect acne directly, and ace isn't caused from not washing your face.

Help find out what is causing the acne. When you know its cause and what type it is, you can begin treating it. This is the first step to feeling better about your appearance, and, in turn, about yourself.

Cystic Acne, What causes It and How Is It Treated

2006-09-20T04:09:00.000-07:00

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. Nodules form under the skin, then later harden into painful cysts. This type of acne requires medical attention, and usually persists for long period of times, often weeks or even months.

Cystic acne is often treated with a drug called Accutane, an oral medication usually taken once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks. It is believed to marginally reduce the size of the oil glands so that less oil is produced. This reduces the chance for pores to clog because the body is not producing as much oil. When this occurs, the formation of pimples and cysts is reduced, the pre-existing ones are not further irritated.

This medication also helps to reduce cell shedding and the stickiness in the follicles, which helps prevent the development of this painful type of acne.

Advantages of this drug are: it is a very effective medication that can help prevent extensive scarring in many patients. After one to 20 weeks of use, acne is reduced, or in some cases, almost completely goes away. The downside to this is that when the patient stops taking this medication, the acne often returns and it is necessary to once again begin taking it.

There are, however, several disadvantages to taking Accutane, and they should be considered before making the decision to take this drug. In addition to being very expensive, this drug is linked to some very adverse effects.

Possible side effects include: inflammation of the lip, inflammation of the mucous membrane on the eyes, dry mouth, nose, or skin, itching, and muscle aches.

More serious side effects include decreased levels of blood cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, and abnormal liver enzymes. Patients taking Accutane are usually monitored by a physician to make sure these side effects don’t occur, and to stop the drug if they do.

The good news is that these side effects usually go away after the medications stopped, but if you are using this drug and experience any of these side effects, it is crucial that you tell your doctor immediately.

the most serious adverse effect of this drug is that it can cause serious birth defects. Women who are taking this drug are advised to take a pregnancy test each month to be sure the drug is stopped should they become pregnant.

There are other rules that women should follow pertaining to this drug therapy and having children, so it is important to consult your physician about this drug and its possible effects.

Cystic acne is one of the most painful types, and, perhaps, most difficult to cure. Find a treatment that works for you, and consult your physician about its effects

Hygiene Products and Your Acne

2006-09-20T03:54:00.000-07:00

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and is prevalent among both teens and adults. There are many products available to treat acne, some of which are common to personal hygiene. The most common of these is soap. While many soaps, especially those that are scented, can irritate skin afflicted by acne, many hygiene products hav been put on the market that are helpful in combatting acne, and are economocal as well.

Soaps come in two forms, bar and liquid. Facial soaps and cleansers are those products designed to treat problem skin. They contain products that promote healing and prevention.

Acne cleansers ar gennerally used to remove excess oil, dirt, and sweat from the surface of the skin. When this happens, it makes absorption of topical acne treatment easier. Topical products are those used on the surface of the skin to combat acne. Excessive cleansing with such products can dry and irritate the skin, therefore, making the acne worse, it is advised to only cleanse with these products once or twice a day.

There are different cleansers for different skin types. People with oily skin should use cleansers that rins off well. This is so the excess oil common to oily skin will be properly removed, leaving the skin smooth. Both bar soaps and liquid cleansers have been specially formulated for this purrpose.

For dry skin, the use of hard-milled products and gentle cleansers are appropriate. You may wish to use synthetic detergents if you have this skin type. Such cleansers do not necessarily need to be used often, as they are sometimes stronger than other products.

Most people with normal skin can cleanse daily with bbar soaps. Synthetic detergents do, however, react better to hard water.

If you have sensative skin, you are more proned to react to fragrant products, and those with grains or scrubbing agents. Stay away from the use of such products. Instead, use gentle cleansers and be careful how hard you wash. Wipe, do not scrub when removing dirt and oil from your skin.

There are many gentle cleansers availabl for use for skin that is easily irritated or aggrivated. There are also several types of acne cleansers appropriate for daily skin care that are available for purchase over-the-counter.

Oil-free and noncometigenic products are usually advisable, as these do not clog pores.

There are also cosmetics that have been developed to promote acne healing and daily prevention. Like many cleansers, many of these are oil-free and some contain a small amount of acne medication.

No matter what type of cleanser you choose, whether it be soap or a special cleanser especially developed to help combat acne, be careful in how you use it. Follow the directions on the bottle or box, and be sure not to over wash. You will be on your way to controlling your acne

How To Treat Back Acne

2006-09-20T03:53:00.000-07:00

Acne is a common problem among both teens and adults, and, as more people seek treatment, more information becomes available about this condition. When most people think of acne, they think of it occurring on the face, since that is where it is most commonly seen. That is, however, not the only problem area for the skin where acne can develop.

Acne is also common on the back and chest, and is often more difficult to treat when found on these areas. This is, in part, because the skin on the back is tougher than that on the face, so it is necessary to use different skin care products on this area. The back is also in constant contact with clothing and other materials that might irritate the skin, which can further aggravate the condition.

Acne is caused from excess oils on the skin that build up and form lesions called pimples. Acne prevention is the best way to treat it, but this can be more difficult to do on the back.

Like with facial acne, it is important to stick to a daily skin regimen especially for this type of acne. This includes a cleanser, lotion, and possibly a moisturizer. Glycolic acid is also said to work well with such a regimen.

Another way to try and treat back acne is to try to figure out what could be causing or helping to aggravate it. Heavy backpacks are worn across the upper shoulders and part of the back. If you carry one, especially on a daily basis, and have particular trouble with acne in these areas, you might try switching to a shoulder bag, or pack with carry handles. Once your acne clears up, try wearing the backpack once again. If the irritation returns, you will know at least part of the cause, and may consider other alternatives instead.

The clothing you wear can also affect and irritate your acne. Tight clothing can rub against your skin, which will aggravate it, and can also promote sweating. Sweat will, in turn, cause excess oil build-up, which will cause more breakouts to occur.

Rough clothing is also bad for acne-prone areas, as it aggravates the afflicted area, which can irritate existing acne and cause new breakouts.

Like other forms of acne, back acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is important to recognize the type and severity of your condition so you can treat it accordingly. Skin type also plays a part in the treatment of acne. Different skin types require different treatments, and react differently to products.

If you are using over-the-counter products that don’t seem to be working to clear up your back acne, seek the advice and care of a physician who can help you find a treatment that is right for you.

How To Determine Your Skin Type

2006-09-20T03:51:00.000-07:00

Skin type plays a big part in how acne affects you and what is needed to treat is. It will also determine what types of products you will use to treat your acne and gennerally care for your skin.

There are some basic questions you can ask yourself to help you get started. First, how often do you break out? Do yu have blackheads? What do your pores look like? After washing with soap, how does your skin look and feel? Do you have facial lines? By asking yourself these questions, you can determine what types of products will work best for you and how your skin might react to them.

There are three basic skin types, but this does not mean your skin can’t be a combination of them. They are oilly, normal, or dry. You could have any one of these skin types, or a combination of them, such as normal to oily, or normal to dry. There are different products for caring for each.

Let’s break it down. Each skintype is characterized by different things such as texture, oil production, and frequency of breakouts.

People with dry skin do not suffer many breakouts, and rarely ever hav blackheads. This is because oil promotes breakouts by clogging pores and blackheads are caused by oil. If your skin is dry, you are not producing very much oil, therefore, aren’t prone to as many episodes.

Dry skin is also characterized by nearly visible pores, and may feel dry and tight after washing. Most people with dry skin are fair skined, and often develop facial lines earlier in life. This skin type also burns easily.

People with normal skin suffer occcasional breakouts, and can have blackheads that appear mostly in the t-zonne the area on either side of the nose and on the forehead. Pores often appear visible in the t-zone, and the skin may feel tight after washing, but will soon become comfortable with oil in t-zone.

The skin coloring is usually fair to medium, and a few lines may appear early on mostly around the eyes. This skin type when exposed to the sun, usually burns, then tans.

People with oilly skin often suffer frequent breakouts with blackheads. The pores are often enlarged, and after washig the face may be oilly, with the nose and forehead quickly becoming shiny.

The skin coloring is often olive to dark. Facial lines are usually very few to none in occurance, and oilly skin usually stays preserved longer and does not age as quickly as do the other skin types. When exposed to the sun, this skin type rarely burns, but rather tans easily.

After you determine your skintype,you can find products developed especially for it. There are a number of products on the market for dealing with each type, as well as for combination skin. Once you find a regimen of products that work for you, you can begin treating your acne properly.

Coping With Adult Acne

2006-08-14T00:55:00.001-07:00

For many years the condition of acne has been associated with teens and is perceived to only affect people during adolescence. Since it is very common among teens, it was assumed that the hormone levels teens have directly caused acne, and that it would go away when one reached adulthood.

The first statement in that assumption is true. Acne can be influenced by hormone levels because hormones promote oil production which clogs pores and can cause acne. This can, however, continue to happen even after a person moves from adolescence into adulthood. While less adults than teens are afflicted with acne, the conditionis becoming more widely known in adults.

There are many different causes of adult acne, and the cause and type must be determined before the right treatment can be found. By treating the condition, you are helping to eliminate the negative aspects associated with it.

By finding and treatig adult acne and its symptoms, it will be more easily managed through proper acne control. Positive skin care can lessen the need for harsh, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous treatment.

Like in teen acne, there are many psychological and social affects of acne that, along with the physical aspects, can aid in lowering self-esteem, and can cause people who suffer from this condition to often remove themselves from social situations where they feel their condition makes them to appear conspicuous.

Until recently, it was believed that adult acne was relatively uncommon. This was due to the lack of reported cases of adult acne, along with the fewer number of doctors visits from adult sufferers. Many adults were embarrassed they had a condition that was mostly associated with adolescence, afraid of what others might think if they knew.

As more infromation about adult acne became available, the more people spoke out about their experiences. This helped them realize that they were not alone in their struggles. Many women, especially, suffer from acne for much the same reason as teens, hormones produce oil which, then clogs pores and causes breakouts.

There are numerous treatments available, some over-the-counter, and others, prescription.

Another aspect of adult acne that maikes it dificult to cope with is the scarring acne can leave. Aging skin is thinner, and is not able to bounce back like that of an adolescent. While this isn’t as much a concern for young adults as it is older sufferers, prolonged acne could mean deeper scars that are, in turn, more visible. This, too, can play a significant role in how one feels about his or her appearance.

No matter the cause and type, treatment is the first step to feeling better about your acne and how it effects you. When you are treating it, you are acting, and though the results will not be visible for a time, this will certainly help put you on the road to recovery.

Acne Myths And The Perceptions They Cause

2006-08-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

Acne is a common problem among teens, and doesn’t always clear up by adulthood. There are considerable problems that can occur with both teen and adult acne, and treatments to counteract both.

Recognizing what is causing the acne is an essential part of curing it, but recognizing what doesn’t cause acne can be just as important. Through the years, many myths have passed down about what causes acne, and they have caused ill-formed perceptions.

This article covers some of those myths and perceptions, and will dispel the misconceptions associated with those myths.

It is a myth that getting a tan can help clear up acne. Even though a tan may help cover the redness caused by acne, it won’t actually heal or prevent it. Add to that the risks associated with tanning beds and the sun, and the skin damage that can occur, and this may hurt more than it will help.

It is also believed that eating greasy, fried foods, or consuming chocolate can cause acne. Numerous scientific studies have concluded there is no connection between acne and one’s diet.

It is also a myth that the more you wash your face, the fewer breakouts you will experience. While washing your face gets rid of oil and excess dirt, and removes dry skin, washing your face too often can remove some of the essential oils, therefore, causing your face to become especially dry and irritated. While this won’t directly cause acne, it will continue to irritate, which will keep it from healing. By not over washing your face, you are allowing the body’s natural oils to work, at the same time removing dirt and dead skin which can clog pores and cause acne.

Another common acne myth is that popping pimples will help them clear up more quickly. While this can make the pimple seem less noticeable, it can actually make the healing process a longer one. This is because popping a pimple can push the bacteria from it deeper into the skin, making the surrounding area red and irritated. Devices designed to help pop your pimples, such as blackhead extractors, aren’t safe either, as they can cause scars to form.

Another myth is you can’t wear makeup or shave if you want to have clear skin. If you have acne, it is okay to use products that are noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic, which means they won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. Some concealers now have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in them, and, will, therefore, help fight acne.

There are many other myths associated with acne and what causes it. It is important to understand what really is causing your acne before you will be able to treat it. Consult a dermatologist if you are unsure about possible causes and treatments, or if you feel your acne may require medical attention

Acne as an Adult

2006-08-14T00:54:00.000-07:00

When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence. Many people who had acne as a teen are no longer afflicted by it; however, the number of people who do battle acne during their adulthood may surprise you. While teens do make up a large percentage of the acne-suffering population, it is more prevalent in adults than one might think.

It is also becoming clear that the physical, psychological, and social effects of this condition are still frequent occurances in adults, and can cause many problems. Also according to recent studies, acne is an increasing problem among adults, but the reasons for this are not always clear.

Whether acne strikes during adolescence and lingers into adulthood, or simply strikes after the age of 30, the physical and psychological effects can be long-lasting and cause problems. Dermatologists say that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent scars because as the skin ages and loses collagen, it’s more difficult for it to bounce back and the scars are, therefore, often unable to heal as they would in younger skin. Physical scars aren’t the only ones left by adult acne.

Psychological scarring can be much harder to trace, and sometimes more difficult to deal with because of the misconceptions that accompany them. For example, it has been believed that the psychological effects of adult acne are easier to deal with because adults are able to accept the condition better than teens. In reality, the ramifications of these scars can be severe because acne has been perceived to be a condition specific to teens. Though we know this isn’t the case, many people are often afraid to admit they have adult acne and seek treatment.

As perceptions are shifting, and more people are recognizing acne as a problem not only among teens, but also among adults, more people are going to dermatologists for treatment.

Many adults are now seeking relief from prescribed medications as well as from over-the-counter products to treat the condition. Sales of these products have increased, along with the awareness of adult acne.

Because adult acne is reported to be on the rise, doctors are now starting to consider the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. As public awareness continues to increase, people may be more likely to seek treatment.

The wealth of information is now available about adult acne can also help people afflicted with this condition to better understand it and how to combat its problems. More care is also being given to the psychological effects of adult acne. Because adults, like teens, are often affected by what those around them think and how they are perceived, many often stray from attending social events. Understanding what is causing the adult acne is key to its treatment. If the physical problems are treated, the social and psychological ones can be as well.