Acne Skin Care

When the skin oil secreting glands clog the pores and produces eruptions it is called acne. This is a very common skin disorder in teens, but also it presents on people of all ages.

When acne develops into a worsened condition, it may cause embarrassment, apprehension and anxiety causing the person with acne to withdraw from friends and peers.


While particular elements, such as dust, pollution and chemicals in cosmetics can aggravate a person’s acne, the exact cause of it is not really known.

Studies show that increasing levels of androgen hormones during puberty, causes that sebaceous glands intensify its size, making more sebum, influencing the cause of acne.

Genetics may be a cause of acne in a person. If, either of your parents have had severe acne problems, then your chances of getting a bad case of acne will be higher.

Here are some acne myths that you might want to verify if you want to handle your acne, as these myths can mislead you. Check some of them:

*Cosmetics are a cause of acne. Not true. Many oils and creams can worsen the acne, but the fact is, there are certain brands of cosmetics that are "non-acnegenic". So it’s recommended to read carefully the labels of your cosmetics before applying them.

*Stress causes acne. Not true. Stress itself does not cause acne. However, medications used to treat stress may have side effects that cause acne. If you are taking such medication and you have some doubts, first ask your doctor about it.

*Acne is caused by sexual activity or masturbation. Not true. The early teens experience certain hormonal changes as a result of puberty. Hormonal imbalances can cause acne, but not sex.

*A dirty skin equals acne. Not true. When a person has acne, it doesn’t follow that this person’s skin is dirty. Of course, it always helps to have a clean face, but also be careful not to over do it. Too much vigorous scrubbing can worsen acne condition. A point to remember is that acne is the result of oil glands. These glands are below the skin's surface. They can't be washed.

*Once you have acne, you can’t do anything but wait until it is cleared up. Not true. Sometimes, acne goes away but leaves scars. The fact is, acne can be very well cleared up. If you have tried an acne product that didn’t work, stop its use and do not try other products until you see your doctor. He always has the
best advice.

*Oily foods are a cause of acne problems. Not true. But it will always be better to your body to eat a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits and lots of water.

*Sqeezing an acne is the fastest way to get rid of it. Not true. Don't do it. This can damage the cells beneath your skin, causing an inflammation and leaving a scar. The best way is to leave it alone, apply medication, and in case of any doubt, your dermatologist is always there for you.

*Exposure to the sun can dry out acne, thus improving its condition. Not true. The sun may dry acne, but it will not cure it. If you are applying any cream to your acne, such as retinoid and tetracycline, do not expose your skin to the sun, as these cream make your skin very sensitive to the sun's rays. And always go out with sunblock to protect the sensitive skin of your face.

Acne is not a joke. Permanent skin damage can lead to unpleasant looks affecting your self esteem, especially in teenagers. If you do have acne, here are some helpful guidelines to care for your skin:

*Wash your face gently. A mild skin cleanser is the key. Just wash your face gently twice a day, once in the morning and other in the night. And rinse it complete, making sure that no residue is left.

*Carefully choose the right makeup. Change all your old makeup. Then read the label carefully before buying. It should be non acnegenic and noncomedogenic. Or if you prefer, go without makeup it’s always better.

*Avoid touching your face. Avoid picking. Picking can develop scars because your hands may contain germs that can aggravate the acne condition.

*Avoid the sun. Acne treatments usually makes the skin sensitive to the sun's rays, and make the acne condition worse if these treatments are exposed to the sun.

Thankfully, today acne can be cured. Advanced laboratory research gives us answers and solutions to these scar problems.

Creams are widely available to help on who is suffering from acne break ups. But the question is… which cream to choose?

Retin A creams are popular in acne treatment; it decreases oil production in the sebaceous glands, or oil glands. Now, this is a difficulty because the problem doesn’t lie in oil production alone. It has something to do with pinching off the skins follicles after sebum production. These substances can have side effects.

To avoid this problem better read carefully the labels and do a research of your own. But usually, creams that have the following components will help to solve your problem:

Glycolic acid, in molecular size, can easily penetrate the skin. When inside the skin, it acts promptly. New growth and formation of collagen in the skin is triggered and it activates the formation of dermal glycosaminoglycans, which are complex carbohydrate chains that provide binding, hydrating and swelling
pressure to tissues enabling them to withstand compressional forces and successfully prevent tearing and scarring in the deep layers of the skin.



Furthermore, glycolic acid also influences the fresh forming keratin cells. This formation takes place at the bottom of the stratum corneum. The interaction of glycolic acid to the keratin cells is the reason why the bulk of such cells are lifted off, separating it from just beneath the skin, giving it a smooth appearance.

Glycolic acid is taken from the secretion of the snail. Studies show that indeed, glycolic acid can regenerate the skin. It works by carrying certain ingredients, such as collagen, elastin allantoin, specific peptides and certain vitamins to the skin follicles to repaire the skin.

If such a cream is composed of the above mentioned ingredients, combined with a healthy diet and daily basic skin care, it will surely lead to satisfying results.

If acne has affected your self-esteem, here are some helpful ways to deal with this problem:

*Face the problem. If you have a serious acne condition, don't think that time will repair it. It’s necessary to visit your dermatologist, she or he can help you find right medication.

*There are always cosmetics, makeup, and tricks to hide those pimples while you are trying to cure them. So for the meantime, be creative and enjoy putting on makeup.


The SPF number tells you about how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen and you've applied a liberal dose of sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you would be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes.


Sunscreens should always be used if you plan to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun. To get the maximum protection from your sunscreen, apply at least one large handful (about 1 ounce) 30 minutes before you go outside. The sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day and after swimming, toweling dry, or participating in any activity that causes heavy perspiration.


When buying a sunscreen choose always those who contain natural ingredients because they give protection and at the same time stimulate the skin renewal process.

4. Intake vitamin C.

Potentially, vitamin C can benefit skin in two important ways. Firstly, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

Taking in supplements of vitamin C frequently is much more efficient than applying it to your skin where it can barely be absorbed and the quantity in skin care creams can not be enough to contain the harmful effects of sunlight, cigarettes, and pollution in our skin.


Vitamin C is the body’s major antioxidant, and it protects skin from damage by neutralizing free radicals that break down and even mutate cells. But there are, however, some complicating circumstances often disregarded by manufacturers.


First, vitamin C is relatively unstable (unless it is in a dry form). In the presence of air or other oxidizing agents, vitamin C is easily converted to an oxidized form. The oxidized vitamin C is not only incapable of boosting collagen synthesis or scavenging free radicals but actually promotes free radical formation causing damage to vital molecules such as proteins and DNA. In poorly prepared or poorly stored skin care products, vitamin C may already be oxidized by the time you apply it to your skin. Second, only highly concentrated preparations (10% or more) deliver enough vitamin C to the cells to be topically effective. Even when using an optimal formulation, not everyone will respond to vitamin C treatments. About 50% of people show noticeable benefits.

5. Apply protective products.

We all need a combination of moisturizer and antioxidants such as vitamin C and green tea extracts to repair skin and protect it from pollutants and ultraviolet rays.

Today, there are treatment and protective products that contain natural skin care ingredients which actually penetrate the skin and trigger real changes in its surface. Such treatment products do not only prevent the occurrence of wrinkles and age lines but also stimulate the activation of the natural skin renewal process.

Indeed, there are no nippy solutions when it comes to wrinkles and age lines. Though, with the proper protective products, the right beauty regimen, and the right natural skin care products, you’ll never have to worry about sunny days and the skin problems that come with them.

Rosario Carrasco is a free lance journalist living in Boca Raton, and working from her apartment in front of a beautiful sunny beach. She has contributed to the promotion of new healthy skin care products such as Elicina Cream and some of her articles are published at http://www.naturalbioskincare.com, a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal.

Modern Drugs to Treat Acne

You can find modern drugs that very well treat all symptom of acne: Fatty deposits clogging the pores (comedones), infection by bacteria, inflammation, tissue damage and scarring. These products can be made of wholly natural ingredients, pharmacologically synthetic chemicals or a blending of both.

They can broadly be divided in topical rinsing media, topical treatment creams and oral pills. If you need products in one, two or all tree categories, depends upon the seriousness and nature of the acne attack. The consistencies of the products vary very much and the producents often use their own terminology to name the products.

RINSING MEDIA

There are several types of rinsing products to choose from.

The simplest of these are acne treatment bars to be used by the daily wash. These bars contain substances soluted in the soap that can help to dissolve the plugs in the pores and substances that fight bacteria.

Then you have rinsing solutions, usually called acne wash or acne cleansers, especially made to dissolve the comedones in your pores, and to make the environment in your skin unfriendly to bacteria causing infection. Some of these products are meant to rinse your skin with one or more times a day after the regular wash and then to be flushed away. Others are meant to remain on your skin until the next regular wash.

If your skin is heavily clogged by comedones or the acne process has produced heavy amounts of fatty deposits on your skin you can occasionally use stronger rinsing media, called acne peels or acne shrubs. With these media you can dissolve and shrub away the stuff clogging the pores, and also take away excessive horny layers and hard fatty deposits that make your skin surface irregular. These media contain strong dissolving substances and mineral powders with an abrasive effect, and should be used cautiously so that you do not hurt your skin.

ACNE TREATMENT GELS OR CREAMS


After the wash or rinsing, you can apply some treatment product that shall remain on your skin during the day or during the night. Many of these products are also good as foundation for make-up. The products have varying physical consistency and are often called acne lotions, acne creams or acne gels. The products have these effects:


- Making your skin soft and elastic.
- Protecting your skin against the environment.
- Acting further to dissolve the clogging of your pores.
- Alleviating inflammation and soothing itching or burning sensations.
- Killing the bacteria causing infection or making an environment hostile for the bacteria.
- Stimulating the skin to clean itself from within.
- Stimulating the skin to heal.
- To be used as a isolating layer between the skin itself and cosmetics

ORAL DRUGS OR SUPPLEMENTS

You can also find drugs to be taken by mouth against acne. Many of these drugs kill the bacteria infecting the skin by acne. Others are designed to give a broader range of effects, like:

- Making your skin produce more fluid sebum so that the comedones dissolve from within.
- Stimulating the immune system to fight bacteria and to clear out impurities in the skin tissues.
- Stimulating your skin to heal.
- Giving your skin building nutrients necessary to heal.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS USED IN ACNE TREATMENT PRODUCTS

In modern acne treatment drugs natural ingredients are extensively used because many of these often give less side effects than synthetic pharmacological substances.

- Aloe Vera extract, Viola tricolor extract and Rose hip oil, are often used in oral and topical products to reduce inflammation and to stimulate healing.

- Azelaic acid: The substance is a carboxylic acid found in some corn species and also produced by yeasts normally found on the skin. This substance stimulates the division and renewing of cells in the follicles and the skin. Thereby it causes the comedones to be pushed out. It also works against the bacteria infecting the skin by acne and reduces inflammation. It can however produce skin irritation in strong solutions. It is used in topical products.

- Bioflavonoids: These are antioxidant substances produced by plants that protect against tissue damage. Many of these give fruits or other plant parts bright colors. Bioflavonoids are often included in oral acne treatment drugs to counteract tissue damage and ease healing.

- Echinache extraxt: Extract of the herb Echinachea is a mild ingredient often used in topical products to dissolve the comedones and to counteract bacterial growth.

- Gum guggul extract: Gum guggul is the resin from the indian Commiphora mukul tree. Gum guggul extract used in oral products have an anti-biotic effect against the bacteria infecting the skin by acne and alleviates inflammation. It also seems to reduce pus formation and tissue destruction by severe acne.

- Methylsulphonyl methane: This substance furnishes sulphur in a form usable in the rebuilding of skin damage. It is often combined with molybdenium to ease the use of this sulphur. It is mostly used in oral products.

- Plant oils: Evening primrose oil, olive oil, flax seed oil, borage oil, soy oil and wheat germ oil are used in oral and topical products for several purposes. They contain essential fatty acids and vitamins that stimulate healing. The oils can also help to dissolve the comedones. They are also used to give topical products the right consistency.

- Lecithine: Lecithine is a blending of phospholipids. These phsopholipids are very important building blocks of the cells in the body and also contain smaller elements used as effector tools and hormons in many processes. Lecithine is used in oral products to stimulate rinsing processes in the skin and to stimulate skin reduilding after damage.

- Salicylic acid: This substance is an antibacterial effector found widespread in the nature. It is used in topical products to dissolve comedones in the pores and to help fight bacteria. Salicylic acid is perhaps the most frequently used ingredient in topical acne products.

- Sulphur: Sulphur is used in topical cleansing products to dissolve comedones, dry up the skin and to rub away irregularities. It can sometimes cause too much peeling and can irritate the skin.

- Tea tree oil: This is an oil containing essential fatty acids obtained by steam distillation of leaves of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia. The oil helps to dissolve the comedones and works against bacteria and fungi. Tea tree oil has very few side effects.

- Vitamins and minerals: Both oral and topical acne treatment drugs often contain vitamins, vitamin-like susbstances or minerals, as vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, E, folic acid, beta-carotene, copper, zink and selenium. These substances are working tools in the body, and they may effectivize cleaning processes, the immune defence and the regeneration from damages exerted by acne. In addition many of these substances are anti-oxidants that protect the skin against damages. Vitamin E and A also help to reduce inflammation. Zinc seems to be the most effective mineral for acne treatment.

PHARMACOLOGICAL SYNTHETIC INGREDIENTS USED IN ACNE TREATMENT PRODUCTS

Pharmacologically synthetic substances are traditionally used in acne medicines. These are very effective, but carry a heavier risk for side effects. Drugs containing these substances are often bound to prescription.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used both in topical and oral products to fight the infectious element of acne. Topical antibiotcs have fewer side effects than oral ones. Antibiotics used against acne are tetracycline variants, erythromycin, clindamycin, stivamycin, sulfacetamide and trimethaprim.

Bezoyl peroxide: The substance is mostly used in topical acne products to kill bacteria and dissolve comedones. Benzoyl peroxide often produce dryness and irritation in the skin. These side effects may however go away after some times use.

Resorcinol: Resorcinol is used in topical products to kill bacteria and to dissolve comedones and other deposits. It is also effective against itching. It can cause too much peeling and can irritate the skin.

Vitamin-A-like compounds (retinoids) - Tretinoin, isotretinoin (Accutane), tazarotene, adapalene and others: These stimulate the cells in the outer skin layer and in the lining of the pores to divide. This cell proliferation has the effect of pushing out the comedones clogging the pores. They may also stimulate healing of damages caused by acne and of other types of skin damage. The substances can however themselves cause side effects like itching, burning, redness, scaling and thin skin if not used with caution.

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Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. To find innovative products against acne, eczema, scars, wrinkles, other skin problems and natural anti-aging supplements for the skin and the whole body, visit his web-site. Also products to help for other common diseases: -----

http://www.abicana.com/shop4.htm

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Acne

Acne has physical, emotional and psychological consequences. The physical effects are all too apparent. The emotional and psychological scars that acne leaves, however, may not be so obvious. Self-directed anger, depression and low self-esteem are just some of the negative feelings evoked by acne.

What are the emotional and psychological effects of acne breakouts?

Acne breakouts can sometimes be uncontrollable. There are scores of acne medication and acne treatment regimens in the market. Even with all these possible cures, however, acne still takes its toll on a lot of people.

A person with acne feels ashamed of his or her condition. They do not like going out for they doe not want other people to gawk at their pimples. Even if other people are looking at him or her for an entirely different reason, they automatically assume that the attention they receive is due to their acne. Since a person with acne avoids going out, mingling with other people or being seen in public, they lose out in the things that will help them grow and mature as a person. They lose out on possible social connections and they miss out on the opportunities to make friends and learn from other people.

A person with acne tends to believe he or she is dirty, ugly and undesirable. He or she is never satisfied with the way they look. They become unappreciative of their assets; they may be smart and intelligent, but these things will not amount to anything. Thus, a person with acne can become blind to his strengths and focused on his weaknesses. This is detrimental in the long run for they may let opportunities to advance pass him by because of their obsession with their physical appearance.

Unfortunately, acne can lead to long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. A person who has intermittent acne break-outs will often become angrier with every acne eruption. He can also become more obsessed about his acne condition; his self-esteem can also become lower with every acne break-out. Bouts of depression can become frequent. In the end, even when the acne is all gone and a previously afflicted person's skin has become smooth and clear of acne break-outs, the feelings of inadequacy and undesirability often remain.

It is clear that acne is a medically simple yet still very harmful condition. Acne needs to be treated and treated promptly, too, if the negative emotional and psychological effects are to be avoided.

Combat Acne Break-Outs

The best way to combat the emotional and psychological effects of acne break-outs is to combat acne itself.

If you are under a lot of stress, learn how to relax and take things slowly as stress can greatly increase your acne breakouts. You should also look at the way you live your life. If you live an inactive life and do not have a healthy eating habit, it is time that you begin to exercise and start eating healthy foods and drinking lots of water. Stop smoking or drinking alcohol.

You should also visit the dermatologist and get the appropriate treatment for your acne problems. Remember that it is you who should be controlling your acne problem and not the other way around. You should get treatment for your acne if you do not want to suffer from the emotional and psychological effects of acne.

The emotional and psychological effects of acne can be extremely stressful, and stress can worsen acne. Clear skin is not a pipe dream, use the tips in this article to control your stress and this alone could help to reduce acne.

Writer; Martin Chambers

Acne Medicine with Condom Lubricant Oil

Condoms not only functions as a means of contraception!! Condoms can also function for beauty. For example, acne. Condoms are usually equipped with a liquid lubricant. Liquid lubricant that is used by the Cambodian womens, to overcome a acne that grows on their face.

A consumer with the brand condoms One Plus, production Population Services International (PSI) states matter to the AFP. Kenny Vanny, women 29 years of Phonm Penh, Cambodia, describes her experience with use condom for medication of acne.

According to Kenny, by placing the liquid lubricant to acne, then within 3 days the acne will dry up and disappear. 

While the PSI has not issued opinions on the opinions of consumers said that products can be used as beauty products. According to you whether condoms as effective acne medicine?

Prevent acne with Tomato

Tomato (Lycopercisum esculentum Mill) that contain various vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A and B1 and oxygen-containing substances such as protein, calcium, iron, and sulfur. To banish pimple, choose tomatoes that are cooked, then cut into pieces equal, then directly used to polish pimpled face. If zealous familiarize themselves using tomatoes, guaranteed face will shine again, free from the acne.

Adult Acne - Treatment For Mature Skin

Adult acne, affecting approximately 25% of men and 50% of women, 25-40 years old, is hardly rare. In fact dermatologists are reporting more cases at present than were seen in previous decades. Just as challenging to treat as at any age, and more apt to scar, "mature" conditions can be even more frustrating to cure. At the time of life when you thought you had outgrown skin problems, you're searching for successful treatment. Your hard work to live well, may be taking its toll on your lifestyle and wellness.

It's pretty much agreed by all that your outbreaks are the result of a chain reaction. The secretion of excess oil, along with dead skin cells, becomes trapped in your skin's pores. Bacteria breeds in this environment, infection follows and you note the symptoms of adult acne. Areas affected may be more widespread than most teenage cases. Adults will often note outbreaks on the neck, shoulders, back or chest in contrast to the facial conditions more common in teenagers.

The search for causes that trigger an outbreak is what keeps researchers busy. Causes not only vary, but vary in their reactions from person to person. Hormonal changes are thought to be a key factor, occurring in both males and females. Male hormones, or androgens, present also in females, trigger the oil producing process by the sebaceous glands. Thus the chain reaction begins.

Some causes may be:

• Environmental such as exposure to certain chemicals, oils, etc.
• Certain types of cosmetics
• Diet deficiencies
• Stress
• Anabolic steroids, bulking and weight gaining preparations
• Medications such as hormones, anticonvulsants, psychotropics, etc.
• Prescriptions containing iodine or lithium
• Anti-epileptic drugs
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Heredity/genetics

Adult acne treatment as you can see may be a process of elimination. Any one of the above and more can be the cause, or one part of the cause, of your condition. Often the "cause" is a combination of issues that make up your lifestyle, rather than any one contributor. The simple basics that you can do will still apply though. Gently wash the affected areas to rid your skin of excess oils using mild soaps or cleansers. Be careful not to irritate or over-dry.

A careful lifestyle review may be the first place to start. Take an honest look at how healthy you are living. A serious attempt at healing and prevention will require a serious examination. Modern life, with all its stress, is known to take a heavy toll on the mind and body. Stress not only affects hormones, it also suppresses the immune system in the epidermis of your skin. Stress may be inevitable but stress is also controllable. Seek out some stress reducing methods, exercises, or even a relaxing hobby.

The facts presented here are for informational purposes only, so consult with your doctor or dermatologist. You're not odd. With the increased awareness in more adults of health and wellness issues, comes an increased seeking of treatment. To delay is to risk an increase in severity and possible scarring. Mature skin by nature is more apt to scar.

In addition to the possible physical damage, there is also the emotional, such as loss of confidence and withdrawal. Adult acne is common, and it is treatable. You owe it to yourself for health of body and peace of mind to seek help and advice.

For more information concerning acne treatment and acne scars, medications, home remedies and natural cures, please visit: http://jersand-acnetreatment.com

Author; Gerrald Hendrix

Kangen Water for Acne

I know what you’re probably asking yourself. What the HECK is Kangen water? Well, I had never heard of it before either, until my boss at work told me about it. She had a representative from the Kangen water company come to her house to do a demonstration and show her and her husband why this drinking water was healthful and far superior to normal drinking water or even distilled or purified water. For the price tag on the purifiers and ionizers that make the water, believe me, it should do something special. That being said, what she told me did intrigue me, especially regarding the skin, since she said there was a certain pH that the water could be made at that was great for those with acne.

Kangen water is a special ionized, higher pH water that promotes alkalinity in the body over acidity. Acidity, as you know, may be linked to acne since high acidity is linked to inflammation, and acne is a skin condition that stems from inflammation in the pores. The purifier and ionizer is promoted, but the representatives are encouraged to give people the water for minimal donations so that they may be enticed to buy a machine for themselves, which from what I understand runs around $4k.

The water can be made at varying pH levels. The one they make the skin beautifying spray out of actually contains a lower pH, which means it is a bit more acidic in nature, but that is supposed to be excellent for tightening the pores, and even for treating skin conditions such as cellulite and acne. She did say that she sprayed some on her preteen daughter’s face, so I’m going to follow up with her and see if it helped clear up her small pimples on her forehead at all. The lower pH water is also supposed to help tone the skin and soften the hair and add shine. You can use it as a final rinse after your shower or bath to firm the skin and it has even been reported to help regrow hair.

The skin beautifying spray is also supposed to help soothe rashes, and can be used to clean hardwood floors gently. It can even be used to water your plants for a natural rainwater-like treatment that helps to promote growth and health of the plant. Talk about a multi purpose spray! I have to admit, after reading about the kangen water just for drinking, I was inrigued simply by the health benefits it migth be able to give. I’ll keep you posted if I have any more information on this interesting concept.

Source; acnemagazine.com