Sunday, August 31, 2008

Fight Against Acne


Acne is a common skin problem not only in the USA but in many parts of the world. For many, they resort to the use of medicines in order to get rid or even prevent acne. It has to be taken note of that there are natural and easy ways to get rid of such a skin problem. We would be pleased to share with you tips that would let you be acne-free.

The following are the steps to take in order for you to keep your skin free from skin problems:

• Water therapy

You could prevent acne by drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, this would keep you hydrated and let you overcome having too much clogged up pores. When you drink this amount of water, you could shed dead cells properly.

• Healthy diet

Eating vegetable and fruits would not only keep you healthy over-all but it would let you have healthy skin specifically.

• Natural for beauty

With so many beauty products, you would be tempted to try them with the hope that their promises to make you look great or keep your face smooth and healthy. Without you knowing it, they could harm your skin. They could even lead your skin to some disorders. Instead of using such chemical-based, you could try the natural things or products with natural components. One great example is soaps with tea tree oil.

• Stress? Out!

As shown by studies, there is a greater chance of having ACNE especially after puberty. This is a stage when hormonal changes are at their peak. The more you get stressed, the more your body would react to it. Relax, when you control stress, your body could produce more cortisol, which is helpful against acne or its agents.

• Not much coffee

Caffeine is identified to cause more stress by producing stress hormones in the body. This is not healthy for your skin, stress would aggravate acne.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Acne and Exercise


Dealing with acne can be a difficult experience and it can be hard to figure out what you can do to help get rid of the acne problem. While there are many great tips out there, today we want to focus on exercise and acne and how exercise can actually have an impact on your acne problem. Does it sound skeptical to you? Well, lets take a look at exercise and the actual impact it can have on the acne that you are dealing with.

Believe it or not, exercise can actually help to effectively reduce acne. How? Well, it helps to increase the amount of blood that flows to the skin and also increases the amount of oxygen that can get to the skin cells as well. Also, when you sweat moderately, it helps to clean out your pores from the inside out. This helps to improve the health of your skin and it also can reduce the amount of acne you deal with. It helps to get rid of existing acne and also helps to prevent further acne outbreaks as well. Youll find that pimples and blackheads begin to heal and go away quickly and even your scars may fade some.

You will also find that exercising can help make your internal organs a lot more fit as well, which will allow them to work better for you. As your heart becomes more fit, your lungs and your heart will be able to get the oxygen around to your entire body a lot more effectively. Youll also find that your bowel, liver, and kidneys will be able to work more efficiently at getting all the right nutrients from the foods that you eat and theyll remove the harmful toxins in your body more quickly as well. Also, exercising helps to reduce your stress and balance out your hormones, and both of these problems can cause acne, so the exercise can definitely help.

Of course when you do exercise, there are a few things that you should do to make sure you dont cause your skin more problems. You definitely want to make sure that you get a shower right after you exercise to get rid of the sweat on your skin. Bacteria can grow on your skin and end up causing more acne. If you have acne on your chest or your back, you definitely should make sure that you get that shower.

Believe it or not, you dont have to go crazy with exercise to get the benefits from it. Try to find a type of exercise that you enjoy and make sure you do it on a regular basis. Some great types of exercise to consider include swimming, brisk walking, rowing, cycling, team sports, or even jogging. One of the best choices is swimming, since you are in the water as well, but you definitely need to wash the chlorine or salt off your skin when you get out. Even doing exercises such as tai chi or yoga can help as well.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

How to Fight Cystic Acne?


Cystic acne can be defined as a kind of abscess that is formed when oil ducts get chocked up and then infected. Usually, cystic acne is observed during the teenage years and mainly involves the face. Cystic acne that affects the deeper dermal layers can end up in more superficial inflammation as compared to that of the ordinary acne. This type of acne breakout is quite painful and can end up in deep scars. Most of the skin specialists believe cystic acne as the most advanced stage of acne that requires special medical attention.

But then how to fight cystic acne? If you are worried about the same, it is important to know that cystic acne requires more time to heal as the infection is deep seated and has affected deeper dermal layer. In most of the cases, the treatment for cystic acne is restricted to oral medicines and therefore, it is preferred that all the cases required to be treated by some skin experts. But there are some preventive measurements and remedies that can be helpful against cystic acne. For those people who look for some natural remedies for cystic acne should try some homemade remedies and other products that contain some potential herbs that have natural skin healing properties.

In order to know how to fight cystic acne, it is important to treat the cause as cystic acne is one of the types of advanced stage of acne wherein acne is filled with pus. The pus is a whitish-yellow fluid that is the caused due to pyogenic bacterial infection produced during body's immunity responses against the infection. Hence, to fight cystic acne, antibacterial medication is very much required that help getting rid of infection.

How to fight cystic acne in effective manner

Cystic acne requires to be treated as early as possible. This is because of the likelihood of additional cyst formation and the tendency to turn into acne scars. Dermatologists might treat such condition by draining the lesions in case, the lesion is not responding to any other treatment and the condition has gone beyond its normalcy. The incision and drainage is generally followed by a course of specific antibiotics.

An alternative treatment is injecting some cortisone into the cysts that helps decreasing the inflammatory conditions. Accutane is another treatment that is used by many dermatologists because of its severe nature of the acne. It is the teratogenic effects of Accutane that is a major caution as its use in pregnant women is not well established. Women should therefore go for some appropriate birth control methods at least a month prior to the therapy, during the therapy, and for one month after therapy has been stopped. It is better for the women to consult doctor about when it is okay to conceive after the therapy Accutane is over. This is problematical as many women develop cystic acne due to bodily hormonal imbalance. Moreover, Accutane is far-familiar to have some depressive effects on young males.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Natural Acne Treatments


Everyone at one time or another has had a pimple or blemish. Sometimes this has been a result of using a product that reacted poorly with our skin; such as lotions and cosmetics. For some it happens because they forgot to wash their face. These conditions can obviously be avoided to prevent a breakout.

What about the people who have chronic acne who cant avoid the acne simply by avoiding certain products or washing their face more often? Many of these people turn to harsh prescription and over the counter drugs. Many of these medications dry out the skin often resulting in worse acne.

Often the reason that these people turn to these often harmful cures is that they don’t know that they can use natural treatments to effectively treat their acne. Using natural and herbal cures to treat acne has been going on for hundreds of years. Often with technology surging us forward we forget that sometimes simple methods often work just as well if not better then more complex ones.

Natural and herbal remedies give acne sufferers a safe and effective way to treat their problem. The majority of pharmaceutical medicines have side effects; many have serious possible side effects. With natural cures you have a lesser chance of side effects. In fact most natural cures have little to no side effects if used properly.

If that isn’t enough, when you treat your acne with many natural remedies you are treating both the acne and the cause of the acne. The herbs that are taken and used to treat your acne also provide nutrients and cleansing.

There are many different herbs and natural ingredients that can be used to treat acne. Herbal cortisone is an effective treatment for acne. It is similar to cortisone but doesn’t have the side effects.

Tea tree oil is another natural cure that is effective in treating acne. This treatment has the same effect as peroxide but at a lesser intensity; which makes it cause less dryness.

The omega-3 oils that are most commonly found in fish and other sea food are a great way to prevent acne; as well, as being a great healthy source of nutrients. Keep in mind that not all oils are the same and many are bad for you. These include vegetables and partially hydrogenated oils.

Another natural treatment that is fast becoming a popular acne treatment is zinc. Zinc is a mineral that aids in the fight against clogged pores. As most people know clogged pores are one of the main culprits of acne.

Certain forms of zinc can help to balance hormones that are causing acne. It can also help to encourage the skin to heal itself and clear up acne.

It doesn’t matter how many acne medications that you have tried and had no luck with, you can still benefit from the use of natural and herbal remedies. Even if your acne medication does work trying natural treatments may benefit your skin and your overall health.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Easy Tips For Teenage Acne Treatment


Acne is a part and parcel of growing up. Ninety per cent of teenagers develop acne. The fortunate ones only get a few isolated outbreaks and then grow out of it. For some unfortunate souls, there are serious outbreaks of acne that do not cease even well past puberty. Acne occurs as a result of all the chemical and physical changes that the body undergoes during puberty, but it does not have to be something that you have to live with on a daily basis. These easy tips for teenage acne treatment will ensure that you spend the most interesting times of your life with beautiful, smooth skin.

Cleanliness. Cleanliness is the single most important defense in your fight against acne. Dirt clogs the pores of the skin and leads to acne and blackheads. It takes only a minute to wash your face with soap and water. We know that you have a busy schedule but this little precaution will really serve you in good stead in the fight against acne. Another little point, pick a good, neutral, face soap that is not harsh on your skin. Look for the word 'non-comedogenic' on the label.

Water. One of the best cures for acne is plenty of water. Water keeps the skin hydrated yet oil free and helps to flush out toxins from your body. Drink at least eight to twelve glasses of water a day. Next time you feel like reaching for a tall glass of soda, substitute it with water instead. It is healthier, sugar free, and good for acne.

Hands off. Picking at pimples and pustules is not only a disgusting habit, but also results in the formation of scar tissue and increases the incidence of acne. So keep your hands off any pimples that do develop. Do not pick or pop zits. I know it takes some effort but leave them alone and they will dry and fade away naturally. Fingering them will only aggravate the problem.

Exercise. Exercise also plays an important role in the fight against acne. Proper exercise not only helps to control the effects of the raging hormones that are released during puberty, but also makes the body expel toxins in the form of sweat. One of the best forms of exercise for acne treatment is Yoga. Yoga involves a lot of inverted postures that help blood rush to the face. This helps to nourish skin and stimulates removal of toxins.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Combat Acne: The Natural Way


Acne is caused by a number of different stressors working on the body at the same time. To treat it effectively all these issues must be addressed.
There are many natural ways to regain clear skin but to truly see the benefit from a holistic regime a two-sided approach needs to be taken: internal and external.

Diet

Doctors say that diet doesn't cause acne and this may be true. However, for anyone who is already struggling with skin breakouts, what you eat can and will aggravate your problem.

Our bodies are complex integrated organisms and everything we do has an impact on how we feel and how we look. The human body was not designed to process foods containing refined sugar, white flour and hydrogenated oils and so eating these places undue stress on your internal systems. For someone who is 100% healthy this added stress does not show externally, however, for anyone with a health issue, such as acne, it has an obvious impact.

With this in mind the first step to a good acne program is to look at the foods you are putting in your body and change any bad eating habits.

- Eliminate all sugar and refined flours from your diet: Sugar and refined flours trigger an overproduction of insulin in the body. Insulin controls hormone production and high levels of certain hormones will trigger acne.

- Eliminate hydrogenated oils and fatty fried foods: These cause the digestive system to grind to a halt. An overburdened digestive system means a build up of toxins in your body. These toxins then need to be excreted somehow. Bad fats also cause more oil to form in and on the skin.

- Eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables that will help your digestive system and provide vital nutrients to your body.

- Eat oily fish, such as salmon, to ensure you have enough good fats in your system. A diet lacking in fat is just as detrimental as a diet rich in bad fats.
- Eat plenty of carrots. The Vitamin A in carrots will help prevent excess sebum production. Sebum is the fatty substance that causes acne.

- Drink plenty of water. This will help your body flush toxins from your system.

Supplements

- Green Tea Extract and drinking green tea has been shown to improve acne. High antioxidant levels help to reduce free radicals and improve the body's immune system.

- Olive Leaf Extract and tea has anti-viral and infection fighting properties.

- Probiotics will help to keep good bacteria in your digestive system. A strong digestive system will help to stop your acne breakouts.

Skin Treatments

There are a number of different natural products that can help to clear your acne blemishes.

- Tea tree oil: This essential oil has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties due to the active constituent terpinen-4-ol. Use a 5% dilution solution (5ml tea tree oil in 95ml of water). There are many natural acne products on the market now with Tea Tree Oil as their active ingredient. (Never take Tea Tree Oil internally.)

- Aloe Vera Extract: Many people are aware of the soothing properties of Aloe Vera. It has anti-inflammatory effects when applied to the skin and will aid in the healing of acne scars.

- Witch Hazel is a great natural astringent for cleaning skin, however, it can interfere with certain medications so be sure to discuss this product with your doctor before using.

The best acne-clearing programs combine natural treatments and dietary changes. This full body approach will provide lasting results for your skin.

Monday, August 18, 2008

5 Natural Herbal Remedies to Clear Up Your Acne


So your having a tough time fighting your acne whether it be on your face, neck, chest, back or any other place with store bought creams and ointments. They all claim to work but the facts are that they may clog your pores just like facial make ups do and will not cleanse your pores of toxins and impurities as they say. Here are 8 proven ways of treating your acne without buying the creams and ointments that claim to help but do not really.

1. Basil can be picked up at your local grocery store in powders and leaves. This substance has been proven to kill bacteria on the skins surface. To use Basil as an acne cure place the leaves of the Basil plant on the skins surface directly and compress. This can keep the skin from forming blackheads and whiteheads. Also you can boil the leaves in water for 5 to 10 minutes to extract the healing oils from the leaves. Once you have the oils drained out of the leaves dip a wash cloth into the oils and place on the infected areas of the skin.

2. Garlic can be taken 2 to 3 times a day in which will cleanse the skin of toxins and impurities. Also rubbing raw garlic onto the infected area can resolve acne.

3. Calendula is a great herbal treatment for the skin. This plant is also known as Marigold but is not actually the true Marigold. To use wash your face with teas made from the flower or digest Calendula orally.

4. Yellow Dock is an herb that purifies the blood stream. It contains a compound called anthraquinone glycosides that stimulates the bile production in the blood and cleanses the liver. Scientists have proven if taken over long periods of time that Yellow Dock can cure improve acne for a lifetime. If you have had any problems with kidney stones though do not take Yellow Dock as they will worsen.

5. Dandelion is a leading remedy to detox the liver. It helps digest the fats and flow of bile to the liver. With a cleansed liver this can also reveal cleansed skin. Take dandelion for 4-6 weeks to cleanse the liver completely and reveal your new cleansed acne free skin.

5 Proven Blackhead Removal Techniques


As a teenager, I've went through some tough times with my acne. So I ended up doing a bunch of research to find out the best ways to deal with acne and get rid of blackheads. Here are 5 of the top blackhead removal techniques that I've used over the years:

Washing Your Face

This may sound so simple, but a lot of people just don't wash their face properly. I know as a teenager, things are so hectic. During school, we're asked to attend a physical education class. Then we engage in physical activity and break a sweat. I've seen some girls that don't even want to fuss with their makeup. So they just get towel from their locker and use it to absorb some of the sweat. This is what you don't want to do, especially if you're having acne issues.

My rule is to wash your face in the morning, in the evening, and when you really should do it. That includes washing your face after exercising. Pick up a skin cleanser from your local department store that is especially made for morning and night time cleansing. Some cleansers are so strong that you don't want to use them so often. In fact, some can actually dry out your skin and make it harder to remove the blackheads. Make this a habit and you'll get rid of blackheads and prevent them from showing up again.

Using Olive Oil

Some people say that you shouldn't use anything oily on your skin. The truth is that your skin produces oil when your body thinks that your skin needs it. What you want to do is take care of your skin and wash it on a daily basis or when needed.

Olive oil works as a natural moisturizer. By massaging it on your face, you'll naturally rub it away. Since the olive oil works as a lubricant, you can massage your skin vigorously without causing any harm to your skin.

Using Biore

Have you heard of Biore before? Most people use it to remove old pockets of oil from their face. It's a white piece of paper that is made to be slightly adhesive when combined with a little water.

So how do you use it to remove blackheads? All you have to do is take a warm, clean, and damp cloth and apply it to the blackhead. Keep it there for several minutes. After doing so, apply the Biore strip to the blackhead. After 10 to 15 minutes, pull on the strip lightly. The Biore strip should be stuck to the blackhead and giving it a little tug will pull the blackhead away from your skin.

Using a Facial Scrub

The facial scrub helps break away old skin and remove blackheads. In order to use this method effectively, you'll want to use warm water and a dab of the facial scrub cream. Then massage the area where the blackhead is located and rinse. You can repeat this method a few times to see if it will work for you.

Using a Blackhead Removal Tool

You can find this tool in many department stores for around $15. Before using this, make sure that it is clean. Then use a warm towel or warm steam to open up the pores. Then use the tool to remove your blackhead. Make sure that you follow the instructions that are provided.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Top 5 Things not to Do When Suffering From Acne


You may be well aware of so many techniques as well as countless concoctions that help prevent acne development. However, some of your most common practices may actually be detrimental in your quest for flawless young skin. Since there are different skin types, it is also important to specifically target problem areas with proper preventive measures. Here are some taboos.

1. Do Not Touch Your Face

Always keep your hands to yourself. As much as possible avoid unnecessary touching or wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water before attending to your face. Although it is a myth that certain foods like chocolate can cause pimples, your hands can harbor a lot of bacteria, oils and grease that tend to clog up your pores. Wear cotton gloves if you have the tendency to keep touching your face unconsciously when you sleep.

Do not prick your pimples. Instead, use the proper techniques to drain and soothe itches properly. Make sure you bring a clean handkerchief or blotting paper when going out to wipe off sweat and excess oil. Make it a habit to wash your hands after each time you snack or play sports. Cut your fingernails regularly as well to reduce the amount of germs that may be transferred.

2. Do Not Use Too Many Products

Using too many products will increase the likelihood of reaction between substances. A combination of various cosmetics plus anti-acne solutions can also irritate sensitive skin so you may be better off using only 1 or 2 types of cleansers, 1 moisturizer, 1 toner and 1 astringent if your face is really oily. Look for hypoallergenic formulas or avoid alcohol-based products when it comes to masks, exfoliating creams, lotions and the like. Taking in some drugs or medications may also cause systemic and hormonal changes in your body resulting to unexpected outbreaks and unwanted zits. Always read the labels and assess possible side effects.

3. Do Not Treat Frequently

Washing your face too often will change the normal pH and increase the likelihood of bacteria and dead skin cells to accumulate and spread. The skin dries up too much to the point that it becomes dry or flaky. At best, wash your face 2 times daily or 3 times if you have oily skin. When using anti-acne products, be careful about the number of times you apply as well as the amount you put on. It is recommended that you apply a thin coat layer first then add a second coat later on if you need more when it comes to moisturizers and toners.

4. Do Not Scrub Too Hard

Avoid scrubbing your face too hard when washing or scratching your face unnecessarily. Friction can push dirt, dirt plugs and dead skin cells deeper into the pore making it harder for you to extract and treat. Frequent and hard scrubbing can also damage skin cells and tissues which can lead to permanent scars and large pores. Use the tips of your forefinger and middle finger when washing and gently but firmly apply cleansers, toners and moisturizers in rhythmic circular strokes on the problem areas.

Instead of rubbing your skin to dry, use a clean cotton towel to pat areas to avoid friction. Friction also applies to shaving and applying makeup. Be careful about sensitive pores and growing acne that may erupt at any time. Shave along the grain and use shaving cream to protect your skin from nicks and abrasions. It is also a rule to apply makeup gently and carefully.

5. Do Not Leave It All to Mother Nature

Healthy lifestyle habits will significantly improve the condition of your skin since you rid your body of toxins and balance hormones by relieving stress. Make it a habit to consume more nutritious foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Dietary supplementation particularly vitamin A, E and zinc can also help you reach your nutrition goals. Exercise regularly and do some form of meditation or breathing exercise 10 minutes everyday. Sleep at regular intervals and aim for 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Keep yourself protected from harmful elements as well by wearing sunscreen, hats, masks and drinking water all the time.

Treating acne is a science, you need to get it just right for it to work.

For more information on getting rid of acne and treating acne, visit; Acne help - Secrets are revealed!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Tips for Clear Skin - Clear, Healthy Skin is Attainable!


Everyone wants clear, healthy skin but many of us think it takes a lengthy daily routine to achieve it. We've all read about people who use a battalion of expensive lotions and ointments on their skin and we may wish we had the time and money to do the same. The good news is that it takes very little time and money to achieve the same healthy, clear and glowing skin that we envy in others!

The first and most important element of clear skin is regular cleansing. Clean skin rarely is infected with acne and contributes to our general health. By washing the face at least twice a day with a gentle cleanser, you'll maintain healthy skin with good circulation and clear pores. Be careful about using astringents, however. By drying up too much oil in your skin, it will compensate by producing more and start a vicious cycle that will likely produce the acne you're trying so hard to avoid.

Makeup is another enemy of clear skin. Despite what commercials tell you about makeup promoting healthy skin, it does just the opposite. It merely produces the illusion of a healthy complexion while clogging your pores with chemicals and unnatural substances. Occasional use of makeup probably won't hurt your skin much if you cleanse it well before and afterward but if you want to maintain clear and healthy skin, makeup should be avoided like a plague.

Your diet plays a significant role in keeping your skin clear and healthy. Drinking enough water hydrates and moistens the skin and improves circulation. Carbonated beverages (pop, soda, etc.) are acidic and upset the natural balance of your skin as well as flooding your body with acid and upsetting your natural pH balance. Because of the acid in soda, the facial skin will produce more oil to compensate for the loss of moisture.

Your pores have a greater chance of becoming clogged and infected when your face produces excess oil. Eating more vegetables rich in anti-oxidants will probably do more for your skin than anything else you could do. Any brightly colored vegetable or fruit such as apples, peppers, broccoli, squash and carrots will improve the skin's absorption of the oxygen it needs to be healthy and stay smooth and fresh.

Moisturizing your skin is another important key to keeping it clear and healthy. A water-based moisturizer will discourage the production of oils that are meant to moisten and protect the face, and that means less oil to block the pores and cause acne. A good moisturizer prevents your skin from drying out as well has keeping it hydrated and supple.

It only takes a few minutes a day to cleanse and moisturize your skin. Those two things will practically insure you a clear and healthy complexion. By eating the proper foods and avoiding acidic beverages, you'll further assure that your face stays clear and your body healthy.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Your Epidermis, Your Pores And How They Are The Best Treatment For Acne


Your skin is a thing of beauty. The silken feeling of moisturized skin is something no one can resist. The feeling comes from the proper care of the epidermis.

The epidermis is the outer most layer of skin. The skin is made up of many layers that are constantly cycling through the stages of life. When a skin cell is regenerated, the old cells are slowly pushed to the top of the skin. As these skin cells move upward, they are squished, squashed and flattened into the disc-like shapes they resemble on the surface of the skin.

While under the epidermis, the skin uses lipids as a binding liquid holding the skin cells together. When the skin cells break through the top of the epidermis, those lipids dry out and cannot longer hold the skin together. These skin cells then dry out, as well and flake off only to fall to the ground. (Consequently, the majority of household dust is made up of these dead skin cells!)

This cycle of skin cell death and rebirth is natural. Each and every day, tens of thousands of skin cells push their way through to the epidermis, dry out and flake off. This process keeps the skins protective ability high and the inner systems of the body safe and sound under its protection.

There are flaws in the shedding system, however. When a skin cell pushes through and makes it to the outermost layer of the epidermis, it is supposed to dry up and flake off. If that cell gets stuck and remains attached to the skin, the pores of the skin are suddenly blocked. Your pores continually emit oil in order to keep the skin supple and moving. When these pores are blocked with dead skin cells, the oils build up and acne is born.

Acne is a collection of bacteria that you simply do not want on your face or any other part of the body. The best treatment for acne is one that works, plain and simple. When it takes several days to heal the mini-infection that has occurred under that flattened skin cell, you do not want to waste days and days on a treatment that promises to clear the skin, but has no real evidence to back up those claims.

Your skin will continue to shed on a daily basis and you will need to keep those cells falling to the ground in order to keep your skin clear and acne free. Trusting your skin to the best treatment for pimples and acne means trusting a product that is not afraid to tell you why and how it works.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Two Reasons Why You Have Acne... And Five Ways To Get Treat It And Get Rid Of It!


Acne is a devastating disease affecting millions of teenagers and adults. It looks awful, it feels even worse and it hurts. You don't want it, you didn't ask for it and you try your hardest to get rid of it. So why do you still have it? Read on and find out...

There are many ideas and old wives tales on how you should treat acne but the truth is you simply need to know the facts about your skin and how it works.

How your skin works...
- Your skin is made up of millions of little skin cells
- These skin cells die and flake off as they age
- The dying skin cells are continuously replaced by new ones
- Your skin has small pores all over it
- Your skin produces oil which continually flows up through your pores and onto the surface of your skin
- This oil keeps your skin moisturised and protected

A common myth is that excess oil causes acne. To put it simply, it doesn't. Oil is absolutely and completely essential to the health of your skin. Without it, your skin would age quickly and dramatically and would fall prey to all sorts of infections from the bacteria you come into contact with every day.

Acne is only created when your pores are blocked somehow. No one sends a memo to your skin telling it there is a blockage so it thinks everything is normal and keeps making oil and shooting it up into the pore.

Since the oil can't get out, it starts building up inside your pore. Once your pore is full, it expands sideways until it's all puffed up full of oil like a water balloon. Now that you've got a nice pool of oil built up in your pore it is a magnet for bacteria. Bacteria then swarm around and feed off the oil, creating pus and infection. Voila - now you have a lovely big pimple!

So what causes blockages...?

1. A sudden increase in oil production
When your skin suddenly produces more oil than normal, your pores cannot release it fast enough. This creates a build up of oil in your pore, attracting bacteria and blocking the pore.
2. A decrease in the speed at which your skin cells fall off
When your skin cells reach the end of their life cycle and die but do not fall off quickly enough they block your pores, trapping oil and bacteria inside.

The thing to note is that so long as your skin is functioning normally neither of these situations should occur. But common issues like puberty, severe stress, pregnancy, hormones, poor diet and menopause can affect your skin health and make the above two situations more likely.

If you have acne, it will be caused by something (like fluctuating hormones) which is affecting your skin health. It will certainly help reduce future breakouts to tackle whatever the issue is but to deal with the acne you already have, you need a plan.

The best plan to get rid of your acne is to (a) kill the bacteria that are already inside your skin and (b) avoid future blockages. From a skincare perspective this means you need to:
- Kill the bacteria that is multiplying and living in your pores
- Dissolve the blockages already inside your pores
- Reguarly cleanse and remove excess dead skin cells
- Regulate your oil flows
- Get your skin healthy so the pores are well supported

Understanding your skin is the first step to eliminating your acne and pimples. From there, proper care and the correct products will complete your plan and give you clear, blemish-free skin.

There is no need for you to live with acne or pimples a minute longer. Start on your plan today.

Monday, August 11, 2008

4 Acne Myths You Shouldn't Believe!


Myth #1 -- Oily skin doesn't need a moisturizer - Wrong!

All skin, even oily skin, needs a moisturizer. Your body produces oil to keep your skin supple and healthy. If you have very oily skin then the pores in your skin producing the oil are working overtime which can happen for a lot of different reasons.

If you wash your face a lot and are constantly stripping your face of its natural oils without using moisturizer, you might actually be making the problem worse!

Myth #2 -- You need prescription medications to control acne - Wrong!

If you have bad acne and you're worried about seeing a doctor, don't worry! There are many alternative treatments for acne that you don't have to go near a doctor's office to use. Drug stores offer a huge variety of simple solutions ranging from masks to scrubs to astringents.

There are also many homemade remedies and holistic products that you can use to treat acne. Keeping your skin clean and healthy may be be all you need to ward off mild to moderate acne.

Myth #3 - Acne treatments aren't cheap -- Wrong!

Some of the best acne treatments are actually free! Using a wet hot towel to open your pores before you wash your face can help tremendously. You can also wash your face right after a shower to get the same results. The hot water helps open up your pores which makes it a lot easier to get rid of oil and dirt.

Also you don't necessarily need an expensive soap and moisturizer to treat acne either. The cheaper stuff can work just as well as the expensive stuff. I have found that the two products I like best cost only $11 - for BOTH of them.

Myth #4 - Acne is only a problem for teens, not adults -- Wrong!

Adults and teens alike can both suffer from acne, and it can be devastating no matter how old you are. While acne in teenagers is usually attributed to hormonal changes, in adults acne might actually be a result of chemicals and diet, not just hormones.

Remember - there are many ways to treat acne that really do work, so don't give up hope!

Myth #5 - Tanning will get rid of your acne -- Wrong!

While tanning does change the color and texture of your skin, it does NOT get rid of acne. Tan skin is darker in color and thicker than untanned skin, making the acne a lot harder to see.

Tanning or spending too much time in the sun will also dry your skin out (think of a peeling sunburn!) which might also help dry out your acne - but it won't get rid of it! Aside from not being a good treatment for acne, tanning also damages your skin and may cause you even worse problems down the road.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

The Care and Treatment of Back Acne


Although most people associate acne with the face, back acne is also a very common form of this skin condition. Whatever symptoms you associate with acne on the face: whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and so on, you can also get on your back.

The problem with your back is that it contains a lot of oil-producing glands that help to block up your pores. Although many people think back acne less of a problem than the more visible facial acne, it can be an unpleasant condition, especially if you like swimming and sunbathing a lot. So what causes back acne and what can be done about it?

As for other forms of acne, the real cause of back acne is unknown, but it is certainly not caused by eating fatty foods or chocolate. It tends to occur after puberty, and is common among athletes, which is why it has the alternative name of athletic acne. It is believed by some to be caused by a combination of sweating and friction of the clothes on your back, but it is highly likely that these conditions only make an existing condition worse.

At puberty, the hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands into generating more sebum, an oily substance that waterproofs and protects the skin and hair. However, sebum is also involved in the formation of acne, although the exact mechanism is not understood. It is believed that the pores become clogged with sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells, and that bacterial attack of this oily mass causes it to become infected. Your immune system reacts to the bacteria, and the pus is formed by dead white blood cells that succumbed during the fight with the bacteria. The immune system's inflammatory response causes the redness and inflammation.

Back acne forms on the back and buttocks of people from 10 years old to around 40, and it is likely that it is exacerbated by excessive sweating during athletic activity and the abrasion of tight clothing against the back. Pustules are formed if the pore blockage is close to the surface of the skin, but if it is deeper, then a papule in the form of an inflamed lump can form. This papule has no white head, since the pus will be deeper in the skin, and scratching or squeezing it can cause extensive scarring.

The most severe form of back acne creates cysts deep within the skin, and these will cause scarring if they erupt. The common blackhead is not caused by dirt but by reaction of the infected sebum with the melanin in the skin to form a discoloration. A whitehead is simply an eruption of the pus on the surface, and these can be squeezed if you know how to do it properly.

However, the best treatment depends on how deep the pore blockage and the infection are. Isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane and Accure) is an oral prescriptive acne treatment that slows down the production of sebum, and therefore helps the condition to clear up. Antibiotics can help to clear up bacterial infections, and there are also a variety of creams and lotions than can effective clear up mild cases of back acne. Benzoyl peroxide (Oxy or Clearasil Max) can be effective on the back, but don't use it on your face, and an antibacterial soap can help to keep the surface of your skin clean and free from bacteria.

It is not easy to prevent back acne, but an antibacterial soap to keep bacteria down and an exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells, can help prevent the blockage of your pores. Keep in mind that anybody can get it, it is not hereditary, cannot be passed from one person to another and has nothing to do with cleanliness. Try not to squeeze spots until you have seen your doctor, and then follow the expert medical advice given.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Everday Acne Treatments


It is now stale news that there are numerous Acne treatments available in the market today. It is also not news that this also greatly increase the level decisions we need to make regarding the treatments we choose. This could be quite a daunting assignment.
Lets review some Acne treatments available. Some common types of these topical treatments include: Alcohol based solutions, creams, foams, gels, lotions and ointments. Some of these Acne treatments are readily available but while some are only available by prescription.

For mild Acne treatments or occasional outbreaks, you would likely find treatment in your local drug store. Most over the counter medications contain some of the following ingredients and are effective for treating acne.

Sulfur: It helps in unclogging the pores and removing bacteria. It also helps reduce inflammation.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This compound causes acne to die by supplying the pores with much needed oxygen. It also causes the skin to be really dry meaning you would need a suitable moisturizer.
Tea Tree Oil: Many cleansers and toners have this oil as an ingredient. It helps kill Acne.

There are other ingredients that are effective against Acne but these other ones would be better prescribed by a dermatologist because of their strength, they should be used with care.

Accutane: This medication though very effective, should be taken with great care and never without your dermatologists prescription because it has dangerous side effects as bad as serious birth defects. It is a form of Vitamin A and it is best suited for usage for a short period of time especially for severe outbreaks.
Retin A: Also a derivative from Vitamin A and very effective, it doesn't have the adverse side effect of Accutane. Its only down side is that it thins and dries the skin meaning that you would need to use an effective sunscreen moisturizer. It can be used for extended periods and is used Topically.
Differin: Very similar to Retin A in its application method and source derived from that is Vitamin A. It is however less drying than Retin A though you still need a good sunscreen. If you use Retin A and discover that it is unsuitable for your skin, Differin would be a good alternative.
Antibiotics: It attacks the troublesome bacteria in the pores. However if used for extended periods, you could develop resistance to it so DO NOT use for long.

It is not strange that a product can be effective for sometime and suddenly becomes ineffective. As you use a product, you could either get resistant to it or the severity of your Acne has changed or even that another form of Acne has taken over. Whatever the case may be, be rest assured that their are enough products out their to help you tackle whatever Acne or general skin condition you face.
If in confusion, its always safe to see your dermatologist.

Have a wonderful Acne free, healthy and youthful looking skin.

Acne Cure Home Remedy for Fast Relief


Millions of people have some form of acne condition and are frequently online looking for an acne cure home remedy to help them cure acne permanently. This article will discuss acne cure home remedies and more. Keep reading to discover how it is actually possible to get rid of your acne in just 3 days plus get FREE instant access to "The Five Basic Secrets For Clearing Your Skin" below.

If you are currently suffering from acne, then I do not need to tell you how embarrassing and painful it can be; particularly when you have cystic acne. Acne is caused by many things but chief among many acne problems are the diets we all take. Like it or not, the kinds of food you eat will determine the amount of toxins you would have in your body. This in return can cause your body to store up unnecessary waste in the colon. However, it is possible that with a few acne pimple home remedies, you could start clearing up the acne in a matter of time.

Acne becomes more marked at puberty and during adolescent because the glands, which affect the secretions of the sebaceous glands, are working at peak activity. Acne is the most common on skin of adolescents and young adults between ages 11 and 34. Remedies for scars exists for those who have scarring following a breakout and do not want to deal with an expensive and painful surgical procedure.

There are acne home remedies that use different types of acids to help clean your face and kill bacteria. Many remedies are also mixed in with other natural ways to treat popular ailments. Acne and the hormones connection is believed that the menstrual cycle of every woman plays a role in its development. With plenty of feasible treatment options available today, there is no reason that you cannot get rid of acne fast.

As for severe acne remedies or treatments, consult a dermatologist so that he or she can prescribe the best acne medication for the skin. Home Care Acne Remedies Although keeping your skin clean won’t cure acne, but you can improve the situation with proper cleansing methods and products: · Without further ado, let me get on with 3 of my favorite home remedies that will even treat the most severe cases of acne.
1. Apply a little ice onto your acne. This is great if you're going out and need that acne to fade away. This does work very quickly but it is not something that will last long. So do this if you're in an emergency.

2. Apply a little honey onto your acne and sleep on it. Simply rub honey on your acne and go to bed. Once you wake up and look in the mirror, you will be amazed and very happy. This remedy works like a charm but you do have to keep doing it every night.

3. This is one of the most effective remedy. Simply rub garlic on your face and leave it on overnight. Garlic is an amazing food and it is a very good home remedy to remove acne in days.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Acne Explained - What It Is, Who Gets it And Why


Acne is a skin condition that is caused by bacteria forming inside of the skin's pores when they become blocked. This blockage forms the red bump commonly known as acne. These bumps can be painful as well as enflamed, and for most, they're embarrassing.

Sebum is an oil naturally produced by your skin. This oil helps to keep your skin supple and healthy. It's the combination of this oil and the bacteria that causes acne and pimples. The blockage is caused when your skin's pores close, and this traps the bacteria with the oil. The pain is caused by the pressure that builds up under the skin.

As well as acne you can suffer from small pimples commonly known as white heads or yellow heads. This coloring of the head of the spot or pimple is a collection of white blood cells that have formed as part of the healing process.

Acne is more common in boys and girls in their early teens. It's usually a result of hormonal changes that are present during puberty. Boys usually get more severe acne than girls because of the production of more androgen hormones.

For a small percent of people acne can continue into adulthood into their twenties and thirties. In worst cases acne can continue into the forties.

Usually acne in later life can be the effect of taking certain medications rather than anything to do with one's hormones. The only exception is a woman's menstrual cycle when her hormones are usually all over the place.

Spots and pimples also effect other parts of the body with the most common being the back. The neck can be effected as well.

A poor diet can contribute to acne although many researchers will say that diet plays no part in the condition of your skin. If however, you want to eat a diet that consists of a lot of greasy food this will have an effect on your whole body that will show itself in the condition of your skin.

The first thing you need to do to successfully cure your acne is discover the cause. You will cure your skin condition the quickest if you think yours is caused by a poor diet. Just changing your diet to one filled with nutritious foods will show an improvement in your skin within days.

If your acne is caused by hormonal changes then your doctor may be able to help, and the same applies to you if your poor skin is caused by any current medication.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Acne Nodules Naturist Treatment - Going Natural

Acne nodules are pimples of varying sizes appearing on the skin and they can break out on the face, neck, and chest or throughout the body. Sometimes, the size of the pimple is so big that it causes severe pain to the affected person. Nodular acne is actually acne vulgaris which has become severe due to the lack of proper, timely treatment. To be on the safer side, natural methods are the best for acne treatment than taking drugs and chemicals which have serious side effects.

Acne treatment in the natural way involves following some specific diets and eliminating certain types of food. Regular diet can include fruits such as oranges, apples and grapes along with plenty of vegetables, nuts, seeds and fish. Food materials that should be excluded include soda, caffeine, meat and dairy products.

Wash the affected areas at least twice a day with clean water. Intake of half a cup of ginger juice twice a day can clear up acne, as ginger has many anti-inflammatory ingredients which effectively reduce the swelling and redness of acne. Aloe vera, when applied directly to the affected part, can accelerate the acne healing process since it contains beneficial nutrients for the skin. Tea tree oil is another natural remedy for acne as it can kill the propionibacterium which is also said to be responsible for causing acne.

Natural acne treatment also involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercising and consuming plenty of clean water also helps in earlier cure, since water can detoxify the body. A good sleep lasting for about eight hours is essential as it can regulate the hormonal system of the body; this results in lesser release of androgenic hormones, which is one of the main causes of acne.

With all these effective and non-toxic materials being naturally available, acne nodules naturist treatment can be done in a cost-effective manner and you can expect positive results right from the initial days of treatment. Once you find a treatment or program that works for you, make sure to stick to your routine, so that you can maximize your results. Many people seems to get co placement with their treatment and fall out of their routine and the acne ends up returning, and in some cases the second round of acne is worst then the first. When that happens it takes even more time to cure your acne, and even longer to get back into a routine that is working.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Most Effective Acne Treatment - Clear Skin in 1 Day?


Acne is a very common skin infection caused by excessive sebaceous gland secretion. Acne usually appears on the face, back, chest and shoulders. It is commonly seen in teenagers and adults. Acne is believed to be caused by the hormonal imbalance and toxins within the body. Acne can cause scars on the skin and make the skin sensitive and painful. The most effective acne treatment is that which offers long lasting results without any side effects. There are two types of acne treatments available and they are nonprescription acne treatment and prescription acne treatment.

Nonprescription acne treatments are mainly used for the treatment of mild types of acnes. This treatment is the best solution for reducing sebum production, killing bacteria and removing dead cells from the skin. Nonprescription acne medications include antibacterials, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and alpha-hydroxy acids. Prescription acne treatments are used for the treatment of inflammatory acnes.

The common prescribed acne medications include retinoids, topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics, and accutane. Several natural acne treatments are also used to remove acne and the scars it causes, and are considered to be the most effective acne treatment by many people. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily, avoiding stress, and proper exercise will ensure a healthy, toxin free body which is necessary for clear skin.

A diet that is rich in natural minerals helps to maintain the health of the skin cells and avoid the occurrence of acne. Proper diet and skin care is the basis of the most effective acne treatment Avoiding food with high fat content can considerably reduce the risk of acne. By avoiding diary products, fatty foods, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco you can remove toxins from your body. A variety of advanced treatments exist. Depending upon whether the acne is mild, moderate or severe, you have to try different applications to find the one suitable for you.

But before you go thinking that you can get clear skin but just hoping for it, let me correct you. For you to get clear skin it is going to take dedication and a commitment to a routine, and once you have that clear skin will be the next thing to follow. Because acne is a condition, if you fall out of your routine and get back into your hold habits, then the acne will come back, and sometimes even stronger. Commitment and dedication, you can accomplish almost anything.

Natural Acne Cures Will Clear Your Skin Permanently in 3 Days


Acne can scar a person for life, and what's awful about it is that it can damage self esteem more than it can damage the skin. Some people are held back from achieving their full potential in life just because they have low self esteem as a result of acne.

Acne is the most common skin problem in the world, with perhaps the most number of products being marketed for its cure. Dermatologists make big money out of patients aspiring for clear skin, but often, for these patients, fighting acne remains a life-long battle. Acne is a tough opponent that either keeps coming back or just won't go away.

The chemicals contained in the prescription and over the counter medications have many side effects such as drying of the skin, allergic reactions and many others. It only treats the symptoms and not the cause and does not provide a long term solution. In other words it works as long as you use it and the problem returns when you stop.

Very few people actually know that natural acne cures provides the best and holistic approach. People do not realize that the cause of acne is not a single source, the skin. Acne is caused by bacteria which infect the hair follicles and pores which causes an outbreak. Oily skins have been proven to be more vulnerable to attract acne out breaks than normal skin.

It should therefore be logical to address the problem on both fronts in other words the oil and the bacteria. Gentle cleaning of the skin is important to remove some of the oil and some of the bacteria. Tea tree oil is a good substance to use to address both problems. If you decide to use a skin cleaning substance it is very important that you ensure it is not going to dry or irritate your skin as that would just make things worse.

A healthy diet will also go a long way to preserve a healthy skin. Science has not as yet conclusively established that oily foods cause acne outbreaks but most of the evidence to date does point in that direction. So as a general rule it is best to avoid all fatty foods that contain vegetable oil, which is mostly found in processed foods. Processed foods are currently regarded as the number one acne enemy.

Processed foods should be avoided because of the preservatives they contain and their low dietary value. Rather consume healthy whole foods, fresh fruit and vegetables that can provide your skin with antioxidants which in turn will prevent outbreaks.

A number of new and very exciting natural acne cures have been emerging lately. These cures are all natural and guarantee that it can resolve acne permanently within 1 to 3 days. Chris Gibson who also suffered from severe acne describes a scientifically proven 3 day cure in his book "Acne Free in 3 Days". His cure addresses the issue on all levels and guarantees to permanently relieve you from this miserable condition.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Superfoods: Super Strategies for Stamping Out Acne


Most people with acne attempt to treat their irritated skin with external face washes, soaps, lotions and treatments. However, the best way to treat acne is by changing your diet and getting rid of acne-causing ingredients such as fried foods.

A healthful diet rich in natural whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans is the first recommendation for treating acne. Foods containing trans-fatty acids, such as milk, milk products, margarine, shortening and other synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oils, as well as fried foods, should be avoided.

It seems the prevalence of acne in the United States is built into the typical American diet. Americans tend to eat fried foods in large quantities, usually cooked in the most harmful of fats and oils. Not all fats are bad, but the fats that typical Americans eat make them more prone to develop acne and skin problems, such as what’s in ice cream, cheese, bacon, and milk.

Acne cannot really be treated using creams and soaps because the root of the condition lies beneath the skin. Pimples and blemishes are caused by bacteria and other irritants embedded underneath the skin's oil glands and hair follicles, which are generally caused as a result of improper hygiene and poor diet – such as too much processed, fatty, fried and sugary foods.

A skin-healthy diet emphasizes raw and lightly cooked vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables that contain valuable trace minerals and are rich in fiber. Fresh green vegetables are essential. Also include in your diet lean protein sources and complex carbohydrates, such as rice, whole-grain bread, and potatoes. These fiber-rich foods help ensure a clean gastrointestinal tract, which is especially important in the management of acne. Eat three healthy meals daily to provide important nutrients and to decrease your appetite for sugary or greasy fried foods. Foods rich in vitamin A, like apricots, watermelon, and broccoli, as well as foods like lean beef, nuts, beans and whole grains that are rich in zinc can also be helpful in reducing acne breakouts. It’s also imperative to drink lots of water to help flush the toxins out that contribute to breakouts.