100percentnature. Acne Vulgaris, the 8 Stages of Acne, Skin Care, Adult Acne Treatment, and Scar Removal Options
August 3, 2009 by Acne Treatment and Clear Skin Tips
Filed under About Acne
What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn’t as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn’t mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.
Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.
Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn’t sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.
The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.
All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.
Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.
Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.
Acne: The 8 Stages:
Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn’t usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem…like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.
Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself….eventually. And, it usually does but not always.
Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.
Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren’t a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn’t a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.
Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.
Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.
Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it’s time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.
Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.
Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.
Acne Skin Care:
As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.
When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.
Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.
The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don’t try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse…not better.
However, there are things that you can do that really will help.
The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don’t ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.
Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.
If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.
Adult Acne:
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don’t have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well….not exactly.
The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne…hormonal changes.
A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.
Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don’t normally have to deal with. Adults don’t want pimples; but, they don’t want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.
There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.
A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.
Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.
Acne Scar Removal Options:
Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it…sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.
You’re right, life doesn’t seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn’t free or cheap!
There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.
The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.
The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.
Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don’t be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.
Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, acne treatment Just click
Thanks to Simon for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.
Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn’t sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.
The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.
All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.
Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.
Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.
Acne: The 8 Stages:
Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn’t usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem…like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.
Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself….eventually. And, it usually does but not always.
Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.
Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren’t a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn’t a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.
Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.
Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.
Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it’s time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.
Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.
Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.
Acne Skin Care:
As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.
When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.
Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.
The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don’t try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse…not better.
However, there are things that you can do that really will help.
The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don’t ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.
Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.
If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.
Adult Acne:
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don’t have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well….not exactly.
The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne…hormonal changes.
A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.
Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don’t normally have to deal with. Adults don’t want pimples; but, they don’t want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.
There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.
A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.
Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.
Acne Scar Removal Options:
Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it…sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.
You’re right, life doesn’t seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn’t free or cheap!
There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.
The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.
The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.
Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don’t be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.
Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, acne treatment Just click
Thanks to Simon for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Effective Acne Products
August 1, 2009 by Acne Treatment and Clear Skin Tips
Filed under About Acne
Acne is not an easy condition to treat. It is a disease of the skin that affects each individual differently and accordingly each case of serious acne has to be seen separately to give it a proper treatment. While there is no catch-all treatment, which can be used for all kind of acne, a lot of trial and error method would be needed to find an effective treatment for each individual.
While there are a lot of acne products that are being mass-marketed as the best cure for acne, it is imperative to understand that the products that are marketed towards acne sufferers in general and those that can be brought off the shelf in the supermarket do not actually cure acne. These only manage, hide or hold back the symptoms of acne. It is important to recognize this and also to realize that acne is not the resultant of poor hygiene.
If the acne is progressively getting worse, this cannot be remedied only by washing the skin frequently and by using an over the counter product. Medical advice needs to be taken for such cases and a stronger products that can be sourced only with prescription may need to be taken. The treatment for Acne are diverse and range from, off the shelf, to over-the-counter creams, to prescription and surgical solutions.
While over the counter acne products are usually topical medicines that contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, these are generally used for treatment of mild acne cases where it is used to stop the acne and clear up some troublesome pimples.
The over the counter acne products can also be used during severe stages of acne in combination with other treatments. The Doctors generally recommend that the acne-infected area be cleaned gently with warm water and a mild soap, after which the topical treatment may be applied.
During the moderate or severe stage of acne, the doctors and dermatologists would use the combination of treatments to effectively bring down the disease. Light therapy and extraction are mostly used at the moderate stage and in combination with an oral antibiotic or a retinoid cream, again dependent on the observations and recommendations of ones doctor. Acne is a complex condition to cure and hence it is advised that there should not be any self medication done.
After the usage of an over-the-counter product and in the event that the same does not work, it shouldn’t be understood that the acne is incurable. A professional’s medical advice should be sought for. A doctor or a dermatologist will try to halt the progress of the acne, prevent the prossibility of acne scarring, by using different combination of products. To seriously fight and stop acne, one should learn about the latest acne fighting products that are being launched and how they would be working for the specific type of acne, from ones own doctor. One needs to be as aggressive about fighting acne as acne is about progressing step by step into a serious condition.
How do I get rid of old acne scars? Author David Warple discusses acne solutions in his articles.
Thanks to apple babasa for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
While there are a lot of acne products that are being mass-marketed as the best cure for acne, it is imperative to understand that the products that are marketed towards acne sufferers in general and those that can be brought off the shelf in the supermarket do not actually cure acne. These only manage, hide or hold back the symptoms of acne. It is important to recognize this and also to realize that acne is not the resultant of poor hygiene.
If the acne is progressively getting worse, this cannot be remedied only by washing the skin frequently and by using an over the counter product. Medical advice needs to be taken for such cases and a stronger products that can be sourced only with prescription may need to be taken. The treatment for Acne are diverse and range from, off the shelf, to over-the-counter creams, to prescription and surgical solutions.
While over the counter acne products are usually topical medicines that contain Benzoyl Peroxide or Salicylic Acid, these are generally used for treatment of mild acne cases where it is used to stop the acne and clear up some troublesome pimples.
The over the counter acne products can also be used during severe stages of acne in combination with other treatments. The Doctors generally recommend that the acne-infected area be cleaned gently with warm water and a mild soap, after which the topical treatment may be applied.
During the moderate or severe stage of acne, the doctors and dermatologists would use the combination of treatments to effectively bring down the disease. Light therapy and extraction are mostly used at the moderate stage and in combination with an oral antibiotic or a retinoid cream, again dependent on the observations and recommendations of ones doctor. Acne is a complex condition to cure and hence it is advised that there should not be any self medication done.
After the usage of an over-the-counter product and in the event that the same does not work, it shouldn’t be understood that the acne is incurable. A professional’s medical advice should be sought for. A doctor or a dermatologist will try to halt the progress of the acne, prevent the prossibility of acne scarring, by using different combination of products. To seriously fight and stop acne, one should learn about the latest acne fighting products that are being launched and how they would be working for the specific type of acne, from ones own doctor. One needs to be as aggressive about fighting acne as acne is about progressing step by step into a serious condition.
How do I get rid of old acne scars? Author David Warple discusses acne solutions in his articles.
Thanks to apple babasa for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Is it possible to get rid of back acne? Author David Warple examines if there is a permanent cure for acne.
Adult Acne - Getting Rid of It!
July 31, 2009 by Acne Treatment and Clear Skin Tips
Filed under About Acne
If you were part of the majority of people that were unlucky to be plagued with teen acne, just think of all the snickers, jests and humiliation you had to go through, then it easier for you to understand why most adult acne sufferers go through a lot of hassles to remove adult acne from their lives. We both know that adult acne is not a terminal disease (you can’t die from having it, I guess you knew that uhhh?). The major thing acne gives us are ugly scars and sometimes they could be really ugly, like mine was at a certain time.
Most of we adults afflicted with acne are usually on the look out for the magical cure that would gives us the fresh and smooth face or skin we had when we were eleven years old. Before we go on a wild goose chase looking for the magical acne medication that would rid us of adult acne lets understand why and how these little annoying monsters grow on our faces.
Why do so many adults still have acne?
It seems from all the amount spent on all those expensive research they still tell us the same thing that we were have all read in encyclopedias, the major cause of adult acne always has something to do with our hormones running wild and also genetics (my dad had a very bad case of acne when he was younger, more severe than mine was). The genetics part simply means that your biological family history has a large chunk of the blame of why you are suffering from adult acne. But aside those there are some other factors that are responsible for worsening your acne condition, some of them include:
*Side effects from some drugs - (such as corticosteroids, androgenic steroids, and lithium)
*Picking at or squeezing at the pimples
*Harsh scrubbing of the skin
*Oil based cosmetic products - (I guess you know this one already)
*Stress, illness or exhaustion
*Heat and moisture
*Diet has a some amount of influence on acne - (and please eating chocolate does not cause acne, where the heck did you hear that from)
*Pregnancy
*Menstruation
*Menopause
How does Adult Acne form on the Skin?
The formation of adult acne as we all know has something to do with sebum, follicle and all those big words that I read in some 21 inches thick encyclopedia. In simple words it is formed when oil (also know as sebum) that is produced underneath the skin surface is blocked from reaching the skin surface where it always flows to, through a hair-containing canal called a “follicle”.
The follicle wall sheds cells often and the canal is used to remove dead cells, which sort of become sticky and block the opening as they attempt to leave the follicle. The blockage results in increased bacteria growth in the follicle, which turns the trapped sebum into a very irritating substance and results in an inflammation that is widely known as acne.
Pheww!!! All that explanation reminds me of high school biology (so painfully boring to me).
In one sentence on how acne forms it is simply put as “Dead skin cells clog the pores, and bacteria cause inflammation which results in acne on the skin”.
Although so many adults like you have tried many acne medications and cosmetics to combat acne, we tend to wonder why they seem not to get rid of the problem once and for all but still they re-occur. It seems that acne forms when one or more of these conditions occurs:
*A blockage in the follicle
*There is an over production of sebum (oil)
*Increased bacteria growth within the hair follicle.
Researchers have found out that the hormone responsible for acne, which is called “testosterone”. Yes you have heard of it before it is the male hormone (it is found in both males and females but it is produced in high levels in males). Testosterone is responsible for increasing production of sebum (oil), which results in more pimples. Since testosterone is an androgen and is more in males than females, this explains why men tend to have more severe cases of acne than women (at least that explains why I used to have more pimples on my face than my elder sister although she started having pimples on her face before I started having mine).
Adult acne occurs as visible bumps on the surface of the skin usually on the face, although body acne is also common. Adult Acne is seen as pus-filled blisters; small reddish bumps, ugly looking thick red skin on the nose, cheeks and forehead, and small reddish blood vessels all seen on the skin surface. Acne outbreaks usually occur on the face, neck, chest, and shoulders and back. A highbrow term for adult acne is “acne rosacea”.
For so many folks stress seems to be one of the major factors in aggravating their acne condition. When I was in college towards the end of the semester when the amount of work we had to do increases, I tend to have more break outs of pimples maybe as a result of the stress or because I had lesser time for acne skin care. It seems aside the fact that you have to contend with hormones and genetics being the major cause of you acne condition you also have things like stress to worsen it.
Achieving Acne Control with the best Acne Medication
The first step in treating your adult acne condition has to do with proper acne skin care.
First of all AVOID the temptation of SQUEEZING your PIMPLES. Most of the time this results in the scars you see on your face. The bigger a pimple is the higher the chances it will leave a scar if you “pop” it.
Remember to wash your skin gently only twice a day; this is very helpful in removing surface dirt and excessive oil, which could worsen your acne condition by clogging the pores. Also please do not use abrasive soaps. They could damage your skin pores and leave your skin too dry.
If you currently use oil-based cosmetics it’s time you switch to water-based, non-comedogenic cosmetics as oil-based creams or lotions irritate oily skin and cause further breakouts and blemishes.
You should also make it a habit to always remove your makeup before going to bed.
Consider applying an oil-free moisturizer to your skin after washing. This helps your skin replenish its own moisture and keeps the oil glands from over producing.
Always remember to shampoo regularly. This prevents oily hair from rubbing off on your skin.
Like we learnt in biology class, a balanced diet is necessary for optimum health. A balanced diet and drinking 10-12 glasses of water a day can help keep your skin healthy. There are some physicians that believe that an increase in iodine consumption aggravates acne and recommend a reduction or elimination of fish and iodized salt.
Relax a little to reduce stress and try planning out your activities so you are not under a lot of pressure from your daily activities.
In case you are looking for a more aggressive adult acne treatment to totally banish those little monsters of your face/body you should try using a combination of treatment like that offered by clear pores system which consists of a facial/body wash, facial/body protection cream and a herbal supplement which fights the acne from the inside and the outside. This triple combination is guaranteed to get rid of acne from your life.
Another very impressive acne treatment available is acnezine, which has natural ingredients that work to take care of the skin. They help control free radicals that cause skin damage, aging and wrinkling, and that can contribute to infection. Acnezine limits inflammation, helping take care of the ugly redness, and working to limit the inflammatory response that can cause scarring. And, Acnezine promotes healing. Acnezine consists of skin anti-Oxidant Capsules and acne Moisturizing Crème which ensures acne is combated from both inside and outside the body.
For more information on how you can permanently get rid of Adult Acne from your life and look more youthful and beautiful visit adult acne treatment a brand new blog that gives information, tips and advice on how to solve the problem of acne.
Thanks to Tim Orlando for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Most of we adults afflicted with acne are usually on the look out for the magical cure that would gives us the fresh and smooth face or skin we had when we were eleven years old. Before we go on a wild goose chase looking for the magical acne medication that would rid us of adult acne lets understand why and how these little annoying monsters grow on our faces.
Why do so many adults still have acne?
It seems from all the amount spent on all those expensive research they still tell us the same thing that we were have all read in encyclopedias, the major cause of adult acne always has something to do with our hormones running wild and also genetics (my dad had a very bad case of acne when he was younger, more severe than mine was). The genetics part simply means that your biological family history has a large chunk of the blame of why you are suffering from adult acne. But aside those there are some other factors that are responsible for worsening your acne condition, some of them include:
*Side effects from some drugs - (such as corticosteroids, androgenic steroids, and lithium)
*Picking at or squeezing at the pimples
*Harsh scrubbing of the skin
*Oil based cosmetic products - (I guess you know this one already)
*Stress, illness or exhaustion
*Heat and moisture
*Diet has a some amount of influence on acne - (and please eating chocolate does not cause acne, where the heck did you hear that from)
*Pregnancy
*Menstruation
*Menopause
How does Adult Acne form on the Skin?
The formation of adult acne as we all know has something to do with sebum, follicle and all those big words that I read in some 21 inches thick encyclopedia. In simple words it is formed when oil (also know as sebum) that is produced underneath the skin surface is blocked from reaching the skin surface where it always flows to, through a hair-containing canal called a “follicle”.
The follicle wall sheds cells often and the canal is used to remove dead cells, which sort of become sticky and block the opening as they attempt to leave the follicle. The blockage results in increased bacteria growth in the follicle, which turns the trapped sebum into a very irritating substance and results in an inflammation that is widely known as acne.
Pheww!!! All that explanation reminds me of high school biology (so painfully boring to me).
In one sentence on how acne forms it is simply put as “Dead skin cells clog the pores, and bacteria cause inflammation which results in acne on the skin”.
Although so many adults like you have tried many acne medications and cosmetics to combat acne, we tend to wonder why they seem not to get rid of the problem once and for all but still they re-occur. It seems that acne forms when one or more of these conditions occurs:
*A blockage in the follicle
*There is an over production of sebum (oil)
*Increased bacteria growth within the hair follicle.
Researchers have found out that the hormone responsible for acne, which is called “testosterone”. Yes you have heard of it before it is the male hormone (it is found in both males and females but it is produced in high levels in males). Testosterone is responsible for increasing production of sebum (oil), which results in more pimples. Since testosterone is an androgen and is more in males than females, this explains why men tend to have more severe cases of acne than women (at least that explains why I used to have more pimples on my face than my elder sister although she started having pimples on her face before I started having mine).
Adult acne occurs as visible bumps on the surface of the skin usually on the face, although body acne is also common. Adult Acne is seen as pus-filled blisters; small reddish bumps, ugly looking thick red skin on the nose, cheeks and forehead, and small reddish blood vessels all seen on the skin surface. Acne outbreaks usually occur on the face, neck, chest, and shoulders and back. A highbrow term for adult acne is “acne rosacea”.
For so many folks stress seems to be one of the major factors in aggravating their acne condition. When I was in college towards the end of the semester when the amount of work we had to do increases, I tend to have more break outs of pimples maybe as a result of the stress or because I had lesser time for acne skin care. It seems aside the fact that you have to contend with hormones and genetics being the major cause of you acne condition you also have things like stress to worsen it.
Achieving Acne Control with the best Acne Medication
The first step in treating your adult acne condition has to do with proper acne skin care.
First of all AVOID the temptation of SQUEEZING your PIMPLES. Most of the time this results in the scars you see on your face. The bigger a pimple is the higher the chances it will leave a scar if you “pop” it.
Remember to wash your skin gently only twice a day; this is very helpful in removing surface dirt and excessive oil, which could worsen your acne condition by clogging the pores. Also please do not use abrasive soaps. They could damage your skin pores and leave your skin too dry.
If you currently use oil-based cosmetics it’s time you switch to water-based, non-comedogenic cosmetics as oil-based creams or lotions irritate oily skin and cause further breakouts and blemishes.
You should also make it a habit to always remove your makeup before going to bed.
Consider applying an oil-free moisturizer to your skin after washing. This helps your skin replenish its own moisture and keeps the oil glands from over producing.
Always remember to shampoo regularly. This prevents oily hair from rubbing off on your skin.
Like we learnt in biology class, a balanced diet is necessary for optimum health. A balanced diet and drinking 10-12 glasses of water a day can help keep your skin healthy. There are some physicians that believe that an increase in iodine consumption aggravates acne and recommend a reduction or elimination of fish and iodized salt.
Relax a little to reduce stress and try planning out your activities so you are not under a lot of pressure from your daily activities.
In case you are looking for a more aggressive adult acne treatment to totally banish those little monsters of your face/body you should try using a combination of treatment like that offered by clear pores system which consists of a facial/body wash, facial/body protection cream and a herbal supplement which fights the acne from the inside and the outside. This triple combination is guaranteed to get rid of acne from your life.
Another very impressive acne treatment available is acnezine, which has natural ingredients that work to take care of the skin. They help control free radicals that cause skin damage, aging and wrinkling, and that can contribute to infection. Acnezine limits inflammation, helping take care of the ugly redness, and working to limit the inflammatory response that can cause scarring. And, Acnezine promotes healing. Acnezine consists of skin anti-Oxidant Capsules and acne Moisturizing Crème which ensures acne is combated from both inside and outside the body.
For more information on how you can permanently get rid of Adult Acne from your life and look more youthful and beautiful visit adult acne treatment a brand new blog that gives information, tips and advice on how to solve the problem of acne.
Thanks to Tim Orlando for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Tim Orlando is a young man who is passionate about educating teenagers and young adults solve their acne problem just like he solved his. Visit his blog clear-adult-acne.blogspot.com where he discusses more on the monster called “Acne”.
Are you Looking for the Best Blackhead Remedy?
July 29, 2009 by Acne Treatment and Clear Skin Tips
Filed under About Acne
A single black mark on the face could accentuate the beauty of the face, but imagine what would happen when several black marks appear on the face all at once. This is what happens in blackheads.
Blackheads are actually the follicles which have expanded beyond their limits. That is why they are also known as open comedos. The main reason for their existence is excessive secretion by the sweat (sebaceous) glands. If you have blackheads, it could be because you did not pay much attention to facial attention earlier.
Blackheads are totally curable. In Ayurveda, there are several remedies by which these blackheads can be totally eliminated. Ayurveda describes two types of blackheads – the darker ones called nyachcha and the lighter ones called vyanga. Both nyachcha and vyanga can be cured and further outbreaks of these can be prevented by Ayurvedic treatments.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Blackheads
® Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Cinnamon powder when applied on the face shows effective results in blackheads treatment.
® Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) A mixture of coriander powder taken in a teaspoon with a pinch of turmeric powder is good in reducing blackheads.
® Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) The seeds of the fenugreek plant are effective. They must be applied in a past form over the blackheads and let to be there overnight. The blackheads would disappear after a few nights.
® Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sandalwood paste has a very cooling effect on the face. It is effective in the removal of both pimples and blackheads.
® Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) The tomato is a rich source of vitamin C. When it is applied to the area with blackheads on it, it makes the area suppler. This makes the removal of blackheads easier.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Blackheads
® Blackheads are produced due to inconsistencies in the circulatory system of the body. The blood is impure, and that is why facial problems such as pimples and blackheads occur. In order to correct the maladies with blood, a person should drink a lot of water. Drinking excessive water will lead to excessive urination; but this is a way of purifying the blood.
® Keep your diet rich in vitamin C foods. Eat Indian gooseberry (amalaki) a lot. Supplement your diet with vitamin C rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, lemons, etc.
® Digestion is an important key in keeping blackheads and pimples away. The food must be easy to digest. A good portion of the diet must be made of green vegetables and fruits. Protein-rich foods like milk, eggs, white meats and lentils must also be included.
® Fatty foods make the sebaceous glands work harder. Hence they should be avoided.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Blackheads
® One of the simplest Ayurvedic treatments for the problem of blackheads is to apply steam on the face. Steaming improves the circulation of blood in the facial region and helps the blackheads disappear.
® Abhyanga is also used for the treatment of blackheads. Abhyanga is a method of making oil massage on the face. This must be done every morning before the bath. This will not only remove the blackheads, but it will also make the face suppler and shinier.
® Ayurvedic doctors will strongly suggest the disuse of all cosmetic products on the face when a person has blackheads. If cosmetics are used, the Ayurvedic remedies may not work. Instead, efforts must be made to keep the skin fresh with a healthy diet and the mind free from stresses and tensions. Yoga is recommended to keep the mind devoid of worries.
(4) Home Medications
® One simple treatment is to mix some camphor, almonds, sandalwood in rose water. 1 tola of sandalwood is first crushed with 2 tolas of almonds. Then 2 rattis of camphor extract are added to the mixture, and this is finally dissolved in 30 tolas of rosewater. Applying 1 tola of this paste of the face every morning will provide the necessary benefits.
® The Indian plum or jamuna is also a very beneficial remedy. Its seeds must be exuded in water till all the extract is obtained in the solution. This paste is to be applied on the face. This is one of the fastest ways to get relief from pimples and blackheads.
® Chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) must be ground to a very fine consistency with yellow split lentils (masoor ki daal) and yellow mustard. Warm this mixture every morning and apply it on the face. Let it remain overnight. Each successive morning you will find some reduction in the severity of the blackheads.
® Prepare a mixture of lemon, honey and yoghurt. Add salt in it. The grainy salt will make a scrub out of the mixture. Scrub this on the face for five minutes everyday. This will remove the blackheads.
® A simple ice pack treatment on the face can also show results. This will help to contract the pores.
® Cucumber slices must be put on the face. Alternatively, face packs with cucumber as the major ingredient can also be used on the face. This helps to constrict the pores.
Thanks to Dr John Anne for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Blackheads are actually the follicles which have expanded beyond their limits. That is why they are also known as open comedos. The main reason for their existence is excessive secretion by the sweat (sebaceous) glands. If you have blackheads, it could be because you did not pay much attention to facial attention earlier.
Blackheads are totally curable. In Ayurveda, there are several remedies by which these blackheads can be totally eliminated. Ayurveda describes two types of blackheads – the darker ones called nyachcha and the lighter ones called vyanga. Both nyachcha and vyanga can be cured and further outbreaks of these can be prevented by Ayurvedic treatments.
(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Blackheads
® Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Cinnamon powder when applied on the face shows effective results in blackheads treatment.
® Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa) A mixture of coriander powder taken in a teaspoon with a pinch of turmeric powder is good in reducing blackheads.
® Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) The seeds of the fenugreek plant are effective. They must be applied in a past form over the blackheads and let to be there overnight. The blackheads would disappear after a few nights.
® Sandalwood (Santalum album) Sandalwood paste has a very cooling effect on the face. It is effective in the removal of both pimples and blackheads.
® Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) The tomato is a rich source of vitamin C. When it is applied to the area with blackheads on it, it makes the area suppler. This makes the removal of blackheads easier.
(2) Dietary Treatments for Blackheads
® Blackheads are produced due to inconsistencies in the circulatory system of the body. The blood is impure, and that is why facial problems such as pimples and blackheads occur. In order to correct the maladies with blood, a person should drink a lot of water. Drinking excessive water will lead to excessive urination; but this is a way of purifying the blood.
® Keep your diet rich in vitamin C foods. Eat Indian gooseberry (amalaki) a lot. Supplement your diet with vitamin C rich foods such as oranges, strawberries, lemons, etc.
® Digestion is an important key in keeping blackheads and pimples away. The food must be easy to digest. A good portion of the diet must be made of green vegetables and fruits. Protein-rich foods like milk, eggs, white meats and lentils must also be included.
® Fatty foods make the sebaceous glands work harder. Hence they should be avoided.
(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Blackheads
® One of the simplest Ayurvedic treatments for the problem of blackheads is to apply steam on the face. Steaming improves the circulation of blood in the facial region and helps the blackheads disappear.
® Abhyanga is also used for the treatment of blackheads. Abhyanga is a method of making oil massage on the face. This must be done every morning before the bath. This will not only remove the blackheads, but it will also make the face suppler and shinier.
® Ayurvedic doctors will strongly suggest the disuse of all cosmetic products on the face when a person has blackheads. If cosmetics are used, the Ayurvedic remedies may not work. Instead, efforts must be made to keep the skin fresh with a healthy diet and the mind free from stresses and tensions. Yoga is recommended to keep the mind devoid of worries.
(4) Home Medications
® One simple treatment is to mix some camphor, almonds, sandalwood in rose water. 1 tola of sandalwood is first crushed with 2 tolas of almonds. Then 2 rattis of camphor extract are added to the mixture, and this is finally dissolved in 30 tolas of rosewater. Applying 1 tola of this paste of the face every morning will provide the necessary benefits.
® The Indian plum or jamuna is also a very beneficial remedy. Its seeds must be exuded in water till all the extract is obtained in the solution. This paste is to be applied on the face. This is one of the fastest ways to get relief from pimples and blackheads.
® Chiraunji (Buchanania latifolia) must be ground to a very fine consistency with yellow split lentils (masoor ki daal) and yellow mustard. Warm this mixture every morning and apply it on the face. Let it remain overnight. Each successive morning you will find some reduction in the severity of the blackheads.
® Prepare a mixture of lemon, honey and yoghurt. Add salt in it. The grainy salt will make a scrub out of the mixture. Scrub this on the face for five minutes everyday. This will remove the blackheads.
® A simple ice pack treatment on the face can also show results. This will help to contract the pores.
® Cucumber slices must be put on the face. Alternatively, face packs with cucumber as the major ingredient can also be used on the face. This helps to constrict the pores.
Thanks to Dr John Anne for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Read More on Treatments by Ayurveda and Home Remedies at http://www.ayushveda.com Read more about Ayurveda at World’s Largest Portal on Ayurveda and Ayurvedic Remedies. - The Free Ayurvedic Encyclopedia
Acne: a Major Threat to the Teenagers and Youngsters
July 29, 2009 by Acne Treatment and Clear Skin Tips
Filed under About Acne
Acne is one of the major health related conditions, which is common in teenagers and youngsters. Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn’t when everywhere you look, only clear faced (skinned) people are put on the pedestal.
Acne is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones. Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne can simply be defined as a group of skin rashes which appear basically at the teenage. But it can occur at any age and can happen to anybody.
When people think of acne, usually the figure of a person comes up with an occurrence of red, inflamed pores on his or her face. Though this is the most common form, but is not the only type of acne which people experience. There are various types of acne which people may experience and there are numerous causes reported for acne.
Types of acne:
• Acne Vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest
• Acne rosacea - a red rash predominantly on the face
• Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae) - a rash caused by shaving
• Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa) - chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women
• Acne cosmetica - acne caused by cosmetics
• Acne fulminans - an extreme form of acne conglobata
• Acne medicamentosa - acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine
• Baby acne - a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants
• Chloracne - an acne rash caused by exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCBs.
These are the several types of acne but the common type which occurs usually is acne Vulgaris. Acne Vulgaris occurs at the time of puberty. It is most common in the teenagers.
Causes of acne:
As stated earlier, acne can be caused due to numerous reasons. But generally there are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They are:
• Overactive oil glands
• Blockage of the skin pores
• Activity of normal skin bacteria
• Inflammation
They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne.
Treatment:
The treatment procedure of acne started many years ago. Since then the treatment procedure gradually developed into better form. Acne treatments are also of considerable antiquity:
• Ancient Rome: bathing in hot, and often sulfurous, mineral water was one of the few available acne treatments. One of the earliest texts to mention skin problems is De Medicina by the Roman writer Celsus.
• 1800s: Nineteenth century dermatologists used sulphur in the treatment of acne. It was believed to dry the skin.
• 1920s: Benzoyl Peroxide is used
• 1930s: Laxatives were used as a cure for what were known as ‘chastity pimples’
• 1950s: When antibiotics became available, it was discovered that they had beneficial effects on acne. They were taken orally to begin with. Much of the benefit was not from killing bacteria but from the anti-inflammatory effects of tetracycline and its relatives. Topical antibiotics became available later.
• 1960s: Tretinoin (original Trade Name Retin A) was found effective for acne. This preceeded the development of oral isotretinoin (sold as Accutane and Roaccutane) since the early 1980s.
• 1980s: Accutane is introduced in America
• 1990s: Laser treatment introduced
• 2000s: Blue/red light therapy
Some old treatments, like laxatives, have fallen into disuse but others, like spas, are recovering their popularity. Acne responds well to treatment, particularly if treated early, at the onset of the condition. Treatment is offered to:
• Prevent possible scarring
• Deal with inflamed and painful areas
• Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
• Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne
Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist.
Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid, Sulfur, etc. Nowadays acne is also treated with Natural Acne Treatment. Natural acne treatment doesn’t have any side affects and it also totally affective in treating acne. Now acne no longer remains a big problem for the teenagers and the youngsters.
Thanks to Jackius Anderson for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Acne is an inflammatory disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin; characterized by papules or pustules or comedones. Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne can simply be defined as a group of skin rashes which appear basically at the teenage. But it can occur at any age and can happen to anybody.
When people think of acne, usually the figure of a person comes up with an occurrence of red, inflamed pores on his or her face. Though this is the most common form, but is not the only type of acne which people experience. There are various types of acne which people may experience and there are numerous causes reported for acne.
Types of acne:
• Acne Vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest
• Acne rosacea - a red rash predominantly on the face
• Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae) - a rash caused by shaving
• Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa) - chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women
• Acne cosmetica - acne caused by cosmetics
• Acne fulminans - an extreme form of acne conglobata
• Acne medicamentosa - acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine
• Baby acne - a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants
• Chloracne - an acne rash caused by exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCBs.
These are the several types of acne but the common type which occurs usually is acne Vulgaris. Acne Vulgaris occurs at the time of puberty. It is most common in the teenagers.
Causes of acne:
As stated earlier, acne can be caused due to numerous reasons. But generally there are four major factors responsible for causing acne. They are:
• Overactive oil glands
• Blockage of the skin pores
• Activity of normal skin bacteria
• Inflammation
They act together to cause the characteristic pimples, whiteheads and blackheads associated with acne.
Treatment:
The treatment procedure of acne started many years ago. Since then the treatment procedure gradually developed into better form. Acne treatments are also of considerable antiquity:
• Ancient Rome: bathing in hot, and often sulfurous, mineral water was one of the few available acne treatments. One of the earliest texts to mention skin problems is De Medicina by the Roman writer Celsus.
• 1800s: Nineteenth century dermatologists used sulphur in the treatment of acne. It was believed to dry the skin.
• 1920s: Benzoyl Peroxide is used
• 1930s: Laxatives were used as a cure for what were known as ‘chastity pimples’
• 1950s: When antibiotics became available, it was discovered that they had beneficial effects on acne. They were taken orally to begin with. Much of the benefit was not from killing bacteria but from the anti-inflammatory effects of tetracycline and its relatives. Topical antibiotics became available later.
• 1960s: Tretinoin (original Trade Name Retin A) was found effective for acne. This preceeded the development of oral isotretinoin (sold as Accutane and Roaccutane) since the early 1980s.
• 1980s: Accutane is introduced in America
• 1990s: Laser treatment introduced
• 2000s: Blue/red light therapy
Some old treatments, like laxatives, have fallen into disuse but others, like spas, are recovering their popularity. Acne responds well to treatment, particularly if treated early, at the onset of the condition. Treatment is offered to:
• Prevent possible scarring
• Deal with inflamed and painful areas
• Limit the formation of new blackheads and whiteheads
• Lessen any stress or embarrassment associated with the acne
Mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications. More serious acne requires treatment by a dermatologist.
Mild acne is managed well by over-the-counter preparations such as benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, Salicylic acid, Sulfur, etc. Nowadays acne is also treated with Natural Acne Treatment. Natural acne treatment doesn’t have any side affects and it also totally affective in treating acne. Now acne no longer remains a big problem for the teenagers and the youngsters.
Thanks to Jackius Anderson for contributing this article to our Acne blog:
Anderson is an amateur writer who has written articles for various sites including http://www. betterhealthworld.net/, http://www. buyhealthwellness.com/, http://www. yourfitnesshealth.com/.
