Archive for November, 2007

Taking Care of Acne Prone Skin

Acne is not confined to teenagers and puberty, it also prevalent in adults and in women mostly during pregnancy. Acne is often characterized by pimples and breakouts all over the skin in large numbers, frequently seen on the face and the back. It is caused due to the over activity of the sebaceous glands or the oil producing glands. When it combines with dead skin cells, hormones and bacteria, the oily substances are trapped inside the pores and causes swelling. The lumps often have a crown of a white head or a black head or even red lumps, which are very tender. Acne, if not treated on time, can even lead to scarring. Some acne go so deep inside the skin that they form into nodules and cysts, which leaves scars which may not disappear even after healing. Acne can be caused due to stress, fatigue, and cosmetics and even due to humidity, although nothing has been proved till date.

Do’s and Don’ts on the acne prone skin:

Professional treatment is the best for acne, the earlier the treatment provided, the better. A good doctor will be in a position to treat acne-using medications by controlling the over-active sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalance, or even stress.

It is good not to squeeze or break the pimples and acne, as it will lead to spread the infection and can make the area swell and might even lead to permanent scarring.

Usage of oily cosmetics are also not recommended, as the acne prone skin already is oily enough, usage of such cosmetics will add up to it. Instead of using oily cosmetics, it is better to go for water based ones, which might be less harsh. It is always good to remove make up at night, if left on the whole night might cause irritation to the skin.

The acne prone skin should be pampered with gentle wash and pat dry. Vigorous scrubbing needs to be avoided as it only worsens the condition and may even block the pores.

Regular shampooing is recommended as it may reduce the pimple appearing on the forehead, it is good to avoid hair products like gels and pomades, as they are oily.

Cosmetics which are non comedogenic should be used. Acnes sometimes can make the skin hypersensitive, hence sunscreens can be used to avoid sunburns. It is good to avoid tanning, as it cannot make the skin clearer.

Over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can curb mild acne.

Acne Articles Source: http://website-articles.net

Subasree contributes regularly to healinginstitute.info which has several informative articles on acne.

Alternative Acne Treatments

Laser surgery is the latest technique developed by doctors to reduce the scars left behind by acne. Doctors use laser beams to burn out scar tissue, which allows the skin to generate new, healthy tissue instead. This technique is still in the early, primitive stages since it is used after follicles had turned to pimples and pimples were reduced to scars.

Still, new research shows that laser surgery could be used in the future to prevent acne from even happening, instead of just dealing with the consequences. Medical grade laser may soon be used to burn away the follicle sac where the hair grows or to burn the sebaceous gland in those parts of the skin that were subject to acne outbreaks again and again. Another approach currently being studied is the use of laser to induce the formation of oxygen in the bacteria in order to kill them. However, at this time, laser is still too dangerous for acne prevention since the extreme heat is known to cause long-term dryness of the skin and even spots.

Other research efforts focus on whole-genome DNA sequencing as a tool for identifying the genetic reasons why some people do not suffer from acne or develop only light forms of this condition. However, gene sequencing is still one of those techniques that belong to the future and are unlikely to become available soon.

How Acne Scars can Evolve

 Facial scarring is usually caused by scars that were left behind by an acne inflamation. There are two main types of acne scars, defined by tissue reaction to inflammation:

(1) Scars generated by exaggerated tissue formation, and

(2) Scars generated by loss of tissue.

Scars Caused by Increased Tissue Formation.

The creation of scars caused by exaggerated tissue formation is called keloids. Keloid scars are associated to disproportioned amounts of the cell substance, collagen. The overproduction of collagen is the body’s reaction to damaged skin cells. This excess becomes piled up in fibrous masses, resulting in a characteristic firm, smooth, irregularly-shaped scars.

Keloid scars are 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some can reach 1 centimeter or larger. Some people with relatives who have developed keloids scars are more susceptible to suffer from the same condition.

Keloid scars persist for years, but may diminish in size over time.

Scars Caused by Loss of Tissue

Acne scars associated with loss of tissue, like scars resulting from chicken pox, are more typical than keloids. Scars associated with loss of tissue are:

Ice-pick Scars or Pitted Scars

Usually occur on the cheek. They are usually small, with characteristically jagged edges and steep side-like wounds that seem to resemble an “ice-picked” shape. When touched, ice-pick scars may be soft or hard; they can affect the skin superficially, or reach the deeper layers. Soft scars can be treated by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars cannot be stretched out.

Depressed fibrotic scars

Are usually big in size, with sharp edges and steep sides. The base of these scars is firm to the touch. Ice-pick scars may change into depressed fibrotic scars over time.

Soft scars

Superficial or deep and feel soft when touched. They have gently sloping rolled edges that combine with normal skin. They are usually small, and either circular or linear in shape.

Atrophic macules

Are usually fairly small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger on the body. They are soft, often with a slightly wrinkled base, and can be bluish in appearance due to the blood vessels located just under the scar. Over time, these scars fade from bluish to ivory white in color in white-skinned people, and become much less noticeable.

Follicular macular atrophy

They are more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These are tiny, white, soft lesions, often slightly raised above the surface of the skin something like whiteheads that did not fully develop. This condition is usually called “perifollicular elastolysis.” The lesions may persist for months or even years.

Acne Scars Treated with Natural Ingredient

You can try and treat this imbalance in tissue production with common chemical-based acne treatments that promise ridding your skin of acne breakouts, but that are incapable of treating the scars that are left behind after and acne inflammation has subsided. By applying these products you will likely end-up with a drier skin texture that may present side-effects such as sun sensitivity, irritation or simply show no change at all. Your safest bet is to use natural ingredients that bring collagen production back-up to normal and help ‘disintegrate’ and regenerate scars.

The majority of all regenerative ingredients contain natural oils, but only one ingredient is capable of supplying a balanced mix of ingredients that trigger skin repair. That miracle component comes from a snail and is becoming the newest revolution in skin and scar treatment. Studies have shown that snail secretion contains a combination of naturally occurring vitamins, glycolic acid, allantoine, elastane and collagen, however, don’t forget that complete scar renewal depends on the treatment itself and the extension of the scar.

So next time you look at your acne scar in a mirror and wonder why all the acne treatments in the world haven’t changed a thing, try using an natural ingredient that can help regenerate scarred skin.

By: Sandrine Magrin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

 

Acne marks can now be removed using an organic product for acne and other skin conditions. Visiting our website you’ll find useful information about an unbelievable solution for acne scars.

How to keep pimples away without chemicals: Top 5 Easy Tips

Is there a way to keep pimples away without using harsh chemicals on your skin? Well thats a great question, and the good news is yes, there is. You dont have to use harsh chemicals on your skin to see an improvement in your oily, acne prone skin.

Here a 5 easy tips to help with you with your acne pimples and breakouts naturally:

TIP 1: Use natural products: Natural skin care products containing all natural herbs and ingredients such as aloe vera, are very popular and proven effective for people with acne prone skin. Aloe vera is widely known as a skin healer providing skin soothening and anti-inflamatory properties which are good for treating acne aggravated and inflamed skin. Aloe vera also acts as a natural moisturizer and skin conditioner leaving the skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and healthy.

TIP 2: Use oil free, water based products: Use only oil-free, water-based products which are non-comedogenic, meaning they wont clog the skins pores with additional oil, thus contributing to the excessive oil, blemish and breakout problem. Water-based products are also hydrating and help the skin in maintaining its own natural moisture pH balance which is very important when treating oily, acne prone skin.

TIP 3: Keep skin clean: Keep your skin free of excess dirt and oil by cleansing often. But cleanse gently. Scrubbing and putting pressure on the skin will not result in less oil and fewer blemishes or breakouts. The truth is cleansing the skin and keeping it as clean and free of dirt, oil and impurities is the best method, so cleanse frequently and often, but do it gently with milder products.

TIP 4: Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliate at least once a week, and depending on your skin and level of intensity of the exfoliant product and your acne problem, no more than twice a week. For most people and for most products, 1-2 times a week is sufficient. The most common mistake people with acne skin tend to make is to exfoliate too often because they experience favorable results and think that more will be even better. However, the truth is more is not better. Over exfoliation can cause further skin irritation, and increased redness and sensitivity and even reverse the desired results. Have a regular weekly routine and be consistent, but don’t over do it.

TIP 5: Use a natural concealing cover makeup: It is also very important to protect your skin by using a good makeup foundation. When choosing a good makeup foundation, look for a water-based, oil-free foundation that is light and sheer, and will look and feel natural on your skin. For acne prone skin look for a combination daily foundation and concealing cover creme that will conceal those occasional breakouts and blemishes but can also condition your skin with natural vitamins and antioxidants such as Vitamins E, K and aloe.

About the Author

Get quick and easy to use professional makeup application tips by downloading the free Natural Concealing Makeup, 5 Step System Guide at http://www.naturalconcealingmakeup.com/index.htm.

From Laura K. Halik at www.naturalconcealingmakeup.com.

How To Cure Acne Naturally

Acne is a very annoying and burdensome problem, it makes you feel unhappy and depressed. It can pull down your self-confidence and mess up your social life. Today there are many medications available to treat acne but most of them actually treat acne after an outbreak. In other words, most medications from the doctor are working on controlling the symptoms or disease rather than preventing it.

But can we actually prevent acne? The answer is a resounding “YES” if we understand what our bodies need and how to treat them in a healthy way. Natural acne cure can be just as effective as, if not more powerful than prescription medications. And the best part of natural way of curing and preventing acne is that it has no side-effect. But the difficult part is that it requires significant amount of discipline, commitment and patience on your part. That’s why most people can’t bother to follow the natural way.

The skin is the largest organ of our body. Besides functioning as a shield to protect our innards from harmful gems and bacteria, it is also an excretory organ that releases toxic waste as in sweat. And since wastes come from the foods we eat, the best and natural way to prevent acne is to have a healthy diet or lifestyle. Sometimes, in order to cure acne, all it takes is just giving the right nutrients to your body and proper skin care.

Having a strong discipline and commitment to live a healthy lifestyle may not be easy nowadays but if you have ever survived or recovered from a terminal illness before, then perhaps you can better appreciate the meaning of being healthy. It has been said that health is the greatest or most precious asset in our life but unfortunately this expression has become a cliche. It’s very easy to talk about it but not so easy to walk the talk. Most people today are still living in a very unhealthy lifestyle.

Here are some information that can help to prevent acne and start living a healthy lifestyle:

  • Always remember to drink WATER (at least 8-10 glasses a day).
  • Always remember to eat plenty of fresh vegetables.
  • Always remember to eat plenty of fresh fruits.
  • Always remember to avoid red meats. If craving for meats, always think of FISH, CHICKEN or TURKEY.
  • Always remember to exercise regularly.

I believe living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to cure acne naturally. Hope this article can motivate you to start living a healthy lifestyle. More information on acne care and acne treatments can be found at http://acnecaretreatment.wordpress.com.

Leon is an Infopreneur dedicated to sharing his online discoveries across the net. You can visit his blog at Health Buzz Zone.

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

The Best Kept Secrets For Acne Prevention

There certainly is a lot of confusion out there regarding acne prevention and acne treatment. A lot of Medical research continues in this area, so there is the prospect adolescent acne prevention in the future, but for now there is no accepted acne treatment method of preventing adolescent acne.

Diet

Diet does plays a vital role in acne prevention and consuming the wrong foods can quickly make a bad case of acne even worse. It is recommended for acne prevention and treatment that you try to minimize any rubbing or friction to the irritated area. Avoiding things that rub the skin — such as backpacks and sporting goods — can also be a helpful part of acne prevention.

Lifestyle

Acne afflicts people of different ages, lifestyles and races. People suffering from acne need to pay attention to some simple lifestyle changes. In so far as acne prone skin is concerned, two major causes of acne are foods comprising refined sugar and a great deal of fat. It is noted that plentiful sums of fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily by people suffering from acne. If you currently have acne be sure to seek out all natural products first and then try others.

Natural Care

A balanced diet is one of the best options we have to fight acne. Most skin experts now realize this fact and have developed guidelines for acne prevention. Similarly, it is better to use some elementary medicated soap with warm water to clean the acne infected skin instead of face wash, which has lots of chemicals and perhaps some fragrance. Its imperative to take great care of the skin when using this method to prevent infection.

Medical

Doctors are listening , but as much as they would love to spend quality time with acne sufferers by explaining everything about different acne treatments, they simply don’t have the time. Everybody want to have clear, soft, smooth, and radiant looking skin, and there are various acne prevention treatments, and ointments available that can help to achieve just this. Your skin responds differently to soap, cleansers, and acne treatments as it would with someone else. Even after having tried all sorts of medications available on the market, including alternative acne treatments, many are all the same left with reddened, chafed skin.

Prevention

We all desire to have clean, soft, beaming skin, and there are respective acne prevention treatment discourses available such as, creams, gels, and balms that can help us to accomplish just this. It’s true that there is no miracle acne remedies, but it can be prevented with success using acne prevention techniques. Medicine’s current power to prevent acne, and the expectations for acne prevention in the future, vary greatly between the different clinical types of acne.

Solutions

For cutting edge information and products, for the treatment and prevention of acne, go to http://www.advancesinhealth.com/Skin/index.php,

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Understanding Acne - The First Step Towards Overcoming It

At one point or another, just about everyone has had acne. It’s affected just about every person in the population and it is not a pretty sight to behold. People are constantly trying everything under the sun to cure or treat this terrible skin disease, and there is in fact ways of treating it. Before discussing some of the cures and/or treatments, it’s good to know what causes it, because when you have a better understanding of that, you’ll better know how to treat it as well.

The cause of acne, among many other things, is usually the clogging of pores all over the skin by excess oils. This causes blackheads, pimples, and whiteheads to pop up all over our skin. As the severity of the clogging furthers, there becomes more and more pimples and blackheads. Once there is inflammation, infection and other factors can lead to scarring of the skin.

In the stage of adolescence, sex hormones are increased and oils produced by glands are also increased, leading to the clogging of pores. This is why acne is so common among teens. As people get older, acne, although it can hit at any age, does become less frequent.

The physical effects of acne are quite apparent; bumpy and even scarred skin, but there is also an emotional factor as well. Many studies have been done which conclude that those who suffer from acne have more anxiety and even depression than non-sufferers, as well as self-image and self-esteem issues. The emotional effects from acne are actually quite serious and devastating for those who have it. The depression and anxiety experienced by sufferers of acne can be compared to those who suffer from other conditions such as asthma.

But despite all the bad things that acne can bring, there is hope for those who suffer from it. There are many ways to treat and in some cases cure it. Some of the treatments available are anti-biotic pills, which come with minimal risk and should be avoided by women who are pregnant. There is also laser resurfacing, while it is an effective way to treat acne it can get somewhat pricey. There is also light treatments which have also been proven effective.

You can also consult a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions to ask what the best treatment for your skin is, because everyone is different and responds differently to different treatments.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about laser acne removal then make sure to visit our acne website for more information.

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