Acne Cure and Prevention Tips

Acne Improved on Low-Glycemic Diet

2008-06-26T02:13:00.001+08:00

By Dr. Ray Sahelian, MD

Foods that produce a high glycemic load - such as sugared drinks, white bread, and white potatoes - cause a quick rise in blood sugar. More complex carbohydrates with fiber, such as unrefined cereals, grains, and beans, have a more gradual effect on blood sugar, and, thus, have a low glycemic index. Eating low-glycemic foods can help stave off obesity and diabetes. It can also help clear up unsightly acne.

Dr. Robyn N. Smith, from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, evaluated acne symptoms in 43 male patients. The participants - who ranged in age from 15 to 25 - were randomly assigned to a low-glycemic-load diet or a normal diet. After three months, the low-glycemic diet was associated with a significant reduction in acne compared with the normal diet. In addition, the low-glycemic diet produced greater reductions in body weight and body mass and a greater increase in insulin sensitivity.

One reason for the success of the low-glycemic diet is that it limits the increase in insulin levels. Chronically high levels of insulin may lead to blockages in skin pores and extra oil building up under the skin.

Along with sticking to low-glycemic foods, eating lots of fish full of omega-3 EPA and DHA oils is very helpful for people with acne. Even with the best diet, many teenagers will be bothered with pimples. But their skin problem is likely to be less severe when they adopt a healthier diet.

How to Care For Dry Skin

2006-12-15T12:38:00.000+08:00

Dry skin care is necessary for individuals that have skin that does not normally retain its moisture for one or more reasons. This is a medical condition that can cause a great deal of pain if it gets to a severe level and/or if it goes untreated. The good news is that dry skin can be cared for properly and can be relieved. If you take the necessary steps to getting care for your skin, you’ll find that your skin feels and looks better.

How To Improve Dry Skin

There are a wide range of products on the market, both organic and natural to chemicals that can help you to get rid of dry skin. To choose the right product for your skin, though, you’ll need to pay close attention to what the product is and how it can work for your specific condition.

First, you will need to wash your skin properly. Because the skin is being pulled tight and is often distorted in its shape, it can be painful to scrub the skin. You should not do this. What you should do is to gently wash your skin with a moisturizing cleanser. There should be no perfumes or other ingredients in the product. For dry skin, do not use anything that is rough to the touch either. Clarins has a gentle foaming cleanser that gently removes surface impurities and makeup. You can get one for $25.50 from Macy's
.

If the skin is very dry and irritated, it is necessary to use a moisturizer throughout the day as well. These can be purchased throughout the web in good qualities. Make sure to use chemicals and cosmetics at a minimum as they can dry out the skin even more.

Lastly, when fighting dry skin, you should also try to improve your diet to insure that your body is getting the vitamins and minerals that it needs to keep skin healthy. This will include a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It may also be necessary to seek the help of a doctor if the condition does not improve.

Skin care is very important to your health. Improve dry skin with quality products and through diet and stop hurting every time the wind blows past your lips and face.

Good Skin Care Habits For a Healthy Skin

2006-12-03T14:40:00.000+08:00

Adapted from an article by Mayo Clinic

The busy lifestyle we live nowadays leave little time for pampering our skin. And with age, our skin gradually becomes thinner and wrinkled. Oil-producing glands grow less active leaving your skin drier. The number of blood vessels in the skin decreases causing our skin to become more fragile, and lose its youthful color and glow.

Good skin care — such as avoiding the sun, washing your skin gently and applying moisturizer regularly — can help delay the natural aging process and prevent many skin problems. These simple skin-care habits will help you protect your skin to keep it healthy and glowing for years to come.

1. Wash your skin gently

Cleaning is an essential part of caring for your skin. The key is to treat your skin gently.

* Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time to about 15 minutes or less, and use warm, rather than hot, water.

* Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps strip oil from your skin leaving your skin dry. Instead, choose mild soaps with oils and fats added to them. (like Clinique soap products as featured on the right)
* Remove eye makeup carefully. Use a soft sponge, cotton cloth or cotton balls when removing eye makeup to avoid damaging the delicate tissue around your eyes. If you wear heavy, waterproof makeup, you may need to use an oil-based product such as petroleum jelly.
* Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin. Immediately moisturize your skin with an oil or cream.

2. Moisturize regularly

Moisturizers help maintain your skin's natural moisture levels. They work by providing a seal over your skin — to keep water from escaping — or by slowly releasing water into your skin.

The moisturizer that's best for you and the frequency with which you need to moisturize depends on many factors, including your skin type, your age and whether you have specific conditions such as acne. A good way to test if you need a moisturizer is to wait 20 minutes after bathing. If your skin feels tight, you should apply a moisturizer.

Select a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to help protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays. If you have sensitive skin, look for products free of heavy dyes, perfumes or other additives. If your skin is very dry, you may want to apply an oil, such as baby oil, while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do and prevents the evaporation of water from the surface of your skin. If your skin is oily, you may want to skip moisturizing.

3. Shave with care

Shaving is a common and inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair. But shaving can cause skin irritations, especially if your skin is thin, dry or very sensitive. For a smooth shave:

* Press a warm wash cloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Or shave after a warm bath or shower.
* Don't shave dry skin, which can cause razor burn. Apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving to protect and lubricate your skin.
* Use a clean, sharp razor. If using an electric razor, don't use the closest setting, which can irritate the skin.
* Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
* Rinse your skin afterwards with warm water.

If irritation does occur, apply a lotion that doesn't contain ethyl or isopropyl alcohol. Though alcohol and alcohol-based products may feel cooling, they don't really soothe irritated skin because the alcohol evaporates rapidly from the skin.

4. Protect yourself from the sun

The best way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. Ultraviolet light — the invisible but intense rays of the sun — damages your skin, causing deep wrinkles, dry, rough skin, liver spots, and more serious disorders, such as noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) skin tumors.

For the most complete sun protection, use all three of these methods:

* Avoid the sun during high-intensity hours. The sun's rays are most damaging from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reduce the time you spend outdoors during these hours.
* Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also, keep in mind that certain clothing styles and fabrics offer better protection from the sun than do others. For example, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection than short-sleeved shirts do. And tightly woven fabrics such as denim are better than loosely woven fabrics such as knits.
* Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.

5. Avoid smoking

Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. Skin changes from smoking can be seen in young adults who have been smoking for as few as 10 years.

Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin. This decreases blood flow, depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are important to skin health. All of these factors increase damage to the elastic fibers (elastin) and collagen which give your skin strength and elasticity.

In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles. It's also possible that repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes may damage your facial skin over time.

~Source: Mayo Clinic

Beauty Secrets for an Acne Free Skin

2006-11-29T21:14:00.000+08:00

Looking young and desirable is the trend these days as our subconscious minds get bombarded with images of beautiful models with flawless skin. We have become obsessed with losing weight and getting rid of wrinkles. Cosmetic surgery is beyond the means of a lot of people, so we search the glossy magazines for any beauty secrets that the experts can give us. Celebrities give their tips too, of course it's easier to stay gorgeous when you have an entourage containing a personal fitness trainer, make up artist and hair stylist.

Millions of dollars are spent on face creams and products that promise to remove wrinkles. Men have become just as vain as women, moisturizing, exfoliating and dying their hair. Is there anything we can do apart from botox injections? Some beauty secrets have been handed down from the old Hollywood stars. Many an actress today plunges her face into a bowl of cold water and ice. If the shock doesn't kill you, it's supposed to invigorate and stimulate the skin. This might be too extreme for a daily regime but no pain, no gain.

It may be a cliché but the best advice on looking good is to live right. Smoking, partying, eating rich foods and alcohol all take their toll if not moderated. The body can only take so much and the skin will start to show the visible results of an unhealthy lifestyle. Dry, creased skin and dark circles under the eyes will betray all. There is no great mystery to beauty secrets. There's nothing wrong with buying lotions and potions but it's only a temporary fix before it all catches up with you. Eating plenty fruit and vegetables, no smoking and drinking water or pure juice instead of caffeine is a good regime to follow. A sufficient amount of sleep is also beneficial. The body needs time to recuperate.

Some women won't take the garbage out until they are fully made up. The thought of facing the world without putting their face on sends them into blind terror. The fact is that cosmetics were not invented to preserve our youth. The less make up, the better. It's important to cleanse, tone and moisturize every day. If you are buying products that claim to offer all the beauty secrets known to civilization, make sure the manufacturer has a good pedigree. If it retails at a ridiculously low price, the chances are that the ingredients are not as pure as you would wish.

Natural foods the way to go for beautiful skin

2006-11-14T10:15:00.000+08:00

The skin is the body's largest organ, and one that people pay a lot of attention to, whether it's pampering faces with creams and lotions or moisturizing hands and feet for a more youthful-looking appearance.

Besides over-the-counter products that promise to whiten, tighten and smoothen, Mother Nature can also help you maintain your skin's youth and health.

Patrick Holford, a nutritionist and health author, advised that skin can maintain its lustre with proper care and optimum nutrition.

He said:"What nutrients you feed your skin, from both inside through diets and supplements, and from the outside through skin creams, is the single most important factor for ensuring healthy, young and glowing skin."
And that also means junking the junk in favour of wholesome alternatives like fresh and unprocessed food.

Holford said:"A good intake of antioxidants is vital for the health of your skin. Eating plenty of antioxidant-rich food daily is a key dietary factor."

That's because the flexibility of collagen and elestin fibres present in skin reduces over time due to the damage caused by free radicals - hence the need for antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E and selenium. Vitamin C for example, is responsible for creating collagen in the skin by converting amino acid proline, into hydroxyproline.

Holford cites oxidants(free radicals), present in the environment and food we eat, as our skin's main enemy. These are commonly found in pollution from car exhaust and cigarette smoke, in fried and burnt food and processed cooking oils.

According to Holford, to ensure skin stays healthy, it's best to include at least five servings of colourful fruit and vegetables in one's diet, in addition to other skin-friendly foods like a tablespoon of pumpkin, sesame, sunflower or linseed seeds, as well as helpings of fibre-rich wholegrains,root vegetables, lentils and beans.

In addition, drinking at least six glasses of water a day is also good for maintaining healthy skin as well as is taking low fat, organic yoghurt and fruit juices. And when the hunger pangs strike at tea-time, resist the urge to gorge on fatty curry puffs and cake. Opt instead for a handful of raw nuts like almonds or hazelnuts, or try munching on carrot and celery sticks with low-fat dips.

So, for healthy skin, be disciplined instead in choosing the right natural foods that are not only nutritious, but also skin-friendly.

Natural Herbal Acne Skin Care

2006-11-07T19:10:00.000+08:00

Recently there have been numerous negative rumors circulating about various up-market skin-whitening products claiming that they contain harmful chemicals. Whether these rumors are true or not, hopefully the truth will eventually come with time and trial. But worry and anxiety are always the biggest obstacles to a beautiful complexion. So as an alternative, why not try some natural herbal skin care products free from chemical additives?

Different herbal plants have different curative effects. Here are some basic tips about some commonly used herbal plants. Read on before rushing to apply just any herbal skin care product to your body.

Lemon, liquorice and bergamot (picture on right) have amazing whitening effects. Mint, aloe and witch hazel are good for controlling oil and acne. Neroli, bergamot and geraniums work well to combat wrinkles. Cucumber, rose and camellia help keep skin moist. Green tea, chamomile, rosemary and grapeseed oil are good antioxidants.

Different skin stypes should use different combinations of herbal plants. Try a few different kinds before deciding on the best one for you.

For normal skin

Herbal plants diminish inflammation, moisturize and improve balance. You can try:

Aloe: diminishes inflammation and softens coarse skin.

French salvia: prevents loss of moisture and improves sebum excretion.

Rosehip: boosts the balance of oil and water.

Mint and lime: tightens skin.

For oily skin

Try herbal plants containing sebum excretion or antibacterial plants such as:

French mint: cools skin and boosts blood circulation

Indian rosehip: helps metabolism.

Lavender: restrains the superfluous excretion of sedum.

Rosemary: eliminates accumulated waste and unblocks pores.

For dry skin

The main challenge for dry skin is to add to and keep the water on the skin's surface. Why not try:

Aloe: diminishes inflammation and softens coarse skin.

Italian immortelle: increases oxygen supply to skin cells.

Evening primrose oil: rich in fatty acids it fights wrinkles and spots.

Rosehip seed oil: prevents water loss.

For sensitive skin

Relaxing and natural herbal plants are best.

German and Roman chamomile: helps fight allergies.

Lavender: relaxes.

Lemon grass: boosts circulation and fights stress.

Tea tree: kills bacteria, covers scars and prevents infection.

Here are some well known herbal skin care brands:

L'occitane - A long-famous herbal skin care product brand originating from Provence, France, L'occitane offers herbal skin care products especially for men in addition to various herbal skin care products for women, including fine fragrances, body and hand care products, bath and shower products, skin care and hair care products.

Evolu Natural Skin Care Products" - Offers organic and herbal ingredients for facial and body skincare beauty treatment.

Martha Hill - Serious herbal skin care for over 30 years.

Zen Biotic Innovations - Offering natural organic skin care that utilizes live nutrition for maximum rejuvenation and regeneration of skin cells.

~ More information on Natural Herbal Acne Home Remedies

Help Your Acne Condition by First Understanding Your Skin Type

2006-11-04T21:05:00.000+08:00

Is keeping your complexion clear becoming an uphill task? Is your skin free of oil, perfectly hydrated, radiant, smooth and free from any imperfections? Although no one is perfect, there is a lot you can do to make sure your skin looking great at all times. Let's face it, we all want a great complexion, and that means staying acne free. What causes acne anyway? Unfortunately most people don't even know. They just go about buying loads of acne treatments, which unfortunately worsens the situation sometimes. To be acne free, you must first understand your face.

Ask a dermatologist or your family doctor about your skin type. With that knowledge you can match products that will work well for you. While we all typically understand that pimples erupt due to clogged pores, many of us do not attack this dilemma the right way. Dead skin, oil and bacteria are the catalysts that initiate acne, but do you know how to deal with them properly? First of all, you don't want to over-cleanse. This will only aggravate and irritate your delicate skin further. The last thing you need is a dry face. This dilemma will actually cause your glands to pump out more oil to compensate. What you need is balance if you want to be acne free. Try a gentle cleanser. One facial cleanser that is still my favorite is the pH Advantage Acne Cleanser. This will wash away the dirt and oil, but not strip the skin's surface. A topical treatment may be necessary to apply after cleansing. It's always prudent to pat the face dry with a clean towel. You don't want to rub and cause further irritation.

Proper diet is also a key factor in maintaining acne free skin. What we eat comes out through our pores. Think fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. These give our body nutrients that we need everyday. A final tip concerning acne free skin is to get a good night's sleep. Are you getting enough of it? You want to be sure to get enough rest each day. This reduces stress and fatigue, which in turn affects your complexion. You may want to switch pillow cases every night as well. I know this sounds crazy, but all of that bacteria is imbedded into your pillow case every night when you sleep. Do you really want to rub your clean face on it night after night? With the right steps, you too can become acne free.

Top 25 Skin Care Tips by L.A.'s Leading Aesthetician

2006-10-30T07:24:00.000+08:00

Here are some tips from Charlotte James, distinguished paramedical aesthetician and president of the Charlotte-James Facial Clinic in Los Angeles, California. She shares her top 25 skin care tips in celebration of her 25th year in practice.

"Through my years of experience, I have learned many of the 'secrets' of skin care and am happy to share them," said James, a paramedical aesthetician who merges scientific and dermatological procedures with classic aesthetician's treatments. "Most of my tips are derived from what I have learned while treating and observing a multitude of skin conditions from acne and wrinkles to Acne Rosacea."

1. If you need to get rid of a pimple quickly, call your dermatologist to inject it with cortisone. If the zit is red and inflamed, try icing it and applying over the counter cortisone cream to decrease the redness.

2. If you have acne-prone skin or you are sensitive to iodides, watch for foods that contain iodine like sushi, which can exacerbate it.

3. To fix an oily T-zone while in a public bathroom, use a piece of the toilet seat cover to dab on skin and blot excess oil.

4. To reduce puffy eyes temporarily, mash a raw potato, then strain it and apply "the juice" directly to the under-eye area.

5. Try an herbal poultice to quickly reduce a zit; simmer 1/4 cup each of chaparral, dandelion and yellow dock in 1/2 cup water. Pour the solution onto a small clean piece of cotton cloth or gauze; gather up ends like a sachet and place poultice directly on the site for 15 minutes or more. Make sure to clean the area with hydrogen peroxide before you begin.

6. If you run out of face powder, cornstarch makes an excellent replacement and absorbs oil quickly.

7. Apply sunscreen as the last part of your skin care routine, after you have cleansed and moisturized your skin.

8. If you have a negative reaction or sensitivity to make-up, apply over the counter cortisone or aloe. Topical/internal antihistamine like benadryl will also help.

9. If you have acne, you might want to change pillowcases every third day.

10. To make a quick and effective body exfoliator at home, mix olive oil with sugar or salt.

11. Use a salicylic acid cleaner and a loofah to reduce Keratosis Pilaris, the 'goose bumps' found on the backs of arms and tops of thighs. A lotion containing lactic acid, like AmLactin, or one of the stronger glycolic acids may also help.

Keratosis Pilaris

12. Use topical retinoids and/or mild glycolic formulations which help with acne, pigmentation and help foster collagen/elastin formation.

13. Sanitize home, office and cell phones regularly. The dirt and bacteria that builds up on them can lead to breakouts where the phone touches your face.

14. A quick way to determine if you suffer from Rosacea instead of acne is to watch for a "red mask" which is characterized by a red flushing on the forehead, nose and cheeks.

15. If you get a sunburn while on vacation and there's no access to a pharmacy, use plain yogurt or sour cream and apply to burned areas. Over the counter cortisone cream is always good to have on hand for burns, rashes and bites.

16. Check your moles at least once a year, especially those that have changed in size.

17. After cleansing, make sure you incorporate an antioxidant which has been 'micronized' for deeper penetration. This helps the skin to repair itself.

18. If you're using a glycolic acid formulation, make sure it's at least 10% in strength or it won't do much for your skin. Remember to avoid sun exposure and be diligent about sunscreen after you use it.

19. Mix honey and oatmeal to make a natural exfoliant for your face.

20. Use a moisturizer that maximizes the hydro capacity of the cells, (which is the maximum amount of water the cell can hold) to plump up and hydrate the skin.

21. Eliminate stress as much as possible because stress can lead to the over production of hormones, increasing your cortisol levels. Yoga, meditation and keeping a journal can alleviate stress and help your skin stay clear.

22. If you have oily skin, do not over-wash your face, this will only dry it out more, and make your skin produce even more oil.

23. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and apply it over your regular moisturizer and/or under make-up.

24. Do not smoke and do not drink excessively. These actions dry out your skin and cause deep wrinkling.

25. The most important steps in your skin care routine are to exfoliate, moisturize and protect. These three simple steps will help keep your skin smooth and supple.

Author bio: Charlotte James is among the first to use microdermabrasion in LA. She specializes in treating numerous skin problems and identifying different kinds of skin cancer. She and her team specialize in anti-aging treatments, the treatment of acne and advanced electrolysis services.

Protect Yourself from the Sun and Harsh Weather by Using Sunblock

2006-10-27T09:10:00.000+08:00

As a follow up to my last post on the effects of weather and sun tanning on acne, I do notice that most people usually overlook the harsh effects of the sun on our skin. It is important to use the correct sunblock will help protect our skin from the sun and wind. Toxins from radiation and drying of the outer layers of skin can greatly add to breakout problems.

I found this out for myself when I worked outdoors in my younger years. Like most I thought getting more sunlight was going to make my skin healthier, but I was wrong. I would breakout even more when I got too much sun - not breakout less. What the sun does is cause tanning of the skin, making the skin darker and mask the redness of the acne or pimple breakout.

You need to always protect the exposed surface of the skin from the effects of the outside environment. The SPF (sun protection factor)needs to be 15 to 30 - no more unless you are spending the entire day gardening or at the beach.

If you have oily skin, then you need to find an oil free sunblock. If you have normal or dry skin, you can use a moisturizer with sunblock. I usually recommend Neutrogena products for sunblocks as they are usually noncomedogenic (not supposed to have any pore-clogging ingredients).

By using the correct SPF and type of medium for your skin type - you can not only get the proper sunblock protection, but you will also be able to assist your skin in minimizing breakouts.

Does Weather Affect Acne?

2006-10-24T09:58:00.000+08:00

I came across an interesting study in the Journal of Dermatology. The study looked at 452 people with acne problems and found that 56% of participants had worse symptoms during summer, while 11% experienced more outbreaks in the winter months.

Although this may suggest that warmer weather is bad for your acne condition, other studies have thrown up results that are conflicting.

There is another study that discovered a majority of respondents' acne condition worsened in winter and improved in summer. The study proposed that sunlight could be the cause, as research shows that ultraviolet light destroys the acne causing bacteria known as porphyrins.

I spoke with my dermatologist today and she is of the view that though many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne condition, there has yet to be any conclusive findings in this area. Conversely she warned against excessive exposure to ultraviolet light as it can cause early skin aging and increasing one's risk of skin cancer.

So hold off sun tanning to improve acne pending further findings in this area...

Acne Health Highlights: Acne Drug Linked to Depression in Mice

2006-10-20T10:18:00.000+08:00

Roaccutane, a treatment for severe acne used by some 13 million people worldwide, has been found to produce depressive behavior in mice, British scientists reported Tuesday.

Working with colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin, British researchers from the University of Bath gave Roaccutane to adolescent mice over a six-week period and monitored the animals' behavior. While there was no change in their physical abilities, the rodents spent more time being immobile in response to stress tests, which was interpreted as a sign of depression. The drug's maker, Roche, does include a warning about depression in packets, BBC News reported.

"Without more research, it is difficult to say for sure whether the same link applies to people taking the drug," said researcher Dr. Sarah Bailey of the University of Bath. Bailey said teenagers should not stop taking the drug, but should seek medical advice if they start to feel depressed. Parents should also watch out for any mood changes in their children, she added.

From 1992 until this month, Britain's drug regulatory agency has received 1,588 reports of suspected adverse events among people taking Roaccutane, including 25 people who died from suicide, the BBC reported.

The mouse study was published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology.

How to Remove Blackheads

2006-10-17T14:06:00.003+08:00

What is the worst kind of pimple? It's the one that you can't get rid of. Many of them run a seven day cycle, but there are others that do not follow this routine. How do you get rid of those pimples? There are a number of methods and treatments available to aid you in this battle. You certainly want one that doesn't lead to more breakouts. Yes, I did say more breakout. Some products are simply not right for the skin and can create more acne through harsh irritation. One of the big concerns many of us have involves blackheads. These are nasty little blocked pores. So many of us have them on our noses where it typically stays oily.

Blackheads are the result of secretion of sebum that causes hardening of the pores after accumulating there. This toxic substance in the form of a sticky gel is a mixture of sebum, blood, and lymph fluid. The area that is open changes its color because of surface contact with impurities and becomes black.

If you're one of the thousands trying to figure out a way how to remove blackheads, hold on for a minute. The last thing you want to do is cause damage to your delicate skin. These blackheads always hide deep in our pores, making it excruciating to get them out. Many people resort to the pinching and squeezing method. While this probably does temporarily get rid of some blackheads, it's certainly not permanent. The problem with this method is the irritation caused by the pressure. All that squeezing and pinching can lead to broken blood vessels around the nose.

Another effective method to remove blackheads is by using a hot wash cloth. You can place a hot wash cloth over your face for 5 minutes and then follow up with a gentle face scrub. This should slough away some of those nasty blackheads without damaging your delicate outer layer of skin, the epidermis.

A blackhead removal tool used by dermatologists is now available commercially and is effective in removing blackheads if you carefully follow its usage instructions.

Chris Gibson, who was once a chronic acne sufferer, found a scientifically proven way to permanently clear his acne problem. In fact he cured his acne in 3 days without any harsh prescription drugs or over-the-counter products. In this well researched book Chris reveals the fast and easy way to get rid of your pimples, zits, whiteheads and blackheads.

Adults Do Suffer From Acne Too

2006-10-12T19:56:00.000+08:00

From my experience, although acne and pimples are generally associated with prepubescent and teenaged populations, adult acne is not uncommon. It is estimated that 1 in 4 adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experience acne and nearly half of all adult women experience mild to moderate acne. Most adults, who survived their teenage years with no apparent acne and the lack of ‘bad skin’ that their peers struggled with are often embarrassed to discover that just when they assumed they were free from acne for ever, they have been afflicted by adult acne. Most of them are embarrassed. And also a little confused. Isn’t acne restricted to adolescents, they wonder? But the fact remains that adult acne is more common than you imagined. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 40% of all acne cure products are bought and consumed by adult acne sufferers.

But why does adult acne occur? The reasons are many. But the most commonly attributed reason, that of poor personal hygiene, is a myth. Almost all cases of acne, even adult acne, are a direct result of hormonal imbalances or blocked pores on the skin. Some adult acne could also be caused by infection of the sebaceous glands or faulty closing of the hair ducts on the face. And all acne is curable to a greater or lesser degree. Most adults are so embarrassed by the onset of adult acne that they try the first remedy they can get their hands on at the local pharmacist. But this may actually cause more harm than good. Most over the counter acne remedies are created specifically to deal with acne among younger populations. These medicines and treatments may not have the strength or the capability t deal with adult acne, the causes of which may differ greatly.

And while adult acne is in form and appearance no different from regular acne, it may demand stronger remedies. Whenever one is confronted by adult acne, it would be a good idea to consult a dermatologist. He or she will be able to determine what caused the adult acne in the first place. Once a diagnosis is made, there may be a simple prescription drug that might be able to eradicate the problem forever. But all adults with adult acne must remember that it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Like I said earlier, adult acne is more common than normally imagined. And wouldn’t it be better to go for one visit to the dermatologist to get rid of the problem than to spend a fortune at the local drugstore trying to find a diagnosis and a cure? Not to mention the worry and fear that inevitably accompanies the late onset of acne.

Knowing Your Skin Type Helps to Clear Acne

2006-10-11T21:51:00.000+08:00

Do you know the best method to clear up acne, and get it done fast? A large part of the dilemma concerns our skin types. Do you have any idea what your skin type is? I don't think I actually knew that mine was normal to dry until I was about 19 years old. One thing I can let you in on concerns gender. Males naturally have oilier skin than females. Yes, this means males are more prone to acne. As far as your personal skin type goes, you can easily consult your family doctor or a dermatologist for that answer. They should be able to provide some decent advice on the best way for you to clear up acne, and keep it from ever coming back. Acne is caused by a blockage of the pores. When oil, dirt, and debris clog that tiny pore, it can result in a nasty blemish. The key is to keep you mug clear of all that mess and prevent future breakouts.

There are infinite products available these days that can indeed clear up acne fast. One product that has shown good results for me is Proactiv Acne Solution. There are additional factors that can aid you in the skin-clearing process. A healthy diet along with a lot of water it great for your skin and body. You always want to get plenty of sleep, which allows your body to heal and rejuvenate. Clear up acne the smart way by living right and acquiring the right treatments for your skin affliction.

How I Tackled My Acne and Pimples

2006-10-11T06:31:00.000+08:00

I was an acne sufferer from my teenage years to adulthood. From my experiences and what I have learnt from trial and error and research gathered over the years I want to share this information where people can quickly and easily find information on acne and acne treatment options and as always in any medical condition, prevention is always better than cure.

There are some general myths about acne that I grew up with. My family members firmly believed that acne was a result of poor diet like fast food burgers and 'heaty' fries. While it was true that I enjoyed the frequent dose of junk food that the neighborhood fast food joints dished out, I wasn’t too sure that eating out was the cause of my acne. Some of my friends ate out with me, and what’s more, ate junk food even more frequently than I did. But they hardly had any acne. Something had to be wrong with the popular belief right? I had seen the myth being busted right before my eyes. Another associated myth was about chocolate. And since I loved chocolate in any form or shape, I would have found giving it up, even at the risk of remaining acne king, an abhorrent idea. But having read up and followed news and medical reports on the subject, I discovered to me relief that chocolate consumption had nothing whatsoever to do with acne.

Another myth that I did believe, and which sounded genuine and even scientific at that time, related to the assumption that acne was a result of dirt accumulation on the pores of my face. I never stopped to consider that if that was the case, why wasn’t the skin on my arms and legs, which were more in contact with dirt and grime than any other part of my body, riddled with acne? In any case, I spent several days, weeks and months assiduously washing my face with all kinds of soaps and anti acne creams in a bid to eradicate acne. To no effect. Finally, I also resorted to a fatalistic attitude and concluded that the more I stressed myself out thinking about my acne, the more they would continue to remain. It was at that point that I gave up bothering about my acne filled face. And guess what? A couple of years later, as I slowly grew out of my adolescence, the acne disappeared on its own! Although there are still a few tell tale scars of my acne king days, my face is clear and radiant today!

Much research, trial and error has gone into my journey to a clearer skin. I will share what I have learnt here and continue to share with acne sufferrers the information that I have and products that I have found to be useful.