Archive for July, 2010

Acne is the most common skin disorder. Though it affects millions, and cause trauma to both the skin and the self-esteem, there is no cure for acne. There are however hundreds of products, medications, and cosmetic procedures that may or may not help heal acne pimples. Before resorting to drastic measures like laser surgery or Accutane, acne sufferers should attempt a natural approach.

Small lifestyle changes may greatly impact incidence and severity of acne. This article will focus on an acne diet naturist treatment. Dietary changes and holistic methods may be able to control acne without invasive methods or a visit to the dermatologist.

Acne Diet Naturist Treatment How-To

The effect of diet on acne has been hotly debated for centuries. Though chocolate, French fries, and soda may not by themselves cause acne, an overall unhealthy diet will have an impact on the overall condition of the body including the skin.

The first change acne sufferers should make in an acne diet naturist treatment plan is drinking adequate amounts of water. 8-10 eight oz. glasses of water daily will help the body flush toxins out and will help moisturize, balance and regulate all the systems of the body.

Another change to be made as part of the acne diet naturist treatment plan is eating foods that contain water, like fresh fruits and vegetables, will also benefit the body and the skin. Adding fiber to the diet will also cleanse the digestive tract which has a direct impact on the skin.

Processed or fatty foods, caffeine, sugars, and white flours cause build up in the intestines and colon. When these systems are dirty or clogged, the pores of the skin will also become clogged, causing an acne breakout.

Some foods cause hormone levels to shift. Since hormones, as well as diet, are a major cause of acne, it is important to know what foods can affect hormones and avoid them. Any foods containing refined carbohydrates and excessive sugar cause an increase in insulin production, which affects hormones, which in turn affects the skin.

Avoiding sugar, soda, pizza, pasta, white bread, and pastries will noticeably impact the complexion. Replace these foods with as many fresh, unprocessed foods as possible. An acne diet naturist treatment includes not only maintaining a healthy diet, but a healthy lifestyle.

Managing stress, avoiding the sun, getting plenty of rest, and exercising are all part of a healthy lifestyle. Remember that an unhealthy inside, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, will reflect on the outside.

Teens and adults who are prone to pimples, acne, and breakouts can be extremely self-conscious about their appearance. Teens often spend hours in front of the mirror in order to look as though they have perfectly smooth skin, and adults will pay lots of money in order to try various treatments and solve their acne problems for good. However, the best way to eliminate acne is to do so before it becomes a major problem. The elimination of acne is not a science – merely common sense.

There Is Nothing You Can Do About It

In some situations, there is nothing that can be done to treat acne. Namely, the two cases of acne that are essentially untreatable are genetics and hormones. Sometimes, bad acne can run in the family. Additionally, hormonal changes that occur during puberty, menstruation, and while women are on birth control are difficult to control. While there isn’t anything that can be done to eliminate acne in these situations, other cases have simpler solutions.

Preventative Treatment

The first step in acne elimination is prevention. Knowing what causes acne and what makes acne worse can come in handy for anyone who suffers from it. Stress, while not a scientifically proven cause of acne, is a well known factor in causing pimples and breakouts. It can also making existing breakouts even worse. Managing stress in a productive way, such as through exercise, is one way to eliminate acne before it appears. Likewise, a proper diet can also have an impact on the amount of acne that you suffer from.

Another leading cause of acne is medications. Certain medications will cause breakouts as a side effect. Check with your doctor if you think that your medication could be a culprit. The same can be said of skin care products that are too greasy and oily. These products can clog skin ducts. Check for skin products with natural ingredients for the best results.

Another way to eliminate the possibility of aggravating your acne is to not wash your face too often. People who wash their face too frequently, or who use harsh cleansers, are more prone to acne attacks. Squeezing pimples, while it is tempting, is another factor that can lead to more acne.

Sticking To A Strategy

The best method for acne elimination is not the same for everyone. Depending on what the trigger of your acne is, you will most likely favor one method of acne elimination over another. The important thing is that it is what works best for you.

As a teenage girl, puberty is high on the list of things that cause stress. Stress and changing hormones cause acne. Some teenagers are lucky and get through puberty with only a few blemishes at most. Others suffer with acne that is practically disfiguring. So, many teenagers are trying to avoid acne and the regular creams by using tanning booths as their method of acne alternative treatment.

Tans Hiding Blemishes

It is funny to think that only a hundred years ago it was highly unfashionable to have a tan. Pale skin was the way to go for women, and they would hide their skin behind layers of clothing, hats, and parasols. However, with Coco Chanel making the tan fashionable, tans have become stylish and now too a popular acne alternative treatment.

This acne alternative treatment has a basis in, surprisingly, science. When exposed to sunlight, the melanin in the skin triggers the color that results in a tan. The melanin production cancels out (albeit only for a short while) the oil glands that cause acne. Any scars that have been caused by acne seem to disappear beneath a dark tan.

It might seem to many that this acne alternative treatment is too good to be true, and indeed it is. A tan might look good, but repeated exposure to the UV rays in a tanning booth results in problems far greater than using it just as an acne alternative treatment.

For example, a teenager who decides to tan all the time will get far more than a tan, she will get an orange complexion. Basically, a tan is a sign of damaged epidermal layers. Too many teens decide that the darker their tan, the better their chances of not having their acne come back. The reality is that the acne is still there, and just waiting.

Sometimes the acne is so severe that not even a tan can hide it. A frustrated teenager who decides, after a long period of tanning, that she wants to stop tanning might find increased pigmentation (a lot of freckles or moles), puffiness (especially in the eye area) wrinkles, and perhaps even skin cancer.

So, keeping all of this in mind, it is safe to say that using tanning beds is not only an unsuccessful way to combat acne, but it is also a method that can have long-term damaging consequences. Thus, a teen should go see a dermatologist to get acne-free skin.

Acne has many causes. Heredity, hormones, diet, and stress have all been linked to acne. Chronic acne sufferers cannot control their genetics; however, they can learn to manage stress, maintain a balanced diet and (for women) use birth control to help level out hormone fluctuations that can cause acne breakouts. Acne sufferers often treat their acne with over-the-counter acne products. These products are hit or miss depending on the type and severity of acne.

When over-the-counter products and basic lifestyle changes fail to control acne, a dermatologist needs to be consulted. Dermatologists specialize in diseases of the skin and can help acne sufferers by prescribing topical or oral antibiotics or other acne medications. The focus of this article is acne antibiotics.

What are Acne Antibiotics?

Acne occurs when a pore becomes clogged with oil due to hormone production. Bacteria build up in the pore causing an acne pimple, whitehead, or blackhead. Acne antibiotics help keep bacteria at bay.

Antibiotic means “a drug used to kill a microorganism.” Antibiotics fight infection.  Oral and topical antibiotics are commonly prescribed for acne when other treatments fail. The dangers of antibiotics are that overuse can cause the body to become resistant to antibiotics in general and have more difficulty being treated for other infections over time.

Commonly prescribed oral acne antibiotics include: Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Monocycline. Tetracycline is the most popular of the acne antibiotics. It reduces acne lesions quickly. Erythromycin is the second most prescribed antibiotic. It works by reducing inflammation. It is gentle enough to be taken by pregnant women.

Besides oral antibiotics, there are many topical antibiotics which, when applied to the skin, can dramatically reduce acne breakouts. Topical antibiotic creams and gels keep pores free of bacteria and help dry up acne pimples while fading residual discoloration.

The most common topical acne antibiotics are: Clindamycin lotion, topical Tetracycline and Erythromycin, and Metronidazole. Non-antibiotic topical acne treatments include Avita, Retin-A, Differin gel, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and vitamin A derivatives. These are also effective in healing acne.

At an initial appointment with a dermatologist, an overall physical assessment and health history will be taken to determine which acne treatment best meets the patient’s needs. Depending on the type and severity of acne, a dermatologist may begin the patient on either topical or oral antibiotics. If antibiotics fail to reduce acne after a period of several months, a stronger acne medication such as Accutane may be prescribed.

Let’s not sugarcoat it. Acne is a nightmare. For any long-term sufferer of chronic acne, frequent breakouts can impact your appearance, social, and professional life. Acne can also cause the self-esteem to take a nosedive.

Acne causes are as individual as acne sufferers themselves and, though acne is the most common skin disorder, there is no cure. This fact is a gloomy reality for those with ongoing, resistant acne.

What are common acne causes?

Are there any consistently effective treatments?

And is there a cure on the horizon?

All these questions will be briefly answered in this article.

Managing Acne

Acne vulgaris is a skin disorder caused by overactive oil glands which trap bacteria and result in clogged pores. These clogged pores may become pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, lesions, or nodules. All acne is different though there are at least four recognized acne causes. These are: heredity, hormonal changes, diet, and stress.

Some acne causes can be managed. Heredity is the only cause that simply exists and cannot be changed. Hormones, particularly in women, can be regulated by birth control pills.

In teenagers and young adults, avoiding foods that contain white flour or sugar can help reduce insulin levels which can affect hormones. Other dietary changes include, avoiding caffeine, processed foods, carbonated beverages, pasta, and fatty foods. Adding plenty of water, fresh fruits and vegetables, and natural, unprocessed foods to your diet can dramatically impact the skin.

Stress can be managed too. Rather than allow your boss, work, relationships, time commitments, or health worries to cause stress, it is beneficial to add relaxation techniques and exercise to manage life stressors.

Yoga, exercise, visualization, aromatherapy, and even hypnotherapy can all reduce stress and incidence of acne breakouts.

If natural treatments like maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting plenty of rest, avoiding the sun, and maintaining a strict skin care regimen all fail to clear up acne, other avenues may need to be tried.

A dermatologist can recommend prescription medications in oral or topical form. Antibiotics and retinoids are the most successful treatments for acne. Cosmetic treatments such as facials, dermabrasion, and laser treatments are also effective for reducing acne and minimizing acne.

Acne causes can change over time, so a treatment that works for teen- hormone-related acne may not work for stress-related adult acne. Unfortunately, acne treatment can be a study in trial and error to find what works for you.

If all else fails, Accutane can be prescribed. Accutane is currently the only quasi-”cure” for acne. This much coveted (and despised) medication has potentially life-threatening side effects but it clears up acne for good in over 60% of acne cases. Accutane’s side effects are severe depression and birth defects. Ask your doctor if you are eligible for this controversial prescription medicine.

Finding Acne Clinics

Acne is a very common skin condition, one that occurs when greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous glands plug the tine openings for hair follicles. Acne can range from being so mild that it is hardly a problem at all to so severe that the person may not even want to leave their house because they feel so ashamed or embarrassed.

There is help for people suffering from acne, particularly in the form of acne clinics. Acne clinics are treatment facilities that offer information, advice, and assistance to people dealing with acne and even have trained medical professionals working on staff who are able to prescribe medications, if and when they are needed.

Acne clinics can be very useful, especially to people who have a problem with acne but feel helpless and are not sure where to turn. More than anything it is important that these people become educated on their condition and on what they can do to find relief from it and start to feel better. There are hundreds of these acne clinics situated around the United States, but out of these there are a few in particular that should definitely be considered.

Dermocare Clinic

Dermocare has a team of experts who will work together with you to find the best solution for your acne. They focus on acne scar treatments and acne therapy, a major part of which involves discussing with the patient about the causes of acne and factors that can trigger it.

They help you to create a prescribed home care plan that is regulated and customized, and offer one on one education to help teach you about your skin and the things you can do to keep it healthy.

They may suggest a program that includes the use of medically graded glycolic acid, a program that includes the use of microdermabrasion, or a deep cleaning treatment that helps to remove whiteheads and blackheads.

Acne Treatment Clinic

Another of the most renowned clinics is the Acne Treatment Clinic. They have been in the business for nearly three decades now, and over that time they have dedicated themselves exclusively to the comprehensive management of the acne skin condition.

They will help you to create an individualized treatment plan, which will be formulated based on all the information that has been gathered from you beforehand. These clinics will help you to get a better grasp on your condition and to take control over your acne and start feeling better about yourself.

How to Buy Acne Cream

Acne can be a very serious condition, one that can be devastating to your self confidence and self esteem. Millions of people around the world are presently suffering from an acne condition, and the worst part is that most of these people are not aware of what is causing their acne and what they can do to get rid of it.

Although there are some cases of acne that are unable to be treated fully, most of the time you can get rid of your acne by following a few simple steps.

Studying Your Skin

The first thing you should do is find a good acne cream. There are many acne creams today that produce incredible results. To find the right one, you first need to figure out what skin type you have. There is an easy way to do this, and all you need to do is wash your face normally and then pat dry.

Next you take a small piece of toilet paper or paper towel and place it on your forehead. If it sticks you have oily skin, if it falls right off you have dry skin, and if it stays on for a minute but then falls off you have normal to combination skin.

You also need to take the sensitivity of your skin into consideration. If you have very sensitive skin then there are going to be a lot of acne cream products that you should stay away from, because they may cause an allergic reaction on your skin.

Of course the severity of your condition will also be used to judge which acne cream you should get. This is important because certain products may end up making your acne painful and even worse.

Top Picks

There are a few acne creams in particular that are generally good for all skin types and which you should therefore consider for your own acne problem. The Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion is one, and it is a benzoyl peroxide based product that helps to clear even the most stubborn and recurring blemishes.

There is also the Biore Blemish Double Agent Treatment which is a special gel formula that helps to clear up acne by forming a clear and breathable barrier around the pimples on the skin. It is considered as being one of the most effective acne treatments on the market today, and one that comes highly recommended by dermatologists.

Acne is a common skin condition that targets teenagers and adults. Characterized by clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and/or nodules, acne can permanently damage both the skin and the self-esteem.

Almost 100% of 12-17 year olds will experience at least one acne pimple or breakout. Some may experience only minor acne as teenagers but develop moderate to severe adult acne in their 30s and 40s. Hormonal changes, stress, improper diet, and heredity are all factors that influence the onset of acne.

Chronic acne sufferers may be able to maintain their acne with over-the-counter acne treatments, daily cleansing routines, and maintaining healthy diets that include drinking adequate amounts of water. For severe cases of acne, dermatology treatment may be necessary to keep breakouts under control.

When to See a Dermatologist

There is a wide array of skincare products available for purchase at drugstores, on the Internet, and through television shopping networks. Product lines such as Murad, Proactiv, Neutrogena, and Clearasil are well-known names in acne treatment. Acne and it causes are unique to everyone, so finding an over-the-counter remedy may be a study in trial and error.

For a teenager facing ridicule in high school or a young adult entering the workforce, putting your “best face forward” is imperative and time-sensitive. If acne does not respond after several months of using over-the-counter treatments, it may be time to visit a dermatologist.

Acne dermatology treatment involves several steps. At the initial appointment, the dermatologist will perform an overall physical assessment including a health history. The doctor may order additional blood work or other tests to rule out medical causes for acne.

Based on the type, severity, and frequency of acne, a cleansing routine may be advised and specific topical soaps, creams, or lotions may be prescribed. Moderate to severe acne cases can benefit from oral prescription acne dermatology treatment. The dermatologist may begin the patient on an antibiotic such as Tetracycline or Erythromycin. If antibiotics are not effective after a period of three to six months, Accutane may be prescribed.

Of all the acne dermatology treatment, Accutane is the most controversial. This retinoid has been known to cause birth defects and suicidal ideation and many dermatologists refuse to prescribe it to certain patient populations such as women of child-bearing age or anyone with a history of depression.

Accutane, when effective, has been called a “cure” for acne. A four to six month cycle of the medication effectively clears up acne for over 60% of acne sufferers for good. In some, a second six-month treatment may be necessary to end residual breakouts. It is no wonder that this drug is highly the most greatly desired and despised acne dermatology treatment.