0 Acne and How to Treat It

              People may tell you that eating French fries, chocolate, or pizza causes acne. But there is no proven link between diet and acne. Even intense stress does not cause acne, although it can make it worse.

The truth? Changing hormones cause acne, which is why so many young people get it during puberty or right before their periods. These hormones stimulate the glands in your pores to make more oil, which can clog your pores. Luckily there are some good acne treatments available today. You don't have to suffer like your parents did. Here's what you need to know about getting rid of acne.

Start With Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments

The main ingredients to look for in acne products are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. “Products that contain salicylic acid unplug the pores and those with benzoyl peroxide are mild anti-inflammatories and also kill or stop bacteria from growing,” says Charles E. Crutchfield III, MD, who teaches dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.

(If you are a person of color, you may need to eliminate or limit benzoyl peroxide because it can decolorize the skin. It’s best to use it under a dermatologist’s supervision.)

Don't overdo it. “Using any more than two acne products is just going to dry you out and make it worse," says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler says. Avoid skin care products with alcohol, which can irritate your skin, causing outbreaks. And never pick, scratch, pop, or squeeze blemishes. It can make acne worse, and lead to skin infections that may leave scars.

Do Daily Facial Care

Wechsler suggests this three-minute routine:

1. Gently wash your face twice a day.

Use your fingertips (not a washcloth) and lukewarm water. Use a gentle non-soap cleanser one time and a 2 1/2% benzoyl peroxide wash the other time.

2. Do spot treatment.

Dot problem areas with a 2% salicylic acid product after you wash your face with cleanser. Skip this step when you use a benzoyl peroxide wash.

3. Apply moisturizer.

Use one that says “oil free,” “nonacnegenic,” or “non-comedogenic.” (That goes for makeup and sunscreen, too.) For daytime, use one with a minimum SPF of 30.

It's also important to wash your hair daily if it's oily, and avoid oily gels. You want to keep oil off your face. Plus, you need to take care during sports. Wash your face after you’ve been exercising. Anything that holds sweat on your skin -- like a baseball cap or a helmet -- can make acne worse. So wipe down your helmet chinstraps with alcohol after use. If you have pimples on your body, take off your sweaty clothes right after sports and jump in the shower.

Solve a Sudden Pimple Problem

Good skin care can't fully protect you from waking up with a big pimple on an important day. If that happens, Wechsler says to try these steps:

Apply a warm compress for 10 minutes to help the pimple come to a head.
Try spot treatments with a 2% salicylic acid product. Apply gentle, even pressure to the blemish on both sides with two cotton swabs. If anything is ready to come out, it will then. Don't squeeze, and never use your fingers.
If the blemish doesn’t drain, apply an ice pack.
“You can also put a little bit of 1% hydrocortisone cream on as an emergency measure, but it’s not something you should do all the time for acne,” Wechsler says.

To spot-treat and hide a pimple, use a blemish eraser stick that has salicylic acid on one end and concealer makeup on the other end.

What a Dermatologist Can Do for You

If you're still unhappy with your acne, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger acne medications. The doctor can also use laser and heat treatments to kill bacteria on your face, as well as corticosteroid injections to ease painful, large acne lesions.

If you already have scars from acne, the dermatologist can decrease them with treatments such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, surgery, and skin fillers.

Acne Tips for People of Color

Some people of color have to deal with these two acne-related problems:

Dark spots. Spots that appear where blemishes have healed usually disappear over time. But it can help to apply skin-lightening products. Your dermatologist may also suggest a concealer makeup to cover the spots and make them less apparent.
Keloids. These raised scars are larger than the original blemish and tough to get rid of. “It’s a good idea to be aggressive in treating acne to prevent these," Crutchfield says.
A Word of Advice for Everyone

Beware of "miracle cures." There are no overnight cures for acne. If you hear someone on TV or the radio promising a fast, guaranteed treatment for acne, it's just hype to get you to buy their product.

“You have to use (good acne treatment) on a regular basis and make a two-month commitment,” says dermatologist Crutchfield. “Then decide if it’s working.”

by Camille Peri

0 How To Reduce Acne

                 If you are like most of people who suffer from acne, you have probably tried many different ways to get rid of your acne. You probably have bought lots of over the counter products and treatments and although your followed the directions carefully, you still haven't found a solution to cure your acne. Have you started to wonder if you have a unique case that can't be cured?

First of all; the problem is definitely not you! It is all the products and treatments that are really to blame. You can't fix a problem from the outside when it comes to skin care. You must solve the problem from the inside.

As long as you are trying to get rid of your acne from the outside, nothing is every going to change. I'm sure that some of the products you used have probably worked for a few days or even a few months, but in the end the acne came back.

The problem isn't the acne or the products you have been using. It is what is going on within your own body. So until you fix the cause of the acne you will never be able to get rid of it.

Can the Food You Eat Affect Acne?

             First of all food don't actually cause acne but they can affect blood sugar, cause chronic inflammation in the body as well as oxidative stress. There are a number of foods that can aggravate these conditions and as a result can cause acne to occur. It is important to note that other conditions as well can affect acne: lack of proper sleep, polluted air and to much stress.

Can Eating Too Much Fat Cause Acne?

           The answer is yes, however the reason is that it can be a problem for your blood sugar. As a result of eating fat your blood sugar levels can rise too high or even too low. This backwards and forwards in your blood sugar levels causes a cascading hormonal imbalance which causes an increase in sebum production which can block skin pores. As well having too much fat in the bloodstream means that important nutrients and oxygen don't get transported to your cells properly. This results in your skin not getting the "food" it needs and which can cause acne. In a lot of ways acne is your body trying to cleanse itself.

The foods to limit or stay away from in this category include all diary products (milk, cream, ice cream, cheese, butter, etc) as well as deep fried foods (french fries, potato chips).

Another Food to Limit or Avoid: Refined Carbohydrates!

      We live in a world of fast food but eating these types of foods not only puts a strain on our digestive system but also on the quality of our skin. Eating too many refined grains and sugar can only cause our bodies to get over burdened which can result in inflammation. This inflammation shows up as acne in many cases.

It is best to stay away from too much food that is processed. Eat whole foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains and even sprouted grains if you want to eat wheat products. These foods have more fiber which helps to slow down digestion and not tax the digestive system as a whole. If you have a wheat allergy, which could be what is causing your acne, then all wheat products should be eliminated. There are other products that use rice, kamut and rye to make everything from pasta to pastries. As well you can get a number of gluten-free products available in most stores.

It is important to remember that refined foods for the most part contain almost no nutrients. The vital nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes and minerals have been stripped from the food.

What's in Your Coffee?

      Unfortunately caffeine just might be another substance that causes acne. Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea (both black and green), chocolate, soft drinks and even some pain medications.

Caffeine triggers the adrenalin glands to release stress hormones, which is another cause of acne. If you are sensitive to caffeine, your sleep patterns can be interrupted, which again is another cause of acne. We need a good night's sleep so that our bodies can repair and detox.

So, if you want beautiful skin, there are somethings you can do on a daily bases to help improve it by being careful what you eat, relieving stress and getting a good night's sleep!

Five Components to Skin Care

             Even people who have beautiful skin have had to work at it to get results.  Celebrities and famous models didn't just get great skin without some effort. We all know you can't get something without some effort. You will get a clear, acne free complexion as a result of the amount of effort you put into taking care of your skin.

There are FIVE crucial components to an effective clear skin plan:

1. Internal and external cleansing;

2. Internal strengthening and rejuvenating;

3. Hormonal balancing;

4. Lifestyle optimization; and

5. Goal setting and motivation.

Except for those people with acne triggered by allergies to food, it's extremely difficult (if not impossible) for most people to achieve permanent clear skin in days and without some effort. But in the end, having beautiful skin and being acne free will be the reward.

What is the Best Acne Skin Care Program?

A Daily Regime

                There are a number of factors that can affect the quality of a person's skin. Some relates to your lifestyle and others include the skin you inherited from your parents. Good skin just doesn't happen. It requires a daily routine of taking care and nourishing the skin.

It is important to be not only patient but consistent in your program. Skipping a day, not washing off makeup at the end of the day will not help your skin improve.

It is important to clean your skin so using a good quality cream cleanser is important. Wash your face both in the morning and in the evening, every day! I good idea is to use a light exfoliating product each day. Over the course of a couple of months you will see results due to new skin forming and deep pore cleaning.

Once you clean the skin you will want to use a toner using a cotton ball. Find a toner that has a soothing effect to the skin and stay away from any product containing alcohol as these toners will dry out the skin.

If you have pimples, use a cream with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Stopping a breakout before it happens will also help to minimize acne over time.

You can't do enough of this: moisturize. If your skin is dry or you spend a good deal of your time indoors, moisturizer will become your best friend when it comes to skin care. Use an oil free moisturizer after cleaning your skin. Also make sure it contains SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin from sun damage.

Can You Get Rid of Acne Naturally?

             There is no need to buy expensive products when you can find some simple solutions in your kitchen. Using some essential oils such as chamomile essential oil, tea tree essential oil and a few other ingredients you can take good care of the skin on your face and keep acne at bay.

First, steam your face to open the pores to make the treatment more effective. You can add some lemon juice or sliced lemons to make the experience more enjoyable. Try to steam your face for about five minutes. The best way to steam is to fill the sink with hot water and then using a towel as a tent, hold your face over the sink for a period of time.

After steaming, mix together some table sugar with water add a couple of drops of tea tree oil and a couple of drops of chamomile oil. Using your hands massage the mixture into your face. Leave on just like you would with a mask for anywhere from five to fifteen minutes.

Then clean your skin using a face cloth and warm water. Don't rub but gently wipe your face with the cloth, dipping it in the water to remove the material from your face.

You can use a light toner followed by a good moisturizer for a healthy complexion.

Getting Rid of Back Acne

           Back acne may be similar to other types of acne but it can also be more annoying since it can't be reached as easily as your face with your hands. Because of this there needs to be other ways to take care of the problem. Back acne is more prevalent in the early teens since that can be when the sebaceous glands are functioning too aggressively.

There is also one type of back acne, called acne mechanica which is acne that is caused by irritation of the skin. This is usually a result of clothing that is repeatedly rubbing against the skin and aggravating it while wearing backpacks or tight fitting clothing. It is also made worse by a combination of sweat and repeated rubbing. This situation can be remedied rather easily by removing the irritant and wearing looser fitting clothes or wearing clothing that can wick the perspiration away from the skin.

Other ways to help treat back acne include changing your clothes and showering more often if you tend to sweat a lot. Using anti-bacterial cleansers that are made for facial acne will also help as it is a good idea to avoid using regular soap. Also avoid using back packs or anything else that would rub against the back for long periods of time.

Don't forget to seek the advice of a dermatologist if your back acne is severe as you may need to take some medications that would require a prescription in order to alleviate the problem.

by Erebos

0 How to Heal Acne Fast and Naturally

                You see the movie stars and singers. Their skin is acne free. Even your friends have clear skin! Do you suffer from acne, and wish you didn't have any. Here's how to destroy acne within a few weeks, and do it naturally, with things around your house.

Steps

1. Cut back on eating refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta, etc). Also, cut back on eating sugar (any sugar, a little natural sugars might be okay).

2. Take fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir, goat cheese, or natural yogurt) and/or take a good pro-biotic and enzymes.

3. Stop using your cleansers, face creams, makeups, etc. If you are going to use these, get natural products.

4. Eat more veggies! They clean your blood of toxins that cause the acne.

5. WATER! Get 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water.

6. Move around. Trampoline is a great way to move your lymphatic system. Running or jump roping is also good.

7. Take a multivitamin each day.

8. Do this three times a day:

          *Get the materials you need. You will need a face cloth, a hand towel, mild facial soap (bar or liquid), and working water (hot and cold). *The milder the soap the better-irritation will only cause more acne.
       *Wet down your face cloth with hot water. The water has to be so hot, the face cloth steams. Be careful not to burn your hands, though! When the face cloth is steaming, wring out the water, and place it on your face. This will open your pores. Repeat this process twice. Make sure your eyes are closed.
        *After opening your pores, quickly wash down your cloth again with hot water and put soap on it. Then gently wash your entire face, but concentrate on the infected areas. Let the lather rest for about 30 seconds. While waiting, wash your cloth down again with hot water thoroughly.
           *Wipe the lather from your face thoroughly. Make sure none is left over.
           *Rinse the cloth with cold water. Make sure the cloth is VERY cold. Then place it on your face. This will close your pores. Dry your face with the towel, but don't rub, just dab the water off.

Tips

1. Avoid touching your face.
2. Avoid eating high glycemic foods like potatoes and peanuts.
3. Drink lots of water! It flushes toxins from your body and helps clear your skin.
4. OPTIONAL : Exercise a bit more. It can really help relieve stress and acne.
5. Rub your face with baby powder before bed and in the mornings. This dries up blemishes and help prevent face invaders.

Warnings

       If your skin doesn't clear up in a day, don't worry! It doesn't mean the method isn't working. Skin doesn't clear automatically just because you've washed your face once.

0 How To Cure Acne

                      Acne is a tremendously embarrassing and burdensome problem. It is easy to feel that you don't have control over your breakouts. But the fact is, you do. Now, your first response may be to assume that I'm going to recommend you see your dermatologist. Well, think again. Natural remedies can be just as effective and medications. Possibly more powerful. Sometimes, all your body needs is the right nutritional balance and proper skin care. Here are some easy things you can start doing today to help you heal your acne. You should notice a difference in about 4 weeks

What Causes Pimples & Acne

* Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week
* Wash twice a day with acne soap
* Keep your hair off your face
* Take a potent multi-vitamin
* Include chromium in your diet
* Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
* Avoid wearing makeup
* Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples
* Wash your pillow case every other day
  * Eat foods rich in zinc

What Causes Pimples & Acne

                          Pimples usually develop after blackheads or whiteheads have become infected.

There are oil glands on your chest, face and back numbering in the thousands. In fact, between the nose and cheek areas there are as many as two thousand oil glands every square inch. The function of these oil glands is to lubricate the skin by producing oil, or sebum. Oil that is produced in the glands flows through follicles or tiny ducts to the surface of the skin. It usually starts far beneath the surface of the skin. A blemish (or internal lump) begins about 2 to 3 weeks before it appears on your skin's surface. Acne first begins to form in your sebaceous hair follicles. You know this as "pores", the tiny holes on you skin. Deep within each hair follicle, sebaceous glands generate sebum, the oil that keeps your skin soft, moist and pliable. As part of your skin's renewal process the old cells die and are shed off. Normally, this cell shedding process happens gradually, and fresh new skin takes its place.

by dlegal