Acne Products Reviewed

Filed under: Acne Help — Justine January 31, 2008 @ 4:00 pm

Treating your acne can be an overwhelming task what with all of the medications available these days. The best way to find treatment for your acne is to first learn about your skin. There are 3 main skin types. Knowing what type of skin you have is the first step to effectively controlling your acne. If your skin is oily a gel product is best; if it is dry, you should choose a cream based product. People with sensitive skin should choose products with lower concentrations of active ingredients.
< br>It may be best to visit a dermatologist when choosing acne treatments. With so many different factors affecting what causes acne and there are so many treatments to choose from you may feel more comfortable getting the help of a professional when making your decision.

If you would rather control acne your own way, understand that it is very important to read all labels and always, always use as directed. As with all medications, educate yourself on any side-effects or warnings.

Acne treatments are available in several different ways including:

- Prescription Medications
- Creams and Gels
- Facial Masks
- Topical Treatments
- Over-the-Counter Treatments
- Home Remedies

Prescription Medications

Oral antibiotics (tablets), taken daily for around 3 months, can be prescribed for inflammatory acne. These pills act to kill off the bacteria infecting the skin. However, it may take four to six months for the benefits to be seen. For women, a standard combined oral contraceptive pill (containing an estrogen and a progestogen) can improve acne symptoms. Antibiotics do not prevent pores from becoming blocked so treatment to prevent blackheads, such as benzoyl peroxide, is often also prescribed at the same time.

Creams and Gels

Lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide dry out the skin and encourage it to shed the surface layer of dead skin. Benzoyl peroxide also has an antibacterial action. Together, these effects make it harder for pores to become blocked and for infection to develop. When used as directed, these products can make a big difference to the overall appearance of your skin. < br>
Facial Masks

Facial masks can be a great addition to your basic skin care regimen by offering extra deep cleaning and exfoliation to troubled skin. Masks send a concentrated dose of proven acne fighters to your skin and deliver them deep down. A good facial mask can act to keep even the most troubled skin clean and clear, reducing the frequency and severity of breakouts.

There are several benefits of using clay masks. As a facial clay mask dries it tightens the skin, shrinks the pores and naturally pulls excess oils and impurities such as whiteheads and blackheads from your skin.

Topical Treatments

Topical antibiotics work by killing the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. This helps reduce the small infections in the pores, and also indirectly keeps the pores open.

Over the counter Treatments

Over-the-counter remedies are available anywhere from your local pharmacy to the grocery store and are intended to treat mild to moderate acne. These treatments include the creams and gels mentioned previously.

Home treatment

It’s important to keep spot-prone areas clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with an un-perfumed cleanser. Never, ever pick a zit! This could lead to scarring as well as spread the infection. No home treatments for acne will work immediately. It can take weeks, if not months, for significant effects to be noticeable. Never sleep in makeup and wash your face in the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed.

About the Author: Ashley Green has extensive experience in the Dermatology field and shares his knowledge openly on his very resourceful site Proactiv Skin Care Solutions at http://proactiv-skin.info

Filed under: Acne News — Justine January 30, 2008 @ 6:00 pm

Who wants to have a gruesome scar on their skin? I don’t! and I bet you also don’t want your pretty skin be marked for life because of that acne. Having an acne is such a great humiliation to many people, what more if eventually it turned out to be a scar? That’s much more mortifying I guess!

Scars that are obtained from having an acne can be on your skin for life. Acne scar removal is the only way to bring back the lost glow in your skin. But how? Are there products for acne scar removal? Or maybe other ways that can help remove those scars?

Technology now is much more advance than before. Most of the technology advancements are used in medical practices. Almost everything can be solved by technology, even Acne Scar removal. And now with these advancements, one medical breakthrough was presented to the people in the year 2003. The Nlite Laser treatment. This is an acne scar removal treatment that involves the use of energy to tone down acne. This treatment is said to be free from pain. This therapy may not be appropriate to all patients but many can still gain advantage from this. The process of this treatment was depicted by some patients to have a yellow laser light pulsate unto the skin of the affected area with high intensity rates. This acne scar removal treatment is very rapid, lasting only for about half an hour. This acne scar removal treatment works by killing the bacteria deep inside the skin as the laser energy infiltrate through the layers of the skin. Most of the patients that went through this acne removal treatment has observed expanded enhancement within three to six months. Basically, this is how Nlite laser treatment works. Almost 50
cne was diminished in the patients of this acne scar removal treatment. This is because it really kills the bacteria that once was present in your skin. These bacteria are those who are to be blamed for the infections you had that led to the development of blemishes in your skin.

This acne scar removal, the Nlite Laser treatment, is surely a great help for those who are very troubled by their acne scars. Although the cost of this treatment is not yet definite, expect that this acne scar removal will be very costly. But if you have the money to spend on this kind of treatment, then why not try it! There has not been any reports for any harsh side effect of this acne scar removal. If you are the kind of person who will go through anything just to have that flawless skin that youve been wanting to, this may be the answer to that dream. But if you are doubtful of this treatment and is a little afraid in undergoing medical processes, there are still acne scar removal products that are available for whatever type of acne problem you are having. Acne scar removal treatments may be very expensive but this will be a lot of help to you especially in recovering the self-confidence that once was lost because of the scars you have in your face. Just make sure that the acne scar removal products that you will try is safe and will do no harm in your body. And for your safety, Think twice and be wise before going through any sensitive treatments or using any kind of skin products!

About the author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit http://www.Noixia.com

Filed under: Acne News — Justine @ 2:00 am

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Acne is a type of skin disease that is mainly caused due to excessive secretion of oil called sebum. Basically, the function of this oil is to regulate the skin texture and body hair by reasonably moistening it. It is produced by the sebaceous glands present in the skin. But, due to excessive lubrication, you easily become prone to development of congested pores on the skin surface. These pores give rise to various skin bumps such as cysts, blackheads and whiteheads, pimples etc.

There are various types of bumps, which vary in nature. Cyst is a condition where your skin is covered with a tiny sac that is filled with fluid. In the case of whiteheads, the pores get blocked with sebum and protrude slightly outward. When the pores stay open and are filled with sebum, they get darkened from the outside surface and it is called blackhead. It is known as a pimple, when the pores get exposed to a different kind of organic matter such as bacteria and other germs. A reddish colored swelling will be noticed.

Acne is commonly found between the age group of 10 to 40 years. You can find a quicker treatment, if you have thorough knowledge regarding the causes and how they should be treated. You can meet with the drug store or cosmetic center and find medicines for yourself. In case it is not easy to understand your actual skin condition, you can consult a physician and follow his prescription.

About the Author

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1519.html

Filed under: Acne Help — Justine January 27, 2008 @ 4:00 am

An overview of acne.

An overview of acne.

What is acne? Acne is a term attributed to plugged pores, commonly known as blackheads and whiteheads, pimples, and even cysts or nodules, occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. Follicles, often called pores, often get blocked with sebum (oil), which normally drains to the surface, and a bacteria propionibacterium acnes, begins to grow. Both whiteheads and blackheads start out as a “microcomedone” which then become skin blemishes called comedones. Acne can be upsetting, disfiguring, sometimes leading to permanent scarring.

There are different types of acne. A white head is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria stay below the skin surface. A blackhead, on the other hand, is a lesion where trapped sebum and bacteria partially open to the surface and turn black due to the skin pigment melanin.

A papule is a small solid lesion slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. A pustule, again, is a dome-shaped skin elevation containing pus: a mixture of white blood cells, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It often has a hair in the center. A macule is a temporary red spot left by a healed acne lesion. It is flat and pinkish, with well-defined borders that can persist for days to weeks. A number of macules can contribute to the “inflamed face” appearance of acne. A nodule is a solid dome-shaped or irregularly shaped lesion, characterized by pain, inflammation and extending into deeper layers of the skin. It may cause tissue destruction resulting in scarring.

A cyst is a sac-like lesion containing white blood cells, dead cells, and bacteria. It may be severely inflamed and painful, extending into deeper layers of the skin and can result in scarring.

Who gets acne? Acne affects teenagers mostly; however it can occur in adults of all age groups also. Acne starts between the ages of ten and thirteen and usually lasts for five to ten years. It normally goes away on its own in the early twenties but can stretch into the late twenties or thirties or even beyond. Some people get acne for the first time as adults.

The treatment of acne is not difficult at all. Following a clear regimen helps considerably. Gentle cleansing plus plenty of 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide gives a clear skin as Benzoyl peroxide kills the acne bacteria well. A little itchiness after an application is quite normal, and some people also experience redness of the skin for the initial couple of weeks. However, this will definitely get better because it will cure the acne and prevent any new outbreaks.

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Filed under: Teen Acne — Justine January 26, 2008 @ 8:00 am

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Various types of topical treatment for acne are to be found in the drugstores. After buying them, one should glance through the tips that are inscribed on it. It is really important because proper usage should be made of these medicines.

Benzoyl peroxide

The three key functions of this ointment is to kill bacteria, reduce skin irritation and open the clogged pores. A doctor’s prescription is not necessary. It is available at various levels of concentrations i.e. 2.5%, 4%, 5% and 10%. The following concentrations should be applied to the skin as per your suitability. Try using the lowest level at first and use it only once a day and then gradually increase your usage.

Antibiotics It helps fighting the bacteria present in the skin and also cures inflammation that occurs, but it is not useful in treating the blocked pores. A doctor’s prescription is necessary. It may cause you mild side effects. The drawback of this medicine is that it does not heal your blackheads and whiteheads.

Retinoids

It is mainly useful in unplugging blocked pores of the skin compared to the other mentioned medicines, but otherwise it has nothing much to yield. The few set of disadvantages are that, they do not cure inflammation nor scrub away blackhead or whitehead. But you may feel a weird sensation after applying such as skin redness, irritation, dryness, burning and even peeling of skin.

Azelaic acid

It unplugs the pores that are clogged, and also rules out blackheads and whiteheads like retinoids. It is also useful in stopping inflammation but does not work as effective as antibiotics.

A team of acne experts has found that combinations of treatment work out quickly when compared to the other treatments. Till today there is no such topical treatment that is listed as a priority when compared to others. Each of them have their own significance depending upon the nature of disease and how an individual reacts to the therapies.

To be fairly cured, it is better to continue the treatment for about 4-6 weeks, or else extend it for 3-4 months. Do not stop the treatment if you are not satisfied after completing half the course. Even if you feel quenched do not discontinue because the flares may surge up again. On the whole, it is advised to continue the treatment for several years.

About the Author

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1525.html

Filed under: Acne News — Justine January 25, 2008 @ 8:00 am

Before getting into acne control, let us know how it is formed. Oil called sebum is secreted normally from hair follicles which travel up to the pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes, there are overworked oil glands which enlarge and produce too much sebum which can get trapped in the hair follicle. Thus the pores will get clogged which are either called blackheads or whiteheads, allow bacteria overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. In the surrounding skin, acne will be formed by inflaming the hair follicle by this bacterium.

Acne control

Including a variety of seeds, nuts, vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet can be a good control for acne. Drink plenty of water every day since dehydrated skin sheds dead cells which can lead to clogged pores and effective acne control. Most skin care products contain chemical ingredients that can aggravate acne. If you use make-up, try products that are non-comedogenic. Keeping stress levels low can also reduce the release of stress hormones and reduce the intensity of acne. Dairy products and red meat in your diet can cause acne. Heavily tanned skin can lead to blocked pores. Some of the acne control guidelines recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology are as follows.

? Do not squeeze, pop or pick at the acne lesion. This can spread the inflammatory process and worsen the acne.

? Wash your face twice a day gently with mild soap or sulfur soap. Just pat your face dry and do not rub it with a towel.

? Avoid oil based products.

? Avoid acne irritants such as airborne grease from fast food restaurants, rubbing or friction from sporting equipment etc.

? Give anti-acne products time to clear up the lesions. This can mean several weeks or even months.

? Some acne products increase the skin’s photosensitivity. When in the sun wear a hat and use sunscreen and avoid tanning booths while using these products.

Acne Cleanser

Acne Cleansers have an important part in skin care. A good acne cleanser will remove make-up, oil build up, dirt and other debris from the skin’s surface, preparing it for acne fighting treatments.

Before the acne treatment, the skin has to be washed properly. Avoid using bath soap on your skin for cleansing. There are many kinds of skin cleansers in the market and you can choose the mildest cleanser for your skin. They are all natural and medicated cleansers and are great in controlling acnes. Some of the natural daily cleansers are as shown.

1. PhytoMe Gentle Cleansing Gel

Ingredients include herbal extracts that remove debris, impurities and excess sebum from the skin’s surface to leave a clean refreshed feeling to your face. It can be used 2-3 times daily as a facial cleanser or make-up remover.

2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser

It includes all natural, facial cleanser/toner/make-up removers. This acne cleanser uses the properties of orange extracts to remove impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin. This product does not clog pores and it keeps the skin clean and nourished and is great even for oily skins.

3. FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser
The self foaming formula of this cleanser clears all make-up and impurities without harming the skin. The skin is cleaned and refreshed and can be used both in the morning and night.

4. St. Ives Facial Foaming Cleanser

It is 100% soap-free and includes acne-fighting tea tree oil combined with gentle glycerin and chamomile extract to balance the moisture, creating a cleanser that prevents breakouts without drying the skin. This cleanser is excellent for removing facial make-up, oil and dirt.

5. Fira Foaming Tea Tree Facial Cleanser

The clarity, tone, and texture of your skin can be greatly improved by using this instant, self-foaming acne cleanser. The tea tree oil has the natural properties for controlling skin problems and fighting acne causing bacteria. Due to the deep penetrating action of the foam, the skin is cleaned, leaving it fresh, and refreshed.

About the Author: Author is marketer for sites such as : Acne Acne

Filed under: Teen Acne — Justine January 24, 2008 @ 10:00 am

Acne is a condition only affecting teenagers, true? False. Acne is a condition which can affect people of any age, hence baby acne and adult acne are common. However acne is more common in teens. Acne is the number one skin problem in the world and affects huge numbers of people worldwide. And baby acne, although not common, can be a cause of some angst amongst parents.

What is baby acne? Acne is not totally understood, including baby acne. The cause of acne is not agreed on amongst the scientists. However the general consensus is that acne, including baby acne, is a condition caused by changes in the bodys hormones.

And when are the bodys hormones changing? Well certainly in the teenage years. But also at some other times in life. Like birth. When a baby has been separated from its mothers body by birth and it is living on its own for the very first time. And when it is also getting some supplies of hormones from its mothers milk at the same time.

Baby acne can occur in very young babies of 2 or 3 weeks, more commonly boys, up until around 6 months or so. It appears on various parts of the babys body such as the forehead, cheeks and chin, or more rarely the bottom or back, and appears as small white spots on the skin. Or it could look like a red rash with raised bumps.

The good news is that baby acne is not serious and very rarely requires any treatment, so refrain from rushing out looking to buy baby acne remedies. In fact you should refrain from any baby acne remedies until you have seen your doctor and usually your doctor will not prescribe any medication at all.

Baby acne usually goes away by itself. It is sufficient in most cases to do some gentle facial cleansing once or at most twice a day using a mild baby cleanser and clean water. Do not scrub babys face, this will not help and may be counterproductive. Dont apply lotions or potions or oils. Dont look for fancy baby acne remedies, dont try applying vinegar solution for baby acne as some do.

It will all go away in time. When attending one of your regular baby check ups ask them about it. Chances they will tell you its just baby acne, dont worry about it.

About the author:
Find out more about Acne at Peters website