Archive for July, 2009

Although it is generally understood that poor hygiene or diet does not cause Acne, not adhering to a healthy diet and/or a healthy skin care routine will certainly not help out anyone suffering from skin disorders such as acne. A holistic solution for all acne sufferers is presented in this article and reflects a lot of methods that have been found to be successful with sufferers of a wide range of skin-related disorders.

  • try and keep your stress levels down, and learn how you might control your reaction in situations beyond your control. If you are a naturally stressful person then you may find that a lifestyle change and/or even exercise can really help. Try yoga or Tai-chi as these are both great exercises and also help invigorate the mind.
  • ensure you get between 7 and 8 hours sleep each night. This is a period when our body helps clear itself of stress and toxics
  • try and adopt an anti-inflammatory diet (see below) drink plenty of still water. The effects of not drinking enough water is just not publicized enough. Try and drink 2.5 litres a day take supplements to control inflammation (see below)
  • treat open spots with anti-inflammatory topical creams and lotions
  • conventional medicine may be useful in the short term and may help prevent scarring in severe cases
  • Natural Acne Treatments Supplements should include vitamins A and D, zinc and Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Vitamins A and D are part of the bodies requirements for stimulating the growth of healthy new cells. Omega-3 is beneficial for many functions in the body but specifically helps balance the inflammatory agent prostaglandin 2. Zinc (specifically zinc picolinate since its well absorbed by the body) has hormone-modulating properties and helps heal new tissue
  • Topical skin care cream containing tea tree oil is considered very beneficial since it contains an anti-bacterial agent called terpinen-4-ol. Terpinen-4-ol has been shown to treat moderate acne by reducing the bacteria that cause a blocked pore to become infected. One topical cream - ActiveClear - contains tea tree oil, vitamin A and a herb extract called tribulus which is claimed to help reduce sebum production.

Diet

Try and adopt a low glycemic index (GI) diet. This generally involves consuming oily fish and other protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and soy products if you are vegetarian (or not). Fresh vegetables, especially Advocado, olive oil, fruit, salad, flaxseeds, nuts, and yoghurt. Its important to keep your blood sugar levels stable since this helps prevent inflammatory response. Therefore, eat 3 small meals and 2 small snacks a day, and keep them well-spaced.

Eat foods high in beta carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables.

Antioxidants are an anti-inflammatory, so in addition to your antioxident-rich vegetable and fruit diet, you are allowed to eat a little chocolate since this is high in antioxidants (get chocolate containing 85 per cent cocoa solids). Try green tea instead of coffee since this may help reduce inflammation and can also help with blood sugar levels.

Alternative Remedies

  • Some herbalists recommend echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil, and goldenseal
  • Black currant seed oil and/or evening primrose oil have been reported by some alternative therapists as an effective herbal remedy for acne
  • If you have a stressful lifestyle then try relaxing with a cup of tea made from lavender or chamomile
  • Drinking tea made with nettles and cleavers tincture is also recommended by some therapists as an effective acne skin care remedy

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You know it’s better to be safe than sorry; and where better to remember that mantra than while out looking for over-the-counter creams and lotions to use on our zits? Products can harm, and products can heal. It’s how you use your product that can spell the difference between certain cure and certain disaster. To make sure you get the best out of each acne product you try, keep in mind the following acne advice.

1. Start with lower strength acne creams and lotions. Do this so you can better gauge your skin’s compatibility with the treatment. If you notice redness and excessive dryness (or any other skin problem, like scaling) occurring as a result of your application, discontinue your use of the product. Either look for the next one to try, or give your dermatologist a visit and ask him for acne advice.

2. Wash the problem area (or areas, as the case may be) two times a day. Use a mild cleanser or a non-medicated soap. Be careful not to overdo it. Excessive scrubbing or even washing can only make pimples worse.

3. Use a moisturizer. Moisturizers help soothe dry or peeling skin. Be careful to pick out a moisturizer that is water-based and oil-free. This type of moisturizer is great for most types of skin, and helps alleviate most stings caused by over-the-counter acne treatments.

Treating zits take both patience and time. Give the lotion, cream, or gel that you try four to six weeks to work. If, even with regular application (perhaps even daily use), you still have not seen results, you may want to visit your doctor and ask for acne advice. Over-the-counter products only work best on mild to moderate pimples.

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Acne is an ordinary problem among both teenagers and adults, and, as more people seek cures, more information becomes accessible about this condition. When most people think of acne, they think of the facial type, since that is where it is usually seen. That is, however, not the only area of the skin where acne can appear. Acne is also common on the body, mostly back & chest and is often harder to treat when found on these areas. This is, partially, because the skin on the back is thicker than that on the face, so it is needed to use special skin care products on this area. The back is also in continuous contact with clothes and other materials that might irritate the skin, which can additionally aggravate the condition.

Acne is caused from excess oil on the skin that builds up and forms pimples. Acne prevention is the best way to get rid of back acne, but it can be harder to implement for this area.

Like with facial acne, it is crucial to stick to a daily skin care schedule especially if you want to get rid of back acne. This includes a cleanser, lotion, and perhaps a moisturizer. Glycolic acid is also supposed to work well with such a course of therapy.

The clothes you wear can also have an effect on your acne. Tight garments can rub against your skin, which will worsen your condition, and can also make you sweat more. Sweat will, in turn, cause excess oil generation, which will cause even more breakouts.

Very important when trying to get rid of back acne is to try to figure out what could be causing it or helping to aggravate it. If you carry a heavy backpack, especially day after day, and have particular trouble with acne in the back, you might try changing to a shoulder bag, or pack with carrying handles. Once your spots clear up, try using the backpack once again. If the irritation comes back, you will know at least one of the causes, and eliminate it for good.

Also avoid wearing rough clothing, as it irritates the afflicted area, which can worsen existing acne and cause new breakouts.

Similar to other types of acne, back acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is essential to recognize the form and severity of your condition so you can treat it right. Skin type also has a major role in the treatment of acne. Various skin types require diverse treatments, and react in a different way to products.

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Acne is a condition that can effect all ages. The scars resulting from acne can cause disfigurements. People with scars can feel insecure and less attractive. Fortunately, there are a number of scar removal methods available for people with permanent acne scars.

Derma-Peeling: This scar removal method involves removing the top layer of the skin. The treatment works by using an acid that strips the layers of the epidermis. Chemicals like Alpha Hydroxy Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid are used in the treatment. The result is cleaner and smoother skin. It works well for mild scarring. Deeper acne will usually require a stronger acid product. Treatment is performed by a surgeon.

Skin Grafts: Also known as punch grafting, this treatment is used to remove ice pick scars. An instrument used for a biopsy is used to puncture and remove deep scars. The scar is anesthetized in order to reduce pain. A graft is taken from behind the ear and placed in the punch wound to fill in the puncture marls. The skin graft is held in place with skin glue or butterfly strips. This procedure makes the scar less visible. Collagen injections can be used to stretch the skin.

Microlipoinjection: This procedure uses fat from a donor section on the patient’s body. The injection causes the area to swell up. This method helps reduce acne scars. . Liposuction or a syringe is used to take fat cells from the patients own body. Dermal fillers will be absorbed by the body so these types of treatments do not last a lifetime. Fat transfer lasts longer that other fillers. The procedure is performed by a surgeon.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion treatments remove bacteria, debris, and dead skin cells from the surface layers of the skin. A ‘microderm machine’ produces a pressurized stream of crystals on the surface of the skin. . The results after healing are smoother and softer skin with less visible scarring. Dermabrasion can be expensive. Qualified doctors will perform the procedure.

Laser Treatments: This procedure involves burning away scar tissue. A wand-like laser hand-piece is used to burn off the scarred skin cells. This results in collagen and skin cell regeneration which creates smoother skin. Skin surgeons can use two acne scar removal lasers. An Erbium (Er) or erbium YAG laser penetrates the skin and the moisture in the skin absorbs it. The heat produced by the laser spread outs allowing normal skin to remain untouched. The carbon dioxide (CO2) laser sends out short bursts of high-energy which vaporize the scarred skin tissue one layer at a time. The result is smooth and rejuvenated skin. Patients have to meet certain requirements to receive this type of procedure. The benefit is that there is a low risk of future scarring. Medical complications after laser surgery on acne scars are rare. This is an expensive treatment that is performed by a surgeon. The procedure is very accurate which allows the surgeon to target only the affected skin tissue.

Subcision Treatment: This procedure involves using a needle that contains a lancing point. The point is placed under the skin and a doctor will cut the fibers that join the skin surface to the fat located under the skin. It is an effective method but can be expensive.

Acne scarring is a very common skin condition. Scarring can affect many areas of the skin such as the face, back, and neck. The result will often make people insecure about their appearance and body. Acne scar removal treatment can reduce or eliminate scarring. It is important to consult with a specialist before undergoing a treatment to determine the best procedure.

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