Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Acne Medications - How do You Choose which medication is best for you?

There are many medical treatments for acne, although unfortunately, it can not be said that there is any one, single treatment to cure acne. Rather than having a single treatment for acne, doctors generally have to try several different products for each individual before finding the treatment or combination of treatments that will clear up the problem.Every case of acne is different and will do different things to the skin depending on the individual. This makes acne quite a difficult condition to treat.

A lot of experimentation and trial and error with various medications is usually needed before a successful treatment is found. This can be very frustrating for the person that wants a quick-fix solution to their problem or even for those individuals that have a stubborn strain of acne that takes a long time to clear up. It always helps to see a doctor or dermatologist that has plenty of experience in treating acne, this way they can draw on their professional experience.

There are some absolute ‘no nos’ when it comes to dealing with acne. You should never scrub skin that is affected by acne. This irritates and inflames the acne, causing more pimples and making the healing process longer and more drawn out. Never attempt to self-treat or self-medicate. Pimple removal is something that should always be left up to a trained doctor in an antiseptic environment.

In most cases, the first treatment that a doctor will recommend is a topical cream. These creams, like all acne treatments, do not cure acne, but rather help manage the symptoms of the acne. The treatment that you receive will depend on the type of symptoms that you are experiencing. It will either be aimed at unplugging pores, killing bacteria (antibiotics), reducing the amount of oils (such as Accutane) or altering the hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands (such as oral contraceptives).



If topical creams alone prove ineffective, doctors will usually combine them with an oral antibiotic. The topical creams usually contain benzoyl peroxide which although effective, should be used in small doses. It was originally thought to be harmless, however studies show that prolonged use or overuse can lead to premature aging of the skin.The most important thing to remember when attempting to rid yourself of acne is to work with a trained medical professional that you trust.


Secondly, be patient. Even in the best of cases, acne does not clear up overnight. In fact, even when you have found a treatment that works, your skin will usually get worse before it gets better. Doctors usually recommend continuing a treatment for at least four to six weeks before expecting to see results. Do not be disappointed if the first treatment that you try does not work. Expect to try several different treatments before finally finding success.

For more information visit: http://www.acnezine.com




Monday, September 20, 2010

Acne and Exercise

Acne and Exercise

Moderate exercise is actually good for your skin. It helps you maintain a healthy body and manage your stress levels, too. If you find your acne is aggravated by regular exercise, then you may want to examine your routine. What do you wear? Where do you go? How hard do you work? Exercise-related acne is usually caused by something you put on your body rather something you do with it. Remove these outside factors, and you may put an end to your workout breakouts. Here are just a few things to watch for.

Acne & Exercise - Make-up. When exercising, wear as little make-up as possible. Even oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics can clog pores if worn during heavy exercise. When you’re done working out, wash as soon as possible.

Acne & Exercise - Sunscreen. If your regimen takes you outdoors, always wear sunscreen. While acne may improve slightly after brief periods in the sun, studies show that prolonged exposure actually promotes comedones (clogged pores) and, of course, sun damage. Some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is even more important. When choosing a sunscreen, look for products that are oil-free and have a protection factor of at least SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Like make-up, sunscreen can travel across the skin’s surface and lodge in the pores — so wash immediately after working out.

Acne & Exercise - Clothing. If you’re prone to body acne, avoid garments made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Why? Some synthetic fabrics can trap the heat and moisture against your skin, creating a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that contribute to acne. For moderate exercise, your best bet is lightweight, loose-fitting cotton, or a lycra-cotton blend. Natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe, and loose garments are less likely to cause friction. If you’re exercising vigorously and working up a good sweat, however, you may want to try some of the new fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin.

Acne & Exercise - Equipment. Some people are more likely to get acne or have their lesions aggravated in the areas affected by sports equipment. The best defense against friction-related breakouts is a good fit — make sure your helmet doesn’t slide around on your forehead, or your wetsuit isn’t too tight under the arms. You can also curb equipment-triggered breakouts by lining your helmet with a layer of soft, washable cotton fabric; it's a great use for those old t-shirts, too. And no matter what the sport, it’s always a good idea to keep your equipment clean and dry when not in use.

Acne & Exercise - Moisture. Mom was right: You should get out of those wet clothes! No matter how you get your exercise — treadmill, trail, tennis court, or whatever — don’t sit around in your sweaty clothes or wet bathing suit when you’re done. If you can, shower off immediately and change into dry clothes before driving home. If this isn’t possible, change into dry clothes and wipe down as well as you can. When toweling sweat off your face, always use a clean towel, and blot gently rather than wipe. Vigorous wiping can irritate your skin, driving make-up and sunscreen deeper into the pores.

Acne & Exercise - Showering. Again, it’s best to shower immediately after working out. You may want to use a medicated exfoliant cleanser, but always be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing harder isn’t going to make you any cleaner, or make your acne go away — and it may actually irritate existing lesions or promote the development of new ones. If you can't shower right away, you can still curb breakouts by wiping down with medicated pads; keep a few in your gym bag just in case.


So keep up the good work! A healthy exercise program is an integral part of your overall health; and a healthy body is more likely to have healthy skin. Just keep an eye on the various factors that accompany your regimen, and try to remove the acne triggers — you’ll be on your way to breakout-free workouts.

For more information visit: http://www.acnezine.com



Monday, November 30, 2009

About Acne

If you think acne affects only teenagers, then think again. It commonly strikes adults on a daily basis. It can be overwhelming to start noticing breakouts of pimples, blackheads, or zits all over your face and you might not know what to do first. 

Before you do anything else, visit or call your local, trusted pharmacist. Licensed pharmacists are always knowledgeable about skin products and will know which products will bring acne relief and which ones won’t. Most pharmacists are very willing to help. If you don’t already know one, try your local Walmart.

While you are at Walmart, check out some of the available natural remedies and products they have displayed near the pharmacy.  Many natural products claim to completely cure your acne. Any good drugstore will also have displays of various supplements claiming to help with acne relief.

Educate yourself on the different causes of acne and you may discover what is causing your own skin to break out. Acne research is lengthy and still ongoing so experts are not absolutely certain about the precise causes of acne. There are a few possible causes, however, that everyone seems to be in agreement on.

Medications   
Some medications, such as steroids, barbiturates, and anti-seizure drugs, are thought to contribute to skin disorders. Don’t stop taking your prescribed medications, though, before first checking with your physician to see if they could be causing your acne.

Emotional Stress
Increasing evidence suggests that stress may contribute to acne and other skin problems. If you are stressed, try developing an exercise program and following it regularly.  Exercise is a proven stress-buster.

Chocolate
Chocolate has not yet been proven to cause acne.  Many people insist that eating chocolate will make you break out in pimples but no amount of research has ever proven this theory to be true. 

Cosmetics
Since acne is triggered by plugged or blocked pores, we can safely assume that make-up and other cosmetic products containing oil will contribute to acne.  Even “safe” products (those that are hypoallergenic and oil-free) may contribute to blackheads or zits because they cover up the skin. Any cosmetic product applied to the skin has the potential to clog the pores and interfere with acne treatment.

Frequently Scrubbing your Face
Acne-prone skin should always be kept clean, but only mild products should be used to wash it gently. Many people are under the impression that they should scrub their skin using harsh soaps when they have acne but this only aggravates and worsens the condition.

Pollution
High humidity and other unnatural environmental conditions (i.e. smog, fog) can promote acne as well as other disorders. If skin is exposed to humid conditions for a prolonged period of time, swelling occurs (which blocks the pores, thereby contributing to acne).

Dietary habits 
Many people notice that certain foods they eat cause their acne to flare up. Your dietary habits can certainly contribute to breakouts and you should note the products causing the most problems so that you can avoid them in the future. 

Common food culprits thought to worsen acne include fats and dairy products. Diets rich in zinc should be beneficial if you have acne. Taking zinc supplements is one alternative you might consider for the relief or treatment of acne.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Acne No More Review - Mike Walden

Why Is Acne No More The Best Selling Holistic Acne Book In Internet History, With Thousands Of Satisfied (And Now Acne Free) Users In 131 Countries Worldwide?

Acne No More is the #1 best selling acne ebook in the history of the Internet for a reason...

Thousands of women and men of every age have completely cured their acne condition and achieved lasting clear skin naturally, without drugs, over the counters, creams or "magic potions," simply by using the clinically proven, scientifically-accurate step by step method found inside this amazing acne freedom guidebook.



Mike Walden, a certified nutritionist, health consultant and author has not just pumped out yet another "acne cure program" into an already over-saturated market. Mike's Acne No More can be more accurately described as an "Acne Bible." It is quite simply one of the most comprehensive, complete, and precise guides to acne freedom you will ever read. What makes it so much different than other clear skin publications on the market?

Well first of all, it's not just a "acne relief" or "skin care" program, it's a holistic acne cure program. This may seem like semantics or wordplay at first, but once you've read just the first chapters, there will be no doubt in your mind that pursuing "acne relief" is not only the wrong goal, it may be the reason that you've failed to stop and maintain your 'acne free internal environment'. Acne No More shows you exactly why you should fix the internal problem that's causing your acne, not just masking the symptoms or getting relief and then goes on to show you exactly how to do it.

Secondly, what makes Acne No More different is the amount of attention that is paid to each and every element required to achieve permanent freedom from acne symptoms and from hormonal and toxic overload disorders. Acne No More not only thoroughly discusses the lies, myths and fallacies surrounding a very confusing subject, it is simply the most detailed book about acne, blackheads, and hormonal health and inner balance ever written.

The Acne No More book is quite extensive (223 pages of rock solid content) which focuses on 100% natural acne treatment. That means there aren't recommendations for harsh prescription drugs with nasty side effects. In Acne No More core formula section (The 5 pillars) - Nothing is held back. In this section, Mike gives a detailed overview of each step, and then dives into the specifics in a perfect chronological order. There are also outstanding charts and checklists which make it very easy to know where you are at in the program and follow it.



Because the Acne No More program is not a quick fix ‘fairy tale’ cure but a complete holistic solution aimed at eliminating the root cause of acne and digestive disorders (regardless of their severity) and ensure your will permanently be acne-free, it does take work and persistence to complete. "The dictionary is the only place success comes before work" says Mike, as he emphasizes the "no quick fix" philosophy behind the entire book.

If there is any drawback to the Acne No More ebook, it's that it contains so much information, that some readers may find it a bit overwhelming. Those who are looking for a quick start type of acne program, might be a bit intimated at first. The good part however, is that even these types of readers can feel confident and assured that it will be worth the effort because this will literally be the last book they ever have to buy on the subject.

Who will benefit most from Acne No More?

In the broadest sense, anyone and everyone who needs to cure their acne and regain their natural inner balance will benefit from Acne No More. This ebook is honestly for everyone. Even people without acne. This is a total health rejuvenation program better than 98% of the nutrition and alternative health books on the market.

In terms of graphic design, Acne No More is a clean and professionally formatted PDF e-book. It is well organized and ideal for printing and reading in the comfort of your own home.

This impressive and unique publication has changed many lives and the hundreds of inspiring testimonials and success stories are found on the Acne No More website archives as proof.

The Bottom line?

Anyone looking for a quick fix solution to acne, anyone looking to be told fairy-tales, and anyone looking for a "magic bullet", acne pills, over the counters, 'acne freedom in 3 days' hyped up programs should not waste his or her time with Acne No More.

On the other hand, anyone searching for the truth about acne and his natural inner balance and who is ready and willing to put in some work and make the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve acne freedom, will find Acne No More to be one of the best investments they ever made in their lives.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Treating Acne the Natural way - 10 Simple Steps to Cure Acne

Natural, holistic or at-home remedies can be an inexpensive way to combat acne.

Some of the natural remedies are listed below.

1. Hot And Cold Compress Packs

This is one of the most popular natural home based remedies and a very simple one to try. All you do is wet a towel and press it up against the area of your body that has acne, whether it’s your face, chest or back.

This will reduce swelling and instantly eliminated clogged pores, which is a primary culprit in the cause of acne.

2. Natural Fruit Juice

One simple yet effective strategy is to use natural fruit juices as a way to alleviate the presence of external cysts and painful blackheads.

You use these juices as a topical application, stirring a bit of cucumber or citric fruit juice with a bit of almond oil.

Once mixed up, apply it the entire area where acne exists and leave on for a period of 15 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Almond oil and other natural substances like it, are easy remedies that will help remove acne if applied regularly.

Do this 2-3 times each week.

You can also replace cucumber juice with apricot juice or lemon juice, as long as they are natural with no added sweeteners or sugars.

3. Fenugreeks Leaf Remedy

Rather than cure acne, fenugreek leaves help prevent acne from returning once you have it under control. You simply crush the leaves into a small bowl, and add water to form a paste.

Apply this to your face, as a mask, and leave it on overnight. Make sure to use an old pillowcase, as it can leave light stains.

4. Mask Of Honey

Honey contains natural antibacterial qualities and is often used as a facemask in spas and home treatments. These masks are inexpensive and can be purchased from your local drug store.

Apply the mask once or twice a week, and enjoy the results. It works exceptionally well!

Click here now to learn how to get rid of acne following a simple proven system.

5. White Vinegar Treatment

Once again, this is a topical treatment that works wonders. With a cotton ball, soak in white vinegar and apply to infected area, leaving it on for 5-15 minutes.

Rinse off with cold water. If you find the vinegar too strong, dilute it with 1/3 cup of water, and apply.

6. Oatmeal Mask

Simply cook a small amount of plain oatmeal and apply to your face. Allow this mixture to set on your face for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

Oatmeal acts as a natural exfoliate, and provides instant relief. Try to integrate this method at least twice a week, as it takes very little time and effort and will yield great results.

7. Yeast Solution

Mix 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh yeast with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; apply on face, wait until it gets hard (try not to move), peel or wash with warm water.

8. Bay Leaf Remedy

Grind bay leaves and blanch in warm water, Cool and apply to your face. Rinse off after ten minutes.

9. Lettuce Solution

Saturate clean, rinsed lettuce leaves in water. Rinse your face with the water.

10. Tea Bag Cure

Mix 2-3 tea bags to some basil and cook in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. Then apply on the acne with a clean cotton ball.

The home remedies listed above are ones that been used over the years successfully.

Personally, I have found the honey mask to work wonders, and the Oatmeal mask formula has helped me keep my acne under control without the need for expensive third party treatments.

Click here now to learn how to get rid of acne following a simple proven system.

This is the ultimate homemade acne treatment resource online.