How To Get Rid Of Acne 3 Steps Toward A Fair Complexion

There are many types of acne, but the most common form occurs during the teenage years when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria as well. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as “pimples,” the symptom most commonly associated with acne.

Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and severe cases can lead to social alienation, or emotional and physical scars. Although mild acne can not be entirely prevented, you can take three steps to minimize its impact.

Gently Cleanse Your Skin: Each day, gently wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard or washing it too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Apply Topical Ointments: At least once daily, but no more than three times a day, apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unplug clogged pores, while salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes by causing the top layer of skin to peel. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acid are also desirable. However, remember that if you use a product too often, your acne can get worse. So confine your applications to less than three times per day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Avoid the Following: Make sure to avoid the following acts which can trigger acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, the wearing of tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, excess stress, constant touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair hanging in your face, or the use of hair care products that contain oils. Also avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples can result in an infection and/or long-term scaring.

While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne by their early-twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps part of your daily routine, and you should be able to control your acne. However, those with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.


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What Causes Acne? How Do You Get Rid of It?

ACNE, oh the word that wreaks havoc on most teenagers.... In our day in age, having a good appearance is everything, especially to young people. Being acne free is a difficult thing to achieve during teenage years, however many homemade acne treatments you read about online can help.

Doctors and researchers are no longer blaming high sugar and greasy foods as for what causes acne. It has been shown through studies that the types of food eaten seem to have little or no effect !

One of the major causes of acne is now thought to be hormone levels. Hormones found in men and women in sky rocket while in puberty and are thought to enlarge glands and increase the output of oil on your skin.

In a nutshell , acne forms when your pores get blocked , which leads to bacteria forming. Many researchers say that acne is hereditary , I for one believe it happens to everyone who doesn't take care of their skin.

There are some external causes for acne. Heavy or greasy make ups can cause acne flair ups as can high humidity for some , prescription medications may have a side effect that causes acne.

Acne can be characterized by light to moderate and severe acne. Light to moderate acne is just having blackheads and really minor acne. A severe case of acne would include cysts and nodules , That can be very painful.

Light to moderate acne can be cleared up with products at the store , however depending on how you react to it , there could be a chance it will have either no effect or even irritate your acne even more. Especially with severe acne , which I have had in the past and got rid of using the 3 day acne guide. I have my story listed on my blog , if you want to see how I did it exactly.

It is suggested that you wash at least twice a day. Never squeeze or pick the pimples/zits on your face and don't wash with a washcloth, use your hands. A washcloth can irritate the acne and make it worse.

The earlier that acne is treated, the better it will be. Getting rid of acne isn't that easy though , you need a solid guide with good testimonials so it's guaranteed to work.

That is why I posted my story about how I got rid of severe acne in my blog , so what are you waiting for ??

Be acne free starting today !

At last , How to get rid of acne is solved!

You are FINALLY now about to witness the greatest acne free success story ever told , so brace yourself and your acne!

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Cure Acne Review

Searching online for an acne cure can be something of a minefield. We tend to be bombarded with so many different treatment programs it can begin to make our heads spin. In order to try and help simplify the process I have decided to write this cure acne review on what I believe are the best acne remedies currently available on the market. I have researched the credentials of their creators, examined the systems themselves and taken the time, via acne forums and blogs, to try and get as much feedback as possible from those who have used the programs.

No cure acne review can be written without mentioning Acne No More. It is the No.1 online acne cure program and certainly the most talked about. Creator Mike Walden has worked in the health industry as a nutritionist and medical researcher for over 14 years. Such was his success in fighting his own personal battle against acne that he decided to release the Acne No More system. He describes it as an "Acne Bible" and believes it is the most comprehensive guide to acne freedom you will ever read.

So, does it work? Having examined the program I have to say it is indeed a very detailed and precise guide. It is not just an acne relief program but a total holistic cure system, this means it looks to not only eliminate the symptoms of acne but also remove the underlying causes. The theory being that rather than achieving short term success, sufferers can look forward to a long term permanent cure.

It is difficult to find anyone who has anything negative to say about Acne No More, of course there are as you would expect plenty of glowing testimonials on the Acne No More website. Looking around the various acne forums and blogs it would also appear most only have good things to say about the program. Apart from a few dissenting voices, it seems the vast majority of acne sufferers are very satisfied with the results they have achieved through using the Acne No More system.

Another program that focuses on a natural, holistic approach to curing acne is the 14 Days Acne Cure system. As the title suggests it involves a 14 day diet plan to help your body detox and remove acne causing toxins as well as a skin cleansing program. This is all achieved without the need for harsh chemicals or drugs and so eliminates the possibility of any side effects.

Although I feel it is not as comprehensive as the Acne No More program it has still proved to be a popular system. The ideas and concepts presented are sound and should work for most acne sufferers. Having said that some users have reported that expecting to be acne free after 14 days may be a little overhyped, all our bodies are different and some will take longer than others to achieve the desired results.

Acne Free in 3 Days has certainly created something of a buzz amongst those looking to cure their acne. The main question being of course is it possible to cure acne in 3 days? That has not proved to be an easy question to answer. Whilst researching this review I have found mixed responses from users of the program. Some claim it is a miracle cure, others have reported seeing an improvement in their condition while there are those who suggest it has no effect and isn't worth the investment.

The system is based on the idea that acne is caused by an unhealthy colon and a form of yeast known as candida albicans. Although this yeast occurs naturally the system suggests that an excess of candida albicans in the body are a common cause of acne. Again this system works on the theory of detoxification and also a certain amount of fasting (which I believe makes it unsuitable for younger acne sufferers), the idea being that over a period of 3 days you will allow the body to rid itself of acne causing toxins. In conclusion I would have to say Acne Free in 3 Days won't work for everybody, if you follow the program I do believe you will see positive results, just not in the timescale stated.

So there we have it, these are by far the most popular acne cure systems available online today. You will probably have noticed whilst reading this cure acne review that they all follow a natural, holistic approach to curing acne. The holistic approach is now considered one of the most progressive ways of tackling the acne condition.

For more information go to Cure Acne Review [http://www.acnegenius.com/cure-acne-review.php] For more tips and ideas on how to control and manage acne check out www.acnegenius.com [http://www.acnegenius.com/]

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Natural Remedies for Healing Acne

I have personally suffered from acne since my teenage years and now well into my adult years I still struggle to get that perfect skin. As I have tried everything from topical creams to antibiotics and the contraceptive pill, which help somewhat but then of course the problem returns when you stop treatment... I am now always on the lookout for more natural solutions. This blog post is therefore going to focus on natural remedies I have used and how I've got on with them plus some others I am yet to try.

Lemon juice - I have tried this a few times in the last couple of years when my acne has got so bad to the point where I have had enough. I basically squeeze fresh juice from a lemon into a bowl, soak a cotton pad with the juice and rub all over my face before bed. It does sting like crazy, but my philosophy of no pain no gain, means I just put up with it. The stinging goes after less than a couple of minutes. If the stinging is too much for you then, just dilute juice with some water. I leave this on my face overnight and wash off in the morning. I do see results quite quickly - within a day or two - but this works more for acne scarring by lightening the skin or making spots appear less red. I also find it gives a nice glowy complexion. I'm not sure this really stops spots from forming but may stop them developing into big angry ones.

Aloe Vera - We have a couple of plants at home so I cut a small piece of one of the leaves and squeeze the juicy gel out and apply to clean skin before bed. Again I allow it to dry on my face overnight. You will find this smells a bit weird but only for the first minute or two. This makes my skin soft and maybe helps with scaring and healing the skin. I didn't find this got rid of my acne but I like to use this now and again to soften up my skin.

Zinc - I have recently read many great reviews on zinc and how the problem of some people's acne is because they are zinc deficient. I also hear it's particularly great for hormonal acne, which is the cause of my acne. I've only recently started taking zinc tablets but because I have changed a few things in my skincare routine it's difficult to fairly comment at the moment. But do come back as I will be writing another post in a few weeks on the result of new skincare products I am testing. Anyway, I have read that some people see a difference in a couple of days of taking zinc and others say within a week, acne is reduced by 80-90%. This is definitely worth a go as zinc is natural so no harm there but obviously be aware of the quantities you are taking and don't go over the RDA unless your GP says ok. I think zinc can be harmful but in much higher quantities so do your research first!

Green Tea - Please don't pour a hot cup of green tea on your face - scalding scars are worse than acne scars! Anyway, joking aside, I first soak the tea bag and then rub it on my clean face before I go to bed and leave on overnight. For me this didn't work but again others have had success so worth a try. Drinking green tea is also supposed to help with healing the skin because of the antioxidants it contains.

Olive oil - I haven't tried this but have heard it's good for acne scaring. You simply massage the oil into and around the scar and leave it for a while to soak in. This helps to soften and moisturize the skin which helps diminish the scar.

Tomatoes - Hmmm, not tried this one either but tomatoes are high in vitamin A. It's this vitamin which is responsible for keeping the body from producing too much sebum which is largely responsible for the formation of acne. Plus tomatoes are rich in antioxidants which are beneficial for repairing the skin. So get eating that juicy red fruit which pretends to be a vegetable!

So there you go, a few natural remedies which you can play with... do comment below if you have tried any and what your experience is. Or please share if you know of anymore? Once I have found and tried a few more myself I will also write another post. In fact you will see a few skin related posts on this blog as I'm very interested in the subject. As with any remedy, I would give it a good few weeks before swapping to something else as it does take time for the skin to react and renew and even though some people see positive results in a couple of days, that is not always the case. If you have an adverse reaction, obviously discontinue use immediately. Good luck in achieving your perfect skin!

For more interesting articles on skin related issues, health and wellness, then please check out my blog http://www.healthmateuk.wordpress.com

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How to Prevent and Treat Acne Scars

Acne sufferers face more than one concern. There is of course the constant nuisance of the acne itself. There is also the anxiety caused by the acne scars and lesions which will render the skin an aesthetic disaster. The reason for this is that most people believe that acne is a temporary situation whereas you are stuck with acne scars for the rest of your life.

Undoubtedly there are numerous acne scar treatments in the market today which work quite well. But the downside is there are some types of acne whose scars cannot be eliminated because they run too deep. Therefore you must ensure that no scars form in the first place because you wouldn't want to take on the emotional and financial burden of dealing with permanent scars.

What we will be discussing here are the many forms of acne scars which exist, the ways to treat them and last but not least, how to prevent them by tackling the internal causes of the condition.
Types of Acne Scars, their causes and their diagnosis

Studies show that severe acne which develops in the deeper layers of the dermis, causing nodules and cysts to form, is what mostly causes acne scars. There are other causes also like infection, cystic acne which works its way deep into the dermis and an overgrowth of skin tissues. Squeezing or popping acne can also cause scars.

It has been seen that, no matter what type of acne they have contracted, some people are more prone to get scarred than others. And occasions arise where the body itself makes a mess of its wound healing process: whether in the process of formation of new capillaries or by improper collagen deposit or in its response to the swelling or anabolic and catabolic phases; errors in any of these healing equations could lead to scarring.

Whatever may be the causes, to avert the possibility of permanent scarring, start treating your acne scars as soon as you can.

Acne scars can be of two varieties: those which come about because of skin tissue loss and those which form because of an increase in skin tissue formation.

Formation of scars because of skin tissue increase

The acne scars which form because of increased skin tissue are usually Keloids scars. Keloids scars, which tend to strike people with dark complexions, emerge when excessive collagen is produced by cells during the healing process. These scars tend to be irregularly shaped and firm and are usually smooth.

Acne scars which emerge due to skin tissue loss:

Acne spots: a discoloration of the skin to brown or red characterizes these acne scars. Acne spots usually fade away with time or with the help of topical scar treatments. Similarly, post inflammatory hyper pigmentation, which often follows acne breakouts, fades away naturally, but to quicken the process you should try MSM.

Ice-pick lesions: the name says it all. Such acne scars resemble ice on which repeated cuts have been made with an ice pick. They usually appear on the cheeks. The scars can be either deep or superficial and are more difficult to get rid of than discoloration scars.

Depressed fibrotic scarring: deep nodules leave behind this type of acne scars. They are white and rigid and are characterized by sharp margins and steep sides.

Atrophic scar macules: Acne scars of this type are small and white and are generally soft and distensible.

Boxcar scars, characterized by vertical edges and round indentations and rolling acne scars which are the result of the surface of the skin getting stuck to the subcutaneous layer are other types of acne scars.

Acne Scars and their treatments

Mostly, acne scars fade away slowly, as do Post inflammatory pigmentations but there are some which resist removal. The only way to smoothen them away is through topical treatment or surgical cosmetic intervention.

Each acne scar needs to be tackled in its special way. There are also scars which require to be treated through a combination of several eradication methods. Very many treatments exist for getting rid of scars and these include: pulsed laser technology, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, punch techniques, collagen injections and creams.

Collagen injection is a method whereby collagen or fat is injected under the skin. This method is mostly suitable for soft scars, whether they are deep or shallow. However, it has to be kept in mind that this is a short term solution and these injections have to be administered every 6 months. Moreover, collagen injections produce some unpleasant side effects and allergic reactions may also develop.

Microdermabrasion is a scar treatment in which tiny particles are passed through a vacuum tool. The intention is to scrape the external top layer of the skin. The method stimulates and enhances the growth of new cells but is only effective in cases of mild scarring.

Laser resurfacing is a method by which the skin layer is flattened and resurfaced with the help of laser. This is done so that scars become more even with the surface of the skin and are therefore less noticeable. It has been found that newly formed acne scars respond better to laser treatment than do the old ones. However, this process can cause disagreeable side effects such as infection and an unusual reddening of the skin. At times, it can even aggravate the scars.

Punch grafting is a technique which involves the slicing of the acne scar right down to the layer of fat and then stitching it up by using a small skin graft.

Different types of scars have to be treated differently. Let us tell you about the recommended treatments in respect of the various types of acne scars. Alpha lipoic acid acne cream and MSM are excellent for use on post hyper pigmentation marks. Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion are the recommended treatments for ice pick scars. However, these scars do not respond positively to Collagen injections which should only be used on flat or thin scars. The Keloids acne scars can be smoothened with steroid injections, crytotherapy, silicone gel dressing and with pulsed laser treatment combined with carbon dioxide laser vaporization (where there is not too much thickness or too much redness on the keloid scars).

Acne Scar prevention

In the final analysis of course, the cheapest and best way of getting out of the nuisance factor of dealing with acne scars is to rid yourself of the acne condition. And the only sure and permanent way of curing your acne is by putting in place methods which would redress the internal cause of your acne. Conventional medications, topical or over the counter acne treatments or steroids really don't help.

When you are able to correct the deep rooted internal factors that really are the cause of your acne formation, you will automatically be free of any acne scarring and also free of the never ending expenses that you incur in taking treatment for its removal.

You must understand that although acne develops on the surface of the skin, as do the scars that appear as a result of the acne, acne is not a skin problem. It forms because of flaws in your internal balance deep inside. Acne and consequently acne scarring are both caused by problems which are wholly internal.

You yourself can do away with the acne scars and do this even before they form by going to the root of the problem deep inside you. This way you will stop the very process of acne formation and be able to live your life free of acne and consequently, of acne scars as well. It will give an impetus to your existence as you will not be burdened by the emotional load of having to carry disfiguring scars on your face.

Mike Walden is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To an Acne Free Life". Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Mike Walden's Unique 5-Step Holistic Acne Cure System Visit: Acne Treatment

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How to Beat an Acne Outbreak

Introduction - Acne is a common, in fact, predominant skin disorder that affects all nations, races and genders regardless of their ethnic backgrounds geographical location or environmental conditions. The resulting impact is even more troublesome. According to a recent survey done in US, about 25% of adults and 31% of teens surveyed said that acne sometimes keeps them from participating in social activities. It has been. Today, dermatologists have a consensus that only few people survive their teen years without suffering at least an occasional acne break-out. For many, acne continues into their adult years, causing embarrassment and prompting the sufferer to search the cosmetic counters for means to cover the spots.

Acne statistics for the age - According to general statistics, acne usually starts around puberty and lasts until adulthood, although it can persist for many more years, regardless of age. Similarly, baby acne affects approximately 20% of newborn babies. About 25% of teens will still have acne at age 25. More than 80% of acne sufferers are between the ages of 12 and 24. Acne affects about 90% of adolescents and 20-30% of adults aged 20 to 40 years.

Acne statistics for the gender - Probably because of their frequent hormonal variations and moods swings, women make up 75% of adult cases of acne. Often acne is worst during adolescence and begins to subside during your twenties. But for some people, acne remains throughout adulthood although often in milder form.

Acne statistics for the sites - Acne affects the face in 99% of cases. Other, less affected sites are back, neck, buttocks and even arms. Last but not least, considering that 80% of the population between the age of 12 and 24 years old will be afflicted by acne to one degree or another, acne is a very serious and widespread concern. For many people, acne problems can continue all throughout their life well into adulthood, even though they were told as teens that they would "outgrow" it.

What is Acne? - Acne is an extremely common and distressing condition that affects the skin's oil glands. The small holes in your skin (pores) connect to oil glands under the skin. These glands make an oily substance called sebum. The pores connect to the glands by a canal called a follicle. Inside the follicles, oil carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. A thin hair also grows through the follicle and out to the skin. When the follicle of a skin gland clogs up, this is when a pimple develops. Most pimples are found typically on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders but they can appear literally anywhere. Acne can cause unsightly and in rare cases permanent scarring but it is not life threatening. Acne develops when the hair, sebum and skin cells clump together to form a plug. A bacterium grows in the plug that causes swelling. Then when the plug starts to break down, a pimple grows. Acne is the most common skin disease. Men and women of any age and race can get acne although it is generally believed to be a teenage ailment as it is most common in teenagers and adults. It is estimated that as much as 80% of the population aged between the age of 11 and 30 will experience some form of acne. Even those in the older generation, as old as in their fifties (though less common) can suffer from acne. The sole cause of acne in the first places not established, though people have many theories. To clear up one misconception, diet definitely does not cause acne, although many people believe this to be true. Whether you eat a lot of fatty foods or a lot of chocolate and crisps plays no part in acne although it is true that eating well can only benefit your complexion, acne (in the first instance) is not caused by what you eat.

Doctors and dermatologists believe it could be down to the increase of hormones in puberty which can cause the oil glands to clog and plug up. Older women can have acne due to the hormonal changes when pregnant and those who take the oral contraceptive pill can also suffer acne as a side effect. If any of your immediate family members suffered from acne as well, there is a very good chance you will too as it is hereditary. Some medications, particularly some antibiotics can cause spots and using particularly greasy oil-based cosmetics. Acne can be treated by OTC (Over the counter) topical face washes or creams or in severe cases, a course of antibiotics and/or steroids over a certain period is prescribed depending on the kind of acne you have and the severity. The quicker the acne is treated the lesser the incidence of scarring. Your doctor will be able to advise or refer you to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) who can work with you so you get the best possible treatment. Understanding different stages of acne An easy grading of acne - Based on the degree or the severity of the signs and symptoms produced in acne, the disorder can be categorized into three prominent or main stages or grades as follows:

Mild acne ("whiteheads" and "blackheads") Mils acne, also known as non-inflammatory acne, is caused by a plug of dead skin cells and oil in the canal that contains the hair, under the surface of the skin. Because the plugs are underneath the skin surface, scrubbing will not get rid of them. In fact, rubbing the skin or using harsh or abrasive soaps can irritate the skin and make the acne worse. Mild acne does not usually leave permanent marks on the skin. Moderate to moderately severe acne - This type of acne, also known as inflammatory acne, consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules that cover from top of the face and/or other parts of the body. It can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and black heads. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill, such as a condom. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin sensi­tive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using them.

Severe acne Severe acne is rare and consists of a mixture of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne has all types of lesions including severe inflammatory lesions (markedly reddened pustules) and possibly cystic lesions (lesions over 0.5 cm in diameter with a soft top that are losing their inflammation). It is most common to have a mixture of lesions at any one time. You should see a dermatologist to care for this type of acne. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Topical treatment alone will not be effective at treating severe inflammatory acne because it cannot penetrate deep enough through the skin's surface to treat the severely inflamed nodules and cysts. "You're About To Learn How To Look Better,Feel Better,and have A Renewed Sense of Self-Esteem - By Clearing Your Acne Permanently In As Little As 3 Days.Severe acne requires systemic treatment (medicine taken orally). Systemic therapies cause distribution of the drug throughout the entire organism. Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the redness, swelling, and irritation, and promotes healing.

Acne & Female connection! Why pimples love women when they don't love to have them? Did you know that most young women and men will have at least a few pimples over the course of their lives? However, interestingly enough, acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle. As women get older, acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40. For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or low self-esteem. But you don't have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can, sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin diseases).

Factors that trigger acne in women - Several factors, alone or combined, can trigger acne attacks in women such as:

Hormonal changes (puberty): - Remember, during puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the skin glands to get larger and make more sebum (oily secretion of your skin). Menstrual cycle: - The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times.

Medications: - Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression can aggravate acne in women. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.

Make-up: - While not a real "cause" of the acne itself, wearing oil-based make up on frequent basis can trigger acne flare ups in women.

Skin pressure or friction: Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse.

Family history: - Those women who have / had other people in their families with a history of acne, there is a greater chance they will have it too.

Does poor hygiene of women cause acne? It is a myth that women get acne because they do not wash enough. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils does not do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it, just twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne in women?

While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods can cause acne, experts have not found a link between the diet and acne.

Simple hints & tips to prevent & treat acne and acne scars Take care: You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your skin.

Clean gently: Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin after heavy exercise.

Avoid friction: - Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads Wash thoroughly but not frequently: - Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and rinse thoroughly.

Make up removal: - Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. - Top 5 myths on what causes acne - Fact versus fiction... When it comes to explaining acne to adolescents and some adults, it is necessary to separate fact from fiction, because having acne can tax a person's nerves and send him off to an emotional roller-coaster. The teenage years are a great time to meet new friends and start dating and be accepted by one's peers; being misinformed about acne is due to certain myths. Following are some of the most common myths associated with the "causes of acne" today:

First myth: Eating too much chocolate will cause acne Reality: Chocolate does not cause acne or make it worse. Even the most renowned doctors will insist, and can prove, that there is no direct link between chocolate and acne. However, even if there is no direct link between the two, you must still adhere to a healthy lifestyle that decreases the amount of sweets, salts and fat from your diet. Ensure you consume foods that are rich in nutrients, especially vitamin A.

Second myth: Dirt will cause acne Reality: - This is a myth that is widely held but while it is certainly important to keep the skin always clean because oil and dirt can block pores, dirt does NOT bring about the clumping together of skin cells against the follicle wall. This phenomenon occurs very deep in the skin where cleaning won't reach it.

Third myth: Acne has something to do with sex Reality: - Some adolescents actually believe that once they're married or give birth to their first child, their acne will disappear. A variation of this myth is the other side of the argument: that an active sex life causes acne. This link was made only because adolescence is that period in a person's life when sex is of great concern. This particular myth became less popular in the 1940's when the medical community finally declared that sexual activity and acne are not related.

Fourth myth: Hot climate causes acne Reality: - Some people think that people who live in cold climates are less likely to get acne, while those who live in the tropics are more prone to it. There is no link between where one lives and the incidence of acne. Nor is the color of one's skin a precursor of acne, although it has been observed that dark-skinned people tend to have less severe acne compared to light-skinned individuals. Larger glands and more defined pores are common characteristics of dark skin, and these two attributes are known to protect against acne. Note though that hyper-pigmentation tends to occur more frequently with dark skin after acne is cured, so care must be taken to not irritate dark skin after a bout with acne.

Fifth myth: First time shavers will get acne Reality: When a boy reaches the age of puberty, one of the first signs is hair on the face, especially above the lip and on the chin. The hairs are at first sparse but over time, a beard and a moustache appear, making boys want to shave them. After the initial shave, the hair grows back, this time thicker. As the hair grows back after each shave, it grows thicker and is denser resulting in repetitive shaving. Frequent shaving can cause the skin to dry out, because as more hair grows, the shaving becomes more frequent and more forceful. Some of these hairs could turn inward and grow internally which can cause acne. The inside growth, combined with the production of oil in the sebaceous glands can result in frequent skin breakouts. The myth that shaving causes acne is indeed a myth, but it is true that shaving too often and too close to the hair follicles may contribute to the growth of acne.

Unveiling top 5 acne myths Differentiating between fact & fiction... - Like many other common disorders and diseases, there have been several myths and unrealistic assumptions associated with acne. The main cause of the formation and spread of these myths is lack of proper understanding of the disorder, little or no knowledge about the development of disease and unnecessary delay in diagnosis and treatment of acne. The following article attempts to explain some of the common acne-related myths and also throws light on the actual reality behind each of these myths.

Myth 1: Acne is caused by poor hygiene or washing Fact: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, sweating, or not washing. These factors do not cause the clogged pores that contribute to acne development. While medicated washes containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are one form of treatment for acne, simple soap and water does not treat the condition.

Myth 2: Acne is caused by diet Fact: - Acne is not caused by diet. No scientific connection has been found between diet and acne. No food, not chocolate, fries, pizza, or any other food, has been shown to actually "cause" acne. However, diet can play an important role in lessening or aggravating the intensity of the disease.

Myth 3: There is no treatment or cure for acne Fact: - Acne does not need to be allowed to run its course. The condition can be treated as there are prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) products (although medicines are never free of side effects) for it. There have been also some natural or herbal treatments for acne that have, to date, no reported side effect.

Myth 4: I can prevent acne from washing my face more often Fact: No. You cannot prevent acne from washing my face more often. Dirt does not cause acne. It is the overproduction of oil (sebum) from within the skin rather than the surface oil/dirt that leads to acne.

Myth 5: Squeezing a pimple may help me get rid of those notorious pimples Fact: Absolutely not. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Squeezing a pimple may cause the contents of the follicle to rupture into the tissue rather than being expressed to the surface of the skin. This can cause tissue damage and scarring. Sometimes a medical provider will open a pimple or cyst with a special instrument designed not to damage the tissue, but you should avoid squeezing or picking pimples.

Rediscovering Vitamin E... An efficient & essential ingredient of Clear Skin Max An introduction to Tocopherol acetate (Vitamin E) Tocopherol is the scientific name for vitamin E. Tocopherol acetate is a lipid-soluble version of vitamin E. Natural vitamin E is used as a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger. One of nature's most dynamic moisturizers, it also aids cellular renewal of the skin. Therefore, to date, vitamin E has been tried for the treatment of almost every type of skin lesion (problem) imaginable. For the same reason, many doctors and dermatologists lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical (locally applied) vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.

What is vitamin E? - Vitamin E is considered as one of the most important oil-soluble anti-oxidant and free radical scavenger. It is also a photo-protector, protecting cellular membrane from free-radical damage.

Some basic skin-related functions of vitamin E-

Vitamin E is one of the best known antioxidants found in the human body. It means that its key biological function is to protect lipids from oxidation and free radical damage. Therefore, it basically serves a preservative function due to its ability to protect against oxidation.

Vitamin E counts among the vitamins that protect the skin and the mucous membranes.

It improves trans-epidermal water loss, thereby improving the appearance of rough, dry and damaged skin.

It also helps to maintain connective tissue.

Vitamin E seals the connective tissue and the vascular walls, makes wounds heal quickly and keeps the skin elastic and smooth.

Vitamin E also prevents aging of the skin.

It prevents irritation due to sun exposure. If applied before sun exposure, it acts protective against epidermal cell damage caused by inflammation.

It also counteracts increased functioning of the sebaceous glands (as is the case in acne) and reduces excessive skin pigmentation.

What Causes Pimples? There are many factors that cause pimples/acne and it varies in its severity. Stress can cause flare ups in some, side effects of certain medications, even allergies. A bout of acne can be short lived or it can persist for several months or several years. Some people will only get very mild pimples, others will get very severe acne although this is thought to run in the family, so if acne or pimples have occurred in your family It is likely you will suffer from a few in your lifetime. Many things can irritate or make acne flare up but pimples are caused from when the hair follicles in your pores in your skin get blocked and the sebaceous gland produces an excessive amount of oil. Although no one is totally sure why acne occurs, it is believed it can be a result of the following: -

Bacteria accumulating in the sebaceous glands

A collection of dead skin cells

Overactive sebaceous glands producing too much oil due to hormone fluctuations

Using oily make up, such as greasy foundations and overly thick moisturisers

The sebaceous gland gets clogged when the oil (otherwise known as sebum) cannot leave the open pore so turns into an obstruction. The skin around the pore can swell and a white plug formed of dead cells of oil can form, this is what is what is known as a whitehead. If the plug does not fully close the pore you get a black appearance which is called a blackhead. Pimples can become infected when the whiteheads rupture underneath the skin's top layer. This allows the dead cells, bacteria and oil to seep into the surrounding tissue. If this outbreak is very widespread and severe, you could develop an infection called cystic acne which is very large, unsightly and painful red bumps Even if the boils disappear you could be left with permanent scarring. Prompt treatment of this is essential to minimise the possibility of permanent scarring so visit your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to remember that anyone can suffer from spots at any time even after treatment but will be a lot less severe.

Your skin at glance What, where & why? Introduction - Your skin is the largest and one of the most important organs of your body which performs some essential functions such as protection, hydration, sensation and temperature regulation. The internal structure of your skin, however, is even more interesting. Let's discover some of the main structural features of your own skin:

Layers of skin - Your skin is composed of two main layers, the epidermis and dermis, that both rest on the subcutaneous (underlying) tissues.

Epidermis: - It is the outer (or uppermost) layer of the skin and is made up of outer dead skin cells and deeper living cells. The melanocyte (special cells) within the epidermis produces melanin giving color to the skin and helps protect it from ultraviolet light Dermis: - The dermis is found beneath the epidermis and makes up bulk (90 percent) of your skin. Subcutaneous layer: - The epidermis and dermis sit on the subcutaneous (subcutaneous = beneath the skin) layers, composed largely of fat, through which the blood vessels and nerves run. The roots of the oil and sweat glands are located here. Glands of skin - There are two main types of glands in your skin: Sebaceous oil glands: - These are distributed throughout the skin but are mostly concentrated in the scalp, face, mid-chest, and genitals. They are attached to the hair follicles and secrete an oily substance (sebum) that lubricates and protects the skin. Sweat glands: - These glands are distributed throughout the body but their greatest number is found in the palms, soles of the feet, forehead, and underarms. They secrete at times of stress, emotion, or in the presence of a warmer environment.

Special structures of skin Hair: - Each hair grows from a single follicle that has its roots in the subcutaneous tissue] of the skin. The oil glands next to hair follicles provide gloss and, to some degree, waterproofing of the hair. Hair also contains melanin. The number of melanin granules in the hair determines its color. Malnutrition can cause damage to the hair.

Fingernails and toenails: - These are part of the epidermis and are composed of the protein, keratin. Each nail grows outward from a nail root that extends back into the groove of the skin. With malnutrition, after an injury, or chemotherapy, the nail formation is impaired.

Types of skin - Depending on your family (heredity), your genetic make-up and your lifestyle, you skin can be of one of the following types:

Oily skin: - Oily skin is caused by over activity of the sebaceous glands. Oily skin is thick with large pores and has a greater tendency to develop acne, but not wrinkles. Most people, who have oily skin, also have oily hair.

Dry skin: - Dry skin is caused by under activity of the sebaceous glands, environmental conditions, or normal aging. Dry skin is usually thinner and more easily irritated. There is a greater tendency to develop wrinkles, but not acne.

Balanced Skin: - Balanced skin is neither oily nor dry. It is smooth and has fine texture with few problems. However, it has a tendency to become dry as a result of environmental factors and aging

Combination Skin: - Combination skin consists of oily regions, often on the forehead and around the nose, and regions that are balanced or dry.

The best criteria to choose Acne skin products Top 5 hints and tips... When it comes to an effective treatment for your acne, you want a product that will really work and that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. However, because of the intense market clutter, finding the anti acne skin care product may seem like an impossible task. The following hints and tips would serve as your easy, at-a-glance guide to help you make your mind while choosing among different skin care products that are used to treat acne.

Is it recommended? - The FDA's new good manufacturing practices ruling, for example, attempts to ensure that the natural or herbal supplements: -

Are produced in a quality manner and meet all the recommended safety standards

Are free of all the contaminants or impurities

Are accurately labeled as per the recommended guidelines

Therefore, you should choose an acne-care supplement according to the same FDA-recommended guidelines.

Is it clinically backed? Remember, this is an era of evidence-based medicine and you are supposed to consider evidences, pure facts and real testimonials, not claims. Accordingly, go for a complete, multi-component anti acne supplement that contains ingredients which are clinically backed by a number of trials and studies and have been recommended by full-fledged health experts and physicians for a non-prescription use.

Is it fully compliant? Compliance of a medicine or some specific product can be defined as its suitability to most of the people taking it without causing any significant undesirable side effects. The most effective skin care system for people with acne should, therefore, be considered as highly suitable and compliant for people of almost age groups and genders. In other words, it should be capable of giving best and fast results in young adults, middle aged and elderly men and women equally.

Is it safe? It is quite logical and understandable that ideally, an anti-acne supplement or program should be free of the typical "allopathic" medications' side effects. You should, therefore, do your research when planning to take any kind of such skin care supplements or systems. A simple of way of doing this is read the authentic testimonials, and see if the product has been approved by some major international and credible authority on health. Similarly, user compliance and tolerance is another important issue to be considered while choosing skin care program or multi-component system to cure acne.

Is it affordable & economical? Any skin care system or product for people with acne cannot be considered as a top one until and unless it takes good care of your pocket because of its accessibility and affordability. Accordingly, you should choose a product that offers the best value for money i.e. gives you more for less.

Conclusion - While you can find many brands of both natural or herbal and over the counter anti acne skin care creams, lotions, supplements and oils, there are hardly few which even work and come any close to whatever they promise. Most importantly, even the most frequently bought and used products have their own share of undesirable effects and unwanted interactions within the body. The key here is, therefore, to select the safest and yet more effective natural skin care system that will comprise of multiple components and will, therefore, address the acne problem on multiple levels.

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Introduction to Acne Problems

What is Acne?

Acne (acne vulagaris) is a common skin disorder that affects nearly 100 million people worldwide. Regardless of age, acne is commonly found in adolescents undergoing puberty as the new hair follicles tend to get clogged beneath the surface of the skin. This certainly does not rule out acne affecting women and men likewise, as many people of all age groups and skin types suffer symptoms of acne globally.

Some forms of acne are often mistaken or perhaps associated with Seborrheic dermatitus, being relative to having scaly and flaky skin. This is common after acne sufferers administer strong doses of medicinal strength prescriptions, as they can cause adverse effects if not used properly. Thus, resembling symptoms similar to Seborrheic dermatitus, as the treated skin becomes dry, flaky, scaly, and discolored.

While there are several terms used to define and identify specific types of acne, the most common are as follows:

• Acne vulgaris (cystic acne or simply acne)

• Seborrhea (scaly red skin)

• Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

• Papules (pinheads)

• Pustules (pimples)

• Nodules (large papules)

• Cysts (large nodules or boils)

Acne is most commonly located on the face, neck, back, arms, and buttocks, as these areas are more prone to release the secretions of oils, collect bacteria, amass hair follicles, and produce sweat which tends to open these pores making these areas susceptible to multiple toxins which are known to cause skin blockages, leading to various forms of acne.

Acne has also been considered as a potential sign that the health of the body could be suffering from other toxic bacteria possibly in the liver, kidneys, and these infections being carried through the blood cells, is believed to result in acne breakouts.

Speculations are often asserted that certain greasy foods and ones dietary intake may also be a major factor in causing certain types of acne.

Working to rid acne can be a tedious process as it can also lead to inner-complexity issues, depression, or in severe cases even suicide.

The best defense against acne is to arm yourself with knowledge, and test several proven methods that have worked for others until you find a treatment and prevention regiment that works best for you and your skin type.

What Causes Acne?

Most forms of acne are caused when the sebaceous follicles become infected, clogged, or contaminated. In most cases common acne occurs when excessive sebum oil collects around the hair follicles, or from toxins collecting in the pores becoming infected by dead skin, bacteria, or the body's natural acidic waste.

Normally, the body's sebaceous glands are designed to release specific amounts of sebum oil which is excreted from the pores and rises to the skin's surface. The body's natural release of sebum oil helps the skin to remain moist and semi-lubricated, and in turn protects your skin from many of the harmful or harsh elements in the environment.

Once pores become blocked, oil becomes trapped beneath the skin which can no longer be excreted through the skin as normal, leading to blockages. As a result, these areas can become inflamed or infected, which can lead to blemishes, spotting, or the formulation of pimples.

As conditions below the skin worsen, the body still attempts to naturally excrete more oils, and as such, the excess oil builds pressure beneath the skin, causing greater infections known as boils, or cystic acne.

Often, when a blockage occurs the pressure can cause the pores inner walls to explode under the skin surface, forcing the body's white blood cells to move in, in an attempt to absorb the collagen from within the pores of your skin. When this takes place, the results can lead to blemishes in the skin, scarring, or eventually pockmarks.

Acne Prevention

When treated early, the chances of infection or severe acne scarring is greatly reduced. General prevention can be accomplished through a disciplined daily cleansing regiment, such as using a quality cleansing program, and/or in conjunction with a topical acne cream to prevent the follicles and pores from becoming clogged after cleanings. Employing these measures can greatly reduce the risk of causing further damage to the treated area.

Ultimately, identifying the severity of the problem and obtaining knowledge about the specific types of acne and treatments available can be the best defense against acne. Understanding the specific type of acne and proper treatment regiment can assist in the prevention of future breakouts, while minimizing the chances of pockmarks or permanent scarring.

When acne is identified and addressed early, before pimples become severely infected and bursting takes place under the skin, acne scarring can usually be prevented, and save further damage from taking place. Especially, when the appearance of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) become noticeable, as these can become easily infected, leading to more severe cases of cystic acne, which can often cause pockmarks or permanent scars.

While acne can be a very complicated issue to resolve, many sufferers undergo multiple treatments before finding the solution which works best for their skin type. It goes without saying acne really doesn't discriminate, and affects numerous age groups, skin types and is not always due to poor hygiene or diet as often suggested.

Most types of acne can be treated with proper cleansing, home remedies, and over the counter topical acne creams over a period of weeks or even months before resolving the problem. In severe cases, it is suggested sufferers seek professional care, and contact a dermatologist for stronger prescription medications.

As an acne sufferer myself, I am passionate in educating and providing preventative solutions to fellow acne sufferers, such as; investigating and exploiting proven home remedies, topical ointment applications, holistic medicines, and known solutions to help prevent, and cure acne.

Expert author; Charley Davidson encourages you to receive a "Free Acne Solutions Report" and to learn more about acne solutions by visiting: [http://a-c-n-e.net].

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One Of The Best Acne Products

During my high school years, I had terrible acne all over my face. Unfortunately, the acne left some scars that look many small dimples on my cheeks. I feel like I’ve tried every product out there and have spent hundreds of dollars. One of the best products I found for clearing my acne was surprisingly not Proactiv as many people would suspect. It is called Beautiful Skin. Yes, I did try Proactiv and I wasn’t completely satisfied as some of the other “no name” products such as this one. The great thing about Beautiful Skin was its free 30-day trial. All I had to pay was the cost of shipping. I stuck with Beautiful Skin for about five months before trying various acne scar removal products. Like most, if not all, acne treatment products, Beautiful Skin involves a few steps (four to be exact) that are done once or twice a day. These include:

Cleanser: Gently removes dirt and makeup without drying the skin
Toner: Refreshes and softens the skin
Day Serum: Lightweight, non-greasy gel helps combat daily pollutants while heals acne
Cream: Gentle, yet effective, treats and heals acne without irritation and helps prevent future acne
Beautiful Skin is not just for teenagers either; adults can use it effectively too! My mother had a light case of acne during the summer and she used some of my Beautiful Skin to get rid of it in a matter of weeks. Seems to work great for all acne cases, whether its as bad as mine or very light cases of acne. I cover more acne treatment tips and acne scar removal products in my blog:
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Go check out my blog and leave me some comments! I'd love to hear from you!
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Acne Skin Care Products for Men

Choosing the right acne skin care product may seem like a stressful, and even emotional task. With so many infomercials and acne products promising the perfect skin results, it's hard to make up your mind on just one, because they all seem to promise wonders just to underdeliver once you get them.

The truth is that there are tons of fake acne solutions on the market, companies just looking to make some quick bucks, but there is a way to make sure that you are picking the right acne product that will deliver the clear skin you've been searching for.

The best advice I can give is that you look for all the reviews possible on the product of your choice. Type in the product + reviews onto any major search engine online and take some time to read through a couple of reviews until you get a general idea of what others who have already tried the product think. There are many sites online that consist of reviews made by customers, even Amazon has it integrated in their product sites. There are also blogs that get products for review and give their honest opinion about the subject.

Also, as a main point in your quest to find the best solution, make sure the acne treatment of your choice doesn't contain astringents or alcohol since these can cause further irritation of the skin.

I personally hated when I spent money on a skin care product only to realize with time after its use there where no results to be seen. That is why at Men's Skin Care Tips Blog we give guys honest reviews about skin care products for men, including acne skin care products for men.

Real reviews on products for men, that way you can get the acne skin care you need with out having to waste money on useless products.

For more information on men's skin care, go to http://www.squidoo.com/menskincare/, you'll find loads of tips and articles to get you on the right track for a clear skin. And whilst you are there check out the blog too! It has news and product reviews.

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Best Homemade Remedies For Acne

Check Out This Solid Advice To Improve Your Acne

Acne is an embarrassing problem. You can have control of your breakouts, even though at times it seems impossible. There are many natural remedies that work just as well as medications, sometimes better. Sometimes your body just needs proper skin care and the right nutritional balance to help acne go away for good. Take a look at these great hints.

A paste of nutmeg and milk makes an effective treatment for acne. Combine ground nutmeg with some room temperature milk until it forms a paste. Apply this to the areas affected by acne and leave it on overnight. Often the acne will disappear quickly and without leaving unsightly marks on your face.

If you want to get clear skin and feel your best during the day, try to get eight hours of sleep at the minimum. Sleep is essential for healthy skin, as it helps to replenish your body with the nutrients that it lost during the day, while reducing stress and anxiety.

Reduce stress in your life so that you are able to maximize the benefits that you'll see from your anti-acne efforts. Emotional and physiological stress are common reasons behind breakouts. Physiological stress, such as an illness, can leave the body dehydrated, leaving less water for your skin to use to purge toxins. Emotional stress can wreak havoc on your internal systems, making you more susceptible to breakouts.

Do not pick at or squeeze blackheads, instead use a special blackhead cleaner and wash your face often. This will keep you from getting scars and help clear the blackheads in the long run. There are many different brands of blackhead cleaning products available that will make your skin look its very best.

Cut back on coffee. Some studies show that coffee, with or without caffeine, stimulates cortisone production. This can cause acne to flare up or get worse. Instead of coffee, try drinking either green or white tea. If you feel stressed out you should completely stop drinking coffee until your acne clears up.

To help your skin resist and recover from acne, avoid using hair care products with excessive liquid residue. These residues tend to drip or spatter on the face, where they can clog pores and contribute significantly to acne infections. Minimize the amount of product you use. Switch to lighter products, or consider forgoing such products entirely.

If you have problems with pimples, try using a honey mask one to two times per week. The natural antibacterial properties of honey can kill bacteria, which helps prevent infection as well as giving your immune system less work to do, so it can clear up your acne faster. Honey is also thought to contain nutrients that are essential for healing, and it may even reduce pain.

If your breakouts are not severe, or do not cover your entire face, then the best option for treatment would be spot treatment. Using an over the counter cream or gel with benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid have typically shown the best results. These ingredients will dry out the affected area and leave the rest of your skin hydrated.

If you are trying to get rid of acne, you do not want to stay in the sun too long. This will cause cells to die and create more blockage in your pores. One way to prevent this is to wear some kind of protective head gear like a hat.

To help make sure you don't suffer from acne breakouts, you should exfoliate your skin. When you exfoliate you are removing the build-up of dead skin cells, which are one of the causes of acne breakouts. A daily exfoliation will keep your skin soft and smooth, brighten your complexion and make your skin less prone to breakouts.

If you have acne, you need to make sure that you treat your infected skin very gently. If you try to squeeze and hurt your face roughly, then you may cause permanent damage to your face. The skin where acne forms is very sensitive, so it is important that you treat it so.

New acne-fighting gadgets that are on the market, claim to quickly and effectively eliminate acne within hours. While these devices have been proven to treat acne, at over $100 each, they are overpriced and unnecessary. Especially is this the case when you find out that these machines work simply by directing intense heat at the offending blemish.

An important tip to consider when concerning acne is to make every attempt to not touch your face throughout the day. This is important because your hands typically will carry dirt, oil and bacteria on them, at any given time. Try to use a tissue, if you do need to scratch or rub an area of your face, if you are not able to wash your hands first.

Get Rid Of Acne

Drink lots of water to help get rid of acne. When your skin is dehydrated it can't effectively get rid of the dead skin cells, which can then clog up your pores and cause acne. It is recommended that you drink at least two liters, or half a gallon, of still mineral water every single day to keep the acne away.

To help get rid of acne, you can try using licorice root. It's an all natural herb whose ingredients have been known to reduce the redness of acne and get rid of it as well. Licorice root is good for people with all skin types and can be used daily.

A good tip that can help you get rid of acne is to start taking chromium. Chromium can be obtained through your diet or through a supplement, and it helps fight acne because it heals any infections on your skin. Get some chromium if you're looking to get rid of acne.

You may want to consider using the Peruvian root vegetable, Maca, in order to help get rid of acne. Maca is rich in nutrients and vitamins that help to stabilize and balance your body's system, while also controlling the hormones that could be causing your acne. You can blend this vegetable into a smoothie.

To help get rid of acne or blemishes, you may want to consider using a coffee ground scrub. Coffee beans are a natural substance that makes acne less severe. You can use the coffee grounds that are left over in your coffee pot and dump it on a sponge to use it all over your body.

To get rid of acne, make sure you are getting a good night's sleep every night. Sleep is what your body needs to repair itself from the wear and tear of the day, and this also holds true for your skin. If you are already on medication for acne, this also allows ample time for it to work so that you can see results in the next day.

Natural skin care products may help you get rid of acne. In general, products derived directly from natural plants are not as harsh as more complex chemicals and work more harmoniously with your skin. Natural products are not any more expensive than their artificial equivalents, if you find the proper ways to get them. You can, for example, prepare many of them yourself.

Talk to your doctor about pros and cons of ingesting acne medications that are on the market in pill form. Some of these medications have serious side effects that are not worth having just to get rid of acne. In fact, get a second or third opinion. There is no magic pill to cure acne.

Garlic is a great tool to use if you want to get rid of acne breakouts. The natural antibiotics in it help kill the bacteria that causes acne. Simply crush up one or two cloves of garlic and rub it on your face. After it has been on for about 30 minutes, wash it off with warm water.

To get rid of acne, it is important to eat as many vegetables, fruits and nuts as you can. Acne has been known to form because the body has deficiencies in certain minerals that these foods contain. Try making yourself smoothies with the fruit, snacking on the nuts and eating at least one salad a day.

Now that you know how to take care of your body and your skin in a way that helps to clear up your acne, don't hesitate to start. It may take a few weeks to see results, but once your body gets the right treatment, inside and out, you will see a fresh-looking face staring back at you in the mirror.

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How to Cure Acne For Good

If you're anything like me you have tried everything under the sun in order to cure your acne. Unfortunately most things under the sun do not work in the long term. Creams, lotions, and pills are just short term fixes for acne and most of them do not even work that well.

There is a natural way to clear acne. It's not as easy as popping an anti-biotic, so if that's what you're looking for then you might want to hit the 'back' button now. There is no such thing as a magic cure for acne. There is however, a natural way to do it.

The first thing you need to understand about acne is that it is a hormonal disease that affects people who are genetically prone to get it. This is why some of your friends may have acne along with you, and some may not.

This is why diet plays a crucial role in acne development. Eating the wrong diet full of inflammatory foods such as vegetable oils and processed foods will only exacerbate your already acne-prone skin. Cut out all processed foods to start and you will already start to see an improvement. You need to eat the right foods as well in order to get the correct acne-fighting nutrients and minerals.

I also suggest supplementing with a few high quality (and inexpensive) supplements. Spirulina, for one, is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet today and can be obtained at any health food store.

The last thing you need to do in order to have completely clear skin is EXERCISE. Sorry if you hate that word, but it's necessary. Fueling your body with the right foods and supplements will do 75% of the work, and exercise will do the rest. Exercise improves circulation and calms over-active hormones. It is the final ingredient to perfect skin.

I realize that these tips may sound vague. If you want an exact blueprint on how you can become acne-free in under 2 months, check out my blog. You must be disciplined and motivated or it will NOT happen, however. Good luck!

My name is Dan Calaway, and I suffered with acne for 10 years (this includes blackheads and MASSIVE cystic acne on my back, neck, and chest.) After using just about every acne product on the market (including Accutane), I finally figured out how to clear acne the all natural way. If you are in the same boat that I was in, check out my blog today.

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4 Top Acne Treatments

For majority of people acne can be a real nuisance. It is expected at the age of puberty, however lots of us experience acne breakouts even at adult age.

Acne comes in many forms, from acne cysts to blackheads, whiteheads; some people have it really bad, some of us are lucky to only have a few outbreaks every once in a while.

There are three major approaches to an effective acne treatment; treat the source (internally), prevention (i.e. exfoliate acne prone skin) and to reduce the appearance of already existing blemishes (such as acne spot treatment).

There are several reasons why adults can get acne - from stress to hormonal problems - even some medications or a change in your diet could cause breakouts. As for treating the cause of acne, your best option is to consult your physician.

Although it is a great idea to treat acne at the source, internally, there are several precautionary measures you can take to reduce the chances of acne breakouts. There are 2 things that will work and help you with your acne problem, no matter what is causing it: prevention and external treatments.

Acne develops when dead skin cells block the pores or the hair follicles. This blockage traps sebum, which leads to a build-up of bacteria and inflammation of the skin.

It is very important to make acne prevention part of your daily skin care routine. For example, make sure that your skin is clean (use mild cleansers), exfoliate acne prone skin, and moisturize.

For the already existing acne problems, there are more and more treatments available on the market; from OTC acne treatment creams, gels and acne spot treatments, to the more professional and more effective acne treatments.

This article will be talking about the top acne treatments for the already existing skin condition.

Although in the past years the variety of available over-the-counter acne remedies have seem to explode, it is safe to say that your best option is to visit your local acne treatment clinic. At an acne treatment clinic, trained professionals and doctors can offer you such effective acne treatment, which you would not be able to utilize on your own. They can also give you the most accurate information on top acne treatments and they can advise you which products and procedures would fit your individual needs best.

These treatments can be used to remedy acne cysts, to prevent acne scarring, as acne spot treatment and to help reduce the signs of existing acne scarring. At an acne treatment clinic top acne treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peel, ipl acne treatment, acne laser resurfacing and skin laser rejuvenation for the correction of acne scarring.

Let's take a look at each procedure in a little bit more detail.

Acne Facials

Acne facials involve a few basic steps: cleansing, skin analysis, exfoliation, massage, extraction of blackheads and other impurities, and application of moisturizing products matching your skin type (dry, oily, mixed, sensitive, mature.) All facials serve to clean and rejuvenate your skin, by removing the top layers of dead skin to allow optimum new cell growth.

Microdermabrasion

You may have heard about this method, if you've been getting familiar with top acne treatments in the past. It is a very unique approach to remove dead skin cells with the help of Hungarian Virgin Crystals which are blown onto your skin and then vacuumed away with a hand piece. This procedure not only removes the superficial layers of your skin, but also exposes fresher and healthier skin. This is a safe and convenient method for all skin colors and types.

Vi Peel

The unique blend of ingredients in the Vi Peel provide powerful results with no pain, no skin preparation and very little downtime. The Vi Peel will clear acne skin condition and reduce or eliminate acne scars. It will also stimulate the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin.

This treatment can be combined with microdermabrasion or skin-specific facials for optimal results.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

This more and more popular treatment utilizes the versatile use of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). First a solution called Levulan is being applied to the skin. After the solution has properly penetrated the acne sufferer's skin, the skin care professional applies pulses of light to the area to be treated. This treatment has shown significant improvement in acne skin condition - with proper skin care regimen.

Other treatments such as acne facials, microdermabrasion and/or chemical peels (Vi Peel) can be added for more dramatic improvement.

If you want more information on top acne treatments or looking for an acne treatment clinic in Southern California, please visit the official website of Laser Touch Medical Clinic.

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Getting Real Control Of Your Acne Breakouts

There's a lot of types of acne breakouts and several different cure plans. Officially known as acne vulgaris, this specific skin condition impacts a lot of people in America yearly. Almost 85% of people produce acne at some time between the ages of 12-25 years.

Virtually everyone is affected with breakouts of this at some point in life, helping to make acne one of the most common skin disorders. Understanding the information about acne could possibly be the starting point towards finding a successful acne cure and controlling your acne.

Many youngsters grow out of their acne, but it is frequent for quite a few girls to want treatment into their late thirties.

What can cause it?

Nobody is aware of for sure what exactly brings about bad acne, or the reason why it commonly starts in teenage years. Because medical information about pimples are still fairly small, many misguided beliefs and gossips concerning just what causes it exists. Absolutely no one variable leads to acne.

Lesions produce within the oil-producing structures of the skin referred to as pilosebaceous follicles. Oil secretions develop underneath the obstructed pore, providing the best setting for the skin acne bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to increase in numbers out of control. For unknown reasons skin tissue of acne sufferers stick together inside the pore (this will likely be made worse by grease, pomades, make-up, for example.).

Deeper still it brings about cysts which are the most detrimental kind of acne and have the possibility of long term scarring damage. Genetics furthermore play a role within the development of acne and so there can be a tendency for the skin disorder to run throughout familys.

There are other skin disorders that could look like this, but are unrelated.

Zits will often be a result of Propionebacterium acnes, the same bacterium on the skin which feeds on sebum. The bacteria cause the surrounding tissues to be inflamed and acne is formed. The acne bacteria feeds off this specific combination that leads to painful disorders.

Acne-causing bacteria are anaerobic, this means they can not make it in an oxygenated setting. Bacteria termed Corynebacterium acnes, which usually trigger skin fats to break on to annoying chemicals, could also directly bring about an episode.

Because of the hormone modifications they undergo, youths may acquire acne. Nearly all teens whom develop zits have the milder type, called non-inflammatory acne. Hormonal ailments can easily complicate acne in young girls.

If you are a teenager and you've got acne, you will have a lot of company. About 80 percent off teens create acne, however the affliction could also begin as late as age twenty five or 30, specially in females.

Just once you believed your "bad skin" days were over, mature acne happens. Just when you have productively navigated the problems of adolescence on the skin, you get up and come across acne.

You will find numerous causes of adult acne. The modern development in health-related circles is to discuss acne as being a hormone imbalance. Hormone changes linked to pregnancy or monthly periods leads to or promote acne. As well, hormonal alterations related to starting off or ending contraception pills could also bring about acne. Excess emotive anxiety on our bodies might give rise to hormone changes that have been proven to bring about acne too.

Adult acne is different from teen acne and for that reason your treatment tactic must be different.

Boys end up with more acne that is severe and develop this more frequently than young girls. Very severe acne can cause scars that will never fade away. All but probably the most intense levels of acne are generally controllable however is not curable. Probably the most severe type of acne includes cysts and nodules.

Vigorous treatment of more severe varieties of acne can assist avoid face skin damage.

There exists a countless of products offered for the relief acne, many of them without the medically verified effects.

The main solutions utilized to deal with acne are a pharmaceutical level glycolic acid remedy and also a topical antibiotic. By simply implementing a chemical substance solution to your skin, known as a light chemical peel, minor skin damage and some kinds of acne breakouts might be cared for.

Non-prescription medicinal drugs are offered over-the-counter to take care of slight types of acne. Topical medications may be utilised in the management of acne and are often recommended in addition to a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. Topical retinoids are employed in the treating both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

The charge and duration of acne treatment with topical programs and oral antibiotics help to make standard treatments not perfect. For this reason scientific study has been reviewing the link between precise peak wavelengths of light in the management of acne, with quite successful effects.

Benzoyl peroxide inhibits the bacteria that creates this issue. Like with additional acne medications, overexposure to intense wind or cold or use of annoying skincare products might worsen your skin.

Many meds merely cover up the signs or symptoms of acne and do nothing to stop the true reason behind it. You can even find herbal based medications, for instance tea tree oil.

Nowadays with medicine, it can usually be dealt with effectively and managed prior to this becomes totally unsightly. If a energetic tactic of analyze and application is done, the effects of acne is often greatly reduced and sometimes overcome fully.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Acne

Acne is a very common disease. People who have it tend to have similar kinds of questions about it and its treatment. This section addresses some of the common questions asked by people with acne. Please remember that your dermatologist is always the best source of specific information about your individual health issues, including acne.

Questions and Answer does follows:

1. What causes acne?

The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.

Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.

In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.

2. I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?

Many people still believe that acne is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously, only to irritate the skin further and worsen their acne. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild soap is usually all that is required. However, acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for the acne.

3. Does stress cause acne?

Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around! If the acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people.

4. I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?

Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, acne may persist into adulthood. Such types of acne include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face (which afflict males more than females) and acne associated with the menstrual cycle in women. In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males.

There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.

5. What role does diet play in acne?

Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet-but diet shouldn't really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.

6. Does the sun help acne?

Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne. Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.

7. What is the best way to treat acne?

Everyone's acne must be treated individually. If you have not gotten good results from the acne products you have tried, consider seeing a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you. For more information about the types of acne treatments that are available, and for basic acne treatment guidelines, please see Acne Treatments in the main part of AcneNet.

8. What kind of cosmetics and cleansers can an acne patient use?

Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne.

Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist.

Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.

9. Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?

Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.

1. Can anything be done about scarring caused by acne?

Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the acne. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the acne be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring.

2. How long before I see a visible result from using my acne medication?

The time for improvement depends upon the product being used, but in almost all cases it is more a matter of weeks or months instead of days. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication or combination of medications daily for 4 to 8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients to be aware of this time frame so they do not become discouraged and discontinue their medications. Conversely, if you see no change whatsoever, you might want to check with your dermatologist regarding the need to change treatments.

3. Would using my medication more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my acne?

No-always use your medication exactly as your dermatologist instructed. Using topical medications more often than prescribed may actually induce more irritation of the skin, redness and follicular plugging, which can delay clearing time. If oral medications are taken more frequently than prescribed, they won't work any better, but there is a greater chance of side effects.

4. My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new acne blemishes. What should I do?

Topical acne medications are made to be used on all acne-prone areas, not just individual lesions. Part of the goal is to treat the skin before lesions can form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. Patients are generally advised to treat all of the areas (forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) that tend to break out rather than just individual lesions.

5. My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?

If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop-but follow your dermatologist's instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their acne flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications.

6. Does it matter what time I use my medication?

Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist. If you were taking one dose a day of an antibiotic, you could probably take it in the morning, at midday or in the evening, although you should pick one time of day and stay with it throughout your treatment. With oral medications prescribed twice a day or three times a day, you should try your best to spread out the doses evenly. Some antibiotics should be taken on an empty or nearly empty stomach. For optimal results with topical treatments, you should strictly follow your dermatologist's recommendations. For example, if instructed to apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid at bedtime, it is important to follow these directions strictly. If the two were applied together at bedtime, for example, you could decrease the efficacy of the treatment because of chemical reactions that make them less effective.

7. I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What's a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?

This is a common problem. Many patients try to associate taking their medication with a routine daily event such as brushing teeth or applying makeup. It also helps to keep the medication close to the area where the reminder activity is carried out.

In most cases, if you miss a day of your oral treatment, do not double up the next day; rather, get back to your daily regimen as soon as possible-but there may be different instructions for different oral medications. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose of your particular medication.

8. I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my acne and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around acne scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication and is it permanent?

It is not possible to make general statements about side effects of medications that apply to individual cases. A dermatologist should be consulted. The facial marks and body discoloration described by the patient in this case do fall within the range of side effects of some antibiotics.

Unique patterns of pigmentation are sometimes seen in acne patients treated with certain oral antibiotics-particularly minocycline. The pigmentation patterns that appear may include:
* Localized blue-black or brown marks in and around acne scars and in areas of previous acne inflammation

* A "muddy skin" appearance that may cover much of the body

* Diffuse brownish pigmentation of the feet and lower legs.

The pigmentation side effect gradually disappears after the therapy is discontinued.

Any side effect of a medication should be noted by the patient and brought to the attention of the physician. While most side effects are temporary they should be discussed with the physician and monitored.

1. My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my acne. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn't vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of acne?

Dietary vitamin A is essential to good health, especially vision. It has healthful effects in the skin. Large doses of vitamin A for the treatment of acne is not recommended on grounds of safety. The retinoids and retinoid-like substances used as topical treatments for acne are prepared especially for their potent effect on the shedding of cell lining in the sebaceous follicle. Their use should be monitored by a dermatologist.

Dietary vitamin A has multiple health effects in the human body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Extreme vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, usually accompanied by dry, scaly skin. Vitamin A overdose that far exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 5,000 IU can have effects nearly as catastrophic. Extreme vitamin A overdose can cause the skin to blister and peel-an effect first seen in early North Pole explorers who nearly died after eating polar bear liver that has an extraordinarily high vitamin A content.

Topical retinoids are usually prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe acne. Side effects are chiefly dermatologic, including redness, scaling and dryness of the skin, itching and burning. These side effects can usually be managed by adjustment of the amount and timing of retinoid applied to the skin. Dose adjustment must be discussed with the dermatologist who prescribed the treatment.

2. Are there any acne treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?

There are no acne treatments specifically for use on dark skin. Acne treatments are generally as safe and effective on dark skin as on light skin. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin.

Acne is a common skin disease that has the same causes and follows the same course in all colors of skin.

Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin. Topical anti-acne agents such as benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide also is a strong bleach and therefore must be applied carefully to avoid inadvertent decolorization of a patch of hair, towels or clothing.

Darker skin has a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed). Severe inflammatory acne may result in dark spots. The spots resolve over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.

Removal of acne scars by dermabrasion or chemical peeling may cause temporary lightening or darkening of dark skin in the areas of treatment. Scar treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon before it is undertaken.

Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.

3. Is acne that appears for the first time in adulthood different from acne that appears in adolescence?

Acne has a specific definition as a disease of sebaceous follicles. This definition applies to acne that occurs at any age. However, it may be important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Current understanding of the causes of acne vulgaris is described in the Main Text section Why and how acne happens. In brief summary, acne vulgaris develops when excessive sebum production and abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle result in plugging of follicles with a mixture of sebum and cellular debris and formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Bacteria in the follicles-chiefly Propionibacterium acnes, the most common bacterial colonist of sebaceous follicles-may contribute to the inflammation of acne by release of metabolic products that cause inflammatory reaction. The pathogenic events, which cause disease, in the sebaceous follicle are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body-a circumstance usually associated with growth and development between ages 12 and

4. Some acne investigators believe that although this understanding is generally correct, there is more yet to be learned about the causes of acne vulgaris.

Acne that appears after the age of 25-30 years is (1) a recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence, (2) a flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet-for example, during pregnancy, or (3) acne that occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Acne flares in association with pregnancy or menstruation are due to changes in hormonal patterns.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be investigated for any underlying cause. Drugs that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to "bulk up"), some anti-epileptic drugs, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium, and iodine-containing drugs. Chlorinated industrial chemicals may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne. Chronic physical pressure on the skin-for example, by a backpack and its straps, or a violin tucked against the angle of the jaw and chin-may induce so-called acne mechanica. Some metabolic conditions may cause changes in hormonal balance that can induce acne.

Some lesions that appear to be acne may be another skin disorder such as folliculitis-infection and inflammation of hair follicles-that require different treatment than acne. Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

5. My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of acne. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?

Excessive picking and squeezing of otherwise mild acne is a condition called excoriated acne, seen most often in young women. A dermatologist may provide effective counseling.

The typical person with excoriated acne is a person-often a young women-who is so distressed with her appearance due to acne that she literally tries to "squeeze the acne out of existence." The acne is often very mild, but the person's face may constantly be covered with red marks from squeezing, and open sores where lesions have been picked open.

The word excoriate means to scratch or abrade the skin. Excoriated acne is a medically recognized condition that should be discussed with a dermatologist. Occasionally giving in to a temptation to squeeze a blackhead is not defined as excoriated acne. Hours in front of a mirror, squeezing and picking every blemish, is a definition of excoriated acne. A dermatologist may be able to counsel the patient regarding a course of treatment in which the patient can participate, but keep "hands off."

6. Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn't alteration of diet be considered a treatment for acne?

Diet has never been proven to have a role in the cause or treatment of acne. Dietary manipulation may have a role in the treatment of some scaling diseases of the skin, but not in the treatment of acne.

Dietary cause is one of the most persistent myths about acne. Foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, do not cause acne, but certain foods seem to make some people's acne worse. The following can bring on or worsen it:

*Hereditary factors

*An increase in male hormones found in both males and females

*Menstruation

*Emotional stress

*Oil and grease from cosmetics, work environment

No food has been shown to be effective in preventing or treating acne. A healthy diet is, of course, necessary for good general health.

7. Shouldn't I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?

No. When it isn't blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.

8. Why does acne usually start at puberty?

No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.

9. Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?

This redness is caused by the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn't always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.

10. If my skin turns red, does that mean that I'm going to have scars?

Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.

11. What are free radicals?

Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage. Antioxidants, including several of the active ingredients in Acuzine, help prevent the buildup of free radicals.

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