Acne Exposure

Acne Help & Advice

Saturday, November 04, 2006


Acne Scar Cream - A Simple Way to Remove Ugly Acne Blemishes

An acne scar can be as much of a problem...or an even bigger problem...than the acne was in the first place. Thanks to technology, however, there are now a lot of cosmetic procedures that can be undertaken to remove acne scars. With these procedures, it is not impossible for acne scars to be removed no matter how serious they are. Examples of these procedures are dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, punch techniques, subcision and others.
It should be noted though that cosmetic procedures can be quite costly, ranging from $50 to $3000. Additionally, these procedures cause some pain and can cause side effects.

Home Remedies for the Removal of Acne Scars

If the condition of your acne scar is not serious then you can get rid of acne scars by following any of the following home remedies.

· Use creams or lotions that contain Alpha hydroxyl acid or Retinol for non-sensitive skin.
· For sensitive skin, use mild scar reducing agents such as Rosehip seed oil.

While in the process of treating your acne scars, you should also take the following measures.

· Avoid getting exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can damage the skin's pigment, causing diseases.
· Regularly wash your face with clean water.
· Apply sun screen when you go out.
· Do not drink alcohol excessively.
· Do not smoke or take in other nicotine products. These reduce your body's water content and causes the skin to dry.
· Be sure to have regular intakes of Vitamins C and E. They are great for preventing acne.
· Exercise regularly. Exercising helps purify the blood and increases oxygen level in the tissues. This makes the skin fresh and young looking.

While cosmetic procedures are expensive and can be risky, and home remedies might take some time to show results, there is an acne scar cream that you can use to cure your acne and remove acne scars at the same time.
Acnessential is a 4% Niacinamide cream that is made of natural ingredients and is very safe to use. Aside from effectively and quickly removing acne and acne scars, Acnessential has the following advantages over other acne scar products in the market today.
· It has been clinically proven at the New York University's Department of Medicine to be very effective in the treatment of acne.
· It does not stain towels, clothes or bed sheets.
· It is fragrance free so it's great for those with sensitive skin.
· It promotes younger looking skin (you can see results in as little as 6 days).
· Visits to the doctor are not necessary since Acnessential does not require a prescription and can be easily and conveniently purchased online.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Richard Hargreaves is publisher of Acne-Free-Info.com. On his website he provides a FREE 70 page Acne eBook which covers acne scar cream, and information on Acne Scar Removal and Acne Scar treatment

Friday, November 03, 2006


Acne Treatment Is A Priority Among Americans

Americans spend millions of dollars each year on the acne treatment and prevention. Next to weight loss, acne treatment is one of the most addressed medical concerns of our time. As with weight loss there are as many myths and misinformation about effective treatments as there are truths. The amazing thing about acne is that it is treatable in most people. There are many kinds of medications out there to treat acne ranging from over the counter varieties to those that are deeply and thoroughly watched and regulated. The hard part for most is finding the happy balance between what will work most effectively not only to treat existing acne but also to prevent further outbreaks.

Some common over the counter acne medications include the following active ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, and Resorcinol. While you may try one and find it ineffective it is best to try all of the active ingredients before ruling them out all together as effective treatments for your acne problems. If you have tried all of these and found that nothing effectively treats and prevents your acne problems, it is time to see a doctor and find out what he might have in store for you.

Once you've seen a doctor, you might be surprised to find that his first course of action will often to be to try another topical treatment rather than resorting first to harsh chemicals or drugs. Oral contraceptives and antibiotics taken orally are also common and often effective treatments for acne. Occasionally there's an acne problem that goes beyond traditionally prescribed acne treatments and will require harsher medications that carry with them significant risks in order to treat. This type of treatment should be a last ditch effort and reserved only for the most severe acne cases.

The name of this severe but highly effective acne treatment is Accutane (the brand name). This drug has the potential for very serious side effects to all who take it with the riskiest side effects being to those who may become pregnant. There are extreme measures taken in order to avoid pregnancy while taking this drug and women of childbearing capabilities are carefully monitored during the entire duration of their treatment with this medication and for a brief period of time after the treatment ends. Beyond the risks of sever birth defects to unborn babies, the health risks to otherwise healthy adults can be quite severe. This is a treatment that should only be entered into by someone who has been adequately informed of all the risks associated with this treatment and will be closely monitored throughout the process. The one resounding benefit of this drug is that it has been known in many cases to completely cure even acute cases of acne. This is not a drug that will fix all acne problems and as I mentioned it carries with it high risks, but it is by far one of, if not the most successful acne treatments on the market today.

Whether your acne problem is mild to moderate or severe and potentially disfiguring, there are many treatment options available. It is very important that you find the acne treatment that not only works best for you but fits within your lifestyle. No treatment will be effective if it sits unused in your medicine cabinet.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

For more info on acne treatment, natural acne cure, etc, please visit our website. Acne Treatment


What Has Acne Got To Do With Skin Care?

Acne is normal so there is no cause to panic. If you are one of those lucky people who have never had a problem with your skin earlier, you will probably be quite distressed. After all this time, when you thought you had escaped it, you finally have to come to terms with the reality of having an acne problem. But there is no need to get too upset about it. There are millions of people like you.

Generally speaking, acne is caused by hormonal disturbances that encourage the secretion of sebum in the skin. In a nutshell, the grease tends to attract dirt, clogging the pores, which then become inflamed, producing acne.

Acne, the wake up call? So it is clear that if you have developed acne, you need to take better care of your skin. This really involves very basic skin care routines. You do not need to do anything drastic. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will give you the vital nutrients you need to keep your skin healthy. It is crucial to drink plenty of water so that your skin is well hydrated.

Handy hints on dealing with your acne. Apart from this, it would help to wash your face with a mild soap, if you use soap at all. If your acne is painful, take care to dry your skin gently but thoroughly. You may also need to use a mild astringent if your skin is naturally greasy. You could follow this with a light moisturizer.

Hands off your acne! Remember that you must avoid touching your acne at all costs. In fact, it would be better to avoid touching your face altogether.

Stale makeup and acne are bitter enemies. If you use cosmetics, make sure that you remember to remove traces of makeup from your face. Stale makeup may clog pores, which could then get infected and result in an eruption of acne.

Tanning and grease; so bad for acne. If you are out in the sun, it would be best to use a good sunscreen. Do not use too many creams and oils on your face, particularly if you are fond of using cosmetics. Remember that the root cause of acne is the accumulation of sebum, so the best thing you can do is to keep your skin as free of grease as possible.

Stay calm, acne is not worth the stress. And then again, it is important to relax because if you do not you will build up stress. Although stress by itself cannot actually cause acne, when you are under stress, certain hormones are released into the skin, which could result in the appearance of acne.

Above all, remember not to fly off the handle. You must learn to be patient if you expect your acne to clear up. Do not make the mistake of looking for quick fixes. Such things can do more harm than good. After all that you have been through, particularly if you have come up against acne for the first time, it would be a pity to find that all the trouble you have been taking to care for your skin has come to naught.

Acne, your own experience. Once again, try not to compare the acne problem you have anyone else you know. Every individual has a particular skin type and his or her own unique experience with acne. While it helps to know that others have also had to deal with acne, possibly far worse than yours, do remember that your experience is yours alone. If you follow the tips that have been mentioned here, you should have a handle on your acne pretty soon.

Once you are able to see an improvement in the condition of your skin, you should feel confident that your acne is under control. But do remember that your acne did not turn up overnight. It has taken time to get to this point. Quite naturally, it will take time to clear up as well.

So do be patient and comfort yourself with the cheering thought that you have made progress after all. That is saying quite a lot, so do keep your spirits up and stay strong. It will be well worth the trouble.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Louise Forrest has created the ultimate FREE Health & Beauty guide. Find out how you can gain access to FREE natural skin care articles, tips and techniques at www.NaturalElements.co.uk Learn how you can benefit fromnatural skin care at www.NaturalElements.co.uk

Thursday, November 02, 2006


What are Acne Forums About?

There are many forums dealing with acne problems that you can enter on the Internet. But it is wise to be specific in what you are trying to find online before going into a forum.

For example, are you checking out the different kinds of treatment available? Would you like to compare symptoms with other patients? Are you trying to find data on the various tests done for acne or the causes and/or risk factors behind the problem? The topics can
be endless.

If you suffer from acne and have found a specific treatment or medication to have worked for you, you might want to post the results on a message board. Or maybe someone has the right answer to one of your many questions. It is just a matter of finding the right thread of conversation to join or read.

But remember, this is the Internet and anyone who has anything to say can post anything they want. There are a lot of smart Alecks out there. So it is prudent to take any advice found on a thread with a grain of salt.

When selecting an acne treatment plan to follow from a thread, it is vital that you determine your goals for your therapy. Among others, you should aim to have your face rid of acne with scarring eliminated. Also, you should aim to learn to manage the psychological impact of being an acne patient.

You must consider the following factors as well before following an acne treatment plan:

1. What is your skin type? This ranges from oily to dry.

2. Think about using a solution or gel for use on very oily
skin.

3. Select lotions or creams for very dry skin.

4. Should an additional topical be applied to a patient's skin, one should be applied in the morning and another at night.

5. Should multiple agents be applied, these should come from different classes.

6. Treatment should be adapted for the idiosyncrasies of each patient to improve adherence.

There is no available cure for acne. All you can hope for is to keep it under control through the different treatments and treatment combinations that are now available. Anyone who tells you otherwise is out to fool you.

For some people, keeping their acne under control and preventing breakouts will be a given throughout their life. For others, acne is only prevalent during their teen and young adult lives. It can be influenced by genetics, the environment, diet, lifestyle, and the products that you use on your face.

However, bear in mind that no matter what kind of advice you receive from an acne forum, and regardless of how bad your acne problem actually is, there is no substitute for examination and prescription by a dermatologist. Only a certified dermatologist can actually say which treatment is advisable for you and what the duration of treatment should be. Following a stranger's advice on an acne forum to the letter without a doctor's assistance is foolish, to say the least.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Dave Poon is an accomplished writer who specializes in the latest in Skin Care. For more information regarding Acne Forum please drop by at www.clearacneworld.com/


Know The Facts About Acne Before Treatment

Many people have differing views about acne. It is made worse when certain experts could not agree within themselves. However, it is better to know the facts about acne before trying any therapy or believing in untested ideas. Here are some known facts regarding acne before you seek any treatment.

Food - No food has been related to acne. However, if you feel that a type of food makes your acne worse, please stop that food after consulting your doctor. No conclusive evidence has yet pointed out to acne and its relation to food yet.

Frequent washing - Frequent washing of the acne-affected area will not treat acne. On the contrary, it may adversely affect your skin. Washing twice a day should be more than enough. Contrary to the popular belief of many people, acne is not caused by dirt. It is the sebaceous gland that gets closed and forms the acne on your skin.

Oral Vitamin A - Derivatives of vitamin A, called retinoids are used topically and orally to treat acne under medical supervision. If somebody takes excessive Vitamin A hoping that it will treat acne, which may make the health worse as Vitamin A in large quantity can have adverse effects on the body.

Medications - Some medications can bring on acne like cortisone, certain anti-tuberculosis drugs and some anti epileptic drugs. Chlorinated solvents can also cause work-related acne.

Hereditary - If your parents had acne, it is likely that you inherit acne.

Hormonal changes - Hormonal changes bring on acne. The hormone, Androgen, is accountable for excess production of sebum. It is well known that women suffer from acne outbreaks during menstruation or pregnancy.

Acne like conditions - Some other conditions such as folliculitis may appear like acne. There are many other diseases that may mistaken for acne. They are Rosacea, Keratosis Pilaris or Perioral Dermatitis. Do not initiate self treatment, it is always better to get diagnosed by a doctor.

When selecting an acne treatment, you could use some of these guidelines. First, select an acne treatment that is based on clinical research. Then choose an acne treatment that you can well afford. No use trying an expensive treatment which you will give up half way.

Ask about the usage requirements regarding your selected acne treatment before you start it. You may decide that it is not for you or you probably cannot follow the directions. Chose an acne treatment that it will work best for you. And finally, be patient. It takes time for acne to heal.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

To find out more information on Natural Acne Treatment and other skin care related matters, visit Skin Care And Acne Resources.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006


Why Acne Still Persist Despite All The Medications?

Acne may be one of the most common health problems many young people have to deal with. But they may be getting the wrong message about a solution. Why? Many drug and cosmetic companies spend millions to advertise products that either clean the skin, dry the skin or kill bacteria.

Many teenagers spend are definitely influenced by advertising. Many of them spent a lot of money on stuff to make sure they do not get acne. They take care of the pores in their skin and do face cleaning in the morning and evening.

They think it is very important to look good and have health skin. They all have similar basic ideas about what will work like showering daily and washing their skin.

According to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, acne causes anxiety for an estimated 80 percent of teens who suffer from the problem. Acne is a chronic condition that develops when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce excess oil called sebum as a result of many factors. The clog forms a plug, known as a "comedone." If the plug stays under the surface, it forms a whitehead. If it rises to the skin's surface, it forms a blackhead.

Dermatologist agree there is nothing wrong with keeping clean, as long as the cleaning product is mild and designed for skin care. But the real solution for most people is either diet or help from a health care professional.

Consuming less sugar definitely helps. Among the aboriginals in Australia, acne is very rare. They don't have McDonald's there. But the minute they come to the U.S. and start drinking things like soda pop, they're subject to acne just like we are.

Acne has a hereditary component, and certain foods may trigger an acne outbreak. These foods include cow's milk, peanut oil, chocolate and iodine. There are also naturally occurring chemical changes in the body that are part of the sequence of events leading to acne.

During puberty, there is an increase in male hormones which are also present in females that can trigger the process. The idea that dirt is the main reason for acne is very common.

There is a tiny plug down in the oil gland, but it has nothing to do with washing.

Anyone with persistent acne problems should try to consult with a dermatologist. A general practitioner can prescribe medications but acne prescriptions can be irritating and must be applied correctly. Drugs like Retin A, Tazarak and Benzoyl peroxide will only reduce the bacteria count. Do not use antibacterial soaps as they are harsh and drying.

As for now, make sure you consume less sugar and healthier food. That is tough considering the peer pressure teens face to eat the same things their friends want.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

To find out more information on Accutane, Accutane side effects and other skin care related matters, visit Skin Care And Acne Resources.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006


Are Your Scars Bringing You Down?



Are you plagued with scars? Do you look at them and feel like they define you? When you meet a new person, you may feel like your scars are the first thing they see. Although most people do not see someones scars as a definition of the person, we tend to feel that way about our own scars. So, what can you do about it? Can you get rid of your scars or will they always be there? The globe is covered with people who would like to have scars removed for a variety of reasons; most of these concern self esteem and confidence levels.

Acne pock marks are probably the most common facial scars and affect more people than any other type of scar. These scars, because they are directly on the face, affect your sense of self esteem and that of many other people around the world. Many people who were acne sufferers choose to try a variety of treatments in an attempt to remove, or at least reduce, the scarring from their previous skin condition. It is important to realize that the change in your face is not going to be enough to make you feel completely confident. You will have to retrain your thought processes about yourself. This can be done with or without scar removal.

How well scars can be removed will depend on your age, the age of your scars, and the location, nature, and severity of your scars. There are a variety of procedures available to you if you choose to have your scars removed or reduced professionally. These include: Chemical peels, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and surgical excision. For light, surface scars, chemical peels (light) and microdermabrasion are often used. More intense scarring will need to be removed through other means, such as laser resurfacing or surgical excision. Between the two extremes, you will find that chemical peels can be strengthened and are often used with a strength that is customized for the severity of your scar.

Everybodys scarring process is different, just as we are. You may get scratched by a cat and have the slightest scar, if any. Should that same cat scratch me, the scar will be obvious against tanned skin, much more pronounced than yours. This would be partially genetics, which map out the various processes of our bodies, but it would also be due to the fact that I am allergic to cats. My body will be trying to fight allergens that entered the skin when I was scratched at the same time that it was trying to heal the scratch. When your body has only one thing to focus on at a time, it (like many of us) is much more efficient at that task. This is not to say that everybody who is allergic to cats will be scarred from scratches; in all actuality, few people have lasting scars from cat scratches.

There are also treatments that you can purchase in cream form without a prescription. These treatments work very slowly over time, so you will need to be prepared to treat your scar daily (at least once, some directions are twice or more), and be prepared to treat for many months. If you choose to do this, you will need to know that the changes are so slow that you will not notice them from one day to the next. You may want to take a picture about once a month to compare and see the progress. By doing this, provided the treatment is working, you will be motivated to continue the treatment. Seeing the change from one month to the next also helps lift your mood, knowing that your efforts are paying off.

Whatever method of scar removal you choose, keeping your skin healthy will be an integral part of the healing and changing process. The first thing that you should look at is your fluid intake. You should be drinking, at least, 64 ounces of purified water and natural fruit juices every day. This will infuse your skin with necessary internal moisture and will have a great impact on toxin removal in your skin. Like the cat scratch example, these toxins in your skin will slow your healing process, sometimes by a considerable amount of time. You also need to take a serious look at the foods you are eating every day. Our articles on diet and skin will help you reorganize you eating habits for optimal skin health.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Louise Forrest has created the ultimate FREE Health & Beauty guide. Find out how you can gain access to FREE organic skin care articles, tips and techniques at www.NaturalElements.co.uk Learn how you can benefit fromorganic skin care at www.NaturalElements.co.uk


It's Not Just Bad Food: Causes of Acne

The perceived causes of acne are plenty, and most of them are old wives' tales. Everyone who enters into the teenage years, and experiences that first pimple, would always be advised not to eat greasy food or chocolate until it clears up. You hastily agree, and go without your favorites treats hoping that darn zit goes away.

Researches have come up with a few reasons as to why teenagers get acne, and why some adults get acne way into their twenties or even thirties:

Hormones

One of the first speculated reasons for the cause of acne is Hormone fluctuation, which is especially prevalent in the teenage years, and the changing body. The changes in the body's chemistry can cause the pores in the skin to collapse on themselves, thus clogging the oil from escaping the skin. In adults, an excess of the male hormone androgen may cause clogging hair follicles, thus causing a breakout in pimples.

Diet

Most researchers deem that the common belief that poor diet is linked to acne is false. Eating foods such as chocolate, pizza, or burgers will not exacerbate your acne problem. However, most doctors will suggest that keeping a somewhat healthy diet rich in Vitamin D ( with foods such as milk and cheese) will help keep your skin healthy.

Stress

One major factor of acne is the amount of stress in your daily life. When you are under mental anxiety, the change in brain chemistry can trigger an imbalance in your hormones, thus causing breakouts.

Treatments

The mainstream treatment for acne is generally benzoyl peroxide, and this is found in products such as Clearasil and Oxypads. These products can be purchased at any retail store. Other stronger products such as Pro Activ can be purchased online, or through the mail. This product has been proven to have amazing results, and costs around $20.00 a month. Three steps are used with Pro Active; the cleanser, toner, and lotion. The cleanser and toner are used to clean the pores of any dirt or bacteria, and the lotion is used to rejuvenate the skin afterwards.

In the end, there is no specific cause of acne. But it is largely dependant upon hormone levels, stress, and your own biological makeup. The best way to deal with acne in your teenage years or even in your adult years, is to use a method of treatment that is right for you. Consider products such as Pro Activ for acne that is severe. But whatever method you choose, do not pick at your pimples, it will only leave scars. That is one old wives' tale that is actually true.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Acne Proactive Treatment - looking for quick acne relief? Visit www.quickacnerelief.com and find out how to get rid of acne quickly - www.quickacnerelief.com

Sunday, October 29, 2006


Can Vitamins Really Help Treat Acne?

The more successful natural acne treatments primarily work by reducing the inflammation associated with breakouts. Yet vitamins and minerals don't work via this mechanism. Does this mean they aren't really effective in healing pimples, pustules, and zits?

Excess vitamins, with the exception of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D and E), are eliminated from the body. The fat soluble vitamins are stored in the body, and can have serious side effects, particularly vitamin A. The water soluble vitamins can also cause unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects, which is a problem with one popular vitamin related treatment for acne, the B5 acne program. However, vitamins and minerals are needed for the health of the skin, our hormonal balance, and a strong immune system. These things all have an impact on acne, so it's important to make sure you're at least getting the recommended daily allowance of vitamins.

Vitamin A, and the B vitamins, all have important roles in the health of the skin. Vitamin A strengthens the skin, and a deficiency can lead to acne. However, it is important to note that an excess of this vitamin can also create pimples. Too much vitamin A can be dangerous, especially for pregnant women, who should not take more than 10,000 IU a day. Others can take up to 25,000 IU daily, and this is indeed recommended for treating acne.

Other side effects of vitamin A overdose include nausea, itchiness, irritability, vomiting, headaches, menstrual problems, and dizziness. Long term vitamin A overdose can lead to liver damage, pain in the muscles and bone, and headaches. Some people can have symptoms at a lower dose than 15,000 to 25,000 IU, so this should be monitored if you're taking these levels of vitamin A.

The B vitamins are all important for healthy skin tone, though several are recommended for acne sufferers. These are vitamin B3 (100 mg three times a day), vitamin B6 (50 mg three times a day), and vitamin B5 (50 mg three times a day). If you are taking any B vitamins separately, it's recommended that you take a B complex, as this group work together and taking some without the others can result in a deficiency of some B vitamins. The B vitamins also help with the effects of stress, which can be important for acne sufferers.

Vitamin E is excellent for speeding up the healing process, due to its antioxidant capacity. It also helps with the absorption of vitamin A. The suggested amount is 400 IU daily.

Vitamin C with bioflavanoids is the only vitamin that has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also helps with skin healing, and gives the immune system a boost. Try 3000 to 5000 mg spread throughout the day.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Zinc is an important mineral that has helped control pimples. For zinc acne information, click here. Rebecca runs this acne and rosacea site.


Finally The Good News About Accutane And iPledge

In March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a stringent new program known as iPledge to monitor the distribution of Accutane. Accutane is a drug that treats a serious form of acne known as nodular acne.

This program was implemented because of concerns that arose about the correlation between the use of Accutane and serious birth defects occurring in the unborn children of women using the drug. Some doctors are have voiced out that Accutane is not safe for women who are pregnant or wants to become pregnant.

iPledge requires that all users, prescribers and distributors of the drug must register with iPledge before they can receive or administer treatment. Female patients of childbearing age must pledge to use two forms of birth control for the month before treatment, while they are on the drug, and the month after treatment ends. Additionally, female patients are required to test negative to two pregnancy tests before they can be given the drug, and must also agree to take a pregnancy test before each refill.

Besides causing birth defects, Accutane has been thought to be linked to suicide and depression in some people. However, so far there is no concrete evidence to determine whether Accutane could have caused these tendencies to occur.

The FDA also issued warnings that there are other serious side effects of Accutane, including causing the amount of lipids and cholesterol in the blood to rise, and problems with the abdomen, brain, blood sugar, hearing and vision, as well as decreasing the patient's red and white blood cell count.

Still, for patients who have struggled with nodular acne, Accutane may appear to be a miracle cure, after all other treatments have failed.

However, getting a hold of the medication may prove to be more difficult now with iPleadge. According to American Academy of Dermatology Association, many dermatologists had experienced problems with the iPledge system.

Despite the barriers, it may be good for consumers now that Accutane is closely regulated. If there are potential problems with Accutane, then the government, in this case the FDA should do everything they can to keep them from happening. After all, this is actually an optional drug. There are many other methods to treat acne problems. Some of them can be very affordable and natural too.

The most important thing is that having a child with birth defects is a serious thing compared to acne and cannot be undone. We need to take responsibility to prevent this. Consider very carefully when using Accutane.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

To find out more information on Accutane, Accutane side effects and other skin care related matters, visit Skin Care And Acne Resources.