The Most Effective Methods to Relieve Your Acne

Author: Bishop Chanakirabr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Well, how do we prevent them and then how do we get rid of them once they occur? Getting Zits are just one of those facts of life that seem to confront most of us and it can have serious repercussions physical and emotional. However, it does not have to be such a problem if we just follow some simple steps. Lets explore further…

Zits occur when hair follicles become clogged by dead skin cells which then leads to infection. More precisely, it is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce an abundance of sebum (oil) and excessive keratinocyte production (skin cells). Infected pores gather pus which then shows as an angry looking head on the surface of the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body and is most commonly found on the face, back, and chest.

Zits begin to emerge in the early teenage years at the onset of puberty and can be seen through the adult life. Some people are more prone to the affliction due to heredity, dietary habits, skin type and general hygiene. Sufferers often feel frustrated and self conscious while undergoing treatment to get the severity of their condition under control. Flare ups can occur in any part of the body but they are most commonly seen in the face since the facial skin is most sensitive. Unfortunately, this is where they are most easily seen by others.

The term Zits is actually slang. The accurate term is acne. Acne can be found in many different forms:

- Acne Vulgaris is the most common type of the skin condition that people suffer from. Acne Vulgaris is an inflammatory disease of the skin, caused by changes in the pilosebaceous units (skin structures consisting of a hair follicle and its associated sebaceous gland).
- Acne fulminans, sometimes referred to as acne maligna, is a rare and extreme form of acne conglobata and almost always infects males.
- Acne medicamentosa is caused by reactions to medicine or drugs.
- Acne rosacea is not true acne, but rather an inflammation of the face, neck or chest that results in red, bumpy and oily skin.

Scaring can be devastating at any age.

Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, people with sensitive skin who wash skin hard and frequently often find that it makes it worse. Extra-sensitive skin can also be more prone to getting zits because of reactions to skin-care products, diet, and hormone fluctuations.

So how do we prevent zits and how can we get rid of zits fast when they do occur?

Lets deal with the myths first. Firstly, zits are not caused by dirty skin. Washing often and the use of expensive cleansers will not fix the problem.

Zits are not caused by bacteria! Furthermore, antibiotic treatments for bacteria are therefore often found to be ineffective.

Zits are not caused by excess sebum! Sebum will accumulate with the onset of zits but it is not the cause.

So how can you prevent them and how to get rid of zits fast? There is a formula which I have found to work well for me. It is not my formula but one that is readily available online. The formula really works and it involves avoiding certain foods, taking a proven dietary supplement and five foods to include in your diet. By following this formula step by step, I was able to get rid of my zits in 7 days.

In summary, zits are common, particularly during adolescent years and affects most of us. We all dread a breakout and have tried many different ways to avoid and get rid of zits. Now there is a proven formula available online that if you follow step-by-step, will give you guaranteed results.

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Author: Kael
Source: articledashboard.com

Admit it?there has been at least one time in your life where there was acne on your face at just the wrong time. Whether it is a first date, your senior prom, or that big job interview, you think that everyone will be focusing on your acne instead of the whole you. Today, with all the many scientific advances, there are several new treatments for acne that may be just the ticket to a clearer face and body.

The most common acne treatments on the market today can be purchased over the counter. Some common brand name treatments you can find at the drug or grocery stores are Clearasil, Seabreeze and Neutrogena. Most of these brands have creams, facial washes, acne pads and moisturizers. When using these treatments, don’t give up on the product if your acne has not shown a great deal of improvement in a day. Many times it takes trial and error to find the product that will work for you?and you need to give each product about two weeks to reach any kind of effectiveness.

A new wave in treating acne is the product Proactiv. After countless infomercials, ads in magazines and on the internet, it is becoming one of the most widely known acne treatments on the market. With celebrities raving about the results they get with this product, many people are trying it out?with mixed results. The ingredients in Proactiv can be found in many of the other treatments you can get at local stores. The difference between the products – the price.

One specific type of acne that many people find frequently on their face are blackheads, a particularly difficult type of acne to get rid of. Found mostly on the nose, cheeks and ears, this type of acne is a very deep, hard to reach blemish that can feel like it is impossible to treat. However, products are on the market to help with this type of acne as well. Commonly known as “nose strips”, this treatment consists of a strip that has a substance on it that dries and literally removes the blackhead from the pore. Washing does little to stop blackheads from appearing on your face, but washing should be done if you try to squeeze this type of acne. You can do more damage to your face trying to “self-extract” blackheads!

Today there is a relatively new treatment out there for mild to moderate acne. It is a hand-held device known as the Zeno Acne Clearing Device. This FDA approved acne clearing device applies a precise 2 ? minute heat treatment to acne. This heat treatment essentially kills the bacteria causing the acne, thus healing the pimple. Unlike other treatments on the market, the Zeno Acne Clearing Device can actually clear up a pimple in a day as opposed to days or even weeks with other alternatives. Although the heat from the zeno device can cause mild redness to the area where applied for roughly 20-30 minutes after you use it, no other adverse side effects were reported by users?unlike the skin irritation that topical treatments can cause.

Good hygiene is still the best way to fight acne on your face and other parts of your body. Washing your face regularly with a mild soap will usually keep acne at bay. Regular soap and water won’t irritate your face like some acne treatment products may. Only those with severe acne will require any kind of visits to a dermatologist for prescription acne medications.

Author: Julia Gabriel
Source: ezinearticles.com

Myths and misinformation about acne can make things even worse. Here are five most popular acne myths – demystified.

Acne Myth #1: Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. NOT TRUE!
REALITY: Dead skin cells, oxidized skin oil (sebum), dust and dirt particles clog pores and trigger acne.

Some experts claim that you should wash your face as many as three times a day to prevent acne. However, vigorous rubbing and scrubbing only makes matters worse. All you need is to keep your pores clear from dirt mixed with sebum and dead skin cells. Twice-daily cleansing with a mild non-detergent cleanser is more than enough.

Acne Myth #2: Chocolate and French fries don’t cause acne. NOT TRUE!
REALITY: Our diet is directly linked to the state of our skin.

Science came up with explanation how food is likely to trigger acne and make it less curable. Foods that are rich in refined sugar cause spikes in blood sugar and stimulate production of sebum. Fatty diet changes the acidity of skin sebum making it more stiff and pore-clogging. Poor diet clogs up colon and increases the toxicity of the body.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by stress. TRUE!
REALITY: Stress lowers the immunity and our body is less able to fight the inflammation during acne.

Chronic stress puts thyroid and adrenal glands of our body under lots of work.

Acne Myth #4: You will outgrow your acne. NOT TRUE!
REALITY: Adult acne is on the rise, with as many as 60 per cent adults reporting skin eruptions on a regular basis.

Up to 90 percent of teenagers develop some level of acne; about 30 percent seek medical treatment. But many women in their 30s and even 40s have acne just as severe as teenagers. Hormonal changes, greasy or oily cosmetics or hair products, certain drugs such as corticosteroids or high levels of humidity and sweating could contribute to adult acne, according Mayo Clinic Health Letter. And you must act on acne quickly, no matter what causes it. When left untreated, acne can result in permanent physical scars which are almost impossible to get rid of. Acne leads to low self-esteem, problems in social life, even slow career growth.

Acne Myth #5. Only prescription medication can cure acne once and for all. NOT TRUE!
REALITY: nutrition, vitamin and herbal supplementation work with body, not against it, to dramatically improve acne condition.

All prescription medication for acne work to stop the production of sebum and thus make skin dry. However, while they solve the cosmetic problem, they also mess up the more serious organs in our bodies, such as liver and kidneys. Prescription acne medications are linked to depression, and severely dry skin resulting from acne pills is prone to premature aging. Is it really worth is? Before taking hardcore measures, try improving your skin condition with careful diet, vitamins and safe herbal supplements that have much fewer side effects than acne pills. Regular cleansing of acne-prone skin with witch hazel can help, along with facial masks they can make from milk, tomatoes, oatmeal and other foods. But of course, in severe cases of acne you should seek medical advice.

Julie Gabriel, author of Clear Acne Now: Your Essential Guide to Natural Acne Cures (2005, 2008)

Author: Naweko Nicole Dial
Source: articledashboard.com

Pistachios boast the skin enriching nutrients vitamins A, C and E plus, zinc and folic acid. Yet, new research from University of Toronto’s Department of Nutritional Sciences could add pistachios to a growing list of acne treatments that already includes benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics.

The study’s observations revealed that pistachios could help regulate the body’s blood sugar levels.

In addition to a diabetic therapy, pistachio’s effect on the body’s blood sugar levels also marks it as a potential acne preventative. Biological traits characterizing acne onset include improper skin cell shedding, inflammation and excess bacteria. However, because of a pistachio’s effect on blood sugar levels, this nut could prevent acne resulting from excess facial oil secretion caused by a rise in circulating androgens.

Therefore, pistachios could inhibit acne lesions induced by a condition known as “insulin resistance”"insulin resistance”.

The relationship between acne and insulin resistance

The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin. The body needs insulin to access its primary energy source- blood sugar (glucose). Insulin attaches to key receptors in the blood to free glucose as the body requires more energy.

Insulin resistance arises when the normal amount of insulin the pancreas secretes proves insufficient to signal the release of glucose. And, to compensate, the pancreas secretes more insulin in order to free the needed glucose.

Insulin resistance can cause acne lesions due to increased circulating androgens. Now, the Toronto study’s findings suggest that pistachios can curtail androgen surges caused by blood sugar fluctuations.

Pistachios act as a blood sugar regulator

Dr. Cyril Kendall, lead researcher of the study explained, “?Our preliminary findings demonstrate that suppressing the glycemic (blood sugar) response of high carbohydrate foods may be part of the mechanism by which pistachios contribute to cardiovascular health and to the prevention and control of diabetes.”

Other scientists like Loren Cordain, PhD have noticed a link between insulin resistance and acne. In his work, “Implications for the Role of Diet in Acne”, Cordain writes, “Dietary interventions using low glycemic load carbohydrate may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of acne because of the beneficial endocrine effects these diets possess.”

Most acne treatments typically act on one or two symptoms such as surplus bacteria or clogged pores. Supplementing a diet with pistachios could help create a more robust acne therapy by also counteracting blood sugar shifts that produce excess oils and pimples.

Sources:

Cordain, Lorent. Implications for the Role of Diet in Acne. Semin Cutan Med Surg; 2005, vol 24, pp 84-91.

Eating Pistachios May Reduce the Impact of Carbohydrates on Blood Sugar Levels. Henson Consulting; Newswise. May 1, 2007.

Wijeyaratne, Chandrika N, Adam H Balen, Julian H Barth, Paul E Belchetz. Clinical manifestations and insulin resistance (IR) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among South Asians and Caucasians: is there a difference? Clinical Endocrinology; September 2002, vol 57, no 3, pp 343-350.

Copyright (c) 2007 Naweko Nicole Dial

Author: Mark MacKay
Source: articledashboard.com

1.) Can you get (catch) acne from other people?

Answer: While certain types of acne do contain a bacterium, it is located in the hair follicles under your skin and can not be transmitted through contact. So no, touching or kissing someone with acne will not cause you to develop acne.

2.) If both my parents had acne does that mean I will develop acne?

Answer: Studies show that heredity does play an important role in determining who develops acne. So children of parents who had or have acne are at a grater risk then others. It should be noted that as with any disease just because you have a family history, does not guarantee you will get it; only that you have a much great chance then someone with no family history.

3.) Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?

Answer: Over the years studies have suggested everything from chocolate, candy, fried foods, sugar, drinking water, orange juice to milk can cause you to develop acne or make existing acne worse. However their is no scientific evidence to support any such results. There are so many factors effecting acne development that it is very difficult to isolate any one cause. So whether or not to avoid certain foods or drinks is really just an individual preference. If you find your skin reacts negatively to certain foods, then just don’t eat or drink it.

4.) Does dirt on my skin cause acne?

Answer: Having proper hygiene will help with healthy skin. However dirty skin will not cause acne, but anybody with acne should be extra vigilant in having a good cleansing routine. Over washing can irritate your skin and make it more vulnerable to infection. Washing with a gentle cleanser will help reduce skin cell build up and keep your skin looking at its best. So find a balance and try not to over wash.

5.) Does stress cause acne?

Answer: Stress has been shown to make acne worse, not directly cause it. So if you suffer from acne you should be aware of how you react under stress and develop ways to help manage and keep it under control. This will not only help with controlling your acne but also benefit your over all health.

6.) Can you develop acne once you are out of your teens?

Answer: The simple answer is yes. In fact many people who never experienced acne as a teen can develop it in their 30, 40, and 50’s.

7.) Does make up or sunscreen make acne worse?

Answer: Certain products that are overly greasy and thick can plug the skins follicles leading to the development of acne. Not all products affect everyone the same way, so while you many develop acne using one product someone else may not. If you are prone to acne you will need to be extra careful with what you put on your skin. Try to always use oil free products and also test a small amount on a patch of skin for a few days before using it all over.

8.) Will exercising affect my acne?

Answer: While it is still unclear why this happens, vigorous exercising that causes your body to heat up and sweat does seem to cause acne to get worse for certain people. One theory is that exercise increases the production of sebum, the oil that when to much is produced can lead to acne.

9.) Can a facial help with acne?

Answer: There is no easy way to answer this question. The term facial is used to describe everything from an over the counter product you buy from a drug store and do it yourself to something done at an expensive spa for hundreds of dollars. The bottom line is anything that might irritate your skin can make your acne worse.

10.) Why does my acne stop responding to my current treatment?

Answer: Acne medication, like all medications can become less effective over time as your body builds a resistance to them. It might be necessary to use acne treatment regiments on a rotational basis for optimum effectiveness.

Author: Frank Vanderlugt
Source: isnare.com

Acne cures abound on drugstore shelves, behind the pharmacy counter and on the Internet. However, there is still plenty of acne in the world, so obviously many people still have not found the treatment that works for them. This article will present an overview of the most popular treatments, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Acne occurs when skin on the face, back and chest react to the male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and grow too fast, a process known as hyperkeratois. The overgrowth of skin cells clogs sebaceous glands, which develop a secondary infection from usually innocuous skin bacteria. This causes a pimple or cyst.

Disinfectant pads and alcohol-based astringents may help dry out the skin and ease the annoying oily sheen accompanying the acne, but they will not penetrate the skin and have little permanent effect.

The most popular acne remedy is benzoyl peroxide. The combination of antibacterial peroxide, combined with a benzoyl molecule to help it penetrate the skin more deeply that topical peroxide, controls the infection which causes pimples and dries them up. It is cheap, non-prescription and available in almost every store. For low-grade acne, it will probably be sufficient in and of itself. The disadvantage is that it can irritate thin, delicate skin, and it bleaches clothing. Also, some people do not like the idea of applying a benzoyl-derived compound to their skin, as related compounds have been proven carcinogenic. However, no human study has found any link between benzoyl peroxide and skin cancer, so it seems quite safe.

Fruit acids such as glycolic acid help acne by exfoliating the skin, countering hyperkeratosis. Longterm use in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide may provide the best combination treatment available over the counter. However, when treatment is first begun, slight irritation may occur and the acne may get worse before it gets better. Salicylic acid is the oldest of these exfoliants.

Sulfur compounds, one of the oldest acne remedies, dry up lesions, ease inflammation and are antibacterial. However, many people dislike the harsh smell of sufur. Some facial masks disguise the odor by combining sulfur in a mud mask, which is also soothing and exfoliating. It will improve the texture and appearance of oily skin if used on a regular basis. It is a natural remedy free of any known drawbacks or hazards.

Saw Palmetto is a natural herb which has been shown to be an effective antiandrogen. It blocks the conversion of testosterone into the acne-producing metabolite. Its most common use is for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Some proprietary blends of OTC ingredients are also available, such as ProActiv or Murad, which combine different compounds in specific blends which as supposedly better than any one chemical by itself. Some of these patent medicines have good consumer reviews, such as ProActiv, but they can be quite expensive when compared to generic benzoyl peroxide.

If one over the counter remedy does not help or the effect wears off, combine them or rotate their use.