Acne Care Tips


Proactive Acne Solution

Posted in Acne by toni on the February 6th, 2008

Skin is the largest organ on the body and it assists other major organs in the human body with eliminating waste. Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces gets clogged in the pores of the skin. Acne is a skin condition characterized by whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red pimples or “zits.” Acne is most common during adolescence, affecting more than 85% of teenagers, and frequently continues into adulthood. There are many causes of acne such as, several hormones have been linked: the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate as well as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I).

More newly, the narrowing of the follicle line has been given care as a second principal contributing element. The consumption of anabolic steroids or any medicine containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens; and, vulnerability to higher levels of chlorine compounds, especially chlorinated dioxins. The cheek, chest, backwards, and upper weaponry are almost popular places for acne to occur. Acne can induce reduced self-respect, which can induce depression. Acne frequently affects teenagers. Acne can have the rind often more susceptible and traumatic to physiological link.

There are so many acne solution alternatives available today. Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, speeding up skin cell turnover, fighting bacterial infection, decreasing the inflammation. A treatment that is available by prescription is Accutane. Accutane is a very strong medication, that is only suitable for those who suffer from severe and persistent acne. Another one of that is used topically is retin-a. Many people have had great success with retin-a, which is used to treat acne. Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day once in the morning and once at night. It is also important to gently clean the skin after heavy exercise.

Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often. Do not compress or pick at acne lesions. Avoid getting sunburned. Many acne medications can make you more prone to sunburn. Choose make-up and hair care products that are “non-comedogenic”. Avoid things that rub the skin as much as you can, such as backpacks and sports equipment. One good acne solution alternative is tree oil. Other acne solution alternatives include facial peels that uses salicylic or glycolic acids. These treatments can help to unclog pores and reduce acne from occurring.

Acne Care During Pregnancy

Posted in Acne by toni on the November 3rd, 2007

Acne is a skin problem that the women faces during pregnancy as the skin becomes very sensitive. Pregnancy occassionally brings on acne or makes it worse. Hormonal variations during early pregnancy generally result in acne inflammations. Higher levels of hormones called androgens can incite the sebaceous glands in your skin to get bigger and boost production of an oily substance called sebum.

Acne can be cured by a in non-pregnant women by prescription drugs such as Accutane, Retin-A, and Tetracycline. There are several medications which are used to treat acne utmost of pregnancy that are typically recommended against using during pregnancy. Wash smoothly with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day, and if you use moisturizer make assured it’s oil-free.

If you wear makeup, use products which are water- (not oil-) based and are labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic,” meaning they won’t block your pores and cause breakouts. Plenty of water can be used during cleaning the face from the leftover soap that can irritate the skin and can be the cause for collecting bacteria.

Daily exercise will help balance all kinds of skin by increasing circulation and blood flow to the skin, helping it to tone and be healthy. Exercise also minimises stress, another component which can cause acne. Accutane (isotretinoin) is an oral medication present only by prescription. There is some indication that Accutane can increase the risk of miscarriage and infant death.

Retin-A is a prescription cream which is actuated to the skin to treat acne. This is a cream that is applied on the affected area to remove acne. The women while pregnancy clean the skin twice in a day to keep it oil free. An oil-absorbing microfiber cloth may be used by them during washing their face.

Before applying an astringent, the women should use the cotton balls to clean each blackhead or pimple in order to obviate from the infection. Avoid using topical tretinoin-like Retin-Al. Prescription antibiotic creams including erythromycin or clindamycin are absolutely safe. The women should keep the skin dry and after 5 minutes of showering, oil-free moisturizer should be used on the skin. Take extra care not to rub near your outbreak as it will smudge the bacteria.

Acne Conglobata Treatment

Posted in Acne by toni on the October 11th, 2007

Acne conglobata is a harsh form of cystic acne characterized by deep, inflammatory nodules that track under the skin to other nodules. Common symptoms include severe damage to the skin, inflammation, deep abscesses and harsh scarring. The nodules are normally found on the chest, the shoulders, the back, the buttocks, the upper arms, the thighs, and the face.

Acne conglobata may be antedated by acne cysts, papules or pustules that will not heal, but instead quickly deteriorate. Occasionally, it flares up in acne that may have been dormant for years. Acne conglobata can also lead to a kind of gangrene or aseptic arthritis. AC is an uncommon disease. It is generally related with a long-lasting and relatively untreated case of less-severe acne.

AC can produce pronounced disfigurement. Severe scarring makes psychological impairment; individuals with AC are often expatriated, or they may feel excluded. Acne conglobata can cause devious scarring and is difficult to treat. When it comes to fighting acne, many treatments are available. These treatments range from topical medications including creams, gels, cleansers, foams and solutions to oral medicaitons and even the use of lasers, light, and heat. Isotretinoin is a puissant drug reserved for treating severe cystic acne and acne that is resistant to other medications.

Most medications to not work over night and require time (4-6 weeks) to begin to see results. Therapy must be inclusive and cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

Acne Conglobata Prevention and Treatment Tips

1. Isotretinoin is a powerful drug reserved for treating severe cystic acne.

2. Therapy must be expansive and cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting.

3. Oral contraceptives reduce acne in women by suppressing over activity of sebaceous glands.

4. Dapsone may be valuable where antibiotics fail.

5. Intralesional triamcinolone or cryotherapy may also be valuable.

Pimple Home Remedies

Posted in Acne by toni on the October 5th, 2007

Pimples are small skin lesions or inflammations commonly arising from blocked or infected pores. Pimples can show the presence of acne, a chronic skin disease. Pimples usually develop after blackheads or whiteheads become inflamed and infected. Most pimple outbreaks are generally a mark of proximate acne, but there are other causes as well, like bacterial folliculitis, keratosis pilaris and other skin problems. This causes a clog in the pore, specially when the skin becomes thicker during puberty.

The sebaceous glands make more sebum which builds up behind the blockage, and this sebum harbours various bacteria including the species. Some home remedies for pimples are potatoes, vinegar and lemon juice, toothpaste, garlic, lime juice and basil. Create a paste from ground orange peels and apply to affected areas. Take 6 - 8 uncoated aspirin tablets in cup or bowl and crush them in to a powder. Add a few drops of warm/hot water, allow vera gel or honey, now stir until you have a thick white paste.

Use a paste of ground seasame seeds with water as poultice for inflammation of the skin because of allergies, skin rashes, and pimples - acne. Juice of raw papaya is the best treatment for pimples. Apply fresh juice of raw papaya on pimples and get a good result. Wash off the mask with warm water and a gentle cleanser, as you wash mildly massage, the grains will help exfoliate and unveil softer, glowing skin.

Drink plenty of water and vegetable or fruit juices. Use cucumber or other fruit and vegetable packs to cure pimple scars. Maintain a diet that is rich in cottage cheese, fish and yoghurt. Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves in water over the face every night and washed with warm water in the morning for removing pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, dryness, and wrinkles. Make a paste from nutmeg and milk and use as a facial mask. Wash off with warm water and repeat two or three times every day.

Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on pimples and keet upto 1 hour, then wash. Apply toothpaste - actual paste, not gel - to endorsed areas before bed. Wash off in the morning. One overnight home pimple cure may work better for you than another. Add 3 teaspoons of dried basil leaves to 1 cup boiling water and let steep for 10-20 minutes. After it cools, apply to affected area with a cotton ball. This is an superb herbal acne treatment and general tonic for problem skin.

Apply ripe tomatoes pulp on acne pimples and keep upto 1 hour, then wash. Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice to prevent formation of blackheads and acne . Applying sulphur soap is helpful in keeping the oil glands clean and thus reducing pimples and acne. Use ripe tomatoes pulp on acne pimples and keep upto 1 hour, then wash. Drinking wheatgrass juice may reduce acne.

Home Remedies for Pimples Treatment

1. Take 6 - 8 uncoated aspirin tablets in cup or bowl and crush them in to a powder.

2. Add a few drops of warm/hot water, allow vera gel or honey, now stir until you have a thick white paste. You may need to add more water to achieve the right consistency.

3. Spread over your entire face, sit back and relax for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know when 15 minutes is up as the mask is likely to start falling off your face.

4. Wash off the mask with warm water and a gentle cleanser, as you wash gently massage, the grains will help exfoliate and reveal softer, glowing skin.

5. Avoid consuming ghee, butter oils and sweets.

6. The Pimple affected parts must be thoroughly cleaned and wiped with a soft towel.

7. Cleanse the face free of make-up at night and before going to bed.

8. Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) pack is an effective means to control pimples.

9. Daily intake of a spoonful of honey mixed with rose water clears the skin.

10. Wash your face twice a day with mild soap.

Acne Causes

Posted in Acne by toni on the July 21st, 2007

Acne CausesAcne is generally attributed to the use of cosmetics, especially oils and other greasy applications on the skin. Use of oils even on the scalp hair has been noticed to aggravate acne, especially on the forehead. Inflammatory acne has a strong component of infection in the sebaceous glands, while the cystic lesions are caused by a combination of blockage and infection and inflammation.

Since acne shows a strong correlation with the onset of adolescence, the sex hormones are considered to playa basic role in their causation. Testosterone and other male sex hormones increase the size of the sebaceous glands and aggravate acne, while oestrogen and other female sex hormones decrease the size of the oil glands and improve acne. Theoretically, therefore, acne should occur only in males and not in the females. However, the hormonal pattern in both the sexes is very complex-females also have a certain component of the male hormones and the oil glands in the skin have certain receptors which respond in an exaggerated manner to the normal levels of male sex hormones. Certain females, who have abnormally high levels of the male sex hormones, develop severe acne and continue to do so even beyond the age of 25 years. Patients who are treated with male sex hormones for some other diseases have also been observed to develop acne as a side effect. Certain other drugs, such as corticosteroids used locally as well as orally, Isonex used for tuberculosis, iodides used in tonics, bromides used for psychiatric problems and contraceptive pills which also contain sex hormones may also produce acne.

Emotional stress is another factor which has been noticed to aggravate acne. Undoubtedly acne tends to spoil the appearance of an individual at a time when she/he wants to look her /his best. It often leads to severe emotional stress in some individuals. On the other hand, a period of emotional stress due to any other cause also often aggravates acne. Thus the very desire to look her /his best actually leads to worsening of the situation.

Some neurotic patients tend to scratch off the acne lesions and produce dark pigmentation in the area. This is a bad practice because it actually leads to worsening of the appearance. Pigmentation generally takes longer than the time taken by the original acne lesions to disappear. Squeezing the acne lesion to express the pus out of the pustule is another bad practice because this can lead to scarring and pigmentation, besides causing a serious risk of the infection spreading to the brain, which can be fatal.

Acne Precautions

Posted in Acne by toni on the July 21st, 2007

The main precaution to be observed is that cream or oil should not be applied to the face or the hair, or on any part of the body at all. It has been observed that patients who use cream or other greasy cosmetics on the face experience aggravations in their acne. Similarly, applications of oil to the hair lead to aggravation of acne on the face, especially the forehead. Even if the oil is applied elsewhere on the body, it can easily get transferred to the acne-prone areas by hand. It is a wrong belief that oil is necessary for maintaining a good growth of hair on the scalp. This however, is not true because people who use plenty of oil on their hair are as bald as the people who do not. It has also to be understood that no oil can penetrate the intact skin; otherwise, an oil massage on the skin should be equal to eating the same quantity of oil.

Acne PrecautionsOil applied to the skin soaks only the most superficial layer of the skin; it cannot penetrate deeper than that. The oil remains in the superficial skin layer till it gets washed off or mopped up into the clothes. None of the claims that a particular oil can prevent hair loss or lead to a luxuriant growth of hair has ever been confirmed by scientific evaluation. Most of the oils marketed by the various commercial groups, have been evaluated by their own people who do not understand the fundamentals of hair growth and hair loss. Such enterpreneurs have always shied away when the scientific community has challenged them to prove their claims.

The only function of oil is to keep the hair matted together so that they do not fly off, but, the oil interferes with cleaning and forms a film where the dust from the atmosphere accumulates just as a patch of oil applied to a shirt would act as a spot where the dust would get stuck compared to the adjoining areas of the cloth. Most beauticians advise their clients to apply oil onto their hair at night so that it gets soaked into the hair and then wash the excess with shampoo next morning. This practice is as foolish as going in for vomiting after a hearty meal. The fact is that excess of oil requires extra shampoo to wash it off completely and this means wastage of oil as well as shampoo for complete cleaning; otherwise, the cleaning is incomplete.

Topical therapy : As already explained, the best approach for the management of ame is to prevent ame. This means that the patient must keep on using some medication on a regular basis even when he/she is not having acne. This medication should be started at the time of puberty (preferably, even before the individual starts developing ame) and continued till the age of 25 years when the person is no more prone to develop ame.. Moreover, the medication must be applied on all the acne-prone areas and the application repeated whenever the face or other areas are washed. It is to be used more like a cosmetic rather than a medication.

With these considerations in mind, we have formulated a medication which could be used as a cosmetic. It contains lactic acid/ sodium lactate and is thus based on the ingredients produced by the skin itself as a part of the natural mechanism for protection against infections. It was theorised that an individual who develops more severe acne possibly produces lesser quantities of these natural chemicals, and augmenting this natural mechanism should be the most logical approach for preventing acne. This formulation is a colourless liquid which disappears into the skin and can therefore, be used even during the day like a cosmetic. Since it contains the body’s own constituents, there is no question of an allergic or a toxic reaction. It is to be applied with the finger-tips and massaged into the skin till it disappears into the skin. Application of larger quantities with a cotton swab leads to unnecessary wastage and should be avoided.

After the lesions disappear completely, the oral treatment can be stopped while the topical treatment should be continued to prevent further recurrences. When however, the next severe recurrence does occur, another course of the oral antibiotic can be instituted again. Thus, a few courses of the antibiotic therapy for a year or so, along with the regular use of the preventive topical treatment, can keep the skin almost clear of the acne lesions.

There are several so-called ayurvedic preparations advertised which promise to purify the blood. Most such preparations presumably contain antibiotic/antiseptic agents, the dosages ofwhich have never been standardised, and their toxicity/safety never confirmed/investigated on scientific criteria.The term blood-purifier is a misnomer. The manufacturers do not know even the impurity in the blood which is being removed by the so-called blood-purifier.

The medicine is applied to the face and the other acneprone areas twice a day-in the morning after the bath and then again at night. If the face is washed again during the day, it is useful to apply the formulation again. Ideally, the applications should be started at puberty and continued till the age of at least 25 years.