Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Zit Zap! (or: Popping zits is not good acne treatment!)

I popped a little blemish on my nose yesterday. Today I might as well have a red light on my nose. Gross huh? Popping zits is possibly the worst form of acne treatment. Some will insist on popping rather than topical treatment- or worse- rather than maintaining a regular skin care routine.

If you feel that you absolutely must pop a zit, there are some acne treatment guidelines that will minimize further infection and scarring. There is much debate over scarring associated with performing your own acne treatment surgery (aka popping a zit), from my own experience I will tell you that it does scar.
It is a good idea to make sure that the blemish is at the surface of your skin. One that is tender, and not yet formed to a head will not benefit from lancing and will lead to further infection of the pore- these premature treatments scar the most. Placing a warm, wet teabag on your blemish for five minutes, or applying a bit of a green mud face mask with a drop of tea tree oil mixed into it over the blemish location will help draw it to the surface for further acne treatment. It's best to use a powdered green mud, add the drop of tea tree, and then just enough warm water to make a thick mud.
Some supplies needed for your acne treatment are a sterilized needle (running a sharp, rust free needle through a flame will do), some cotton pads, a 2 cotton swabs (q-tips), hydrogen peroxide and a cosmetic magnification mirror.
First wash your hands with an antibacterial soap, and then wash your face with the gentle cleanser that is part of your acne treatment routine. Apply hydrogen peroxide to a swab and to the area of the zit- this will help kill any bacteria not already washed away. Use your magnifying mirror to see the actual pore that is infected, and try to insert the needle at the pore, so you do not puncture your skin, but the clog of the pore. Just barely nick the surface of the pore, you will feel the pressure of the zit release as soon as it penetrates the infection. Use two cotton pads around your index fingers to apply LIGHT pressure until clear fluid comes out (you don't want to see blood from any acne treatment!). Gently wipe the area clean and wash your whole face again (bacteria that require acne treatment are on the surface of your skin now). After you pat your face dry, use the second cotton swab with some hydrogen peroxide around the area of the blemish, this will minimize chances of infecting other pores and necessitating further acne treatment. Gently moisturize your skin, saving the area of the blemish to the last- you don't want to touch it first and spread bacteria around!

Use this kind of acne treatment rarely. If you find that your acne treatment regimen is not keeping your skin clear, try a different approach or consult a dermatologist quickly. Years of this kind of treatment will leave you with a pocked, crater-like face and in the need of expensive cosmetic surgery.

Be sure to visit Simple Acne Treatment for more helpful information and resources.

Diet Based Acne Treatments: Myth and Fact

It's morning and you look in the mirror. You look closer, and to your horror- see a zit. Before you start cursing that double chocolate banana split you have last night, think again; is diet really a good acne treatment? Maybe, but separating the myth from fact can be difficult.

Fact is that most of these acne treatment myths date back to an inaccurate medical study done in the 1960's, or worse, have no research to back them at all. Foods like pizza, chocolate and other greasy adolescent staples blamed for teenage breakouts. Avoiding these taboo foods has become one of many fallacious acne remedies. Newer studies find no such link. Acne occurs when pores clog deep inside and form a mild infection, not when you eat greasy foods. Some doctors point out that the skin is the body's largest organ, and does use its pores to get rid of some of the body's toxins, especially while the body is sweating profusely. Pore blockage is caused by not showering after a workout or an incomplete acne treatment regimen, rather than our skin excreting acne causing toxins as we perspire. Proper care is the better acne treatment, not the fear of tiny amounts of toxins. However some people do have mild allergies to certain foods, and some trace minerals or additives in foods can cause us to break out. If you suspect that a certain food is making you break out, first make sure your skin care routine is complete, and then try just cutting that one food out of your diet for about 2 weeks. Try eating it again after this time, did you break out? Then you might be allergic to it, and limiting that food will be an effective acne treatment for you. Other foods that are high in iodine (remember this is added to most table salt too!) will cause breakouts. Seafood like shrimp is high in iodine, but this measurement is relative, and you would have to eat allot of shrimp before it caused you to seek out acne treatments. The growth hormone in most milk (basically anything not labeled 'organic') is shown in a 2005 study to cause hormone production in humans, and hormone swings do cause breakouts, this is especially true for 'skim' milk varieties. The hormones stimulate oil production and aid in the clogging of our pores, necessitating acne treatment. People that have diabetes in their family, or a predisposition to diabetes should be cautious about eating too much refined sugar (we all should be though!). Their bodies metabolize sugar differently and in their case there is a definite association between the incorrectly processed insulin and pimples, there are also specific acne treatments for these individuals. Scientists look at the faces of adolescents in nonwestern countries and note that there is no need for acne treatments, their skin is clear. A few suggest that a diet rich in raw vegetables and poor in refined sugar may be an effective acne treatment for the appearance of teenage skin, whether the individuals are predisposed to diabetes or not.

If you are trying to use diet as part of your acne treatment, remember to start with a regular skin care regimen, and then go on to other diet modifications. When on a quest to clear your skin, do reasonable things like looking at a healthier diet or eliminate suspect foods. Remember that many scientists doubt much link at all between food and the skin's appearance, but it may work for you.

Be sure to visit Simple Acne Treatment for more information and helpful resources.

Acne face wash



Do you get zits? Those horrible random breakouts can lead to a miserable day. No one wants to head off to work or enter that school classroom with a pizza face. Yes, this can obliterate our confidence altogether. We have to fight the burden of acne-prone skin, and prevent those unpredictable flare-ups before they rear their ugly heads. A good start to dealing with pimples is a quality acne face wash. Cleansing the skin properly is key. What are you washing your face with, and how often do you cleanse? It's time to get a handle on your skin affliction, and make sure you're using the right acne face wash today.

When it comes to our faces, things can get hairy. Complexions are such complicated creatures to keep up with. You zap one zit, and then another one pops up. When will it ever end? Well, the truth is that most of us are afflicted with acne at some point in our lives. The trick is knowing your skin type and using the right products. The first thing you want to do is establish your skin type. Is it dry, is it oily, is it combination; or maybe it's sensitive, or just normal. You don't have to venture out to the local dermatologist to better understand your complexion. If you jump online and do a quick search on skin types, you will be able to answer a few questions, and find out your skin type free of charge. Once you've determined your skin type, it's time to look for a good acne face wash. If you have combination skin, you probably don't want an acne face wash for very oily skin. This is why there is a plethora to choose from. You essentially want your acne face wash to cleanse your face, but not dry it out. Drying out your delicate mug can cause more acne.

When you purchase an acne face wash, be sure to read its specifications and whether or not it's "Dermatologist recommended." You want to keep your face free of dirt and oil, but you don't want to overdo it. Typically people with very oily skin, may cleanse their faces up to three times a day. However, if you have normal skin, you may only do this once or twice a day at the most. Many people have the misconception that cleansing a lot will destroy acne faster. After you have found that ideal acne face wash, you may also want to purchase a topical cream to use after washing. This will help fight acne and prevent new pimples from forming. Acne can certainly be a devastating aspect of life; you simply have to attack it with the best acne face wash and other products that are right for you.

Be sure to visit Simple Acne Treament for more information and helpful resources.

Acne Treatment

Just about everyone has acne at one time or another. This common skin problem has left many individuals looking for an effective acne treatment that can be used by a wide variety of people. Pimples are not selective; they tend to appear on anyone and everywhere. This prompts many researchers to work towards finding the ideal acne treatment.

One thing to consider is the purpose for the skin clearing strategy. There are different approaches for acne treatment each with a specific purpose in mind. Two major reasons behind acne treatments are to clear the skin from lesions and breakouts and to treat scarring. These are the most significant inspirations for finding an appropriate approach.

The first purpose of clearing the skin from lesions and breakouts is probably the more popular reason behind finding the best acne treatment. One rule of thumb is to only wash the affected area twice each day. Aggressive washing can irritate the skin and make the condition worse.

Many professionals recommend using a medication applied directly to the affected area. There are a variety of topical medicines designed as acne treatment. These products exfoliate the skin. The upper layer of skin is often covered with dead cells that work to obstruct the pores. When the skin is exfoliated, the dead layer of skin is washed away, leaving a fresh new layer that is less likely to obstruct.

The topical acne treatment is also designed to remove oils and bacteria that are present in pimples. The topical medicine pulls the dirt and oil out of the pores helping the affected area to dry up quickly. These medicines are also effective in reducing inflammation associated with many acne breakouts. The reduction of redness and swelling make the pimples less noticeable.

After the skin is cleared, many people find themselves carrying around a few scars. Another purpose for acne treatment is to prevent or even heal scarring. Because scars vary in severity, the approaches vary as well. Some are quite simple while others are quite invasive. The individual chooses which acne treatment is appropriate according to the severity of the scarring.

Dermabrasion is an example of a relatively simple approach to treating shallow scars. The skin is massaged with a rotating brush that removes the surface scars. The chemical peel is an acne treatment that removes scars using chemicals that slather off the scarred skin.

More invasive approaches include scar excisions that remove the scar and pull the healthy skin together and punch grafting. Punch grafting involves removing the scar with a surgical hole-punch. The open plug where the scar originally was is filled with a plug of new skin. Hopefully, an acne treatment is designed that will eliminate the necessity of surgical approaches to remove scars, but for now these are very valuable for those suffering from acne scars.

Be sure to visit Simple Acne Treatment for more helpful information and resources.

Prevent acne with this simple system



Millions of teenagers suffer from acne each year. Acne can be an mortifying condition and always seems to pop up when least expected and most unwanted. By creating a regimented skin care system you will be able to help prevent acne breakouts from developing and taking over your life. Here is a guide to improve your skin and lessen the severeness of your acne breakouts from face washing to microdermabrasion.

Your best option for combating acne breakouts is not to focus on the pimples that have already erupted on your skin. The best way to fight acne is to prevent it from erupting in the first place. This is the best manner to lessen any acne scarring. However, if scarring has occurred you may find help through microdermabrasion.

Your initial step in a well-organized skin care system is to exfoliate while cleansing. This stone's throw should be carried out both morning and evening. If your cleanser does not already have exfoliating beads you will want to use a washcloth while cleansing to exfoliate the skin. Acne can be caused by extra skin cells obstructing the pores. By properly exfoliating you help to keep your pores unclogged and remove acne causing bacteria.

After exfoliating, your next step will be to use a 2% salicylic acid treatment. You can readily find these treatments at any drug store. Apply this treatment twice a day which will not only help to remove extra skin cells, but it will also help to keep acne-causing bacteria away from your skin.

While on this acne program it is important to moisturize since excessive drying may occur. However, it is important not to use an oil-based moisturizer which will clog your pores. Today, there are moisturizers on the market that are made to moisturize your skin and help fight acne at the same time. This is a excellant option for a facial lotion.

The third step in creating an acne fighting skin care regimen is to apply sunscreen. You should look for an oil free sunscreen that will not clog up the pores. While many people know that the sun can bring about wrinkles and skin cancer, you may not realize that the sun actually causes acne breakouts. That is why it is so necessary to guard your skin from the sun whenever you are outdoors, even if it looks to be cloudy.

If you have given this skin care system an honorable try for a couple weeks and there are still stubborn acne occurrences that will not go away, it is time to visit a dermatologist. Prescription medications are harsher than over the counter cures and therefore more effective, but they may also have more side effects. Two good prescription treatments are accutane and retin-a. Both of these compounds will make your skin even more sensitive to the sun, so it is essential to protect yourself with sunscreen (at least spf 30), a hat and sunglasses. Also, microdermabrasion may be a solution.

This acne skin care procedure will only work if it is used conscientiously. That means sunrise and night each day, whether or not acne is showing. This system not only works to fight breakouts that have already erupted, but it also works to prevent acne from appearing so you never have to worry about a pesky zit again.

Be sure to visit Microdermabrasion for more helpful information and resources.

Treating acne and microdermbrasion with aloe vera



Aloe vera has certain important medicinal qualities that are very effective in the soothing of acne. Aloe vera has been used in a wide variety of medicinal ways both historically and in recent time. It is utilized to treat burns, wounds and infections to regenerate skin and provide the building blocks needed to rebuild scarred or injured skin areas. In addition it helps in treating acne by acting as an anti-inflammatory tool and an immune booster.

Aloe vera solutions

Acne could be treated by either soaps containing aloe vera or aloe vera gel. Soaps should be used at least twice a day and the skin should be patted dry after the wash. A topical gel or cream application of aloe vera can then be applied to the inflamed or infested areas. Acne is [%will_not not only cured by aloe vera but the symptoms of redness, flaky skin, and swelling will be speedily decreased with consistent use.

Aloe vera, in fluid form, can be applied to the facial area to remove extra oil. The area should then be washed with a soap containing aloe vera and then a commercially prepared aloe vera cream can be applied. This regimen uses all the medicinal components of the aloe vera to help keep skin looking soft and breakout controlled. The mild cleansing qualities of the aloe vera will prevent future acne outbreaks and help reduce redness and swelling.

Health findings

As far back as 1750 b.C clay tablets were written addressing the medicinal properties of aloe vera. A greek doctor wrote in 74 b.C about using aloe vera to cure infections of the skin, burns and to lessen hair loss.

In 1935 the first medical article was published describing the medical use of aloe vera in burn subjects. It has since been the topic of many studies addressing the healing properties of aloe vera for every skin conditions, including acne. As with many herbal and medical treatments individual responses will vary with most users indicating a decrease in the redness and flaky skin close to the acne blemishes. Aloe vera also helps in soothing the skin after microdermabrasion. After the microdermabrasion treatment has been applied to the skin, the aloe vera creates a cooling effect. It also helps with the redness shoud it occur.

Another good point on aloe vera is there are no known side effects to using aloe vera on the surface. If any redness occurs simply stop use.

Be sure to visit Microdermabrasion for more helpful information and resources.

Acne scar removal



When you have acne scars you may be interested in acne scar removal exfoliants. Where could you find acne scar removal exfoliants' what can you expect from acne scar removal creams' you can obtain acne scar removal creams at a pharmacy. You may need to see a doctor or dermatologist for a medication for acne scar removal cream.

Often people think they need acne scar removal assistance after they have had treatment for the scars. There are instances when these scars are simply a color change and acne scar removal cream will not help and may not be best at all. You may just want to give it some more time.

Mederma is a type of acne scar removal cream medication. It is in reality a gel based medication and has been very helpful in most situations. After the acne scars are brown in color you can use bleach with hydroquinone along with the acne scar removal cream. This combination can be really helpful in the erasing of acne scars.

Cellex-c is yet a different acne scar removal cream that is recommended by many. Use this acne scar removal cream with a topical vitamin a ointment. Employ these creams at separate times during the day.

One acne scar removal cream that has shown improvements is scarguard scarcare. This acne scar removal exfoliants improves saucer-shaped acne scars quite nicely, usually the newer scars.

More acne scar removal cream that has received high marks is dermanew microdermabrasion total body cream. This acne scar removal cream is a dislodger of oil. You could use this acne scar removal cream with a topical vitamin a cream.

There are other methods to take care of acne scars but an acne scar removal cream is a good method to start. However, if this method does not work to your satisfaction, there is another solution that has been making great progress in the clearing of damaged skin. In fact, it has the same name as the cream above, microdermabrasion. This process has made a lot of advances in the dermatology community.

Microdermabrasion is a process that uses microcrystals to help smooth and resurface the outer most layer of the skin, usually the face, but not limited to just that area. It is a non-invasive technique that has proven to show great results in many patients. The process is repeated with several treatments which gradually bring the skin back to life and speeds up the natural healing process. To find out more talk to a beauty or health care professional near you.


Be sure to visit Microdermabrasion for more information and helpful resources.

Cure acne the best way for you


Acne is one of the oldest skin problems, and troubles young and old alike, not to mention the problems it can cause socially and mentally. Caused by hormonal disorders, overactive glands or bacterial infections, acne causes skin inflammation, pimples, scars and discoloration. This problem is most obvious in fair-complexioned people. It may also lead to it victims losing self-esteem and withdrawing from society due to not wanting to be seen.

Using chemical-based creams to treat acne not only has side effects like red or dried skin, but can also harm the skin permanently. To get rid of this problem, experts suggest natural therapies. Natural skin-care treatments for acne are considered extremely reliable, effective and safe.

Herbs like basil and turmeric are very trusted in treating acne. These can counter any kind of bacteria effectively and help 1 regain a healthy, radiant skin. Also, there are innumerable creams, lotions and pills available that are made from natural ingredients and are highly effective in treating acne.

Natural skin care products for acne treatments also contain vitamins like a, b6 and c, along with minerals like zinc, which not treat acne but also nourish the epidermis. Along with using natural skin care products for acne treatment, it is also advised to keep the infected area clean, and keep a nutritious diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

The markets are deluged with acne cures that claim to be 100% natural and promise to cure acne rapidly. Therefore, it is always advisable that a skin doctor be consulted before using one of the treatments. Before you will effectively treat a case of acne, you must first determine what caused it.

Unless you happen to have gone to dermatology school, you might want to at least consult a doctor to find out what your acne is stemming from. Even if you are looking for natural solutions, a doctor's help can point you in the right direction. Also, once you know what is causing the acne you can look to natural cures and better diet to aid in the correction of the skin blemishes. A regular, continual application of natural skin care products, under practiced advice, can go a long way toward keeping acne at bay.

Once the acne is under control, if there is permanent damage to the skin, a good way to refine the skin back to normal is with microdermabrasion. This is a process of resurfacing the skin using gentle exfoliation by microcrystals. No harsh chemicals or lasers are needed. There are even home microdermabrasion kits on the market these days.

Be sure to visit Microdermabrasion for more information and resources.