Get Rid of Summer Acne

Is your acne getting worst this summer? It seems like it is proliferating all over your body: face, neck, and back. The backne is noticed to be severe and larger; is a lot harder to cure because it has more oil-sebaceous glands, which is larger those of on the face. Thus, this season needs a thorough, keen attention to take care of your skin. Here are some of the surest way to get rid of acne:

Seek expert help for severe acne  - A short course of oral antibiotics may be needed to treat severe acne, so it’s better to see a doctor. “Antibiotics will reduce bacteria and fight inflammation. However, for deep cysts, Isotretinoin, a powerful medication may be needed but strictly under a doctor’s guidance. Oral contraceptives that balance your hormones can also help, but they may have other side effects,” says Dr Navin Taneja. If you are ready to splurge, you can also opt for advanced corrective treatments such as laser and light therapies. “Laser treatments damage the oil glands, causing them to produce less oil, while light therapy targets the bacteria that cause acne inflammation,” adds Dr Taneja.

Work out your way to acne-free skin - Exercise can help control acne by taming the testosterone hormone that cause excess production of sebum. Cortisol or the ‘stress hormone’, produced by the adrenal gland just above the kidney, is also linked with acne. Cortisol secretion increases when a person is under stress, starving or sleep-deprived. Exercise helps tame cortisol levels. “A 30-45 minute long brisk walk or slow jog several times a week may help reduce acne by normalising the hormones that contribute to those ugly bumps and pustules,” says Dr Anju Ghei of VLCC Healthcare.

Walk, jog, cycle - Outdoor exercises pamper your skin with fresh air and a bit of sun. One of the best exercises is swimming, as water keeps your skin hydrated.

Feel good -  Find an activity that you love doing. It can be yoga, Pilates or anything that helps you feel better from within, thus triggering secretion of the feel good hormones. Regular physical exercise helps release endorphins that can boost your confidence and self esteem. 

Home remedies

Cucumber - The cooling effect of cucumber soothes the skin and in turn, prevents acne outbreaks. Cucumber is also a source of natural astringent, and hence is very effective when it comes to tightening skin pores.

Lemon juice - The acidic property of lemon is quite beneficial for acne treatment. Take a slice of lemon, rub it on your face, leave it for a few hours and rinse off with cold water. Lemon cleans the dirt accumulated on the pores, and hardens the sebum.

Tea tree oil - Tea tree oil acts like an antiseptic and helps in removing damaged skin cells by slightly irritating the skin. This oil is like a solvent and cuts through grease and dirt, thus unblocking the pores. Its antibacterial properties prevents further outbreaks. You can even add a few drops to your bucket of water for bathing.

Aloe Vera juice - Aloe Vera cannot cure acne but its natural healing and soothing properties reduces swelling and redness of acne. Just pick a thick leaf from an aloe vera plant, wash and process in a juicer, and dab the juice with a cotton ball on the affected area, twice daily.

Neem extracts - Neem kills the bacteria that often cause acne. Make a paste of neem leaves by adding little water, and apply it on the affected areas. Leave for about 30 minutes and rose off with cold water. To treat back acne, boil a bunch of clean neem leaves in water, and let the water cool, bathe twice daily with this water.

Right Diet to Fight Acne - Fibre plays an important role in getting rid of body toxins. Eat cereals and fibre-rich food and vegetables such as blueberries, grapefruit to detoxify body and clear your skin. Include Vitamin A in your diet as it is a good source of carotenoids that reduces sebum production. Carrots, papaya, spinach,and tomato juice are all rich sources of carotenoids. 

Avoid processed foods as they are high in saturated fats and transfat, and can lead to an increase in sebum production, thereby triggering acne. If you have a persistent acne problem then food items like deep fried chips, French fries, pakodas, aloo tikkis etc are a strict no-no for you. The saturated oil content also increases cholesterol in the body, leading to poor blood circulation, and this can worsen your acne problem.

Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Wellness/Get-rid-of-Summer-acne/Article1-1056940.aspx

Probiotic Action Shares 5 New Tips for Acne Sufferers To Protect their Skin this Summer

Great news that acne sufferers can still have much enjoyment being under the sun and at the beach without worrying the sunlight affecting their acne-prone skin. To know how, Probiotic Action lists 5 helpful tips that you can follow to take care of your skin this summer.

Probiotic Action Spokesman, Fernando Perez lends his expertise to help those suffering from acne to better protect their skin this summer: 

• Don’t over dry skin: Using harsh scrubs or drying masks before staying in the sun will allow the skin to burn faster. Even using these products a day before may weaken skin, and expose fragile skin to harmful UV rays
• Use the right sunscreen
• Use the best acne treatment: Using an acne treatment that contains antibiotics may make skin more prone to burns and irritation. Using an acne cream that will not increase the skin’s sensitivity to light may be the best acne treatment.
• Stay hydrated: Aside from using the right sunscreen, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help skin fight burns, and balance the PH level of skin.
• Take/topical the right supplements: Preventative vitamins like C (topical) , B, and Beta Carotene are said to make skin more “sun ready”. For those suffering from acne, using preventative probiotics, as a topical acne cream and ingested pills may help better balance the skin.

Perez adds that It is very difficult for vitamin C to reach the skin and help repair/protect it, for that reason the best option is a topical vitamin C. If you suffer with acne or rosacea a 5% concentration is the maximum recommended. Additionally, while some of these suggestions may help some suffering from acne, these recommendations should always be consulted with a physician. 

Probiotic Action is an advanced acne treatment that uses Probiotics for acne containing the “good bacteria” that is naturally found on healthy human skin. By using probiotics, Probiotic Action is an effective treatment that restores the normal bacteria content on skin. Probiotic Action will successfully clear skin when used as an adult acne treatment while protecting skin against bad bacteria, free radicals, and pollutants*.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1227770#ixzz2SYzdTviO

Virus vs Chemical Peel: Acne Treatments

Great news that several types of virus like Propionibacterium have been identified to be killing acne that causes bacteria. More development is to come in understanding of acne.

While the news is exciting, Skin Care Report is recommending time proven techniques to minimize acne impact. Here are some tips:

• Don’t pinch or "pop" pimples. This can spread skin oil, called sebum, and potentially the bacteria too. Consequently, formally healthy skin surrounding the zit can become infect and damaged. 

• Avoid irritating the skin. Examples are hats or harsh scrubbing. 

• Wash your face regularly. Cleaning the face is an important part of home remedies for acne. Don’t provide a comfortable home to bacteria.

Still, while we wait for researchers to transform the new found knowledge into substantial aid against the skin condition, acne sufferers want help now! Here are some tips for shortening the lifespan of a pimple:

• When you first notice that you are breaking out with a pimple, it is important that you try your best not to touch it. The less you touch it, the less aggravated you will make it. 

• Get a cloth and soak it in warm water. Press it against your pimple and hold it in place for one minute. This will help the swelling go down and helps pimples go away sooner. 

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Try cleaners that do not over dry skin. 

• After you have washed your face, apply salicylic acid onto your pimple. Dotting the pimple with a q-tip that has salicylic acid on it can be a targeted treatment. You could also use a cotton ball. 

• In the morning after you have washed your face and removed the salicylic acid, apply a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide onto your pimple. This facial medication will help shorten the duration of your pimple.

Source: http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2013/04/30/virus-vs-chemical-peel-acne-treatments

Science Says Chocolate Causes Acne, Cockblocks Our Love Affair With Truffles

Chocolate-lovers beware: a new study from the Netherlands suggests the delicious sweetie may aggravate acne. Past research also suggests that increased insulin can cause inflammation in the skin, leading to breakouts, while low-glycemic diets stop sugar spikes connected to acne, 

Seems like every time we turn around, another scientist in a lab coat is wagging a finger in our face and telling us things we don’t want to hear. Soda gives us cavities. Alcohol gives us hangovers. And now that a new study from the Netherlands suggests that chocolate causes acne, we’re close to giving up and sticking our hungover, toothless, pimple-covered heads in a big fat sack of denial until the medical profession decides that we’re allowed to enjoy our favorite things again.

 

Sadly, denial won’t silence the Dutch scientists who claim that their study shows a definite link between chocolate consumption and the acne that plagues 80% of American teenagers. To investigate chocolate as a potential cause of acne, the researchers took blood from healthy adults before and after they ate 1.7 ounces of chocolate containing 30 ounces of cocoa. Then they exposed the blood samples to Propionibacterium acnes, a bacteria known to cause acne, and to Staphylococcus aureus, which aggravates acne.

 

In the blood samples taken post-chocolate consumption, the blood cells exposed to Propionibacterium acnes produced more interleukin-1b, a sign of immune system inflammation and a signal that chocolate is linked to the inflammatory response associated with acne. The cells exposed to Staphylococcus aureus produced more interleukin 1O, which is believed to lower the body’s defenses against microorganisms and thus could allow bacteria to infect and worsen pimples.

 

This research isn’t conclusive however, which is good news for those of us who like clear skin and chocolate-covered everything. For one, the Dutch scientists used a teeny tiny sample size (only seven people). For another, there are lots of things present in chocolate besides cocoa (like fat and sugar) that could have caused the blood cell reaction. And finally, while we might not have a perfect pimple cure, science has progressed enough to know that any single person’s susceptibility to acne has more to do with their genetics, hormones, and medications than their favorite junk food. Plus, even if chocolate is responsible for acne, it’s also responsible for this.

Source: http://foodbeast.com/content/2013/05/01/science-says-chocolate-causes-acne-cockblocks-our-love-affair-with-truffles/#.UYRaYqJkOSo

24-Hour Guide to Getting Rid Of Acne

Is that possible to remedy acne within 24 hours? Some say no and some say yes. Don’t fret. I say it’s possible. All of us encounter acne that ravages our faces. Still, you can go to your appointment or a date without worrying the acne on your face. Why worry if you can actually fight against acne. How?

Zit’s Anatomy

Human skin has pores, which are connected to oil glands beneath the skin through a canal also known as a follicle. These glands produce sebum - an oily liquid. This sebum carries dead skin cells and other debris through these follicles to the skin surface. A small hair also grows out through this follicle. A zit or a pimple appears when these follicles get blocked resulting in the accumulation of oil under the skin. 

Dr. Kiran Lohia further explains, “The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells, thereby keeping your skin soft. When glands produce too much oil, the pores become blocked; dirt, bacteria and cells build up. The blockage is called a plug. If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead and if the top of the plug is dark, it is called a blackhead. However, if the plug breaks open it results in swelling and red bumps, which are known as pimples or pustules!”

What Causes Acne in Men? 

The exact cause of acne in men still remains unknown. But essentially, it can be traced to your sebaceous glands. When the glands start releasing generous quantities of sebum during adolescence or even later, you are prone to breakouts. 

How To Get Rid Of It In 24 Hours

Getting back to business, here’s how you can treat your acne according to our expert, Dr Kiran Lohia- 

1. Try and visit a dermatologist. Yes, we know you might have to shell out some money, but hey, it’s your precious skin we are talking about. “You can ask for a spot peel with 20-30% salicylic acid treatment from your doctor, which will dry up that pimple within 24 hours. And, if the pimple is really inflamed, then even a mild cortisone injection can help calm it down significantly,” advises Dr. Lohia.
2. If you haven't got any time to get to your skin specialist, then look for products with salicylic acid or biosulphur in it. “The combination of the two ingredients will help soothe that pimple while also preventing other pimples from arising,” explains Dr. Kiran.
3. Use a salicylic acid-based face wash and body wash. This helps reduce oil secretion while unclogging those pores, resulting in less whiteheads and blackheads. It will also prevent those body breakouts, giving you a much clearer skin.
4. Don't over wash the skin. Many men think that by washing the face or body 4-5 times a day will reduce the oiliness. This is a misconception. In fact, over washing causes the body to overproduce oil in compensation, resulting in even oilier skin in the long term.
5. Lastly, don’t avoid your moisturiser. Moisturising the skin helps keep the skin supple and young - even in the long-term, but you have to know your skin type. Use the moisturiser accordingly. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic gel based emulsions so you don't get a greasy feel. Also, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, or sulphur, all of which will act to prevent and treatment those pimples and marks.

Daily Steps to Add in Your Routine to Help Your Acne:

Acne will come and go, but you have to make sure that you follow these tips religiously to avoid scars and blemishes in the aftermath, concludes Dr. Kiran.

1. Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring. Also, avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
2. Wear products that are oil-free or water-based. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non-comedogenic', meaning that a dermatologist has certified that there are no ingredients that can cause pimples in the product.
3. Be healthy from the inside out. Eat lots of green vegetables and fruits and always remember to exercise.

Source: http://www.mensxp.com/grooming/skin-care/8807-mensxps-24-hour-guide-to-getting-rid-of-acne.html

Celebrity doctor shares 15 minute acne fix

We all want to have a quick fix on our acne? I thought it was not possible. But, it is. There is a quick and inexpensive fix for blemish. I am very so excite to share this trick which you can use as an anti-acne mask to clear up the acne bacteria.

Acne mask secret found in the pharmacy

On a recent episode of "The Doctors", Dr. Andrew Ordon who is a plastic surgeon offered a simple way to keep your complexion clear from blemishes by using pink Pepto Bismol.

For the treatment that cleans and purifies the skin, just put two teaspoons on the face; let it dry and wash it off after 15 to 30 minutes. Why it works? 

Bismuth in Pepto Bismol contains salicylic acid, which is used in expensive acne and other skin treatments, including psoriasis.  

Topical salicylic acid treats skin conditions by reducing swelling and redness. The compound unblocks clogged skin pores, allowing pimples to shrink. Pepto Bismol that costs less than $4.00 could also treat other skin conditions like corns and callouses on the hands and feet because it loosens the skin and makes it fall off. It is important to avoid the eye area if you do use a bismuth face mask. Salicylic acid can cause eye damage. Like any facial mask, you should avoid the eye area where the skin is thinner and more prone to irritation. 

It is also important to know if you are allergic to salicylic acid. Try a small skin test before applying it to the entire face. If you have a blemish that is highly irritated or looks infected, see your doctor for a treatment plan. Pepto-Bismol or other pink bismuth product is an inexpensive and quick fix for pimples and is good to have handy for an upset stomach. It might be time to move the Pepto Bismol from the medicine chest to the ‘health and beauty’ cabinet.

Source: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/celebrity-doctor-shares-15-minute-acne-fix

Not Going by the Acne Label

Many people experience horrible outbreaks. It is no fun having acne and very embarrassing. There are now various over-the-counter acne products that acne sufferers may take to control and to prevent it. The readers will know what to expect before trying a remedy and how to use through instructions. Just strictly never fail to follow the instructions.

Zits and pimples can make even the most confident of individuals conscious about their looks. Despite this, teens and young adults with acne might not take medicines for the condition as instructed.

Less than 12 percent of young acne patients enrolled in Medicaid adhered to medication regimens to get rid of their pimples, a recently published study found.

Combining topical medicines that reduce oil production with an antibiotic medicine might be a good choice for young acne patients given the costs and outcomes, according to the researchers.

Xi Tan, from the Department of Clinical, Social and Administrative Sciences at the University of Michigan, led a team of researchers investigating how often patients with acne adhered to their medicine. They also looked at the healthcare costs of acne medications and how those medications were used.

 

The study included more than 24,000 patients from January 2005 to December 2007. Almost 90 percent of the patients were under 18 years of age.

Patients were listed in the Marketscan Medicaid Database, which tracks healthcare claims across the US. The researchers followed patients during the first three months after being prescribed an acne medicine.

The researchers tracked the number of acne-related outpatient visits, acne medication adherence and total acne-related healthcare costs.

 

The researchers found that less than 12 percent of patients were adherent to acne medications on average.

 

Adherence rates were linked to a patient's age, gender, side illnesses, number of medicine refills and the number of medication classes used.

Source: http://www.dailyrx.com/acne-medication-adherence-young-medicaid-patients-less-12-percent

No Need To Stress Over Acne

We thought after high school or college life, acne will just fade away. Now that you are in twenties you still have acne—on your face, back, chest and other parts of your body--bothering since teenage years. Having acne can be beyond your thirties, fourties and even fifties. Don’t lose hope there are many acne treatments to cure and stop acne build-up. If you need help, you can do some research or ask a dermatologist for other options.

The most common causes of acne include the overproduction of oil, dead skin irritating hair follicles and accumulation of bacteria. The buildup of oil and dead skin within the hair follicles creates a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.

Some myths about acne perpetuate, such as the notion that chocolate and greasy foods lead to acne. While it’s definitely better to not gorge on pepperoni pizza and Hershey bars, you can rest assured that indulging isn’t going to result in eruptions on your face the next day.

There is some scientific correlation between diet and acne. According to the Mayo Clinic, dairy products and carbohydrate-rich food can lead to the formation of acne.

Another myth in which many of us seek refuge is that acne is caused by stress. We cling to the hope that when life slows down and things are no longer hectic, our skin will calm down too. Unfortunately, that’s not entirely the case. Lisa Garner, a clinical professor of Dermatology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center says that stress reduction won’t eliminate acne

According to a 2003 Stanford University study, college students had an increase in acne during exam periods because most acne is triggered by hormone production — in particular, androgens — which lead to the enlargement of sebaceous glands and cause increased oil production. While stress can cause fluctuations in hormone production, exacerbating acne by causing the binding of stress hormones to the stress receptors on sebum-producing cells, it’s not the actual cause of the acne.

Once acne begins to flourish, it’s tempting to scrub at it like there’s no tomorrow, but that’s not helping matters at all. In fact, scrubbing at acne can irritate it further. Instead, using tried and tested products, in addition to gently cleansing your face, can help keep acne at bay. Over-the-counter products such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and retinoids have been proven to help reduce the occurrence of acne. If over-the-counter products don’t cut it, a meeting with your dermatologist to discuss more stringent options, such as Accutane, may be in order.

Source: http://thedailycougar.com/2013/04/23/healthy-advice-no-need-to-stress-over-acne

New Study Could Ease Acne Burden in Our Community

Despite the widespread of acne treatments, there are still millions of acne sufferers in different countries. Why is that so? Maybe some of the cures are not that effective, the products are not suitable for a skin type or the users are not following the instruction. A study of University of South Australia could benefit them as it is investigating essential oils and aromatherapy to be effective means to treat acne. The said university is also examining the psychological impact and cost comparisons with the conventional treatments.

“The majority of teenagers will experience the physical symptoms of acne at some point during adolescence. In Australia, more than 80% of all teenagers have acne,” Ms Agnew says.

“Current acne treatments include over-the-counter remedies and prescribed topical and oral medication. As acne is a multi-factorial disease, a combination of treatments is often recommended. But these multiple drug regimens are complex, can have side-effects, and poor adherence to treatment is common.”

While the physical symptoms of acne typically last ‘on and off’ for between two and five years, Ms Agnew says the psychological effects from the disease can continue well into adulthood. An important component of the study will be evaluating whether any observed reduction in physical presentation through treatment with essential oils leads to a better quality of life for sufferers.

“Acne can have lasting psychosocial effects, which are not often addressed,” Ms Agnew says.

“These symptoms can include anxiety, depression, impairment of emotional functioning, and low self-esteem and body image issues.”

The study will enlist aromatherapy clinicians to treat two groups with essential oils, supplied by Sydney Essential Oil Company. A third group will continue their regular treatment routine and receive the essential oils product at the end of the trial period.

“This will be the first known randomised controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy as it is practiced by clinicians,” Ms Agnew says.

“Essential oils have the potential to act via dermal absorption and their therapeutic properties make them potentially effective in treating bacterial infection, inflammation, pain and nausea.

“In vitro studies have found essential oils to be effective against the bacteria involved in acne Propionibacterium acnes - but there is a lack of clinical evidence to support the claims that essential oils will help reduce physical symptoms of acne, which is why this study is so important.

“We will also be evaluating the cost-effectiveness of aromatherapy, as there is currently a lack of literature to see if there are any benefits in this area.”

Source: http://www.healthcanal.com/skin-hair-nails/37828-new-study-could-ease-acne-burden-in-our-community.html

Acne: Its Source and Most Effective Treatments

Acne is the most common dermatological conditions, affecting millions of people. It affects just everyone as long as his skin is prone to acne due to causes of acne like hormonal changes. As a result, it may bring devastating effects on person’s self-esteem – a person's overall emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. There are now many acne treatments applicable to anyone according to types of treatment. Just understand which methods of treatment work best for you.

What is acne?

Acne — also known as pimples, zits, blemishes and other similar euphemisms — occurs when the pores of your skin become clogged, in most cases by oils and makeup. Each pore contains a hair and an oil gland. Some skin types produce more oils than others, and this is why some people have worse acne than others. 

What causes acne?

According to PubMed Health, acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone can get acne, even babies. Acne tends to run in families and may be triggered by: 

1. Hormonal changes related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills or stress.
2. Use of greasy or oily cosmetics and hair products.
3. Certain drugs — such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen and phenytoin.
4. High levels of humidity and excessive perspiration.

Many believe chocolate, nuts or greasy foods can cause acne, but scientific research does not support these theories. However, some studies have shown diets high in refined sugars may contribute to the development of acne. 

 

How can I get rid of acne?

The most effective ways I've found of preventing and treating acne include:

1. Clean your skin gently with a mild, nondrying, fragrance-free soap.
2. Remove all dirt or makeup daily. The heavy cleaning needs to be done at night; in the morning you can just a warm washcloth.
3. Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. This may sound strange, yet remove your makeup with baby oil. It is gentle on your skin. Then wash your face.
4. When you get a pimple, drain it and then clean with alcohol to prevent infection. I know this goes against current recommendations, but if the pore stays closed and inflamed, you will develop acne scars.
5. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face.
6. Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps and other hats.
7. Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers. If you use over-the-counter acne products, it’s not important which one is better than another; the key is to find which one works for you. It may take some time to find the right product, but all your effort will be worth it when you do. (I am a true believer in ProActive products because they really worked for my teenagers).
8. A small amount of sun exposure may help to dry the oily skin, but I do not recommend tanning beds for teenagers. Sun exposure should be limited, though. Remember you are not exposing your skin to tan your skin.

The following minor medical procedures may also be helpful:

1. A laser procedure called photodynamic therapy may be used.
2. Your doctor may also suggest chemical skin peeling; removal of scars by dermabrasion; or removal, drainage, or injection of cysts with cortisone.
3. People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane).

You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects, which can cause permanent damage if not monitored closely.It’s important to note that pregnant women should not take Accutane because it causes severe birth defects.

Parents help your children build their self-worth and self-esteem by helping them to look their best at all times, and this includes treating acne of any kind.

Source: http://www.ksl.com/?sid=24543855&nid=1009