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

More Adults Battling Acne Breakouts

When you hit in adolescent period, you will at some point have acne. Sadly, this continues when you become an adult. So, what you have to do is prepare and take care of your skin. There many products guaranteeing protection of your skin and simple ways to keep your skin healthy. And if you are to spend, there are some promising acne treatments that are on horizon from sub-antimicrobial treatments -- low-dose antibiotics -- to vitamins and light therapy. 

Research by a joint team at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California at Los Angeles has found that the "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria found on people's skin and in their intestines can determine whether they have acne or not.  

But don't expect a miracle cream just yet, said Huiying Li, one of the lead researchers in the study. 

"We've still got years of work to do before anything appears on the market," she said. There are, at any one time, 40 million to 50 million people suffering from acne, and it's not clear why the number of adults are growing, said a report from the American Academy of Dermatology -- perhaps just more adults seeking treatment. 

Adult acne affects 45 percent of women aged 21 to 30, 26 percent of women aged 31 to 40 and 12 percent of women aged 41 to 50, according to a Massachusetts General Hospital study in 2012. 

Moreover, acne vulgaris, driven by hormones, mostly disappeared by age 18, but these days lasts on average to about age 28, said Lisa Pawelski, a dermatologist based in Monroeville.

For some women, that type of acne never goes away, but it does become less severe. For others, it comes as a nasty surprise just when they're preparing to battle aging skin. 

Jean Camp was lucky enough to have a clear complexion as a teenager but now, at 32, is suffering from a different type of acne known as papulopustular rosacea -- pink bumps, or papules, and pustules, more commonly known in acne lingo as whiteheads. 

She even remembers the date she realized she had it: March 1, 2010.

"I have people asking me what's wrong with my face," said Ms. Camp. "I can never wear makeup, because it doesn't cover up the pimples and only irritates me more. I don't think it's fair." 

These two different kinds of acne can be determined by location: teenage acne vulgaris can be all over the face and back, while the adult version is mostly along the jawline. And the rosacea form can be found mostly across the center of the face, on the cheeks and around the nose. 

"Wrinkles and acne are the diabolical duo," said Suzan Obagi, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center. Certain treatments present a special challenge with older skin, she said, which is thinner and drier and can respond poorly to the high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide teenagers slather all over their faces. 

Sitting in her sunlit offices in Shadyside, she sees no shortage of older women patients "who are not going to outgrow this kind of acne," and, perhaps fittingly, she is turning to light as one of her options.

Source: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/health/more-and-more-women-are-battling-breakouts-that-they-might-have-imagined-was-just-an-adolescent-scourge-685441/#ixzz2S1wHbCpo

Essential Oils Can Play a Role In Treating Acne

Have you tried using essential oils to treat your acne? Me? I have. We know that these oils are part of the medical therapy for many years. The medical field recognizes its components and power of healing although it has been replaced with prescription medications. Several studies have been explored to discover the use of essential oils (tea tree oil) on skin condition, particularly acne. I think those over the counter, with preservatives and other synthetic compound, are effective but have some side effects which might not be safe for long-term use. Based on studies, the effect is just minimal and no toxicity is reported. Still, beware.

Essential oils are derived from plants. They are made up of a number of different compounds; many of them are aromatic oils and have well-documented medicinal properties. These oils are extracted from different parts of the plant through steam distillation or, in some cases, extracted with alcohol. Essential oils are commonly found in perfumes, many cosmetics, cleaning products and food flavorings.  

Acne is probably the most common skin condition. Approximately 50 million Americans are affected by acne every year. Almost everyone remembering back to the teen years can recall experiencing the acne scourge. Essential oils may provide some needed relief.  

One 2012 study, published in the medical journal Alternative Medicine Review, demonstrated in a double-blind placebo-controlled manner that the essential oil copaiba (South American tree) was significantly better than a placebo in reducing acne. Another 2012 medical study demonstrated that essential oils from orange and sweet basil were also very effective in the treatment of acne (45 percent to 78 percent resolution). 

In this study, they demonstrated that one mechanism of action for these two essential oils was the inhibition of bacterial growth. Tea tree oil has been used in a number of studies specifically for acne. It seems to have significant antibacterial activity especially for the acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes. 

Throughout history, the application of essential oils was done by those who had expertise in their use. Today is no different. The indiscriminate use of essential oil for the treatment of acne by those who are unqualified can result in skin damage as well as allergic reactions. In addition, some essential oils are potentially carcinogenic. A certificate of certification in the use of essential oils is highly recommended.

Source: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130415/entlife/704159983/?interstitial=1

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5 Ways Teens Can Control Acne

Around 80% of 11 – 30 years old are affected by acne; like, my friend named Jack who was unaware of skincare routine and started having acne at the age of 16. He has tried some medical procedures and done simple acne home-remedies. In fact, acnetreatments have evolved over the years that all acne can be controlled. Thus, Jack who used to feel embarrassed with acne and its marks is now treated. He told me that those simple skincare that does not cost much is as effective as those treatment offered by dermatologist.

Teens prone to acne should be encouraged to develop a daily skincare routine. Here are some basic strategies that can be easily included as a part of your adolescent’s daily routine:

Gently wash your face twice a day (morning and night) and after exercise.There is no need to scrub; use your fingers and hands to massage your face with an alcohol-free soap. Facecloths and sponges can be abrasive and damaging to sensitive skin. Rinse with room temperature water and gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.

Shampoo daily. This is important if your acne is problematic on your forehead or neck where your hair touches your skin.

Avoid make-up. Or at least be aware that make-up can exacerbate the problem and that you may need to try different brands to find the one that is best tolerated.

Don’t touch your face! Picking, popping, squeezing and even rubbing your acne can make it worse.

Be patient. It may take as long as a month to see real improvement with prescription acne treatments and things may get worse before they get better.

It sounds like what your son may need is professional help. Make an appointment with your family doctor or pediatrician if your teen has acne that has failed a trial of drugstore (or infomercial) therapy, if acne is severe, or if your child is anxious or self-conscious about their acne.

Medical treatment of acne starts with prescription creams. Expect creams to contain benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, tretinoin (a form of vitamin A) or some combination of these ingredients.  

Anticipate prescription creams to cause some mild redness and drying of the skin. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for a milder preparation, or try applying the creams every other day if this becomes problematic.

Source: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/ask-a-health-expert/5-ways-teens-can-control-acne-and-what-to-do-if-all-else-fails/article10492879/