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

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

Good Bacteria May Offer Hope for Acne Sufferers

It’s our problem having acne. We have tried various treatments  and spent a lot of money just to remove acne, still, it is there! It is a problem of many of us (80% of Americans) especially teenagers. Acne can leave people scarred for life. Never give up! Acne cures could just be around the corner. 

Did you know that acne-causing bacteria live on everyone’s skin?

So, how is it that some complexions are lucky enough to avoid those problematic pimples while others… aren’t?
Well, that same question has helped local experts uncover what could be the secret weapon in the battle against blemishes.

“I am the most self-conscious person about my acne, video blogger Cassandra Bankson.
When 14-year-old video blogger Cassandra Bankson braved her bare face for her YouTube followers, her complexion confession went viral.
“I’m going to show you guys what my face looks like without makeup:  this is my face.”
“This is probably the most nerve-wracking thing that I’ve ever done because it’s my biggest insecurity, said Bankson.

For 19-year-old Jeffrey Shen…
“I didn’t really have high self-esteem,” said Shen.
His condition improved slightly over the years, but the obstacles were more than skin-deep.
“Sometimes I think it could make other people uncomfortable so I hesitate sometimes to join into social events,” said Shen.
No matter how severe or subtle… no matter how young or old… at any stage and any age, acne can be kryptonite for your confidence.
“Acne is most prevalent in teenagers, but still, about 11% of adults have acne,” Huiying Li, Ph.D.

But a dose of derm relief may be on the horizon for zit zappers everywhere thanks to a recent UCLA discovery.
“Bacteria is not necessarily all bad,“ said Li.
For years, the treatment to take down acne was centered on killing *all* bacteria on the skin.
But for the first time, researchers learned there is some bacteria that might actually help protect pores.

“In the people with clear skin we found a 3rd type of strain which are hardly found in any acne patients so we think this one is highly associated with clear skin,” said Li.
Experts now hope increasing the body’s ‘good bacteria’ can have sufferers saying bye-bye to blotches, for good.
“I think it could potentially change maybe the approach of the drugs hopefully so that they work and that’s really exciting,” said Shen.
More targeted research still needs to be done, but the UCLA team is working with companies to potentially develop a pro-biotic cream that could be sold over the counter within three years.

Source: http://ktla.com/2013/05/01/good-bacteria-may-offer-hope-for-acne-sufferers/#ixzz2S1vzGwXZ

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