The best choice for good acne skin care is to wear no makeup atall. But if you feel you must wear makeup, choose products labeled noncomedogenic -- that means they will not clog your pores. Be aware that these products may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Water is by far the most effective treatment for acne. The main support for this claim is the fact that water is alkaline (pH 7.3) and can be considered as a natural treatment or an almost free acne treatment. Thus, it is best that you drink at least eight glasses of water per day (10 to 12 is better). This will help your body in getting rid of oil, waste and toxins, and water even helps to moisten your skin as it keeps your pores from clogging. Perhaps what is most important is that, water helps to relieve stress and relax your body in the end, so you can have a better sleep. Note that water and sleep are factors that help reduce stress. Along with this, try to lessen your coffees, sodas, teas and alcohols intake as much as possible. The reason behind this is that they are partial diuretics that they drive more water out of the cells of the body than they put in.

The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", which means common acne. Excessive secretion of oils from the glands combines with naturally occurring dead skin cells to block the hair follicles. Oil secretions build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propioni bacterium acne to multiply uncontrolled. In response, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected. The typical acne lesions are comedones,papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed forms of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts', more properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature.

Should you take birth control pills to relieve your acne? Make your decision very carefully taking into account the risk factors which include heart attack, cancer of the breast, blood clots, fluid retention, dark skin patches, and bleeding in the vagina, just to name a few.

The common symptoms of acne include persistent, recurrent red spots or swellings on the skin known as pimples. Some of the other symptoms include dark spots with open pores at the center, which are known as blackheads, bulged spots under the skin without openings, which are known as whiteheads, and red swellings or lumps filled with pus, which are known as pustules. Inflamed fluid-filled lumps under the skin known as cysts are also a symptom of acne. These cysts can become as large as an inch across.

The use of birth control pills to control acne flare ups may or may not be an effective. Usually, the first signs of acne develop during adolescence, when hormone levels begin to rise. When hormone levels surge, the sebaceous glands located at the base of each hair follicle, produce excess oil. This oil combined with dead skin cells and dirt becomes trapped within the skin's pores and acne develops. Since acne can be triggered by fluctuating hormone levels within the body, it stands to reason that acne can appear at the various 'stages' in life when hormone levels are changing such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause. It also makes sense that controlling hormone levels may help to reduce acne outbreaks. The use of birth control pills for the treatment of acne is an attempt to regulate hormones.

About the author:
The author, Sarah Rhodes, suffered from acne for many years before finally discovering a cure that works. You can read about her and learn the secret home acne treatment that is guaranteed to work without doctors, prescriptions, or over-the-counter products. Please visit Sarah's blog: acnecureanswers.com

Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

by: Deidra Garcia

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about men’s acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

* True
* False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

* True
* False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

* True
* False

4. Tanning clears up acne in men’s skin.

* True
* False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

* True
* False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

* True
* False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

* True
* False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

* True
* False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of men’s skin.

* True
* False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

* True
* False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

* True
* False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

* True
* False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

* True
* False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

* True
* False


15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

* True
* False

16. Acne is no big deal.

* True
* False


ANSWER KEY:

1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: It’s important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled “acne magnets,” but there’s very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skin’s surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, you’ll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although there’s no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 – 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although it’s definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE….and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesn’t need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, there’s nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.

About The Author

by Alien Sheng

In this process of stripping away, chemical peels can lessen, and in some cases, even eliminate blemishes, hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles. Acne scars and the occurrence of acne can also be reduced with the help of chemical peels.

It is very important that, first of all, that you get proper assessment on your current skin condition. By this you can properly understand your skin's needs and proper skin treatment.

Some people are under the myth that chemical skin peels are the cure for their skin problems. The proper chemical peel will target your particular problems provide the sufficient solution.

Types Of Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are of three types. You may choose one according to your needs and circumstance. The available chemical peels are divided into three categories:

* Alphahydroxy Acids (AHA) * Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) * Phenol

Each of these categories of chemical peels, vary in their use, potency and inconvenience. You can take the help of your dermatologist in deciding the right kind of chemical peel for you.

A dermatologist will help you determine which peel program is right for you. He may suggest a customized solution for you. Make sure you understand what the dermatologist is about to do before actually agreeing to the procedure. Make sure to clarify all your queries.

Alphahydroxy acids

The mildest of the chemical peels are the Alphahydroxy acids (AHAs). Usually, these chemical peels are made of fruit, glycolic, and lactic acids. These chemical peels may not show as impressive effects as the other peels.

However, these chemical peels are best for those who do not have time to recover from the other chemical peel procedures. Depending on your dermatologist's advice these chemical peels are applied weekly or periodically. But they do result in smoother, finer looking skin after a few treatments.

Some dermatologists will incorporate AHA into the daily skin care regimen of the patient. This may be in soaps, facial cleanser, etc. Commercial AHA facial care solutions are also available that can be applied everyday.

Trichloroacetic Acid

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is an intermediate chemical peel. These chemical peels are useful for those who wish to have the effects almost as impressive as phenol chemical peels but cannot dedicate too much time to healing as in the case of those who prefer AHA peels.

You can require more than one chemical peel to achieve the desired effect. This skin treatment is ideal for medium depth peeling. It is also the ideal peel for blemishes and fine lines, which are not that severe.

Phenol

The most effective of the chemical peels is the Phenol. These types of chemical peels take some time to heal. They are recommended in cases that feature coarse wrinkles and severe blemishes such as blotching, coarse skin, etc.

Phenol is also a strong whitening agent and this may be an aspect in considering whether to choose this sort of treatment. Phenol chemical peels are primarily a facial treatment. It may result in scarring if the application is used for other parts of the body.

Side Effects Of Chemical Peels

The possible side effects of chemical peels is that the possibility of demarcation lines, lines that show which part of the face received skin treatment and which did not, redness, irritation, and other side effects.

Post Treatment Instructions

Because of the usual state of newly peeled skin, the redness and irritation is normal. Your dermatologist will advise you on the care and upkeep of tender skin. It is generally recommended for those who have undergone this skin treatment that they stay out of the sun for several months as to protect the newly formed skin.

But that is to be expected from such procedures. All in all, chemical peels are safe, although they may cause some inconvenience. The risks for scarring are low. However, a certified professional must perform the procedure to ensure safety.

About the Author

Alien writes for acne skin care. He also writes for makeup tips and skin problems

source:www.goarticles.com/

The causes for adult acne are often the same as they were during the teen years for people who had acne as teenagers. However, for adults who never had acne before, there can be new reasons for why they have now developed acne.

While the exact causes of adult acne are debatable, it is well known that hormonal fluctuations can trigger the onset of adult acne. That is why many women suffering from adult acne notice a change in their acne around the time of their menstrual cycle.

While hormones are a big contributor to the onset of adult acne, there are a number of other reasons as well. Here are eight major causes of adult acne.

1. The Poorly Understood Cause of Most Teenage and Adult Acne

Most dermatologists focus entirely on the skin when they talk about the causes of teenage and adult acne. They concentrate on how dry cells mix with sebum, and the resulting blockages or plugs that occur in the pores. These plugs then lead to sebum build-up, and bacterial infections often result.

Although there is certainly truth to this answer, it is not complete. And failing to understand the deeper causes of teenage and adult acne unfortunately results in most acne treatments failing.

The cause of acne is actually toxins and wastes that build up inside the body that cannot be properly eliminated. The body has several "normal" methods for expelling these toxins, through the liver, kidneys, colon, small intestine, and other organs.

However, if any of these organs are weak and can't handle the load -- or if the buildup is too great or too rapid -- acne can result.

That is because the body absolutely must get rid of the toxins. So in a last ditch effort to cleanse itself, the body tries to flush the unwanted toxins out through the pores of the skin. The sores and blemishes that result are what we call acne.

Now let's discuss additional causes of adult acne.

2. Adult Acne and Menstruation

Oftentimes, a woman's adult acne will revolve around her menstrual cycle and pimples will develop a few days before the onset of her period.

The reason for this is that during this time, a woman's estrogen levels are decreasing while her progesterone levels begin to rise. This causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, which can result in the onset of pimples.

3. Adult Acne and Pregnancy

As if pregnant women don't have enough to worry about, they often have to worry about developing acne too!

It is very common for adult acne to present itself during pregnancy. Women undergo a slew of hormonal changes during pregnancy.

Acne is often at its worst during the first three months of pregnancy, when hormones are fluctuating all over the map. However, it is possible for acne to last throughout the entire pregnancy and to continue into the breastfeeding period.

Fortunately, most pregnant women will likely go back to their pre-pregnancy complexions with time.

4. Adult Acne and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also often referred to as Polycystic Ovarian Disease, is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions in women. The condition affects six to ten percent of all women -- and most women don't even know they have it!

While irregular or absent menstruation is the most common sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, acne is almost always present when this condition occurs.

Women suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome suffer from substantial hormone imbalances. When these hormone imbalances are treated, the acne often resolves itself.

5. Adult Acne and Menopause

It would be nice to think that menopause would signal the beginning of the end of adult acne. Unfortunately, adult acne can appear in postmenopausal women, too.

While it's not common, it's not impossible to experience the onset of acne during your 40's, 50's and beyond. When acne develops at this stage in the game, it's usually mild, but it can still be a cause of embarrassment and annoyance.

6. Adult Acne and Medication

Research has shown that some medications can cause adult acne. These include anabolic steroids, some meds that contain lithium and iodine, isoniazid and rifampin, and some anti-epileptic medications.

7. Adult Acne and Chemicals

Chlorinated industrial chemicals can create a skin disorder called chloracne, which is actually a type of rash that is caused by exposure to chlorinated industrial chemicals or herbicides.

8. Adult Acne and Physical Pressure or Friction

Finally, adult acne can be caused by certain types of chronic physical pressure to the skin, such as the placement of a violin beneath the jaw and chin, or the chafing from the straps of a backpack. This type of acne is called acne mechanica.

About the Author:

Bob Grant helps acne sufferers truly get rid of their acne naturally. Get a free copy of his report, "The Surprising Truth About Acne," when you subscribe - free - to his popular Acne Secrets newsletter. http://www.acnemythsetc.com/acnesecrets.htm

by Robert Locke

If you can't stand your face read on! Blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms are all manifestations of acne. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands) and hair follicles. It is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems). . Acne is not a serious health threat but, it can cause scars. It is a serious skin condition that affects billions of people in any walks of life around the world. Acne is so common that it's considered a normal part of puberty. At the moment in the United States nearly 40 million people are currently experiencing the problem.

Blackheads

Blackheads are dark formations on the skin due to an accumulated mixture of oil and cells in a blocked skin pore and they get their name because the surface appears black. Blackheads tend to be stable structures, and often take a long time to clear. Neither blackheads nor whiteheads should be squeezed or picked open, unless extracted by a dermatologist under sterile conditions. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Treatments

Treatments for acne vary depending on the type and severity of each case. Treatments Include: reducing sebum production,reducing bacteria on the skin, reducing the inflammation. Exfoliation - peeling of the skin which unclogs pores; removes dead skin cells and debris. Many young people are able to manage their acne with over-the-counter (non prescription) treatments. Americans spend well over a hundred million dollars a year for non prescription acne treatments, not even taking into account special soaps and cleansers. Scientists are also trying to better understand the mechanisms involved in acne so that they can develop new treatments that work on those mechanisms. This information may help researchers develop new treatments to target the bacteria. Among all the alternative skin treatments there are a few that can be called quick fix pimple remover. So, the best way for them to get rid of acne is to go for herbal acne treatments. Yet, one should be careful while using these products since not all the treatments would suit your skin. Treatment with hormones is another option.

What to Avoid

If the acne products you have tried haven't worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars. Factors that can cause an acne flare include: changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period . Tight clothes, eg uniforms together with environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity can all aggravate the condition. Squeezing or picking at blemishes does NOT help and can even be dangerous.. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products should be oil free. Use products that will effectively control oil production, while maintaining a healthy level of hydration.

Conclusion

Although acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress. The first and the foremost point to be remembered in the treatment of acne is not to panic. No matter what you've heard, acne isn't caused by eating greasy foods like french fries or pizza, munching on chocolate, or drinking soda.

source: www.goarticles.com

About the Author Author: Robert William Locke . colbor@yahoo.com Specialising in Health and Fitness. Read more about considering alternative treatments for this condition :- http://tinyurl.com/2seuyh