Alternative Acne Solutions Go High Tech

Alternative Acne Solutions Go High Tech

By: Trevor Mulholland

Acne vulgaris or the common acne afflicts majority of adolescents everywhere. The rise in hormonal activity at puberty signals the onset of changes to the underlying structures of the skin. Unfortunately, these pubescent transformations give rise to conditions that are conducive for acne. With acne as the leading dermatological concern of the youth as well as for a number of individuals who experience acne beyond their adolescent years, it is no wonder that acne solutions are quite in high demand.



Kinds of acne

There are several kinds of acne according to how severe the condition is. The first one is referred to as comedonal. This is characterised by the presence of non-inflamed blackheads or whiteheads. Blackheads occur on the surface of the skin whilst whiteheads are closed comedones that are under the skin's surface. They both refer to the blockage of the pores of the skin.



The next kind of acne is known as papulo-pustular or inflamed acne. This may be mild, moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Here, the skin is markedly raised and in the case where pustules are present, the pus-filled pimples are a clear indication of the nature of the bacterial infection.



Common acne treatments

The most popular mode of acne treatment comes as topical creams or ointments containing bactericides, antibiotics or retinoid compounds. Benzoyl peroxide is a well known active ingredient for many of the popular bactericidal anti-acne medications like Proactiv. It is known to be rather effective for comedonals as well as for mild to moderate inflammatory acnes. Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are also used as an ingredient in topical medication for non-inflammatory acne. Neutrogena as well as Clean and Clear act against acne with salicylic acid as their main ingredient.



Erythromycin and tetracyclines are broad spectrum antibiotics prescribed for mild to moderate papulo-pustular acne. Tretinoin and adapalene are the better known retinoids found in some acne solutions and cuts across most of the acne types except for severe inflammatory acne. Adapalene is the active ingredient in Differin.



The matter concerning severe inflammatory acne stems from its resistance to the other common methods applied for the other acne categories. One retinoid that stands out when it comes to severe acne is isotretinoine, the active ingredient in Accutane. Isotretinoine requires a prescription from a competent doctor as it may result in various side-effects.



High technology versus acne

For non-OTC options of fighting acne, one promising alternative is phototherapy. Here, the affected area of the skin is exposed to visible light, either violet or red. This short wavelength illumination seems to generate a reaction from the P. acnes bacteria wherein, over a matter of days of phototherapy treatment the bacteria ceases to survive. Consequently, the acne condition clears up with no known serious side-effects on the part of the patient.



Another high technology solution for acne conditions is through the use of lasers. Although laser treatments have been implemented long before to repair damaging acne scars, it was found to be beneficial for reducing and preventing acne in the long term. The object of laser based acne solutions is to burn away the follicles and sebaceous glands where the blockage and subsequent infection occurs. Ultimately, the acne causing bacteria is also killed in the laser process.


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Causes and Natural Ways to Cure Acne

Causes and Natural Ways to Cure Acne

By: Palak Agarwal

Acne is the most common skin problem mainly among adolescents which is caused due to the physical changes that occur during the change from childhood to adolescence.



The hormones that cause teens to mature also cause the oil glands of their skin to produce more oil. A skin bacteria called P. acnes begins to multiply rapidly in the oil of the clogged hair follicle. These bacteria produce irritating substances that cause swelling and inflammation. But, if proper care is not taken, it persists through adulthood. It affects the image conscious teenagers psychologically.



One of the causes for pimple is the physical bodily disfunctioning. So, the body excretes the excessive waste products of the through the skin which is proved to be the second excretory organ. It may be due to deficient diet or due to the consumption of excessive junk food.



As it is a result of an effort of the body to cleanse the system, unwashed hands should not be placed on the face or over the acne. Moreover as we know excessive accumulation of oil over the face causes acne, we must also deal with dandruff which increases the possibility. Similarly, dust should also be not allowed to accumulate over the face which can further cause pimples.



But, as we all know that our body cells are made up of more than 75% water and this means that we need to keep them hydrated in order for them to function properly. So, water is the most important cure for this problem proved time and again. Drink lots of water, about 8 glasses everyday which will help you not only cure acne but most other skin problems.



In addition to this, eat a lot of fresh fruits, in the form of juice is more favourable as it has more water content effective in curing acne. Include more of green leafy vegetables and food rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet to avoid acne and promote a healthy, glowing skin.



Vitamins and minerals are essential to good skin health and effective acne treatment. For acne and pimple related issues vitamin A is especially beneficial for clear, healthy skin. Vitamin A aids in the growth and repair of body tissues and helps maintain smooth, soft, disease-free skin. The B-complex vitamins, especially riboflavin, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid, help reduce facial oiliness and blackhead formation. Sugar and alcohol destroy the B-complex vitamins.



Vitamin C aids in resisting the spread of acne infection, and vitamin D guards the body's store of calcium from excretion. Vitamin E has been found to be helpful in the prevention of scarring. Vitamin F is a vitamin consisting of unsaturated fatty acids and helps with regeneration of the skin.



Calcium is a mineral known for promoting strong bones and teeth, but also helps the skin remain healthy. Potassium deficiency in older persons can lead to dry skin, but in teenagers, potassium deficiency can result in pimples.



Before bathing, apply a mixture of tomato pulp of real tomato pulp, not packaged one and honey and rose-water to your face and keep for twenty minutes before washing off. At night, before going to bed, apply a mix of cream, glycerine, and lemon juice to your face and again keep it on for a short while before washing. Regular Yoga exercises will also improve skin and overall health.



This is one of the many natural ways to keep your skin healthy and reducing acne as much as possible. But the best way, however, without doubt is drinking plenty of water which is also the easiest and the most effective one.

Author Resource:-> Palak Agarwal is a research analyst at Admanya.com, India's leading consumer internet portal which educates consumers by providing extensive product information and robust research. Visit
http://consumer.admanya.com for latest consumer reviews, buying tips, prices, advices, surveys and reports.

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Adults and Acne Skin Disorder

Adults and Acne Skin Disorder

Have you ever thought that acne is a skin disorder that only affects teenagers? many people would answer this question with a "yes", while this is right in a great percentage of cases, there are several adults suffering from acne. Yes, it is true, acne can effect people into their forties and beyond. Then, what we will try with this article is to review the main aspects of adult acne and analyze some hard figures in terms of percentages. Moreover, describe the causes and symptoms of adult acne and list some treatments. However, it is always advisable visit your doctor for specialized recommendations.

Adult acne is a common but rarely discussed complaint that is thought to affect around 25% of adult men and up to 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives as clinical researches have found out. Consequently, acne is more common in women than men and it can be developed even if you never suffered from acne as a child. Twenty five per cent of acne occurs for the first time over the age of 26 years and it is sometimes the result of stress and/or dehydration. Adult acne is also prevalent, especially among people in the age group of 25 to 40. Adult acne also tends to be more resilient, with deep, blind pimples that can last for weeks. Many visits to the dermatologist are due to Acne Vulgaris.

Although the triggers for adult acne are unknown, it is thought to have hormonal roots. Therefore, it can be caused by a hormonal imbalances, pollution, medications, or stress as stated above. Studies have shown a direct correlation between hormonal imbalances and outbreaks of acne in women ranging in age from 30 to 40 years, stress, alcohol and hot foods could aggravate the condition. However, adult acne can be fully controlled by various treatments.

Adult acne, which is really just the same as teenage acne, can start in women who have just given birth because of changes in hormone levels, and can appear in women who had little or no acne as teenagers. It can become very severe, and can lead to pustule and papule formation.

Adult acne care is different from adolescent acne care, as the hormones going through ones body are different. Therefore do not assume what you used to cure your teenage acne problem will cure your adult problems as well.

Certainly, adult Acne sounds funny, but nearly seventeen million people in the United States suffer from acne, corresponding 18% to adults, this makes acne the most common skin disease.

To sum up, it is generally accepted and documented that adult acne is a very common skin disorder in adults, it affects 25 per cent of men and 50 percent of women. Furthermore, it haven been proven the direct relation between hormonal imbalances and acne. Nevertheless, there are treatments available for this disease, and you should visit your doctor for advise.

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Homemade Pimple Treatments - Does it Beat OTC?

Homemade Pimple Treatments - Does it Beat OTC?

Rather than treating your pimples with harsh commercial products that can contain harmful chemicals, you can get rid of your pimples with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen.

Because OTC (over the counter) pimple remedies contain chemicals foreign to the skin, you can do more harm than good while using them. Your skin works hard to maintain the proper pH and OTC products often upset the complexion's delicate balance. When this happens, your glands often produce even more oil, resulting in more pimples. It's a vicious cycle that can usually be broken only by abandoning the medicines that keep your acne under control. But you have to do something, right? Look to your kitchen for everything you need to treat your pimples, gently and naturally!

Banishing pimples can be as easy as reaching for breakfast-oatmeal! Plain oatmeal mixed with water is a great facial scrub. It will exfoliate dead cells that clog the pores but is so gentle that it won't damage the skin or leave it raw as many commercial scrubs do. When you combine oatmeal with plain yogurt and honey, it becomes a good spot treatment for pimples. Simply leave it on the site until it dries and wash it off with warm water. The healing properties of oatmeal are actually good for your face and won't over-dry it.

A very effective treatment for pimples is to dab on some apple cider vinegar and let dry before rinsing it off with warm water. This is also good for the entire face. It will leave your complexion clean, soft and supple while making the pimples disappear.

Tea is wonderful beverage but also good for treating pimple. A few teabags steeped with two teaspoons of basil is an excellent way to rid yourself of pimples. After the mixture cools, apply it with cotton balls to the affected areas and let dry. Store the remainder in the refrigerator for future use. Using this treatment a few times a day will quickly rid your face of pimples.

You may be wondering how to keep your face clean if you abandon the commercial products you've been using. Salt water is the best cleanser for your skin! One half teaspoon of salt in a quart of water is the right mixture for most skin; use it at lukewarm temperature for a healthy, well-balanced complexion. The salt will rinse away excess oil and dry the skin just enough to discourage pimples while not over stimulating oil glands.

Vegetables are not only good for your body but also for your pimples. Rubbing a tomato wedge on your pimples will make them disappear, sometimes in less than twenty-four hours. Cucumber slices do the job a bit more slowly but are a less acidic method. You can also use potato slices. Raw garlic rubbed on the pimples a few times a day will also banish them just as well as the tomato but can be unpleasant unless you enjoy the scent of garlic.

Treating your pimples at home with natural ingredients is not only good for your skin, it's much kinder to the wallet!

Article From Article Health And Fitness