The Cellex C Betaplex Gentle Foaming Cleanser is one of the products under the Betaplex lineup of the company. It is a facial wash that contains the Patented Complex of the manufacturer, a formula primarily based on vitamin C. The product is supposedly formulated to remove dirt and accumulated dead skin cells that can clog the pores and cause acne and other skin problems.
The cleanser is said to be effective in making the skin look healthier, younger and smoother. As stated in the manufacturer's Web site, the facial wash is recommended to people with normal, oily and combination skin. This cleanser contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids.
"I have been using this cleanser for approximately 3 months...It has tamed my breakouts and leaves my skin feeling soft yet well-cleansed...It is pricey, but since you only need to use very little of it to wash your face, it lasts a long time."
Excerpt from a customer review on amazon.com
"After reading the reviews I thought I had found the cleansing product I've dreamed of having. I'm still dreaming."
Excerpt from a customer review on amazon.com
"I have combination skin...still needing something that can remove impurities and makeup. This does a good job. I also love the packaging where I can see the clear liquid and the pump never clogs!"
Excerpt from a user review on totalbeauty.com
"Recommended to me by a skin specialist. Expensive and hard to find, but worth it."
Excerpt from a customer comment on skincarestore.com.au
Most of the feedback we've found on this product are positive. Although there are some complaints regarding its efficacy, they are very few. One user complained about the price and availability of the product, but we have found more expensive cleansers that have received very poor ratings from users, so we think that this Cellex C cleanser is priced just about right. Numerous online shops are also offering it, so there shouldn't be any problem purchasing one.
We do recommend this product. Based on user comments, it has a high efficacy rating and is actually priced just right. A bit above the medium price range, but still reasonable. The product also smells good and the packaging is very pleasing
The Cellex C Betaplex cleanser is manufactured by Cellex-C International Inc. of Denver, Colorado
Water, Aloe barbadensis gel, Sodium laureth sulphate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Lactic acid, Lauramide dea, Willow bark extract, Bisabolol, Cucumber extract, Clover extract, Methylparben, DMDM hydantoin, Propylparaben, FD&C yellow No. 5, FD&C Blue No. 1
Pour some on the palm of your hands and work into a lather. Apply to wet face, massaging for about ten seconds. Rinse with clean water.
$29
View the original article here
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Monday, 24 January 2011
Acne Cures: Is there a Natural Acne Cure that Works?
Are there natural acne cures that work or is it a new age myth? Is there a permanent cure for acne or are all acne sufferers sentenced to the Sisyphean battle of tackling the 'on the surface' symptoms? Is there an honest, natural and safer alternative to the endless use of over the counters and to the nasty side effects inflicted by conventional drugs, creams and topical acne treatments?
Most dermatologists and other western medicine followers have already answered that controversial question by claiming that acne, among other diseases simply cannot be cured.
There are 2 reasons for that:
1. Most dermatologists don't even know what the real cause of acne is. It's amazing but true. They are highly familiar with the symptoms of acne and they specialize in tackling the 'on the surface' symptoms, but unfortunately they cannot tell you what the internal conditions are that cause your acne to form in the first place. If you don't believe me just ask your dermatologist.
2. Most doctors work in conjunction with the pharmaceutical and drug companies and the latter is not motivated, so to speak, at discovering a cure for Acne or Aids or Cancer - simply because hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on finding treatments for the symptoms of diseases. Why? simply because their global aim is to make more profit by creating consumer dependency. By applying medications and creams that deal merely with the symptoms while ignoring the source or the internal cause of the disease, acne will never be cured. The average acne sufferer will become more and more reliant on drugs that temporarily calm the symptoms and that means steady income for the drug and pharmaceutical companies.
There's a lovely metaphor describing acne among other chronic diseases and the way modern medicine deals with these afflictions: If you manage to kill all the mosquitoes around a stale pond using chemicals, for a little while there will be no mosquitoes.
But since the source of the problem (what causes the mosquitoes to appear) is still there - the stale, disgusting pond where mosquitoes can find food and fertile ground for laying their eggs - mosquitoes will always come back!
The same thing happens with your acne!
Without eliminating the source of your acne condition, you will never get rid of your acne. Without fixing the internal problem that is causing your acne, you may find temporary relief, but your acne will always come back until you do something fundamental to eradicate the cause from within...until you make the pond (your body or internal system) a place where 'mosquitoes' cannot exist.
Ultimately, every disease results from a breakdown within your body. All major diseases and chronic conditions are warning signs of something very fundamentally wrong inside. Deepak Chopra refers to this as "The violation of simple laws of nature that make our body function."
The very surprising truth is that you are lucky for having acne. Let me explain...Acne, like constant headaches, irritable bowel syndrome or dandruffs is only a small message from your body that something is wrong internally and should be addressed and corrected.
Now, there are two choices you can make - you can:
1.Ignore that message - bog mistake! The internal imbalance that caused your acne will, in most cases, turn into a chronic condition. Now instead of just having acne you'll start having other hormonal imbalance or toxic overload related symptoms in addition to acne. Because the internal problem is not fixed, the disease symptoms get more and more intense.
2.Listen to your body and start fixing the internal problem that causes your acne to appear in the first place; you will not only get rid of your acne you will also achieve beautiful, healthy, even toned clear skin complexion, re-balance your body and prevent future hormonal or toxic overload related conditions.
The simple truth is...you are out of balance. We now live a 'far-from-natural' lifestyle. There are over 300 synthetic industrial chemicals present in our bodies that did not exist 50 years ago. We are filled with toxins from the food, and medication we ingest and use.
By fixing the internal condition that causes your acne in addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet & mindset, cleanse & detoxify, hormonal balancing etc.) you will put your body back into balance - holistically - your acne will cease to exist and you feel as healthy and attractive as ever!
It doesn't matter what type of acne you have. Whether you suffer from: acne vulgaris, acne Conglobata, acne Rosacea, Acne Fulminans, Blackheads, Whiteheads, Papules, Pustules, Nodules or Cysts: The principles required to cure your acne are basically the same. The "holistic" ways of treating people have been around for thousands of years, and they absolutely work whether you have teen or adult acne; whether you suffer from acne on your back, shoulders or chest or if you suffer from female related acne such as menopause acne or acne due to monthly cycles.
Whatever your acne condition is, when you finally decide to stop making the same acne treatment mistakes that have been holding you back and begin applying the holistic approach to curing acne, you can literally choose to become clear and stay clear. You will have the power to make it happen.
For further information about Mike Walden's acne cure book visit: Acne Cure Book
For further information about acne cures visit: Acne Cures
Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life.? Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:
http://www.acnenomore.com
Most dermatologists and other western medicine followers have already answered that controversial question by claiming that acne, among other diseases simply cannot be cured.
There are 2 reasons for that:
1. Most dermatologists don't even know what the real cause of acne is. It's amazing but true. They are highly familiar with the symptoms of acne and they specialize in tackling the 'on the surface' symptoms, but unfortunately they cannot tell you what the internal conditions are that cause your acne to form in the first place. If you don't believe me just ask your dermatologist.
2. Most doctors work in conjunction with the pharmaceutical and drug companies and the latter is not motivated, so to speak, at discovering a cure for Acne or Aids or Cancer - simply because hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on finding treatments for the symptoms of diseases. Why? simply because their global aim is to make more profit by creating consumer dependency. By applying medications and creams that deal merely with the symptoms while ignoring the source or the internal cause of the disease, acne will never be cured. The average acne sufferer will become more and more reliant on drugs that temporarily calm the symptoms and that means steady income for the drug and pharmaceutical companies.
There's a lovely metaphor describing acne among other chronic diseases and the way modern medicine deals with these afflictions: If you manage to kill all the mosquitoes around a stale pond using chemicals, for a little while there will be no mosquitoes.
But since the source of the problem (what causes the mosquitoes to appear) is still there - the stale, disgusting pond where mosquitoes can find food and fertile ground for laying their eggs - mosquitoes will always come back!
The same thing happens with your acne!
Without eliminating the source of your acne condition, you will never get rid of your acne. Without fixing the internal problem that is causing your acne, you may find temporary relief, but your acne will always come back until you do something fundamental to eradicate the cause from within...until you make the pond (your body or internal system) a place where 'mosquitoes' cannot exist.
Ultimately, every disease results from a breakdown within your body. All major diseases and chronic conditions are warning signs of something very fundamentally wrong inside. Deepak Chopra refers to this as "The violation of simple laws of nature that make our body function."
The very surprising truth is that you are lucky for having acne. Let me explain...Acne, like constant headaches, irritable bowel syndrome or dandruffs is only a small message from your body that something is wrong internally and should be addressed and corrected.
Now, there are two choices you can make - you can:
1.Ignore that message - bog mistake! The internal imbalance that caused your acne will, in most cases, turn into a chronic condition. Now instead of just having acne you'll start having other hormonal imbalance or toxic overload related symptoms in addition to acne. Because the internal problem is not fixed, the disease symptoms get more and more intense.
2.Listen to your body and start fixing the internal problem that causes your acne to appear in the first place; you will not only get rid of your acne you will also achieve beautiful, healthy, even toned clear skin complexion, re-balance your body and prevent future hormonal or toxic overload related conditions.
The simple truth is...you are out of balance. We now live a 'far-from-natural' lifestyle. There are over 300 synthetic industrial chemicals present in our bodies that did not exist 50 years ago. We are filled with toxins from the food, and medication we ingest and use.
By fixing the internal condition that causes your acne in addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet & mindset, cleanse & detoxify, hormonal balancing etc.) you will put your body back into balance - holistically - your acne will cease to exist and you feel as healthy and attractive as ever!
It doesn't matter what type of acne you have. Whether you suffer from: acne vulgaris, acne Conglobata, acne Rosacea, Acne Fulminans, Blackheads, Whiteheads, Papules, Pustules, Nodules or Cysts: The principles required to cure your acne are basically the same. The "holistic" ways of treating people have been around for thousands of years, and they absolutely work whether you have teen or adult acne; whether you suffer from acne on your back, shoulders or chest or if you suffer from female related acne such as menopause acne or acne due to monthly cycles.
Whatever your acne condition is, when you finally decide to stop making the same acne treatment mistakes that have been holding you back and begin applying the holistic approach to curing acne, you can literally choose to become clear and stay clear. You will have the power to make it happen.
For further information about Mike Walden's acne cure book visit: Acne Cure Book
For further information about acne cures visit: Acne Cures
Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life.? Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:
http://www.acnenomore.com
Sunday, 23 January 2011
What the heck causes acne? Warning: Research-y stuff
Thanks to modern medical science, we know that for some reason, acne follicles tend to overproduce cells, which in turn stick together and cause a clogged pore and ensuing zit. But why does this happen? Scientists have performed very few studies in an attempt to figure this out.
I just got through reading what was only the second study to ever attempt to scientifically understand what happens inside acne follicles vs. control follicles. Researchers from the University of Leeds in England performed the study back in 1994. Unfortunately, I think this control follicles were poorly selected. The researchers took biopsies of acne follicles from the upper back of patients who were an average age of 22. The control follicles were taken from the chest of people who were an average age of 41 during open heart surgery. In my opinion, the vast difference in age and location of biopsy between the acne follicles and control follicles largely discounts this study. Regardless, the researchers did make a couple of interesting points when discussing what might cause acne-prone skin to overproduce cells.
1) When sebum production increases, as it often does in acne-prone individuals, the sebum, as it leaves the follicle, takes with it too many of the cells lining the follicle wall. The follicle then reacts by overproducing cells to counteract this loss.
2) Linoleate (a.k.a. linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid) deficiency in sebum: Researchers have discovered that sebum in acne-prone skin contains less linoleate than normal. One hypothesis is that when sebum increases, linoleate content is diluted, and this decrease in linoleate signals overproduction of cells.
But in reality if you asked these researchers to tell you what cases acne, I think if they’d honestly reply, “well heck, who knows…”
The more you read about the potential cause of skin cell overproduction and clogged pore formation, the more complex it becomes. We have the hormone system to look at, sebum overproduction, the skin’s inflammatory response, systemic vitamin and mineral deficiency, bacteria over-proliferation, or a combination thereof…the possibilites are endless and the list goes on and on.
So, if and when science does finally figure it out, will we uncover a silver bullet? Or is the cause of acne a combination of factors? I’ll keep reading and let you know what I find. Please do the same if you can and let me know what you find out.
View the original article here
I just got through reading what was only the second study to ever attempt to scientifically understand what happens inside acne follicles vs. control follicles. Researchers from the University of Leeds in England performed the study back in 1994. Unfortunately, I think this control follicles were poorly selected. The researchers took biopsies of acne follicles from the upper back of patients who were an average age of 22. The control follicles were taken from the chest of people who were an average age of 41 during open heart surgery. In my opinion, the vast difference in age and location of biopsy between the acne follicles and control follicles largely discounts this study. Regardless, the researchers did make a couple of interesting points when discussing what might cause acne-prone skin to overproduce cells.
1) When sebum production increases, as it often does in acne-prone individuals, the sebum, as it leaves the follicle, takes with it too many of the cells lining the follicle wall. The follicle then reacts by overproducing cells to counteract this loss.
2) Linoleate (a.k.a. linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid) deficiency in sebum: Researchers have discovered that sebum in acne-prone skin contains less linoleate than normal. One hypothesis is that when sebum increases, linoleate content is diluted, and this decrease in linoleate signals overproduction of cells.
But in reality if you asked these researchers to tell you what cases acne, I think if they’d honestly reply, “well heck, who knows…”
The more you read about the potential cause of skin cell overproduction and clogged pore formation, the more complex it becomes. We have the hormone system to look at, sebum overproduction, the skin’s inflammatory response, systemic vitamin and mineral deficiency, bacteria over-proliferation, or a combination thereof…the possibilites are endless and the list goes on and on.
So, if and when science does finally figure it out, will we uncover a silver bullet? Or is the cause of acne a combination of factors? I’ll keep reading and let you know what I find. Please do the same if you can and let me know what you find out.
View the original article here
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Acne Rosacea Cause - Learn The Truth About The Cause Of Acne Rosacea
Acne rosacea is one of the most common dermatological conditions that affects millions of people worldwide. What causes acne rosacea? The truth may surprise you. This article will reveal the truth about the cause of acne rosacea.
Acne does not discriminate. Acne occurs in people worldwide, no matter their race, age or gender. That being said, there are still many questions being asked about the cause for acne rosacea. Extensive research has revealed numerous causes of acne rosacea.Hormones are a common cause of acne rosacea. Research has established that one of the causes of acne rosacea is the activation of the hormones androgens.
During teenage years androgens are activated. This results in the production of oil in the skin. When this occurs a person's skin starts to become clogged with oil and dirt and unfortunately pimples and blackheads break out as a result.Other than this cause for acne rosacea another common cause is the menstrual cycle in women.
Another factor is when a woman actually starts to take a birth control pill and also when she stops taking one. The good news is that nowadays there are actually some birth control pills that are highly recommended for treating acne.
There are three acne scar classifications. These classifications include rolling, boxcar and ice pick. As the name suggest, ice pick acne scars are sharp and very thin. The skin actually takes on the unattractive appearance of looking like it has been sliced with a knife. Ice pick acne scars are very deep scars and extent into the deeper layers of the skin.
The next classification of acne scars is boxcar acne scars. These differ from ice pick scars as they are round pits. This type of acne scar has been shown to get good results from laser resurfacing and dermabrasion procedures.
The final classification of acne scars are rolling acne scars. These type of acne scars are usually as a result of folds in the skin and can usually be treated by breaking up the bands that create the skin fold in the first place. These acne scars are frequently treated by an incision in the skin
Go to http://www.be-acne-free-in-3-days.com/ to learn how a ten year chronic acne sufferer cured his acne condition in just 3 days and guarantees that he can do the same for you too!
There are a number of interesting causes of acne rosacea, one of these being stress. The fact of the matter is that any stress on a person can result potentially in inflammation of the skin. Stress not only may trigger acne rosacea but it can be a very important factor for any skin conditions developing in the first place.
Additionally, some acne studies have come to the conclusion that another reason why acne rosacea comes to the surface is as a result of a food allergy which triggers an acne outbreak. Another cause of acne rosacea is genetic and hereditary factors. Many dermatologist and researches have determined that if your family members have had acne during their life then it is highly likely that all members of the family are prone to acne outbreaks.
If acne outbreaks are hereditary there is little you can do to prevent an outbreak, however, there is quite a lot that can be done to control acne.Additionally, there are a number of environmental causes of acne rosacea including high humidity. Research has established that high humid conditions can cause the skin to swell and lead to acne outbreaks.
Furthermore, the beauty industry may be to blame for the cause of some acne rosacea occurring in individuals. Certain beauty products like foundations, cleansers and moisturizers contain ingredients that could trigger acne in some people. If in doubt you beauty products for sensitive skin.
There are a number of forms of major acne treatments that have been tested and proven to actually work in getting rid of acne. One of the most recommended acne treatments is using antibiotics to directly kill the bacteria breeding in the skin. One of these antibiotics is tetracyclines. Another form of antibiotic is benzoyl peroxide which is mainly applied directly to acne. Of course these acne treatments will not probably work straight away and acne sufferers will usually need to continue these antibiotics for an extended period of time.
An amusing search online for potential causes of acne rosacea include masturbation. I can wholeheartedly state that no research study I have located has been able to find any link with acne rosacea and masturbation. A quick tip for not making your acne worse is to never rub, squeeze or pick any pimples as inevitably that could cause a severe outbreak of acne.
Check out the website below to learn how to cure your acne rosacea in just 3 days.
Discover how a ten year acne sufferer cured his acne condition in just 3 days the natural way and saved himself from further scarring and stopped wasting his money on expensive medications and acne products. Get all these acne secrets and more at http://www.be-acne-free-in-3-days.com
Acne does not discriminate. Acne occurs in people worldwide, no matter their race, age or gender. That being said, there are still many questions being asked about the cause for acne rosacea. Extensive research has revealed numerous causes of acne rosacea.Hormones are a common cause of acne rosacea. Research has established that one of the causes of acne rosacea is the activation of the hormones androgens.
During teenage years androgens are activated. This results in the production of oil in the skin. When this occurs a person's skin starts to become clogged with oil and dirt and unfortunately pimples and blackheads break out as a result.Other than this cause for acne rosacea another common cause is the menstrual cycle in women.
Another factor is when a woman actually starts to take a birth control pill and also when she stops taking one. The good news is that nowadays there are actually some birth control pills that are highly recommended for treating acne.
There are three acne scar classifications. These classifications include rolling, boxcar and ice pick. As the name suggest, ice pick acne scars are sharp and very thin. The skin actually takes on the unattractive appearance of looking like it has been sliced with a knife. Ice pick acne scars are very deep scars and extent into the deeper layers of the skin.
The next classification of acne scars is boxcar acne scars. These differ from ice pick scars as they are round pits. This type of acne scar has been shown to get good results from laser resurfacing and dermabrasion procedures.
The final classification of acne scars are rolling acne scars. These type of acne scars are usually as a result of folds in the skin and can usually be treated by breaking up the bands that create the skin fold in the first place. These acne scars are frequently treated by an incision in the skin
Go to http://www.be-acne-free-in-3-days.com/ to learn how a ten year chronic acne sufferer cured his acne condition in just 3 days and guarantees that he can do the same for you too!
There are a number of interesting causes of acne rosacea, one of these being stress. The fact of the matter is that any stress on a person can result potentially in inflammation of the skin. Stress not only may trigger acne rosacea but it can be a very important factor for any skin conditions developing in the first place.
Additionally, some acne studies have come to the conclusion that another reason why acne rosacea comes to the surface is as a result of a food allergy which triggers an acne outbreak. Another cause of acne rosacea is genetic and hereditary factors. Many dermatologist and researches have determined that if your family members have had acne during their life then it is highly likely that all members of the family are prone to acne outbreaks.
If acne outbreaks are hereditary there is little you can do to prevent an outbreak, however, there is quite a lot that can be done to control acne.Additionally, there are a number of environmental causes of acne rosacea including high humidity. Research has established that high humid conditions can cause the skin to swell and lead to acne outbreaks.
Furthermore, the beauty industry may be to blame for the cause of some acne rosacea occurring in individuals. Certain beauty products like foundations, cleansers and moisturizers contain ingredients that could trigger acne in some people. If in doubt you beauty products for sensitive skin.
There are a number of forms of major acne treatments that have been tested and proven to actually work in getting rid of acne. One of the most recommended acne treatments is using antibiotics to directly kill the bacteria breeding in the skin. One of these antibiotics is tetracyclines. Another form of antibiotic is benzoyl peroxide which is mainly applied directly to acne. Of course these acne treatments will not probably work straight away and acne sufferers will usually need to continue these antibiotics for an extended period of time.
An amusing search online for potential causes of acne rosacea include masturbation. I can wholeheartedly state that no research study I have located has been able to find any link with acne rosacea and masturbation. A quick tip for not making your acne worse is to never rub, squeeze or pick any pimples as inevitably that could cause a severe outbreak of acne.
Check out the website below to learn how to cure your acne rosacea in just 3 days.
Discover how a ten year acne sufferer cured his acne condition in just 3 days the natural way and saved himself from further scarring and stopped wasting his money on expensive medications and acne products. Get all these acne secrets and more at http://www.be-acne-free-in-3-days.com
Friday, 21 January 2011
Cystic Acne
Cystic acne differs from regular acne in that the inflamed modules do not break through the skin’s surface. Instead these pus-filled pockets form beneath the skin. They create large pockets of inflammation or cysts deep within the underlying layers of skin. Cystic acne often results when two blemishes come together to form one large area of pus and swelling.
Dermatologists and doctors recommend a variety of treatment products for cystic acne but what they don’t tell you about is how these products impact your body over time.
Accutane is one of many dangerous drugs prescribed by doctors for severe acne cases such as cystic acne. Quite often these drugs relieve the symptom temporarily and are therefore regarded by many as ineffective and not worth the risk.
There is so much information on the net about different types of acne, ranging from mild to severe, identifying which type of acne you have is really pointless when you have so many other thigns you should be doing first to get rid of acne. Understanding the fundamental difference between acne symptoms and causes is a good place to start. Following that you need to take the necessary measures to clear your acne from the inside out using safe and natural methods.
View the original article here
Dermatologists and doctors recommend a variety of treatment products for cystic acne but what they don’t tell you about is how these products impact your body over time.
Accutane is one of many dangerous drugs prescribed by doctors for severe acne cases such as cystic acne. Quite often these drugs relieve the symptom temporarily and are therefore regarded by many as ineffective and not worth the risk.
There is so much information on the net about different types of acne, ranging from mild to severe, identifying which type of acne you have is really pointless when you have so many other thigns you should be doing first to get rid of acne. Understanding the fundamental difference between acne symptoms and causes is a good place to start. Following that you need to take the necessary measures to clear your acne from the inside out using safe and natural methods.
View the original article here
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Treatments for Acne Scars
One of the most difficult to treat types of acne is cystic acne. Most traditional therapies are not capable to treat this type of acne but homeopathic cures can be quite efficient and they do not cost as much as other products on the market. Home remedies are another option. One of the most successful cures for acne is cucumber. Lemon peel is also very efficient in improving your skin and keeping bacteria away. The natural ingredients in both cucumber and lemon peel can help with unclogging the pores. Clogged pores are the main source of acne.
Aloe Vera is another example of a good treatment for acne. It not only helps treat acne but also other skin diseases. Aloe Vera can retain normal skin colour and get rid of redness. Lettuce leaves can also be used to wash your face and reduce acne formation. Strawberry, raspberry or blackberry leaves also help in getting rid of pimples in the skin. Leaves have to be soaked in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes and then the solution can be used as facial wash.
One other substance that is helpful in treating mild and moderate types of acne is benzoyl peroxide. There are also treatments such as photo therapy, chemical peels or skin polishing. Laser treatments are used in extreme cases in order to get rid of marks left by acne. Laser technology is often used in combination with other traditional topical therapy or oral medications such as antibiotics. Up to 70% reduction of acne can be achieved with just three laser treatments.
Fair skinned persons are more exposed to rosacea. Laser treatment is the best option for people who have symptoms of flushing or repeated redness of the face when they are exposed to sun or spicy foods. Laser treatment targets the blood vessels, by heating them and allowing the body to absorb them more easily.
View the original article here
Aloe Vera is another example of a good treatment for acne. It not only helps treat acne but also other skin diseases. Aloe Vera can retain normal skin colour and get rid of redness. Lettuce leaves can also be used to wash your face and reduce acne formation. Strawberry, raspberry or blackberry leaves also help in getting rid of pimples in the skin. Leaves have to be soaked in hot water for ten to fifteen minutes and then the solution can be used as facial wash.
One other substance that is helpful in treating mild and moderate types of acne is benzoyl peroxide. There are also treatments such as photo therapy, chemical peels or skin polishing. Laser treatments are used in extreme cases in order to get rid of marks left by acne. Laser technology is often used in combination with other traditional topical therapy or oral medications such as antibiotics. Up to 70% reduction of acne can be achieved with just three laser treatments.
Fair skinned persons are more exposed to rosacea. Laser treatment is the best option for people who have symptoms of flushing or repeated redness of the face when they are exposed to sun or spicy foods. Laser treatment targets the blood vessels, by heating them and allowing the body to absorb them more easily.
View the original article here
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Adult Acne - How To Deal With It
We are all rather familiar with acne, we either had it, know someone who had it or are currently suffering with it. Acne affects nearly 40 million people in the United States alone. It can start anytime between the ages of 12 and 25 and when it hits, well it hits with a vengeance. A growing number of adult women in their twenties and thirties are getting adult acne, even if they never suffered with acne before. The problem with acne is that there is no known cure.
Yes we are bombarded all over the place to buy this "miracle cure" and try this "amazing product" and so often a person who is afflicted with this skin problem will hope and pray that this will be the answer that they are looking for. Just this one time this is going to be the one thing that actually does work. Then because it proves not to be the "miracle cure" they were promised they end up frustrated and disappointed.
So how does one deal with acne? More particularly how does one deal with adult acne? Well, to just give up and resign oneself to the supposed inevitable is not the answer either. You see adult acne is much like being over weight in that you don't feel good about yourself; your self esteem takes a major knock and you are convinced that when people look at you they do not see YOU but are rather focused on just the area that is riddled with acne. You hate going out in public, you do not want people to look at you because you hate looking at yourself. I know this because I have been there.
Adult acne is embarrassing. It is one thing if you were a teenager because society seems to be more accepting; it is what almost the "norm" is for teenagers. People sympathize and "tut tut" it away as just a natural process of life. I'm not taking away for one moment what teenagers go through (they have "strange" hormones to deal with on top of it all) but there seems to be a stigma attached to adult acne. People just look at you differently.
There seems to be this misconception that if you suffer from adult acne you don't wash your face and you must be dirty. Just like in the case of someone who is overweight people don't sit back and think that it may most likely be due to hormonal changes and/ or sometimes it may just be hereditary. It seems to be in people's nature to assume the worse.
Acne doesn't just lead to physical scars (which are really depressing and more damaging to the psyche) but more concerning it leads to emotional scarring. Well your choices in dealing with adult acne can be put into two categories. You can "roll over and just accept" that this is your lot in life or you can become active, take charge and find ways to help the situation. Acne may not be curable but it can be controlled and eventually you may even grow out of it.
Let's take a quick look at what acne is and once we understand how it comes about we can look at how to deal with it. Acne is generally characterized by black heads, white heads, red bumps (also known as blind pimples) and in some cases scarring. Acne is the result of overactive oil glands at the base of the hair follicles that become blocked or inflamed. It may appear anywhere on the body but it tends to be primarily on the face.
There are different forms of acne; mild inflammatory acne, moderate to severe inflammatory acne and severe acne. The problem with acne treatments is that what works for one person may not work for the next. Due to how severe your acne may be you will need to find out which is the best course of action for you. This is best done seeking the advice of your health practitioner or a dermatologist. However you can do a few things to help yourself.
As tempting as it may be DO NOT SQUEEZE OR PICK AT YOUR FACE. It may be tempting and you may just want to get rid all the spots and you think that by squeezing them all out you will be rid of it once and for all. Well if only it was that simple. It is not. The pus (and thus the germs) spreads across your face causing you more acne, or you just end up pushing the pus deeper into your skin causing more of an infection. In some cases you are left with scars. Scaring brings on a whole different level of anxiety and depression.
Do not spend too much time in the sun. There seems to be this myth that the sun will "cure" your acne. The hope seems to be that it will dry up the oily glands. But how will it when the follicles are blocked? You see the sun damages your follicular walls causing further blockage and in turn more acne. The sunlight also produces free radicals in the skin which diminishes the skins ability to heal.
There has been no scientific evidence that has proven that acne and diet are related. I have read various reports saying that acne and diet are related and some say that there is no relation whatsoever. So not affirmed either way but cut down on some foods and see if it makes a difference at all. Maybe you have an allergy that aggravates the situation.
Start with the highly refined sugars and things like seafood, mushrooms and salt. Deep fried food is generally not good for your over all health and some say that it is really bad for your skin. Drink more water, water flushes your body of toxins and so in turn is a great internal way of aiming for that healthier looking skin.
Stay away from coffee. It does not matter if it has caffeine in it or not. Coffee stimulates the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormonal steroid that the body produces when it is under stress. (Stress does not cause acne but it certainly aggravates it) Cortisol helps our bodies maintain homeostasis during time of stress yet it causes problems when it stays is our body for a long period of time because what cortisol does is it destroys tissue, which then releases small protein molecules from the destroyed cells. These remainders of cell-protein partly end up in the skin which ends up contributing to acne. Watch out for foods packed with hormones. It does not help hormonal acne.
Interesting fact, non Westernized people did not suffer from acne until their diet changed to what we eat and then oops they joined our ranks in the acne department. The problem is that so much of our diet tends to rob us of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good healthy skin. Vitamin A has been known to be a great preventative of acne. Give it a try, eat less "junk" and more fresh fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, there is no harm in it and maybe it will help.
Remember acne is not caused by dirt and so DO Not scrub your face. It generally makes the acne worse. You aggravate the glands that produce the oil and they then produce more oil and then spread the bacterium that causes your acne around the face making it worse. Don't use a face cloth because germs tend to stick to them and then you are just smearing them all over your face. Your hands are the best thing to use and they are a lot gentler on your skin too.
Smoking does not cause acne but it does make the skin look unhealthy and so much older, this is because the nicotine reduces the blood circulation to your skin. Some case studies have shown that smoking can irritate the acne, making it worse.
Avoid things that rub against your skin, like collars, don't wear too much make up and when you do choose products that are oil free or are made specifically bearing acne in mind. These products would be "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." Wash your hair as often as you need to and keep it off your face.
Bear in mind the following when receiving advice about your acne:
Most over-the-counter acne treatments are topical and the most popular ones contain Benzoyl Peroxide. The problem is that once you stop the treatment the acne just flares up again and some people say that as the skin becomes used to it so the effectiveness of it lessens. Benzoyl Peroxide is also known to cause excessive dryness, and for some people itchiness which then further irritates the skin. It is also a bleach so be careful when using it that it does not ruin your clothes.
Antibiotics tend to aim at inhibiting bacteria. The problem is bacteria are not the cause of acne. The irony is that bacteria are essential in keeping the skin flexible and inhibiting it just speeds up the aging process. Then of course it needs to be remembered that antibiotics are also well known for reducing a person's immune system.
I am not going to give you a whole list of unpronounceable names of various chemicals found in anti-acne treatments but I am going to give you a run down of what some of the side effects are. After all that is what matters most.
o Liver disease (sometimes resulting in a needed transplant)
o Jaundice and life threatening psuedomembranous colitis.
o Autoimmune disease, acute inflammation of the lung and a blue black disclouring of your skin, mucous membranes, nails, adult teeth and Internal organs.
o Benign intracranial hypertension. Early warning signs are headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Decreased night vision, inflammatory bowel disease, an increase in the size of your bones, raised cholesterol levels.
o Heart risks
o Further skin problems. As if acne is not enough you suffer too from dry skin, skin fragility, itching, nosebleeds, inflammation and cracking of lips. Eczema like rash, thinning of hair, peelings of palms and soles of feet, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, urogenital problems and tiredness.
Then to top the list off you also have things like seizures, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, depression (as if the acne hadn't caused enough now the "cure" adds to it too) gum inflammation, arthritis and so we can go on but I think you have got the point.
I am not trying to scare you off finding what can help your acne, just informing you of what some of these products may do to you. Don't loose hope, acne can be controlled and in many cases people do find what aggravates or causes it through trial and error. Don't give up and you will eventually find the solution that works best for you.
Michelle Ludick is an ex sufferer of acne too so knows first hand the frustration and anxiety that accompanies it. Michelle lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband and two small children. Her interest in health and health related issues led her to her website www.bhealthy247.com [http://www.bhealthy247.com]
Yes we are bombarded all over the place to buy this "miracle cure" and try this "amazing product" and so often a person who is afflicted with this skin problem will hope and pray that this will be the answer that they are looking for. Just this one time this is going to be the one thing that actually does work. Then because it proves not to be the "miracle cure" they were promised they end up frustrated and disappointed.
So how does one deal with acne? More particularly how does one deal with adult acne? Well, to just give up and resign oneself to the supposed inevitable is not the answer either. You see adult acne is much like being over weight in that you don't feel good about yourself; your self esteem takes a major knock and you are convinced that when people look at you they do not see YOU but are rather focused on just the area that is riddled with acne. You hate going out in public, you do not want people to look at you because you hate looking at yourself. I know this because I have been there.
Adult acne is embarrassing. It is one thing if you were a teenager because society seems to be more accepting; it is what almost the "norm" is for teenagers. People sympathize and "tut tut" it away as just a natural process of life. I'm not taking away for one moment what teenagers go through (they have "strange" hormones to deal with on top of it all) but there seems to be a stigma attached to adult acne. People just look at you differently.
There seems to be this misconception that if you suffer from adult acne you don't wash your face and you must be dirty. Just like in the case of someone who is overweight people don't sit back and think that it may most likely be due to hormonal changes and/ or sometimes it may just be hereditary. It seems to be in people's nature to assume the worse.
Acne doesn't just lead to physical scars (which are really depressing and more damaging to the psyche) but more concerning it leads to emotional scarring. Well your choices in dealing with adult acne can be put into two categories. You can "roll over and just accept" that this is your lot in life or you can become active, take charge and find ways to help the situation. Acne may not be curable but it can be controlled and eventually you may even grow out of it.
Let's take a quick look at what acne is and once we understand how it comes about we can look at how to deal with it. Acne is generally characterized by black heads, white heads, red bumps (also known as blind pimples) and in some cases scarring. Acne is the result of overactive oil glands at the base of the hair follicles that become blocked or inflamed. It may appear anywhere on the body but it tends to be primarily on the face.
There are different forms of acne; mild inflammatory acne, moderate to severe inflammatory acne and severe acne. The problem with acne treatments is that what works for one person may not work for the next. Due to how severe your acne may be you will need to find out which is the best course of action for you. This is best done seeking the advice of your health practitioner or a dermatologist. However you can do a few things to help yourself.
As tempting as it may be DO NOT SQUEEZE OR PICK AT YOUR FACE. It may be tempting and you may just want to get rid all the spots and you think that by squeezing them all out you will be rid of it once and for all. Well if only it was that simple. It is not. The pus (and thus the germs) spreads across your face causing you more acne, or you just end up pushing the pus deeper into your skin causing more of an infection. In some cases you are left with scars. Scaring brings on a whole different level of anxiety and depression.
Do not spend too much time in the sun. There seems to be this myth that the sun will "cure" your acne. The hope seems to be that it will dry up the oily glands. But how will it when the follicles are blocked? You see the sun damages your follicular walls causing further blockage and in turn more acne. The sunlight also produces free radicals in the skin which diminishes the skins ability to heal.
There has been no scientific evidence that has proven that acne and diet are related. I have read various reports saying that acne and diet are related and some say that there is no relation whatsoever. So not affirmed either way but cut down on some foods and see if it makes a difference at all. Maybe you have an allergy that aggravates the situation.
Start with the highly refined sugars and things like seafood, mushrooms and salt. Deep fried food is generally not good for your over all health and some say that it is really bad for your skin. Drink more water, water flushes your body of toxins and so in turn is a great internal way of aiming for that healthier looking skin.
Stay away from coffee. It does not matter if it has caffeine in it or not. Coffee stimulates the production of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormonal steroid that the body produces when it is under stress. (Stress does not cause acne but it certainly aggravates it) Cortisol helps our bodies maintain homeostasis during time of stress yet it causes problems when it stays is our body for a long period of time because what cortisol does is it destroys tissue, which then releases small protein molecules from the destroyed cells. These remainders of cell-protein partly end up in the skin which ends up contributing to acne. Watch out for foods packed with hormones. It does not help hormonal acne.
Interesting fact, non Westernized people did not suffer from acne until their diet changed to what we eat and then oops they joined our ranks in the acne department. The problem is that so much of our diet tends to rob us of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good healthy skin. Vitamin A has been known to be a great preventative of acne. Give it a try, eat less "junk" and more fresh fruit and vegetables high in antioxidants, there is no harm in it and maybe it will help.
Remember acne is not caused by dirt and so DO Not scrub your face. It generally makes the acne worse. You aggravate the glands that produce the oil and they then produce more oil and then spread the bacterium that causes your acne around the face making it worse. Don't use a face cloth because germs tend to stick to them and then you are just smearing them all over your face. Your hands are the best thing to use and they are a lot gentler on your skin too.
Smoking does not cause acne but it does make the skin look unhealthy and so much older, this is because the nicotine reduces the blood circulation to your skin. Some case studies have shown that smoking can irritate the acne, making it worse.
Avoid things that rub against your skin, like collars, don't wear too much make up and when you do choose products that are oil free or are made specifically bearing acne in mind. These products would be "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." Wash your hair as often as you need to and keep it off your face.
Bear in mind the following when receiving advice about your acne:
Most over-the-counter acne treatments are topical and the most popular ones contain Benzoyl Peroxide. The problem is that once you stop the treatment the acne just flares up again and some people say that as the skin becomes used to it so the effectiveness of it lessens. Benzoyl Peroxide is also known to cause excessive dryness, and for some people itchiness which then further irritates the skin. It is also a bleach so be careful when using it that it does not ruin your clothes.
Antibiotics tend to aim at inhibiting bacteria. The problem is bacteria are not the cause of acne. The irony is that bacteria are essential in keeping the skin flexible and inhibiting it just speeds up the aging process. Then of course it needs to be remembered that antibiotics are also well known for reducing a person's immune system.
I am not going to give you a whole list of unpronounceable names of various chemicals found in anti-acne treatments but I am going to give you a run down of what some of the side effects are. After all that is what matters most.
o Liver disease (sometimes resulting in a needed transplant)
o Jaundice and life threatening psuedomembranous colitis.
o Autoimmune disease, acute inflammation of the lung and a blue black disclouring of your skin, mucous membranes, nails, adult teeth and Internal organs.
o Benign intracranial hypertension. Early warning signs are headaches, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances. Decreased night vision, inflammatory bowel disease, an increase in the size of your bones, raised cholesterol levels.
o Heart risks
o Further skin problems. As if acne is not enough you suffer too from dry skin, skin fragility, itching, nosebleeds, inflammation and cracking of lips. Eczema like rash, thinning of hair, peelings of palms and soles of feet, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, urogenital problems and tiredness.
Then to top the list off you also have things like seizures, dizziness, nervousness, insomnia, depression (as if the acne hadn't caused enough now the "cure" adds to it too) gum inflammation, arthritis and so we can go on but I think you have got the point.
I am not trying to scare you off finding what can help your acne, just informing you of what some of these products may do to you. Don't loose hope, acne can be controlled and in many cases people do find what aggravates or causes it through trial and error. Don't give up and you will eventually find the solution that works best for you.
Michelle Ludick is an ex sufferer of acne too so knows first hand the frustration and anxiety that accompanies it. Michelle lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband and two small children. Her interest in health and health related issues led her to her website www.bhealthy247.com [http://www.bhealthy247.com]
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