How to Deal With Acne Stress

June 24, 2009

Understanding Acne Scar Removal Treatment Options

Filed under: Medicine — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:55 pm
Tamsin Gray asked:


Once thought of as a common problem of teenagers, acne is actually a common problem for people of all ages including young children and adults. And far from being just accepted as a passing phase of growing up, acne should be given due attention in seeking treatment to avoid subsequent acne scars as an unfortunate result of not seeking early treatment.

Although various forms of acne scar removal treatment is available, some scars may be too deep seated to be successfully removed which may affect self confidence adversely, leading to other psychological problems in life.

Acne is a disorder caused by hormonal action on sebaceous glands which are the oil glands of the skin. Even more distressing are the scars left behind by acne which are often permanent, affecting both the personal and professional life of those who suffer from it.

This often leads to a desperate search for acne scar treatment of which fortunately, a variety of treatments are available today. However care has to be taken in choosing which treatment to undergo as a person’s medical history, acne scar condition and even budget are among the factors which have to be taken into consideration.

If scars are not too severe and you would like to give natural remedies a try before seeking stronger acne scar treatments, there are many home remedies that are believed to be effective. Ingredients from fruits and vegetables are often found in skin care products and home remedies are used to achieve similar effects.

Among the recommended natural ingredients to use are lemon juice, tomatoes, cucumbers and even a mixture of sandalwood and rose water. Natural oils such as lavender, tea tree and rosehip seed oils are also beneficial for healing acne scars.

For faint scars, acne scar creams and lotions may be sufficient. These products contain skin lightening agents to help lighten acne scars to give the impression of a smooth even skin surface. Some contain skin renewal activators and biological enzymes that gently dissolve damaged or worn out cells and stimulate skin regeneration.

The next level of acne scar treatment is using chemical peels. There are several types of chemical peels with varying strengths. Superficial scars can be effectively treated with chemical peels that are commonly used to treat skin damaged by the sun and for irregular pigmentation. A special chemical is applied to the acne scar area and after several minutes, the peel is removed together with the damaged top layer of skin. Thus, a new top layer of skin cells is regenerated.

Some of the more intensive and expensive acne scar removal treatments include dermabrasion, laser treatment, collagen and steriod injections, and surgical procedures like autologous fat transfer and punch grafts. These often require multiple treatments and long maintenance procedures.

To avoid having to seek acne scar removal treatment, where the process is either expensive or tedious but very often both, consult your dermatologist at an early stage before the acne has a chance to cause deep-seated damage to skin. Corrected blemished skin will never be able to match the smoothness and appearance of natural, healthy skin.



May 10, 2009

Acne Scar Treatments - Get Rid of Acne Scars Easily

Filed under: 1471 — Tags: , , — admin @ 7:22 am
Dr John Anne asked:


The Perils of Acne

Acne is a skin condition faced by teens and adults. It is predominantly caused by the clogging of oil glands and the resulting inflammation. For some, it is not just a matter of having pimples on the face but a potentially disfiguring condition. Acne often leaves scars on the face. Remember, your mom telling not to squeeze that annoyingly ripe-looking pimple sitting on your nose? She was right.

Then, what should we do? What are we going to make the scars go away? And how do we stop acne from making our lives so difficult? How do we start acne scar treatment?

Getting In Touch With Mother Earth It is not a hippy or flower-power thing. Getting in touch with Mother Earth is a healthy and wholesome way. And Mother Earth has some helpful tips and suggestions for all types of problems, including acne scar treatment.
One good way to start working hand-in-hand with Mother Earth is going the natural or herbal way. This method is gentle and non-invasive. Furthermore, you will get to know the benefits of herbs and plants.

So, what does Mother Earth has to say about acne scar treatment? Listen to her wisdom

Water

Water makes up seventy per cent of Mother Earth. And water is essential to the physical well being of every living being. The skin of your body is also made up of water and it is important to drink a lot of water to keep your skin (including the skin of your face) well hydrated.

Remember to wash your face regularly with clean water. Clean water also cools the inflammation and keeps scarring at bay.

Herbs Look around you. You are surrounded with lush plants and greenery. They are soothing to your senses… and they might also play an important role in acne scar treatment.

There are some herbs and plants that might be suitable for treating unsightly acne scars as well as keep them from forming.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a good plant to use, especially to cool or reduce the inflammation caused by acne. It is also known for its gentle healing properties when it comes to scars, caused by either acne or other skin irritations. The liquid mucous substance that oozes out when you cut the tip of an aloe vera stalk is thought to reduce swelling and fights bacteria. Apply it to the scars regularly. It also reduces the oily secretions on the skin and acts as a good prevention against acne.

Lavender

Lavender smells heavenly. It is known to be good to stop scarring as well. Just use two drops of lavender essential oil and mix it with almond oil. Use medical gauze with this mixture and apply on the scars nightly.

Dandelion Root

For many people, the dandelion is a garden and yard pest. Yet, dandelion is known to be an edible herb, rich with nutrients. Dandelion root is great for acne scar treatment as it reduces toxicity and improves skin condition. It is a great purifier of the bloodstream. You can find dandelion root extracts in tablet or pill form.

Neem

Known as a revered Ayurvedic herb, neem is a tree found in India. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Neem can be used either in oil or powder form and is known to improve skin elasticity. You can also use neem powder to wash your face.

Tea Tree

The Tea Tree is found in Australia. It is anti-septic and anti-fungal. Mix two drops of tea tree oil with almond oil. Apply on affected skin/scars with medical gauze. Tea tree is also an effective acne scar treatment.

Onwards To Healing

Going herbal is a good way to start working closely with Mother Earth and her wisdom. For people with acne (and scarring) problems, the herbal route might be a suitable alternate as it is gentle and non-medical in nature. Some herbs are known to reduce the swelling and the scarring caused by acne. They are beneficial to the body’s physical well-being.

If you want to know more, just type in ‘herbal acne scar treatment’ into your search engine of choice. Always carry out some research before you embark on any healing process. It pays to know more information.

Always remember: Wash your face and do not pick your acne, even if it is ripe and tempting you to squeeze it.



Acne Stress

February 8, 2009

Acne Bacteria: Does It Really Cause Acne?

Filed under: Diseases And Conditions — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:15 pm
Mike Walden asked:


Propionibacterium or acne bacteria is not the root cause of acne, so destroying it can, at best, help you to bring down the swelling that a ripe pimple causes. It cannot prevent acne from forming as it does not play much of a part in the creation of this condition.

The Acne Problem Lies Way Below The Skin.

Practitioners of conventional medicine describe acne as a skin inflammation. This condition is caused largely by factors on the skin surface, the principal one being an excess of sebum and keratin being produced by the oil glands.

The excessive oil blocks the pores of the hair follicle and this leads to the growth of bacteria. As the growth of bacteria increases, small pimples appear, both on the surface of the skin and directly underneath. The ones above the surface are called blackheads and the ones below the surface are called whiteheads.

In reality, the cause of acne lies way below the surface of the skin. It`s not the immediate signs that you have to tackle, not the inflamed skin, not the investigations of the skin type, not the excessive production of oil, nor the clogged hair follicles or the bacteria on your skin; none of these. Acne is formed because deep rooted factors develop an environment which is conducive to its formation and growth.

Acne is a condition, NOT a disease.

Whatever else acne might be, it is certainly not a disease, just as many of the medical conditions found in the western world are not really diseases. Acne RESULTS from a disease and the acne condition is the body`s way of telling you that all is not well. Don`t ignore this message as the balance of your body is at stake.

I wish to warn you that you should not take the words of conventional practitioners of medicine as the whole truth and start treating your acne as a skin ailment and nothing else. The problem can only be found in the deeper recesses of the body.

If you are afflicted with acne, please understand that the real cause of it is an imbalance that has occurred in your body`s system. The rashes and pimples are the outward manifestations of a much deeper problem which you MUST tackle if you want to be rid of your acne and lead a healthier life.

You will obviously wonder why doctors insist on labeling acne as a malfunction of the skin. The reason is that they can make more money by making you buy the worthless antibiotics and lotions.

The truth about acne bacteria:

Acne bacteria or propionibacterium, to give it its technical term, is something that every human being has on his skin. This bacterium is a life form which fights for survival and is beneficial for us. So the malignant organisms which conventional medicines try to eradicate are really very important for our good health and well being.

You may be surprised to know that acne bacteria, so long as it is in tune with the balance of your body, help you repel other bacteria which are way more harmful for you. It exists in all human beings, irrespective of whether they have acne or not and is the major reason for the flexibility of your skin.

The secretions from our sweat and sebaceous glands are what the acne bacteria feed itself on. This is normal for everyone whether they have acne or not.

Acne bacteria do NOT cause acne and is not contagious. Obviously, as otherwise every single individual would have contracted acne since the bacteria is in all of us. Then why is it that only some unfortunate souls land up being afflicted?

The case is the same with streptococcus bacteria which everyone has. Then why is it that everyone doesn`t get tonsillitis or a strep throat? The reason is that, like acne bacteria, it will not strike unless the conditions in the body are right and a specific environment is fashioned.

It is the environment which counts (the acne triangle of oil-toxins-bacteria).

The environment that creates acne is one where there is an overproduction of sebum oil, mainly due to an imbalance in hormones, and this excess mixes with congested toxins which come out through the skin. This mixture is dangerous as it causes bacteria to develop and grow disturbingly fast. The condition which is thus created is the standard one for an acne sufferer: pimples and nodules which are inflamed and pus-filled.

This condition, described above, where the bacteria grows in leaps and bounds because of the admixture of excess sebum oil and blood toxins, has to be prevented. Merely killing the bacteria is not sufficient because it will grow again when the above condition is recreated. So the ONLY way to stop acne permanently is to go to the root of the problem and ensure that this condition is not allowed to happen.

So antibiotics which kill acne bacteria, such as benzoyl peroxide, tetracycline or monocycline are not permanent cures because they do not tackle the root cause of the acne.

Then What Really Causes Acne?

You will, by now, realize what it is that makes acne bacteria grow so drastically and what environment brings on acne. But all this is only what happens on the surface. What we have to know in order to permanently stop acne from happening is the root cause of the hormonal imbalance and the blood toxins that cause the nexus between oil, toxins and bacteria in the first place.

This nexus is created on the surface of the skin because of a process that is affected by changes within the body. These changes are nutritional, hormonal, environmental and even psychological.

Therefore, to ensure a permanently clear skin, you will have to counteract the changes in ALL the factors mentioned above so that bacteria does not multiply but is kept at an optimal level on your skin.



acne

February 7, 2009

Adult Acne – 3 Critical Facts you Should Know

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:51 am
Vanessa asked:


Like everyone else, we’ve all suffered from acne; only thing is this time it’s years past puberty. If this has happened to you, rest assured, you’re in good company. 1 in 5 women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from adult acne. Here are 3 critical facts about adult acne that could change the way you battle acne for good.

Fact #1: Cheese and chocolate have nothing to do with your acne. Although adult acne is often a cause of bad diets, it is more of a long term effect rather than short. Indulging in a few late night cravings has nothing with the acne that might sprout a few weeks later. Instead acne is often caused by an inefficient digestive system – resulting from years of an improper diet, causing stress to your intestines. What can you do? The best way to combat adult acne is to start by a proper detoxification diet, to properly cleanse out any waste and toxins that have built up over the years.

Fact #2: There are several causes of adult acne. On top of a bad diet as mentioned above, stress, bad cosmetics, hormones and birth control pills are among many factors in the production of acne. Stress for instance, can cause your oil glands to overcompensate, while bad cosmetics lead to clogged pores filled with bacteria. There are many unsuspecting factors that cause adult acne to form, the best way to narrow it down is to start a log of your daily routine and review what goes on in your life that could use a change.

Fact #3 Acne usually begins with blackheads. Contrary to common beliefs, blackheads are not dirt. They are actually the result of oil and dead cells trapped in a pore mixed with bacteria, blocking the duct. Blackheads only turn black when they are exposed to air. When a blackhead becomes inflamed and spread when touched with dirty hands, a red pimple is formed – increasing the chance of breaking and causing a scar. How to deal with blackheads? Instead of a heavy and harsh facial scrub, look to use an alpha-hydroxy based cleaner, and gently massage it into your face. Salicylic acid based cleansers are also a good substitute, both types of cleansers clean out blocked pores and are highly recommended in place of facial scrubs.



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February 5, 2009

Holistic Treatment to Get Rid of Acne for Good?-permanently Cure Acne Holistically

Filed under: Acne Stress — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:28 am
casey asked:


How do I get rid of my acne for good? Is this a question you have been asking yourself but just can’t find the right answer. And by saying the right answer I mean something that actually works and is not just an hyped up product to steal money from out of your pockets.

You see acne is a very uncomfortable disease, and no one, absolutely no one would want to have pimples or zits or blackheads living on their faces. Remember most of the time someone sees you, your face is the first thing to greets them. Another thing is when you wake in the mornings instead of having a feeling of comfort you are forced to feel more terrible as another pimple has popped up on your face and the process continues everyday……

The fact is most people get acne in their teenage years, and acne can last up to late adult years if not treated promptly and with the right treatment.

I started having serious skin problems as a teenager in high school. I tried the different treatments available on the market, like the skin care creams, lotions, and cleansers. Nothing really gave me the results I was looking for.

I found out years later that the same over-the-counter products I had spent money on and tried had assisted in worsening my acne condition. I mean I was only a teenager and I did not know what I was doing. I had just seen the commercials on TV and went to the local Wal-Mart or Target to buy what they were selling. The other side of it was my friends and family kept giving me advice on what products to try that they thought worked the best.

So how do you cure your acne permanently?

You need a deep cleanse system, a treatment that penetrates the deep layers of the skin because Our skin has tiny pores which are connected to oil glands. Once these oil glands are blocked, either by dirt or obstructed by abrasions and infections, the oily substance (called sebum) they excrete then block the growth of hair follicles, causing pimple outbreaks.

You can start by addressing the problem even before it happens. That is, by sticking to a regular skin cleansing regimen to rid your pores of unwanted particles and dirt. The easier it is for your skin to breath, the fewer problems they will cause you. It requires a lot of discipline and patience, yes, but you will be thankful in the long run.

I you have acne you should not touch your face often, but if you have to make sure your hands are clean, also don’t squeeze the pimples as this could lead to further infection and scarring.



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February 4, 2009

3 Popular Acne Myths - Truth Revealed!

Filed under: Acne Stress — Tags: , , , — admin @ 5:28 pm
Abhishek Agarwal asked:


No one likes it, but almost everyone will experience it. For some people, it is a constant source of embarrassment and even low-self esteem. What is it? Acne!

Acne pimples appear on the face, neck, and body and are usually small red bumps although for some people these bumps can become cysts. Acne also tends to afflict everyone, to some degree, regardless of race or gender. Usually appearing in adolescence, it is almost an accepted rite of passage into adulthood because it is so common among teenagers. Acne is caused by increased hormonal activity within the skin’s oil glands or the sebaceous glands. The extra secretions of oil, combined with dead skin cells and surface dirt, leads to clogged pores and outbreaks of lesions, which we call pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the body’s sebaceous glands are more densely distributed here.

So What Determines The Extent and Severity Of Each Case Of Acne?

There are many factors which contribute to acne. For example, there are hereditary components which affect the severity of an individual’s acne. Simply put, if you have a parent who has suffered from a severe case of acne, the chances that you will also have severe acne are increased. But there are also dietary and sociological factors that contribute to the development of acne, which if changed or eliminated, may prevent an outbreak of severe acne. Because of the many contributing factors, acne myths have proliferated over the years.

Three Acne Myths.

Acne Myth Number 1

Scrubbing and washing the face often will prevent acne. While dirt may contribute to the formation of blackheads leading to pimples, many people believe that washing your face three or more times a day, or hard scrubbing of the face and skin can prevent acne. Face washing should be done gently, using a mild facial scrub or exfoliant only twice a day. Frequent washing can actually irritate acne breakouts and it strips the skin of its natural oils. This not only makes the skin dry, but can lead to the sebaceous glands increasing oil production to protect the skin surface. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Gentle cleansing, using the lightest possible touch, is best for all-round skin protection.

Acne Myth Number 2

Fried food, overeating, and chocolate, causes acne to develop. Diets heavy in fat do have an effect on the body’s sebaceous glands, but science has shown that moderate consumption of fried foods will not cause acne to get worse. In fact, some oils are necessary for the healthy maintenance of the human body and the “acid mantle” that keeps skin moist and supple. In addition, a seeming connection between certain foods such as chocolate and acne may be due to food allergy rather than to the food itself. The notion that any particular food always causes acne is quite false, though.

Acne Myth Number 3

Daily stress will cause breakouts of acne. Routine, daily stress is not considered to be a cause of acne. Severe stress has been shown to have detrimental effects upon many of the body’s systems but its connection to acne breakouts has not been clearly established. More research is needed in this area before anything conclusive can be formulated. One caveat, though, stress medications may have a side-effect of contributing to acne, but if so, this should be discussed with a physician as an alternative medication may not have this effect. In general though, stress is a normal part of life and is not regarded as a major contributor to acne.



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