Monday, May 18, 2009

Acne - Not Just a Pimple




By : Kevin Pederson

It was known that acne was basically caused when the pores are choked by sebum. These sebum oils which in the normal context would drain to the surface get blocked and bacteria start to grow. These bacterial formations could be termed as whiteheads and blackheads. Whiteheads are formed when the bacteria and sebum are trapped below the skin surface. In the same manner blackheads are formed when the trapped sebum and bacteria are slightly open to the surface and turn black due to the melanin, the skin pigment.

The most common type of acne is the acne vulgaris and the other types of acnes are known as comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, cysts. Acne is formed also due to the hormonal changes which are very common during puberty. During the developing years the hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands which makes excess sebum and with this sebum there is clogging of the pores which leads to acne. It can also happen during pregnancies when the mother goes through hormonal changes. After a period of time, may be by the time one reaches twenties, acne disappears. Other reason for developing acne is by eating oily and greasy food. Too much of aerated water as well as chocolates can be harmful for the skin.

It is also believed that another factor which causes acne is heredity or genes. As these genes are passed on from the parents to the child the conditions of acne are also passed on from the parents. In many cases school aged boys and girls have acne problems as it is part of their family history. Use of various numbers of drugs also causes such problems. Make-up which has not been cleaned properly leads to creation of acne. It has affected people of the age-group of 12-24 which would sum up most of the adolescent and teenage years of the person.

A change in hormonal patterns in adolescent girls as well as adult women leads to acne. For some it starts before the menstrual cycle and acne starts showing up on your face or any other part of the body. Constant rubbing and squeezing can lead to some of the worse forms of it. Tight sweaty clothes and many environmental changes also lead to acne. Skin itching, burning, steroids also cause acne.

The proper skin care would mean a total no-no for all the acnes in the world. Healthy eating and exercise helps in maintaining the body and to give glowing skin. It is recommended that people with acne should use a gentle cleanser and avoid all the strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Avoiding sunburn and suntan may be temporary benefits. Excessive exposure to sun is not good which might lead to other problems like dryness of skin as well as skin cancer. If you are using cosmetics, see to it that you use the proper ones so as to not to accelerate the level of acne. There are ingredients used in it which may be harmful and should be checked before using it.

If the acne you have is very chronic then you should get treated by dermatologists who can help you clear all the acne. The extremely severe cases are the ones which are taken to the dermatologists. The treatment would help in taking out the scars and lesions and prevent new lesions from forming. The treatment would help in removing the bacteria which is settled under the skin. This would not be needed if proper skin care is taken. The unwanted use of hormonal pills, maybe from steroids to increase your weight is not needed.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Acne Home Remedy #213: Steam Bath

This is an old acne home remedy trick used to open up your pores. Remember to use caution. Don't tip the boiling water over...wouldn't be cool (pun intended)


Natural Acne Home Remedy


By : Tatyana Turner
Submitted 2007-05-17 22:12:08
Many people are searching for acne home remedy because they are tired of spending money on acne products that don't work. There are many natural acne cures; here are some that work successfully for most people.

Mix of rosewater and lemon

Lemon is an excellent cleanser for acne affected skin. You can mix fresh lemon juice with rose water and apply to affected skin. Wash off after half an hour with clean water. This acne remedy usually shows great results in a few days and in a couple weeks acne should completely disappear from your face.

Mint

Mint has been used to stop acne for centuries. It probably grows in your garden or you can buy it in a fruit and vegetable shop. Squeeze juice from mint leaves and apply to your face before going to bed.

Vinegar

Simple home vinegar is an effective acne cleanser. Mix it with a little salt and gently rub into your face. Wash off in about 30 minutes.

Toothpaste

Ordinary toothpaste can dramatically help with acne. If your face feels swollen, put a little bit of toothpaste on your pimples before going to bed. Your skin will feel much better in the morning.

Cucumber

Most women know that cucumber is great for your skin. It can also be used to fight and prevent acne. Make a cucumber paste, put it on your face and let is stay there for several minutes. Unlike lemon and vinegar cucumber doesn't dry your face, quite the opposite, it moisturize your skin and supplies it with vitamins. Use cucumber mask twice a week and you will see definite improvements to your skin condition.

Acne diet is important for any acne treatment

Well, there is no such thing as a special "acne diet"; however, what you eat is greatly important for the condition of your skin. Previously, to cure acne doctors suggested cutting down only oily and sugary foods. Modern research shows that eating pizza and drinking soda, doesn't cause acne. What is really essential for acne diet is to consume enough vitamins and minerals. Vitamins that are known to help with acne are Vitamin A, Vitamin E and most B group vitamins. So balanced diet is required to stop acne outbreaks.

Drinking your 8 glasses of water is also important in a fight against acne. Enough water helps your body to clean itself of toxins. Which means less harmful substances on your skin.

I personally found rose-lemon mix the most effective. It helped to clear my face and the smell of it is just heaven. Some people recommended garlic as an acne cure, but would you like to smell of garlic when you go out?

These acne home remedies worked for many people. There is no guarantee that they will work for you, but try several home acne treatments and you will find one that works. Most important, unlike chemical acne products these home remedies for acne will not harm your skin.