Monday, October 30, 2006

Acne Care Skin Tips


Blackheads are not dirt. They are actually the result of oil &dead cells getting trapped in a pore, block the duct & mix with bacteria. Exposure to the air discolors them to black. Blackhead inflammation causes red pimples and it spreads when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. These can break & cause scars.

Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne � click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment. Benzoyl Peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne. Proactiv Solution is a dermatologist formulated Combination Therapy acne management system. Salicylic Acid unclogs your pores and encourages skin renewal. Tretinoin (Retin-A)promotes healthy sloughing. Antibiotics kill bacteria and reduces inflammation. Oral Contraceptives help regulate hormone levels. Anti-Androgens inhibit the body's production of acne-causing hormones. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a treatment for severe cystic or nodular acne.

You might think that treating acne requires you to see and consult for prescription. Well, you can actually treat it by yourself! You can find solutions right in your home or garden! Applying toothpaste in your acne and letting it stay overnight is just one and actually the most common home treatment for acne most people do. You can also try a variety of paste or mask that are great options made from different plant species. You can choose from applying salt and vinegar solution, lime, ripe tomatoes, methi(fenugreek) leaves, lemon, dried basil leaves, mint juice, cucumber, corn flour and egg white, sandalwood, roasted and powdered pomgranate, ground radish, oatmeal, almond powder, honey, ground orange peel, nutmeg and milk, turmeric and tender neem, ground sesame seeds, papaya, and drumstick pods and leaves. Truly natural home treatments for acne!

If it is determined that your skin is too sensitive for tea tree oil, consider using a less potent substance. Most tea tree oil extracts come in a container that only holds pure tea tree oil. If this is the case, consider diluting the liquid to lessen its activity. Furthermore, if your skin shows any signs of reaction to the presence of tea tree oil or you experience any discomfort after using the extract, immediately discontinue the use and consult a dermatologist. Using a product that negatively affects your skin is almost as bad as not treating your acne at all, since the results--red, blotchy, swollen, or painful skin are often the same in both situations.

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars. Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation. Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

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