Archive for July, 2010
Causes of Acne and Its Remedies
What really causes Acne? there are so many theories going round about the causes of Acne and possible solutions that many people think they are remedies for treating Acne. Acne occurs mostly in adolescence where most people are in their social age, a very sensitive level in ones life. For that reason the best explanation is that Acne develops as a result of blockages in follicles. This may be as a result of overreaction of hormones, water retention in the body and toxins in the blood and lymph.
The worrying thing is that when someone discovers that he/she is developing Acne, there is a lot of worries such that next thing he/she thinks of is to go looking for chemicalized creams for acne in the market worsening the situation even without consulting a doctor. Do not despair when you discover that you are suffering from Acne. There is a solution for this.
There are many explanations that justify the Causes of Acne. Several hormones have been linked to acne like the androgens testosterone, as well as insulin just to name a few. Development of acne vulgaris in later years is uncommon, although this is the age group for Rosacea which may have similar appearances. True acne vulgaris in adults may be a as a result of features like pregnancy and disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome or the rare Cushing’s syndrome. Menopause-associated acne occurs as production of the natural anti-acne ovarian hormone estradiol fails at menopause. The lack of estradiol also causes thinning hair, hot flashes, thin skin, wrinkles, vaginal dryness, and predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis as well as triggering acne.
In many cases, a combination of treatments can greatly reduce the amount and severity of acne . Those treatments that are most effective tend to have greater potential for side effects and need a greater degree of monitoring, so a step by step approach recommended. Many people consult their doctors when deciding which treatments to use, especially when considering using any treatments in combination.
Many people think that Acne is caused by dirt but this is just a misconception. The blackheads are simply oxidized keratin that occur deep within the narrow follicle channel making it so impossible to clean them away. The cells lining the duct fail and this explains why the flow flow of keratin is blocked and this causes acne. So do not get down on to yourself thinking that your fellow friends think you are dirty! If you asked me I would commend you because you must be the most clean person in the world for you work day and night cleaning up just to kick acne out of your body. But not to worry because Acne is curable.
tips:
Always remember that some allergies caused by your cosmetics, foods and other beauty products can be mistaken as acne so check on them.
Fibre rich food and diet low of fat will help prevent acne.
Talk to your doctor about possibilities of taking the kind of vitamins that can decrease acne.
The toxins in your body could be doing you dirt, use a cleansing diet to get rid of them. Give your sking a cleaning service on a daily basis. When dust and other pollutants could block the pores on the skin and this can really worsen your acne situation and if you didn’t have it could start developing. Clean your face every day, this is important..
Drink a lot of water a day. Water is important and is a key tool for the good health of your skin.
This is an original article written by Poly M. on CAUSES OF ACNE Visit her for more information on ACNE
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Acne treatment: How to prevent and treat acne – Part 3
Acne vulgaris is a common problem faced by many adoloscents and adults. This period is the best part of life where everyone wants to look good but unfortunately the hormones also surge at this time. Let me tell you what is acne and how it is caused, so that you can identify the cause by yourself and take appropriate measure to prevent and treat them accordingly.
DEFINITION: Acne is a common skin disorder exacerbated by hormonal activity and increased by heat, humidity and excessive perspiration.
CAUSES:
a. Exact cause is still unknown.
b. Androgenic influence on sebaceous glands.
c. Increased sebum production.
d. Proliferation of propionibacterium acnes(its enzymes reduce lipids to irritating fatty acids).
TYPES:
a. Open comedones: These are blackheads that result from accumulation of horny cells and sebum which dilates the follicles.
b. Closed comedones: These are whiteheads and non-inflamed lesions that develop as a follicle and enlarge with the retention of horny cells.
c. Pustules and papules: They result as inflammatory process progresses.
d. Nodules: They result from total disintegration of a comedone and subsequent collapse of the follicle. Deep scaring results from nodules.
PREVENTION:
1. As hormones play a very important role here, leading a stress free life is the best way to prevent acne.
2. Washing face with mild non-irritating soap several times a day will keep the skin dry and the pores clear. Oily skin people can wash their face more number of times.
3. Eating fresh fruits and drinking fresh juices will also vitalize your skin.
4. Drinking plenty of water is the best medicine.
5. Avoid squeezing, picking or pricking acnes to avoid spread of infection and scaring.
6. Avoid direct contact of your skin with dirty surfaces like floor, couch or table.
7. Change pillow covers and bed spreads every week.
8. If fatty food aggrevate your acne, avoid them.
9. Use sun screens and moisturizers to protect your skin.
10.Have a seperate towel and wash them every 3 days.
11.Have your own soap and cosmetics. Do not share with anybody. Carry them even when you travel out without fail.
12.Use mild cosmetics that suits your skin and remove them thoroughly before going to bed. Use water based instead of oil based make-ups.
13.Do not use scrubber for your face.
14.Apply sandlewood powder mixed with rose water in the form of paste.
15.Apply honey with lemon syrup or yogurt. Avoid applying near eyebrows.
TREATMENT: Acne requires active treatment when it is not controlled and the treatment proceeds till it spontaneously resolves.
1. Mild medicated soaps can be tried first. Soaps like Cetaphil, clearasil are very useful.
2. Try tropical or oral antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
3. Try accutane if prescribed to inhibit sebum production and reduce sebaceous gland size.
4. Try the same product or medicine for atleast 6 weeks, the result is not seen immediately.
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What Is Body Acne And What Can Be Done?
Body acne can plague the skin of all parts of the body. The skin is the largest organ on the body and contains many layers with the most common layer being the epidermis. This layer covers the whole body and is made up of hairs, oil glands, nerves and nerve endings, sweat glands, blood vessels, cells, and sensory cells. The environment plays a huge part in causing a film to be placed upon the body everyday. Germs and dirt attach onto the skin in everyday life, which makes cleaning the skin essential.
Body acne can appear anywhere on the body. The most frequent place for most acne is on the face, followed by other parts of the body. The chest, shoulders, back and even buttocks can become the affected areas on the body. Many cases of body acne are caused by external objects, for example a purse strap, which may cause friction and result in acne-prone areas. The dirt that may be on the strap can transfer onto the skin, thus providing the bacteria and consequentially causing acne. Sports equipment can be a contributing factor, as the bacteria that has remained on the equipment can transfer to skin and cause inflamed areas. Many dermatologists suggest wearing clothing that will wick away the moisture and keep skin area protected from any underlying microorganisms. The buttocks can become crucial areas for body acne to appear, as there is an inevitable factor of friction of clothing always providing an irritant. Taking care of any affected area will help to lessen the problem of acne.
Suggestions for combating body acne include taking vitamins to boost nutrients in the body and to provide healthy tissue growth and prevent continuous outbreaks. Bathing regularly and using a topical ointment can provide a relief from problem areas. If acne becomes a larger problem, consulting a dermatologist can provide solutions to combat body acne. Sun exposure, while previously considered a treatment, is no longer recommended. While the skin does become darker eliminating the red marks, more skin damage can occur unless proper precautions are taken. Consistent sunbathing will dry the skin and will result in more production of oil. Old sun-exposed cells will slough off more frequently, mixing with skin oils, and will result in a greater chance of blocked pores.
Getting enough quality sleep and loading up on beneficial food and lots of water can ensure the best possible environment for the healthiest skin. Body acne can also be treated with hormonal medications and prescriptions from a dermatologist. Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and using an exfoliant like a loofah sponge in the bath or shower can help keep dead cells off the skins surface and away from follicles and pores. Body acne can cause problems, but following just a few simple indications can help combat a controllable situation.
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How to prevent body acne – Part 4
Body acne is one of the most embarrassing but common problems found in both teenagers and adults. Acne can make you feel like the whole world is looking at you and make you wonder why on the day when you really wanted to look your best you have an outbreak of spots.
There are millions and millions of miracle cures and washes to use on your skin but the basic principle for preventing spots is to keep your body clean. You get spots from a building up of dirt in the skins pores. If you eat unhealthy food and don’t eat fruit and vegetable your skin needs to get rid of your bodies toxins, and one of the ways it does this is through your pores. To prevent the build up and blocking of pores eat healthy food and wash your face regularly. If you want to go even further wash your face over steaming water to open the pores and gently exfoliate the skin with a flannel.
There are, however, serious forms of acne which need to be treated by your doctor and by prescription. If acne continues seek medical advice. Most acne though is easily prevented apart from the odd zit created by stress and teenage hormones. So remember, what you put into your body has to come out, and always keep your skin and pores clean.
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Acne Skin Care Secrets – Helpful Tips for Acne Cure
Not Just A Teen’s Problem
Acne.
Red, inflamed patches on the face, causing a great deal of irritation and embarrassment. Acne. Pimples. Clogged skin spores. It is not only a teen’s problem. Adults get acne too, to their consternation and frustration. Sometimes, acne is so serious that it becomes a big problem: going out in public becomes a source of fear and anxiety. Left untreated, acne will not go away and will probably become more serious. To make things worse, acne leaves scars and disfigurement becomes a possibility.
Then, it is high time to invest on acne skin care .
Going Natural
If you are picky about using the right acne skin care , why not try the natural way? The natural way includes using herbs and remedies made from plants. It is definitely a more harmonious way of loving your skin as well as the Earth. You can take a look at Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system and philosophy of health and body care.
Ayurveda is a non-invasive and complementary way of life that understands the body as a balance of Vata (air/the nervous system), Pitta (fire/digestion and metabolism) and Kapha (water/lubrication and nutrients in the arteries). Vata, Pitta and Kapha can be explained as basic bodily humors or doshas. A person can be made of one primary dosha and all doshas are made up of the basic three elements.
So, by understanding one’s body and constitution, acne skin care becomes easier. According to Ayurveda, acne is caused by the aggravation of Pitta (fire) and it is common in both teens and adults. This aggravation of Pitta further affects Vata and Kapha, with Kapha causing flawed blood which in turn causes the secretion of oil from glands. The end result of this imbalance between the doshas is acne. Out, spot, out!
Basically, according to Ayurveda, our life-styles also play a part in causing acne, besides the usual factors of genetics. People frequently
become tired and lack proper nutrition. Such causes trigger acne, because our bodily doshas become unbalanced and out-of-whack.
Now, onto acne skin care , the Ayurveda way!
The Ayurveda Way
Of course, the basic remedy for balancing the doshas is to have a moderate life-style and a good healthy diet. That is what any physician would say. Eat well, rest well and your body will love you.
Next, you can look at the range of herbs in Ayurveda that control acne. Here is a basic list of plants with their commonly-used Indian as
well as Latin taxonomic names:
Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)
Lajjula
Guduchi (Tinospora Cardifolia)
Kumari (Aloe Vera)
Neem
Extracts are made from these herbs. You can use acne skin care products made from these extracts to use on your face.
Massages. Herbal Packs. These are designed to reduce the inflammation and red-ness caused by acne. Imagine the cooling herbs on your skin and the sense of relief.
Here are some pointers to reduce and prevent further occurrence of acne:
Cut down on opposite foods. [Note: Examples of opposite food are fish and milk, mango and milk and fish and sugarcane juice]
Do not take heavy meals for they cause indigestion in the body.
Reduce the usage of salty and sour food and fish.
Meditate daily to bring your emotions under proper control.
You might say that the above-mentioned regime is not acne skin care. But it is. Ultimately, Ayurveda looks at the overall well being of the person. Balance involves both physical and spiritual aspects of the person. It is not a matter of curing acne but of healing and integrating all three doshas within the body. Our often hectic life-styles can cause disruption in our bodies and acne might be an end-result of this constant imbalance. By altering our life-styles and eating habits, we can bring balance back into our bodies.
Interested?
Now, I have gotten you interested in the natural Ayurveda way of acne skin care. You can read up more about Ayurveda online or go to a Ayurveda practitioner near you. Most of all, start by going natural. Modify your way of life and inner balance will be restored. Acne (and probably other problems) will be minimized. So, the spots will go away and you will end up with a happy and balanced frame of mind and body.