Acne Blog Advice

There are several ways to exfoliate the skin, which is important for someone that has acne, because it should not be done using harsh over the counter exfoliants. This is where natural exfoliants can save the acne flare-ups that can occur and the irritation that some exfoliating products can cause.

The ingredients that are used when making natural exfoliants are things that are regularly found in the kitchen including sugar, both white and brown. One of the odd things that can be used are tomatoes, this is because they have acid when put on pimples can become an active agent in clearing them up. The tomato paste put on the face it should be washed off in approximately an hour.

Lettuce is another item from the kitchen that can be used in treating acne as well as fresh mint juice. Lettuce is used by saturating the leaves in water and using as a rinse for the face, fresh mint juice used nightly can assist in clearing acne naturally. There is also a paste that can be made using fresh mint juice and turmeric powder. This paste is put on the face to treat acne and left for about thirty minutes and then rinsed from the face with lukewarm water. A mixture of a spoon of white sugar, brown sugar and a couple drops of water to make a face scrub is a gentle way to scrub the face to clean without irritating acne.

One of the natural treatments for acne is a mixture of honey and cinnamon; this is made into a paste that is applied to the skin prior to bedtime allowing it to work on the acne affected skin through the night.

When using this honey and cinnamon mixture, the pillow case should be clean and one that will need to be replaced the following morning and the face should be thoroughly cleaned.

The honey and cinnamon when applied to the skin helps to clear acne naturally and at the same time helps to promote healthy skin, without the risk of acne flare-ups.

The mixture is made using a smaller amount of honey than cinnamon in order to make a paste that will stay on the face through the night, but not so dry that it will dry into a hard shell on the skin that could irritate the skin.

One of the ways of treating blackheads is by using steam and is one the most popular methods for removing blackheads. This is done by using steam that is as warm as possible without harming the skin or causing burns over steaming water.

After steaming the face, while the skin is still supple using a mild facial scrub to clean the pores, this helps to remove blackheads. This can be done two or three times a week to keep the skin free of blackheads without aggressively treating the skin.

This is also a good method of removing blackheads for people that have acne as it does not treat the skin roughly or cause acne outbreaks to occur. The most important part of steam removal of blackheads is to be cautious about the type of facial scrub that is used so there is no irritation to the skin.

Acne is considered pimples, zits, blackheads, and whiteheads.  These are all part of the same irritating ailment that affects so many, especially teenagers.  In fact, many people consider acne the most irritating thing about puberty.  At a time when teenagers tend to be very self conscious and are going through physical changes, cracking voices, menstrual cycles, facial hair, and hair growing in strange places, these darn pimples come along to make things even more complex.  Where in the world do they come from?

Common acne is officially known as acne vulgaris.  This blemish producing blight is caused by multiple factors.  During puberty the body produces an excess of the male hormone testosterone.  Also, female menstrual cycles cause changes in the body that throw the hormone balance a bit out of whack.  Add to this the other changes in the adolescent body that begins the process of turning them into adults, and acne is on its way.  Much of the problems caused by acne come from the bacteria that is normally present on skin, a staff like bacteria that grows in abundance, especially in clogged pores filled with dead skin cells.

Other things can cause acne as well, or make it worse.  Being exposed to too much chlorine and the use of steroids can cause a long lasting d nasty type of acne. This can also cause many other health problems.

For many years people thought that acne was caused by poor hygiene, and kids would scrub their faces raw in an effort to open up pores and get rid of pimples and blackheads.  This actually makes the problem worse by damaging the skin.  Also for many years people thought that certain foods would make some people more prone to acne.  Fried foods were blamed, as was chocolate.  This may have been a natural assumption.  Teenagers often eat candy bars, other chocolate foods,  fried foods, such as hamburgers, French fries, tator tots, fish and chips, and fried chicken.  Many people associated oily skin with greasy foods, but there is no medical or scientific connection.  Acne is a nasty, but natural part of growing up.

Most people outgrow acne as their bodies change and puberty ends. By the time they reach their twenties they are through with the ravages of acne.

The two different categories of acne are inflamed and non-inflamed.  Non-inflamed blemishes are called blackheads or whiteheads. The blackhead is in essence the same thing, but it has opened up and become oxidized, creating the darker tint.  Many people think that blackheads come from dirt, but that is not the case.

Inflamed blemishes are commonly called pimples or zits.  These blemishes are usually reddish and inflamed.  The red pimple is classic.      The larger cyst can be even more painful, and it can flair up again and again and may require medical attention.

Back acne can be found on any part of the body and does not necessarily have to be on a person’s back. It can be very severe with large lesions and painful cysts. Back acne may just be something that certain people are prone to or it could be caused by other things such as tight clothing or a heavy backpack. It is easier to treat back acne than to try and prevent it most people suffer from back acne at one time or another.

Skin on the back is much thicker and therefore allows for stronger topical treatments, such as ten percent Benzoyl peroxide. This strength of Benzoyl peroxide is not suitable for other skin that is typically thinner. You can get all the same types of acne on your back just as you can on other parts of your body.

There are some differences in back acne and acne elsewhere on the body. Genetics does not cause back acne as other acnes can be. Some severe cases of back acne may be genetically passed on but most likely it is just the individual’s body type or personal genetic makeup. Unlike other acne, food does not contribute to the formation or flare up of back acne. There is absolutely no evidence that foods cooked in grease, or high in fat content contribute to back acne.

Acne is often regarded as a major teenager’s problem. Although there are adults who suffers from “adult acne”. Adults in their twenties and beyond can still experience acne, and the negative effects of stress adds to the strain of having it pop up in their face.

Studies show that mental stress can be a major cause in developing acne for adults. Women are likely to suffer from it because they are more exposed to stress which they acquire throughout their daily lifestyle. They are also prone to hormonal imbalances, especially at times when they have their monthly menstruation and during pregnancy.

The environment is another factor in adult acne. If your surroundings are always dirty, most likely all the dust will be carried through the wind and eventually land on your face. If left unwashed, these dust and dirt can clog up your pores.

The best treatment is maintaining proper skin care and a healthy personal hygiene.

Watch your diet. Drink enough water and exclude from your meal some oily foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep and rest. Getting enough rest will relax your skin pores and eventually prevent acne from developing.

An adults lifestyle plays an important factor in adult acne. Avoid drinking liquor, alcohol-based beverages and smoking.

Adults may also take acne medications like skin treatments and skin care products. If your acne is very bad see your dermatologist to determine which treatment would be right for you.

1. Exercise – Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. Also, watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment. Wear lose clean cotton clothing.

Always shower and put on clean dry clothing when you finish your workout.

2. Cosmetics – Use products labeled noncomedogenic so that you can avoid clogging your pores and skin irritations.

3. Diet – Studies show that diet does not play a role in the cause or the treatment of acne. You are what you eat. If you eat healthy, so will your skin be healthy. Watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins, minerals.

4. Hygiene – A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them.

5. Shaving – Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face.

Oral Antibiotics

For severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed. These medications are orally taken to reduce the amount of bacteria inside and around skin follicles. They also decrease the exasperating chemicals that the white blood cells produce. Lastly, antibiotics diminish the concentration of the free fatty acids found in sebum, also creating an anti-inflammatory action. Consult your dermatologist for the right antibiotic and dosage.

Tetracycline is still the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for acne treatment. Most of this antibiotic should be taken on an empty stomach. Also, this shouldn’t be used by pregnant women and children under 9. Usually, the starting dose is initially 500 milligrams twice daily and is continuously taken until prescribed, or until a considerable dropping off of lesions is visible.

Erythromycin comes close second and can be prescribed to pregnant women. However, it can cause an upset stomach. Compared to tetracycline, which can only kill’s bacteria, Erythromycin has both anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties. Also, this antibiotic needs to be taken in a food-filled tummy. You may discuss other possible antibiotics with your doctors regarding the effects and side-effects of each.

Topical Treatments

Externally applied creams are also proven effective for acne treatment. However, it is the most effective treatment for severe acne. Benzoyl peroxide is very effective. But be aware that skin cream ointments will leave dry scaly skin patches.

Non-inflammatory acne

Closed comedo:

If the plugged follicle stays below the surface of the skin, the lesion is called a closed comedo. This usually appears on the skin as small, whitish bumps known as whiteheads.

Open comedo :

If the plug enlarges and pushes through the surface of the skin, the lesion is called an open comedo. The dark appearance of the plug is not due to dirt, but due to the buildup of melanin, the pigmentation element of the skin known as blackheads.

Inflammatory acne

Papule:

A small, firm pink bump. The papules are tender in nature and are often considered an intermediary step between non-inflammatory and clearly inflammatory lesions.

Pustule:

Small round lesions that are inflamed and contain visible pus, which appear red at the base with a yellowish or whitish center. Pustules do not contain a large amount of bacteria. The inflammation is caused by chemical irritation from sebum components such as fatty free acids.

Cyst:

These are large pus-filled lesions that are usually present deep within the skin. The cysts are very painful lesions, as they are inflamed. Cysts form as a result of the contents of a comedo spilling over the surrounding skin and due to the response of the local immune system in producing pus. The cysts often leave deep scars.

Acne conglobata:

A rare but serious form of inflammatory acne that develops primarily on the back, buttocks, and chest, there may be severe bacterial infection.