TRIA Acne Blue Light Therapy

What it is:
A revolutionary hand-held acne device that brings the effective, therapeutic power of blue light acne treatment used by dermatologists into your own home.

What it does:
Tria's patented Blue Light penetrates deep within the skin to eliminate acne-causing bacteria at the source. With more than eight times the bacteria-destroying light energy than other devices, Tria delivers an effective dose in the shortest time to clear breakouts fast. Unlike most cleansers and lotions that use benzoyl peroxide to fight breakouts, Tria is gentle enough to use every day without harsh side effects such as redness or irritation. Now you can get the most effective and safest dermatologist-preferred treatment for clearing acne breakouts quickly at home.

What else you need to know:
Acne Clearing Blue Light is FDA cleared for home-use and treats mild to moderate inflammatory acne. The non-UV blue light allows daily, gentle acne treatments without irritation or side effects, the skin contact sensor turns Tria Blue Light on automatically when the tip touches the skin, and patented technology prevents damage to eyes when used as directed. The large treatment tip ensures thorough coverage of skin for optimal results while the sleek hand-held design and contoured handle makes treatments easy. A digital user-interface window easily guides you through treatments and helps troubleshoot errors. Tria's patented Blue Light 2-Month Cartridge supplies 60 days of treatment.

Research results:
In a self-assessment 2-week study:

• 70% affected areas cleared in just 2 weeks
• 93% of participants reported fewer and milder breakouts after 2 weeks
• 77% of participants reported greater improvement with Tria Blue Light versus their prior skincare regimen

Suggested Usage:

Step 1: Cleanse

• Cleanse your face thoroughly to prepare skin for the blue light acne treatment.
• For best results, use Skin Perfecting Foam Cleanser, expertly formulated to exfoliate skin, unclog pores, and remove makeup, oil, sunscreen, and other impurities that can interfere with the Skin Perfecting Blue Light.

Step 2: Treat

• Touch the Tria Blue Light to your skin and glide the large treatment tip over your face.
• Treat the affected area for a total of five minutes once daily or, for your convenience, two and a half minutes twice daily.
• Either treat the entire face or concentrate on those areas of most concern, such as the T-zone, chin, or jaw.
• You may also use the Skin Perfecting Blue Light on the chest, neck, and back to clear and help prevent acne.

Step 3: Nourish

• Restore your treated skin and accelerate skin cell renewal with a serum rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
• The Skin Perfecting Serum is specially formulated to help fight blemishes, calm skin, and brighten discoloration due to blemishes.

Precautions:

• Do not use to treat nodular or cystic acne.
• Do not use to treat moles, warts, open sores, cancerous lesions, or any skin condition other than acne. 

Source: http://www.sephora.com/acne-clearing-blue-light-P378115

10 Oral Medication for Acne

Classified as antibiotics, oral contraceptives or retinoids, oral acne medications treat acne from within. Oral antibiotics kill bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and preventing breakouts. Oral contraceptives treat acne caused by overactive oil glands. Retinoids reduce inflammation and regulate the production and shedding of skin cells. Discuss oral acne medications with your doctor to determine how to treat your acne successfully.

Erythromycin

Erythromycin kills acne-causing bacteria to prevent new breakouts. This drug increases sun sensitivity, so avoid sunlight exposure or wear protective clothing if you have to spend time in the sun. Other side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, vomiting and stomach pain.

Tetracycline

The antibiotic tetracycline treats acne by reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that cause acne. The most common side effects associated with this drug include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhea.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline, a derivative of tetracycline, slows the growth of acne-causing bacteria in the body. This antibiotic increases sensitivity to sunlight, so avoid exposure to artificial ultraviolet rays or natural sunlight during your treatment. Doxycycline also reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills, according to Drugs.com, so use an alternate birth control method during treatment.

Minocycline

Minocycline reduces inflammation and kills bacteria. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports that this oral antibiotic kills bacteria more effectively than other acne pills. The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug leads to reduced swelling, tenderness and redness of pimples.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin suppresses the formation of bacterial proteins, resulting in fewer acne-causing bacteria. Anyone with a history of ulcerative colitis or gastroenteritis should avoid using clindamycin orally. Side effects of clindamycin include peeling skin, rash, itching, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and inflammation of the esophagus.

Bactrim

Bactrim contains trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, which both treat different types of bacterial infections. Avoid this medication if you have an allergy to any of its contents. The side effects of Bactrim include joint pain, insomnia, ringing in the ears, swollen tongue and dizziness.

Ortho Tri-Cyclen

Ortho Tri-Cyclen works to balance the hormones, which prevents the sebaceous glands from producing too much oil. Since oil clogs the pores and increases the risk of acne, this helps prevent acne breakouts. Women who smoke, and those over 35 years of age, should not take this drug due to the risk of blood clots.

Ortho-Cyclen

Ortho-Cyclen contains ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate. Doctors prescribe these hormones to treat severe acne. You should not use this drug if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, breast or uterine cancer, history of circulation problems, liver disease, severe migraines, liver cancer or a history of blood clots.

Isotretinoin

Doctors only prescribe isotretinoin to treat nodular acne that causes severe disfigurement, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who take this drug must use a reliable contraceptive method during treatment, as isotretinoin causes severe birth defects in humans. This drug helps the sebaceous glands to mature, which reduces the amount of oil produced.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin keeps the pores clear to prevent the inflammation that causes acne. This drug also helps replace older skin with new skin. Side effects of tretinoin include hair loss, headache, indigestion, itching of the skin, bloating, anxiety, belching, mood changes, blurred vision, nausea, weakness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/106778-top-oral-acne-medications/

What Vitamins Are Good for Acne ?

Vitamin A

What is it?

Vitamin A is an antioxidant that belongs to the class of compounds called retinoids. The active alcohol form of vitamin A is  known as retinol.  Vitamin A, commonly known as Retin-A, has been prescribed for decades by dermatologists to treat acne topically. Accutane, a prescription oral medication, has been used to treat severe nodular acne by dermatologists for years as well and is also a form of vitamin A. Low levels of this vitamin have been associated with inflammation and acne. In the body, vitamin A is responsible for red blood cell production, immune system support, healthy skin, normal vision, and overall growth and development of the body. Food sources include orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, sweet potatoes, spinach and cod liver oils.

Why is it of value for treating acne?

Vitamin A is essential to the normal shedding of dead skin cells that build up inside the pore and ultimately cause acne- this sticky build up and excess production of skin cells is one of the main causes of acne! Click here to read about other causes of acne. This vitamin functions by preventing this build up that would have otherwise caused a clogged pore. In addition, the antioxidant properties of vitamin A act as an anti-inflammatory for the skin and help to calm swollen, red and sore acne breakouts.
Who should increase their Vitamin A intake?

It is highly recommended that individuals with inflammatory acne on the face and/or body should be eating foods high in vitamin A and supplementing with 10,000 iu’s of vitamin A per day. I have had great success with the Vitamedica Healthy Skin supplement and Clear Skin Formula Daily Packs. If you are pregnant, please consult a physician before starting on vitamin A supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What is it?

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seafood, particularly oily, ocean fish such as mackerel, sardines and anchovies. It is arguably the best anti-inflammatory found in nature.

Why is it of value for treating acne?

Inflammation is at the core of acne (externally and systemically), therefore an anti-inflammatory supplement is key to clearing acne. The inflammation process is triggered at the systemic level and then, with many other factors, causes acne at the skin level. An important side note, inflammation is also connected to nearly all chronic disease such as  diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.

Omega-3 fatty acids work to clear acne by inhibiting two inflammatory chemicals that are responsible for acne breakouts, they are called PGE2 and LTB4. One way to inhibit the production of these two chemicals is with the drug Accutane and the other way is, naturally, with EPA omega-3 fatty acids. To find out if you have inflammatory acne click here. EPA Omega-3 supplements and foods are the best way to put out the flame. Research shows that people consuming diets higher in omega-3 fatty acids, such as in Japan, the coastal regions of North Carolina and Papua New Guinea all have a low rate of acne.
Who should increase their Omega-3 intake?

It is highly recommended that individuals with inflammatory acne on the face and/or body should be eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and supplementing with 2 grams (2,000 mg) of EPA omega-3’s per day. I have had great success with the Vitamedica Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil which contains 800 mg of EPA and 400 mg of DHA per serving (two soft gels) and the Flax Seed Oil. Be sure to check your labels, as you want to have a minimum of 1,000 mg of EPA per day. This is because EPA is the better anti-inflammatory over DHA. Most Fish Oil supplements will contain more DHA than EPA so be sure to check your labels. If you are pregnant, please consult a physician before starting on fish oil supplements.

In addition to supplements, oily fish such as anchovies, sardines and mackerel as well as oils such as flax, walnut and canola oil are fantastic resources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 enriched eggs are also recommended. Soybean, peanut, sunflower, palm oil and other vegetable oils should be strictly avoided as these will make acne worse by stimulating the PGE2 chemical that causes acne.

Zinc

What is it?

Zinc is a mineral that is responsible for contributing to many, many functions within the body. To name a few: growth and develepment, brain function, reproduction and immune function. In food, zinc is in beans, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, whole grains, lean meats and oysters.

Why is of value for treating acne?

Zinc has many important functions for acne clearing. One, zinc assists with the metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids. Two, zinc is an important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory for the skin. Three, zinc helps break down substance P, the nerve chemical that causes sebum production when the body is stressed. Four, zinc is responsible for transporting Vitamin A. an antiacne nutrient, from the liver. Recent studies have shown that people with acne have low levels of zinc in their system.

Who should increase their Zinc intake?

As you can see, Zinc is an important supplement to take with Vitamin A and Omega-3 Fish Oils. Zinc is highly recommended if taking either of these supplements to assist in the uptake and metabolism. It is also recommended as part of a basic supplement regimen for non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Approximately 40 mg per day is the therapeutic dose of zinc. Check all your supplement labels as zinc is often added to a multi-vitamin and the Vitamedica Healthy Skin. If taking the Healthy Skin, no additional zinc is needed.

Selenium

What is it?

Selenium is a minor mineral as well as an antioxidant that works to protect other antioxidants. In can be found in grains, nuts, seafood salmon and halibut.

Why is it of value for treating acne?

Selenium has been proven to work synergistically with as well as preserve the levels of other antioxidants, such as zinc. Selenium functions in glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which is very important in preventing the inflammation of acne. This selenium-dependent enzyme that controls glutathione is low in acne patients, and low levels of blood selenium have also been documented.  Small amounts of selenium and vitamin e have been shown to improve acne, particularly in those with low baseline glutathione enzyme activity. In addition, research has shown that a deficiency in selenium may play a role in inflammatory conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Who should increase their Selenium intake?

Selenium should be taken along with other antioxidants as well as zinc supplements. The Vitamedica Healthy Skin contains 48 mcg of Selenium per dose.

Source: http://www.naturalacneclinic.com/vitamins-to-heal-your-acne/

Natural Face Cleanser for Acne

Home Acne Treatments not only work well, but they save #money. They can also be less abrasive than marketed cleansers. Let’s be real, fighting acne is a pain, but these 7 homemade #acne cleansers are safe for your skin, easy on the wallet, and just overall awesome. The good thing about home acne treatments is they often use natural products instead of harsh chemicals found in over-the-counter or prescription acne treatments, making them ideal for sensitive skin. So, if you want to learn to make your own home acne treatments, keep reading!

1. Olive Oil
I know it seems crazy to put oil on your already oily #acne prone skin. Olive oil has been used for many years as a cleanser and works wonders as home acne treatment. For best results pour a small amount of olive oil onto your hands and massage deeply into the #skin. Allow the oil to sit for at least 3 minutes, then place a steamy towel over the #face. The steam will help pull impurities out of your pores. After the towel cools use it to wipe away the remaining oil.

2. Castor Oil
Castor oil works the same way as olive oil for a home #acne cleanser. The reason why these oils work as facial cleansers is because #skin naturally contains oil. Many of the cleanser we buy are branded as “oil-free.” Water doesn’t dissolve oil, oil dissolves oil. When the oils from the skin are removed, the #body creates even more oil creating oily skin, or it may react by not creating any oil and thus leaving your skin dry. It makes sense to use oil to help gently remove the dirt and oil from your #face to help clear acne.

3. Baking Soda
Baking soda works two ways as an at home acne treatment. First it exfoliates the skin by buffing away dead skin and opening up clogged pores. Another way is the alkaline substance of baking soda kills off bacteria in the #skin that causes acne. To use baking soda, wet your face and then create a paste with #baking soda and water in your hand. Massage the paste into your #face gently for one minute. Finish by rinsing with cool water and patting dry.

4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is not only good for your #body, it does wonders for you skin too. Oatmeal is naturally high in vitamins which makes it perfect to reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne. Create your own at acne treatment by soaking ? a cup of oatmeal in 1 cup of boiling water. After the oatmeal mixture has cooled, apply it to your #face and gently massage the skin. After one to two minutes rinse off the oatmeal.

5. Honey
Honey is another terrific at home acne treatment. Honey contains antibacterial properties and can help hydrate the skin. You can create a simple honey mask just by massaging natural honey into the #skin and allowing it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. One way to enjoy this mask is to apply it before soaking in a warm bath after a long day at work for a little rest and relaxation.

6. Steaming
Steam opens the pores and allows the impurities to escape. Boil a pot of water and then let it cool for a few minutes. Hang your face over the cooled pot of water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam in. After 10 minutes you can remove the towel and dry the steam off your #face.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used as an at home cure for many different #things over the years. Because apple cider vinegar is unprocessed and contains many natural properties it works wonders as an at home acne treatment. To use, mix one part #apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water. Dab the mixture onto the #face with a cotton ball.

Using home acne treatments is so much better for your skin. And as you can see, there are many ways to treat acne naturally at home. Let me know if you tried any of these 7 home acne treatments. Also, do you have recipes for any other home acne treatments you'd like to share?

Source: http://beauty.allwomenstalk.com/simple-but-unbelievably-effective-homemade-acne-cleansers

Best Acne Treatment For Oily Skin

With oily skin and acne, you're probably not always in love with your skin. But oily skin isn't all bad. One bonus: Your skin will be less prone to wrinkling.

Still, oily skin and acne can be frustrating. With the right care, you can treat oily skin and acne, and learn to embrace your skin type.

1. Cleanse Your Face at Least Twice a Day

The best way to keep oil from building up is to cleanse your face regularly. Always wash your face twice a day, both morning and night. No exceptions! You should also cleanse your face immediately after you sweat (like after gym class or working out).

Beware of over-cleansing, though. Too much cleansing can irritate your skin.

Another hint: Choose a foaming cleanser over a cream-based one. Foaming cleansers generally do a much better job cleansing away oil and leave your skin feeling fresh and clean.

2. Use an Astringent

An astringent is another good way to control oil. Astringents are toners that are made especially for oily skin types.

Using a cotton ball or pad, apply your astringent over the entire face and neck area after cleansing. You may also use it between cleansings to clean away excess oil.

Some astringents contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids or salicylic acid that can help clear breakouts, too. But you don't need a fancy brand. Even simple witch hazel works to remove excess oil, and it's super cheap (about a dollar for 16 ounces).

3. Think Oil-Free and Water-Based

Obviously, you don't want to put more oil onto your skin. All products you apply to your face should be oil-free, including moisturizers, sunscreen, and makeup.
You might also prefer water-based acne treatments rather than creams or ointments. Acne treatment gels and solutions feel lighter on the skin.

4. Don't Scrub

Oily-skinned folks especially seem conditioned to scrubbing away at the skin, and it can be a hard habit to break. After all, won't scrubbing at the skin help deep-clean the pores, clear acne and reduce oiliness?

Surprisingly, no. Rubbing the skin with abrasive scrubs, pads, or washcloths won't make your skin less oily and won't improve acne. It will irritate the skin, though.

Oily or not, be kind to your skin and treat it gently.
5. Know Your Pores

Large pores and oily skin seem to go hand in hand. Often, enlarged pores are just as frustrating and upsetting as acne itself.

Instead of spending big bucks on salon products promising to shrink large pores, focus on using your acne treatments. Many of these medications, like topical retinoids for example, make large pores appear smaller while clearing acne. So you're improving the look of your pores while treating acne.
Be patient, though. Just like all good things, improvement takes time. And don't hesitate to call your dermatologist if you need help.

Source: http://acne.about.com/od/treatmenttips/tp/Treat-Acne-And-Oily-Skin.htm

Best Treatment for Hormonal Acne

One of the toughest types of acne to get rid of is hormonal acne. This is because acne is not really the main problem, but simply a symptom of a more serious internal health problem or imbalance. It’s an obvious sign that your body’s crying out for help. That’s why topical skin care products (no matter how amazing) or contraceptive pills or eating ‘pretty healthy’ often still don’t work against stubborn hormonal acne.

My own struggle with acne was primarily due to hormonal imbalances, and it took me a while to figure out hormones, how they relate to acne, and how to eventually cure my own acne. So I know how frustrating it can be when you feel like you’ve tried everything; you’re eating super healthy organic food, taking helpful supplements, using top quality natural skin care products, you’re exercising and meditating daily, you’re detoxing regularly etc…..and you still can’t get rid of your acne completely! I was once at that stage and it just made me feel hopeless and just want to give up :(.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may need some extra help, some more info and a different approach, when it comes to hormonal acne. It’s really helpful and important to not only figure out whether your acne is hormone related (and not just due to toxicity due to years of an unhealthy lifestyle) but also figure out exactly how your hormones are unbalanced, what kind of imbalance it is, how it came to develop in the first place, and what specifically can you do to balance your hormones and regulate your sebum production for your unique situation (since everybody’s health, body, and acne situation is different).

Plenty of times I’ve been to the doctor or dermatologist to try and find out more about my hormonal acne, only to be put on the contraceptive pill (which only made my hormonal balance worse and made me break out even more when I tried to go off it). I felt like it was so difficult to find any real answers, and I spent a lot of years doing my own research, looking through forums, testing things on myself until I finally managed to re-balance my hormones and clear my skin. So I want to share with you what I’ve learnt about hormonal acne in the hopes that it will help you too :).

We all know that one of the main contributors to acne is overactive oil glands in your skin that produce excess sebum (oil) that then collects in your skin, blocking hair follicles and pores. This forms plugs that prevent the normal drainage of oil and also causes dead skin cells to become trapped. Bacteria in your skin then feed on the excess sebum which causes an infection which results in a pimple.

So you can understand why many doctors and dermatologists say excess sebum is the cause of acne. But really, it’s not. Excess sebum is just another symptom of a bigger problem within your body that’s causing it. Instead of getting rid of the symptom (excess sebum) by using harsh drugs and chemicals, we need to actually fix the root cause of excess sebum and acne.

2 Main Causes of Excess Sebum:

1. Toxins
2. Excess Hormones (androgens)

Excess toxins that your body has to expel through the skin can be caused by:

• Sluggish digestion, poor kidney and liver function
• Candida overgrowth
• Bad diet (junk food/low quality food)
• Chemicals in food and environment
• Allergies and Food Intolerances

Hormonal imbalances (particularly excess androgens) also increase sebum production. Hormonal imbalances can be caused by:

• Emotional stress
• Physical stress
• Environmental synthetic hormones (e.g. xenoestorgens in plastic)
• Hormones in animal produce/food
• Contraceptive pills
• Genetic predisposition
• Bad Diet, Poor Nutrition

As you can see, a lot of the root causes of hormonal imbalances are diet, lifestyle and emotional health related. These causes result in certain types hormonal imbalances that I’ve found to be common in acne sufferers:

• Adrenal Stress/Fatigue with elevated Cortisol levels
• Estrogen Dominance (Low Progesterone)
• Hypothyroidism
• Insulin Resistance
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

How Hormonal Imbalances Result In Acne

A lot of you already know that the main group of hormones that help to control sebum production is androgens (male hormones). In particular Testosterone, and even more specifically a type of Testosterone called DHT (which is formed when Testosterone is converted to DHT by an enzyme called 5 Alpha Reductase).

It’s really helpful to realize that hormones are like a team that all work together. They ALL impact each other in different ways. So even though ‘excess androgens’ is what causes increased oil production there can be different reasons why you have excess androgens in the first place. For example, you may be lacking in other hormones that usually balance out androgens and so your androgen production may be a little out of control. You could also have a hormonal imbalance that causes an increase in the enzyme 5 Alpha Reductase so you may have an increased amount of Testosterone being converted to DHT resulting in more oil production and more acne. I don’t want to get too technical, but I guess my point is, different people have different reasons to why they may have excess androgens, and any imbalance in your other hormones can send your androgen levels out of whack too.

The type of hormonal imbalances and their root causes probably need an article each to explain how you can tell if you’ve got a problem with it and what specifically you can do about it. So I’ll write an article on each in the future. But here are a few general things you can do to help balance your hormones overall:

1) De-stress!

Please don’t underestimate the impact this has on your hormones and acne. Any time you’re stressed your adrenal glands pumps out Cortisol that contributes to increased androgens and increased acne.

2) Eat a Low GI Organic Diet

Cut out all bad food, especially stimulants and sugar. Eat low GI, healthy organic food. Cut down on fruits too (even though they’re good, don’t eat too much because the sugar can be stimulating and add stress).

3) Eat plenty of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty can help reduce the production of androgens and balance hormones. People with acne have been shown to have deficiencies in EFAs. You can also apply topically to your body, face and hair for added benefits.

• Flaxseed Oil (15-60ml per day)
• Omega 3 Fish Oil (5ml per day)
• GLA from Evening Primrose Oil (5ml per day)
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Grape Seed Oil
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Avocadoes
• Olives
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Coconut Oil

4) Make sure you’ve got enough of these Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B’s (especially Vitamin B6)
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Vitamin A

5) Herbs that help to balance hormones

• Licorice
• Rhodiola
• Schisandra
• Ashwagandha
• Holy Basil
• Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
• Maca
• Burdock
• Milk Thistle

6) Natural Anti-Androgrens

• Green Tea Extract
• Saw Palmetto
• Nettle
• Spearmint Tea
• Pumpkin Seed Oil
• Emu Oil
• Soy Isoflavones
• Beta Sitosterols
• Alzelaic Acid

These are just some general herbs and important vitamins and guidelines of things that can be very helpful for balancing your hormones overall. Make sure to do your own research to make sure something’s right for you.

The most important thing you should do first is to go and get your hormones tested with a saliva test (more accurate than a blood test). It’ll give you a better picture of what you need to work on, and like I said earlier, I’ll be writing more articles that go into detail on some of the things above that will give you more specifics and hopefully help you :)

Remember, if you’re suffering from hormonal acne and nothing you’ve tried seems to be working, please don’t give up. It may take a while to re-balance your hormones again, but once you do, it will be soo worth it!

Best Acne Treatment for Sensitive Skin

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that while millions of people have sensitive skin, there is no exact definition of what this actually entails. If you have oily skin or skin with high levels of the bacteria P. acnes that results in breakouts; a condition known as rosacea that causes facial flushing, pimples and broken blood vessels; burning and stinging of the skin; and skin allergies, you can alter your acne-treatment regimen to minimize symptoms.

Cleansing

One of the most important parts of any skin-care and acne-treatment regimen is cleansing your skin twice a day. The Acne Resource Center explains that acne-infected skin needs special handling. You should use a mild cleanser. Avoid soaps that have fragrances and dyes, since they may trigger an allergic reaction. You should also wash your skin following a workout or strenuous activity that causes you to perspire. When washing, do not scrub your skin since it can aggravate your irritation. Instead, use an oil-absorbing, microfiber cloth.

Moisturizing
The Mayo Clinic reports that moisturizers help to protect sensitive skin. One ingredient you'll want to avoid is added fragrances. Perfumes do not just give moisturizers a pleasant odor, they also mask the smell of the ingredients used to make the product. Most likely it's the added perfumes that causes your irritation or contact allergies. While you need to moisturize your skin daily, be sure to use a fragrance-free and dye-free product.

Over-the-Counter Medications
Even for people with healthy skin, many over-the-counter acne medications can cause irritation. Benzoyl peroxide works by drying the top layers of dermis and killing the bacteria that causes acne. For some, this topical medication can be extraordinarily drying and irritating. Benzoyl peroxide comes in three formulations, 2.5 percent, 5 percent and 10 percent. Daniel Kern of Acne.org suggests starting with the lowest dose first. Only apply the medication twice a day. If your skin burns, becomes itchy or develops a rash, stop using it.

Salicylic acid slows the cells inside the hair follicle from shedding. Side effects of this medication, according to the Mayo Clinic, are stinging and irritation. You can wash your skin with a cleanser that contains salicylic acid, or use salicylic acid pads to apply the medication directly to your skin. If you find the medication intolerable, it's best to stop using it immediately and try another medication.

Prescription Medications
You should only use a prescription acne medication if your breakouts do not respond to over-the-counter medications. Antibiotics work by killing and reducing the amount of bacteria in and around pores. Doctors typically prescribe clindamycin, erythromycin and other oral antibiotics to treat breakouts. While the side effects of this medication will not affect your skin, the Mayo Clinic indicates that it could cause increased sensitivity to the sun.

Cortisone injections are steroids made from hormones produced naturally in the body. Very rarely does cortisone cause an allergic reaction. This form of treatment is best for large nodules or cystic acne.

Considerations

When treating acne and sensitive skin, you may want to consult your physician or a skin care specialist. A dermatologist will know all the possible side effects affiliated with over-the-counter and prescription acne medication. While you may have a reaction to certain medications, you may only need to reduce the frequency of use, or use a lower dosage, rather than abandoning a very good medication altogether. You can find a skin specialist near you by using the American Academy of Dermatology's dermatologist locator.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/258148-the-best-acne-treatment-for-sensitive-skin/

Homeopathic Treatment For Acne Reviews

Although most common during adolescence, acne can occur at other times in life, especially during times of hormonal shifts. Blackheads or pimples may be a problem on the face, neck, chest, and back when pores become infected or clogged with oil. The bacteria involved are always present on normal skin. Therefore, improving the skin’s resistance to infection is important. Most cases of acne can be resolved through hygiene and nutrition. Remedies may be helpful during flare-ups, but a constitutional remedy, prescribed by an experienced homeopath, is the most appropriate way to deal with severe or persistent skin problems.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Antimonium tartaricum: This remedy may be helpful for acne with large pustules that are tender to touch, with bluish-red marks that remain on the skin after active infection has passed. The person may be irritable, with low resistance to illness.

Calcarea carbonica: If a person with frequent pimples and skin eruptions is chilly with clammy hands and feet, easily tired by exertion, and flabby or overweight, this remedy may help improve the skin’s resistance to infection. People who need this remedy are often very anxious when overworked, and have cravings for sweets and eggs.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: This remedy may be indicated when the skin is easily infected, slow to heal, and painful eruptions like boils appear. The pimples are very sensitive to touch and slow to come to a head; eventually, offensive-smelling pus may form. A person who needs Hepar sulph is usually chilly, sensitive to cold in any form, and feel irritable and touchy.

Pulsatilla: This remedy can be helpful if acne is worse from eating rich or fatty foods, and aggravated by warmth or heat. It is indicated especially around the time of puberty, or when acne breaks out near menstrual periods. The person often has a fair complexion and is inclined toward soft emotions and moodiness, feeling worse in warm or stuffy rooms and better in fresh air.

Silicea (also called Silica): A person with deep-seated acne along with a general low immune resistance, swollen lymph nodes, and a tendency toward fatigue and nervousness may benefit from this remedy. Infected spots are slow to come to a head, and also slow to resolve, so may result in scarring. A person who needs this remedy is generally very chilly, but inclined to sweat at night.

Sulphur: Itching, sore, inflamed eruptions with reddish or dirty-looking skin often indicate a need for Sulphur. Itching may be worse from scratching, and worse from any form of heat—especially bathing or washing. Individuals who need this remedy are often inclined toward convoluted mental notions and tend to give order and neatness a low priority.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

Source: http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2192001.html

Dermatologist Recommended Acne Treatment

When to see a dermatologist

You should see a doctor when treating acne yourself using OTC products isn’t improving your skin condition. Your family doctor or a dermatologist can help even with mild cases of acne. That’s because even mild acne can still potentially lead to scarring, and there is no way of predicting if mild acne will progress to becoming more severe over time.

What are the different kinds of treatment?

No matter how mild or brief acne can be, seeking treatment sooner rather than later is key to getting it under control and limiting the chances of permanent scarring. There’s no telling whether a mild case of acne will progress to a more severe form, continue into adulthood or disappear before you can say goodbye to your teen years.

Acne treatments are aimed at achieving a few things: decrease sebum production, kill acne bacteria (P. acnes), help to normalize skin shedding, and fight inflammation.

Non-prescription Medications (OTC)

For mild acne, you can usually try over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments first before turning to your doctor for help. They are usually milder than prescription-strength products and are readily accessible. OTC acne treatments can include medicated cleansers and topical creams and gels.

Active ingredients usually include salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in various concentrations. Salicylic acid boasts anti-inflammatory and peeling action while benzoyl peroxide is known to cause drying and slight peeling, and it kills bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers and creams are available in concentrations of 5 per cent or less; they are available in higher concentrations (10 per cent) by prescription. Whatever you try, it’s important to stick to the treatment for one to two months before you can see a difference. Visit your doctor if you don’t notice improvement within 6-8 weeks.

What you should know:

• Topical medication should be applied to the entire affected area, not just individual pimples.
• You should also be aware that applying more won’t work better or faster, so apply a thin layer evenly.
• Use product as directed on the label and as recommended by your doctor.
• Products containing benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so reduce your sun exposure and wear sun protection.
• Apply your acne medication first and let it dry before applying any make-up.
• Keep using your treatment even after acne has visibly improved in order to prevent new acne from forming.

Prescription Medications

Prescription-strength acne treatments can include topical formulations, such as antibiotics and retinoids (vitamin A derivatives). Oral (or systemic) medication can include antibiotics, retinoids, or hormonal agents (i.e. birth control pill).

Topical antibiotics (i.e. erythromycin, clindamycin) can be recommended to help control the inflammation associated with the redness and swelling of acne.

Oral antibiotics (i.e. tetracycline, minocycline) are usually indicated for moderate to severe acne of the chest, back, and shoulders. They work by reducing the presence of P. acnes bacteria.

What you should know:

• Generally, topical antibiotics aren’t recommended for long-term treatment, since there is a tendency for antibiotic resistance to occur with prolonged use — meaning that treatment is no longer effective in killing acne bacteria.
• Often, your doctor may prescribe a combination product that contains both benzoyl peroxide and a topical antibiotic.

Hormonal agents such as oral contraceptives (OCs) are recommended for moderate to severe acne (e.g. cystic) after other treatments have failed. Often used for acne that begins or worsens in adulthood. Acne that responds well to OCs is the type of acne that flares up in the “premenstrual” part of the cycle and acne that occurs along the jaw line, which is usually hormonal.

What you should know:

• Acne may worsen in the first one to three months of treatment.
• You shouldn’t take this kind of medication if you are pregnant, since hormonal agents can cause birth defects.
• Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious adverse effects on the heart and blood vessels from use of these hormonal agents.
• Hormonal agents and oral contraceptives are generally not recommended for women over 35.

Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are prescribed only to treat severe cases of acne that doe not respond well to other treatment options. They are available in both topical and oral forms. Topical retinoids (i.e. tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene) help skin cells turn over more efficiently and reduce inflammation. Oral forms (i.e. isotretinoin) are reserved for the most stubborn cases of severe acne.

What you should know:

• Isotretinoin products must not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of severe birth defects and miscarriage when used for any length of time. (Health Canada warns that taking even a single dose can affect a developing fetus.)
• You must avoid pregnancy or breastfeeding while using isotretinoin products, since they may harm a child.
• When treating women of childbearing age, doctors must strictly follow the manufacturer’s risk management program, including educating the patient about potential risks of this drug; information about birth control options; and having the patient sign a consent form, among other things.
• Oral isotretinoin products have been linked to depression and even suicide in some people. They can also increase your chances of developing diabetes, liver disease or heart disease in those with a family history.
• Isotretinoin products may also increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and cause reduced night vision, which can come on suddenly.
• Topical retinoids can cause redness and peeling, so you should avoid using them near the eyes, mouth or nose.

Why it is important to stick with treatment?

Once your doctor has prescribed a treatment for you, you should use it properly and keep using it for as long as your doctor recommends. Many kinds of acne medication initially cause dryness, visible peeling, flaking, redness, irritation, and/or possibly even acne flare-ups. In some cases, acne can get worse before it gets better. Any of these unwanted effects can lead some patients to stop treatment early and even report to their doctor that it isn’t working. That’s why it’s vital to ask and understand why your doctor prescribed a certain treatment, how to use it, how long to use it, what results to expect and when you can expect to see an improvement in your skin.

Your doctor may suggest easing into a treatment regimen to allow your skin to get used to it. For example, s/he may advise you to apply a topical treatment for 15 minutes at first, then double the time daily until you get to four hours. Your skin should be used to the product by then, so you should be able to apply and leave it on all day or night without any significant irritation. An alternative approach is to alternate the days you use a product, so you would use it one night and skip it the next night until your skin gets used to it. Any skin irritation due to treatment should subside after a few days of use.

Source: http://www.dermatology.ca/skin-hair-nails/skin/acne/when-to-see-a-dermatologist-2/

How To Cure Back And Body Acne

When I was on the Waikiki beach a few months ago, I saw this guy hanging out with his friends on the shore. While every other guy was wearing boardies (thankfully not tiny speedos), this one guy in particular was wearing a t-shirt as well. And not a sun smart I’m-protecting-myself-from-UV kind of t-shirt, it was just an ordinary t-shirt. And I could see his acne creeping up from underneath the back of his shirt and up his neck.

Back acne, or ‘bacne’, can be just as embarrassing, if not MORE embarrassing than facial acne if it’s severe enough. Some people, (and it’s usually men) can even feel the need to cover it up all the time, just like this guy did in Waikiki.

Why do we get body acne?

We get body acne pretty much for the same reasons why we get facial acne. The strongest difference being back acne can often be induced by sweat. So wearing a backpack or doing a lot of sport that makes you sweaty can bring on a body acne breakout. An allergy to the laundry detergent you’re using to wash your clothes can also cause a body acne breakout.

How to treat back and body acne

Treating back or body acne is similar to treating acne on your face. You need to take a holistic approach and treat your body both inside and out. So this means following the steps in this guide first: 7 Steps To Acne Free Skin

If your body acne is mild …

It also depends a lot on the severity of your acne. If your back or body acne is mild, then you’ll likely be able to cure it with just regular exfoliation. This means keeping some kind of abrasive bath cloth in the shower or exfoliating body scrub and using it every single day. You’ll probably find that your acne will clear within a couple of weeks.


When I was in my teens I used to get mild back acne. I kept some body wash in the shower, along with one of those little puff ball things that’s designed to be used with body wash (I don’t know what they’re actually called so I found a picture for you). I found this abrasive enough to exfoliate my skin daily, but still gentle on my skin. You can use a loofah if you want, but I find loofahs a little too harsh on my skin.

Using this exfoliation method, the skin on my back would always clear within two weeks.

There are other ways to exfoliate your acne prone back too, like using a skin care product such as an exfoliating body scrub. There are plenty of brands available, and plenty of natural options around too. Body exfoliation products often contain abrasive particles like sugar or salt which work by gently ‘scratching’ your skin I guess to exfoliate all the dead skin cells and toxins off.

You can also use a chemical deep pore cleanser, or a combination of both the deep pore and surface exfoliation.

Moderate to severe body acne

If your body acne includes a lot of inflammations (pussy heads), then it’s best not to use the abrasive exfoliants for now so you don’t spread the bacteria. Instead, you should try using a deep pore exfoliator and/or anti-bacterial wash. It’s great if you can get a combination of the two, because the deep pore exfoliant keeps your pores clear, while the anti-bacterial helps prevent the actual acne bacteria from spreading.

The active ingredient in deep pore exfoliants is usually salicylic acid and there are plenty of options available in drug and grocery stores. Make sure you purchase something that is made for the body and not the face, because body products are often a little more robust. You can also try looking for a glycolic acid natural product, but they may be hard to find.

As for the anti-bacterial wash, I love tea tree oil products for the body. Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial and it works beautifully for most people. But anything that is an anti-bacterial (chemical or natural) will do.

Also, as usual, make sure you check any new products up on MUA.

So in case I’ve confused anyone, here is my action plan for back and body acne …

For mild body acne:

• Exfoliate your body in the shower or bath once per day, using a surface exfoliant (abrasive bath sponge or body exfoliant skin care product with abrasive particles) OR a deep pore exfoliator (such as a salicylic acid or glycolic acid product).

For medium to severe body acne:

1. Use a deep pore exfoliator, such as a salicylic acid or glycolic acid product once per day.
2. Use an anti-bacterial body wash, preferably a natural product once per day.

If you can find a product that is both a deep pore exfoliant AND an anti-bacterial, that’s the most desirable option.

Note: Also MAKE SURE you continue to treat your acne using holistic methods to ensure your acne does not come back after you discontinue the use of any products that you’re using. Holistic methods will also help your skin clear a lot faster.

Source: http://www.highonhealth.org/how-to-cure-back-and-body-acne/

Prescription Acne Medication Reviewed

Prescription acne medication is a must for the most severe cases of acne. For mild to moderate common acne, however, other combinations of treatments sometimes get better results. And even if you need strong prescription acne medication to fight nodules, cysts, and joint disease caused by acne, you will need the same simple, commonsense measures to keep acne from coming back.

This article will review the prescription acne medications from low-potency to high-potency, with suggestions on how to make each medication work optimally well.

Summary:

• Always discuss options when you are offered prescription acne medication.
• Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide may be easier to use and produce far fewer side effects that prescription benzoyl peroxide.
• In the United States, minocycline is the preferred antibiotic for acne. In Canada, clindamycin is offered to children, teens, and young adults to prevent staining of their teeth.
• Never pick out your own antibiotic for acne, even if antibiotics are available without a prescription in the country where you live. It is important to avoid getting a secondary infection that can be much worse than acne.
• Topical tretinoin can treat both acne and wrinkles.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide, also known as BP, is the world’s most frequently prescribed acne treatment. The problem with prescription benzoyl peroxide usually is that it is too strong to use over the whole face. Most people experience stinging, burning, itching, flaking, peeling, and redness when they use benzoyl peroxide gels that contain more than 5% benzoyl peroxide, and doctors often start off their patients at 10% or more.

Ask your doctor about starting with a milder formula of benzoyl peroxide, as low as 2 to 2.5%. These products are much less likely to cause side effects that make you want to stop treatment. Save stronger benzoyl peroxide products for spot treatments—but be forewarned that a stronger produce may make the pimple even redder before it heals.

If you have Asian skin, use a vitamin E product in addition to benzoyl peroxide. The vitamin E will reduce the production of pigment that can discolor the skin even after acne heals.

Antibiotics

In the United States, dermatologists usually treat acne with minocycline. In Canada and Europe, dermatologists usually reserve minocycline for patients who are past the age of 22.

The reason to be careful with minocycline is that it can stain growing teeth, causing a condition known as “blue smile.” American dermatologists insist that if your teeth turn black or blue after you use their prescription, something else must be the problem, but European doctors—who in most cases can’t be sued—take the safer and more conservative route and treat acne with clindamycin ointments instead of minocycline. In Canada, doctors may also offer a clindamycin pill, but in Europe, doctors will offer clindamycin ointments because of a strain of bacteria known as Clostridium difficile in Europe that is more severe after treatment with oral clindamycin.

Tetracycline drugs are still use to treat acne, but they can cause stomach upset, and they are not safe for people who have kidney problems. Other antibiotics are used to treat acne and other infections occurring simultaneously, but the fluoroquinolone antibiotics used for combination treatment, such as Cipro, can’t be used if you eat certain citrus fruits.

Don’t choose antibiotics on your own, even if you live in a country where antibiotics are available without a prescription. Using the right antibiotic for the right period is essential for killing acne bacteria without increasing the risk of another infection.

Tretinoin

Tretinoin, also known as Retin-A, is a chemically activated form of vitamin A. It is available as a pill and in the form of gels that can be applied directly to acne-prone skill.

The way tretinoin works is by locking into receptors on the surface of a special class of skin cells known as keratinocytes. These are the cells that create baby skin cells that mature as they travel from the basal layers of skin to the surface. Increasing the production of these cells causes the skin to stretch and grow around pores, opening them without any need of deep-cleaning cleansers or, in the case of nodules and cysts, lancing or surgery. Retin-A is also anti-inflammatory and encourages the growth of white blood cells that fight infection, while it shrinks the glands that make sebum.

The problem with oral Retin-A is that it can cause problems in the liver and central nervous system. It can also overstimulate growth in the human embryo, and cause birth defects if taken during the first month or pregnancy. And a significant problem with Retin-A is that it can stimulate so much growth in the skin that new skin blemishes occur.

The best way to use Retin-A is as a gel applied directly to the skin. Products for this purpose are labeled as “topic tretinoin.” You don’t have to get a prescription, and the product is much less expensive over-the-counter than from the pharmacy. Results can be very fast, and you can control the amount of tretinoin you apply to your skin to limit irritation. Using both benzoyl peroxide and topical tretinoin, at different times of day, can prevent new infections as the skin opens up around pores.

Accutane, Tazorac, and Differin

Accutane, Tazorac, and Differin are medications that work in much the same way as Retin-A, but they have very different side effects.

• Accutane (isotretinoin) takes about 5 hours to enter the bloodstream and lasts about 24 hours. It is a strong stimulant to skin growth that can cause significant side effects. In the United States, doctors will require all women of reproductive age to use not just one but two forms of birth control to prevent genetic damage to unborn babies.
• Tazorac (tazarotene, also sold under the trade name Avage) is used as a cream, gel, or lotion applied to the skin. The gel form is best for acne. It begins working immediately and lasts about 36 hours, with very little absorption into the bloodstream. Creams and lotions can clog pores and cause whiteheads and blackheads, however. It cannot be used by people who have eczema, it should not be used after a sunburn, and it should not be used for more than 10 days at a time. Some people who take this drug are more sensitive to sun after they eat celery or celeriac or after they take St. John’s wort.
• Differin (adapalene) is also used as a cream, gel, or lotion applied to the skin. As with Tazorac, the gel form is best for acne. Sometimes Differin is combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent infection of surrounding skin as cysts and nodules open. The product works by keeping pores from being covered with new skin, and is best for people who need to keep cyst-prone skin clear.

There are many other medical treatments for acne—most of which have severe side effects or very specialized applications. For the best non-prescription clear skin maintenance system, consider Exposed Skin Care.

Source: http://www.facingacne.com/top-prescription-acne-treatments-reviewed/

Chemical Peels For Acne Scars at Home

Acne scars can be the unfortunate remnant of acne lesions that damage the collagen layers of skin. The result is a depressed or raised portion of skin that can mar an otherwise healthy complexion. One of the treatments for acne scars is a chemical peel, in which a concentrated form of chemicals is applied to remove scarred skin cells, allowing healthy cells to grow in their place. Different types of chemical peels exist, and each has its benefits in treating acne scars.

Phenol Peel

A phenol chemical peel is one of the deepest peels available and must be used under a physician's supervision. This deep peel penetrates deeper into the layers of skin, beyond the epidermis to the dermis layer underneath and requires between one and two hours to apply, according to DocShop.com. This type of peel has been shown to improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, which are pitted scars on the face, according to Derma Network. However, because this peel requires major damage of the skin, it is important to be aware of the side effects, including discoloration and infection.

Glycolic Acid

A glycolic acid peel is a superficial chemical peel that does not penetrate beyond the epidermal, or outer layers of skin, according to Derma Network. These types of peels are derived from sugarcane. The small nature of the glycolic acid molecule allows for deeper penetration into the skin's pores and then encourages the release of dead skin cells, thus improving the appearance of the skin. According to DermaDoctor.com, this superficial type of peel may help to reduce only minor acne scars and can also reduce some of the redness associated with acne scarring.

Trichloracetic Acid

Trichloracetic acid is used for medium facial peels, which require less recovery time than deeper chemical peels, according to DocShop.com. However, this is able to penetrate more deeply than a superficial peel, working to reduce the appearance of fine lines, blemishes and pigmentation irregularities, such as spots from sun damage. This type of peel also is effective in removing acne scars and can prove a good option for those with darker skin, as the peel is less likely to have the side effects of pigmentation irregularities, which can be associated with deeper peels, such as a phenol peel.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/155976-the-best-chemical-peels-for-acne-scars/

How To Lighten Acne Scars

Before I say anything else can we talk about how much I love you all to death? You all literally and absolutely made my week after being so nice about my return to over-sharing and enthusiasm for face creams.

In return for how joyous you made me, as requested, I am gonna let y’all know how I got my skin back to normal, post-trauma-breakout.

So, it turns out that my distress at having bad skin didn’t stop when the acne cleared up because (duh) I was left with scarring. This prolonged my state of self-hatred and distress far longer that ought be acceptable for someone who spends so much time in therapy. What does having imperfect skin mean to me? How does it make me feel? It means I feel POWERLESS, OK?

However, I have been taught to see everything as a gift and opportunity to learn and in that weird, 12-steppy, Melody Beattie sense, it was a magical experience that gave me the chance to explore a new avenue of beauty products: skin-lightening treatments.

Micro Dermabrasion For Acne Scars Removal

I can distinctly remember when I had acne 20 years ago (had it for 4 years in my teens). I can especially remember how it made me feel which is why I can sympathize with you -- if there is one skin disorder that can really mess up someone in their early life, acne is it. Apparently (and this is quite shocking) more than 80% of all teenagers suffer from acne and more than a quarter of them will have permanent, visible acne scars. About 20% of all adults also suffer from active acne. That certainly helps put things into perspective!

Does Micro Dermabrasion Work On Acne Scars Removal ?

Before I can explain how micro dermabrasion helps with acne scars, it's important to understand how acne works. Basically, acne is a medical skin condition in which oil and dead skin cells clog the pores, causing pimples, blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, or more severe problems, like nodular or cystic acne.

Some of the sebaceous glands in the skin produce oil (also called sebum) in excess. Oil combines with cells found on the walls of these glands and clogs your pores. The result are pimples which can appear on your face, neck, arms, shoulders chest or your back.

What I do know for certain is that micro dermabration works on superficial acne scars. But the question remains: does it help fade deeper acne scars as well? (for acne treatment, read my article on micro dermabrasion for acne).

Basically, microderm abrasion peels off a very, very fine layer of skin (but thicker than the one removed by regular facial peel) where superficial acne scar cells are stuck. I had many superficial scars on my cheeks (but no red marks) which faded to the point of becoming invisible after a full spa microdermabrasion treatment (I suspect the results wouldn't have been any different in a clinic).

I needed 12 micro dermabrasions before the scarring on my cheeks had almost faded, though I could see improvement after the first few abrasions. Before I started the micro dermabrasion treatment I was told there are things I can do to improve the results. I drank lots of water, avoided alcohol and smoking and kept my skin clean and well moisturized. I cannot say exactly what effect these had on the final results but I'm sure they are better because of them.

I often meet people with moderate or deep acne scars who have been left disappointed with micro dermabrasion (particularly with over-the-counter products). The fact is that micro dermabrasion kits don't work on deep acne scarring (many websites selling home micro abrasion products conveniently fail to tell you that) but neither does spa or medical microderm abrasion. Severe acne marks need more aggressive procedures like chemical peels and laser resurfacing which go deeper into the skin than micro dermabrasion can.

While home micro dermabrasion kits cannot compare to the professional procedure in terms of effectiveness, some brands like Youthful Essence do a good job at removing some of the more superficial skin imperfections. Dermanew is also very good (very professional-like results and components) though much more expensive.

Best Acne Scar Removal Products

Acne Scar Removal Products

For most women, facial scars and marks are of great concern. Most facial scars are as a result of acne breakouts. In case there was inflammation when one suffered from acne, the resulting healing process causes scarring as a result of uneven tissue texture and color.

Many products can be used to give one a clear skin. Though these may not remove the scarring, they can help in making the scarring less visible. One of the underestimated aspects in concealing acne scars is makeup. Good quality concealers and foundation can help in the short term to camouflage scars caused by acne. This is more so after the acne has healed but the process of scarring is not yet over.

For long-term purposes, there products available. Different products will be suitable for different types of skin and scars. These should be effective in evening out the skin tone and texture. The products could be in the form of chemical peels, creams, serums, gels and acne scar removal creams. Some of the available products in the market include:

• Clinique Better Skin Tone Corrector: This product is a serum which contains ingredients such as Vitamin A and C and mushroom extracts. It is great in fading hyper-pigmented acne scars. This it does by evening out melanin in the skin and brightening the skin’s complexion. One can expect to see results after three weeks of consistent use.
• Neutrogena Acne mark fading peel: It contains salicylic acid and Xanthan gum extract. These are effective in sloughing off the scarred skin. By getting rid of the dead skin, the skin remains brighter and radiant. Regular use enhances the fading of the scars and an even skin tone. It has to be applied at least three times in a week for results to be seen.
• Murad Post Acne Lightening Gel: This contains aloe vera extracts, alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid as well as hydroquinone. It works well for people with pitted scars. It is easily absorbed into the skin as it is lightweight. In case you are concerned about the fact that it contains hyroquinone, its percentage is the allowable maximum of two percent. Depending on the severity of the scars, it takes between four to six weeks for the acne scar treatment to be effective.
• Skinceuticals Retinol: This contains rosa canina leaf extracts and retinol. Retinol is effective in diminishing the scar’s appearance. It can help even when the scars are mature.

Before settling for more aggressive methods of getting rid of scars, it is important to try out the above. These can achieve the end results while saving one a lot of money. The best acne scar removal products are those that are appropriate for the type of skin under treatment as well as the type of acne scars that one wants to get rid of.

Best Acne Scar Removal Products – Top Scar Removal Product

The best acne scar removal products are normally rated depending on buyer statistics. The numbers are usually driven by how well a product works, whether it has any side effects and its cost. Customers will always want to get value for their money and will thus go for what they believe is worth the amount they are parting with. The best products for acne scars removal should therefore have the following qualities:

• Be effective in removal of scars.
• Take a reasonable time to be effective.
• Be affordable.
• Contain safe ingredients.
• Have minimal side effects.

Best Acne Scar Removal Products over Counter

There are many products for removing scars caused by acne. It is therefore easy to find yourself hard pressed in making a choice. The best acne scar removal products over the counter are those that have been known to be effective. Before purchasing, ask around from friends and family. These are the best people to make referrals.

Another source of information would be the internet. You could get both the positive and negative sides of a product from people who have used it. Once you check these out, you can make an informed decision and know what is likely to be the best for you.

Acne Scar Remover Ingredients

There are some ingredients that are known to be active in the process of acne scars removal. These are also very likely to be found in products available over the counter. These acne scar remover ingredients are what contribute to the effectiveness of these products. Some of these and the roles they play include:

Tretinoin speeds up the remodeling of the skin. It can be used as an acne scar remover for new scars.
Alpha and beta Hydroxy acids are also great in remodeling of the skin. They can be used in removal of acne scars. When applied in the right concentration and pH, they can serve this purpose without causing any harm to the skin.

While making use of these removers, it is important to know that failure to protect the skin from the sun contributes to further skin damage. Acne scars could be aggravated by the direct exposure. Wear a good sunscreen protection to hasten recovery of the scarred area and to prevent the treated area from becoming hyper-pigmented.

Best Acne Scar Remover

The best remover of scars caused by acne for a given individual should facilitate minimization of the visibility of the scar. Whether a remover will work or not will depend on what type of scar one has, how old the scar is, one’s healing process and their reaction to treatment.

The best of them all should be affordable, easily accessible and should not harm the skin. It should help in decreasing the visibility of the acne scar without leaving some more marks on the skin.

Source: http://www.beautyhows.com/best-acne-removal-products-otc-remover/

Acne Scar Removal Surgery

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the U.S. While most teenagers experience acne to some degree, acne occurs in adults as well. Acne can include “blackheads” and “whiteheads” caused by blocked pores, pimples, and deeper lumps such as cysts or nodules. Acne may occur anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the face, neck, shoulders, back, chest, and upper arms.

Acne can often cause a great deal of emotional distress, particularly when it results in scarring which can become quite severe. Fortunately, there are solutions for improving acne and acne scarring. These include chemical peels, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, soft tissue fillers, and laser or pulsed light treatments.  Dr. Miller and Dr. Steinbrech perform acne scar treatments on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO accredited office-based facility at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City. They will work with you to choose the best treatment for your individual needs. 

Chemical Peels.
Chemical peels use a chemical solution which is applied to the skin to remove the damaged top layers. There are different types of chemical peels available, from light to stronger peels, and these may be comprised of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, or phenol. Chemical peels are able to improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars. In general, the deeper peels are more effective on acne scarring, though they do carry a greater risk and more extensive recovery.

Dermabrasion.
Dermabrasion uses an abrasive tool which removes the outer layers of damaged skin in order to resurface the skin and improve its appearance. Varying techniques may be used, though deeper methods are typically more effective on acne scarring. However, these may include a more involved recovery and greater risk. Dermabrasion may not be effective on deep ice pick scars.

Microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is often classified as light or very superficial dermabrasion. This technique uses aluminum oxide crystals to remove the outermost layer of skin in order to resurface it. It can improve acne scarring to some degree, as well as hyperpigmentation caused by acne, and will leave the skin smoother and refreshed in appearance. This is a painless procedure with no associated recovery or downtime. However, up to 15 treatments may be necessary to effectively treat acne discoloration.

Soft Tissue Fillers. 
Soft tissue fillers, also referred to as dermal fillers or injectable fillers, are substances which add volume to the skin. Fillers can be used to improve acne scarring by filling in pitted or depressed areas. However, the results are temporary and repeat injections are needed to maintain their effect.

Laser/Pulsed Light.
Laser or Pulsed Light treatments use a high-energy beam of light to destroy the outer layers of the skin to reveal newer, undamaged skin. They can effectively treat acne scarring but may involve some downtime and risk.

Source: http://www.gothamplasticsurgeryny.com/acne-scar-removal.html

Deep Acne Scar Treatment

If you are looking for treatment for deep acne scar occurrences on your skin, there are several options to choose from. Which is best for you will depend on your skin and the type of scar that you have.

MicroDerm Abrasion For deep acne scar

Microderm Abrasion is a technique performed by a plastic surgeon, sometimes in conjunction with a chemical peel. It removes the top layer of skin on the premise that the new skin underneath will be  free of deep acne scar problems.

The skin can take a long time to heal after this treatment and sometimes reacts badly to the process. Some people end off more badly scarred by the abrasion than they were by their acne. On darker skinned people it can cause pigmentation changes that will take a long time to fade. It is also very expensive.

Microderm abrasion is very hard to control and can go wrong even in the most expert hands. Think hard before deciding on this treatment.

Microderm abrasion is a gentler technique that may be performed by a dermatologist or even a beauty parlor rather than a plastic surgeon. It is not so likely to cause new scars but will only be effective on scarring that was mild already.

Punch Grafts

This is a surgical treatment for pitted acne scars that involves removing the scarred area and inserting a graft, usually taken from behind the ear. Local anesthetic will be given. Removal is quick and even the placing of the graft does not take long. The treated area will be dressed for a week and then should steadily heal.

Punch grafts are sometimes used on deep scars before a chemical peel or dermabrasion is applied to make the area smoother.

This technique works best on deep but small ice-pick type scars. It is not so effective on large areas of scarring.

Collagen Injections as Deep Acne Scar Treatment

Collagen is a substance produced by the body when forming and repairing skin. It can be injected into deep acne scar areas to help the process along. Think of it as being like Botox: it plumps out the flesh under the skin so the scar is hidden, but it is a temporary measure. Within 6 months the injected collagen will be reabsorbed by the body and if the scar has not healed by itself in that time, it will be visible again. You would then need another treatment.

Collagen may be human-sourced or cattle-sourced. Collagen from cows is cheaper but cannot be used on some people, e.g. if you have an autoimmune disease including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for deep acne scar can be very effective but it is probably the most expensive treatment out there. Expect to pay $300 to $500 per session. For some types of scars one treatment is enough, but for others you may need up to 10 sessions.

Laser treatments for acne scars vary in the type of laser that is used. Some aim to smooth the skin, others are for reducing redness. Carbon dioxide laser treatment actually removes affected tissue. The stronger kinds of laser treatment can cause redness that may last for several months.

When you understand your options, you should consult with a dermatologist to help you choose which treatment for deep acne scar is best for your situation.

Source: http://www.acneinfotoday.com/the-best-treatment-for-deep-acne-scar-reviews.html

How To Reduce Redness of Acne Scars Overnight

Alright, easy and simple, let me say a few things first..

So my brother has scars all over his face pretty much, acne scars.. And they look to be pretty deep, and red.. Not so pretty, So blah blah I head downstairs, and my moms like.. Desperately trying to try this magic plant that reduces redness like crazy lol.. Luckily i dont have scars, i just have red marks both sides of my cheeks.. But, still noticeable and not so attractive..

So, the next day.. he tried this magic plant, applied it in the Night time.. Next time he woke up.. His scars were MUCH lighter, more of a pinkish color. Even most of it completely faded on the forehead area, i was like..
So yeah, he got his hopes up, liked the results.. and stopped doing it for some reason.. Im like, dude.. Why stop? One night too much for ya? keep doing that shit xD .. So he did, and its even more better the next day..

So hell, I decided to try it on my red marks.. Now, here's some information about my marks.

• My red marks are over 2 year's old..
• Texture is smooth and flat on the surface on my skin, only a few little bumps.
• I do not get break outs on my cheeks anymore, Never on the red mark area.. only on the forehead, but rarely.
• Covers both sides of my cheeks completely.. Very Red blahblah

Okay, anyways, I decided to try it.. like, 2 nights ago? xD.. so i first.. went in the bathroom, splashed some water on my face, got this "magic plant" directly from the plant, snapped a peice of it.. and applied it to all infected areas that have red marks. Ooo, it really tightens your skin, and moist it as well. but NO smell, and it feels fresh:).. Hell, its 100% natural.. instantly from the plant.

Alright let's cut the chase, next morning my 2 year old ugly ass marks.. the first night, the redness was completely reduced.. I'de say about 50% of the redness was Gone.. I shit you not.. And it evens the skin tone, giving it a rich natural look. Next morning i woke up, GUESS WHAT, yeah.. it started fading the marks now.. Now my marks improved the second night. So im deff gonna keep this shit up biggrin.gif..

What is this magic plant? of course! Aloe plant.. Snap a peice, and apply that sticky shit to your face. how complicated is that?

Instructions on how I apply:

• Wash face first, always.. Use warm water. Do not rub the face, be gentle.
• Only dry your face a Tad bit, let the water moisten your face a bit.
• Take the plant, apply to your finger, or Cotton, whatever you wish.. And gently rub all over the infected areas. Marks, scars, NOTE: this doesn't do much for live Acne, just old marks and scars.
• Let the shit stay on your face.. dont wash it off, let it moist and do its work.
• Apply morning/night time, i prefer night time though, i dont give a shit how moisty my skin looks when im sleeping:D. Since the skin and all your body likes to do its healing proccesses while you sleep.
• Wake up, look in the mirror, satisfied? Smile a bit and dont give up like a moron.

Note: If you dont see results the first night.. Apply more, Too much is no such thing with this plant. Give it a few more nights if needed.. But in most cases, it works the first night.

Source: http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/286871-reduce-the-redness-for-your-red-marks-over-night/

How To Remove Acne Scars on Face

How to Remove Acne Scars from Face – On Face

Acne on the face can make one self conscious. The situation is made worse when one is left with acne scars on the face after the acne is long gone. This situation can be corrected by exploring various ways on how to remove acne scars from face.

There are many options from which one can choose on how to remove acne scars on face. For people with scars caused by acne that are sunken below the skin’s surface, fillers such as collagen or fat can be used. These are injected into the depressed scars caused by acne in the face thus filling in the pits and lessening appearance of the scars. The results are immediate but temporary. Repeat injections will have to be done every six months.

Dermabrasion is another option which involves the sanding of the scarred area. This is done using a wire brush. When the top scarred layer is removed, the skin gets bruised. As it heals, new skin forms. This is normally smoother, well contoured and has a regular color. It grows free of the scarring.

Chemical peels, also known as chemabrasion, also work by removal of the top skin that is scarred. While dermabrasion is manual, chemical peels make use of acidic solutions to remove the top layer. Once the scar tissue has peeled off, new skin growth is stimulated.

Lasers are another option for removal of scars caused by acne on your face. It is effective in removing scar tissue through the use of light in a process known as photo-rejuvenation. The dermatologist removes the scar’s top layer of the skin. Different laser types and light wave lengths are available for different scars and types of skin. The dermatologist examines the scars and decides what is most suitable.

Other than the medical procedures for acne scar treatment on the face, there also are home remedies to get rid of acne scars. One way through which one can treat the scars at home is by the use of topical application products. These come in the form of serums, gels, creams and lotions.

The main ingredients to look for in these creams include ascorbic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acids. There are some that are available over the counter while others are prescription strength. They work by lightening the scar and exfoliating the dead skin cells but take longer for the effects to be felt. This could be anything from weeks to six months depending on severity and age of the scars.

There also are natural home remedies. These include honey, egg whites, vinegar and lemon juice. These need to be used consistently for them to yield results. For people who are sensitive or those with new scars, they should start off by trying these.

How to Remove Acne Scars from Face Fast

If you have been wondering how to remove acne scars from face fast, the secret lies in knowing what is right for your skin as well your type of acne scar. Knowing your acne scar types and what works best for them will go a long way in ensuring a lasting solution.

How to Remove Acne Scars from Face Naturally – At Home

For people who are not ready to face the knife or needle, at home options provide a solution to remove acne scars from face naturally. These are cheap, easy to use, readily available and non-invasive. They tend to be effective as long as one is committed to the treatment regimen.

Baking soda is one of the home remedies. It is exfoliating in nature which enables it to slough the dead skin cells. This minimizes the appearance of the scars. All that one needs to do is mix two parts of baking soda powder with one part of water. Massage this on the face in gentle motions. Give more attention to the scarred areas. Leave the paste to dry on the face before rinsing it off and patting dry.

Honey is another at home remedy for scars caused by acne. It possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities which enable it have a soothing effect as well as get rid of inflammation on scars. It is also moisturizing and non-irritating. This makes it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Use a q-tip to dab raw honey on the scarred area.

Best Way to Remove Acne Scars on Face

People have varying skin qualities. This makes us all have different skin texture, color tone and even sensitivities. There is therefore no single acne scar removal method that can work for every one. The best way for removal of scars caused by acne on face should:

• Be known to work for the kind of scars we have
• Be affordable
• Have minimal if any side effects.
• Be easily accessible

Tips To Remove Acne Scars from Face

Getting to settle for the best method on facial acne scar removal takes some efforts. With help though, the process is made easy. Among some of the tips that should help you in this are:

• To arrive at the best method, book an appointment with a dermatologist. They will examine the scar and let you know which the best method to adopt for removal is.
• When venturing out, protect yourself from sun rays by wearing a high SPF product. Wide brimmed hats could also help. These will help prevent the scars from becoming more pigmented.
• During the treatment period, avoid using hot water on the area of treatment as it can be very drying.
• If you are in the habit of picking the already formed acne scars, ditch that habit to enhance healing.

Source: http://www.beautyhows.com/how-to-remove-acne-scars-from-face-fast-naturally/

Tips How To Minimize Acne Scars

Most people with mild or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. In cases of severe acne, however, scarring is almost inevitable. But don't give up hope -- new acne treatments can minimize scarring and existing scars can be removed with a variety of techniques.

Most pimples leave behind a discolored patch of skin. This is not really a scar and will usually clear up by itself within one year. Marks or skin defects that remain longer than one year are considered to be scars and can be treated.

Preventing Acne Scars

Acne scars can be prevented through a program of active treatment and self-control. One of the worst things you can do to pimples is to pick them. Some people try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads but this is the worst thing that you can do. Not only will the bacteria which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to permanent scarring.

Mild cases of acne can usually be self treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never be attempted at home. Pimples form on the skin because of the presence of bacteria.

The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored -- this is part of the natural healing process, and the discolorment will disappear after a period of time. This healing process can be sped up with the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.

Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so sunscreens should always be worn outside. Above all, avoid picking scabs that may form over old acne lesions. Scabs are a necessary part of the healing process and picking them off unnecessarily exposes the skin which extends the time necessary for scars to heal.

Treating Acne Scars

Existing scars left over from acne can be treated in a number of ways. If acne scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.

More severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anaesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.

Dermabrasion removes scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring.

Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear after several months.

As you can see, there are several ways of preventing and treating acne scars.

Source: http://www.hobbyandlifestyle.com/acne-scars.html