If you suffer from a red complexion, flushing or blushing, a red nose and cheeks and dry, flaky skin with pimples, you probably suffer from the chronic skin condition rosacea. Formerly known as acne rosacea, rosacea is more common in women than men, although men often have more severe symptoms. Most people who have rosacea are fair-skinned, fair-haired and blue-eyed, although it is also seen more rarely in dark-skinned people. The disease affects at least 14 million people in the United States of America, typically between 20 and 50 years of age.
The main symptoms of the skin condition are:
- a burning or tingling sensation
- a persistant redness after blushing or flushing
- pimples, papules or pustules on the face
- tiny visible blood vessels under the skin
- thickening of skin, especially around the nose area
- gritty, uncomfortable eyes (ocular rosacea)
The true cause of rosacea is not really known but certain factors are known to aggravate the condition. Sufferers should avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and weather, such as the sun, the cold and wind. Sun avoidance is particularly important, and sun screens, hats and parasols are useful ways to avoid sun-related flare-ups. Alcohol and hot drinks and food are also known to excacerbate rosacea, as is exercising in hot temperatures and hot showers, baths, steam rooms and saunas. Loofahs, rough towels, exfoliators, astringents and cosmetics with perfumes and many additives should also be avoided. Gentle perfume-free cover-up cosmetics can help disguise a flare-up and reduce the psychological and social effects of rosacea.
Rosacea is a condition that is controlled rather than cured and many people find that keeping a diary helps them to pin-point their own triggers. Keeping cool, drinking water to stay hydrated and using natural gentle skin care products go a long way to controlling this chronic condition.
You should, of course, consult your dermatologist for advice about prescription creams and other procedures that may be available to relieve the symptoms of rosacea. Generally, rosacea treatment is aimed at the control of redness, inflammation and skin eruptions, and this treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to the skin.
If he decides that you do have rosacea, a dermatologist will often prescribe a combination of oral antibiotics and the use of antibiotic gel as initial treatment. The oral antibiotics will reduce the redness and reduce the pustules, then the topical gel may help to keep the symptoms under control. The dermatologist will also be able to help a patient look at lifestyle factors to help control the rosacea in the future.
Steroids are also often prescribed for rosacea because they appear to relieve the symptoms quickly, but sufferers should be aware that topical steroids are thought to make the symptoms worse longterm. The steroids dilate the blood vessels in the face and thin the skin and dermis by breaking down elastin and collagen in the skin's structure. Topical steroids have actually been thought to cause rosacea in the first place in some instances.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Exercise Does Help Reduce Acne
As we all know and hear all the time, exercise can
do a body good. It can help you to stay trim, tone
muscles, and help to boost energy as well. What
you probably don't know, is the fact that exercise
can actually help you achieve the complexion that
you've always wanted.
It's true that regular exercise will nourish the
skin all over the body with fresh blood, oxygen, and
nutrients. As well, the increased blood flow and
circulation that come with working out will help
to draw toxins out of the body and improve the
condition of all your vital organs, including the
epidermis.
A lot of people think that sweat can trigger acne
flare ups. The fact is, sweating is great for any
type of congested skin, as it helps promote the
flushing of impurities from the epidermal layer and
will clean out the pores. As well, vigorous
exercise can actually correct the hormonal imbalances
that can trigger blemishes, therefore reducing the
likelihood of outbreaks.
Any physical routine that you like to do, such as
yoga, running, biking, spinning, pilates, boxing,
and such, will help to lessen the stress that you
encounter on a daily basis and help to prevent
stress related acne.
Keep in mind that exercise may not be a miracle
cure for everything, as you may still experience
breakouts from time to time although your acne
will certainly be less
severe and last for a much shorter time frame.
Exercise is also great for other skin conditions
that may or may not have to do with the presence of
acne. Your skin losing its elasticity or becoming
thin and less resilient is something that we all
encounter. This is a common problem for may of
us as we get older.
As we all get older, we start to lose collagen,
which will make us look tired. As many of us
don't know, physical activity can actually help to
promote the growth of collagen in your skin cells,
which will plump up your facial skin and make
you look younger and more vibrant.
If you are worried about wrinkles, you should
consider relaxation that comes after you exercise.
This has the effect of making your muscles, facial
muscles included, soften up. What this means,
is that your lines will appear less pronounced,
helping to contribute to the youthful look that
you are trying to achieve.
With exercise you can achieve a smaller waist,
better muscle tone, softer skin, fewer blemishes,
and an overall younger, more fresher look. If
you've wanted to add or change to your complexion,
you shouldn't hesitate to exercise. Exercise
will help you feel more alive as well as improve
your body. All you need to do is take a little
bit of time out of your schedule to exercise -
its as simple as that.
do a body good. It can help you to stay trim, tone
muscles, and help to boost energy as well. What
you probably don't know, is the fact that exercise
can actually help you achieve the complexion that
you've always wanted.
It's true that regular exercise will nourish the
skin all over the body with fresh blood, oxygen, and
nutrients. As well, the increased blood flow and
circulation that come with working out will help
to draw toxins out of the body and improve the
condition of all your vital organs, including the
epidermis.
A lot of people think that sweat can trigger acne
flare ups. The fact is, sweating is great for any
type of congested skin, as it helps promote the
flushing of impurities from the epidermal layer and
will clean out the pores. As well, vigorous
exercise can actually correct the hormonal imbalances
that can trigger blemishes, therefore reducing the
likelihood of outbreaks.
Any physical routine that you like to do, such as
yoga, running, biking, spinning, pilates, boxing,
and such, will help to lessen the stress that you
encounter on a daily basis and help to prevent
stress related acne.
Keep in mind that exercise may not be a miracle
cure for everything, as you may still experience
breakouts from time to time although your acne
will certainly be less
severe and last for a much shorter time frame.
Exercise is also great for other skin conditions
that may or may not have to do with the presence of
acne. Your skin losing its elasticity or becoming
thin and less resilient is something that we all
encounter. This is a common problem for may of
us as we get older.
As we all get older, we start to lose collagen,
which will make us look tired. As many of us
don't know, physical activity can actually help to
promote the growth of collagen in your skin cells,
which will plump up your facial skin and make
you look younger and more vibrant.
If you are worried about wrinkles, you should
consider relaxation that comes after you exercise.
This has the effect of making your muscles, facial
muscles included, soften up. What this means,
is that your lines will appear less pronounced,
helping to contribute to the youthful look that
you are trying to achieve.
With exercise you can achieve a smaller waist,
better muscle tone, softer skin, fewer blemishes,
and an overall younger, more fresher look. If
you've wanted to add or change to your complexion,
you shouldn't hesitate to exercise. Exercise
will help you feel more alive as well as improve
your body. All you need to do is take a little
bit of time out of your schedule to exercise -
its as simple as that.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Accutane - The Most Effective Drug For Acne and iPledge
FDA Puts New Restrictions on Accutane
Accutane is the most effective drug we have to treat acne, but also the most controversial. The media has been irresponsible at times by reporting stories of questionable side effects and in effect “demonizing” this very safe and useful drug. However, the one side effect that is not in any way “questionable” is that Accutane can cause birth defects and therefore cannot be given to a woman who may become pregnant.
New Restrictions:
In an effort to eliminate Accutane-related birth defects, the thousands of Americans who take the acne drug Accutane -- and people who prescribe and dispense it -- must now enroll in a national registry.
Under the program, every patient -- men and women -- must enroll in the iPLEDGE computerized registry which started End December 2006 to receive Accutane or generic versions of the drug isotretinoin. Doctors must register, too, if they wish to continue prescribing the pills. Drugstores and wholesalers also must register in order for the pills' manufacturers to ship them any supplies.
Additional Step for Women:
Women must undergo two tests to ensure they're not pregnant in a laboratory or doctor's office before the initial prescription, and monthly pregnancy testing before each refill. Home pregnancy tests don't count. The doctor must enter the pregnancy test results into the iPLEDGE system, and the woman must buy her pills within seven days.
* These women also must agree to use two forms of birth control while using Accutane, and must self-register on iPLEDGE -- in addition to the doctor's initial registration -- to report that they're doing so. There's no way to know if women lie in this step, but the FDA sees it as an additional opportunity to warn of the pills' danger.
The last step occurs at the pharmacy. The pharmacist must check the computer database before filling a prescription to ensure that patients followed all these rules.
The Scope of the Problem:
The FDA estimates that 100,000 prescriptions for Accutane and generics are filled each month. Since Accutane began selling in 1982, the FDA has reports of well over 2,000 pregnancies among users (and possibly more that were never reported). The vast majority ended in abortion or miscarriage, but the FDA counts more than 160 babies born with drug-caused defects.
Accutane is the most effective drug we have to treat acne, but also the most controversial. The media has been irresponsible at times by reporting stories of questionable side effects and in effect “demonizing” this very safe and useful drug. However, the one side effect that is not in any way “questionable” is that Accutane can cause birth defects and therefore cannot be given to a woman who may become pregnant.
New Restrictions:
In an effort to eliminate Accutane-related birth defects, the thousands of Americans who take the acne drug Accutane -- and people who prescribe and dispense it -- must now enroll in a national registry.
Under the program, every patient -- men and women -- must enroll in the iPLEDGE computerized registry which started End December 2006 to receive Accutane or generic versions of the drug isotretinoin. Doctors must register, too, if they wish to continue prescribing the pills. Drugstores and wholesalers also must register in order for the pills' manufacturers to ship them any supplies.
Additional Step for Women:
Women must undergo two tests to ensure they're not pregnant in a laboratory or doctor's office before the initial prescription, and monthly pregnancy testing before each refill. Home pregnancy tests don't count. The doctor must enter the pregnancy test results into the iPLEDGE system, and the woman must buy her pills within seven days.
* These women also must agree to use two forms of birth control while using Accutane, and must self-register on iPLEDGE -- in addition to the doctor's initial registration -- to report that they're doing so. There's no way to know if women lie in this step, but the FDA sees it as an additional opportunity to warn of the pills' danger.
The last step occurs at the pharmacy. The pharmacist must check the computer database before filling a prescription to ensure that patients followed all these rules.
The Scope of the Problem:
The FDA estimates that 100,000 prescriptions for Accutane and generics are filled each month. Since Accutane began selling in 1982, the FDA has reports of well over 2,000 pregnancies among users (and possibly more that were never reported). The vast majority ended in abortion or miscarriage, but the FDA counts more than 160 babies born with drug-caused defects.
Acne And Its Dreaded Scars
Macules and Scars:
Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.
As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.
Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.
Cause of Scars:
Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.
When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.
Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.
Treatment for scars:
Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.
Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.
Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s).: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?
Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.
Before I jump into the topic of scars, I need to clarify the difference between Macules and Scars. Macules may look like scars, but they are not scars in the sense that a permanent change has occurred. Macules are essentially the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. They are normally flat, reddish spots that can remain for up to 8 months. But the difference between a Macule and a scar is that a Macule will end up disappearing completely whereas a scar will remain for years or indefinitely.
As for scars, this can also vary from person to person. With some individuals, scars may remain for a lifetime without change but with others, their skin will undergo a form of remodeling that will eventually diminish the scar.
Another factor that needs to be evaluated is the human element of scarring. People simply have different feelings about acne scars. Those who are distressed about their acne scars are much more likely to actively seek out treatment to moderate or remove the scar than those who are more indifferent about the scars.
Cause of Scars:
Let us first gain a better understanding of acne scars by first determining the cause of scars. A scar is a mark left in the skin by the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which the normal functional tissue (skin) is replaced by connective tissue (scar). In the case of acne, the lesion is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells that are trapped in the plugged sebaceous follicle.
When your skin tissue has suffered a lesion of some sorts, your body will attempt to heal the injured site. It does so by increasing the white blood cells in the area along with an array of inflammatory molecules whose function is to repair the damaged tissue and fight infection. In the end, the repair job can be messy, and the site of the lesion is now filled with fibrous scar tissue or eroded tissue. As for the inflammatory molecules and white blood cells, they can remain at the acne lesion for days and even weeks.
Take note of the fact that not everyone functions in the same way, and this holds true with our skin as well. Some people are simply more prone to scarring than others.
Treatment for scars:
Bear in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are two completely different things. Treating your acne has nothing to do with treating an acne scar. Acne scars can indeed be treated, but it is important that an acne sufferer bring their acne condition under control first if they still suffer from moderate to severe acne.
Once your acne subsides, make an appointment with a dermatologist and discuss the methods (if applicable) of scar treatment(s) he/she recommend you undergo to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are many methods with which you may treat your scars. These methods vary according to your scar type, size and location, type of skin, and of course, money $$$. All this should be discussed in great detail with your dermatologist.
Before undergoing scar treatment, ask yourself the following questions before having your dermatologist undergo the decided procedure(s).: Are you willing to wait and see if the scars will subside on their own with time? Do your acne scars affect you emotionally and socially? Is your scarring substantial enough to warrant scar treatment? Can you afford the treatment or what treatment options can you afford?
Keep in mind, the objective of scar treatment is not to necessarily rid you of all indications of scars by completely restoring your skin. It very much depends on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skins ability to regenerate, etc. Significant improvements can definitely be achieved, but complete restoration is often impossible.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Over The Counter Acne Treatment
Everyone deals with acne at some stage in their life. Some will experience it worse than others. Some forms of acne will be more mild than others. The vast majority of people will, however, be in the middle somewhere.
Although there may not be a direct linkage, acne may be aggravated by factors such as stress, diet, air quality and life-style choices. But the main factors causing acne are: hormonal imbalances and genetics. Everyone, at some time in their lives will go through a period of time when their hormones seem to get messed up (puberty and pregnancy are prime examples) and if acne is your genetic trait -- you're stuck with it.
Fortunately, there are many over the counter (OTC) medications available to help people deal with acne. How well they work for you will pretty much be determined by three factors: the product's active ingredients, the cause of the user's acne and the user's skin type.
Not all acne products will work the same way because of the different ingredients used. The active ingredient salicylic acid works by reducing the amount of dead skin. The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the P.acnes bacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin).
Following are descriptions of the active ingredients you will find used in most over-the-counter acne medications:
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the 'wonder drug' in the acne treatment industry; it works by reducing the natural P.acnes bacteria and reduces the quantity of dead skin cells. By performing these two actions, benzoyl peroxide manages to lessen the effects of two of the main causes of comedones (the large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are the trademarks of acne). Benzoyl peroxide has been used for years in acne treatment medications since being discovered to be very effective in treating mild acne.
You will find (on the Internet) many 'personal' recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and details about how it was used to successfully treat acne. But as with all medications, use an acne product with benzoyl peroxide as instructed on the product label or as instructed by a physician. Benzoyl peroxide, when over-used, has the side-effect of drying out your skin and can also discolor any fabrics or materials it comes into contact with, e.g., shirts, towels, sheets, etc.. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a lotion or gel and can be used as a preventative acne treatment even after your acne has cleared up.
Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are used together in some over-the-counter acne medications. The alcohol kills external bacteria while the acetone makes the skin less oily.
"Herbal", "organic" and "natural" products: You will find some OTC products with labels such "herbal," "organic" and "natural;" these products are generally put on the market to appeal to the people who are attracted to products with those labels. The products themselves may or may not be beneficial for acne and actual results have proven inconclusive.
Resorcinol: The active ingredient resorcinol has been found to work well on small acne blemishes and can be found in some OTC products combined with sulfur.
Sulfur itself has been used in a number of OTC medications for decades. You will find this usually in combination with active ingredients such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Sulfur has been found be an effective acne treatment for some people but it does not seem to be known exactly how it works to clear up acne. Also, products with sulfur will tend to have an unpleasant smell.
Salicylic acid: The active ingredient salicylic acid is generally effective for acne blemishes when there is no inflammation present. Salicylic acid acts by unclogging clogged-up pores to reduce the number of acne blemishes formed -- it does this by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells; it has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria. Just as is recommended with products containing benzoyl peroxide, products with salicylic acid as the active ingredient should be used even after the acne clears up to prevent its return. One possible side-effect of salicylic acid is skin irritation in some people.
Remember -everyone's skin is different! Some people have generally dry skin, some have generally oily skin and most people have a combination of the two on different areas on our bodies. Acne in areas of oily skin will respond better to a gel based acne product. Acne on dry skin will respond better to a cream.
Those with sensitive skin should not use real strong acne medication. It may lead to skin irritation or even make your acne worse!
Some of the milder acne treatments can be used as a preventative measure and some (like those with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) are recommended as post-acne preventative measures but many are too strong and will irritate your skin.
If you have anything but a mild, seemingly manageable case of acne, an OTC medicine may control it and eventually get rid of it. If, however, your acne seems out of control or painful or too stressful to handle by yourself, be sure to see a get to a dermatologist!
Although there may not be a direct linkage, acne may be aggravated by factors such as stress, diet, air quality and life-style choices. But the main factors causing acne are: hormonal imbalances and genetics. Everyone, at some time in their lives will go through a period of time when their hormones seem to get messed up (puberty and pregnancy are prime examples) and if acne is your genetic trait -- you're stuck with it.
Fortunately, there are many over the counter (OTC) medications available to help people deal with acne. How well they work for you will pretty much be determined by three factors: the product's active ingredients, the cause of the user's acne and the user's skin type.
Not all acne products will work the same way because of the different ingredients used. The active ingredient salicylic acid works by reducing the amount of dead skin. The active ingredient benzoyl peroxide works by reducing the P.acnes bacteria (a naturally occurring bacteria in the skin).
Following are descriptions of the active ingredients you will find used in most over-the-counter acne medications:
Benzoyl peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is the 'wonder drug' in the acne treatment industry; it works by reducing the natural P.acnes bacteria and reduces the quantity of dead skin cells. By performing these two actions, benzoyl peroxide manages to lessen the effects of two of the main causes of comedones (the large, deep, pus-filled pimples that are the trademarks of acne). Benzoyl peroxide has been used for years in acne treatment medications since being discovered to be very effective in treating mild acne.
You will find (on the Internet) many 'personal' recommendations for benzoyl peroxide and details about how it was used to successfully treat acne. But as with all medications, use an acne product with benzoyl peroxide as instructed on the product label or as instructed by a physician. Benzoyl peroxide, when over-used, has the side-effect of drying out your skin and can also discolor any fabrics or materials it comes into contact with, e.g., shirts, towels, sheets, etc.. Benzoyl peroxide is available as a lotion or gel and can be used as a preventative acne treatment even after your acne has cleared up.
Alcohol and acetone: Alcohol and acetone are used together in some over-the-counter acne medications. The alcohol kills external bacteria while the acetone makes the skin less oily.
"Herbal", "organic" and "natural" products: You will find some OTC products with labels such "herbal," "organic" and "natural;" these products are generally put on the market to appeal to the people who are attracted to products with those labels. The products themselves may or may not be beneficial for acne and actual results have proven inconclusive.
Resorcinol: The active ingredient resorcinol has been found to work well on small acne blemishes and can be found in some OTC products combined with sulfur.
Sulfur itself has been used in a number of OTC medications for decades. You will find this usually in combination with active ingredients such as alcohol, salicylic acid and resorcinol. Sulfur has been found be an effective acne treatment for some people but it does not seem to be known exactly how it works to clear up acne. Also, products with sulfur will tend to have an unpleasant smell.
Salicylic acid: The active ingredient salicylic acid is generally effective for acne blemishes when there is no inflammation present. Salicylic acid acts by unclogging clogged-up pores to reduce the number of acne blemishes formed -- it does this by minimizing the amount of dead skin cells; it has no known effect on the production of sebum or the production of the P.acnes bacteria. Just as is recommended with products containing benzoyl peroxide, products with salicylic acid as the active ingredient should be used even after the acne clears up to prevent its return. One possible side-effect of salicylic acid is skin irritation in some people.
Remember -everyone's skin is different! Some people have generally dry skin, some have generally oily skin and most people have a combination of the two on different areas on our bodies. Acne in areas of oily skin will respond better to a gel based acne product. Acne on dry skin will respond better to a cream.
Those with sensitive skin should not use real strong acne medication. It may lead to skin irritation or even make your acne worse!
Some of the milder acne treatments can be used as a preventative measure and some (like those with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid) are recommended as post-acne preventative measures but many are too strong and will irritate your skin.
If you have anything but a mild, seemingly manageable case of acne, an OTC medicine may control it and eventually get rid of it. If, however, your acne seems out of control or painful or too stressful to handle by yourself, be sure to see a get to a dermatologist!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Your Diet And Acne
Acne, as you may notice, affects additional than ninety percent of the world’s population at some occasion in their life. It is in detail the most common skin disease treated by dermatologist and most of its victims are teenagers and adults. According to some technical research, acne is caused by different factors like hormones, bacteria, and some genetic factors. Some even oral that acne is caused by a poor diet, to which many did not agree.
Well, the acne and diet issue has been studied for several years. Although some dermatologist claimed that diet has naught to do with the formation of acne, many still hold that acne and diet has a certain dovetail. Acne and diet are somehow correlated as diet plays a role in the maturation of acne. Here’s a common interpretation that cede show how acne and diet are connected.
Certain studies own found out that eating pure carbohydrates and sugar leads to a surge of insulin as well as an insulin - like swelling factor proclaimed as IGF - 1 in the article. If this forms, it then can escort to an excess of mainly hormones, androgens, which are deemed as the most potent produce of the acne formation. The acne and diet connection maintains that if an excess of manlike hormones is produced, the pores of the skin leave emit sebum or oil, which is a greasy substance that generally pulls the weight of acne - causing bacteria. In addendum, this process triggers the IGF - 1 to create skin cells proclaimed as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, which in turn is a process material with the acne formation.
Further, the dovetail between acne and diet is shown with the impact of certain studies conducted on the acne cases in islanders of Papua New Guinea and hunter - gatherers of Paraguay. According to this acne and diet connection study, the face of acne is triggered by some environmental factors to which diet is one. Many posses found out through such acne and diet study that limiting grains is an integral pace toward optimizing your health, which led the researchers to think that no - grain diet is somehow salutary for acne.
Today, the acne and diet fit is one of the hottest issues in the medical field. Many own claimed that there is only little research regarding the connection between acne and diet for there is no money in it. Some even claimed that doctors and dermatologists only chat that diet has naught to do with acne since they can’t sell you a healthy diet. Now, come to think of it, underneath it all, acne just like some diseases is caused by diet, but you can’t cure it by just focusing on the diet since some other aggravators are behind it.
Well, the acne and diet issue has been studied for several years. Although some dermatologist claimed that diet has naught to do with the formation of acne, many still hold that acne and diet has a certain dovetail. Acne and diet are somehow correlated as diet plays a role in the maturation of acne. Here’s a common interpretation that cede show how acne and diet are connected.
Certain studies own found out that eating pure carbohydrates and sugar leads to a surge of insulin as well as an insulin - like swelling factor proclaimed as IGF - 1 in the article. If this forms, it then can escort to an excess of mainly hormones, androgens, which are deemed as the most potent produce of the acne formation. The acne and diet connection maintains that if an excess of manlike hormones is produced, the pores of the skin leave emit sebum or oil, which is a greasy substance that generally pulls the weight of acne - causing bacteria. In addendum, this process triggers the IGF - 1 to create skin cells proclaimed as keratinocytes to duplicate and multiply, which in turn is a process material with the acne formation.
Further, the dovetail between acne and diet is shown with the impact of certain studies conducted on the acne cases in islanders of Papua New Guinea and hunter - gatherers of Paraguay. According to this acne and diet connection study, the face of acne is triggered by some environmental factors to which diet is one. Many posses found out through such acne and diet study that limiting grains is an integral pace toward optimizing your health, which led the researchers to think that no - grain diet is somehow salutary for acne.
Today, the acne and diet fit is one of the hottest issues in the medical field. Many own claimed that there is only little research regarding the connection between acne and diet for there is no money in it. Some even claimed that doctors and dermatologists only chat that diet has naught to do with acne since they can’t sell you a healthy diet. Now, come to think of it, underneath it all, acne just like some diseases is caused by diet, but you can’t cure it by just focusing on the diet since some other aggravators are behind it.
Monday, June 14, 2010
How To Clear Up Acne
When you have a pimple on your face it is certain that this will attract remarks from friends and foes. The only snag is the comments can be derisive, rather than complimentary. I experienced the same thing in high school, when my biggest priority then was finding the best way to clear up acne. Let's face it; no one likes a face full of pimples, because they have a way of lowering your self esteem. But fortunately, there are several methods available for getting rid of this skin condition.
I can bet not many people know of any method that can guaranty a total clear up acne. And the reason for this has to do with our skin types. Again, I can wager my monthly pay that most folks don't know their skin types either. I got to know mine when I was 19 years old.
But a fact that is both glaring and disturbing is that males have oilier skins than females, which can only indicate one thing: males are more susceptible to acne. Regarding your skin type, consulting a skin physician will help clarify this, and this doctor can also suggest ways to clear up acne, and prevent its reoccurrence. Acne are caused by the blockage of skin pores by dirt’s and oils, so the best way to prevent this skin blemish is to free the skin from the causative agents.
If you find the subject of how to clear up acne confusing, you can turn to the Internet for assistance, of course using your computer or Mac. You can find one of the numerous products that really clear up acne very quick. One good product I recommend is Proactive Solution, but your physician can also prescribe an effective cream or pill.
Other factors that can aid the process of removing skin blemishes is by following a healthy diet regimen and drinking plenty of water. Also the right amount of sleep can go a long way in keeping your body rejuvenated. Generally, you can clear up acne by living straight and adhering to the appropriate treatments for your skin blemishes.
I can bet not many people know of any method that can guaranty a total clear up acne. And the reason for this has to do with our skin types. Again, I can wager my monthly pay that most folks don't know their skin types either. I got to know mine when I was 19 years old.
But a fact that is both glaring and disturbing is that males have oilier skins than females, which can only indicate one thing: males are more susceptible to acne. Regarding your skin type, consulting a skin physician will help clarify this, and this doctor can also suggest ways to clear up acne, and prevent its reoccurrence. Acne are caused by the blockage of skin pores by dirt’s and oils, so the best way to prevent this skin blemish is to free the skin from the causative agents.
If you find the subject of how to clear up acne confusing, you can turn to the Internet for assistance, of course using your computer or Mac. You can find one of the numerous products that really clear up acne very quick. One good product I recommend is Proactive Solution, but your physician can also prescribe an effective cream or pill.
Other factors that can aid the process of removing skin blemishes is by following a healthy diet regimen and drinking plenty of water. Also the right amount of sleep can go a long way in keeping your body rejuvenated. Generally, you can clear up acne by living straight and adhering to the appropriate treatments for your skin blemishes.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Understanding What Acne Is And Coping With It
There are many days that get started off with a frightful scream or heartbreaking dismay from both men and women. The source of this shock and disappointment is an inflamed greasy and oily clogged up skin pore.
Acne is an unwelcome blemish on anyone's face; it can be quite painful too. If left untreated, acne can leave an unpleasant scar on the face, neck or back. Unlike the common pimple, acne can be inflamed and possibly turn out to be infected.
Hormones that go into overdrive during the teen years of a person cause acne, they produce an excess of oil deposits in the glands resulting to this skin blemish. While they are not particularly life threatening or are they extremely painful and disturbing they can leave permanent scars in the affected area.
Acne usually happens around the teenage years, from 13 to 19, and usually disappears there after. Different people have different levels or seriousness of acne infection. These will all depend on the amount of oils and dirt the face has. While some have minor infections that can be treated by simply washing the affected area, there are those that necessitate the consultation of a dermatologist or a skin expert.
Acne may not seem to be a serious matter for some, but it is an infection that can greatly affect many. There are people with acne who locks themselves up in their rooms waiting for the acne to disappear. It is a serious blemish that they cannot show to the world. Every year, ointments and acne medication has estimated sales of over a hundred million dollars. This just shows how many people are dead serious in eliminating acne.
Acne is an unwelcome blemish on anyone's face; it can be quite painful too. If left untreated, acne can leave an unpleasant scar on the face, neck or back. Unlike the common pimple, acne can be inflamed and possibly turn out to be infected.
Hormones that go into overdrive during the teen years of a person cause acne, they produce an excess of oil deposits in the glands resulting to this skin blemish. While they are not particularly life threatening or are they extremely painful and disturbing they can leave permanent scars in the affected area.
Acne usually happens around the teenage years, from 13 to 19, and usually disappears there after. Different people have different levels or seriousness of acne infection. These will all depend on the amount of oils and dirt the face has. While some have minor infections that can be treated by simply washing the affected area, there are those that necessitate the consultation of a dermatologist or a skin expert.
Acne may not seem to be a serious matter for some, but it is an infection that can greatly affect many. There are people with acne who locks themselves up in their rooms waiting for the acne to disappear. It is a serious blemish that they cannot show to the world. Every year, ointments and acne medication has estimated sales of over a hundred million dollars. This just shows how many people are dead serious in eliminating acne.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Adult Acne And Its Causes
Regardless of age, acne is a condition of the sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to hair follicles and produce an oily substance called sebum. An acne lesion forms when a hair follicle becomes plugged with sebum and dead cells. The pathogenic (disease-causing) events in the sebaceous glands are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with the growth and development that occurs between the ages of 12 and 21. Therefore, it is important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.
Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:
1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence
2. Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy
3. Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.
Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:
* Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.
* Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.
* Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.
* Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.
It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.
Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.
Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.
Acne that appears after 25 to 30 years of age occurs for one of these reasons:
1. Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence
2. Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy
3. Occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.
Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause. Some causes of adult acne are:
* Medication. Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.
* Chronic physical pressure on the skin. Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.
* Chlorinated industrial chemicals. These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.
* Metabolic conditions. Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can induce acne.
It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires different treatment than acne.
Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.
Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
What Exactly Is Acne?
Acne is commonly known as pimples, it is a skin condition that commonly afflicts people during their teenage years. Acne pre-dominantly affects the face but can also show up on the back, neck, shoulders and chest. While most common in teenagers it can appear on adults as well. Neither race or gender is an indicator of acne as it affects male and female and all races equally.
The medical term for it is Acne Vulgaris. It can be diagnosed by the lesions that form on the skin. These lesions can take several different forms: blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Cysts are formed when the pore becomes completely blocked. Acne is most common during puberty because at this time your body is creating an excess of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance designed to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated. During puberty the production of sebum is greatly increased which can cause the skin to feel oily and clog pores.
During puberty there is also an increase in the production of follicle cells. Dead follicle cells mixed with sebum can build up and cause white heads. This mix of oil and dead cells is a perfect breeding ground for bacterial which will cause the swelling and redness associated with pimples.
Acne affects about 85% of all people sometime from the age of 12-24. Around 25% of these people will have acne on their back and/or neck as well as the face. The acne will be severe enough to cause about 40% of these people to seek medical treatment.
Acne is most common on the face, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. The back is the next most common area of affliction followed by the neck, chest and shoulders.
Most people will have outgrown their acne problems by the time they reach their twenty's, but some people will continue to suffer from acne even as adults. In some cases people will not have any acne issues until they are adults, this happens more frequently in men than women.
Acne can have severe emotional and psychological repercussions. Since it affects their appearance it also affects their self image and self esteem. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to this attack on their self-confidence and can even trigger withdraw and depression, as well as feelings of anger and frustration.
Fortunately in this day and age there are many treatments that can help with acne. The foremost thing that can be done to help avoid or alleviate acne is to keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Washing the most common problem areas several times a day with soap and water, especially after any activity that triggers perspiration, is usually adequate. There are also many medications available by prescription and over the counter to help with acne control.
If the acne is severe enough you can consult a dermatologist, they can prescribe medications for the skin as well as antibiotics to help fight the bacteria. They can also offer advise on life style and diet changes that might help with the condition.
The medical term for it is Acne Vulgaris. It can be diagnosed by the lesions that form on the skin. These lesions can take several different forms: blackheads, whiteheads and cysts. Cysts are formed when the pore becomes completely blocked. Acne is most common during puberty because at this time your body is creating an excess of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance designed to keep the hair and skin soft and lubricated. During puberty the production of sebum is greatly increased which can cause the skin to feel oily and clog pores.
During puberty there is also an increase in the production of follicle cells. Dead follicle cells mixed with sebum can build up and cause white heads. This mix of oil and dead cells is a perfect breeding ground for bacterial which will cause the swelling and redness associated with pimples.
Acne affects about 85% of all people sometime from the age of 12-24. Around 25% of these people will have acne on their back and/or neck as well as the face. The acne will be severe enough to cause about 40% of these people to seek medical treatment.
Acne is most common on the face, especially on the forehead, nose and chin. The back is the next most common area of affliction followed by the neck, chest and shoulders.
Most people will have outgrown their acne problems by the time they reach their twenty's, but some people will continue to suffer from acne even as adults. In some cases people will not have any acne issues until they are adults, this happens more frequently in men than women.
Acne can have severe emotional and psychological repercussions. Since it affects their appearance it also affects their self image and self esteem. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to this attack on their self-confidence and can even trigger withdraw and depression, as well as feelings of anger and frustration.
Fortunately in this day and age there are many treatments that can help with acne. The foremost thing that can be done to help avoid or alleviate acne is to keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Washing the most common problem areas several times a day with soap and water, especially after any activity that triggers perspiration, is usually adequate. There are also many medications available by prescription and over the counter to help with acne control.
If the acne is severe enough you can consult a dermatologist, they can prescribe medications for the skin as well as antibiotics to help fight the bacteria. They can also offer advise on life style and diet changes that might help with the condition.
