Acne goes by many names -- zits, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads. One thing they all have in common is that they are never welcomed by anyone, particularly by teenagers.
Unfortunately, acne is a part of life; it's a common ailment that affects millions of people in the world. It's most common among adolescents, and this skin condition makes life all the more difficult for teenagers. It's bad enough that teens have to deal with facial hair, bodily changes and raging hormones; acne just makes things even worse. Why in the world is there such a thing?
Acne vulgaris is the name used to refer to this common problem and it is believed to be caused by a number of things. In male teenagers, it is caused by high levels of testosterone, the male hormone. Among females, it can be the result of the hormonal imbalance due to the menstrual cycle.
Then there are the other changes occurring in the body of an individual going through puberty. However, acne is mainly caused by bacteria on the skin that react with the oils, dirt and dead skin cells that clog the pores.
Other factors can lead to acne or make the condition much worse. For instance, too much chlorine exposure is responsible for a long lasting type of the condition. Anabolic steroids have also been found to trigger this skin condition.
In the past, many people believed that poor hygiene was the cause. This was the predominant belief which caused many teenagers to scrub their faces raw to be rid of the zits and blackheads. Little did they know that the frequent cleaning and vigorous scrubbing only made their problem worse.
Similarly, people believed that certain foods were responsible. For instance,chocolate and fried foods were believed to trigger acne. This belief stemmed from the fact that candy bars, chocolates, French fries, hamburgers, fish and chips, tator tots, and fried chicken were the staple foods of teenagers. And since the condition was very prevalent among teenagers, it was natural for people to link it to certain foods, although no medical or scientific connection has ever been established.
The truth is that acne is a part of growing up, and there are only very few people who manage to go through puberty without a zit. A lot of those who develop the condition during puberty outgrow it. It just disappears. In fact, most people no longer have to deal with it once they enter into their twenties. There are, however, those whose problem doesn't leave them even after the adolescent stage.
There are two categories:inflamed acne and non-inflamed acne. Blackheads and whiteheads fall under the non-inflamed category. Whiteheads are clogged follicles made up of dead skin cells plugging the pores. Blackheads are essentially like whiteheads, only they are clogged follicles that have become oxidized, hence the reason they are dark in color. Contrary to what many believe, blackheads do not come from dirt.
Zits or pimples fall under the inflamed category. They are typically reddish and look swollen or inflamed. Red pimples are the most common; larger cysts are a cause for concern. Pimples are actually whiteheads that failed to develop into blackheads. Instead of the pores becoming plugged, the pore walls break down and turn into a repository for oil, dirt, dead skin cells and bacteria. White blood cells start fighting the infection in the pore walls, resulting in the formation of pus.
The pimples can be rather painful, but it is the larger cysts that should be watched closely;if they keep coming back, medical attention may be needed.
As many misconceptions as there are about the causes of acne, there is just as many misconceptions about its cure. For instance, many people believe that exposing skin to the sun will cure the problem. Not true. Sure, it may look like it disappeared, but it's still there; the skin only got darker. What is sure, though, is that too much sun exposure causes wrinkles and increases one's risk of developing skin cancer.
Thanks to research and numerous clinical studies, there are now many scientifically proven acne treatments, many of them available over the counter and as prescription medications. There are also natural acne remedies.
It's a good idea, however, for anyone with the condition to talk to a medical professional before trying out any kind of treatment.
About the Author
Article written by Norman Holden editor and owner of http://www.Acne-Tips-Treatment.com a website about Acne Tips and Treatment. Visit his website on a regular basis for up-to-date news and help.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Acne scars, treatment, cure. by Jojo Michelle
DERMABRASION In dermabrasion, a wire brush or diamond fraise is used to "abrade" the epidermis and papillary dermis. Disadvantages of dermabrasion include hypopigmentation, bleeding, and, as compared with laser resurfacing, decreased precision. In addition, aerosolization of blood and of viral tissue particles occurs.
MICRODERMABRASION This relatively new technique involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis. There is minimal to no recovery time, but the results are extremelyappropriate for treating atrophic scars that are relatively few. The technique requires minimal recovery time, but its results are temporary. Risks include allergic dermatitis, lack of response, and, rarely, overcorrection.
One of the latest trends, hyaluronic acid injections, is perhaps more appropriate for the aging face than for acne scars. This technique is widely used in Europe and Canada, but it awaits approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Autologous fat transfer is another increasingly popular technique. The first filling agent was free silicone, injected in microdroplets. It was very effective, but the Food and Drug Administration banned it.
SUTURE-ASSISTED RESURFACING A new, innovative technique, suture-assisted resurfacing combines two modalities in one treatment session. It is ideal for patients who had miliary acne, which leaves scarring that consists of numerous tiny pits less than 2 mm in depth. The CO2 laser is used to resurface the entire face or affected area with two passes. Afterward, each military scar is incised with a triple bevel 18-gauge needle. A single 7-0 nylon or polypropylene suture is then meticulously placed to oppose the wound edges. The sutures are removed in approximately six days. Risks of suture-assisted resurfacing are similar to those of laser resurfacing. In addition, sutured areas may dehisce, or the wound edges may not oppose perfectly.
ELEVATED OR HYPERTROPHIC FORMS OF ACNE The above techniques are most applicable for the correction of indented and/or atrophic acne scarring. The elevated or hypertrophic forms of acne scarring that most commonly occur on the chest, shoulders, back, or mandible are best treated with topical corticosteroids, intralesional corticosteroids, silicone gels/sheets, the pulsed-dye laser, or other vascularspecific lasers.
TAILORING TREATMENT As with most of today's cosmetic procedures, clinicians and patients are discovering that the best results are often obtained by combining several modalities and tailoring the treatment to each individual patient. Perhaps the best example of this approach is the suture-assisted resurfacing procedure, in which two separate strategies are employed on the same day. Other examples include subcision, fat transfer, or punch grafting months before laser resurfacing. Microdermabrasion is a relatively new technique that involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis. The results are extremely subtle and require many treatment sessions. Today, more acne scars are treated with laser resurfacing than with any other method. Laser resurfacing allows for more precise ablative control than do traditional techniques.
Read More: acne-stop.com
About the Author
Acne treatmentAcne treatment best rated products. Clear pores natural acne treatment products for skin care. Which acne treatments work? Acne treatment reviews from 2000 to 2008.
MICRODERMABRASION This relatively new technique involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis. There is minimal to no recovery time, but the results are extremelyappropriate for treating atrophic scars that are relatively few. The technique requires minimal recovery time, but its results are temporary. Risks include allergic dermatitis, lack of response, and, rarely, overcorrection.
One of the latest trends, hyaluronic acid injections, is perhaps more appropriate for the aging face than for acne scars. This technique is widely used in Europe and Canada, but it awaits approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Autologous fat transfer is another increasingly popular technique. The first filling agent was free silicone, injected in microdroplets. It was very effective, but the Food and Drug Administration banned it.
SUTURE-ASSISTED RESURFACING A new, innovative technique, suture-assisted resurfacing combines two modalities in one treatment session. It is ideal for patients who had miliary acne, which leaves scarring that consists of numerous tiny pits less than 2 mm in depth. The CO2 laser is used to resurface the entire face or affected area with two passes. Afterward, each military scar is incised with a triple bevel 18-gauge needle. A single 7-0 nylon or polypropylene suture is then meticulously placed to oppose the wound edges. The sutures are removed in approximately six days. Risks of suture-assisted resurfacing are similar to those of laser resurfacing. In addition, sutured areas may dehisce, or the wound edges may not oppose perfectly.
ELEVATED OR HYPERTROPHIC FORMS OF ACNE The above techniques are most applicable for the correction of indented and/or atrophic acne scarring. The elevated or hypertrophic forms of acne scarring that most commonly occur on the chest, shoulders, back, or mandible are best treated with topical corticosteroids, intralesional corticosteroids, silicone gels/sheets, the pulsed-dye laser, or other vascularspecific lasers.
TAILORING TREATMENT As with most of today's cosmetic procedures, clinicians and patients are discovering that the best results are often obtained by combining several modalities and tailoring the treatment to each individual patient. Perhaps the best example of this approach is the suture-assisted resurfacing procedure, in which two separate strategies are employed on the same day. Other examples include subcision, fat transfer, or punch grafting months before laser resurfacing. Microdermabrasion is a relatively new technique that involves the use of aluminum, salt, or diamond microparticles to bombard the skin and a suction apparatus to vacuum away the most superficial layer(s) of the epidermis. The results are extremely subtle and require many treatment sessions. Today, more acne scars are treated with laser resurfacing than with any other method. Laser resurfacing allows for more precise ablative control than do traditional techniques.
Read More: acne-stop.com
About the Author
Acne treatmentAcne treatment best rated products. Clear pores natural acne treatment products for skin care. Which acne treatments work? Acne treatment reviews from 2000 to 2008.
Develop a Home Acne Treatment by Joseph Young
You have acne. Now what? You hate your acne and want to do something about it, right? Or, do you love looking like a million mesquitos all converged on your face to declare a national holiday of feasting. You're frustrated and embarrassed by your acne condition, ashamed and withdrawn. Now what? You want to run and hide, but now what?
Snap out of the wimpering and do something about your acne problem. There are many blemish creams, ointments, cleansers, foams, spot treatments, and even laser treatments for acne out there. Now go look for the right acne treatment method for you. Enough with sucking your thumb over what breaks out on your face, neck and back, or nose and ears.
Some of the Best Home Acne Treatments
If you are looking for a home acne treatment that you know is going to be effective, know that one of the best is the Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask. This mask promises to help clear up existing acne but it will also help by preventing future breakouts. It features the gentle scent of lavender so you will feel relaxed while you are applying the mask, and the aroma will be wafting out the entire time you have the mask on.
See reviews http://www.dermstore.com/reviews/product_Blue+Flame+Purification+Mask_9932.htm
The lavender scent acts as an aromatherapy treatment for stress, and after about ten minutes when the mask has dried you can remove it and your skin will be refreshed and your soul rejuvenated.
MD Skincare Correct and Perfect Spot Treatment
Another great choice for a home acne treatment and priced at just $28.00, is the MD Skincare Correct and Perfect Spot Treatment, which is a night time treatment that has proven to be incredibly effective.
Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment is formulated to treat inflamed acne in 3 ways.
1. Pulls the blockage from the pore of the skin 2. kills the bacteria while calming the skin at the same time. 3. Relieves swelling
Recommeded use is once in the morning and once in the evening. Also the reviews on this are mixed, but mostly possitive. Here are the ingredients from the bottle.
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Bentonite, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Dihydroxycetyl Phosphate, PEG-100 Stearate, Quercetin Caprylate, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, PEG-150 Distearate, Menthol, Sodium Gluconate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Farnesol, Iron Oxides
There are many other acne treatment methods, really good ones too, this is just calling out two of them. Good Luck in your search.
About the Author
creator of http://www.acnetreatmentmethods.com/
Snap out of the wimpering and do something about your acne problem. There are many blemish creams, ointments, cleansers, foams, spot treatments, and even laser treatments for acne out there. Now go look for the right acne treatment method for you. Enough with sucking your thumb over what breaks out on your face, neck and back, or nose and ears.
Some of the Best Home Acne Treatments
If you are looking for a home acne treatment that you know is going to be effective, know that one of the best is the Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask. This mask promises to help clear up existing acne but it will also help by preventing future breakouts. It features the gentle scent of lavender so you will feel relaxed while you are applying the mask, and the aroma will be wafting out the entire time you have the mask on.
See reviews http://www.dermstore.com/reviews/product_Blue+Flame+Purification+Mask_9932.htm
The lavender scent acts as an aromatherapy treatment for stress, and after about ten minutes when the mask has dried you can remove it and your skin will be refreshed and your soul rejuvenated.
MD Skincare Correct and Perfect Spot Treatment
Another great choice for a home acne treatment and priced at just $28.00, is the MD Skincare Correct and Perfect Spot Treatment, which is a night time treatment that has proven to be incredibly effective.
Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment is formulated to treat inflamed acne in 3 ways.
1. Pulls the blockage from the pore of the skin 2. kills the bacteria while calming the skin at the same time. 3. Relieves swelling
Recommeded use is once in the morning and once in the evening. Also the reviews on this are mixed, but mostly possitive. Here are the ingredients from the bottle.
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Bentonite, Kaolin, Glyceryl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sodium Dihydroxycetyl Phosphate, PEG-100 Stearate, Quercetin Caprylate, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chlorphenesin, PEG-150 Distearate, Menthol, Sodium Gluconate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Oleate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Farnesol, Iron Oxides
There are many other acne treatment methods, really good ones too, this is just calling out two of them. Good Luck in your search.
About the Author
creator of http://www.acnetreatmentmethods.com/
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