Benefits And Risks Associated With Prescription Acne Medications

By admin | Published: December 24, 2010

Each of the various prescription acne medications on the market falls into one of two basic categories. Each is either intended for topical use, or it is meant to be taken orally. While a number of topical treatments have been sold over the counter, the products that require a prescription provide acne sufferers with an extra strong remedy.

Three different chemical names appear in the list of topical medications that require a prescription. Those names are Tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. All of those chemicals affect the skin cells, causing them to turnover at a very rapid rate. At the same time, these particular drugs manage to prevent the plugging of the hair follicles.

Some antibiotics belong in the class of prescribed topical medications. While a few of those work well when used alone, others perform better when used in combination with benzoyl peroxide. A fair number of acne users who have put one of the topical antibiotics on their skin have complained about certain side effects. Those side effects include stinging, burning, redness and peeling.

Acne patients can reduce the degree to which any of those side effects poses a problem. They can gradually increase the amount which is applied to the skin. They can wash the medication off, following a short application, or they can switch to different product.

In patients with severe acne, the use of topical antibiotics often fails to do an adequate job of ridding the skin of the unwanted pimples. For such patients, physicians usually prescribe oral antibiotics. However, they always combine their offer of a prescription with some important advice.

That advice relates to the growing evidence of bacteria’s resistance to certain antibiotics. In light of that evidence, people who use oral antibiotics are told to limit their use. Alternatively, a physician might suggest combining the oral antibiotic with use of benzoyl peroxide. Research appears to suggest that such a combination decreases the chances that the targeted bacteria might develop an unwanted resistance.

Someone with very deep cysts ought to make an appointment with a dermatologist. That specialist would know whether or not to prescribe the drug Isotretinoin. The same specialist should arrange to monitor the patient’s use of that strong medication. Because this medication has the ability to do such terrible damage to a growing fetus, women of child bearing age can find it hard to get a Isotretinoin prescription. They need to take part in an approved FDA monitoring program.

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The Best Acne Medication

By admin | Published: December 23, 2010

Acne is a skin disorder that many people suffer from. Acne can occur on your back, arms, chest, buttocks, face, and neck. Some people have acne more worse than others. It’s best to not pick with the pimples when they form because your skin will become infected and scarring may occur. In order to take the first step to clear skin, you’ll need begin an acne regimen. Your acne regimen should consist of a cleanser, spot treatment, and a moisturizer. You may purchase acne kits from vendors or put together your own regimen.

The best acne medication that is on the market is benzoyl peroxide. It comes in many strengths, but the three that can be found at the grocery or drugstore are 2.5, 5, and 10 percent. When beginning benzoyl peroxide, you may want to get the lowest strength, which is 2.5 percent. It will work just as well as 10 percent, plus it’s less irritating. Benzoyl peroxide comes in many brands. When it comes to benzoyl peroxide, all of the brands work the same. The only difference is that it can come in a gel or cream. Gel works the best because it penetrates into the skin better.

When you apply benzoyl peroxide, you’ll need to start off with a thin layer on your face at night after cleansing with a gentle cleanser. Always wash your hands after using it because it may bleach everything that you touch. Wait for your face to dry for 10 minutes and use a facial moisturizer. After a week, use a thin layer in the morning as well as at night. Always use a SPF 15 moisturizer in the morning.

During the second week, increase the amount that you use. Use one whole finger of product. It may take a long time to apply, but it will eventually dry. Repeat this twice a day for a week. By the fourth week, you should be using two whole fingers of the medication twice a day. During this time, your skin may get worse, but after a while your skin will get use to the medication and start to clear, including the scars.

You can use 10 percent glycolic acid cream or a gentle scrub to exfoliate. You should only exfoliate once a week. Benzoyl peroxide will kill the bacteria that is causing your acne. By using acne medication consistently, in two months or less, you may have clear skin.

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What Are The Best Vitamins For Acne?

By admin | Published: December 22, 2010

There are actually a number of vitamins for acne that are effective in clearing zits. The truth is, pimples are not caused by moisture on the skin, but impurities in the body. When you are clean on the inside, you are clean on the outside. However, when you are filled with toxins, blemished skin is the inevitable result.

Toxins come from foods and the air you breathe. There is little you can do about the air, but the foods you consume are definitely under your control. Toxins are mostly located in heavily processed foods, and to eliminate them, you need to focus on natural, whole foods.

Therefore, to clear the toxins, your body has to get enough vitamins. This is because vitamins contain antioxidants which help the body fight and destroy the pimple producing toxins. However, vitamins are best consumed through food, and not artificial pills like many people take.

This is because food is easier for the body to digest, whereas pills are extremely hard to absorb. Therefore the body does not get the full benefit because it cannot assimilate them completely. If you do take supplements, make sure they are derived from a whole food source, as these are the easiest to digest.

When you get sufficient vitamins, you can often eliminate your zits permanently. However, some are more important than others. Here are a few of the most essential vitamins you need for eliminating pimples.

First of all, vitamin A is a great antioxidant, which not only fights the toxins but also strengthens the skin tissues. The best sources of vitamin A are carrots, spinach, and egg yolks. Vitamin B complex is proven to reduce pimples as well, because it lowers your anxiety levels. Believe it or not, stress is one of the main producers of acne, and therefore the more calm you are, the clearer your skin is. The best B vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, among others.

Vitamin E is very important for fighting zits, and this can be found in avocados, organic eggs yolks, and asparagus. Finally, vitamin C is the last to be looked at, and this might actually be the most important vitamin of all for clearing your skin. This is found in broccoli, tomatoes, and peppers.

In general, if you just focus on consuming more raw vegetables, your skin will clear up shortly. However, this list of vegetables will give you a great place to start. Also, you might want to consider drinking 24 ounces of vegetable juice daily, as this gives you a huge shot of nutrition. This will help you get the necessary vitamins for acne, and your pimples will be gone shortly.

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Three Adult Acne Care Tips

By admin | Published: December 21, 2010

Many adults will suffer with acne at some point in their lives. At least 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women will battle an adult acne problem. Most adult acne appears on the facial area; however, many will also have acne on their backs as well. Acne is caused by bacteria on the skin. When the skin releases oils that provide an environment for bacteria to grow, acne develops. Many people that experience stress or hormone issues will experience acne. This often leads to imbalances and may increase oils released through the skin. There are three essential steps for adult acne care.

A pimple is difficult to conceal and many people will pop them. This is the worst thing you can do. This can lead to scarring and it will actually help the acne to spread. If you have a pimple that is unsightly, clean the area with a gentle anti-bacterial soap. Sterilize a needle and puncture the top of the white head. Use a cotton ball moistened with warm water and place it over the whitehead. Gently press down on the cotton ball and the pus will be absorbed onto the cotton.

To control your acne, you need to wash your face at least twice a day with a gentle anti-bacterial soap. When washing your face allow the soap to stay on your face for at least two minutes before rinsing. Pat your skin dry and use an oil free moisturizer. If your acne is severe, you can use a topical treatment such as Benzoyl peroxide or Alpha-hydroxy acids. This creates an acidic environment, which prevents bacteria from growing.

One of the most important measures you can take to control and prevent acne is to drink water. Drinking water benefits the skin in many ways. However, for those with acne, water helps to keep the pores clean. In addition, water flushes many toxins from the body. People do not realize that many of these toxins are released through the skin. Most of these toxins will create the optimum environment for bacteria to grow. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, and after about two weeks, you will see remarkable improvement.

Controlling and preventing acne requires you to adopt a consistent adult acne care program. If you maintain a strict regimen, your adult acne will likely disappear. However, if you are experiencing severe and painful acne, you may want to visit a healthcare professional.

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What You Need To Know About Acne Medication Pills

By admin | Published: December 20, 2010

Acne in its mild form can be easily treated with topical antibiotics and skin treatments that control the excess sebum and slough off dead skin cells to prevent clogging the pores. However, certain cases of acne require a more intensive approach. There are oral medications that can be prescribed by a dermatologist to help clear up acne by treating an underlying condition that causes it. Here are some of the most commonly used acne medication pills today:

Contraceptives
It may seem surprising, but birth control pills are often prescribed to people who have severe acne that can be traced to hormonal imbalances. Birth control pills contain hormones that help regulate androgen, which leads to excessive production of sebum or oil on the skin. With the progesterone or estrogen present in the pills, the action of the androgen in the body is controlled and so is acne.

Antibiotics
When a stronger medication to treat acne caused by bacteria is required, it usually comes in an antibacterial pill. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help fight and control the population of bacteria on the skin. In most cases, treatments using antibacterial acne medication pills take about 4 weeks to complete, which is a rather long period for a person to be on antibiotics. The main problem with antibiotics is that this type of medication will kill bacteria, including helpful bacteria in the gut, leaving the body’s system more vulnerable. This is why these acne medication pills are prescribed over a limited period only with close supervision by a doctor and usually as a last resort.

Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is touted as one of the most effective acne medication pills and is usually available as the brand Accutane. It is used to treat cystic and nodular acne cases and is only available by prescription. Isotretinoin is a Vitamin A derivative and while it works against severe forms of acne, it does have certain risks and side effects. Accutane is known to potentially cause birth defects, which makes it contraindicated for pregnant women or those who plan to have children during or immediately after treatment. The risks of the drug is so widely known that patients who take it for acne treatment are even asked to sign a consent form indicating that they are aware of its side effects. If this is considered as an alternative, make sure all aspects of the treatment are discussed thoroughly with your doctor and that you are aware of any special risks you may have based on your own medical and family history.

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How To Get Rid Of Spots Overnight

By admin | Published: December 19, 2010

So the party of the year is coming up and everyone, including your ultimate crush, is going to be there. You have had everything planned for weeks from your dressy top, figure flattering jeans and the season’s trendiest shoes to boot. You have even worked out in advance how you would fix your hair and do your make up.

Just imagine the horror when the night before this momentous event, a massive zit pops up right on your forehead. You feel that there is no way to hide this ugly sight or even just to make it less conspicuous. Before you do something drastic or decide not to go to the party, here is a piece of god news. There are several last minute spot treatments that will be of great help to you.

Here are some tips on how to get rid of spots overnight. Go for fresh lemon juice. Just cut a lemon, squeeze out the juice and dab on the spot before going to bed. Make sure that your face is clean prior to doing this. Citrus fruits like lemon have antibacterial qualities. You can also use orange peel. Simply grate this and grind into a pulp.

Other home remedies to get rid of spots overnight include utilizing garlic as well as dried basil. Garlic has strong astringent and antiseptic properties so chop or crush one or two garlic cloves. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Then, carefully apply the liquid that comes out of the garlic from the spots. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes. After, wash off with water. When utilizing basil, steep or soak a couple of tablespoons in boiling water for about twenty minutes. Allow this to cool. Gently pat this on the affected area.

You can also mix some cinnamon and honey into a paste. After cleaning your face, apply this mixture to the infected area. Egg whites will also work well for spots. This can prove to be messy as you will need to separate the egg white from the yolk so take extra care in doing this. If you have apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide on hand, dab these on those spots. These will help the area to dry faster.

Finally, to reduce the redness and swollenness of the pimple, apply an ice pack. An important thing to remember is to that you should not fiddle with the pimple, pop it or squeeze it. These methods could worsen the condition of your pimple and even leave a scar. Follow these remedies on how to get rid of spots overnight and you will not have to worry about anything on the big day.

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4 Commonly Used Acne Skin Products

By admin | Published: December 18, 2010

If you have acne, chances are you will be advised to use certain products that are formulated to help fight this very common skin condition. To give you an idea of how these treatments work on acne, here are some of the most commonly used acne skin products that are prescribed today:

Benzoyl peroxide
Acne skin products that contain benzoyl peroxide are typically over-the-counter topical medications that are available in cream or gel form, although they are also sold as cleansers or lotions. Benzoyl peroxide has been used for many years and remains a popular choice because of its success record in treating mild to moderate forms of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide helps combat acne by making the skin environment difficult for acne-causing bacteria to live in. The compound introduces oxygen to the skin pores, making the skin an inhospitable place for bacteria. As a result, bacteria dies and breakouts are prevented.

Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a type of beta hydroxy acid. It is an active ingredient in many OTC acne skin products, available as a cleanser, toner, cream or lotion. Salicylic acid performs a chemical exfoliating action on the surface of the skin, effectively removing dead skin. This helps keep the pores free from excess skin and sebum, preventing blockages that often lead to inflammation.

Tretinoin
Tretinoin, more commonly known as Retin-A, is one of the most potent acne skin products. Tretinoin is a derivative of Vitamin A and is often prescribed for mild to moderate forms of acne. It works by exfoliating the surface of the skin and encouraging the growth of new skin. This action helps prevent comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) from forming and leaves the pores free of buildup and excess sebum. It is considered as one of the best acne medicine preparations available by many acne sufferers.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics help control acne by controlling the population of bacteria that are present in the skin. This in turn helps prevent the development of pimples and other lesions. Some of the most commonly used include tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, clindamycin and erythromycin. Antibiotics may come in the form of topical creams and lotions or as oral medications.

When using antibiotics, patients are usually monitored closely by their doctors, especially if these are oral antibiotics taken for a period of time. Some antibiotics used as acne skin products may also have side effects on certain individuals. Women, for example, are vulnerable to yeast infections when taking antibiotics as a full course of treatment, so they have to discuss the correct dosage carefully with their doctors.

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Clarisonic Acne Treatment For A Fresh Alternative

By admin | Published: December 17, 2010

Many people get tired of using the same products and find that they either quit working over time or are not as effective. The Clarisonic Acne brush is a battery operated rotary head with bristles that helps clean the skin in a particular manner. It is a relatively new product that uses the movement of the bristles to bring out the bacteria that clogs the pores deep down under the skin’s surface.

While many people want to take this product home and use it several times a day, this is not recommended. It takes time for the skin to get used to the action of the bristles. It should be used once a day initially, then up to twice a day after a week or so. This will allow some time to determine how the skin may react to the use of the device. The product can be used with the special cleaning gels that come with it. They are specially formulated to fight acne. However, you can also use a favorite cleanser of your own choosing.

The product works by using the rotating bristles to open up pores and allow the toxins to be freed from below the skin’s surface. It also acts as a gentle exfoliating device, to remove many dead skin particles that may remain on the skin after cleansing and allow pores to become blocked again. If a person intends to use this product more than once a day, after the breaking in period, a second brush is highly recommended. Each brush is wet after use and takes time to dry. Using a wet brush may introduce bacteria onto the skin again. The device is designed with a couple useful features. It has a high and low brush setting. It also has soft and harder settings, depending on how much stimulation is needed on the skin. Some people have very sensitive facial skin and may not be able to tolerate the high setting.

Because the product is guaranteed and comes with a 30 day money back warranty, it is best to try it for a couple weeks before you decides whether it will be effective. Initial use may produce more blemishes or blackheads, as they move from below the skin to its surface. There are some people who will not like the device. It is not for everyone. The manufacturers state that if an acne sufferer has several large pustules or other skin problems as well, the device should not be considered. Otherwise, the Clarisonic acne treatment can be purchased in online stores and anywhere else skin care products are offered.

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Vitamin B5 Acne Research

By admin | Published: December 16, 2010

It is a breath of fresh air when researchers began to think outside of the box. For instance, we all know that acne has been a problem among teens forever. It is also well known fact that western societies have an obesity problem. The two categories have always been treated separate and distinct by researchers. However, one researcher has made a hypothesis that states there may be a connection between the two. Vitamin B5 acne deficiency may be at the root of the problem.

To illustrate his point Dr. Lit-Hung Leung(1) uses coenzyme Q 10 as an example. He suggests when the body is deficient in this substance it will place it where the body needs it the most. This leaves the body deficient to carry out the other functions that depend on CQ10, such as metabolizing fatty acids. This in turn causes acne and weight gain among teens. The correlation is a simple one. CoQ10 is formed from adenosine triphosphate, cysteine, and B5. The Vitb5 must be provided by a person’s diet. Therefore, if a lack of B5 exist in the body and the diet it follows the person will also be deficient in Q10. This of course leads to an inability to metabolize the fats. Since the fat are not being mobilized properly, they will begin to secrete from the pores. When this happens, the pores clog up, resulting in acne.

This is a marvelous bit of research because it clearly illustrates the fact that many health issues are directly related to nutrient deficiency. The diet in Western societies is notoriously known for having processed and packaged foods. This processing removes many of the vital nutrients. Therefore, the processed foods have many calories but nothing to support the body’s functions –which includes repair. In the case of vitamin B five acne deficiency, the outcome is apparent when the deficiency is present. If the problem is a chronic deficiency over many decades, is not apparent until disease is manifested. In other words, a sustained nutrient deficiency over many years can be at the root cause of so many degenerative diseases such as Cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Nutritional requirements can rarely be met through a person’s diet today. This is why it is important to consider taking vitamins and supplements on a regular basis. The benefits will surely outweigh any costs in the long run. Any teenager with an acne problem should consider reducing their fat intake while increasing their vitamin B five intake. There are even Co-Q10 supplements nowadays that may prevent acne.

1) http://vitaminb5acne.com/study.html

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How to Get Rid of Acne Scars Naturally?

By admin | Published: November 13, 2010

Acne is an irritating skin condition which can make you feel embarrassed. Acne is formed when the pores on the skin become blocked by oil and dead cells etc. Acne disappears after some time but leaves a scar in place. If you are lucky enough the acne may disappear without leaving any scars. But when there are a lot of them you definitely will look for ways to get rid of the scars. There are several methods and treatments to get rid of scars. How to get rid of acne scars naturally? There are several home remedies using natural ingredients which are very effective.

Vitamin E is very effective in helping the skin to heal. It also protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun and damage. So most of the lotions for skin care have vitamin E as an active ingredient. Consuming foods which are rich in this vitamin can be very beneficial in removing your scars. Foods which are rich in this vitamin include turnip greens, spinach, roasted almonds, raw sunflower seeds, papaya, olives and blue berries. Vitamin A is good for improving the texture of your skin. It is found in most of the dairy products. However, remember to choose low fat foods. Flax seeds, walnuts and salmon etc have important fatty acids which protects your skin from the sun. They also strengthen skin cells.

Aloe vera is well known for its healing properties. It can be used effectively for removing the scars caused by acne. The best way to use it is to apply the pure gel obtained from the leaf on the face and scars. Leave the gel on place for about 15 minutes and wash it with warm water. Continue this for a few days until you feel that the scars have reduced to a great extent or vanished. Another important natural ingredient is lemon juice. Lemon juice can be consumed internally and also applied on the scars with the help of cotton. Leave the juice for some time and then wash it off with warm water. You can also mix the juice with yogurt for applying.

Applying honey on every scar can be very effective. It is very effective in soothing insect bites and mild burns etc. Due to its anti-bacterial properties it can be applied of the skin for treating acne and getting rid of your scars. Honey inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents the formation acne. Natural remedies will help you to get permanent results if they are followed carefully constantly.

Figuring out how to get rid of acne scars can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be; these natural remedies can help you to keep your skin looking good.

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