Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Acne products: Find a solution for your acne flare-ups



Countless acne products line store shelves, offering you a wide array of choices. Not only must you pick among brands and regular strength or maximum strength, but you also have to decide whether a gel, lotion or cleansing bar would best suit your needs. Sorting through all these options can be confusing.
So before you grab whatever package is closest, find out how acne products differ, what main ingredients to look for and how to use these products for best results.

Acne products target causes

To choose the acne product that's most likely to work for you, it helps to understand the cause of acne.
Your hair follicles are connected to sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance known as sebum to lubricate the hair and skin. Sebum normally travels up along the hair shafts and then out through the opening of the hair follicle onto the surface of your skin.
When your body produces an excess amount of sebum and dead skin cells, they accumulate in the hair follicle and form a soft plug. As the plug enlarges, the follicle wall can rupture, allowing more oil and skin cells to accumulate. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in acne.
Some over-the-counter (OTC) acne products work by killing Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria that cause acne inflammation. Other products remove excess oils from the skin or speed up the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead skin cells. And in some cases, an acne product works by doing several of these things.

Acne develops when sebum (an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin) and dead skin cells plug the hair follicles and become infected.






Active ingredients in acne products

Acne products work in different ways, depending on their active ingredient. Here are common active ingredients found in acne products and how they work to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide. Probably the most effective active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide kills P. acnes, helps remove excess oils from the skin and removes dead skin cells that clog pores. Available in strengths from 2.5 percent to 10 percent, benzoyl peroxide can cause excessive dryness, scaling, redness and minor swelling. It can also make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Salicylic acid. This ingredient slows shedding of cells inside the hair follicles, which prevents the pores from clogging. It may also break down whiteheads (clogged pores that have no opening) and blackheads (pores that are open and have a dark surface). Salicylic acid can cause mild stinging and skin irritation. OTC acne products are available with 0.5 percent to 2 percent salicylic acid.

Sulfur and resorcinol. Rarely used alone, sulfur and resorcinol are often found together in products. These ingredients remove dead skin cells that clog pores and help remove excess oil. They may also break down whiteheads and blackheads. Sulfur and resorcinol can cause redness and peeling, which may occur several days after using the product.
Alcohol and acetone. Often available in astringents and other cleansing washes, alcohol and acetone remove dirt and oils from the skin. Products that contain these ingredients can cause a mild burning or stinging sensation.




Using acne products for best results


To minimize redness, excessive dryness and other skin problems, start out with lower strength acne products. If needed, gradually increase the strength and frequency of your applications so that your skin can adjust to the treatments. In addition, don't combine products with different active ingredients. For example, don't use both a lotion containing benzoyl peroxide and a gel containing salicylic acid. This can cause serious skin irritations.

Acne products are just one step in your skin care regimen. For best control of acne:
Avoid oily cosmetics, suncreens and hair products. Instead use products labeled "oil-free" or "noncomedogenic," which means it won't clog pores.

Wash problem areas twice daily with a nonmedicated soap or mild cleanser. But don't overdo it. Excessive washing and scrubbing can worsen acne.

Apply just enough acne product to cover the problem areas.

Use an oil-free, water-based moisturizer to help alleviate dry, peeling skin.

Don't pick or squeeze blemishes. Infection or scarring may result.

It may take four to six weeks of daily use of acne products to see results, and acne may look worse before it gets better. If your acne doesn't improve after two months of treatment, you may want to see your doctor or dermatologist for a prescription lotion or medication.

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

Dry Skin Care Products Can Cause Adult Acne

It is estimated that 50 percent of adult women and 25 percent of adult men have acne. Although there are a number of reasons behind this – hormonal changes, stress, ingrown hairs from shaving, and so on – an often overlooked source of the problem is the moisturizers used to remedy dry skin. Substituting a shielding lotion for moisturizers provides the dry skin care treatment needed without causing acne and other skin problems.How do moisturizers lead to acne? The usual problem is the addition of mineral oil or its derivatives. Mineral oil coats the skin and clogs the pores, which then become a breeding ground for bacteria. Because the pores are clogged, there’s no way for that bacteria to get out. This then results in inflammation and infection - acne.So, if you have acne, or would like to avoid it, one of the first things to do is get rid of your moisturizers. Theoretically, this will lead to another problem – how do you handle your dry skin? The truth is that moisturizers are not only not effective dry skin care treatment; many of their chemical ingredients actually make the condition worse. It is not immediately obvious because the addition of mineral oil makes the skin feel soft and smooth. However, what you’re feeling is not your skin, it’s the mineral oil. Anything coated with oil is going to feel that way. Underneath the oil is the same dry skin. In fact, it’s probably getting worse because the pores are clogged with oil, bacteria is getting trapped, and dead skin cells are accumulating rather than sloughed off so your skin is fresh.The best solution for both dry skin care and acne is a shielding lotion. A good shielding lotion bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a protective layer that locks in natural moisture and keeps harmful chemicals out. However, it does not clog the pores in the process. The skin is free to breathe, dead skin cells are exfoliated and bacteria and other toxins are released.Switching from moisturizers to a good shielding lotion could kill two birds with one stone. It provides dry skin care treatment that really alleviates the problem instead of hiding it, and unclogs the pores to relieve acne. Give it a try!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Acne, Pimples - Treatment & Homeopathic Medicines

#Sulphur [Sulph]
Is perhaps the remedy most often indicated in this affection, especially if chronic. The skin is rough and hard and the acne is associated with comedones and constipation; great aggravation from water is the characteristic leading to Sulphur in skin affections. The acne punctata is the variety corresponding most nearly to Sulphur. Simple forms yield to Belladonna or Pulsatilla. Acne rosacea yields to Arsenicum iodatum or Sulphur iodide.



#Sanguinaria [Sang]
Is another useful remedy in acne, especially in women with scanty menses and irregular circulation of blood. Other remedies for acne dependent on sexual disturbances of women are Calcarea carbonica and Aurum muriaticum natronatrum.#Kali bromatum [Kali.br]produces an acne on the face, neck and shoulders. We frequently find an acne in Epileptics who have been maltreated by bromides. This remedy is especially adapted to the acne simplex and the acne indurata, especially in hyperaesthetic, nervous females, and the late Dr. Martin Deschere loudly praised it. Since Kali bromatum has been found a useful remedy in sexual excesses it will be especially a remedy in acne due to that cause. Dr. J.H.Clarke says, "I know of no remedy of such universal usefulness in cases of simple acne as Kali bromatum 30," and the late Dr.A.M. Cushing recommended Arsenicum bromatum 4x as very efficacious.Thuja is one of our best remedies for acne facialis. Calcarea picrata is also a useful remedy for acne; clinically it has been found one of the good remedies. Calcarea sulphurica is indicated where the pimples suppurate.





#Antimonium crudum [Ant.c]
Small red pimples on face, acne in drunkards with gastric derangements,thirst and white-coated tongue. Antimonium tartaricum. Obstinate cases, with tendency to pustulation, are curable with this remedy. Berberis aquifolium is useful where the skin is rough and the acne persistent. Natrum muriaticum acts especially on the sebaceous glands, and is a very helpful remedy in acne.In this affection attention must be directed especially to the patient's type, temperament and tendencies and the general symptoms are far mores important than the local ones.

Acne/Pimples and Homeopathy

Acne - Introduction

Acne is a skin disorder in which the sebaceous glands or oil secreting glands present in the skin of face, chest and back become over-sensitive to normal levels of androgen. If you are teenager, chances are pretty good that you have some pimples. Eight out of every ten teens have acne. Many adults from their 20's to 40's or older can also have acne. Acne often clears up after several years even without any treatment. But, untreated acne may leave scars if you wait to outgrow it. There are various types of acne - Pimples (Blackheads, Whiteheads), Papules, Pustules, Nodules, and Cysts.

There are many reasons for occurrence of pimples. Teenagers & young adults are more prone to getting acne due to the normal hormonal changes that take place at that age. Poor personal hygienic conditions may cause accumulation of dirt and grease which block skin pores leading to pimples. If you have dandruff, that can fall on the face and back and become another cause of pimples.

The following factors may aggravate the conditions: eating excess of oily food, sweets, chocolates, improper diet & food habits, cosmetics, overexposure to the sun, smoking, alcohol, drugs, constipation, insufficient rest, lack of exercise etc...
Patients with acne are often embarrassed by their appearance which could lead to lack of self-confidence, anxiety and depression.





Homeopathic Approach

Homeopathy offers natural, effective remedies for patients suffering from Acne. By undergoing homoeopathic treatment, they would notice a drying up of pimples/acne and a reduction in the number of existing acne. There will also be a reduction in associated symptoms like pain, burning and itching. The skin texture will also improve. Acne is a skin disorder which should be treated holistically from within the body and not superficially using ointments and creams because the outward eruption that we see is the mirror reflection of the internal disorder of the body. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine which has a different approach to disease and remedy from that of conventional system of medicine. In the conventional allopathic approach, medicines are used that work against diseases and their symptoms. In Homoeopathy, the symptoms of an illness are viewed as a direct manifestation of the body's attempt to heal itself and a Homoeopathic substance is given that is capable of producing similar symptoms if given to a well person. In so doing, Homoeopathic system attempts to stimulate the body's own natural healing capacity with Homoeopathic remedies acting as a trigger for the body's own healing forces.



Saturday, December 16, 2006

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!No More ACNES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It doesn’t matter whether you are a teenager or are a “30 something.”
Acne doesn’t really care as long as it finds a home.

Do any of these situations describe you?
• Your Diet & Acne You love french fries and other greasy foods. But your skin breaks out.
• Hygiene & Your Skin You shower every day and still have difficulty with unwanted blemishes popping up.
• Skin Care Products & Acne You’ve tried every cosmetic and tanning lotions on the market, but your skin still breaks out!
• Acne & Shaving You shave with a double-edged razor and you often have inflammation in areas afterwards.


If you can relate to any of those situations, you’ve got a problem and this acnepill can help you get it under control. This is for you to deal with your Acne problem no matter what your gender or age is at this time.


Did you know? Acne affects millions of people all over the world. The statistical distribution of the condition, by age and gender is:.......


1. 85% of adolescents and pre-adolescents are affected by acne.
2. The condition occurs on some children under 10 years of age.
3. Boys are more likely to have a severe form of the disease than teenage girls.
4. About 12% of women between 22 and 45 years of age are affected by acne.
5. Women are more prone to acne during adulthood because of premenstrual hormonal changes as well as consistent use of cosmetics.
6. About 3% of all men are affected during their adult life.
7. The incidences of acne reduce sharply after the age of 45.



Loma Lux Homeopathic Medicine, Acne Pill, 100 tablets



Product Features
•Fights acne from the inside out
•Dermatologist developed oral tablet
•FDA accepted
•No negative side effects
•easy to use one step oral tablet


Loma Lux Homeopathic Medicine, Acne Pill, 100 tablets

Label Information
Safety Information

Safety sealed for your protection. Do not use if imprinted seal around bottle neck & cap is missing or broken. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact a physician. If pregnant or nursing, use only under the advice and supervision of a physician. Keep out of the reach of children. Use only as directed. Do not give to children under six years old or use in the presence of kidney disease. If skin rash appears, or if nervous symptoms persist, recur frequently or are unusual, discontinue use and consult a physician.

Ingredients

Ingredients: Each 300 mg Tablet contains: Active Ingredients: Kali Bromatum 1X, Potassium Bromide, Natrum Bromatum 2X, Sodium Bromide, Niccolum Sulphuricum 6X, Nickel Sulphate, Sulphur 6X, and Hepar Suphuris Calcareum 9X, Calcium Sulfide. Inactive Ingredients: Lactose and Magnesium Stearate.

Directions

Take orally. Take once per day as indicated on chart below. Continue use as long as it is beneficial to your overall condition. Weight, Daily Dosage: 50-100 lbs: One tablet; 100-150 lbs: Two tablets; 150-200 lbs: Three tablets; Over 200 lbs: Four tablets.