Sulfur soap natural and effective acne treatment

Common Acne Scars And How To Treat Them

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:06:05 +0000

Ice Pick Scars The Most Common Acne Scar

There are four major types of acne scar which affect acne sufferers in a major way. They are, in order of regularity: ice pick scars; boxcar scars; rolling scars and hypertrophic or keloid scars. The most common of these is the ice pick scar, it is not difficult to work out how this kind of scar got its name ñ in short, it looks as though the sufferer has been attacked with an ice pick or a similarly sharp, thin instrument. Ice pick scars are characterised by their depth and their narrowness. Some people say that ice pick scars look like a hyper-large open pore. The way that an ice pick scar is formed explains its unique appearance. Usually a result of cystic acne, the scar develops after a cyst, or other rooted, inflamed blemish works its way up from the inner layers of dermis. Al the skin tissue in its path, and nothing else, is effectively burrowed away, leaving behind this long and deep scar. If seen as a cross-section diagram, an ice pick scar looks like a deep, narrow ravine. Treatment is available to improve the appearance of ice pick scars, if not remove the scarring entirely. The most popular method of treatment is a form of surgery known as punch excision. A small tool is pressed into the skin like a cookie-cutter in order to pull away individual scars. The wound, scarcely any wider than the original scar, is then closed using surgical stitches or skin glue. Once it has healed, the skin looks a great deal more normal.

Box Car Scars – The Aftermath of Inflammation

Although not as common as ice pick scars, nor as pronounced, box car scars are a familiar type of acne scar, most frequently found after an inflammatory acne breakout. In comparison with ice pick scars, box car scars are a good deal wider and though not quite as deep as ice pick scars they do give the skin a somewhat pitted appearance. Usually a box car scar will be round or oval in shape and have steep sides. They are recognisable for the amount of tissue that is removed to make them. The box car scar is created when an inflammatory breakout of acne strikes, destroying some of the collagen which gives facial skin its rubbery, flexible texture. Where the tissue is effectively burned away by the inflammation, the skin is left without support and develops a sunken look. There is no set level of severity for a box car scar, and it is recognised purely by its shape. They can consequently be fairly superficial or very severe depending on the severity of the breakout and the amount of tissue destroyed. To treat a box car scar, it is possible to use punch excision, although the nature of that form of surgery is more suited to ice pick scars. Instead, punch elevation is a more frequent choice for surgeons. This style of surgery involves cutting out the base of the scar and lifting (or elevating) it to a point where it is level with the surrounding skin. It is then held in place using surgical sutures until it heals, leaving the skin looking much less pitted.

Rolling Scars – A Rare Form of Acne Scar, But Unpleasant Nonetheless

Although the majority of scarring caused by acne, particularly facial breakouts, falls into the categories of ice pick or box car scarring, there are other forms of scar which can afflict the acne sufferer. One of the two other major forms of scar is the rolling scar, which is characterised by a rolling appearance, almost like a wave breaking across the skin. The skin around it will look absolutely normal, which throws the scarring into an ever clearer view. It is a form of scarring that causes discomfort and embarrassment. It is caused when a fibrous band of tissue forms between the top layer of skin and the subcutaneous tissue as a result of weakening of the connection. These fibrous bands exert a pull on the epidermis and cause it to cling to the deeper structures of the skin. The aesthetic result of this pull is that some of the skin appears sunken while that around it is where it would usually be. This creates the familiar, wave-like appearance which, when moving, appears to be as the name would suggest, rolling across the skin. In order to get rid of rolling scars on the skin, the most popular method of surgery is called subcision. This name comes from the Latin terms Subi, meaning underneath and incisio, meaning to cut. The practice of subcision involves cutting underneath the skin’s surface and inserting a needle which is used to cut out the fibrous tissue that his holding down the top layer of skin when this is done, the epidermis is freed and able to move independently.

Keloid Acne

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:47:44 +0000

Keloid Acne Help

Acne is a major problem of many teenagers and adults around the globe. Dealing with acne is very tragic for all of us. Buying all the available medications in the grocery but nothing works for you. Though there is successful treatment for acne, there are instances when acne leaves divots on your face but there are some who are left with reverse effect on their skin which is keloid acne scars.These keloid scars are more visible on the skin surface that is raised and very unsightly. It is caused by overgrowth of the flesh from which an injury occurred. The skin can be damaged by breakouts and acne keloid scars develop on the spot where the pimple appeared. Your acne may be treated but leaves a reminder of your acne experience and these scars are very Although keloid acne is difficult to treat, you can make them less visible and noticeable over time when the bump becomes even on the surface skin. A technique which can help you lose that nasty keloid out of your face. Applying pressure on the bump for a period of time for around 3 to 5 minutes, do this three times a day. You can see results after a week and you can a difference and noticeable results.This technique may work for you and most keloid cases, but its worth a try and no need to buy something. If it didn’t work for you there are also other treatments that you can try. Freezing the acne keloid scars is a procedure use to make them disappear or less visible. This procedure is quite quick and painless. Laser therapy is also known for its painless procedure and positive results. Other treatments are not applicable for some because it is very painful for them though with the same results.These are other options that you can choose from, Radiation, injection and surgery. It can be frightening experience to undergo such pain in these procedures although they have the same outcomes which will make your acne keloid scars diminished. Another treatment that you can use is a silastic gel, a type sheeting that can be applied on the acne keloid scar and kept with a tape to avoid the tape from getting out of place. This is applied on the keloids for many nights and will flatten the keloid. There are also kinds of these tapes that have steroid content on them which is also known for its thinning effect on keloids.Acne keloid scars are not harmful but they can reappear after they have been treated and other cases of these scars are very sensitive to touch. They easily get irritated when you frequently touch them. If you don’t want to have these acne keloid scars is to know how to prevent them to appear on you face. Remember to properly cleanse your skin with antibacterial soap to avoid infection and the right skin care products that is appropriate to your skin type. You can ask your dermatologist for more questions on how to get rid of your acne keloid scars and more about its prevention.

Does Smoking Cause Acne

admin — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:40:35 +0000

Does Smoking Cause Acne

Smoking is related to a number of harmful conditions from cancer and premature aging to less harmful but embarrassing conditions like bad breath and teeth decay. The conditions can be so severe that now in many countries warning messages are displayed on cigarette packets. Although it is estimated that around 3 billion die from smoking related illnesses annually smoking is still popular.You may not know but smoking has also been associated with symptoms of acne. With some data finding that women are more prone to smoking related acne symptoms than men! In fact research has shown that of 1,000 women aged between 25-50 over 40% suffered from acne, whilst only 10% of the non-smoking women had acne.This brief article takes a look at why smokers are more likely to suffer from acne.So what causes smokers to suffer from acne?It is thought that the main reason why smokers suffer from acne is due to unhealthy skin.

Smoking Is Bad For Your Skin

The toxic chemicals and carcinogens in cigarette smoke clog the pores and as a consequence cause bacterial growth leading to acne.If you may smoke you may be one of the lucky ones and not suffer from acne. If you did suffer from acne as a teenager then it is more likely you will have smoking related acne.What are the effects of smoking on the skin?Smoking can affect the bodies cell DNA that led to severe conditions, such as skin cancer.Most heavy smokers tend to look older due to pale skin, leathery skin and premature wrinkles. This is in part due to the harmful effects of tobacco and that natural levels of certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A, are reduced which affects skin health.Whilst certainly more studies need to be carried out into the effects of smoking on acne, it is fairly clear that a relationship exists between smoking and healthy skin.Preventing smokers acneOf course the obvious answer is to stop smoking, which would led to a marked improvement in the health of your skin! Equally even stopping smoking will not mean that you will never suffer from acne again.If quitting smoking is not possible at the moment (although certainly worth considering due to all the health reasons!) then you can try acne treatments to treat the acne symptoms. There are a number of effective over the counter acne products that could work for you.

Dietary Acne Cure

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:27:27 +0000

Dietary Acne Cure

There are lots of people who are dealing with their acne as a long term problem. Dietitian’s have shown that some foods will aggravate and existing acne condition, while others will improve an existing condition or make it less likely to develop in the first place. Here are some of the foods that you need to have for your dietary cure for acne.

1. Reducing Milk Consumption.
Milk is not just a natural food for humans, as it is also a perfect food for the baby cows in which the nature have designed it. This substance has the appropriate minerals, vitamins, as well as hormones that most of the baby cows need in order to thrive. It is actually not the fat in the milk that causes your acne to breakout, as it is the hormones that do it. However, it does not necessarily mean that you should not drink milk, as you only have to drink in moderation.

2. Reduce Carbohydrates Intake.
Too much intake of carbohydrates like sugar, chocolates, candy bars, cakes as well as the sweetened carbonated drinks could surely cause an acne breakout. Moreover, being overweight could also make you more prone to acne. So, for you to help yourself to get away with acne, it would be best for you to eliminate too much of carbohydrates into your diet.

3. Eat Much of Foods and Veggies.
It is one of the things that could help you on how to cure acne. Instead of eating lots of acne-triggering foods, it would be best if you choose to eat fruits as well as vegetables. This could not only help you out to reduce acne, but it will aid you to prevent its recurrence.

4. Fish Oil Is The Best.
Try to eat a portion of oily fish just like salmon, mackerel, or some tuna for a week. These kinds of fishes are rich in omega 3 oil that are known for its benefits most especially on your skin as well as your overall well-being. However, you should not try to fry these fishes as most of the cooking fats could help acne breakouts more. If fighting acne is your aim, then taking some of these tips for dietary cure for acne is the best thing that you could count on.

Cystic Acne

admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:16:52 +0000

Cystic Acne

Cystic, or nodularcystic, acne is one of the worst types of acne to suffer from because it is often painful, can last for months, and frequently leaves scars. It is understandable to want to seek pharmaceutical treatments for cystic acne, but there are natural cystic acne treatments that work for healing acne, and may in fact work better than what your doctor would prescribe. Acne is an indication that something is not quite in balance with in the body and should serve as a warning to us to straighten things out. The first line of attack should not be to treat the symptoms, which in the process adds more unbalance to our bodies. Instead, a natural cystic acne treatment may clear up acne and also make you healthier in the process. Of course it is fine – and even recommended – to visit a dermatologist to discuss the best treatment options for you. But if you prefer to try natural remedies instead of harsh prescription pills and creams, here is a list of things to try.
1 – The acne and diet connection. This is vital and often over looked. Some deny that diet has an impact on acne, but I can speak from experience that it does. Some foods that may contribute to acne are saturated fats, sugar, dairy products, and starchy foods like white rice and white potatoes.On the other hand, there are some foods that can help prevent acne.You should drink lots of water to help your body and skin cleanse toxins more quickly and flush them out of your body. Try to drink half your body weight in oz each day.This can be a struggle sometimes, and some people may not need this much, but try to at least drink 4 8 ox glasses a day. On top of plenty of water, eat a variety of richly colored fruits and vegetables, healthy fats from fish and nuts, and plenty of antioxidant rich foods such as green tea, berries and whole grains.
2 – Minerals and vitamins for acne. Some acne is correlated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some of the top offenders are zinc, selenium, vitamin A and some of the B vitamins. In addition, some vitamins promote quicker healing by reducing inflammation or antioxidant affect like Vitamins C and E. Always talk with your doctor before starting a supplement regimen.
3 – Cleanse but don’t aggravate. Wash your face once a day but do not over wash or wash too roughly. This can aggravate your skin and lead to more breaks. Over washing, especially with drying or oil free cleansers tends to create skin that is dry and inflamed on the top layer and oily and clogged beneath. Pat your face dry to keep irritating your skin. Exfoliating washes and scrubs can also help to gently remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that clog pores and lead to acne. Scrubs can be abrasive and should only be used as a preventative measure, not on top of existing pimples.Avoid touching any pimples as this just aggravates the area, introduces dirt and oil, and will make them take longer to heal. Even hair falling across your face can act as an irritant and prolong your pimple. It is a good idea to wash your pillow case often and wash your face before bed to keep it clean and keep from picking up bacteria that way.
4 – Homeopathic acne remedies. Salicylic acid is found naturally in willow bark and is in many topical natural acne remedies available over the counter.Sulfur is another topical treatment that can help to clear up cystic acne. It is found in some spot treatment products. You can also buy bars of sulfur soap for washing with. But again, don’t overdo it – Once a day is enough.Tea tree oil is a natural astringent that can help kill the bacteria on the skin that causes acne. Do not put tea tree oil directly on the skin because it is too strong. Either dilute in your choice of base oil (almond and jojoba work well) or use a topical acne treatment product that contains tea tree oil as one if its ingredients.
5 – Manage stress. Believe it or not, stress is a major acne trigger in many people. To help prevent breakouts, find ways to manage and control your stress levels. Get enough sleep as well as regular physical exercise. And, practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation, or just include “you” time into your busy schedule.There are many factors that contribute to the condition of cystic acne, and many of these conditions are within our ability to control naturally through diet, proper skin cleansing, supplements, and homeopathic acne treatments. Not all cystic acne has the same cause, so you may need to experiment to find the natural solution that works for you. It may take time to discover how to eliminate your acne completely, but by trying the natural cystic acne treatments listed in this article you should notice at least some level of improvement in your skin. With perseverance you can have the clear, healthy skin you want – naturally.

Laser Treament For Acne

admin — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 01:34:28 +0000

Laser Treatment For Acne

Photodynamic therapy is the medical term for laser treatment for acne, this type of therapy uses methods such as light and laser treatments and promises patients a novel way to treat acne that doesn’t involve daily use of oral antibiotics or application of heavy topicals. Because it is still an emerging treatment, there are limited studies conducted on how well laser treatment works for acne. While laser treatment might not be your dermatologist’s first offering due to its prohibitive cost, recent studies suggest that certain types of laser treatment can be an effective way to resolve acne.

How Laser Treatment For Ance Works

According to the Mayo Clinic, laser treatment for acne works by penetrating the deep layers of the skin without harming its surface. While light therapy reduces the presence of bacteria that cause acne, laser treatments have an effect on the sebaceous glands that produce excess oil. Laser treatment may also reduce the appearance of scarring caused by acne, so it can be used on people who currently have acne or acne scarring.

Laser Treatment for Acne

The American Academy of Dermatology states there are two types of lasers used to treat acne: diode lasers and pulsed dye lasers. A 2004 study published in “Dermatologic Surgery” indicated that of 19 patients with facial acne, each one saw a significant improvement after treatment, and after three diode laser treatments, lesion counts had decreased by 83 percent. Early studies conducted on pulse dye laser treatments yielded more inconsistent results. A 2004 study published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” revealed that 40 patients with facial acne noted no significant difference after 12 weeks when one side of their face was treated and the other was not.

Latest Studies

More recent studies seem to indicate that pulse dye laser treatments have more promise–if they’re used with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), which bonds to the sebaceous glands and makes them more sensitive to light. A study released in March 2009 indicates that 100 percent of study participants, of which there were 14, experienced total resolution of their acne with pulse dye laser treatment in conjunction with topical ALA after one to six treatment sessions.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scarring

Although laser treatment for the effective treatment of existing acne is still undergoing scrutiny, laser treatment is commonly used to reduce acne scarring. According to the Mayo Clinic, laser resurfacing is one technique used to reduce the presence of scarring. Laser resurfacing ablates (destroys) the outer-most layer of the skin by heating the layer just beneath it, thereby allowing new skin to form.

Laser Treatment For Acne Cost

Unfortunately for patients, laser treatment may not be covered by health insurance plans, as it is still considered an experimental procedure. A single treatment could cost as much as $500. While laser treatment for acne may seem desirable, a more cost-effective method of treatment may be to adhere to tried and true combination therapies that consist of antibiotics and prescription topical creams.

Acne Treatment – A medical perspective

admin — Tue, 17 May 2011 10:14:24 +0000

Acne Treatment – A Medical Perspective

If you haven’t been able to control your acne adequately, you may want to consult a primary-care physician or dermatologist. The goal of treatment should be the prevention of scarring (not a flawless complexion) so that after the condition spontaneously resolves there is no lasting sign of the affliction. Here are some of the options available:

* Topical (externally applied) antibiotics and antibacterials: These include erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab, PCE, Pediazole, Ilosone), clindamycin (BenzaClin, Duac), sulfacetamide (Klaron), and azelaic acid (Azelex or Finacea).

* Retinoids: Retin-A (tretinoin) has been around for years, and preparations have become milder and gentler while still maintaining its effectiveness. Newer retinoids include adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac). These medications are especially helpful for unclogging pores. Side effects may include irritation and a mild increase in sensitivity to the sun. With proper sun protection, however, they can be used even during sunny periods. In December 2008, the U.S. FDA approved the combination medication known as Epiduo gel, which contains the retinoid adapalene along with the antibacterial cleanser benzoyl peroxide. This once-daily prescription treatment was approved for use in patients 12 years of age and older.

* Oral antibiotics: Doctors may start treatment with tetracycline (Sumycin) or one of the related “cyclines,” such as doxycycline (Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and others) and minocycline (Dynacin, Minocin). Other oral antibiotics that are useful for treating acne are cefadroxil (Duricef), amoxicillin (Amoxil, DisperMox, Trimox), and the sulfa drugs.

o Problems with these drugs can include allergic reactions (especially sulfa), gastrointestinal upset, and increased sun sensitivity. Doxycycline, in particular, is generally safe but can sometime cause esophagitis (irritation of the esophagus, producing discomfort when swallowing) and an increased tendency to sunburn.

o Despite many people’s concerns about using oral antibiotics for several months or longer, such use does not “weaken the immune system” and make them more susceptible to infections or unable to use other antibiotics when necessary.

o Recently published reports that long-term antibiotic use may increase the risk of breast cancer will require further study, but at present they are not substantiated. In general, doctors prescribe oral antibiotic therapy for acne only when necessary and for as short a time as possible.

* Oral contraceptives: Oral contraceptives, which are low in estrogen to promote safety, have little effect on acne one way or the other. Some contraceptive pills have been to shown to have modest effectiveness in treating acne. Those FDA approved for treating acne are Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Yaz. Most dermatologists work together with primary physicians or gynecologists when recommending these medications.

* Spironolactone (Aldactone): This drug blocks androgen (hormone) receptors. It can cause breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and increased potassium levels in the bloodstream. It can help some women with resistant acne, however, and is generally well-tolerated in the young women who need it.

* Cortisone injections: To make large pimples and cysts flatten out fast, doctors inject them with a form of cortisone.

* Isotretinoin: (Accutane was the original brand name; there are now several generic versions in common use, including Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem.) Isotretinoin is an excellent treatment for severe, resistant acne and has been used on millions of patients since it was introduced in Europe in 1971 and in the U.S. in 1982. It should be used for people with severe acne, chiefly of the cystic variety, which has been unresponsive to conventional therapies like those listed above. The drug has many potential serious side effects and requires a number of unique controls before it is prescribed. This means that isotretinoin is not a good choice for people whose acne is not that bad but who are frustrated and want “something that will knock acne out once and for all.”

o Used properly, isotretinoin is safe and produces few side effects beyond dry lips and occasional muscle aches. This drug is prescribed for five to six months. Fasting blood tests are monitored monthly to check liver function and the level of triglycerides, substances related to cholesterol, which often rise a bit during treatment, but rarely to the point where treatment has to be modified or stopped.

o Even though isotretinoin does not remain in the body after therapy is stopped, improvement is often long-lasting. It is safe to take two or three courses of the drug if unresponsive acne makes a comeback. It is, however, best to wait at least several months and to try other methods before using isotretinoin again.

o Isotretinoin has a high risk of inducing birth defects if taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age who take isotretinoin need two negative pregnancy tests (blood or urine) before starting the drug, monthly tests while they take it, and another after they are done. Those who are sexually active must use two forms of contraception, one of which is usually the oral contraceptive pill. Isotretinoin leaves the body completely when treatment is done; women must be sure to avoid pregnancy for one month after therapy is stopped. There is, however, no risk to childbearing after that time.

o Other concerns include inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of depression and suicide in patients taking isotretinoin. Government oversight has resulted in a highly publicized and very burdensome national registration system for those taking the drug. This has reinforced concerns in many patients and their families have that isotretinoin is dangerous. In fact, large-scale studies so far have shown no convincing evidence of increased risk for those taking isotretinoin compared with the general population. It is important for those taking this drug to report changes in mood or bowel habits (or any other symptoms) to their doctors. Even patients who are being treated for depression are not barred from taking isotretinoin, whose striking success often improves the mood and outlook of patients with severe disease.

* Laser treatments: Recent years have brought reports of success in treating acne using lasers and similar devices, alone or in conjunction with photosensitizing dyes. It appears that these treatments are safe and can be effective, but it is not clear that their success is lasting. At this point, laser treatment of acne is best thought of as an adjunct to conventional therapy, rather than as a substitute.

* Chemical peels: Whether the superficial peels (like glycolic acid) performed by aestheticians or deeper ones performed in the doctor’s office, chemical peels are of modest, supportive benefit only, and in general, they do not substitute for regular therapy.

* Treatment of acne scars: For those patients whose acne has gone away but left them with permanent scarring, several options are available. These include surgical procedures to elevate deep, depressed acne scars and laser resurfacing to smooth out shallow acne scars. Newer forms of laser resurfacing (“fractional resurfacing”) are less invasive and heal faster than older methods, although results are less complete and they may need to be repeated three or more times. These treatments can help, but they are never completely successful at eliminating acne scars.

Vitamins & Minerals For Acne Treatment

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 15:40:41 +0000

Vitamins & Minerals For Acne Treatment

Vitamins, Minerals, and other Supplements that Eliminate Acne
Many supplements exist that will help speed up the success of your acne treatment. It is well known that taking certain vitamins, minerals, or other types of supplements will help to eliminate skin disorders. We are listing some of the most effective ones to use when fighting acne.
Vitamins
• 50,000 IU of water-soluble Vitamin A should be taken right before eating. Don’t take more than this amount before first getting your physician’s approval because too much Vitamin A can be toxic. If you start experiencing unwanted symptoms with this dosage, then decrease it to 25,000 IU.
• 500-1000 mg of Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, should be taken daily
• 25-150 mg of Vitamin B6 should be taken daily (Vitamin B6 should be one of the vitamins in a B complex vitamin).
• 1000 mg of buffered Vitamin C should be taken three times daily.
• 400 IU of Vitamin E should be taken twice daily and must be taken before eating.

Minerals
• One tablet of Calcium Hydroxyapatite Complex should be taken 3 times daily after every meal.
• 200-500 micrograms of Chromium should be taken daily.
• 25-60 mg of Zinc Gluconate should be taken once daily. Never exceed 100 mg unless you get your physician’s approval. Zinc is, by far, the most important mineral to take in your quest for freedom from acne because it reduces DHT, the male sex hormone that can cause acne if there is an excessive amount of it in the body.

Oxygen Elements Plus
Oxygen Elements Plus is a nutrient that, with proper use, will add 10 to 20% more oxygen to your blood. Aside from the beneficial oxygen, this product also contains other useful minerals and nutrients.

Acid, waste products, and pathogens serve to use up much of the oxygen you receive. The amount left behind is what your body must use for the rest of its needs. Because you need more oxygen than is readily available, Oxygen Elements Plus is a great product to help you get it. Your skin needs oxygen to stay clean and bacteria-free. More oxygen may result in you having clear, acne-free skin.

Other Special Supplements
Six special supplements exist, in addition to Oxygen Elements Plus, that might clear your acne, as well as improve your level of health and immunity to infections.
• Mineral Electrolytes
• Digestive Enzymes
• Lecithin
• Chlorophyll
• Systemic Enzymes
• Flax Seed Oil
These supplements should be used according to the directions on their individual labels.

It is important to discontinue using any of the supplements we have mentioned here (especially the ones with high dosages) once your acne is under control.

Once things get back to normal, you should continue whatever supplementation program you were originally using. Prolonged use of supplements in high dosages can sometimes cause a chemical imbalance in your body and can be harmful to your health.

The Secret To Dry Skin Care

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:47:44 +0000

The Secret To Dry Skin Care

The recipe for dry skin care Dry skin cannot be ignored. Dry skin leads to cracking of the upper layer of skin and gives it a real bad appearance. The main causes of dry skin include: dry climate, hormonal changes, too much exfoliation and treatment of other skin disorders. Moreover, dryness could be the inherent nature of one’s skin. Whatever be the cause, dry skin care is very important (but not very difficult). Dry skin care starts with moisturisers, the most effective remedy for dry skin. Generally moisturisers are classified under 2 categories based on the way they provide dry skin care. The first category includes moisturisers that provide dry skin care just by preserving the moisture within the skin e.g. Vaseline. These moisturisers are relatively inexpensive and are readily available (even at grocery shops). The second category includes moisturisers that work by drawing moisture from the environment and supplying it to the skin. This is a very effective way of ëdry skin careí in humid conditions. The moisturisers that provide dry skin care in this way are also called humectants. For proper dry skin care, you must use a non-greasy type of moisturiser, as far as possible. Humectants fall in this category. The ingredients of humectants include propylene glycol, urea, glycerine, hyaluronic acid etc Dry skin care is not about just using moisturisers but also using them properly. The best dry skin care procedure is to cleanse the skin before the application of moisturiser. You can make your dry skin care even more effective by applying the moisturiser while the skin is still damp (after cleansing). Also, make sure that you use soap-free products (especially on your face, neck and arms). Exfoliation does help in dry skin care, by removing the dead skin cells. However, don’t exfoliate too hard. Your dry skin care procedures/products should also take care of sun protection. Avoid too much and too direct exposure to sun (simply by using an umbrella/hat etc). Use a good sunscreen lotion before going out. A lot of moisturisers provide sun protection too, along with dry skin care. You also have natural products for dry skin care i.e. products that provide dry skin care in a natural way (without the use of synthetic chemicals). These dry skin care products supply lipid enhancements to the skin, hence enabling moisture retention within the skin. Another, important thing for dry skin care is the temperature of water you use for shower or for washing your face. Use warm water; too hot or too cold water can cause dryness too. Dry skin care is also about being gentle with your skin. You should avoid harsh detergents and alcohol based cleansers. Also, after a face wash, do not rub your towel on your face, just pat gently to soak the water off. On the whole, dry skin care is really simple for anyone who takes that seriously.

Breaking The Acne Cycle

admin — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 13:09:21 +0000

Breaking The Acne Cycle

Many acne sufferers today have the same problem as sufferers have been complaining about for years. The complaint is something along the lines of ìI can get my acne to clear up for weeks at a time, but it just keeps coming back, and I have to spend more money on treating it.î. There is no big surprise in this, because the majority of acne treatments do very little to tackle the causes of the problem, concentrating instead on dealing with the symptoms. It is the equivalent of putting sticking plasters on a cut, and when the plaster is removed running a razor blade over the area. The problem will not go away, it will only clear up temporarily. What many acne sufferers find is that they are locked into a cycle of constantly treating the same symptoms until there is outwardly nothing left to treat. They may well continue to observe a strict cleansing regime, and this will have some effect. However, as acne vulgaris is caused by problems which occur internally, the inevitable end result is that the external symptoms will eventually return. The cycle begins again and the sufferer is no further forward. Frustration adds to the existing problems of low self-esteem and social anxiety. This is clearly not a desirable state of affairs. Instead of allowing the problems to continually reoccur, it is important that acne sufferers look at what is causing the problems in the first place. What is taking place on the skin is nothing more than a side show. Dealing with the internal causes over a period of time that may be longer than a few weeks, you can finally put the stranglehold on the symptoms that ensures they will not return.