Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Best Acne Cures – What Will Clear My Skin For Good?

by: Peter Crump

Acne is a uncomfortable and embarrassing skin condition that affects over eighty percent of people from their teens to their thirties, and yet, despite its prevalence, it remains a problem without a cure. This might be extremely disheartening news for the many people who suffer from it, but while medical science cannot yet fix the problem as they can a broken leg, medical advances in recent times have led to the formulation of many efficacious products that produce all the effects of what will hopefully one day be the best acne cures. And the best acne cures vary from person to person.

Acne is caused by the overproduction of the skin of oil called sebum, and the best acne cures would offer some foolproof way to regulate this. Unfortunately, the problem is not yet well enough understood to cure acne once and for all, but there are a range of topical and oral tools that can make management of the condition as effective as a cure. Sometimes age can be acne’s natural cure, but for those who prefer to take a more proactive stance there are many products that can affect results similar to a cure.

One of the most effective oral treatments yet developed for acne is a medication that can be taken at home, simulating for many the effect of the best cures. Accutane must be prescribed first by a doctor, and though it must sometimes be taken for six months before a real improvement can be seen in the skin, the long-term results have been as positive as any cure. Accutane is a strong drug that can have harsh side effects, but it has cleared the skin completely of many acne sufferers. Your doctor will usually prescribe milder medications before trying Accutane, but for many sufferers for whom nothing else has worked, it can bring all the results of an acne cure.

For those suffering with milder forms of acne, there are many other products that can act as natural acne cures. Dietary supplements, such as folic acid, echinacea and zinc can have drastic effects upon the skin, without introducing harsh and alien chemical substances into the body. A healthy diet and a good cleansing routine are also extremely important, as these are the basic tools for healthy skin, that will give your body the tools it needs to fight acne effectively.

So, what are the best acne cures? They are around, but they vary from person to person according to the severity of the acne they suffer.

Spironolactone in the treatment of acne

by: Michal R. Pijak

In his article on acne published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine James (1) mentions that androgen antagonist spironolacton is often useful in women with hyperandrogenism. However, it would be important to point out, that the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be determined due to the small sample populations involved in the trials, as has been shown in recent metaanalysis. (2) It should be also emphasized that although the long-term use of spironolactone in the treatment of acne in women appears to be safe, its side-effects seem to be high. (3) On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that spironolactone in addition to its antiandrogenic effects might also have antiinflammatory potential. (4) This emphasizes the need for further properly designed trials with relevant outcomes to provide robust estimates of the size and mechanism of any treatment effects. Because of its long half-life spironolactone should be given once daily and not in divided doses as recommended by James. This might increase the compliance which is important in prolonged therapy to achieve maximal benefits. (5)


1. James WD. Clinical practice. Acne. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1463-72.

2. Farquhar C, Lee O, Toomath R, Jepson R. Spironolactone versus placebo or in combination with steroids for hirsutism and/or acne. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;(4):CD000194.

3. Shaw JC, White LE. Long-term safety of spironolactone in acne: results of an 8-year followup study. J Cutan Med Surg 2002;6:541-5.

4. Hansen PR, Rieneck K, Bendtzen K. Spironolactone inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines by human mononuclear cells. Immunol Lett 2004;91:87-91.

5. McEvoy B, Nydegger R, Williams G. Factors related to patient compliance in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:274-80.

Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief

by: rudy silva

I recommend drinking a morning smoothie if you have constipation or if you have skin problems like acne. Drinking a high fiber smoothie relieves and prevents constipation. It will also provide the nutrients that are necessary for having or keeping a nice clean and smooth skin.

So, here are the six smoothie recipes you can blend.

. Apple Smoothie
. Apple-Barley Smoothie
· Apricot Smoothie
· Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie
· Pineapple Smoothie
· Strawberry Smoothie

Apple Smoothie

Mix in the blender the following.

1-2 small apples cut into wedges
1 banana
1 cup 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
¼ cup or less of raisins soaked overnight
1-teaspoon honey
1-2 cubes of ice
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil

Start by mixing the banana and the liquids. Then add slices of apples to get the consistency you like. In all of your smoothies add flax seed oil for nice smooth skin. I also add a tablespoon of flax seed straight into the blender and the blender will chop them up.

Apple-Barley Smoothie

Mix in the blender the following.

1 cup of sliced apples with peel
1/2 cup of cooked barley
1/4 cup of soaked raisins
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
1-1 ½ cup of 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
1-teaspoon lecithin granules
2 Tablespoons flax seed oil

Make sure you use the lecithin granules in these smoothies since lecithin helps to breakdown the flax oil into tiny droplets and makes it more digestible.

Apricot Smoothie

One cup of fresh apricots or dried apricots that were soaked overnight
Juice of 1/2 a lemon
Two oz. of prune juice
One teaspoon or more of oat ban
One teaspoon of mineral whey
One tablespoon of flax seed oil
One tablespoon of lecithin granules

Add a slight amount of distilled water or ice cubes to make the consistency to your liking. This smoothie is good for constipation and acne.

Peach-Rice Dream Smoothie

Mix in the blender:

2 fresh peaches with peel
1-cup rice dream
1/2 banana
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1-teaspoon sunflower seed
1-tablespoon lecithin granules
2 tablespoons flax seed oil
In place of rice dream you can use almond milk. I now only use almond milk to make my smoothies. Place all of the seeds straight into the blender. This smoothie has plenty of fiber. You may want to increase the amount of sesame and sunflower seeds.

Pineapple Smoothie

Mix the following in a blender.

1-2 cups of fresh pineapples
1/2 cups apple slices
1/4-cup fresh apple juice
1/2-cup almond milk (more or less as needed)
1 banana
1-tablespoon lecithin
2-tablespoons flax seeds
2 teaspoons bran (wheat, oat or rice)

You can add more lecithin if you like. Lecithin does not have a taste. This smoothie is jam packed with fiber.

Strawberry Smoothie

Mix in a blender the following ingredients.

1 banana
1-tablespoon of lecithin granules
1-teaspoon of any type of bran
1 cup or more 50:50 rice dream: almond milk
Now add strawberries one by one with the blender on until you get the consistency you like.
1-tablespoon flax seeds
1 or 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
1-teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon of flax seed oil

You can add liquid minerals or vitamins to these smoothies and give them an additional nutritional value.

There you have the smoothies that I make. Start making and drinking them and see the health benefits that you'll get

Shoulder and Back Acne

by: Ratliff J

If you suffer from shoulder and back acne, I have found a treatment that may help. Acuzine is a new non-prescription acne treatment.

Acne is caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why we treat the problem an internal cleansing treatment that goes right to the source and fights acne before it even begins. Acuzine provides antioxidents that can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. It also fights inflammation, to reduce redness. And it works to heal damaged skin, naturally!

Shopping for Sensitive Skin: A Guide for the Acne and Rosace

by: Naweko San-Joyz

Acne and rosacea patients take note- you must know about proper skin-care and cosmetic usage to successfully manage your sensitive skin. This is the counsel of Dr. Diane Berson, who runs a dermatology practice in New York City.

A critical step in reducing skin sensitivity is understanding the importance of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is composed of dead, flat skin cells held together by the protein keratin. This skin barrier prevents molecules from passing into and out of the skin and thereby protects the lower layers of skin while reducing skin sensitivity.

Healthy, uninjured skin is more effective at preventing skin irritations that may result from using cosmetics and skin care products. Individuals with altered nerve endings or more neurotransmitters under their skin are more susceptible to minor skin irritants in cosmetics and skin care products. When the skin is excessively dry or damaged, it cannot adequately protect these nerve endings. Sound moisturizing and a strong immune system help minimize possible skin irritants.

Some of Dr. Berson’s recommendations for caring for sensitive skin include:

Selecting mild cleansers.
Use mild cleansing agents that have synthetic detergents or lipid-free cleansers. Resist using abrasive cleansers since they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and damage the protective layers of the skin.

Rosacea patients should not use alcohol-based products such as toners or astringents.

Acne patients will benefit from toners that contain salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid. However, when starting a retinoid treatment, temporarily discontinue using a toner or astringent since the combination may make the retinoid more irritating. Acne patients must also limit or abstain from excessively rough cleansing and washing. Julie Harper, M.D., who directs a clinic to treat acne at the University of Alabama at Birmingham laments, "Teenagers think they have acne because they do not wash enough, but usually they are washing too often with harsh scrubs that make their symptoms worse."

Using moisturizers.
Tracy L. Grosick, a key skin care product researcher with Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati says that when the skin’s moisture barrier is intact, it helps the skin to combat environmental attacks that are encountered on a daily basis. When acne and rosacea patients are using treatments that dry the skin, moisturizers may improve the skin’s barrier function. Dr. Benson recommends using moisturizers with the least amount of ingredients.

Rosacea patients should choose a moisturizer with only glycerin, petrolatum, or aloe vera, which might be anti-inflammatory.

Acne patients should also stick with products containing the least amount of ingredients.

Using noncomedogenic sunscreens.
Rosacea patients need to use a physical-blocking products containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients will not irritate red, inflamed skin and will provide optimal protection.

Acne patients with oily skin should use noncomedogenic, non-pore clogging, products. Select an alcohol-based or gel-based sunscreen.

Preservatives.
The best preservatives for sensitive skin are those containing parabens like methyl paraben and butyl paraben.

The key to keeping sensitive skin less susceptible to irritation is ensuring the integrity of your stratum corneum, the skin’s primary defensive barrier. You can start by using a minimalist moisturizer, and noncomedogenic sunscreen.

Sources:
American Academy of Dermatology (Newswise.com)
Dermatology Times. Patricia Reiman. Alleviating sensitivity: Study finds moisturizers with niacinamide make skin more resilient. March 1, 2004
Dermatology Times. Cheryl Guttman. Sensitive skin valid patient problem. May 1, 2002.
E Skin and Allergy News. Timothy F. Kirn. Lifestyle, Cosmetics Integral to Acne, Rosacea Tx. August 2003.

Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments – Harsh or Helpful?

by: Peter Crump

Many people think of microdermabrasion acne treatments as those supplied in salons by professional skincare specialists, but there are actually a multitude of microdermabrasion acne treatments available on your drugstore shelves. Many of the well-known and highly effective acne control products available today include beads or crystals that offer a microdermabrasion effect.

But many acne sufferers have been warned off using harsh products on their skin, as these can simply exacerbate the condition rather than helping to control it. Microdermabrasion acne treatments work by scraping away impurities and dead skin cells – surely this is not a treatment suitable for daily use? Won’t this aggravate my skin, leaving it raw and sore?

Older products might in fact have had this effect upon the skin – usually exfoliants were recommended as a once or twice a week treatment. But advances in skincare have produced a wide variety of microdermabrasion acne treatments that combine an exfoliating effect with mild and soothing cleansers, which in combination can clear the skin of debris without aggravating sensitive skin.

In fact, using a mild exfoliant, such as those used in microdermabrasion acne treatments, is one of the most effective weapons in acne control. The daily use of these microdermabrasion acne treatments clears the skin of impurities, leaving it refreshed and revitalised, allowing blemishes to heal and preventing new ones from forming. The beads or crystal are complimented by other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which are established tools in acne control. The combination of two powerful cleansing substances doubles your power in the fight against acne.

While this type of dermabrasion acne treatment might not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin, these products contain soothing ingredients that make them suitable for daily use in acne control. Home dermabrasion treatments are usually offered with toners and other products, and it is important to use all of these in combination, as the ingredients in each balance the effects of the other.

These skincare packages offer a complete routine for your skin that can make a real difference to your acne. Try a microdermabrasion acne treatment, and see what its gentle power can do for you.

Microdermabrasion acne treatments may be simpler than you thought.

Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments – Harsh or Helpful?

by: Peter Crump

Many people think of microdermabrasion acne treatments as those supplied in salons by professional skincare specialists, but there are actually a multitude of microdermabrasion acne treatments available on your drugstore shelves. Many of the well-known and highly effective acne control products available today include beads or crystals that offer a microdermabrasion effect.

But many acne sufferers have been warned off using harsh products on their skin, as these can simply exacerbate the condition rather than helping to control it. Microdermabrasion acne treatments work by scraping away impurities and dead skin cells – surely this is not a treatment suitable for daily use? Won’t this aggravate my skin, leaving it raw and sore?

Older products might in fact have had this effect upon the skin – usually exfoliants were recommended as a once or twice a week treatment. But advances in skincare have produced a wide variety of microdermabrasion acne treatments that combine an exfoliating effect with mild and soothing cleansers, which in combination can clear the skin of debris without aggravating sensitive skin.

In fact, using a mild exfoliant, such as those used in microdermabrasion acne treatments, is one of the most effective weapons in acne control. The daily use of these microdermabrasion acne treatments clears the skin of impurities, leaving it refreshed and revitalised, allowing blemishes to heal and preventing new ones from forming. The beads or crystal are complimented by other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which are established tools in acne control. The combination of two powerful cleansing substances doubles your power in the fight against acne.

While this type of dermabrasion acne treatment might not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin, these products contain soothing ingredients that make them suitable for daily use in acne control. Home dermabrasion treatments are usually offered with toners and other products, and it is important to use all of these in combination, as the ingredients in each balance the effects of the other.

These skincare packages offer a complete routine for your skin that can make a real difference to your acne. Try a microdermabrasion acne treatment, and see what its gentle power can do for you.

Microdermabrasion acne treatments may be simpler than you thought.