PostHeaderIcon Acne Treatments That Work

acne face wash Acne is often the bane of an adolescent’s existence, lesions will crop up at the most inopportune times, but teens are not the only ones who can suffer with acne, adults often get it too. The skin is somewhat like a barometer for the body; it is the single largest organ and the one that tells the most about your overall health. Acne is the most common skin condition in the world, affecting 17 million people in the United States alone, and so it is no surprise that there is such a demand for acne treatments that are actually effective. Below the surface of the skin are sebaceous glands that produce an oil known as sebum, which is a natural moisturizer. This oily substance can at times overproduce due to hormone levels and other conditions and the sebum will mix with dead skin cells and bacteria forming a pimple. These can be either whiteheads or blackheads. Most people rely on over the counter treatments for acne with varying degrees of success. These products commonly contain peroxide and other harsh chemicals, which in some cases can actually cause irritation or even make the acne worse. This leaves a lot of people searching for easy to use home acne remedies and some like the detox diet simply will not work.

The Anti-Acne Diet

For many years, the idea that what you eat had anything to do with acne was totally dismissed. Current studies have shown however that certain foods may have a big impact on acne outbreaks. A study was conducted to look at the effect of foods high on the glycemic index compared to a high carbohydrate diet low on the glycemic index. The results were startling, after a 12 week process, acne outbreaks were reduced by up to 50%. Adding zinc to a healthier diet also shows a great deal of promise as an acne solution. Proper amounts of zinc in the body aid liver function and the result is healthier skin. It may surprise you to know that most people are zinc deficient. You can easily add zinc to your diet by using supplements but the best way is through adopting the right diet. Chicken, chickpeas, oysters and cashews are all excellent natural sources of this important nutrient.

Natural Home Remedies – Topical Treatments

Two natural substances make excellent home remedies for acne, tea tree oil and green tea. These substances are easily found at many retailers and specialty stores alike. Either makes an excellent alternative to traditional treatments, which contain harsh chemicals.

Tea Tree Oil

Acne treatments made of tea tree oil can be commercial over the counter or you can make your own treatment at home. Tea tree oil is an antimicrobial with bacteria killing properties, which is why it is a natural choice for an acne home remedy. You can apply this oil directly to the skin; however, this can cause a great deal of irritation so you will want to mix it with a carrier oil instead.

Green Tea

Like tea tree oil green tea can be purchased in a commercial acne compound, or used at home in its pure form as an acne solution. Green tea compounds have been shown to significantly improve the effectiveness of regular treatments. The tea bags are a good way to apply it and they make a great topical treatment. You can try doing this treatment at home and combining it with a product that contains green tea.

Skin Detoxification – One Treatment That Doesn’t Work!

You have likely heard a great deal of hype about detoxing your system to combat acne and other conditions. This type of diet generally requires you drink large amounts of water and consume foods that will flush your digestive system. Which means you will need to stay quite close to your bathroom! There is really little evidence that a detox diet is an effective home remedy for acne. The human body is designed to cleanse toxins from the body; this is the job of the liver, kidney and various other organs.

The Bottom Line…

Unfortunately, these methods will never eliminate acne on their own. The skin is an organ and it needs a comprehensive approach to stand any chance of fully eliminating acne and keeping it from coming back. So unless you want to keep searching, trying one product and method after the next only to find yourself still covered in acne 2 months from now, you have to start doing what works…

Find out how you can start eliminating your acne naturally today…

PostHeaderIcon Prescription Acne Treatments

Treating acne varies from individual to individual; while some may work for you, others may not. There is a huge variety of acne medications that are now readily available, both over the counter and prescription medications. Topical treatments may be used for mild to severe types of this infection, and systemic (oral) medications can also be used for some severe cases of acne. Some examples of acne medications are: Benzoyl Peroxide – one of the most common ingredients used for topical medications. This is suitable for mild cases; it works by killing bacteria that causes acne. It is also ideal since it helps clog pores and reduces skin inflammation. Erythromycin – often combines with benzoyl peroxide because their combination proves to be one of the most effective ways of treating acne, although this may cause dryness of skin and irritation of GI tract. Isotretinoin – a highly effective oral retinoid (chemical compound used to regulate epithelial cells) reserved for the purpose of treating the very severe cases of acne that are proven to be resistant to other medications. Tretinoin – a natural retinoid that works by unclogging pores gradually. Early medications that were produces were found to be too harsh on the skin but new forms of this medication have been proven to be less irritating. However, it is advisable to consult with your doctor before using this medication. Some oral contraceptives have also proven itself effective on treating acne – especially for women with hormonal imbalance. Especially in the case of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, these oral contraceptives lower the hormones back to normal, therefore eliminating the cause of acne – which is a common characteristic of that condition. But keep in mind that these are not over-the-counter medications and you need to consult with your gynecologist before you start taking contraceptives. Depending solely on prescription acne treatments is not the answer. Focus on taking better care of your face and body – keep it clean and oil-free. Combining these medications with proper diet and good grooming is the best way to treat this skin condition.

PostHeaderIcon Over the Counter Acne Treatments

One of the most common skin problems especially among teens is acne. There are now a wide range of medications available to treat this skin disease – topical treatments, oral medication, microdermabrasion, chemical peeling, etc. A good regimen in treating acne would be to always keep your skin clean, cleansing it twice daily preferably with a benzoyl peroxide wash. There are a lot of over the counter medications that can be used in treating mild to severe cases of acne breakouts. Benzoyl Peroxide – this is the most commonly used medication for acne treatments. It works best for mild to severe forms of acne because it deeply penetrates into the skin in order to kill the bacteria that cause the problem. It reduces inflammation of the skin and helps in removing whiteheads and blackheads by drying and exfoliating the skin. This is the popular choice since it works faster than most oral antibiotics, and bacteria do not build resistance to this medication. Salicylic Acid – also known as beta hydroxyl acid. This type of treatment works best for mild cases of acne with sensitive skin. It is commonly used on skin cleansing products as an aid in exfoliating old skin. This treatment also loosens whiteheads and blackheads to help in removing it. Since one of its major functions is exfoliation, increased sensitivity to sunlight is one of its side effects. Alpha Hydroxy Acid – this type of chemical, in various concentrations, are being used for skin peeling. The over the counter medications for this type of treatment have a concentration of less than 10%. However, some dermatologists and trained skin care professionals use a concentration of up to 20-30%. This can be found in most skin care products like cleansers, moisturizer, and sunscreen; but cleansers containing this chemical do not work as effectively since it needs to be absorbed by the skin and cleansers have to be washed off. There are other over the counter medications that are available for treating acne. But keep in mind that most of these have side effects that include skin irritation like redness, scaling, drying, burning, itching, while some may cause increased skin sensitivity. Consulting with a dermatologist or healthcare professional is also advisable especially if you have medical conditions or taking other medications.

PostHeaderIcon Homemade Acne Treatments and Remedies

More and more, people have been looking for a more effective alternative in treating cases of acne. Many over the counter and prescription medications have been found to be less effective than they claim to be, and often some have harmful side effects. A lot of these instances seem to prompt more people to direct their treatment to a more natural method. There is a growing popularity on alternative treatments and homemade remedies for acne. Aside from the convenience of having to do it at home, homemade treatments are found to be effective and inexpensive. However, you should take the time to find out the cause of your acne before using any of these alternative treatments. Natural Herbs – Tea tree oil is the most commonly used because of its antiseptic properties that can regulate the infection in very little time. It also has a soothing effect that make it even more preferred than other. Herbs like sarsaparilla, yellow dock, cleavers and burdock may also be used as a topical alternative; while tea made from herbs like basil, oregano, or Echinacea may be taken orally. Facial Masks – many combinations you can find on the kitchen can be used as treatment for acne. One popular choice is an oatmeal mask made from combining natural yogurt with fine oatmeal that works by removing oil on the face and acts as an exfoliant. Another is a combination of pineapple and honey that can be very helpful especially on skin inflammation and dry skin. Both of these ingredients contain natural enzymes that can exfoliate the skin and clean the pores. Honey is also known to be a great moisturizer. Constantly keeping the skin clean is already a great regimen for avoiding or treating acne. Before starting any treatment, always make sure you check whether you are allergic to any of these products to avoid further damage.