Treating Acne scars and Pimbles

As though acne wasn't bad enough, we are left with scars to deal with. And though these scars do not do much harm and some even go away on their own, they do give us a bad time while they last. From making us feel conscious to lowering our self-esteem, these scars certainly work against our minds. In the case of severe acne, the person is often left with permanent scars on the skin. 

Understanding acne

As we reach puberty, our bodies produce a lot of hormones which increase the production of oil in our skin cells. The hair follicles in our skin get clogged with this oil and dead skin cells, forming whiteheads and blackheads and turning the region into a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. The bacteria then cause inflammation, causing pimples and pustules (bumps filled with pus). If the clogged pores open up deep into the skin, they form cysts.

 

Why the scars? 

There are various forms of acne. The milder ones such as blackheads usually do not leave a mark if they go away on their own or if they are removed properly with a removal strip. Mild pimples, also called whiteheads, can be removed by over-the-counter medication. Inflamed pimples (pustules), however, are absolutely capable of leaving behind scars after they go away. The most severe form of acne, characterised by nodules or deep-seated cysts, almost always leaves scars that are permanent. 

The small reddish or brownish scars left behind by pimples will eventually fade away. The problem starts when we pay a lot of attention to their presence and allow them to affect our self-esteem. Because a pimple or pustule can be very irritating to carry around, a lot of people pick or pop them. This habit firstly creates scars and secondly, if the scars are toyed around with too much, they can turn permanent. The more one uses the fingers on acne, the greater the chances of getting permanent scars. 

Treating the marks

Various treatment procedures are available for removing the acne scars or making them less visible. Common procedures vary from dermabrasion where the skin is slightly scraped off to allow for new skin to grow in the region to laser procedures where the dermatologist uses laser to remove the top layer of skin and tighten the middle layer. Such procedures should be done by a dermatologist and only if you think the scars are very severe. In the case of permanent marks left by cysts, surgery is necessary. It is important to note that the scars do not do any physical harm and their effects are mostly psychological. While none of us would want to move into our twenties and beyond with a lot of scars on our skin, we should also be careful not be too fussy about the smaller, less noticeable scars which will fade away gradually. 

Patience is the key

A pimple or pustule can be very, very irritating. Everyone knows this because apart from a few very lucky ones, we all have to endure the pains of acne during our teenage years when we already have enough reasons to feel insecure and conscious. The most tempting thing to do is to bust it open, pop it and squeeze the pus out.

Never do this. The short-lived relief will wear off once you realize you have created a wound and you have a scab on your face. More often than not, you are very tempted to pluck off that scab, too and get it over and done with. That leaves you with a scar. 

Over-the-counter medication is available for treatment of acne. And though they take time, pimples do go away. If you have more severe forms of acne, visit a doctor. You will be prescribed stronger medication to deal with the problem. Do not lose your cool and pop open the bumps. It's an almost universal problem and a pimple or two should not affect your emotional health in any way whatsoever.

Natural Care for Acne

Acne affects nearly everyone at some point in his or her life. It
can be painful to endure, and even leave scars if severe enough.
While there are many remedies available for over the counter or
prescription purchase, some products are laden with chemicals and
acids that may have adverse effects. Fortunately, there are
effective natural alternatives to these harsh chemical
treatments.

What's the Problem?

Acne is caused by dead skin cells and the body's own natural
oils becoming trapped in the pores of the skin. These changes
lead to bacterial growth that causes the inflammation and
discomfort associated with the condition, as well as the scarring
and infection in severe cases.

Diet may impact the development of acne. The hormonal content of
partially skimmed milk, the high glycemic content of certain
simple carbohydrates, and low levels of vitamins A and E have all
been linked to the formation of acne in some research.

Proper home care of acne outbreaks requires treating both of the
factors involved: diet and environment.

Basic Care

There are several methods of controlling acne that don't require
any specific treatment or product. The first is diet. Since
simple carbohydrates may have an effect, acne sufferers should
consider limiting processed foods high in sugar, and opt for a
high-fiber, protein-rich diet instead. In addition, increasing
intake of vitamins A and E is recommended by some experts to
fight acne. Eating right will have other health benefits beyond
clear skin, so a healthy diet in general is a win/win solution.

Cleaning Up

While the instinct is to keep the skin very clean, it is
important to remember acne is not caused by dirt, but by the
body's own oils and skin becoming trapped in the pores. You
cannot simply scrub acne away, and in fact doing so may aggravate
the skin and result in an increase in oil production. Instead,
stick to washing your face twice a day, as well as after
particularly heavy perspiration that may send more oils and skin
into the pores.

To cleanse your face, use a non-abrasive (specifically a non
alcohol based) cleanser, and apply gently with the fingers.
Again, using harsh abrasives or a washcloth may cause irritation,
and do more harm than good. The trick is to clean smarter, not
harder. For people with oily hair, wash and shampoo daily with an
equally gentle shampoo. Oily hair will cause just as many
problems as perspiration, so don't neglect caring for it.
Finally, use lukewarm water rather than hot water, since it will
be less harsh on the skin.

Thou Shalt Nots

For starters, avoid the temptation to pop or scrape the blemishes
that form on the face. This is actually one of the worst things
you can do to acne-afflicted skin. It exposes the wound to
bacteria and additional oil, meaning it can cause extra
inflammation, breakouts, or possibly even infection.

As mentioned before, oily hair can aggravate neck, forehead, and
shoulder acne. For that reason acne sufferers are advised to
avoid heavy, greasy hair products such as gels and pomades. Make
sure your shampoo isn't too harsh, as well. Drying out the scalp
will have a similar effect as drying out the facial skin, leading
to extra oil production that can gravitate to the forehead and
clog more pores.

Many people like to use skin masks to improve skin tone, but this
should be avoided while treating acne breakouts. As might be
expected, masks often trap dead skin and oils against the skin,
leading to more clogged pores and further breakouts.

Avoid harsh chemical cleansers with alcohol or astringents. These
may dry out and irritate the skin, exacerbating the problem.
Additionally, drying out the skin can cause dry, painful itching,
and scratching will scrape skin and spread oils that can clog
pores.

Last but not least, control the exposure of the skin to sunlight
and tanning. Sun exposure can dry, damage and irritate the skin.

Better Skin, Naturally

Healthy skin comes with a healthy body, so focus on natural
solutions that contribute to your overall wellbeing. Avoid harsh
chemicals and be gentle with your sensitive skin. Natural skin
care is all about being good to your body and maintaining a
healthy lifestyle. Acne is a result of irritation, and proper
acne care involves reducing the irritation through proper care
and diet.

Fight Anti-aging Naturally!

Women feel depressed and unhappy after looking at their anti-aging skin. The need to store their youthful complexion for years increases. So, if you want to diminish facial wrinkles and fight aging without using cosmetic products and surgeries, then here are natural ways to fight anti-aging and maintain skin care.

 

Natural ways to fight anti-aging skin:

 

    It is very important to moisturize your skin. Dry skin makes the wrinkles look worse and is more prone to getting wrinkles. Apply moisturizer before going to bed and try to do some massage to keep the skin tight and prevent it from losing.

 

    To fade aging spots, apply alpha-hydroxy cleanser and lotion on affected areas. It gradually reduce anti-aging spots.

 

    Apply fade cream like Ambi or Esoterica on the skin at night before going to bed. The cream helps restore the uniform color of the skin. Doctors prescribe medication like Retin-A which is a fade cream to remove age spots.

 

    One of the natural ways to fight anti-aging is avoid exposure to sun. if you go out, wear hat or scarf to cover the skin. Apply sunscreen daily to protect the skin from wrinkles and age spots.

 

    For make up, use foundation and face creams or lotions which blocks UVA and UVB rays and also an SPF 15 lotion to avoid direct exposure of the skin.

 

    See that your beauty products have ingredients which ensure proper skin care. Avoid ingredients which irritate the skin and few examples are menthol, lemon grass, lime, oil, fragrances and lavender to name a few.

 

    Face massage is a must to reduce anti-aging. Need not go to the parlor every week. Take some lotion and mix with few drops of water. Apply it on the face and neck. Massage gently in clockwise direction and don't do it forcefully. Be soft and gentle towards your skin.

 

Use these natural ways to fight anti-aging and maintain your beautiful skin texture while reducing chances of aging.
The increasing work pressure and constant competition, has led to the early onset of the aging process. This one of the reasons that early retirement is now gaining popularity and anti-aging products gaining momentum in the market. According to a research, Vitamins play a very important part in the aging process. They have recognized some of the anti-aging vitamins, which can help you hold on to the youthful self for a longer time.

 

Anti-Aging Vitamins

 

1.Vitamin B12 - Aging process first strikes the brain. The shrinkage of the brain results in memory loss and may lead to diseases like alziemer. In a recent research, blood samples were taken of people between the age of 61 to 87. It was noticed that among the group, ones who were suffering memory loss has low level of Vitamin B12. "Many factors that affect brain health are thought to be out of our control, but this study suggests that simply adjusting our diets to consume more vitamin B12 through eating meat, fish, fortified cereals or milk may be something we can easily adjust to prevent brain shrinkage and so perhaps save our memory," said study author Anna Vogiatzoglou.

 

The best sources of Vitamin B12 are cereals, bread, meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, mushroom and eggs.

 

2.Vitamin E – Vitamin E is a natural anti-oxidant and has been proved to be the best nourishment for the skin. Intake of the right amount of Vitamin E can prevent wrinkles, age spots and dark patches. To keep your skin youthful in the aging process, intake of Vitamin E is necessary. The best sources of this anti-aging vitamin are – almond, soybean, peanuts, spinach, mango, broccoli and mayonnaise.

 

3.Vitamin K – Vitamin K is a well known anti-ageing vitamin. Vitamin K assures the proper working of the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney and blood. With age, it has been noticed that the body faces deficiency of Vitamin K. Researchers have found that during the aging process, the body suffers a certain kind of inflammation, which can be the starting point of heart diseases, arthritis etc. Intake of Vitamin K reduces these symptoms and also directs the digestive disorders. Sources of Vitamin K are – Broccoli, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, beans and lean meat.

 

4.Vitamin C – Vitamin C helps protect damaging of the cells and delay the aging process. This anti-aging vitamin works on the nourishment of the body internally and thus, is helpful in keeping diseases at bay. During the aging process their is iron deficiency, specially in woman. Intake of Vitamin C enhances the absorption of Vitamin C. It also ensures wrinkle free skin. Sources of Vitamin are – citrus fruits, tomatoes, yellow and red vegetables and potatoes.

 

These are four anti-aging vitamins which should be consumed in sufficient quantity, specially from the age of 40. The anti-aging vitamins, protects your body against the odds of aging.

10 foods that help prevent acne

Watermelon is very useful for removing blemishes on the skin. It is rich in vitamins A, B and C and keeps the skin fresh, radiant and hydrated. It also prevents eruption of acne and remove scars and marks of acne.

Olive oil lotion absorbs into skin without clogging pores, allowing skin to breathe which in turn help prevent acne.

Lemon juice helps in eliminating acid waste and cleansing the liver with citric acid and building up enzymes to eliminate blood toxins. It also flushes out pores and keeps your skin feeling fresh and bright.

Eating a balanced diet is the best way to have a healthy skin. Low-fat dairy product consists of vitamin A, which is one of the most important components of healthy skin.

Raspberries are a healthy as they are loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. These are rich in phytochemicals that are protective of skin.

Yogurt has antifungal and antibacterial qualities, so it is useful for cleansing the skin and unblocking clogged pores.

Eating walnuts regularly help to improve the smoothness and softness of the skin. Walnuts oils contain linoleic acid, which helps to maintain the skin’s structure, keeping it watertight and well hydrated.

Dietary selenium comes from nuts, cereals etc. Some studies show that even skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Apples contain lots of pectin and it is the enemy of the acne. So, remember to eat the skin too as pectin is mostly concentrated there.

Water carries nutrition and oxygen to your internal body, keeping organs nourished, vital, and fit to fight acne.

Some best treatments to get rid of those ugly acne and scars

Acne, which is the common name for acne vulgaris is a skin disorder that most people suffer from. They are dark protruding spots that mostly occur on the facial skin, neck, arms and chest. Some of the main causes of acne are excessive secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands present under the human skin and they are sometimes hereditary. Though there may be a number of treatments for curing acne only a few of them prove to be worthwhile. Many scientific products have been developed by scientists and doctors to do away with the acne but not without possibly causing harm to the body.

            To ensure that there are no fallouts in the treatments you take for curing acne, the only best way is to go for home remedial measures. Nature has endowed medicines for almost every disease that can transpire in the human body of which there are several natural products that help in treating acne.

• A mixture of rose water and sandalwood paste is one way to eliminate the acne. Have this applied on the skin for 30 mins before you wash it off.
• Applying a mixture of groundnut oil and fresh lemon juice also prevents acne and blackheads.
• Use the pulp of the papaya fruit over the pimples and acne for half an hour and rinse off.
• Just as you choose a best soap for dry skin and oily skin, there are also medicated soaps in the market that are suitable for acne prone skin.
• A blended mixture of parts of cucumber, peeled apple, honey and yogurt really etches out great results. Keep this on the skin and rinse with lukewarm water after 20 mins.
• Drink plenty of water to keep the harmful toxins away. A minimum of six to eight glasses of water is a must to have your skin hydrated. Consumption of fresh fruit juices and vegetables is necessary too.
• Use an oatmeal mask once a week. The oatmeal mask is prepared by cooking the oatmeal and while it becomes warm from hot, apply it on the face and wash it off once it is dry.

            The person who has written the above article has also authored many other columns related to the nutrition and high protein diet. For further info contact the author.

Simple Home Remedies for Acne and Pimples

1. Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. Repeat for two weeks, pimples will disappear forever.

2. Apply a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) leaves over the face every night for 10-15 minutes and washed with warm water. This will prevent pimples, blackheads, and wrinkles.

3. Make a paste of sandalwood with rose water. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water.

4. High in vitamin A and iron, barley can be mixed with milk and and egg, to make face masks. Barley, which has been boiled, can also be used as an excellent scrub for oily skins.

Acne home remedies

Mix equal quantities of cucumber juice, rose water and lime juice. Wash the face and apply it overnight. Rinse off in the morning. This clears the complexion and keeps it healthy.

Take 50 ml. of raw (not boiled) milk and mix a pinch of salt and two teaspoonful of lime juice in it. Use it as a cleansing lotion. It helps to clean the deep pores of skin.

Mix equal quantities of lime juice, glycerin and rose water. This lotion if applied to the face regularly at bed time is very useful in removing pimples, blackheads and other stains of the skin. It makes the skin soft, and can also be applied to other parts of the body (hands, feet etc.)

Take 50 ml. of tomato juice and mix with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the face. It helps to make the skin soft and glowing.

Take equal quantities of turmeric powder and wheat flour and make a paste with sesame oil. Apply it to the face to remove unwanted hair.

Apply orange juice to the face for smooth and soft skin.

Take 30 ml. of cabbage juice and mix one teaspoon of honey in it. This mixture, if applied regularly to the face, helps to keep the wrinkles away.

Make a paste of raw carrots and apply it to the face. Wash it after one hour. The skin will become glowing.

Regular application of mint juice to the face helps to remove stains

Top 3 Acne Medications

Acne is a common disorder in skin that may last for long in an individual.For
many people, acne isn’t a problem anymore when they reach the age of 30.
Butthere are also individuals who continually carry the facial burden longer
thanexpected. Treatments are important to avoid complications. When
simpletreatments are not enough, perhaps it is time to consider medical options
forthe acnes.

The top three acne medications are the following:

1.Benzoyl peroxide
This anti-bacterial medication takes care of killing the P.Acnes, acne-causing
bacteria. It is an antiseptic agent that reduces the amountof barren pores. It
will take approximately 3 weeks to see the changes.
This ingredient is also used for bleaching the hair and fabric so makesure to
use it right. It is both over-the-counter and prescription drug thatcomes in gel
or cream.
There is an estimated 3% of individuals found tobe allergic to such substance so
make sure that you don’t belong to that groupor else you will experience skin
inflammation if you apply it on yourskin.

2. Salicylic Acid
Used to treat skin disorders such as dandruff,calluses, and warts, salicylic
acid can also be used as an acne medication. Itslows down the cells in the
follicles from cracking which prevents blockage. Italso assists in breaking down
the whiteheads and blackheads.
Salicylicacid comes in many forms including cream, gel, lotion, ointment, and
many more.Only use the medicine according to the directions on the label
recommendationsor from the doctor; otherwise, it may result to acid poisoning.
Poisoning can benoticed when the person using it experiences dizziness,
diarrhea, deepbreathing, etc.

3. Sulfur
This ingredient is common among soaps,washes, and creams. It allows the skin to
peel and dry enabling the breaking down of the whiteheads and blackheads. It is
necessary to check the label directions so as to avoid unnecessary complications.

It is always best to seek professional advice when taking any of the medications.
It is better to be sure. These medications, however, only kills bacteria, slows
down cell break down, and peels off the skin but it will never stop the skin from
acquiring bacteria after a certain span of time.

Do Cosmetics Causes Acne?

For decades, dermatologists and cosmetologists alike have debated the effectsof
cosmetics on the skin, particularly in acne sufferers. Make-up has often
beenbranded an “acne Catch-22” — you want something to cover the redness, but
you’retold it may actually be causing your acne. Fortunately, this is only
partlytrue. To understand how to approach the make-up issue, we should start
with adiscussion of “cosmetic acne.”

Cosmetic Acne - A mild-mannered cousin. Acne cosmetica, or acne
that is caused by cosmetics, is a mild and fairly common form of acne. Because it
is triggered by topical products rather than the complex process that creates
true acne, it can strike anyone —even people who are not physiologically prone
to the condition. Characterized by small, rashy pink bumps on the cheeks, chin
and forehead, it typically develops over the course of a few weeks or months and
may persist indefinitely. If you've recently started using a new skincare product
and you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, discontinue use of the
new product for a few days and see if your breakout subsides.

NOTE: While studies have shown that make-up does not cause true acne, it can
exacerbate the condition. So it’s helpful to be aware of common topical triggers,
no matter what kind of acne you have.

The culprit: Comedogenics. Everwonder where your make-up goes over the course of the day? Some of it is rubbedoff by contact with your hands and your clothing, and some of it migrates acrossyour skin, settling into your pores — much like rainwater collects whereverthere are small holes in the ground. Some make-ups include ingredients that areconsidered comedogenic, or substances that are known to clog pores. Althoughthese cosmetics may not cause true plugging of the follicle, certain ingredientsmay induce follicular
irritation. The result? The small, persistent bumps knownas “cosmetic acne.”

Sevenrules for a clean beauty routine.
Here are seven good rules to follow for a healthy make-up regimen:

1. Avoid penetrating oils. Contrary to popular belief, not all oils are
comedogenic. Petroleum products, mineral oil and sunflower oil do not penetrate
into the pore. Most cosmetic oils, however, can aggravate acne — so it’s best to
avoid them. One of the most common acne triggers in skin products,especially
lotions and sunscreens, is lanolin, a fatty acid extracted from sheep’s wool.
Isopropyl Myristate, which promotes smooth, even application in many foundations,
is such an aggressive penetrator that it’s the main ingredient in most
rust-removers! In general, products labeled “oil-free” and"non-comedogenic" are
less likely to clog your pores and trigger breakouts.

2. Steer clear of sweet smells. Fragrance is a major cause of allergic and
irritant reactions on the face. Even products that claim to be"unscented" may
include fragrances added to mask the smell of other ingredients.It’s best to
stick with products labeled as “fragrance-free” or“hypo-allergenic.” Of course,
reactions to fragrance differ dramatically, and you may find certain perfumes
that don’t affect your skin. The most common offenders are fragrances in the
ambrette, bergamot, cinnamate and musk families.If the derivatives of your
favorite face cream or foundation’s scent are not easily determined from the
product label, try a patch test on the skin behind your ear. If no irritation
appears after three days of repeated application, you may continue usage on a
larger area.

3. Be smart about shadow and blush.The stuff that puts the sparkle in your eye
shadow, face powder and blush isusually mica, a common mineral. The jagged,
flaky shape of mica particles cancause irritation and/or clogging in the
follicle, so it’s best to use productswithout too much shimmer. Likewise, many
of the red dyes used to put a bloom inyour cheeks are coal tar derivatives; not
surprisingly, these substances arecomedogenic, too. Check the labels for blushes
that use carmine, which has beena natural, healthy cosmetic colorant since the
time of the Aztecs. Also, creamblushes are more likely to have comedogenic
ingredients, so stick to powder orgel blushes.

4. Get wise to eye creams. Because of the delicacy of theskin around the eyes,
creams created for this area are often thicker andgreasier than regular facial
moisturizers. Heavy eye creams and oily eye make-upremovers can promote milia,
tiny white cysts under the eyes. These kinds ofproducts can also migrate to
neighboring areas, creating acne on the cheeks,temples and forehead.

5. Style your hair with care. Most hair products are full of the ingredients we’d
like to keep away from our skin: alcohol,adhesives and oils. So if you’re prone
to acne, use care when styling your hair— cover your skin when you spray, and
try to keep oils, mousses, gels and pomades away from the skin at the hairline.
And don’t use hair products when you exercise; perspiration from your scalp can
carry styling products onto your skin, contributing to new breakouts.

6. Wash after exercising. While we know that sweat doesn’t cause acne, it can
promote it in those who are prone —and make-up can make matters worse. Even
non-comedogenic products can cause clogging or irritation in the presence of
heavy perspiration. As a rule, it’s best to wash immediately after exercising
with a medicated exfoliating cleanser.

7. Use the right lip lube. If you have problems with pimples around the mouth
area, you might want to reconsider the products you use on your lips. Lipsticks
and glosses are greasy by nature, with high concentrations of petroleum, wax and
other comedogenic substances. The greater the shine, the greater the potential
for pore-clogging — so if you're breaking out, try going for a matte finish
rather than a high gloss.

In general, it’s fine to doll up! Just choose your cosmetics carefully — look for
products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. Read labels carefully to avoid
common topical triggers. And of course, use your common sense; if a product that
looks okay on the label is irritating your skin, discontinue usage right away.

Acne Scar Removal Tips

While acne does affect about 90% of adolescents, only a small majority ofthose
affected are left with scars. However, those who are left with scars oftenlook
for acne scar removal methods that work to remove or diminish the
scars.Fortunately, there are many options available for acne scar removal.

Acnescar removal can be by dermabrasion. This is a process where the top layers
ofthe skin are removed with the use of a machine that literally abrades the
skin.While dermabrasion does give your skin a smoother appearance, it is not
100%effective for acne scar removal.

Chemical peels are another option foracne scar removal. This works much the same
as dermabrasion, but instead ofmachinery, chemicals are used to remove the top
layer of skin. Again, this isnot 100% effective for acne scar removal, but it
does give the skin a smootherappearance.

Another technique for acne scar removal is collageninjections. Collagen
injections are often used to treat wrinkles, scars, andlines. Injections can be
expensive, and will need to be repeated on a regularbasis. This is another acne
scar removal technique that doesn't actually removethe scars. It really just
hides them.

A drastic acne scar removalprocedure is Autologous Fat Transfer. This is a
process where fat is removedfrom other parts of your body, and injected back
into your skin. It doesn'tremove scars. Instead, it fills up depressions, such
as those that arecharacteristic of acne scars. Again, this is a drastic acne
scar removal method,and the process will need to be repeated as the fat is
absorbed into thebody.

Another drastic acne scar removal technique is punch grafts. Thisis a process
where small skin grafts are taken and used to replace scarred skin.This acne
scar removal technique is usually used to remove deep acnescars.

The newest - and seemingly most effective - acne scar removaltechnique is Laser
Skin Resurfacing. This is a process where the acne scarredskin is gently
vaporized, with the use of a laser. Once the damaged skin isvaporized, the new -
unscarred - skin underneath is visible. Local anesthesia isgiven for small
areas, but for full face acne scar removal, the person isusually sedated with
anesthesia administered through an I.V by ananesthesiologist.