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Tuesday, August 11th 2009

12:59 PM

Acne Treatment - Go Natural Or Use Medicine?



A dermatologist can help discuss the different acne treatments currently available including treating acne with laser acne treatment or other acne surgeries. According to some researchers, the primary causes of acne are hormones and genetics, but this cannot account for every case. Natural skin care for acne is usually overlooked as many people are focusing on alleviating the symptom instead of solving the root of the problem.

It must be stated at the beginning that an exact cause of acne is unknown. Despite the endless research that has been done to date, nothing has ever been isolated as a primary cause for the development of acne. Teenagers are the most common sufferers of acne, purely because of the hormonal shifts that are associated with puberty. According to some researchers, the primary causes are hormones and genetics, but this cannot account for every case.

There are many treatments out there for acne but they all target different skin types. It is important to understand your skin type before you start any treatment in order to achieve optimal results. Once you have determined your skin type you can start an acne treatment and skin care.

There are many types of over-the-counter acne medication. Retinoids are a form of acne medicine that is produced from vitamin A and can be applied directly to the skin typically in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid acne medicines are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. Topical prescription acne medicine may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be safe and effective in combating lesions. It can also be used as a means of acne prevention once a breakout has cleared up by keeping the skin free from acne causing bacteria. The only side effect associated with this ingredient is dry skin, and this can be avoided by the use of moisturizer. As you can see, acne medication usually has its own side effects. While solving one skin problem, it may result in another type of skin problem and the solution to your acne problem may be endless as a result. That is why natural acne is gaining popularity nowadays.

The best acne treatment is the most natural acne treatment simply because the ingredients used are friendly to your skin and your health in general. For centuries, civilizations relied exclusively upon herbal and natural remedies for the treatment of every ailment, including acne.

Some examples of natural acne treatment include:

Fenugreek leaves

This remedy provides great prevention of breakouts and involves taking the fenugreek leaves, crushing them, and making a paste out of them.

Honey Mask

Another natural acne treatment is the use of honey because honey has naturally occurring anti-bacterial qualities. It is often applied to the face as a mask, killing surface bacteria.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Used as a blood purifier when taken internally and as an antibacterial when applied topically.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Used as a liver purifier. The leaves may be applied topically in a poultice.

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus)

Indicated for acne associated with the menstrual period.

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Used as a skin disinfectant. It penetrates the skin layer and kills the bacterials. You can purchase tea tree oil or tea tree cream easily from most pharmacies.

Alternate Hot/Cold Compresses

A chief natural / best acne treatment that is recommended more often than not is the usage of hot and cold wet towel compresses to reduce swelling and eliminate clogged pores--the major culprit in the production of acne.

Oils and Juices

Though it can seem odd, the benefits of using natural substances like almond oil - which can actually help with the removal of acne scars - cannot be ignored. It is one of the best acne treatments. Apricot juice helps to alleviate the presence of cysts by cutting through them.

Because there are such a variety of approaches, knowing what is available will reliance you in deciding what the best option for you. Considering the fact that a large number of acne treatments are available, it can be hard to choose which one to try. It is a good idea to consult with a physician before using any kind of natural acne treatment.
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Tuesday, August 11th 2009

12:29 PM

Use Herbal Treatments for your Acne



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Herbal acne treatment regimes are a healthy and safe method for management of acne and similar skin irritations. Herbal treatments are the oldest known healing procedure, dating back 5000 years. There are many options to choose from when considering herbal acne treatments. Consulting a health care professional can provide answers to help to solve skin problems. Choosing a herbal treatment is a safe and effective alternative to assist the body in flushing toxins that can manifest in skin irritations. Herbal options are not always clinically proven to be 100 % effective but have been proven to be helpful substitutes to medications. Before combining any medications and herbal options, consulting with a health care professional will ensure no unpleasant side effects. Many retail outlets can provide effective treatment information and help to provide other necessary data that is needed to make an informed decision when choosing herbal options.

Herbal acne treatments can consist of supplements and vitamins like Vitamin A, also known as Retinol, which provides Beta-carotene that protects cell membranes and promotes growth of skin cells. Vitamin B-2 can help control stress that may trigger acne. Vitamin B-3 is found to improve circulation to encourage healthy skin. Cells are protected from free radicals by the powerful antioxidant agent of Vitamin E and zinc helps to promote a healthy immune system. Taking vitamins on a regular basis is a positive way to encourage healthier skin and overall health while battling the effects of acne. Drinking teas specially formulated for body cleansing can assist in removing toxins from the body. Fenugreek seeds can be steeped into a tea and consumed to help the body to detoxify and remove toxins in the blood. Green tea provides antioxidants that contain antibacterial properties.

Creams and oils can be applied topically to speed up the healing of skin irritations. Tea Tree Oil is used for controlling bacteria and cleaning the skin of any traces of dirt to provide a clearer skin surface. Aloe Vera has a soothing property to it and helps to reduce redness and inflamed skin. Using Witch Hazel is a good alternative, alcohol-free, toner. Some other herbal options include:

* Making a topical combination of hazelnut oil, flaxseed oil and apple cider vinegar is a good astringent.
* Combining calendula, which promotes healing of skin tissue, lavender, which relieves inflammation, Tea Tree Oil, witch hazel and rosewater, will make for a topical solution to help to lessen the affects of acne.
* Fennel seeds, when crushed and combined with apple cider vinegar and honey, are good for controlling oily skin and should be used as a toner daily as part of skin cleansing routine.

Keeping the skin as clean as possible will help to control the amount of bacteria on the surface, which in turn helps to reduce the severity of breakouts. Using herbal acne treatments is a good alternative to many of the prescription and over the counter medications for acne and skin conditions.
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Tuesday, August 11th 2009

12:28 PM

Is Acne Laser Treatment Safe?



Acne is bad enough, but acne scarring is, for many, a great deal worse. What is the best thing to do about it? How can you easily remove or treat acne scarring? More importantly, how safe are the methods?

The scar tissue that arises from acne treatment does so for a variety of reasons, but it is clear that the removal of the scar tissue should be done so early that it reduces problems and unsightly scarring that could otherwise remain with you for the rest of your life.

Over the years cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists have used a variety of different methods, including laser treatment to deal with acne scarring. A rather painful but popular method was the 'sanding' of the scar tissue, a method called dermabrasion. It could lead to considerable discomfit after the operation and could take a considerable period for the skin to repair itself.

In addition to these treatments of acne scarring there have also been chemical peels, grafting and soft tissue filling.

Laser treatment of acne has become very popular as new laser technology has come about and this treatment is widely used for a very wide variety of skin problems - everything from crows feet around the eyes to serious scarring. It is relatively simple, unobtrusive and safe.

Apart from being non-invasive, laser treatment is also highly precise and permits the surgeon to operate with great precision on specific areas affected by acne so as to better deal with the scars.

Because it is a non-ablative procedure where the laser operates beneath the surface of the skin and through stimulating production of collagen it tightens the skin tissue, but this is not always particularly good for removing scarring itself.

There are two main forms of acne scar removal, one being the Erbium laser, which emits a precise wavelength that leaves the non-acne scarred skin completely unaffected, but removes the scar tissue.

There are a variety of lasers being used, including the Matrix, Affirm Laser Pixel Laser, Sciton laser and others. These are mainly used for fractional laser resurfacing, which regenerates the skin around the scar tissue while impacting the actual scar tissue through the emission of light pulses.

The laser itself emits short, high-energy bursts of carbon dioxide or erbium energy focused on the affected skin. It eliminates the deep-seated damaged cells and promotes the growth of collagen, a process that continues for some months and thus helps produce "new" skin to cover the old scar tissue. This is therefore highly effective and the treatment may be required up to three times in order to take full effect.

Fractionated laser treatment handles small parts of the skin and involves tiny laser treatment that zeros in upon areas beneath the skin surface through the creation of hundreds of tiny 'holes'. This will also help to stimulate the production of collagen and the growth of new skin tissue.

Whatever form of laser acne treatment you prefer you need to ensure you have the best advice given your own particular circumstances including the number of treatments you will require given your particular skin type, scarring severity and other issues.

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Tuesday, August 11th 2009

12:25 PM

Top 5 Elements To Look For In Acne Treatments



When it comes to choosing acne treatments, there are a number of factors to consider. You will not only want to select acne products that fit your skin type and problem, but they should also be easy to use and at a price tag that won't break your budget. When shopping for acne treatments, take a look at the following elements to help make your buying experience a breeze.

Affordability. Whether you are on a budget or plan to try various products until you find that one that works best, affordability is a big factor when shopping for acne treatments. Although some health insurance policies may cover prescribed acne products, they will not cover over-the-counter purchases unless specifically recommended by a physician or dermatologist. Comparing prices and buying products that offer a money-back guarantee will help to safeguard your purchase.

Convenience. Let's face it - life is hectic and there isn't always a lot of extra time in the day. Therefore, acne treatments that are both easy to understand and use are some of the most popular on the market simply because they have the ability to offer results with minimal inconvenience. If you work, go to school, take care of the family or are just generally always on the go, acne products that offer simplicity combined with results will be an asset to your treatment plan.

Effectiveness. There is absolutely no reason to purchase a product that cannot provide you with the results that you need. Although getting the best value for your dollar is important, acne treatments are best defined by their capability and the results that they provide. Forget about what they can do and think about what they will do. Will this product relieve you of your problem? Does it have potentially dangerous side effects that would be worse than acne itself? How fast will this particular treatment work? All of these questions are essential to ask yourself when shopping for acne products. If in doubt, check out the product label, consult with a physician or dermatologist and read product reviews for an idea of just how effective a particular acne treatment can be.

Safety. If a product isn't safe, why use it? In some cases, the potential side effects can be worse than acne itself. If this is the case, you will have to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to take a risk and use the product. Most acne treatments recommend avoiding contact with eyes, which is standard for any facial product. But what happens when standard cautions become more serious and involve much higher stakes? Most over-the-counter acne treatments are typically safe if used as directed, but some prescribed acne treatments are more aggressive and often carry greater risks. Always be sure to inform a physician if you are taking other medications and/or ask about the potential side effects for acne treatments before accepting a prescription.

Variety. If you find a product that you like, check with the manufacturer's customer service or website to see if complimentary acne products are available. When treating acne, it's equally important to use both corrective acne products for healing current acne and preventative acne treatments to prevent skin problems from recurring.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. If you believe that you have a problem with acne that requires medical attention, consult a physician or dermatologist for a professional evaluation and recommended treatment program.
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Tuesday, August 11th 2009

12:22 PM

Blue Light Therapy: The Safe Alternative



Acne is a well known skin problem that most of the people reading this article have faced in their lives at some point in time and in some form or other with respect to intensity. Well known treatments include many western and eastern medicines as well as a host of alternative treatments in Homeopathy and various tradition care methods which may or may not be successful from person to person.

One of the most recent alternatives for acne treatment is blue photodynamic therapy or blue light therapy. Scientists have discovered that light of a certain wavelength (within the 400-480 nm range). The naturally occurring Porphyrins in the human body is a substance released by the breakdown of blood cells and Acne Bacteria ('Propionobacterium acnes'- or- 'P. acnes'); releases this substance as well. When it is exposed to this light in the blue spectrum, there is damage produced which destroys this bacteria.

Safety profile for Blue Light treatment

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) classifies laser and light therapies as procedure-oriented treatment and considers it as a legal and safe procedure which is effective in treating acne. FDA approved narrow-band, high-intensity blue-light therapy for this purpose. The most important thing to note is that this treatment is painless and can easily be carried out by oneself at home.

Known Side-effects

Blue light therapy does not cause any known permanent damage. It has been observed that the side effects that are experienced are temporary, such as temporary changes in the pigmentation of the skin with some swelling and dryness in the treated area. Since there is no presence of UV rays in blue light apparatuses, there is little danger to skin cells. Low intensity blue light is also often suggested for daily use and causes little or no dryness, irritation or other side effects.

Blue light effect on eyesight

There has been much speculation of the effect of blue light therapy on the eyesight. Some scientists believe that blue light is a possible cause for the enhanced development of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is directly related to the retinal stress that results from exposure of the eye to visible blue light; especially amongst older test subjects (the term used is blue light hazard). This degeneration is common amongst all adults over the age of 40 as it is a natural process. To understand this factor better, consider the fact that blue light belongs to the visible spectrum, that is, the spectrum of light is beyond the UV range of light (light in the UV range or ultra violet light, is non-visible and is the major cause for damage to the retina). The major damage is considered to occur with prolonged exposure to (the direct viewing of) bright blue light. This is true for all light treatments as the glare from bright light can potentially damage the eyes anyway. Blue light treatment is usually limited to two sessions a week for 15 fifteen minutes each, thereby reducing any possible risk to the eyes. The human eye is conditioned to receive this (blue) wavelength of light and therefore it is not harmful, especially if controlled exposure is used for treatment along with appropriate eye cover such as a patch or dark glasses.

It is important for patients especially those with eye conditions, retinal damage, have undergone recent eye surgery (e.g. cataract removal), or have other conditions that affect sight such forms of diabetes to should regularly consult an ophthalmologist before and during any form of light therapy.

Blue light therapy for skin

Blue light therapy for skin treatment, especially for acne treatment, is considered safe. Blue-light devices do not contain UV light, which damages skin cells, as is a known fact. Visible blue light has been suggested to cause DNA breaks although there is no evidence for this; with limited exposure treatment, enzymes within skin cells are understood to repair these breaks. There is also no evidence of cancer development as a result of damaged cells.
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