Recommended lifestyle changes:
Reduce stress.
Drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water (2 liters) per day. Ten to twelve glasses (3 liters) per day is recommended.Water should be icy cold. The hypothalamus, the body's "thermostat", cannot properly regulate temperature (and prevent facial flushing) unless kept cool and supplied with adequate water. Water also hydrates the skin, preventing clogged pores. Increasing your water intake will also help to reduce facial redness and excess oil.
Avoid stimulants such as coffee, tea, tobacco products and excessive sugar.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing, exfoliants, and other abrasives.
Use the right soap. Most soaps are too harsh for acne-afflicted skin.
Recognize and avoid foods and beverages which provoke an acne-related allergic reaction.
Avoid large meals; eat instead three small meals.
Exercise.
Avoid astringents and astringent soaps.
Change wash-cloths and body towels after each use.
Avoid the sun as much as possible. Sun exposure aggravates acne.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Acne And Hormones
New study proves that nearly half of all women experience premenstrual flares of their acne.
For those women who believe that they alone experience an increase in acne during their monthly cycle, the latest study proves that nearly half of all women experience premenstrual flares of their acne. Studies have shown that acne has an underlying hormonal basis.
"Acne has often been associated with hormones and a woman's monthly cycle," stated dermatologist Alan R. Shalita, MD, co-author of "The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Acne," published in the December 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
"This study confirms that many women do, indeed, have a premenstrual flare of their acne. While it is likely that this is due to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, further study needs to be conducted to confirm this."
In the study, a group of 400 women ages 12 to 52 were surveyed as to whether their acne got worse before, during or after their menstrual period as well as whether their acne appeared to be related to their menstrual period. The women were grouped into categories according to age, severity of acne, ethnicity and whether or not they took oral contraceptives. Overall, 177 of 400 women (44 percent) reported premenstrual acne.
While the study found that severity of acne, ethnicity and oral contraceptive use did not affect the premenstrual flare rates, age did play a factor. The study found that 53 percent of women over age 33 experienced a higher rate of premenstrual acne than women under age 20 -- who only reported a 39 percent increase in premenstrual acne.
Hormonal acne is most often influenced by androgens in the body. Androgens are hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin. When the sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by androgens, for example around the time of menstruation, women, both young and old, tend to have acne flare-ups.
In fact, previous studies have shown that the oil duct opening on the skin was smallest in days 15 to 20 of a 28-day cycle, increased in days 21 to 26, and decreased again in the two days before menstruation. On average, premenstrual acne flares were found to be the worst on day 22 of the average 28-day cycle.
"Acne that worsens during a women's monthly cycle isn't something that women will grow out of as they get older," stated Dr. Shalita, of the Department of Dermatology, State University of New York.
For those women who believe that they alone experience an increase in acne during their monthly cycle, the latest study proves that nearly half of all women experience premenstrual flares of their acne. Studies have shown that acne has an underlying hormonal basis.
"Acne has often been associated with hormones and a woman's monthly cycle," stated dermatologist Alan R. Shalita, MD, co-author of "The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle on Acne," published in the December 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
"This study confirms that many women do, indeed, have a premenstrual flare of their acne. While it is likely that this is due to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle, further study needs to be conducted to confirm this."
In the study, a group of 400 women ages 12 to 52 were surveyed as to whether their acne got worse before, during or after their menstrual period as well as whether their acne appeared to be related to their menstrual period. The women were grouped into categories according to age, severity of acne, ethnicity and whether or not they took oral contraceptives. Overall, 177 of 400 women (44 percent) reported premenstrual acne.
While the study found that severity of acne, ethnicity and oral contraceptive use did not affect the premenstrual flare rates, age did play a factor. The study found that 53 percent of women over age 33 experienced a higher rate of premenstrual acne than women under age 20 -- who only reported a 39 percent increase in premenstrual acne.
Hormonal acne is most often influenced by androgens in the body. Androgens are hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands and hair follicles in the skin. When the sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by androgens, for example around the time of menstruation, women, both young and old, tend to have acne flare-ups.
In fact, previous studies have shown that the oil duct opening on the skin was smallest in days 15 to 20 of a 28-day cycle, increased in days 21 to 26, and decreased again in the two days before menstruation. On average, premenstrual acne flares were found to be the worst on day 22 of the average 28-day cycle.
"Acne that worsens during a women's monthly cycle isn't something that women will grow out of as they get older," stated Dr. Shalita, of the Department of Dermatology, State University of New York.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Buy With Confidence
Acne-Ltd was invented by a team of Acne Researchers with 52 years of collective research led by a Johns Hopkins MD with continuing training at Harvard Medical Center - Beth Israel Deaconess & Massachusetts General, and the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.
Acne-Ltd has been on the market since 1997, and Bass & Boney Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been in business since 1983.
Acne-Ltd has acne medical patents throughout the world.
Provides Secure Online Ordering - verified by Internet Security Services. Also you will find excellent Acne-Ltd III Praises at Web Assured and a clear ethics history Better Business Bureau on their web sites on the right side of this page.
Acne-Ltd III offers a 120-day unconditional 100% refund. No reason has to be provided for a full refund.
Has a low cost of $48.00 for a six-month supply which is $8.00 per month, including postage, shipping & handling throughout the world at the same cost to each person regardless of where they live.
Acne-Ltd III does not cause sun sensitivity, redness, nor any other side effect..
Acne-Ltd has been on the market since 1997, and Bass & Boney Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has been in business since 1983.
Acne-Ltd has acne medical patents throughout the world.
Provides Secure Online Ordering - verified by Internet Security Services. Also you will find excellent Acne-Ltd III Praises at Web Assured and a clear ethics history Better Business Bureau on their web sites on the right side of this page.
Acne-Ltd III offers a 120-day unconditional 100% refund. No reason has to be provided for a full refund.
Has a low cost of $48.00 for a six-month supply which is $8.00 per month, including postage, shipping & handling throughout the world at the same cost to each person regardless of where they live.
Acne-Ltd III does not cause sun sensitivity, redness, nor any other side effect..
Friday, January 13, 2006
Causes of Body Acne
Back and body acne is a common problem for many acne sufferers. Unfortunately, there are not as many treatment options available for those that suffer from body acne, and just as with normal acne treatment, most of these treatments simply do not work. In order to put an end to stubborn back and body acne, you need to understand your skin and treat it effectively.
Because the skin on areas such as your back is different from the skin on your face, the type of acne you suffer from can be different as well. Generally, almost all cases of facial acne are caused by an excessive production of skin oil (sebum) by the glands in your pores. This is largely the case for body acne as well. However, besides skin oil, your pores can also be clogged by a build-up of dead cells. The important thing to understand is that areas such as your back may be much more susceptible to this later cause of acne.
The layer of skin on your back is thicker than on your face, and is less frequently exposed to the elements and other factors that could aid in exfoliation (the process of shedding dead skin cells). Many people only half-heartedly wash their backs in the shower, and this may simply not be enough to scrape away those dead cells.
To make sure you’re exfoliating your entire body properly, leave that bar of soap alone. Buy some gentle body wash and a bath sponge with some texture to it. Wash thoroughly every day in those hard-to-reach places. If you need to purchase a back-scrubber to reach everywhere, then get one. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t need to scrape hard against your skin. Any sponge will usually exfoliate the top layer of your skin much better than your hands.
Once you begin exfoliating properly, you’ll probably notice results fast, but there’s still the matter of preventing acne from forming in the first place.
Take a moment to consider if you are doing anything that causes acne. If you frequently wear clothing that isn’t quite clean, you may be giving bacteria an extra opportunity to form. This is especially important for clothing that hugs close to your skin and doesn’t breath well. If you wear tight clothes and exercise, make sure not to sit around in sweaty clothes for long.
Because the skin on areas such as your back is different from the skin on your face, the type of acne you suffer from can be different as well. Generally, almost all cases of facial acne are caused by an excessive production of skin oil (sebum) by the glands in your pores. This is largely the case for body acne as well. However, besides skin oil, your pores can also be clogged by a build-up of dead cells. The important thing to understand is that areas such as your back may be much more susceptible to this later cause of acne.
The layer of skin on your back is thicker than on your face, and is less frequently exposed to the elements and other factors that could aid in exfoliation (the process of shedding dead skin cells). Many people only half-heartedly wash their backs in the shower, and this may simply not be enough to scrape away those dead cells.
To make sure you’re exfoliating your entire body properly, leave that bar of soap alone. Buy some gentle body wash and a bath sponge with some texture to it. Wash thoroughly every day in those hard-to-reach places. If you need to purchase a back-scrubber to reach everywhere, then get one. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t need to scrape hard against your skin. Any sponge will usually exfoliate the top layer of your skin much better than your hands.
Once you begin exfoliating properly, you’ll probably notice results fast, but there’s still the matter of preventing acne from forming in the first place.
Take a moment to consider if you are doing anything that causes acne. If you frequently wear clothing that isn’t quite clean, you may be giving bacteria an extra opportunity to form. This is especially important for clothing that hugs close to your skin and doesn’t breath well. If you wear tight clothes and exercise, make sure not to sit around in sweaty clothes for long.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Undestanding Acne Terminolgy
Understanding the terminology of acne, adult acne, rosacea, acne rosacea, lupus and dermatitis can make it possible to communicate effectively and have a precise understanding of your acne treatment and medication options. This glossary defines commonly used acne terms, including names of the products and medications used in the treatment of adult acne and skin conditions that co-exist with acne, such as rosacea, lupus, eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Please visit the non-profit informative organization International Rosacea Foundation, which graciously contributed glossary acne terms
Monday, January 09, 2006
New National Registry Emphasizes The Dangers Of Accutane
A national registry has begun accepting names of the tens of thousands of Americans who take the anti-acne drug Accutane as part of a stepped-up federal effort to limit use of the birth defect-causing drug by pregnant women.
Also, doctors, wholesalers and pharmacies had until December 31, 2005 to register with the computerized iPLEDGE registry to continue prescribing or selling Accutane and any of the three generic versions of the drug, known as isotretinoin. Generic versions are sold as Amnesteem, Claravis or Sotret.
The Food and Drug Administration has spent more than 20 years attempting to limit the exposure of fetuses to the drug. If a woman uses Accutane during pregnancy, or should become pregnant within a month of taking the drug, her baby runs a significant risk of suffering brain and heart defects, as well as mental retardation. Patients typically take the drug for five to six months.
Despite those previous efforts to control its use, 100 to 140 pregnancies a year are still being reported in the United States in women on the drug, said Dr. Paul Seligman, director of the FDA office responsible for post-marketing drug surveillance.
The iPLEDGE registry replaces and builds on previous programs, run individually by the four manufacturers.
"We hope it will be the program that ensures that we can get as close to the goal of the least pregnancy exposures as possible," Seligman said. The registry is similar to one used for thalidomide, which also causes birth defects in Europe in the 1950s but never was approved for use by pregnant women in the United States.
Both female and male patients must enroll on the registry to receive the drug, reports AP.
O.Ch.
Also, doctors, wholesalers and pharmacies had until December 31, 2005 to register with the computerized iPLEDGE registry to continue prescribing or selling Accutane and any of the three generic versions of the drug, known as isotretinoin. Generic versions are sold as Amnesteem, Claravis or Sotret.
The Food and Drug Administration has spent more than 20 years attempting to limit the exposure of fetuses to the drug. If a woman uses Accutane during pregnancy, or should become pregnant within a month of taking the drug, her baby runs a significant risk of suffering brain and heart defects, as well as mental retardation. Patients typically take the drug for five to six months.
Despite those previous efforts to control its use, 100 to 140 pregnancies a year are still being reported in the United States in women on the drug, said Dr. Paul Seligman, director of the FDA office responsible for post-marketing drug surveillance.
The iPLEDGE registry replaces and builds on previous programs, run individually by the four manufacturers.
"We hope it will be the program that ensures that we can get as close to the goal of the least pregnancy exposures as possible," Seligman said. The registry is similar to one used for thalidomide, which also causes birth defects in Europe in the 1950s but never was approved for use by pregnant women in the United States.
Both female and male patients must enroll on the registry to receive the drug, reports AP.
O.Ch.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Jojoba Oil and Acne Skin Care
Jojoba oil has been used as a beauty treatment for decades, if not centuries. Native Americans used to extract the oil from jojoba beans as a treatment for cuts, sores and bruises, as well as sunburn. It has been applied to both face and scalp to help prevent evaporation and provide lubrication for dry, flaky skin. It absorbs easily, is non-greasy, and is very pleasant and soothing no matter what your skin type. Many women claim that jojoba oil also has a minimizing effect on pores!
Jojoba oil, like other natural oils, is considered a "natural moisturizing factor". Just like the lipids that are naturally found in your skin, it helps fight surface roughness, flaking, and fine lines. But it isn't reserved just for those who have dry skin. People with acne-prone skin, who suffer more than others from clogged pores and blackhead formation, tend to avoid oil-based products like the plague. They assume that all oil-based products will make their acne worse.
Not so! Due to the unique molecular structure of jojoba oil, not only will it mix readily with the skin's natural oils, but studies have shown that it can even inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria associated with acne.
Jojoba oil is also soothing for skin conditions like rosacea and sebborheic dermatitis, and will not cause flare-ups. By helping to reinforce the structure of the skin's outer layer (the epidermis), jojoba oil -along with the natural oils produced by the skin- is extremely helpful in the healing process. Natural oils help prevent individual cells from losing moisture, and aid in keeping the skin smooth and supple.
Acne-Ltd has found that many of the products commonly used in the treatment of acne are too harsh and drying which results in the body producing more oil to compensate for the oils stripped from the skin by the harsher products. Applying oil to the skin “tricks” the skin into thinking there is sufficient oil on the skin so the body slows oil production to that area of the skin to prevent it from being too dry. When the skin is too dry, the skin pores shrink with resulting ‘clogged pores’.
Jojoba oil, like other natural oils, is considered a "natural moisturizing factor". Just like the lipids that are naturally found in your skin, it helps fight surface roughness, flaking, and fine lines. But it isn't reserved just for those who have dry skin. People with acne-prone skin, who suffer more than others from clogged pores and blackhead formation, tend to avoid oil-based products like the plague. They assume that all oil-based products will make their acne worse.
Not so! Due to the unique molecular structure of jojoba oil, not only will it mix readily with the skin's natural oils, but studies have shown that it can even inhibit the growth of certain types of bacteria associated with acne.
Jojoba oil is also soothing for skin conditions like rosacea and sebborheic dermatitis, and will not cause flare-ups. By helping to reinforce the structure of the skin's outer layer (the epidermis), jojoba oil -along with the natural oils produced by the skin- is extremely helpful in the healing process. Natural oils help prevent individual cells from losing moisture, and aid in keeping the skin smooth and supple.
Acne-Ltd has found that many of the products commonly used in the treatment of acne are too harsh and drying which results in the body producing more oil to compensate for the oils stripped from the skin by the harsher products. Applying oil to the skin “tricks” the skin into thinking there is sufficient oil on the skin so the body slows oil production to that area of the skin to prevent it from being too dry. When the skin is too dry, the skin pores shrink with resulting ‘clogged pores’.
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