What is Acne?

This inflammation of the skin is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it). Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither does stress.

How Is It Treated?

You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Over-the-counter(OTC) Medicines

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

Prescription Topical Medicines

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin. Avoid these if possible, unless your dermatologist advises otherwise.

Prescription Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

Other treatments

There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the counter medications, but often with less side effects.

There are many options available, including over the counter, or prescription medications and even operations. The safest by far are the over the counter remedies and that is what is reviewed here. Studies have shown these kind of products to be just as effective as other kinds of treatments, like prescription Accutane (isotretinoin), but without the possible serious side effects.

Just like you, thousands of people from all over the world get blackheads, whiteheads and so on, and many have tried everything with little or no results. Practically everyone has to deal with acne from time to time.

Interestingly enough ...

• It's not because you eat chocolate.
• It's not because you don't wash our face enough.
• It's not because the good Lord hates you, because he doesn't.
• It's not because you didn't get all "A's" in school, or because of on-the-job stress.

These skin flare ups are caused from imbalances and impurities within the body, and that's why it's best to get a product that works from the inside out.

Antioxidents can help eliminate the free radicals that are dangerous to skin and promote infections. They also fight inflammation to reduce redness and heal damaged skin, naturally!

Products with natural ingredients, like antioxidants (e.g. main ingredient in Acuzine), almost always work and do not require a prescription.

The treatments reviewed here are the best based on scientific research and thousands of positive customer testimonials. The products are well established and have countless happy customers. That's a sure sign of a good product.

But, if you're unsure of whether a product is safe or not, best to check with your Doctor first.

for more info - visit http://www.skin-care-reviews.com/acne-product-reviews.html

Acne Myths

If you try ask somebody advice regarding acne chances are, they would tell you that it is due to your poor hygiene, stress, poor diet or that you are in love.

Skin experts are actually dismissing those as nothing but myths. The best way to cope with your acne problem is to educate yourself and it is with this purpose that we will list here the common acne myths.

Myth #1: Popping your pimples is a way to get rid of them.

Fact: Avoid do that at all cost. Some people might tell you that popping your zits will make them less noticeable and help them heal faster, but they're wrong. Picking or popping your pimples pushes germs further under your skin, which could cause more redness, pain, and maybe even a nasty infection.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by eating certain fried foods or chocolate.

Fact: This is not true, that candy bar you had last night or that slice of pizza at last week's sleep over isn't responsible for the pimple that showed up on your face today. Scientific studies have shown that diet has little to no effect on acne. This varies depending on the person. While eating healthy and balanced diet is encouraged for our health, there is really no scientific evidence that connects certain foods to acne. Eating a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, will make you feel good and keep the rest of your body healthy and strong.

Myth #3: Stress causes acne.

Fact: While over stress may actually produce hormones that can aggravate acne, normal, everyday stress does not really trigger acne. If you're going through an especially stressful period in your life, your skin may produce more oil, but that doesn't mean you'll get more zits.

Myth #4: Getting a tan clears up acne.

Fact: While sun exposure may dry out existing acne, it will not prevent new ones from forming. When you spend time outside and your skin becomes darker, the redness caused by acne may be less noticeable for a little while. But when your tan fades, you'll still see your zits. And spending time in the sun without the proper protection can cause dry, irritated, or burned skin - not to mention it increases your risk of developing wrinkles and skin cancer later in life.

Myth #5: You can get rid of acne by washing your face more.

Fact: Many people believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene, so they tend to over-wash their skin. Washing your face regularly is a good idea because it helps remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and dirt from your skin's surface. But over washing or scrubbing your skin too hard can dry out and irritate your skin, which only makes acne worse. As a general rule, gently wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser.

Myth #6: To avoid acne, don't wear makeup.

Fact: Young skin looks great without makeup. Heavy and oily make up may contribute to acne build up. However, cosmetics labeled non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic might actually contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid that may help to fight acne.

Myth #7: Acne is just a little problem, no need to care much about.

Fact: It is embarrassing to have acne, thus can affect our confidence and esteem. It may even affect our social relation and job performance.

Almost all teenagers and some adults have to deal with acne at some point - but the good news is that with the right facts and the proper acne treatment, you can help your skin. So, the next time somebody tells you one of those things, gracefully correct them and share what you know. Remember, knowledge is power.

For more, visit - http://www.faceyouracne.com/acne-myths.htm