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

Benzoyl Peroxide reviews

Reviews for Benzoyl Peroxide

REVIEWER		REVIEW	HELPFUL VOTES
wolfkidd79 (0) 02/05/2006		You people need to realize that from start to finish, 1 pimple typically takes over a month to actually show up on the skin. If your acne has gotten worse from using any of these products, it's probably because it's exploiting all of the cysts and clogged pores, which you should be thankful for because its bringing everything to the surface FINALLY. Give it time, acne has a pattern/cycle that needs to be learned, just like the medication being used on it. Here's a perfect example: I NEVER have broken out on my forehead until after I used BP 10% - - then after a few weeks (and still using BP) the forehead breakouts stopped and is now manageable. At first I was skeptical that this stuff was making my skin worse. Then I thought about it. How can anything that helps clean the skin make you worse off after using it? Maybe for awhile its worse than before you started but think about what that medication is doing. It's loosening up weeks and months of dried oil in your pores. It only has one way to go and that is out through the pores, which makes pimples occur. Acne cannot possibly be manageable unless your pores are clean. Think of the post-treatment breakouts as a silver lining, or miracle in disguise. Like any injury or wound, treatment and healing takes time, so be respectful and let nature do it's thing once you begin treatment. the only thing I can think of if it doesnt begin to work after a few weeks (and you must give a product at least 3 weeks to see if it works or not) Then pursue other means, and i know being kids in school you want that nasty acne to go away as quick as possible, but like i said it takes time, and it would be worth it to stick with a regimen and deal with the effects for awhile, it will be worth it in the end. Sorry this was so long but I understand what you and I are going thru. Hope this motivates you a little bit.	1
johnnyduval (0) 11/13/2005		This stuff has been amazing for me but I am sticking to the regime on acne.org - moisturising is essential. Only use the 2.5%, use liberally, use on freshly washed or shaved skin (leave a couple of minutes) so it gets into the pores, and twice a day. I have greasy skin usually but with this stuff you really need to moisturise - I use Neutrogena which is great. If it gets too dry then I skip a day, or one morning or evening. For me this has been a miracle find, just scared that it will stop being as effective although acne.org say it will continue to work for ever. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
nexttigerwoods88 (0) 03/07/2005		This stuff works use 2.5% and buy it at www.acne.org dans regiman bp gell...its the best 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
Burris12345 (0) 12/21/2004		I had very severe acne, i tried panoxyl aquagel 5%. It took most of it away, but it was still bad, I tried 10% but it was too strong. It does however leave your skin very irritant and peeling. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
VanessaJU (0) 07/02/2004		When I first started to use bp on my forhead it took a couple of months for it to actually work it did controll the oil in the mean time. So, when It did start to work everything went away and I had clear skin. :) I was so happy and had a lot of selfesteem but then after a couple months of having clear skin my forhead started to develop bumps again. so, I got some more medication and then the next day when I woke up my forhead looked like it had been burnt! I don't know how it happened but the only acne medication that worked for me I bacame alergic to. :( I then was so desperate that I continued to use it on my forhead and then became ammune again but if it touches any other part of my skin or face then I end up looking like a red cherry. :( So, I am trying to find somthing that will help will my monthly breakouts on my chin area. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
kzkerk (0) 06/22/2004		5% worked the best for me. it did little for the acne, but my skin stayed oil-free for up to 3 hours, 2 1/2 hrs longer than if i use nothing. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
Shaylee (1) 10/14/2003		I used BP at the start, ruined a few pillow cases and it didnt seem to make any noticeable difference. Switched to antibiotics and started with Doxycline - 100% results, became immune to it after 6 months, switched to Minocycline 100% results now becomming immune also (12 months). Used Differin the whole time while on antibiotics and do not believe it made any major difference either. It definately didn't help with the cystic lumps coming back each time I became immune to the antibiotics. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
yaminokage (0) 10/06/2003		BP is indeed the best acne medication out there, yes, I say acne, and not pimple, for BP not only help clear pimples, it certainly helped with acne as well. Of all that I've tried, which includes Adapalene, Clindamycin and so many other formulas such as tea tree oil, BP is still the best. However, BP must be used in certain ways that will ensure that it will not overdry, first being do not use one that contain too high a concentration, while one may think that higher concentration means better results, this may well not be so, for a higher concentration may cause irritation, therefore 2.5%, and if need be, 5% at most be used. Next thing is to keep moisturizing your face, this is absolutely necessary to prevent drying out, and after trying out BP with moisturizer, along with an exfoliant, my acne has begun to clear up. Yes, even though not completely, but of all that I've tried, this is the best. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
stef7654 (0) 07/11/2003		Benzoyl peroxide helps, however, I believe it needs to be used in conjuction with an exfoliant such as salicylic acid. Personally, my skin cannot tolerate using benzoyl peroxide everyday. I like to use Neutrogena Acne Mask 2-3 times per week, which seems to help keep me clear. For everyday use, I use 2% salicylic acid treatment during the day, and Retin-A at night. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
thesound (0) 07/04/2003		I got a few zits so I started using this. Then i kept getting zits and was wondering if I became immune to the minocycline i've been taking because before I didn't need anything besides that to stay zit free. I think this works great if you use it in moderation...like every few days or something (.10 concentration) instead of the twice daily that they reccommend. Because I tried that and it doubled my acne. Like frangela9 i just get more zits on my nose and forehead. I stopped using it and amazingly my face is clearing up 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
warmTape (0) 06/25/2003		I loved Benzoyl Peroxide when i was younger and only got little whiteheads. But with hormonal changes came the bad cystic acne and benzoyl peroxide didn't help me anymore....haha actually made it worse because i'd try to pile it on, thinking it would make even bad acne go away (yes, that was my own error). Oh well, I miss the good times we used to have; I recommend it for mild breakouts and as spot treatment. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	1
g0odchrl0tt (0) 06/01/2003		Benza-clin is the best product i have ever used, wich is a combination of 2.5% benzoyl preoxide, and a combination of Clindamycin. I reccomend asking your dermatoligest, or even your peditrician (who perscribed it for me) about Benza-Clin, if you have never gotten complete controal of your acne. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
LisaH (0) 03/28/2003		My chest was constantly breaking out in acne and nothing would help until I found out about Benzoyl Peroxide. I couldn't even wear V neck T shirts or even work shirts without getting seriously embarassed. Within days of trying Oxy On the Spot it disappeared and I am now acne free (obviously I need to use the cream twice a day, but it is worth every penny!) Thank you Oxy! 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	2
trishbn5 (0) 03/15/2003		Radical-Oxidant, This wrinkles you faster, as well as leaves perminant scars. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	2
jopoppa (0) 02/05/2003		I have moderate acne, and I am in my 30's. Retin A did not do much & I don't want to take oral medicine. The key is moisture and keeping your skin from getting irratated. It does work well when I stick with it. I stay clear, except my back which gets better. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	1
leckyuk (0) 01/15/2003		I used Brevoxyl (Benzoyl Peroxide), the really strong one that u get by prescription only and also Oxy On the Spot which is the low dose over the counter one. Both make my skin rediculously dry and i end up with more spots as a result. Really mingy ones as well. My doctor has now prescribed Zineryt, and i've started it today. Let's see what happens. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
dkrk (0) 11/26/2002		I used Benzoyl Peroxide twice before. 5% and 2.5%, but both were too drying for my skin, and it didnt help at all. Basically just dry my skin out and no moisturiser would help. Have had acne since I was 14, am 20 now. Am trying Minocylcine Mr and Adapalene Cream. Hope it works, and lasts. 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
Liz20 (0) 11/23/2002		Benzotl Peroxide works well if used regularly, but it is certainly not a miracle cure. If used daily it does help keep acne under control. Also, everybody should drink tons of water! Obviously water will not clear your skin, but it does help to hydrate it and look more radiant. Oh, don't forget to use suncreen religiously!!! 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	1
nessa (0) 11/16/2002		I think the trick with this stuff is to stick it out for at least a few weeks even if your skin plays up from day 1. It really irritated me at first (I used 5%) and my skin is rarely sensitive to anything, I could barely move my chin it was so dry and was was red and peeling. But after 2 weeks my skin began to tolerate it and with a decent moisturiser in the day my skins now a lot clearer and I can use BP with no problems.Ive had better results with this over time than Ive had on 2 courses of accutane. It dosn't work for everyone but if you don't give it a chance you'll never know will you??? 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend	0
kristyna (0) 11/03/2002		I don't like benzoyl peroxide at all it dries the skin out way to much. Then your skin fights to produce more oil therefore making more severe acne 0 comment(s) - Reply to this Review - Email to a Friend For the complete list, visit - http://www.rateitall.com/i-5772-benzoyl-peroxide.aspx

Anti-Acne product Reviews

Product	Rating by Reviewer
accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Satisfactory
Accutane	No effect
Accutane	Satisfactory
Accutane	Adverse Effects
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Adverse Effects
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Adverse Effects
Accutane	Satisfactory
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Excellent
Accutane	Good
Accutane	Excellent
Alabu Goat Milk Soap	Good
Allergan Tazorac	Good
Aloe pure time repair serum by Aloette	Good
Alpha Hydrox AHA Souffle	Excellent
Alpha Hydrox Vanishing Blemish Solution	Excellent
Arbonne Reactivating facial serum	Good
Artistry Clarifying Skin Care System	Excellent
Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask	Excellent
Atkins Diet	Excellent
Avage Tazarotene 0.1%	Satisfactory
Avene Cleanance	Satisfactory
Avene Diacneal Acne Treatment	Good
Avon Clearskin	Good
Avon Clearskin Line	Excellent
Azelex	Excellent
Azelex Azelaic acid	Satisfactory
Benozyl Peroxide 10%	Good
BenzaClin	Good
BenzaClin clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel	Satisfactory
BenzaClin clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide gel	Good
Benzagel	Excellent
Benzoyl peroxide gel 2.5%	Excellent
Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin	Good
Bioelements	Good
Biore Pore Strips	Adverse Effects
Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser	Adverse Effects
BP Gel (2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel)	Excellent
BP Gel	Good
Burts Bees Blemish Stick	Excellent
Candela SmoothBeam	Good
Cefuroxime Axetil Antibiotics 250MG	Satisfactory
Clean & Clear Advantage	Good
Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment	Good
Clean and Clear Advantage	Adverse Effects
Clean and Clear Advantage	Excellent
Clean and Clear Advantage Acne System	Excellent
Clean and Clear Continuous Control Acne Cleanser	Good
Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10	Excellent
Clean and Clear PersaGel 10	Adverse Effects
Clear Skin Regimen Gel (with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide)	Satisfactory
Clearasil Total Control Daily Skin Perfecting Treatment	Excellent
Clearasil Ultra Daily Face Wash	No effect
Clearasil Ultra Vanishing Cream	Excellent
Cleocin T - Clindamycin Phosphate Pledgets	No effect
Clindamycin	No effect
Clindamycin phosphate topical solution, pledget 1%	Adverse Effects
Clindoxyl	Excellent
Clinique 3 step system	Excellent
Clinique 3-step skin care	Good
Clyndamyacin	Good
Colonial Dames Vitamin E oil	Excellent
Cosmedix Clear	Excellent
Cosmedix Purity Balance	Excellent
Dayenne acne kit	Good
DDF Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil	Excellent
Derma Topix Glycolix	Good
Dermalogica medicated clearing gel	Adverse Effects
Diamond Peel Microdermabrasion	Adverse Effects
Differen	Excellent
Differen Gel	Good
Differin	Good
Differin	Good
Differin	No effect
Differin	Satisfactory
Differin	Excellent
Differin	Excellent
Differin	No effect
Differin	Satisfactory
Differin	Satisfactory
Differin	Good
Differin cream	Good
Differin Gel	Good
Differin Gel	Adverse Effects
Differin Gel	Excellent
Differin gel	Excellent
Differin Gel	Excellent
Differin Gel	No effect
Differin gel	Adverse Effects
Differin Gel Acne Treatment	No effect
Dr Brandt Pore Effect	Excellent
Dr Christine Schrammeck Green Peel	Adverse Effects

for the complete source, please visit http://www.smartskincare.com/reviews/product/functionidx/antiacne/

How to remove blackheads ?

What are blackheads?

Blackheads are small “plugs” that develop in the pores of the skin. They are caused when the over active sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin become clogged with oil. This sebum then begins to harden in the pore. Since skin pores are open to the air, the top part of the hardened sebum or oil oxidizes, turning black. This black top of the oil plug is then forced closer to the surface of skin by the oil hardening beneath it. This then causes the blackhead to be visible.

It is not clearly understood why the sebaceous glands begin to become overactive. It is often noted that this situation begins at puberty, and may stop at the end of puberty leading to the conclusion that it is hormonally controlled. For some people this is not the case however, and they may continue to experience blackheads and whiteheads well past puberty and into adulthood. Whiteheads are formed the same way as blackheads with the exception that the pore is closed and the oxidation does not occur.

Acne results from infection of the oil gland due to the blockage by the blackhead. Preventing and removing blackheads helps to control acne.

Blackhead Removal

The following are some tips for removing blackheads:

- Keep the skin as clean and oil free as possible. Use natural or chemically prepared cleansers, astringent solutions or masks to accomplish this. Avoid harsh soaps that may irritate the skin or any creams that leave an oily finish.

- Use a gentle exfoliant to keep the dead cells off your skin and away from the pore openings.

- Avoid harsh squeezing or scraping at the blackhead. Excessive squeezing can damage the skin surround the pore and can actually increase the size of the pore leading to more blackheads in the future.

- A warm compress of water applied to the area of the blackhead followed by a very, very gentle pressure can help in clearing the clog from the pore.

- Commercial “blackhead strips” which are basically a tape like substance that is placed over the nose and then pulled off will remove some blackheads that are at the surface. Caution should be used with these products and it is important to read the directions completely before deciding to use the strips or not.

Check out http://www.stopping-acne-now.com for articles about getting rid of pimples and acne scars removal

Here’s how to get rid of pimples quickly and safely

It’s everyone’s worst nightmare. Waking up the day before a special event to discover a big, red pimple baring itself for all to see right on your face!

Here’s how to get rid of it quickly and safely:

1. Don’t ever pinch, squeeze or pick at a pimple. This only causes it to become more red and inflamed, and will spread the bacteria and oils that caused it in the first place, to other parts of your face! It can also lead to scars.

2. Every 30 minutes, apply an ice pack to the pimple and hold it there for about 2 minutes. This will decrease the swelling and redness and help shrink the inflammation and pain that sometimes comes along with it.

3. They don’t call it concealer for nothing! Covering the pimple with a light dose of flesh-tinted concealer can help mask it when you’re in a hurry. It also helps cover up that oily shine.

4. Cleanse your skin 2-3 times a day with mild, unscented soap or a specialized acne cleanser that has no harsh chemicals (such as lye). Scrub skin gently with an exfoliating pad or washcloth, but don’t rub too hard, otherwise you’ll sap your skin of its own natural oils, which help to repel buildup naturally.

5. Apply a cream or ointment containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid (many over-the-counter acne medicines contain these ingredients) to the blemish or around the entire facial area. Note that these ingredients both have a tendency to dry out skin if used too much and are not recommended if you have sensitive skin.

6. Wear oil-free makeup whenever possible. These types have less of a tendency to cause the pore buildup that results in blemishes. Remove your makeup nightly and cleanse with an acne-fighting medicine to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the skin.

7. If you’re in need of a quick fix, a dab of toothpaste on the affected area right before bed can help soothe irritation and reduce redness. Pressing and holding a wet tea bag or a cotton ball with a dab of lemon juice against the blemish for five minutes can also reduce swelling and redness.

If you follow these tips, chances are you’ll notice a significant difference rather quickly – often within a day or two. If pimples become a recurring problem or worsen, your doctor or dermatologist can suggest a daily skin cleansing routine that will suit your skin type. Other long-term remedies, such as facial masks, diet adjustments and increasing the amount of water you drink can also help combat outbreaks.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

The Importance of Washing your face

When you start to get acne there are a few things that people tell you. Don’t eat junk food? Lower your stress level? Put creams on your pimples? Take tetracycline? Well all of these ideas are great but the one core is to make sure that you keep your skin clean. Washing and keeping your skin to keep it clean is not going to clear up all of your acne but it can go a long way to taking good care of your skin. Here are some things to think about when you are washing your skin.

Wash early and often. It is important to wash your face and if you have acne on your chest and shoulders to keep these clean by washing them first thing in the morning and also at noon, after school, and in the evening before bed. This may seem a little often but you do want to make sure that your skin never has excess oils or that your pores can become clogged.

Wash with very clean soap. It is almost good enough to clean your skin just with water to protect against acne because many soaps can irritate your skin more than they help and your want to care for your skin, not dry it out. My favorites are hibitane for its antibacterial features or just plain, unscented glycerine soap. Remember that even if your skin is really oily it is still a very good idea not to dry it out.

Pat your skin dry. We seem to be taught at some point to rub our skin to dry it but this is very hard on your skin. Instead make sure that you are just patting your skin dry instead of ever rubbing. I have been doing this for many years now and am convinced that my face looks a lot younger than it should because of patting my face and not rubbing it.

Washing your face for acne is one of those important things that you can do to take care of your acne problems. Try following these rules for a few days and be sure to notice if your skin gets too dry. If your skin gets dry or if it is too dry in the first place then you will want to splash water on your face instead of washing your face during the day and just use mild soap for your acne morning and night.

Acne is a very stubborn and embarrassing problem. To learn more about how to prevent or cure your acne problems you should become as educated as possible about acne. Read some more articles about acne by visiting Acne Articles. To learn about a great acne cure visit my blog.

More facts on Acne Scars

Acne leaves scars like any other injury to the skin. Cystic acne always leaves a scar while in some people even mild inflamed acne leaves scars. The scarring depends upon the individual's response to an injury. As we age, these scars become more visible because of loss of collagen in the skin. Let us look at the scar formation in acne.

When acne begins resolving, you first notice a dark spot on the site. Most often it is PIH or Post inflammatory Hyper pigmentation. This fades away in about a year. If it does not resolve during that period, you may have a scar that needs treatment. Acne scars can be either depressed or raised. Raised scars are formed only in those people who form kelloids. Depressed scars are commonly found in everybody else. The depressed scars form because of loss of tissue from the acne site. These depressed scars may look like ice picks, boxcar or rolling. These are the names given to different scars depending upon their look. Such scars do not fade away with time. They need medical intervention to remove. Doctors commonly use surgical and physical procedures such as dermabrasion, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, surgery, soft tissue filling, laser, etc. to remove the scarring.

The best method is to try and control acne in the initial stages. Once it gets inflamed, it becomes difficult to prevent scarring. If scarring occurs, wait for a year to find out if it was PIH. After that you need to consult your doctor about the procedures that should be followed to get the scar treated. The factors that are considered in deciding about the procedure are- cost, time, pain of treatment, results expected, and your health. After considering these factors, your doctor will decide about the kind of treatment that should be used to remove the scars.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

For more information about how to have good skin that looks young and blemish free, please visit http://www.acnedoctor.us/ This site is dedicated to make you look good. For keeping yourself looking good find out more about the acne that causes damage to our skin. To treat acne scars please visit acnedoctor.us

What is Acne Vulgaris ?

Believe it not, there is nothing vulgar about Acne Vulgaris though people through the centuries have vaguely tried to associate this irritating skin condition to intent sexual activity or frequent masturbation. However, one thing is sure that it first raises its head when someone is at puberty, which is when young people experience the thrill of sex. Acne presumably is associated with hormonal spikes in the younger generation standing at the threshold of youth. Incidentally, Acne Vulgaris denotes common acne, colloquially called pimples, spots or zits.

Now, basics of the common acne or Acne Vulgaris and how it creates problems that are not only physical but to a great extent, psychological too.

We all have hairs on our body, through which we perspire. But skin-softening oils or sebum that is produced by the glands located in the epidermis also come out through the same pores. Things look fine as long as long as the oil or traces of it can see the light of the day through the pores but all hell breaks loose when the pores get clogged, preventing the release of the oil.

The pores are usually blocked by naturally occurring dead skin cells. Yes, as a matter of fact, new skin cells are generated all the while, replacing the old dead cells in the body and that’s precisely how we are regenerated every minute. Coming back to the clogged pores, a lot of mischief has already been done there. A veritable quagmire has developed in the form of an oil embargo under the skin, providing superb breeding ground for bacteria’s and Malassezia multiplying in the confines and ready to explore the outside world.

Next comes the outbreak. Unable to withstand the epidermal pressure, the skin inflames, producing pus-filled boil-like tender swellings in the shape of lesions. These mostly appear on the face, throat, chest, shoulders, upper arm and sometimes on the back as well. Typical acne lesions comprise pustules, papules, comedones, nodules, etc. as also inflammatory cysts.

These conditions prevail during the puberty or a few years thereafter, seldom manifesting later and is often related to a typical response to standard levels of hormones. Also unanswered remains the question as to why it diminishes as people grow in years. Since acne vulgaris affects a large percentage of humans at some stage in life, it is extremely prevalent.

Apart from the hassle caused by this irritable disorder, acne victims suffer from an inferiority complex, resulting in severe depression and disheartenment that occasionally may even lead to suicide or other method of self-debasement. Studies made by a team of psychoanalysts have recently suggested providing more psychological support to acne sufferers than medical relief. The worst part of the whole story is that it affects people during early adolescence when the need for being socially acceptable reigns supreme in the young heart.

Jen Carter is team member and writes regularily about acne treatment, skin tags and other common conditions for Amoils.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jen_Carter

What is the relationship between diet, hygiene and acne ?

Is there a relationship between diet, hygiene and acne? This debate has been going on for many years now and because of the fact that millions across the world are affected by acne, this is a very popular debate. Though there is no scientific proof to show that there is indeed a relationship, but many still continue to believe in the contrary.

One common misconception is that a diet that is rich in potato chips, french fries, sugar and even chocolate can make acne worse. Conversely, a diet that is low in GI does not also cure acne. Both these conditions have been proved to be wrong by scientists and researchers through various studies conducted on thousands of subjects. If anything, a relationship between milk and acne has been found, but about the exact nature of this relationship there is still a lot of doubt.

Another popular misconception is that dirt causes acne or pimples. This means that if someone is exposed to increased dirt, that person is more prone to getting acne. Does this mean that more people who stay in polluted cities suffer from acne compared to others in cleaner places? There is no data to prove this. No, dirt cannot cause acne.

The American Academy of Dermatology as also the Journal of the American Medical Association are of the opinion that no diet can promote acne, and also, there is no food that can prevent a person from getting the pimples. But the guys out there do agree that a healthy diet will help. That is because with the proper diet the natural immunity remains strong, and this itself can be a fighting mechanism to ward off ailments. On the other hand, common nutrients that are absorbed from the foods people eat can aid in acne treatment.

Diet rich in the following are beneficial…

Vitamin A (but mind it – high doses can become toxic), Vitamin B-2 (keeps the body and mind fresh by removing stress and rejuvenating), Vitamin B-3 (apart from lowering cholesterol levels, it also leads to healthy skin), Vitamin E (protects the metabolism of the human body) and Zinc (improves the immunity).

Though no direct relationship has been found between hygiene and diet, but can anyone say anything against staying clean, or hygienic living? But this doesn’t mean that cleaning the face seven times a day using a soap will make the person cleaner and prevent him or her from getting acne. If anything, over washing may cause more harm than good, as soaps may dry up the skin and make it irritable. Use the soap no more than twice daily.

Though it may be itch and be extremely tempting, picking the acne pimples is never a good idea. They can bleed and the bacteria may even go deeper into the skin, worsening the situation. Plus, of course, it can lead to scars.

Jen Carter is team member and writes regularily about acne treatment, skin tag and other common conditions for Amoils.com.

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