Acne | Causes Of Acne | Acne Treatment

What is Acne?

What “Acne” is? Acne can be defined as a condition of general / common in the skin that result from the combination of excess oil, dirt and skin cells that clog dead skin pores. Acne-causing bacteria will grow in this mixture and breed. If still left, the pores are clogged will swell and ooze pus.

     There are various types of acne. The most common form is acne vulgaris, which is the familiar rash that affects many teenagers. Acne vulgaris is more common and tends to be more severe in males. The condition is triggered by hormonal changes at puberty and may appear as early as the age of 10. The rash usually subsides after adolescence but may persist after the age of 30. Acne can cause great psychological distress, and teenagers may feel especially self-conscious about their appearance.

    More unusual forms of acne include occupational acne, which results from exposure to certain types of industrial oil, and drug-induced acne, which is caused by some prescribed drugs, such as corticosteroids.

Formation of acne lesions
Acne develops when excess sebum, and in some cases the protein keratin, blocks hair follicles. Bacteria multiply in the trapped sebum, infecting the surrounding tissues and causing various types of lesion.

• What are the causes?
• What are the symptoms?
• What is the treatment?
• Self-help: controlling acne

What are the causes?

Acne vulgaris is caused by the overproduction of sebum, an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Normally, the sebum drains into hair follicles and flows out through the follicle openings on the skin's surface, thereby keeping the skin lubricated and supple. However, when the glands produce excess sebum, the follicles become blocked. If the sebum remains clogged in the follicle openings, it hardens and becomes dark, forming plugs called blackheads. In some cases, follicles are sealed by an excess of keratin, the tough, fibrous protein produced by the skin cells. When this happens, the trapped sebum hardens into white lumps, called whiteheads, under the surface of the skin. In both types of blockage, bacteria multiply in the sebum, causing inflammation of the surrounding tissues.

Acne starting at puberty is thought to result from increased sensitivity to androgens (male sex hormones), which are present in both boys and girls and levels of which are raised during puberty. Androgens cause the sebaceous glands to increase their output of sebum. There may be a genetic factor since acne can run in families. The use of anabolic steroids to improve performance in sports may also raise androgen levels. Other causes of acne vulgaris include hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome, which is due to an excess of corticosteroid hormones.

Acne may become worse in times of stress. In girls, outbreaks may be affected by the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle. The condition may also be exacerbated by the use of oil-based cosmetics.

Poor hygiene does not cause acne, although a build-up of oil and dead cells on the skin surface may increase the risk of blocked follicles and allow bacteria to multiply. There is no evidence that fatty foods, sweets, or chocolate either cause or aggravate acne.

Occupational acne is usually caused by long-term contact between the skin and oily clothes. The reasons for drug-induced acne are not known.

What are the symptoms?

Acne vulgaris occurs in areas of skin that have a high density of sebaceous glands. At puberty, the hair, face, and upper trunk normally become greasy due to increased production of sebum. However, in people with acne, oiliness is excessive. Acne tends to appear on the face, but other areas such as the upper back, center of the chest, shoulders, and neck are also commonly affected. The disorder is usually more severe in winter and tends to improve in summer with increased exposure to sunlight. Lesions that are caused by occupational acne may appear on parts of the body that come into close contact with oily clothes, such as the thighs. All forms of acne may produce some or all of the following types of lesion: 

Tiny blackheads.
Small, firm whiteheads.
Red pimples, often with yellow pus-filled tips.
Painful, large, firm, red lumps.
Tender lumps beneath the skin without obvious heads (cysts).

      All of the types of lesion listed above may develop at any one time, but the severity of acne varies greatly from person to person. Deep-seated lesions may leave scars after they have healed. 

                     

                                     What is the treatment?

         

             Self-help measures may help to clear up mild acne and prevent recurrence. Your doctor may also recommend a topical drug treatment, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoid cream to loosen keratin that is sealing the hair follicles. The doctor may also prescribe topical antibiotics. Moderate acne is often successfully treated with a low-dose oral antibiotic, such as tetracycline or erythromycin.

If these treatments fail, you may be referred to a dermatologist. He or she may prescribe isotretinoin, an oral retinoid that acts to loosen keratin and reduce sebum secretion. However, the use of isotretinoin during pregnancy is known to result in fetal abnormalities. For this reason, sexually active women should take the drug only if they are using a reliable contraceptive. Some women may be prescribed the combined pill, which may relieve acne by counteracting the action of androgens.

  There is no immediate cure for acne. However, scarring may be prevented if treatment is started at an early stage. Individual acne cysts may be treated with corticosteroid injections. If acne has already left noticeable scars, you may wish to consult a cosmetic surgeon and discuss techniques such as dermabrasion. In this procedure, the top layer of skin is removed under a general anaesthetic. The raw areas then heal to leave a more even layer of skin.

Self-help: controlling acne

Following these simple self-help measures may help clear up acne and prevent further episodes: 

Wash your skin twice a day with warm, but not hot, water and a mild cleanser. Do not scrub your skin too vigorously. 

Do not pick at pimples because this may make the condition worse and result in scarring. 

Apply a benzoyl peroxide cream daily to the affected areas. 

If you have occupational acne, keep work clothes clean to avoid prolonged contact with oil.

How to Deal With Oily Skin

Oily skin can have its downs at times, but there are ways that you can get rid of it, at least temporarily. You must know that in order for your skin to be going through any kind of change, you first must take proper care of it. That means that you cannot neglect your daily routine (both morning and night).

Those with oily skin reproduce excess oil in their skin. It’s very important to stay away from products that contain oil as this will make it even worse.

Start off in the morning by washing your face with an oil-free face wash such as Neutrogena For Oily Skin. Then, use a toner to gently soak up the excess oil and dirt left on your face. It is not recommended that you wear amoisturizer since your skin already has so much moisture, but if you must, use a very light moisturizer.

Throughout the day, stay away from any makeup that contains any oil. Choose an oil-free foundation, and use a loose powder. Stay away from any cream shadows or blushes as this will add more oil to your skin. Instead use powders and blot gently with a tissue.

At night, follow the same routine as in the morning. You can use an oil absorbing product both in the morning and before bed. This will soak up all of the excess moisture. Keep up this routine and slowly your skin will start to look and feel less oily.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles

Dark circles under the eyes can give your face a less than youthful glow. Even if you have no other lines or wrinkles, those bags under your eyes can make you age instantly. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can prevent and treat dark circles, and there’s no better way to do that than with homemade remedies that you can find in your own kitchen.

1. Drink Plenty Of Water

One of the most important steps in preventing dark circles is drinking 10-15 glasses of water a day. Water is not only beneficial in preventing dark circles, but also keeping your skin hydrated all day.

2. Cucumbers

One of the oldest tricks in the book, and most widely used too. Make it a habit to place slices of cold cucumber to your eyes 2-3 times a week. Leave on for 10-15 minutes.

3. Potatoes

Just like cucumbers, potatoes also help to take away the darkness from underneath the eyes. Place two cold, thin slices of potato on your eyes and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

4. Rosewater

Another great way to reduce dark circles is to soak a cotton ball in rosewater and place on the eyes. Make sure the rosewater is chilled and sit back and relax for about 10 minutes!!

5. Sleep

It’s no wonder that sleep is the number one cure for dark, tired eyes. So make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep each night and that you drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruits and veggies!

5 Healthy Skin Rules to Live By

Our skin goes through so much on a day to day basis including environmental pollution, harmful UV rays, smoke, oily makeup, and many more. These all take a dire effect on your skin either making it dry, break out, or age faster,and that’s why we need to take care of our skin pronto! Here are 5 golden healthy skin rules you should really live by!

1. Wash Off Your Makeup

Never go to bed before at least removing your makeup. If you’re super tired, just grab a makeup removing towelette and wipe your face with it. But always remember to thoroughly remove your makeup before hitting the sack!

2. Protect Your Skin

Before heading out the door, makeup sure your moisturizer or foundation has at least an SPF 30. Even if it’s cold outside, the sun is still powerful enough to wreak havoc on your skin.

3. Keep Your Skin Healthy

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to take Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and will help clear away those pesky zits as well as keep your skin looking fresh and young. Take a maximum of 2000 iu of Vitamin C a day.

4. Exfoliate

Exfoliating is very important because it sloughs off the dead skin cells that build up on your face. Either use a gentle, daily exfoliating wash or do an exfoliating treatment once a week.

5. Keep Hydrated

Last but not least, drink lots and lots of water! If you’re not a water fan, make sure you keep your skin hydrated by eating plenty of water-rich fruits such as watermelon.

7 Ways to Get a Beautiful Complexion

1. Cleanse Morning and Night

One of the most important steps in skin care is to cleanse your skin every single morning and every single night before bed. If you fall asleep with your makeup on, you’re basically giving bacteria a perfect breeding ground and you’ll wake up with some unwanted pimples.

2. Know Your Skin Type

Whether your skin is dry, oily, or combination, you need to get the right products for your skin type. So if you have oily skin for example, make sure that your cleansers, toners, and moisturizers are designed for oily skin. Also, make sure your foundation matches up with your skin tone. Again, if you have oily skin you should stay away from heavy, cakey foundations and instead go with minerals.

3. Exfoliate

Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells that can accumulate on your skin. This is important not only for your complexion but the rest of your body as well. Your skin cannot absorb creams and lotions if it has a layer of dead skin cells hanging around. Get a good, gentle exfoliator that you can use 2-3 times a week. Wet your face, and exfoliate very gently. If you’re too rough on your skin, you’ll just end up breaking the soft tissue and that’s when bacteria starts harboring.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Keeping a healthy diet is one of the most important things when it comes to skin. So if you want a beautiful, glowing complexion it’s important that you consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. Oh and, no smoking! Smoking is not only horrible for your skin, but also for your hair, and well…pretty much everything else!

5. Let Your Skin Breathe

If you must wear a concealer and foundation every day, make sure you remove it as soon as you get home. The longer you wear foundation, the more you clog your pores so if you don’t need to wear it, don’t! If you do, just make sure you give your skin a breather and go without any foundation or concealer whenever you’re at home.

6. Take Vitamins

I’m not much for taking pills, but vitamins are very important and there’s just no way we can get all of required our vitamins and minerals in one day. To get beautiful skin make sure you take vitamins A, C, D, and E daily. An easier alternative would be to just take a daily multivitamin to help ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients your skin and body needs.

7. Pamper Your Skin

Find time once a week to pamper your skin from head to toe. Exfoliate, moisturizer, and prepare an all-natural mask. This avocado and carrot cream mask is one of my favorites not only because it’s all natural but because it actually works. The avocado combined with the carrots leaves your skin feeling soft, fresh, and young again, so don’t forget to take some time out for yourself in indulge a little!

Ways to Wake Up Beautiful

1) Make a habit of washing your face a few hours before bed. If you wait until you're tired, you're more likely to blow it off -- allowing "toxins and dirt to stay on there all night


2) Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds -- a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there.


3) Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow


4) Pile hair into a twist on the top of your head (use a scrunchie to avoid crimping). "In the morning you'll have major volume and beautiful waves.

Tips To Get Rid Of Acne

Acne is one of the most common complexion problems and it inevitably affects everyone’s life at a certain moment. It can appear at any age, although teenagers are the most affected by it as it can cause them anxiety and disturbance. Acne is a skin inflammation that generates the appearance of pimples and black points. 

How to get rid of acne? Here are some tips which might help you win the “battle” with acne.

1) A careful wash is important although too much can irritate pimples causing further infection.

2) Use a gentle shower gel or a special soap created for acne problems.

3) Exfoliation is also important as it removes the death skin layers. After cleaning the face with a delicate soap use an exfoliating mask at least once or two / week. It helps you reduce the death skin cells and clean the pores.

4) In order to avoid a possible pore reloading it is recommended using cosmetic products that don’t contain oil. In order to avoid having a dry skin use tonic lotions. And be careful also to hair products which tend to contain a lot of oil also.

5) Use everyday different towels.

6) Wash your hair at least twice / week using special oily hair shampoo.

7) Don’t press or pinch pimples.

8) If you are desperate and you see that nothing helps you, go to the doctor’s and ask for special products to treat acne. He will surely recommend the best of them.

9) Avoid as much as possible eating chocolate or drinking coffee. The food must not be very spicy. Fast-food, snacks, sweets or cereals are not recommended by doctors. Instead of these eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Get a Fresh Look Using Just Your Eyes

One of the trendiest habits nowadays is wearing contact lenses. Our eyes are the most effective and the most beautiful organs of our. They are “talking” to everyone who is looking at us. They tell our happiness, sadness, problems and desires. They are mirrors of our souls. In many cases we are not contented with the shape or the color of our eyes; we want them to be different and beautiful, unique as we are. There are so many contact lens types, which can not only be beneficial to our eyes’ beauty but also to their health.

The most frequently used contact lenses by women are colored contacts and freshlook contact lenses. These are soft, disposable contact lenses, which give your eyes the natural healthy and shiny look making your whole face glow. By using colored contact lenses, with enhancement tint, women can change their eye color, they can have deep blue, green or if wanted hazel eyes. 

These lenses make your eyes shinier, fresher and your eye color appear more intense and deep. 

By wearing colored contact lenses your eyes look fresher and the color of our eyes is appealingly deeper and intense. Freshlook contact lenses are giving your eyes the natural, shiny look, without redness. Your eyes become refreshed and your look will not be tired and blurry.

Tips For a Brilliant Look In The Winter Season

We all know that the skin is the most sensitive to climatic changes in the cold season. Fortunately, there are some simple and efficient methods in order to have always a great look.

1) First of all, don’t forget about the solar protection products even if the sky is cloudy and the sun doesn’t seem to appear soon.

2)Don’t spend too much time at shower especially in hot water. The natural barrier of lipids is deteriorated easily at high temperatures and infections are likely to appear.


3)Avoid using astringent cosmetic products because the alcohol quantity which exists in their composition encourages the appearance of dehydration.


4)Drink a lot of milk with cocoa as they contain many antioxidants.


5)If your feet are frozen you can use products containing E vitamin. After that, use a hydrating cream and put on some cotton socks. You will feel the difference in the morning when your feet will be very soft.


6)Lips are one of the most affected parts of the body. That’s the reason why a lipstick or a gloss shouldn’t be missing from any girl’s bag (try to buy especially those products containing the E vitamin).
Try to apply these tips as soon as possible and they will surely have the desired result in your case.