http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/acne/how-should-people-with-acne-care-for-their-skin.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/acne/how-should-people-with-acne-care-for-their-skin.html Fri, 20 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500 Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones and other substances on the skin's oil glands (sebacrous glands) and hair follicles. These factors lead 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 acne is usually not a serious health threat, it can be a source of significant emotional distress. Severe acne can lead to permanent scarring.

How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?

1. Clean Skin Gently
If you have acne, you should gently wash your face with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening, as well as after heavy exercise. Wash your face from under the jaw to the hairline and be sure to thoroughly rinse your skin.
Ask your doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use.
Using strong soaps or rough scrub pads is not helpful and can actually make the problem worse. Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.
It is also important to shampoo your hair regularly. If you have oily hair, you may want to wash it every day.

2. Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin
Avoid rubbing and touching skin lesions. Squeezing, pinching or picking blemishes can lead to the development of scars or dark blotches.

3. Shave Carefully
Men who shave and who have acne should test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. When using a safety razor, make sure the blade is sharp and soften your beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Shave gently and only when necessary to reduce the risk of nicking blemishes.

4. Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan
Many of the medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. A sunburn that reddens the skin or suntan that darkens the skin may make blemishes less visible and make the skin feel drier. However, these benefits are only temporary, and there are known risks of excessive sun exposure, such as more rapid skin aging and a risk of developing skin cancer.

5. Choose Cosmetics Carefully
While undergoing acne treatment, you may need to change some of the cosmetics you use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, moisturizers, and hair-care products should be oil free. Choose products labeled noncomedogenic (meaning they don't promote the formation of closed pores). In some people, however, even these products may make acne worse.
For the first few weeks of treatment, applying foundation evenly may be difficult because the skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide.

Please be reminded that the above information is for informational purposes only and it is not intended to replace any health care services you need. The information provided is strictly not meant to diagnose medical conditions, offer medical advice, or endorse specific products or services. Do not rely upon the information provided alone for medical diagnosis or treatment. Kindly consult your doctor about any personal health concerns.


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Julian Chee is the founder of Skincare Daily. This international accredited skin care website provides information on acne, acne treatments and acne medications. For more skin care information, please visit http://www.skincaredaily.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/acne-treatment-benzoyl-peroxide.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/acne-treatment-benzoyl-peroxide.html Mon, 16 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0500 acne. You can find this active ingredient in the form of a cream, gel, lotion, face mask, or cleansing bar. Benzoyl Peroxide is very effective in treating mild cases of acne. This acne treatment drug is available in non-prescription form for concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 10%. If you are looking for concentrations higher than 10%, you need a doctor's prescription. Several studies have shown that 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is equally effective to combat pimples and is less irritating. Therefore, if you want to try Benzoyl Peroxide to treat your acne, you should begin with a low concentration (example 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide).

How Benzoyl Peroxide works
Before we go into details on how benzoyl peroxide can prevent acne, it is useful to understand how acne is formed. Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) is a bacteria that causes the skin disorder acne. P.acnes is a major inhabitant of human skin and is the causative agent of acne. This skin-dwelling organism will multiply rapidly within clogged sebacrous follicles if left untreated. Fortunately, this bacteria cannot live in the presense of oxygen. Benzoyl Peroxide is an oxygen-releasing chemical in the organic peroxide family. Upon applying on the affected area, this chemical is absorbed into the pores and releases the oxygen to destroy P.acnes.

Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide
It is important to note that there are some side effects when using this anti-acne medication:

a. Dryness
If you are using 5% or 10% of benzoyl peroxide, you may want to try a lower concentration, say 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide.

b. Irritation
For irritation, you can reduce the usage frequency. If you encounter severe irritation even the usage frequency is low, you should discontinue using the product.

c. Allergy
If you are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, you should discontinue using it and consult your physician for alternative treatment.

d. Bleach
Benzoyl Peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent. You should prevent your hair from contacting this bleaching agent as this medicine can cause permanent color dampening.

Before using Benzoyl Peroxide for your acne treatment, please take note that this medicine generates free radicals in the skin. The result is redness of the skin due to oxidative stress. The effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing additional labeling for all topically-applied acne treatment drug products containing benzoyl peroxide. The warning advises consumers to avoid unnecessary sun exposure and to use a sunscreen when using a benzoyl peroxide product to treat acne.

Please be reminded that the above information is for informational purposes only and it not intended to replace any health care services you need. The information provided is strictly not meant to diagnose medical conditions, offer medical advice, or endorse specific products or services. Do not rely upon the information provided alone for medical diagnosis or treatment. Kindly consult your doctor about any personal health concerns.



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Julian Chee is the founder of Skincare Daily. This accredited skin care website provides information on acne, acne treatments and acne products. For more acne information, please visit http://www.skincaredaily.com

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>