Tips, Tricks and Secrets From the Skin Care Experts

Steve Morin asked:


When trying to find what is the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin, you will be amazed to find how many lotions, creams, rubs, and masks are available as treatment options for your acne-prone skin.

Trying to label one over another as the “best…” is extremely difficult considering the pros of the ones you have already researched. Without trying to make a list of “the best” moisturizer for acne-prone skin, there are in fact a few that manage to hold the top positions when researched, and are successful to date for treating acne. Finding what is the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin is possible by keeping in mind what it needs to include in the contents and what it claims to produce. The following are some key ingredients and expectations that are necessary to look for in choosing what is the best moisturizer for acne-prone skin:
When cleansing your face with the moisturizing cleanser, gentle is the key. Your hands are the preferred “tool” for washing your face, as a towelette or wash cloth could be entirely too rough for your skin. If you are not gentle with your washing techniques, the chances of the acne worsening or resulting in scarring is practically eminent. An excellent moisturizing cleanser should effectively clean your skin when used in a gentle cleaning without rupturing the acne sores. The moisturizer chosen should be specifically for the treatment of acne, identifiable by a few key ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are instrumental in assisting the treating and lessening of acne sores. Choosing the best moisturizer for your acne-prone skin will be one that will not further irritate your acne by being cosmetic or heavy and pore filling. This moisturizer should be oil-free and with the best of ingredients, be anti-bacterial to help your acne-prone skin to resist any further break-outs.
When considering the moisturizers available on the market today, following these simple steps could save you a lot of time, money, and further aggravation of your acne condition as well. When in doubt, consult your doctor or dermatologist for further instructions or information concerning any topical creams, ointments, or moisturizers you are considering, before applying them. As with any other health related decisions, consulting your doctor or dermatologist is advised for any and all steps in your treatment and recovery as well. Your continued health and happiness are both vastly important, and remembering not to compromise either is a wise decision on your part.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

Michael Russell asked:


Nearly everyone the world over has experienced acne at some time in their life. Acne is a skin disorder that erupts in inflamed lesions on the face, neck, back and shoulders. It affects the physical appearance of a person, causing them to suffer embarrassment and drives down their self-esteem. It is a frustrating experience in knowing just how to deal with the problem; plus knowing how to treat the disorder.

An enlarged hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and bacteria, causing an inflamed lesion. The skin produces more oil which causes bacteria to grow in the lesion and now you have a case of acne.

There are five basic forms of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules (red pimples), pustules and cysts or nodules.

Whiteheads and blackheads are distinguishable by color. The whitehead on the skin has small white bumps; whereas the blackhead is dark colored. This dark color does not mean the skin is dirty; rather, it is due to a buildup of melanin, the skin’s dark pigment.

Papules are red pimples that have become inflamed by a blockage of oil glands, while pustules are similar pimples except with white pus at the top.

Cysts or nodules are the most serious acne. They are blocked oil glands that burst and spread inflammation and pus into the skin tissue. This type of lesion can cause scarring and should receive immediate treatment.

Down through the years there have been many myths passed down from generation to generation about the causes of acne. It was generally thought for years that acne was caused by dirt. Improper hygiene causes dirt to form in the pores of the skin; thus causing acne. This is not true as dirt has nothing to do with acne.

Eating greasy foods such as French fries cause acne. There is no scientific basis for this idea, as no connection has been found between acne and food.

The idea that it is teenagers who have acne is not completely true, as some women in their twenties or thirties will have a breakout case. This is thought to be caused by hormones fluctuating.

‘This is something you will grow out of’, is not good advice for a young sufferer of acne, as leaving it untreated can cause scarring. So it is important to treat the breakouts and not expect it to go away as they age.

These misconceptions need to be put to rest, so no one is given the wrong advice.

There is no cure for acne, only control. Acne can be controlled and prevented by using certain products on the skin that have acne-fighting ingredients. These products should include benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient found to be effective in the control and prevention of acne. Benzoyl peroxide destroys the bacteria that causes acne and works to minimize the number of blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide is found in cleansers, toners and lotions and may be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription.

Simple tips to help prevent acne are: clean makeup off the face before going to bed, use clean towels and clean pillow cases, keep cosmetic brushes clean and above all, do not pick or squeeze on the lesions, as this can cause infection and can lead to scarring.

Acne sufferers of today are lucky in that there are more treatments for this disorder than in years past and the future looks promising for maybe a cure, as more and more research will be done in this regard.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

Adam Ali asked:


Acne problems can vary widely on the scale of severity. While several cases require expert healthcare and medical intervention, others can be hampered at home with some basic acne treatments. Even a majority of severe acne cases could have been treated at home at some point of their progression. Given that, acne control should remain on top of the health care list for anyone who has a persistent skincare problem.

Acne Vulgaris, as it is known in medical circles, is a condition that basically affects the glands and pores found in the skin. These structures are like hollow pockets, which when clogged, can house infectious and inflammatory substances. Acne control therefore usually revolves around reducing these clogs and making these pockets more accessible for easy cleansing. So much for simple acne prevention; if acne has aggravated, further complications like skin reactions, bacterial infection, inflammation and pimples appear. Acne treatment and medications usually go further in treating these complications. However, if it’s kept under control from the start, chances for such complications stay minimal.

Your foremost defense against acne attack remains in regular cleansing and dissolving of the clogs before things begin to complicate. Cleansing your face with an oil-free facial cleanser drastically reduces the chances of a breakout. Dermatologists recommend face cleansing twice every day. However, make sure your cleanser is oil-free and can easily be washed off the skin, as products that tend to build up can cause acne problems too.

Also avoid oily cosmetics like mascaras, lipsticks and eyeliners. These products can gather up on your skin and cause accumulation of skin debris and clogs. When using them, minimize your exposure to these products for a few hours followed by a thorough face wash. Do not use oily creams and lotions overnight.

Having a cleansed and oil-free skin definitely stalls acne, but not having your skin adequately moisturized can have its downturns too. Acne skin usually overly produces natural skin moisturizers that lead to clogs. If moisturizing content of the skin is overly reduced, skin irritation and damage may occur, especially when exposed to the penetrating rays of the sun. Many working women keep a moisturizer close to them at all times. Frequent application may not be necessary for acne patients, but a balance between cleansing and moisturizing nevertheless is needed. Make sure your skin is adequately, if not overly, moisturized before you step out on a sunny day.

Some over the counter medicines like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can also be used to control acne. The latter can be found in many skincare products like Clearasil and cleansing pads. If your acne control is getting wayward, using these products might help keeping it under control. However, these products must be started off with lower concentrations to gauge any possible skin reaction. Skin is a beautiful, delicate and complex part of your body. Keeping good care of it leads to overall health and happiness, and is definitely not a chore. Once you have understood your skin condition and problem, making sure it stays healthy will come naturally to you.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

O Wilson asked:


Just because of acne… Do you feel like a vampire who shies away at your mirror? Are you afraid of your own reflection?

Chances are there are also about 60 million people feeling the way you do.

For most of us humans, acne seems to be the bane of our existence. And it is not totally unfounded. Acne, nowadays, is the most prevalent and most common medical condition affecting more than 60 million people in the United States alone.

What exactly are the causes of acne that so many people suffer from it?
Here are the most common causes of acne that we have gathered for you.

Hormones- the number one cause of acne is the production of sex hormones called androgen that begins at puberty. This is why majority of acne sufferers are adolescents and teens. Hormones are responsible for then acne flare-ups during menstruation and pregnancy.

When the sebaceous gland is stimulated by androgens, it produces extra sebum. In its journey up the follicle toward the surface, the sebum mixes with common skin bacteria and dead skin cells that have been shed from the lining of the follicle. While this process is normal, the presence of extra sebum in the follicle increases the chances of clogging — and acne.

Stress- Stress can also cause the production of hormones, such as cortisol, which can aggravate acne. Stress brings upon different hormone levels. With hormone changes the body prompts the skins oil glands to enlarge, secreting more oil. Which causes white heads, black heads and pimples.

Oily or heavy make up- Heavy make-up clogs the pores and oily make-ups add more oil, this only adds to the problem if oily skin already exists. Cosmetics especially certain moisturizers, foundation and pomades (watch out for lanolin, petrolatum, vegetable oils, butyl stearate, lauryl alcohol and oleic acid).

Certain medications and steroids. Vitamins are good for your body, But an excess of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can cause acne flare-ups. These vitamins are good for the skin, but avoid overuse.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

Amy Nutt asked:


Acne is one of the most trying problems in a teenager’s life, and they will often do whatever it takes to clear their face of the red bumps. There are a lot of acne treatments out there, but there are only a few that actually work. One acne solution that has been recommended on more than one occasion is sitting in a sauna for twenty or thirty minutes a day. This treatment has been pretty controversial over the years, with half of the acne sufferers saying that saunas make their acne worse, and the other half saying that they couldn’t live without weekly trips to the sauna.

Acne is caused by dead skin cells that get trapped in the skin follicles, and sitting in a hot sauna is supposed to open up those skin follicles and allow the body to sweat out all of the acne causing debris. However, this doesn’t always work like it is supposed to. Often times, once the skin has cooled, there is still sweat trapped in the follicles, and this makes the skin break out even more. If you want go to the sauna a few times a week, make sure you wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of that sweat before it gets trapped in your skin follicles and becomes a problem.

Some acne sufferers still complain that their condition worsens after sauna use, even after carefully washing their faces afterwards. What these and a lot of other people don’t know is that there are two different kinds of saunas. There are some people who find success with the well known steam sauna, but for those who find that the steam just makes things worse, the newer, infrared heat sauna may be the cure they are looking for.

Steam saunas basically heat up your body by raising the room temperature with steam and heat. This can make the sauna a little unbearable, and many people can barely take too much of it at one sitting. The infrared saunas use the tested and proven safe infrared heat rays that penetrate the body without the unbearable temperatures of the conventional steam sauna. Do not confuse infrared heat rays with ultra violet rays. The infrared heat is one hundred percent safe for your body, and it is also very beneficial to your health in more ways than one.

The infrared heat works wonders for your skin, and just a few minutes, a few times a week will help to clear up your acne. The infrared heat will also minimize scarring that can be left on your face from acne. Saunas can definitely help clear up your acne; but you have to make sure you go to right kind of sauna! Also, always remember to wash your face with a gentle cleanser after any sauna time. Even when you choose to go to a sauna that uses infrared heat, it will not do you any good unless you wash your face afterwards.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

Wong Darren asked:


There are several ways on removing acne scars. The appearance of acne starts during puberty when the body actively produces hormones that causes too much sebum in the skin. This skin stage may pass but it would definitely leave marks to haunt your appearance forever. Treating acne scars can be done through natural inexpensive ways and dermatological procedures that would probably cost a lot. However, acne scar treatment still depends on the mildness and severity of the scar.

Below are some of the techniques on removing acne scars naturally:

1. Hydration is the key. It has been proven that water is one of the best natural methods to remove acne scars and prevent acne breakouts. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water or more helps your skin to shed those unwanted dead skin cells.

2. A lot of people are recommending the use Vitamin E capsule for those scars. You might apply it topically to the affected area by pricking a spot in the capsule and apply the oil to the scar. Another option is to take it orally to have that cell renewal from the inside.

3. Rosehip seed oil is also an effective remedy on removing acne scars. This is an anti-ageing and anti-wrinkling agent that helps the skin to regenerate. Massage it on the scar twice a day.

4. Eating a balance diet may help in removing acne scars. The more nutritious foods you include in your meal, the faster the scar will heal. It helps in building the skin cells and gives a healthy skin glow as well.

5. Combine rose water and paste of sandal wood and apply it on the spot where the scars are. Leave it overnight then rinse with cold water the next day.

Aside from the natural ways of removing acne scars, there are also dermatological procedures that would definitely give you a much faster result. However, pregnancy and other health conditions may hinder your want to undergo these procedures. Here are some of the hi-tech methods can remove acne scars effectively.

6. Nowadays, not only certified dermatologists do a dermabrasion but facial salons as well. Dermabrasion is the removal of the top skin layer using a machine that chafes off the skin. Once the skin heals, the top layer will then have a smoother and clearer appearance.

7. Laser resurfacing is one of the most affordable anti-scar treatments available. It simply uses a high-energy light that would remove the fine scars and even prevent wrinkles.

8. You may also have a chemical peel procedure. This is just like dermabrasion. The only difference is that the top layer of the skin is peeled off using chemicals not machines. This is not a very advisable procedure for all since some people may have allergic reactions to the chemicals.

With all the available choices for treatment, you surely would not have an excuse as to why your acne scar is still obvious. It’s your choice whether you would opt for the natural way or the dermatological procedure on how to remove acne scars.

Acne Free In 3 Days!

Jon Arnold asked:


Finding an effective acne treatment is easier said than done. Everyone is different with different body chemistries, different hormonal changes and even different ways that their body handles stress. This means that a product that works for one person may not necessarily work for another. This can be frustrating and usually you can only find an effective treatment through trial and error. These, however, are some of the more common remedies.

Acne Injections


Acne sufferers can calm severe outbreaks with a visit to their doctor. The physician can inject cortisone into the lesions, reducing redness, swelling and pain. Many celebrities use this method when they have to be in front of the camera and have a last minute breakout.

Acne Prescriptions


A physician may prescribe certain medication to patients who suffer from severe acne. Medications such as tetracycline, which is typically used for eye infections, is also very effective in clearing up acne.

Birth Control Pills


Many women find that taking birth control pills helps to clear up their skin. This is especially true for women who experience breakouts during their menstrual cycle. This is now a common acne treatment used by many doctors.

Acne Creams and Lotions


Clearasil and Oxy are two very popular acne creams and lotions. They contain benzoyl peroxide which dries up acne. Other products like Neutrogena use salyctic acid which is gentler on the skin. Creams and lotions work best if they are combined with a regular cleansing routine.

Acne Specific Cleansers


Many companies make cleansers that are designed to fight acne. They may come in the form of a cream cleanser, gel, scrub or bar soap. It is important that you try different cleansers and discontinue the use of any cleanser, or any treatment for that matter, that causes your skin to become inflamed or dry.

Acne Cleansing Pads


Oxy was one of the first acne medications to come out with cleansing pads. These pads have been soaked in an astringent and all you have to do is swipe it over your skin. It picks up dirt and oil, but they can be drying. Other companies have followed suit but they tend to work best when combined with a good cleanser and spot treatment.

Acne Home Remedies


Witch hazel is a great natural astringent and tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. Both of these home remedies are great for fighting acne. They tend to be gentler on the skin than commercial products and are often much less expensive.

Acne Treatment Systems


Proactiv, Murad and other acne treatment systems have helped many people clear up their acne. These systems include a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and often a spot treatment. When used regularly, they can be quite effective.

A good acne treatment can make all the difference. You can also take preventative measures to stave off breakouts. Green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, sugar snap peas and dark green lettuce are all very good for the skin and can help you have a clear complexion. Drinking lots of water is also very effective. Furthermore, you need to cleanse your face regularly with warm, not hot, water and a mild cleanser. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. If you use a treatment that works for you and combine it with preventative measures, your skin will show it.

Acne Free In 3 Days!