Acne Treatments and Herbal Facial Masks

Acne is a common skin condition and there are many ways to treat it. However, some treatments should be used with caution. Acne treatments can be varied from chemical-based peroxides, or acids, to herbal facial masks or even hormones and medication. Many studies have now shown most over the counter acne medication to be harmful to pregnant women - even to the point of causing birth defects!  So, use extreme caution when choosing your acne treatment. When in doubt - go for the most natural or herbal method available; treatments like anti-acne herbal facials and clay-based or herbal based anti-acne facial masks can do wonders without all the abrasive chemicals.

HOW ACNE STARTS

Acne is common in young adults, teens and pre-teens and may cause emotional and self-esteem problems. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed. There are many over-the-counter products that can help treat acne.

Acne is caused by inflammation of the oily glands in the skin - they are called sebaceous glands - that contain a fatty material called sebum. When the duct of the gland becomes blocked either by layers of skin, fatty secretions or dirt, a mini-cyst or pimple forms. The cyst can become infected with acne bacteria.

Treatment of Acne

Just as acne can range from mild to severe, acne treatments also vary, depending on how serious the problem is. The basic treatment is to remove what is plugging the duct of the gland and, if necessary, kill the acne bacteria. This is done either by applying a product to the skin or by taking medication internally. A treatment applied to the skin is called a topical medication; treatment taken internally is called systemic medication.

Topical medications

The simplest treatment for acne is the daily use of ordinary soap and water. Many topical medications are available over the counter without a prescription. They include:

• medicated soaps;
• salicylic acid ointments and washes; and
• benzoyl peroxide.

Topical prescription products may contain antibiotic ingredients such as erythromycin that help control inflammation associated with acne. Topical prescription products may also contain ingredients derived from vitamin A. These products are designed to clean the area, dry up the oiliness, peel the skin and eliminate the acne bacteria present.

How to Choose The Best Anti-Acne Mask

Do you suffer from acne or pimples? Do you feel embarrassed when you go to school or out around town to show your face?  Take comfort.  You are not alone. According to dermatology experts and the Acne Resource Center in the United States:

“Of the 85% of teenagers (between the ages of 12 and 24) that suffer from acne, 25% will have permanent scars ranging from severe to light. The American Dermatologist Association finds that:

• 20% of all adults have active acne
• 60 million Americans have active acne
• 20 million Americans have acne badly enough to cause scars.
• Only 11% of acne sufferers seek help
• Acne is considered a social taboo

You may wonder if this epidemic is genetic, due to the foods Americans eat or perhaps it might be your own “bad skin?”

Take heart.  Again, know that you are not alone when it comes to being self-concious about your skin. Almost everyone at some time or another has suffered an embarrassing acne breakout that practicially kept them at home!

First off, there are many studies, all sometimes disagreeing with each other WHY acne forms or happens. Some say it is due to genetics, others say it is the result of a horrible American “fast food diet.”  But the bottom line is - You have acne that makes you feel less than confident and you want to get rid of it, right?

So, the real question is, WHAT can you do about it?

Truth is, YOU have to learn your own body and find out what works for you to start. ONE of the ways to do this is to satart cutting down on fatty, sugary foods that might be exacerbating the problem.  If you were never a great fan of vegetables and your skin is a mess - that MIGHT be a clue.  Genetics of course play a part, but your body is uniquely yours and if you want to see it thrive, you have to provide it with vital nutrients and wholesome food that it needs.

Once you get through this process, I KNOW you will start to see some positive changes in your skin.  The remainder is up to you to take on a daily skincare routine - one of which includes a good facial mask.

Anti-acne facial masks can mean an herbal mask, a pure clay mask or maybe one that helps soothe your irritated skin afters years of harsh treatments.

Look for GENTLE ingredients first - ones that don’t strip your skin, but help it to nourish and heal itself - just like your body. Ingredients like Oatmeal, Chamomile, Comfrey and Zinc will all be healthing, nouishing and anti-microbial (meaning they help pull the acne toxins out of your skin).

So take heart, and don’t give up.  With the right diet, and proper treatment, you can have brilliant, gorgeous skin.

SUPER SKIN IN FOUR SIMPLE STEPS

While we can all appreciate a good concealer or botox, ignoring the underlying problems by covering them up is no answer. Truly beautiful skin can only come from a good basic skin care routine. Clear, beautiful, healthy skin doesn’t just ‘happen,’ it comes effort and a good skin care routine. Surprisingly, many women today rely on cosmetics and surgical procedures to hide or repair the damage that has occurred from years of improper skin maintenance.

Most dermatologist and skin experts recommend consistently following a daily skin care routine. This does not have to be complicated or time-consuming.  Your daily routine can be performed in as little as five to ten minutes.

Four Simple Steps

* Cleanse
* Tone / Treat
* Moisturize
* Protect

A typical skin care routine includes the following steps: washing/cleansing, toning / treating (optional depending on skin type), moisturizing and sun protection.

Optimize for your skin type
The steps of the basic routine should be adjusted to fit your skin type. Your skin type may change with the season, diet and age. Skin tends to be oilier in the summer and drier in the winter. Menopause often brings about a change from oily or normal to dry skin. Conversely, a shift from a low-fat diet to that rich in certain fats (particularly essential fatty acids) may turn dry skin to normal. Skin pigmentation affects the degree to which you need sun protection. While sun damages any skin, the damage is far less in dark-skinned people. Conversely, fair skinned people need to be particularly meticulous about sun protection by minimizing sun exposure, choosing an effective sunscreen and applying it frequently and consistently.

Depending on your skin type, you may want to use your routine once in the morning and again before you sleep. Those with dry and/or sensitive skin may do better with once a day washing/cleansing while moisturizing two or more times a day. Exfoliation, to remove excess oils and prevent acne or blackheads, is also recommended in some cases, but exercise caution as daily exfoliation may be excessive and can lead to chronic irritation. Exfoliation once or twice a week is usually sufficient. Younger skin, like that in your 20’s and 30’s will have a fast natural epidermal turnover may need little to no exfoliation.

Cleansing
Cleaning facial skin is even more important than cleaning your body. Your face, unlike your body, is exposed to elements all day long. Dirt, pollution and oil from hands all accumulate on the epidermal layer and can clog pores and cause acne eruptions or inflammation. Like all skin care products, the best cleanser for you will be determined by your skin type. If you suffer from oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from an oil-free gel cleanser or one containing salicylic acid. Mature or dry skin will do best with a cream cleanser to help retain moisture. Once your face and neck are cleansed, rinse with lukewarm water and pat your skin lightly with a towel.

Toning / Treating
Toning can consist of using a store-bought toner, astringent or simple Witch Hazel. Toning or treating will balance the ph level of the skin and remove any residual dirt or oil not picked up from your cleanser. For those over the age of thirty, adding a well-selected treatment or two with scientifically proven active ingredients can further improve your results. Treatment can mean anything from skin rejuvenation products, skin discoloration items and oil absorbing agents to applying medicines for acne or eczema. If you suffer from multiple skin conditions, select an initial treatment aimed at the broadest improvement and then fine tune things from there.
Be aware of applying products to un-cleansed skin as the penetration of active ingredients will be greatly reduced. If you cleanse, moisturize and then apply advanced products, the penetration of active ingredients may still be reduced because the moisturizer has blocked some the entryways.

Moisturize
Moisturizers are essential to keep skin cells plump and hydrated. Hydrated skin will show fewer lines, wrinkles and imperfections. Even if you have oily or acne prone skin, you may still need some hydration. Look for gel-based moisturizers or lightweight formulations. Many medications and treatments appropriate for dealing with acne or oily skin automatically are drying. Don’t make the mistake of drastically drying out your skin until it is a challenge to repair. During the fall and winter months your skin may be even more vulnerable thanks to reduced humidity from indoor heating and excessive hot showers or baths.

Apply your moisturizer when your skin is clean, warm and still slightly moist. Since many active treatments have moisturizing ingredients, you may be able to skip a separate moisturizer. If you feel that you need additional moisturizing, wait a few minutes for the active treatments to absorb, and then apply your favorite moisturizer over it.

Protect
Wearing sunscreen or sun protection EVERY DAY is the proven best way to block harmful UV rays and diminish formation of wrinkles, skin discolorations and to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. A good UVA+UVB sunscreen should be applied on top of your moisturizer or other treatments as a final step of your routine whenever sun exposure is expected.  Sunscreens come in a wide variety of bases, from those meant for oily skin to hydrating versions. Those with sensitivities to chemical sunscreens can choose natural Zinc Oxide formulations. Protective clothing can also now be improved thanks to new laundry treatments with UV protectant for widespread areas of the body mistakenly thought to be protected by your clothing.

Some skin care products or cosmetics contain added UV blockers, but they may not be enough, using a separate, specially formulated sunscreen is proven to be more effective.

And that’s it! Cleanse, Tone / Treat, Moisturize and Protect. Use these four simple steps to achieve beautiful, healthy skin. For a lifetime of skin care that can help leave your skin looking its very best, see your healthy skin as a clean canvass upon which to paint any improvements.

Author: Rachelle Dupree
Vivoderm Natural Skincare

Try The Anti Acne Facial Mask For Acne Free Skin

There is no one in this world who would not want a clear skin. People with clear skin are very lucky and should take care of it to maintain its glory and radiance. There are many people who are suffering from various skin problems which can be solved with the help of extensive collection of products available in the market. Pimples and acne are very commonly found in teenage children and in the adolescent stage. Acne is a more severe form of pimples. There are anti acne facial masks which are very helpful in controlling the eruptions. In the treatment of acne one has to be patient and continue the treatment and wait of a while to see the results. Periodic application of the product is very much essential.

There are many anti acne facial masks which can be made at home with products that are available in the house. It is as good as any product bought from a cosmetic store. Any beauty product depends a lot on the skin type, its tone and texture and anti acne facial mask is no different from them. It is good to consult a good skin specialist and ascertain the products which are best suited for the skin type.  Acne is very stubborn and people with severe form of acne benefit less with the anti acne facial masks as compared to the people with a milder form who think it as the best treatment. There are products to tackle such stubborn ones to boot.

The anti acne facial masks is very soothing and there many who say that it is a stress buster. Some of the masks which work wonders are the egg, tea tree, pumpkin, peach, and yogurt. Basically while removing the anti acne facial mask the lose upper most layer gets scrapped off and the under lying fresh layer gets exposed which looks radiant.

Who Says Anti Acne Facial Masks Are Ineffective?

Anti acne facial masks work a great deal but they are not magic concoctions and so better don’t expect any miracles! Any beauty product demands considerable time from you to work and produce results so give your skincare product some time to work. If anti acne facial masks can tackle giants like rosacea and eczema, they can very well treat mild skincare problems. The only thing is you need to apply them periodically. You also need to be persistent with your approach. Sincere dedication will definitely produce results.

A homemade anti acne facial or a readymade facial- so long it works, it’s good!  Some people think that home items are too mild to work on advanced acne. This is a very illogical belief. If you too happen to be laboring under the same belief, it is high time you get out of it. There is no better acne fighting tool than home beauty secrets and herbal beauty products!

An anti acne facial mask depends a lot on the skin type, skin tone and the foremost of all, the intensity of acne. Ready-to-use facial mix powders are readily obtainable from a nearby beauty store. You may get one that your dermatologist suggests. Some anti acne facial masks also allow skin exfoliation alongside. Such types of facial masks are all the more better since they offer an added advantage of exfoliation.

Skincare experts suggest that you must treat your facial skin with steam a little before applying the mask. That will allow the choked pores to open up.

Steer clear from people who tell you that anti acne masks are bad. Anti acne facial masks (only if they are 100% chemical free) are highly effective in treating all forms of acne ranging from mild acne to its highly severe forms! Grab your pack today!

Are Natural Anti-Acne Facial Masks Effective?

Call them by whatever name you want- homemade, kitchen-made or refrigerator-made, natural facial masks overshadow the ready-made anti-acne facial masks obtainable in the market.

The how-to-go-about of an anti-acne mask is pretty easy to follow. Not only should your facial skin be nicely cleaned, it should also be treated with steam before proceeding with the application of acne mask. A facial steam will help the blocked pores to open up and benefit from the facial mask. For extra effects, you may even consider scrubbing your face pre masking. In the event of applying a mask purchased from the market, it will be wisely to test the anti-acne mask on a smaller portion of the body rather than spreading it all over the face in one go and later having to lay up as a serious case of allergy. Also, one has to be careful while removing it off the skin. Either use damp cotton to wipe it off the facial skin or wash it away with tepid water followed by cold water.

If the thought of getting hold of a ready-made facial mask has turned you off and you are seeking some help in order to make homemade anti-acne facial mask, here it is! Camphor, garlic, honey, ginger, tomato, carrot juice, glycerin, egg, lemon, oatmeal, turmeric, orange and baking soda- all or some when applied as a mask work miracles on your acne skin. The exact proportion though has to be seen into. Otherwise these are naturally available products or better call them gifts of nature. There are least or rather no chances of them playing with your skin. So, what are you waiting for? Make a mix, apply it all over and see the results for yourself!

Anti-acne face masks are easy to smear over the facial skin. There are hardly any hassles involved and this is the reason why they are such a big hit amongst different people.

Use Anti-acne Masks to Get Rid of Acne Problems

Acne outbursts are most common skin problems among the young. These skin conditions are quite embarrassing that may sometime force you to lock yourself up and not show your face ever again! However, nowadays there is an array of acne treatments that are quite effective in providing you acne-free skin. One of the most effectual methods to treat acne outbreaks is through anti-acne masks that are exceedingly being used by many people. The main cause for acne problems is unhealthy food habits, using oily skin products and skin dehydration.

There are various skin products that are specific to acne-prone skin. These products may include acne moisturizers, acne creams or lotions and acne toning solutions. There are various herbal anti-acne masks that tend to provide organic skin care treatment using natural oils and other ingredients. Anti-acne facial masks are quite effective in providing you the natural glow and brightness to your skin. These masks can be used once or twice a week depending upon the condition of your skin. Too much usage of these facial masks however may cause you loss of your natural skin oils that are extremely important for the lubrication of the skin.

Natural anti-acne facial masks are extremely effective as these tend to use fruit extracts like apple, papaya, banana, and cucumber, orange and other fruits that tend to give your skin a healthy and natural glow. You can even prepare your own homemade anti-acne facial mask using plant or almond oils in combination with ginger and essential fruit extracts that are quite easy and convenient to use. Anti-acne facial masks essentially cure blackheads and whiteheads that are the root causes of acne formation.

Acne is a serious skin problem which must be treated cautiously. Try to use natural products as much as possible as other beauty products may contain preservatives and harmful skin that can snatch the luster of your skin.

Treatments for Adult Acne

When one thinks of acne, a teenager may come to mind first. No one expects to have acne as an adult but it is more common than one might think. On average 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men are affected by adult acne. Adult acne is usually attributed to hormonal shifts, allergic reactions to skincare products or medications. The good news is many new treatments and procedures are available.

The cause of adult acne remains unknown, but is often attributed to genetics and hormonal changes. Contributing factors can include: side effects from certain medications, cosmetic products with high oil contents, excessive sweating, diet, stress, pregnancy, and menopause. An acne lesion, blemish or clogged pore is caused when bacteria multiply excessively within the hair follicle. An oil-releasing blockage then develops from the sebaceous gland and enlarged sebaceous oil glands produce an overabundance of oil. Blockages of bacteria and oil then build, leading to adult acne problems such as pimples, inflammation, cysts, and scarring. Adult acne most often appears on the face; however, it can appear on the arms, legs, buttocks, and torso.

Adult acne is a fairly new problem as adult acne has just recently become an epidemic. Acne previously had been a concern of teens and young adults. Dermatological and esthetic treatments for adults will likely be very similar to those used to treat teens. To prevent acne, hormonal and life style changes, such as diet, may be incorporated. The findings have suggested that a lifetime of exposure to hormone enriched foods and medication may be a main culprit in this new wide concern of adult acne.

The appropriate treatment for acne varies depending on each individual. Adult acne treatments include ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retin-a, accutane, sulfur, tetracycline and/or a variety of over the counter medications. However, there’s more than medicine to treating adult acne. To obtain the best results treatments should include not only skin care products that target acne bacteria, but make changes that affect the body’s internal system. A multifaceted approach of treatments, behaviors, and diet is often most effective. Here are a few simple strategies to help you combat adult acne:

•    Consult your doctor about hormonal changes
•    Follow a daily skin care regimen
•    Protect skin from pollution and environmental damage
•    Avoid touching your face
•    Avoid exposure to sun and excessive cold
•    Select non-oil based cosmetic products
•    Eat a well-balanced diet

Natural remedies can also work alone or in combination with professional assistance in clearing adult acne. As stated earlier, diet is a very important factor in adult acne. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, help fight free radicals and skin damage that may be left behind after the acne has cleared. Ointment or creams that are rich in Vitamin E can fight against bacteria and sooth the sensitized acne are. Tea tree oil and herbal extracts have been known to clear acne by fighting bacteria and regulating oil production. Zinc and Zinc Oxide are also excellent to reduce acne breakouts and prevent acne due to their anti-microbial properties.

Herbal extracts or herbs to look for in topical or ingested formulas include burdock, yellow dock, cleaver, and sarsaparilla. As adult acne has been a fairly new area of study for dermatologists and estheticians, it is best to follow a treatment plan that is unique to your severity of acne.

Psoriasis 101 Information on Skin Disease

Top Five Psoriasis Myths

1. Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.

Fact: Psoriasis is not contagious. It is a life-long, immune mediated skin disease.

2. Myth: Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene.

Fact: There is no link between hygiene and psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease that no amount of washing or scrubbing can remove the scaly areas, or ensure they don’t come back.

3. Myth: Psoriasis is just an annoying skin rash.

Fact: Once thought to be a skin condition, research has shown that psoriasis is actually a disease of the immune system that causes abnormal growth in skin cells.

4. Myth: Psoriasis can be cured.

Fact: Psoriasis is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. Once symptoms appear, patients have psoriasis for life.

5. Myth: Psoriasis only affects patients physically.

Fact: There is a significant emotional impact experienced by psoriasis sufferers including feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anger, frustration and even depression.

Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals with psoriasis may also suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

Plaque Psoriasis

About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which also is called “psoriasis vulgaris.” “Vulgaris” means “common.”

How to recognize Plaque Psoriasis:

1. Raised and thickened patches of reddish skin, called “plaques,” which are covered by silvery-white scales.

2. Plaques most often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back. However, they can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.

3. Plaques vary in size and can appear as distinct patches or join together to cover a large area.

In the early stages, the psoriasis may be unnoticeable. The skin may itch and/or a burning sensation may be present.

Plaque psoriasis usually first appears as small red bumps. Bumps gradually enlarge, and scales form. While the top scales flake off easily and often, scales below the surface stick together. The small red bumps develop into plaques (reddish areas of raised and thickened skin).

Now that you know abit more about psoriasis, we urge you to find out more about this!

About the author: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition and CAN be cured! We urge you to find out more about Psoriasis at http://Psoriasis.eask.info

Psoriasis by Camry James

Natural Acne Treatments Vs Leading Pharmaceuticals

In June 2009, the pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding AG, pulled its Accutane acne medicine from the U.S. market after juries awarded at least $33 million in damages to users who blamed the drug for bowel disease.

According to Bloomberg.com, “Roche notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today that it was withdrawing Accutane after a “reevaluation” of its product lines showed it faced serious challenges from generic competitors, company officials said in a statement.”

This is just another in a long list of recent health concerns over pharmaceutical skincare treatments and the serious health risks they may pose.

As the natural skincare movement gains popularity, many consumers are discovering their old over the counter acne treatments can have potentially harmful chemicals that would be best to avoid. In response to these concerns, many have made the switch to all-natural acne skincare treatments. While some are convinced that natural remedies can’t be strong enough to fight stubborn acne. If you are convinced a more powerful acne medication is the best option, read on to find out what approach is right for you to become acne free.

Product	Contains Chemicals	Birth Defects	Depression Psychosis	Skin Irritation	Restrictions on Sun Exposure	Gastro-intestine Disorders
Vivoderm 100% Natural Anti-Acne Mask	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO
Retin-A	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Tetracycline	YES	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES
Benzoyl Peroxide	YES	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO
Differin	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Skinoren*	YES	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Roaccutane	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES

Effective Natural Acne Treatments and Ingredients

There are various home treatments and natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of acne. Some of these may include:

· Massage essential oils into your skin at night such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. Wash your face clean in the morning with pure soap and water.

· Acne starts within the body, not just at the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water to help detoxify your body and help clear acne.

· You can exfoliate and clear pores with an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal and while it is still warm, apply to your face, allow oatmeal to dry and then wash away.

There are many varieties of at home solutions, some of which are effective, and some not. Those with more serious cases of acne however, such as cystic acne, usually turn to stronger over the counter acne treatments.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

Over the counter acne products tend to be more powerful in fighting acne because each product works differently to target causes of acne. Certain products function by killing Prionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the bacteria that creates inflammation. Other medications reduce sebum output and renew skin. Other products function by using combinations of these things. Acne medication treatments work in different ways depending on their active ingredient. Here are some common active ingredients that acne products contain.

*Benzoyl Peroxide works to eliminate P. acnes and reduces excess oil and dead skin cells. It is available in different strengths that come in products in certain percentages.

*Salicylic Acid prevents pores from clogging by slowing the process of skin cell shed within hair follicles. It also helps fight whiteheads and blackheads.

*Alcohol and acetone are found in astringents and cleansing washes. They clear your skin of dirt and oil.

These medications might be more powerful in treating acne but they often come with more side effects such as dryness, sensitivity to sun, stinging or irritation, redness or peeling.

There are many natural options that are now available that give you the opportunity to fight acne with powerful results but without the unnatural chemicals that may cause unwanted side effects. The top natural acne treatments have been proven to be as strong as leading pharmaceuticals, yet a perfect compromise between gentle home remedies that don’t show results and powerful but irritating over the counter products.

When it comes to the next generation of acne treatments, the most promising products are natural blends to specific herbal constituents–like Rosemary, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Fennel, Angelica, and Green Tea – that evade irritating side effects. Vivoderm Laboratories offers a natural acne mask that reduces sebum output, controls inflammation, unclogs pores, and moisturizes skin. It also serves as an acne scar treatment as it regenerates skin affected by redness and scars. Many herbs also contain natural antiseptic properties to attack acne-causing bacteria. This anti-acne treatment removes dead skin cells and repairs blemishes without drying out the skin.

The bottom line is to always be aware of chemicals you expose yourself to and make the choice that is best for you. If chemicals are in any way a concern for you - opt for a natural solution that treats the root causes of acne, not just the symptoms and become acne free – naturally.

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