Removing Blackheads and Reducing Acne

Eliminate blackheads and whiteheads

Blackheads are tiny, dark spots caused by a small plug in the opening of a follicle (pore) on the skin. Blackheads are also called open comedomes. A blackhead is a type of acne vulgaris. It is caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland ’s duct. Blackheads are typically caused by excessive oil and makeup, which can facilitate the multiplication of the bacterium propionibacterium acnes, the predominant anaerobe of the normal skin flora. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and modified sebum (an oily secretion of the sebaceous gland ), which darkens (resembling dirt) as it oxidizes.

If you suffer from blackheads or whiteheads and need to know which products are best. Look for non-comedogenic products - they are less likely to cause blackheads (called open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones). Most brands of make-up are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores. If your skin is prone to acne or
especially sensitive, try to find products that are non-comedogenic, oil-free (water-based), hypoallergenic (unlikely to cause an allergic reaction) and fragrance free. It may be helpful to remove make-up before exercise, as the products can travel across the face through sweat and clog your pores. However, since no product is non-comedogenic for everybody, it’s a good idea to first test any new product on a small area of your own skin.

Blackheads are the slightly different sibling of pimples, and like pimples, squeezing them can be damaging. Composed of the same oil, or sebum, that contributes to the production of pimples, blackheads result from a building up of this oil in pores. The difference in appearance than that of a pimple is the result of the blackhead’s exposure to the air.
The oxidation (or darkening)  of the the oil causes the trademark black color of these blemishes.

While blackheads are more easily obscured by makeup, they can seem less offensive to the sufferer, and as a result, less damaging to squeeze. But squeezing is not good for blackheads. It can leave a permanent scar on skin and also leaves your skin open to infection. Comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) are caused by the densely packed skin cells. Comedones, commonly appear on the face and shoulders, but they may also develop on the trunk, arms, legs,
and buttocks. They are most common in teenagers but can occur at any age, even in infants.

Treatment for whiteheads and blackheads depends on the severity of the condition. Treatment may include lotions or gels placed on blemishes or sometimes entire areas of skin, such as the chest or back (topical medications). Oral medications, such as antibiotics, may be prescribed.

Causes of Blackheads

Blackheads are caused when excess skin oil, sebum and congesting toxins are expelled through your skin from the blood and lymph fluid that supplies your skin with nutrients. These congesting toxins combined with skin oil and sebum clogs your pores causing blackheads, whiteheads, and full blown acne. Dirt also plays a big role in developing skin blackheads. The dirt stored on the face or other parts of body help the bacteria to develop.

Symptoms of Blackheads

Blackheads and whiteheads are a combination of oils, sebum and cellular fragments that form firm to hard plugs within hair follicles. Blackheads are open to the skin’s surface and become darkened at the surface by exposure to oxygen (oxidation). They are called open comedones (or comedo, singular). Whiteheads are closed from the skin’s surface by
cellular debris at the follicle opening. Because they are closed from oxygen they do not oxidize or turn brown. They form a light or yellow-white lump and are called milia (or milium, singular). When bacteria is added to these plugs, the condition can lead to acne.

Treatment of of Blackheads

Mild cases of acne can be self-treated with over-the-counter topicals (applied to the skin) creams typically with benzoyl peroxide. Zinc Oxide is also a safe natural alternative to reduce infections. There are also a variety of different medications that your family physician might prescribe that come as creams, ointments, and pills. Some of the stronger medications for acne are not to be used if you are pregnant, so make sure you tell your doctor if this is a possibility. Most acne medications work by reducing the next “crop” of acne, so don’t get discouraged if the treatment does not work right away.

Home Remedy for Blackheads
1. In 3-4 cup boiled water, add 2 tsp of soda bicarbonate. Steam a towel with this. Thereafter, place the towel gently on your face. Do it for about 5-6 times. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp curd and 1 tsp rice flour.  Apply the paste on the affected area. After some time, wash your face with cold water.

2. Take about 1 tsp of juice extracted from fresh coriander leaves and add ½ tsp of turmeric powder in it. Apply this mixture while going to bed. Wash your face the next morning with cold water.

3. Take a pinch of soft portion of glycerin soap and mix with a pinch of table salt. Apply this mixture on the blackheads. Do it for about a week and see the magical results.

4. Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzyl peroxide, etc. can be counter-productive to softening and dissolving blackheads and whiteheads as they can dehydrate dry, normal and combination skin

5. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp limejuice and 1 tsp of finely powdered cinnamon. Apply it on the affected area before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning.
When looking over other strategies on how to remove blackheads, you want to make sure that you are not using your fingernails to squeeze. Your fingernails could be loaded with all kinds of bacteria, which could cause infections. If you do decide to squeeze, make sure you are properly cleaning and sterilizing your hands or using a tissue, to reduce the risk of infection.

Exercize caution. Squeezing a blackhead too much or too soon may lead to the rupturing of a blood vessel. Even though this is a rare occurrence, it can still happen. If you find this happening to you, do not continue to squeeze the blackhead because you may make it worse.

Acne Treatments You Can Trust

Acne prone skin is usually identified by having dark pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, redness, inflammation and painful irritation. Excessive secretion of sebum can block the hair follicle opening, between the sebaceous gland towards the surface of the skin. Usually sebum helps in removal of dead cells from hair follicles.

When you suffer from acne searching for the best acne cures can become an obsession. Ads for acne cures are everywhere, but the truth is not every acne remedy is good for your skin. The shelves at the drugstore are filled with acne pills, products that promise to clear acne and teen acne, and even some topical ointments that promise they are natural acne cures. Many women’s magazines even devote scores of articles to home acne cures or even an acne diet. When you are faced with so many acne remedy choices, it is hard to know what is best for your skin.

The truth about acne is that anyone can get it. Teen acne is more a result of hormones than what you eat, what you put on your face, or how clean you are. Don’t feel bad about yourself if you suffer from acne. There was nothing that you did to cause it. The hormones that your body produces have a lot to do with the acne that erupts on your face so most natural acne cures and home acne cures really don’t do all that they promise to do. An acne diet can help the way your body produces and processed oil beneath the surface of your skin. But diets alone and acne pills are not a magic cure all that simply makes acne disappear.

If you really want to clear acne from your face, you need to stop the formation of acne before it manifests itself in pimples. There is no cure for acne, so products that promise you easy acne cures aren’t telling you the truth. Instead of looking for acne cures, you need to start looking at acne prevention.

Prevention is the best acne cure. Look for an acne remedy that goes deep below the surface of your skin to kill bacteria before it has a chance to develop into acne. Solutions like this are much better for your skin than topical over the counter treatments, because they don’t wait for acne to form before it fights it by penetrating into your skin, stopping acne at the source.

It is best to find a treatment or product that is designed to be used everyday, so it is gentle on your skin. Unlike other chemical laden acne treatments that make your skin dry and flaky, look for natural or organic products formulated with soothing botanicals like marshmallow, calendula, aloe, and chamomile. Look for ingredients that will hydrate your skin, reduce inflammation and leave it feeling smooth and soft. Many so called acne cures found on the market today are much too harsh and using them every day can actually make your acne worse. Gentle treatments are actually good for your skin and won’t dry you out and cause further outbreaks.

The daily three step process has been found to work best to clear acne and keep it from reaching the surface of your skin. You simply wash with any gentle or renewing cleanser, sloughing off dead skin cells and allowing your fresh skin to glow. Next, you unclog your pores with an anti-inflammatory toner - refreshing and toning your skin. The last step is to attack bacteria by smoothing on a moisturizing or repairing lotion.  Zinc and Zinc Oxide has been shown to work the best for natural anti-bacterial properties.  It also is a great sun protector - keeping your skin from further inflammation and UVB damage.  The whole process only takes a minute or two each day, but the result is acne free skin for good.

Don’t be duped by the promise of chemical-laden acne cures that can’t deliver. There is no acne diet or super amazing bottle of acne pills that will cure your problem. True acne cures just don’t exist. Even though acne isn’t curable, you don’t have to live with it. You can fight acne and keep breakouts at bay. The best defense against teen acne and the stress that it can cause is a regular cleansing routine with natural products.

There are a few medications that a dermatologist can prescribe for acne. While they can help clear up the problem, they don’t indefinitely cure acne and they do cause many different side effects, including depression, liver damage, and even birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Taking prescription medication to control your breakouts is something that should be discussed with your dermatologist, but before you take such a drastic measure, doesn’t it make sense to give the simple process of using a daily cleansing routine?  It is gentle, inexpensive, easy to use, and good for your skin.

When you deal with acne, you don’t feel good about the way you look. paying close attention to the foods you intake and participating in a daily cleansing routine can give you back the good self image that acne takes from you.

Helpful Hints to Heal Acne

If you have ever awakened to a big day only to find a BIG SPOT where it shouldn’t be, read the below tips to help prevent and heal acne more regularly to help avoid those nasty last minute acne issues.

While we all wish to have perfect skin, some days are more important than others - whether it’s a job interview, an important date, or a social gathering where you may be introduced to many new people, looking our best during these special occasions is usually a priority. While acne should be the last thing on our minds, many times the additional stress brought on by these very important occasions can result in just that – unwanted acne.

Acne Tip #1

Drink plenty of water – plain and simple. This is probably one of the best ways to prevent future acne. Doctors recommend this easy exercise to remember – whatever your body weight is in pounds, divide that number by two to get the number of ounces of water you should consume for optimal skin flushing and overall health. Add a slice of lemon juice to further enhance the cleansing effects. Your goal is to flush all the toxins in your body and cleanse your skin from inside out. This will also help your body run smoothly by cleaning out unnecessary toxins that help build bacteria onto your skin.

Acne Tip #2

Resist the urge to pop - popping your pimples incorrectly is something you don’t want to do. There are dermatologist recommendations how to do this properly, but most folks want the offending item removed much earlier than it is safe to do so. While it can be a quick fix to your acne, the incorrect action could result in a scar that could become very noticeable if you make a habit of popping. Even worse, most dermatologists tell us the majority of the plugged oil creating the acne goes back into the underlying skin layer, which will reform as more acne later. If you really need to pop, try to follow a safe procedure.

Acne Tip #3

Change your bed linens regularly –changing your linens weekly is ideal. Repeatedly placing your skin on the surface of a pillow or sheet will allow bacteria and oil to build up, creating an environment for further outbreaks.

Following these simple actions can help tremendously when it comes to having acne free skin.

Conditions Caused By Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin

Side Effects and Conditions Caused By Isotretinoin

Minor discomforts such as dry mouth or nose, dry eyes, dry skin, or itching usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical attention unless they continue or are bothersome.

Other side effects should be brought to a physician’s attention. These include:
• burning, redness, or itching of the eyes
• nosebleeds
• signs of inflammation of the lips, such as peeling, burning, redness or pain

Bowel inflammation is not a common side effect, but it may occur. If any of the following signs of bowel inflammation occur, stop taking isotretinoin immediately and check with a physician:
• pain in the abdomen
• bleeding from the rectum
• severe diarrhea

The most common side effects of antiacne drugs applied to the skin are slight redness, dryness, peeling, and stinging, and a warm feeling to the skin. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment.
Other side effects should be brought to a physician’s attention. Check with a physician as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blistering, crusting, or swelling of the skin
• severe burning or redness of the skin>
• darkening or lightening of the skin (This effect will eventually go away after treatment with an antiacne drug ends.)
• skin rash

Other side effects are possible with any type of antiacne drug. Anyone who has unusual symptoms while using antiacne drugs should get in touch with his or her physician.
Interactions

Patients using antiacne drugs on their skin should tell their physicians if they are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine that they apply to the skin in the same area as the antiacne drug.

Isotretinoin may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes isotretinoin should let the physician know about all other medicines being used and should ask whether the possible interactions can interfere with drug therapy.

Among the drugs that may interact with isotretinoin are listed below:
• Etretinate (Tegison), used to treat severe psoriasis. Using this medicine with isotretinoin increases side effects.
• Tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova). Using this medicine with isotretinoin increases side effects.
• Vitamin A or any medicine containing vitamin A. Using any vitamin A preparations with isotretinoin increases side effects. Do not take vitamin supplements containing vitamin A while taking isotretinoin.
• Tetracyclines (used to treat infections). Using these medicines with isotretinoin increases the chance of swelling of the brain. Make sure the physician knows if tetracycline is being used to treat acne or another infection.

Parental Concerns

Acne comes at a difficult time, the adolescent years. While mild acne can be treated with over-the-counter medications, more severe acne needs medical attention. Experts advise against a wait-and-see attitude. Treatment options can help control acne and avoid scarring.

Isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects, including mental retardation and physical deformities. This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. Sexually active adolescent females who are able to bear children should not use isotretinoin unless they have very severe acne that has not cleared up with the use of other antiacne drugs. In addition, acne treatments that can dry the skin should be used with caution by people with skin of color.

Alternative Acne Treatments

Alternative Acne Treatments

Several surgical or medical treatments may be used to reduce acne or the scars caused by the disease.

• Chemical peel. A chemical known as glycolic acid is first applied to the skin. When it dries, it is peeled off, taking the top layer of skin with it. This treatment helps reduce scarring.
• Collagen injection. Shallow scars are filled in by injecting collagen, a skin protein, beneath the scars.
• Comedo extraction. A special tool is used to remove a comedo from a pore.
• Dermabrasion. The affected skin is first frozen with a chemical spray. Then it is removed with a brush or sandpaper-like instrument.
• Intralesional injection. Anti-inflammatory drugs are injected directly into inflamed pimples.
• Punch grafting. Deep scars are removed and the area repaired with small skin grafts.

Alternative treatments for acne focus on proper hygiene and diet. Patients are advised to keep their skin clean and oil-free. They are also encouraged to eat a well-balanced diet high in fiber, zinc, and raw fruits and vegetables. They should also avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, sugar, smoking, processed foods, and foods high in iodine, such as table salt.

Some doctors recommend the use of herbs to supplement the diet. Some herbs that have been used in the treatment of acne include burdock root, red clover, and milk thistle. Additional nutrients that may help to control acne include B-complex vitamins and chromium. Chinese herbal treatments that are recommended include cnidium seed and honeysuckle flower. Another herbal treatment is tea tree oil. The proper dose of these substances can be recommended by physicians or nutritionists.

Acne cannot be cured. However, it can be controlled in about 60 percent of patients with the drug isotretinoin. Improvement usually takes at least two months, and the problem may recur after treatment has been stopped. Inflammatory acne that results in the formation of scars may require one of the more aggressive treatments already described.

Prevention

There are no sure ways to prevent acne. However, the following steps tend to reduce flare-ups ofthe condition:

• Gently wash—do not scrub—the affected areas once or twice every day.
• Avoid rough cleansers.
• Use makeup and skin moisturizers that do not produce comedos.
• Shampoo often and wear hair away from the face.
• Eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods that trigger flare-ups.
• Give dry pimples a limited amount of sun exposure unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Do not pick or squeeze pimples.
• Reduce stress.

Natural Acne Scar Treatments

Hormonal changes and overly active sebaceous (oil) glands that commonly occur in adolescence usually cause acne, however acne can still affect adults as well. Zits, pimples, acne, cystic skin eruptions, blackheads and white heads all fit into the acne skin malady category. The temptation to squeeze the spots and remove the infected matter, albeit tempting, will not reform your skin to its natural radiance. In fact, secondary infection by bacteria being pushed back into the deeper layers of the skin can cause more pain, inflammation and most likely future scaring. Once the bacteria have been released, it can re-infect the surrounding skin. The facial scars are actually remnants of the bacterial infection caused by ‘procedure.’

The unfair fact is that adult acne will affect 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in their adult lives. We know that identifying hormonal changes as the main cause of adult acne aren’t entirely proven. There isn’t just one cause. Acne in adult women can be linked to cosmetic use, some hair products and can frequently be brought on by the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy. Certain types of prescription medications can also cause adult acne. Some strains of acne, such as Acne vulgaris, don’t typically show up in adults until midlife. Adult acne also forms differently, whereas adolescent acne begins on the forehead and cheek area, adult acne tends to show more on the chin, jaw line and neck.

With all this new adult acne erupting (pardon the pun) more than before, natural acne and scar treatments are gaining more acceptance as consumers want to make healthier more sustainable choices for their skincare. Your skin has an amazing natural ability to regenerate itself and a new layer of skin growth will generally cover any scarring, but in the rare cases where this does not occur then a more advanced scar treatment is in order. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before beginning any facial treatments to be sure you are not causing further damage.

A healthy, well-balanced diet plays a large role in helping your body and skin to regenerate itself to its optimal condition. Many dermatologists recommend a diet high in natural minerals. These minerals are to maintain the health of the skin cells, which in turn should prevent a further outbreak of acne and repair damaged tissue. Diets, which include plenty of green vegetables, un-cooked vegetables such as carrots, spinach and cucumbers, have also helped many to maintain smooth, blemish-free skin. The idea is to try to create a new fresh layer of skin so that the scars reduced or eradicated.

Are you drinking enough water?

By consuming a regular amount of water daily, you can improve the look of your skin. The average human body is comprised of 60 percent water. Drinking more water, instead of sugar-laden sodas or energy drinks will keep the skin moist and smooth; it will also clear away the dead skin cells, flush toxins and aid in the regeneration of new skin cells. Mixing water with natural ingredients like citrus, fruit or vegetable juices, can also be helpful to exfoliate the skin.

With a proper nutritious diet, vitamins and plenty of water, most see results within a few months. It can take up to a year for acne scars to heal completely. Acne scars do not show up overnight and removing them can take the same amount of time if not more. It takes patience, but with the proper motivation for beautiful, glowing skin, it will be well worth the wait. Of course, some scars may be so deep as to require dermalogical treatments such as lasers or painful acid peels. Try the natural methods first, as theses procedures can be quite costly. Any effort you make to regenerate your skin naturally will only help the dermatologist’s treatments even further.

Always remember to gently cleanse and moisturize your skin everyday as well. Applying harsh, drying chemicals to your acne will usually cause further inflammation and breakouts. One natural treatment that had shown good results is to mix pure sandalwood oil with rose water, apply it to your scar(s) and leave on the skin overnight. Cleanse face as usual in the morning.

Chemical Peels 101

With so many beauty products, facial treatments and surgical procedures available these days, it can be overwhelming to choose a treatment that is right for you. First off, when trying any new skincare treatment or procedure, it is always important to do your research, seek out reputable sources and never be afraid to ask questions, after all, it is your face – you only have one, so treat it accordingly. Selecting the right specialist or understanding details of a surgical procedure will be time consuming, be prepared to put in the time necessary to make the best choice. Below are some tips to help you get started.

Choose carefully. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery recommends you:
•    Check educational, training, background credentials and experience to ensure that he or she is well-qualified
•    Ask how many times they have performed this procedure
•    Ask to see before and after photos of patients who have had chemical peels - in some cases offices will give you contact information of previous patients as referrals.

Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed estheticians and registered nurses can all perform chemical peels. However, depending on the type of peel, you might need to see a doctor. Ensure your procedure is both safe and effective.

Schedule a skin consultation. A chemical peel is an aggressive treatment, it’s important that you get an in-depth analysis of your skin beforehand. When at the consultation, make sure the specialist knows your medical history and any prescriptions you may be taking. Be prepared to ask questions, such as what is my skin type? What are my skin concerns? How can chemical peels improve my skin? What kind of peel is best for my skin type?

Become a peel expert. There are three types of chemical peels: superficial, medium and deep. In addition, they increase substantially in cost depending on the peel. The cost ranges from $150 to $300 for superficial peels; $1,000 to $2,000 for medium peels and $2,500 up to $5,000 for deep peels, according to Smart SkinCare:
Superficial: The mildest of chemical peels, superficial peels treat fine lines, discoloration, dryness, roughness and mild acne. Results are subtle and you will need regular maintenance sessions. Estheticians typically perform superficial peels. Common solutions: Alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (e.g., glycolic acid, lactic acid), salicylic acid

Medium: These peels penetrate deeper into the skin, producing a second-degree burn. Medium peels treat wrinkles, pigmentation problems, sun damage and blemishes. You will need at least a week to recover. You’ll also need several peels to achieve desired results. Common solution: Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
Deep: These peels target deep wrinkles, dramatic discoloration and skin lesions. Deep peels are the most effective, providing pronounced and long-lasting results. However, they are also riskier with longer recovery time—most people take two weeks off from work. A certified, experienced plastic surgeon must perform these peels. This peel is performed once. Common solution: Phenol

Consider your skin type. Be aware that a chemical peel is not always the best option for your skin type. These are several examples when a chemical peel isn’t appropriate or can be helpful. In most cases, a chemical peel should not be used on dry or sensitive skin. A peel might cause dryness, flakiness, itching and further inflammation. If you have inflammatory acne and deep cysts, you should also consult a dermatologist, as a chemical peel might not be the best treatment for those conditions.

Chemical peels are a good choice if you experience mild to moderate acne or acne scars: The acids in the peel work to both kill active blemishes on the surface and to prevent new blemishes from forming. By accelerating the exfoliation process, a chemical peel delivers clearer, healthier-looking skin.

Become an expert on your chemical peel. Before having the chemical peel, make sure you ask every question possible to ensure you are aware of the entire procedure and its potential complications.
Examples like; what strength is the peel? How many sessions will I need? What are the pros and cons? What kind of discomfort, pain and other reactions can I expect during the procedure? How should my skin react after the chemical peel?

Communication is key in making your chemical peel a safe experience. Clarify you are experiencing normal reactions or seek immediate attention if you think you are not. Remember if something doesn’t feel right, only you can speak up about it.

About two to four weeks prior to your chemical peel, the specialist will ask you to incorporate pre-care products into your daily regimen. These products are designed to thin out the skin’s surface, allowing the peel to penetrate deeper and evenly. Your medical expert might prescribe Retin-A, an AHA product or hydroquinone cream.
When using these new products, you might have to discontinue your old ones. Your specialist will give you specific information about what products to use and avoid.

Depending on the type of peel, your results might be subtle or dramatic. Every skin type reacts a bit differently. Be realistic about the results and fully understand to what degree the peel will improve your skin and whether you will need additional sessions to maintain results.

Skin Care for Adult Acne

Suffering from adult acne can be a devastating blow to your self-esteem. You may wonder what your co-workers, friends, and even family are thinking about you. You may stay home alone on Friday nights, afraid to go out and meet that special someone. You may worry your employer just gave that big promotion to your colleague instead of you due to the look of your bad skin.

The good news is you live in a time with more treatment options than ever and there is no reason for you to suffer. Many great adult acne treatments are on the market today. Many are affordable and easy to get .Treatments that will not irritate your skin, but will provide results abound. Below are a few tips to make finding them easier.

Look for the Guarantee

The majority of respectable skin care manufacturers provide a decent guarantee on their products. Simply because these companies know that their products cannot solve every person’s acne problems (even though they put their best foot forward to do so). Any reputable company should stand behind their skin care cream, gel or remedy with a money back guarantee if you don’t get the results you expect.

I’d suggest you avoid anything that doesn’t have at least a 30 day guarantee (the minimum time to see if a product works). You should be able to find information about a products guarantee on the side of the packaging, or on the company’s website.

Check Ingredients for Harsh Chemicals

Before choosing an acne product, familiarize yourself with the ingredients. Not all companies - but some - use harsh chemicals to kill acne bacteria. The down side to this is these chemicals can also negatively affect your skin.

The most popular ingredient to remedy acne is Benzoyl peroxide, yet this is also one of the ingredients that can irritate your skin. If you do use a product containing Benzoyl peroxide, start with a very small dose and work your way up to the suggested amount.

If you want to avoid Benzoyl peroxide all together consider using straight Hydrogen peroxide from your bathroom cabinet (the same thing we use on cuts and scape’s). This product should be easier on your skin as well as affordable.

Use it long enough to see results

There are hundreds of various adult skin care products for acne on the market today. Most of these products require at least a month of steady usage to get results. Be sure that you are giving whatever product you choose at least 4-6 weeks before you discontinue use. If you stop using a product sooner than this then you could risk wasting time and money on a product that otherwise would’ve cleared your skin.

Acne Symptoms and Treatments

SYMPTOMS

Acne is often not apparent to an observer. Inflamed pores, however, can cause pain or itching. The most troubling aspect of acne for many people is the scarring that can occur. And, while acne may not be very noticeable, individuals tend to be sensitive about their appearance. Teenagers especially may become concerned about the way other people react to them.

DIAGNOSIS

People with acne are often treated by family doctors. More serious cases are referred to a dermatologist (a specialist in skin disorders) or an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormonal disorders).
Because of its appearance, acne is not difficult to diagnose. A doctor takes a complete medical history, which includes questions about skin, diet, medication use, and other factors associated with risk for acne. He or she conducts a physical examination of the face, upper neck, chest, shoulders, back, and other affected areas. The doctor determines the number and type of blemishes, whether they are inflamed or not, whether they are deep or near the surface of the skin, and whether there is scarring or skin discoloration.
Laboratory tests are not done unless the patient appears to have a hormonal disorder. In that case, blood tests and other tests may be ordered. Most insurance plans cover the cost of diagnosing and treating acne.

ANTI-ACNE DRUGS
Brand Name (Generic Name) and their pssible common side effects:

Accutane (isotretinoin) > Dry skin, dry mouth, conjunctivitis
Benzamycin > Dry and itchy skin
Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate) Dry skin
Desquam-E (benzoyl peroxide) > Itching, red and peeling skin
Erythromycin topical (A/T/S, erycette, t-stat) > Burning, dry skin, hives, red and peeling skin
Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride) > Headache, hives, diarrhea, peeling skin, vomiting
Retin-A (tretinoin) > Darkening of the skin, blistering, crusted, or puffy skin

Ayurveda Acne Skin Remedies

One of Ayurveda’s fundamental concepts is that health and disease are holistic-that is, whatever happens in one part of the body happens to the whole body. There are no isolated health problems. Any physical or psychological symptom of imbalance indicates an imbalance in the body-mind unit. Keep this holistic picture in mind as you look over the common skin problems below.

Listed below are external remedies for the most common skin problems. (Several of them are the contribution of Dr. Kirit Pandya, one of India’s foremost Ayurvedic physicians specializing in skin disease.) But please be aware, even a topical ointment or detoxification treatment is only a temporary remedy. If you continue with unhealthy lifestyle choices, new toxins will soon appear.

ACNE VULGARIS (CYSTIC ACNE)

Description: Very oily skin, large pores, blackheads, large pussy pimples, deep scars.
Imbalance: Pitta or Kapha.
Aggravated by: Overconsumption of sweets, fats, oils, red meat, seafood, coffee, alcohol, tobacco; emotional stress and attachments (inability to “let go”), inactivity, feelings of possessiveness, depression, and purposelessness.

Treatment:
• Exfoliate skin with Tej or Bindi herbal powders.
• Take steam baths using rosemary or eucalyptus essential oils.
• Take weekly detoxifying bath using Epsom salts or ginger + rock salt.
• Exercise vigorously for 1/2 hour 3 times a week to achieve sweating.
• Apply Tej Soothing Lotion on pimples, and do a pimple “mask” once or twice a week.
To make, mix 1/2 tsp crushed cumin seed + 1 tsp coriander + a few drops water, and apply paste over pimples. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse.
• Do soothing weekly facial mask using red sandalwood + neem + lodhra powders.
• For stubborn, large cysts, apply piece of warm onion 2-3 times a day to break it, but do not squeeze.
• Supplements: Take daily 10,000 units beta carotene, 1,000 mg vitamin C, and 15-20 mg zinc. Increase dietary fiber, including bran, fresh fruit and produce. Drink fresh carrot, beet, or apple juice. Drink detoxifying herbal teas of burdock, goldenseal, echinacea, neem, or turmeric. Drink 1/2 glass warm water every hour. In morning, take aloe Vera gel: 1 tsp for Pitta; 2 Tbsp for Kapha.

ACNE ROSACEA (”RED” ACNE)

Description: Red rash on nose and cheeks that may be very sensitive or burning. Excessive oiliness on T-zone, broken capillaries, and thickened skin on nose.
Imbalance: Pitta.
Aggravated by: Anger, frustration, disappointment, anxiety, overambition, stress and pressure, unsatisfying or acrimonious relationships, overactivity, hot weather, sun, hot spices, sour fruits, fermented foods, tomatoes, seafood, canned or preserved foods, soda, pastry, chocolate, pizza, french fries, sweets; antibiotics and harsh chemical peels.
Treatment:
• Do not use astringents, toners, or any harsh substances on skin. Use only gentle, soothing treatments.
• Wash with milk + white sandalwood, manjista, and neem herbal powders.
• Soak towel in cool herbal tea of comfrey or nettle, and apply wet compress to face.
• Grind fresh cilantro + mint. Add water to make paste, and apply to face as a mask. Lie down for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off. If condition is very dry, red, or burning, apply soothing lotion of ghee +juice from crushed dried neem leaves, or use neem herbal oil. Additional internal and external remedies are available from Tej.
• Supplements Take daily 10,000 units beta carotene, 1,000 mg vitamin C, 15-20 mg zinc, 400 units vitamin E, and daily recommended dosage of B-complex.
• Drink detoxifying herbal teas of burdock, goldenseal, echinacea, neem, or tumeric.
• Drink a glass of water (at room temperature) every hour. In morning, drink aloe vera juice.

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