Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Zeno Pro | A Date Night Saver!

Zeno Pro

Zeno Pro Active Clearing Device is a very unique acne treatment. There are no lotions, creams, or pills used in this system. Instead, Zeno Pro is a device, which, literally zaps zits with heat.

The company claims that it is the most effective device available to the public.

There are amazing before and after pictures from people who have tried the Zeno Pro Active Clearing device.

The device works by delivering heat to the affected area, which kills the acne causing bacteria. The Zeno Pro Active Clearing Device does not help prevent outbreaks - it only helps existing blemishes.

This method may work very well for you when combined with an acne- preventing regimen, as well. Existing blemishes then could be eliminated (or the severity much improved) while using other products to prevent future problems.

The Zeno Pro Active Clearing Device is rather expensive, but if you suffer from embarrassing acne, it may be well worth the investment.

More Info on the product




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Alternative Acne Treatments

The high percentage of people suffering from acne all over the world has led in recent times to an increase in the number of treatment alternatives available to people suffering from this condition. The classic antibiotics and creams have been supplemented by hormonal treatments, phototherapy and laser surgery. Others are trying to develop still more types of cures, such as diets built to avoid the consumption of dairy products, the use of chromium and zinc supplements and home made cures from various sorts of spices. Many of them haven’t been scientifically proven yet.

Laser surgery is the latest technique developed by doctors to reduce the scars left behind by acne. Doctors use laser beams to burn out scar tissue, which allows the skin to generate new, healthy tissue instead. This technique is still in the early, primitive stages since it is used after follicles had turned to pimples and pimples were reduced to scars.

Still, new research shows that laser surgery could be used in the future to prevent acne from even happening, instead of just dealing with the consequences. Medical grade laser may soon be used to burn away the follicle sac where the hair grows or to burn the sebaceous gland in those parts of the skin that were subject to acne outbreaks again and again. Another approach currently being studied is the use of laser to induce the formation of oxygen in the bacteria in order to kill them. However, at this time, laser is still too dangerous for acne prevention since the extreme heat is known to cause long-term dryness of the skin and even spots.

Other research efforts focus on whole-genome DNA sequencing as a tool for identifying the genetic reasons why some people do not suffer from acne or develop only light forms of this condition. However, gene sequencing is still one of those techniques that belong to the future and are unlikely to become available soon.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

At Home Remedies For Acne

From exfoliation and the classic antibiotics and bactericidals and on to hormonal treatments, retinoids, phototherapy and laser, the list of acne remedies is very long. The average customer looking for a cure to his or her acne problem is likely to be confused by this cornucopia of treatments, all of which are 100% guaranteed to put an end to acne once and for all.

One of the new additions to the overall effort is the idea of treating acne with a combination of healthy food and vitamins. Although the use of certain foods to cure various conditions is by no means a new idea, the concept that food alone could be used to cure acne is an interesting new twist.

The cornerstone of this approach is the attempt to avoid treated food, fat and sugar in order to focus on fresh vegetables, fruits and water. The underlying assumption is that heavily processed food and fat-rich food are bad for the body and the source of acne and other conditions. Skin problems are considered to be a side effect of processed food consumption

However, things are not that simple. This approach is a good idea only for the people whose acne outbreaks are caused or worsened by hormones and other substances found in red meat and processed food. It would be hard to argue that all the various types of acne have only one source and that source is nothing else but food.

Moreover, people respond in different ways to different foods. Banning one type of food may work for some people, but not for others. A healthy diet is good for everybody, but it simply can’t cure acne on its own, especially the severe cases. What the skin needs is a product that clears pores and kills bacteria, thus preventing hair follicles from clogging and turning into pimples. This is what you should be looking for if you want to get rid of those ugly pimples.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Best Treatments For Mild Cases Of Acne

The usual treatment prescribed for mild cases of acne is topical medicine. The topical treatment is applied externally, directly on the affected skin surface or simply on each pimple. The common substances that make up topical treatments are:

  • Salicylic acid – alone or in combination with SD Alcohol 40, the Salicylic Acid makes for a very effective treatment against blackheads and whiteheads. This acid also serves to decrease the shedding of cells around hair follicles, thus acting pre-emptively against one of the causes of acne.

  • Benzoyl peroxide – effective against acne by killing acne producing bacteria

  • Resorcinol – good against acne

  • Sulfur– wipes out blackheads and whiteheads

The external application of topical treatments means that such substances come in many forms. Any drugstore or pharmacy is sure to have a wide range of anti-acne creams, gels, soaps and lotions. Such products are effective against mild acne, but do require sustained use for several months.

In case you notice any unpleasant side-effects when using topical treatments, you should pay a visit to a doctor as soon as possible. Side-effects like irritation, swelling or burning are quite common, especially among people with delicate skins.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Natural Treatments For Acne

Acne is the most common skin disorder known today. In United States alone, nearly 60 million people are infected with acne, where 85 per cent of teenagers suffer from it.

Skin experts and practitioners recommend several natural acne treatments. Here are some that we have compiled just for you.

  • Wash your face twice a day (thrice at most) with gentle and unperfumed cleanser. Avoid using soaps as they contain harsh chemicals and ingredients that can damage your skin.

  • Avoid touching your face. Stop putting your hands by your face! I am often guilty of this resting my hand on the side of my head while reading. Also rubbing or bracing your chin is another common problem when thinking. Avoid rubbing, touching, or itching your skin with your hands. Your hands contain a lot of bacteria that can cause acne flare-ups. It is probably one of the most difficult things to avoid since much of the hand to face contact throughout the day we are unconscious of. Make it a habit to avoid hand contact and be conscious of it during the day to avoid bacteria.

  • Avoid the temptation to pick, prick and squeeze your acne. This will send the infection deeper into the skin and can cause severe scarring.

  • For mild to moderate acne, you can use over- the- counter topical ointments, solutions, lotions or gels that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or azelaic acid as an alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil glands.

  • Topical antibiotic solutions and lotions can also be applied.

  • Tea tree oil is a natural antibiotic and antibacterial agent and has a drying effect on the skin. It keeps the P. Acnes bacteria at bay along with decreasing facial oiliness, which makes this oil a worthwhile investment.

  • Sulfur helps to heal existing blemishes by unblocking pores.

  • Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHA or BHA) works by keeping the skin exfoliated. Glycolic acid, the most well-known of the bunch is a useful adjuvant therapy for mild acne. Mandelic acid, a lesser known one, but one that combines the keratolytic properties of glycolic acid with natural antibacterial properties that help reduce the presence of P. acnes, may be considered a more effective alpha hydroxy acid in treating acne lesions. It is also much less irritating than glycolic acid, a factor that may be very important to those with sensitive skin who are unable to use other agents such as Retin-A, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or salicylic acid. It is effective in treating mild cases of acne on its own, and can be used successfully with other therapies on moderate acne.

These treatments are usually effective for mild to moderate acne problems only. The effectiveness usually takes several weeks or approximately three to six months to be noticed. For more severe and serious acne conditions, do not hesitate to consult your dermatologist.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Acne Cysts and Treatments Defined

Deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring characterize severe acne. It often requires an aggressive treatment regimen and should be treated by a dermatologist. Severe forms of acne can require years of treatment and may experience one or more treatment failures. However, almost every case of acne can be successfully treated.

There are five popular treatments for acne cysts. There are many effective treatments that are available currently. Drainage and surgical excision, inner lesion corticosteroid injection, isotretinoin (a potent drug for treating severe cystic acne), oral antibiotics, and oral contraceptives are the most popular treatments. Some people may choose a more natural treatment for severe acne, which will also be covered briefly in this article.

  • Drainage and extraction, or acne surgery as it is also called, should not be performed by patients and is used on some large cysts that do not respond to medication and require drainage and extraction. Dermatologists are trained in the proper technique and perform acne surgery under sterile conditions. Patient attempts to drain and extract acne cysts, by squeezing or picking, can lead to infection, worsening of the acne and scarring. When an acne cyst becomes severely inflamed, there is a good chance it will rupture and scarring will occur. To treat these severely inflamed cysts and prevent scarring, dermatologists may inject such cysts with a diluted corticosteroid. This lessens the inflammation and promotes healing of the acne cyst.

  • An inner lesion corticosteroid injection works by melting the cyst over the course of a few days.

  • Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment known today for severe acne and acne that is resistant to other medications and treatments. Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A, a synthetic creation, which comes in a pill form. It is administered once or twice a day for anywhere from sixteen to twenty weeks total. There are many possible side effects that may occur while undergoing this therapy. Possible side effects include severe pain in the chest or abdomen, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, severe headache, blurred vision or dizziness, bone and joint pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or rectal bleeding, depression, dryness of the skin, eyes and nose, and thinning hair. While taking isotretinoin patients are monitored closely by their healthcare provider through follow up appointments.

  • Oral antibiotics have been a basis of therapy for severe acne for many years. Like topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics work to reduce the “P. acnes”. “P. Acnes” are normal residents on the skin, which decreases inflammation. Treatment with oral antibiotics usually begins with a high dosage, which is eventually reduced as the acne resolves. Over time, the “P. acnes” bacteria can become resistant to the treatment. When resistance occurs, another antibiotic can be prescribed or other treatment options may need to be explored.

  • Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women by suppressing the overactive sebaceous glands. Oral contraceptives can be used as long-term acne therapy; however, this medication should not be prescribed to women who smoke, have a blood clotting disorder, are older than thirty-five or have a history of migraine headaches, without the advice of a gynecologist. Spironolactone, a synthetic steroid, may be used in combination with oral contraceptives to treat acne in adult females. Spironolactone inhibits androgen, hormones that stimulate oil glands in addition to other effects on the body, production. There are possible side effects that may accompany Spironolactone treatment. A few side affects include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue.

Some people choose more natural ways to combat cystic acne. Some natural treatments are eating a whole foods diet that consists of only natural foods that have not been chemically or mechanically processed. Yoga or deep relaxation techniques may be used to reduce the amount of stress that is put on the body and the mind. Essential oils are another natural treatment that may be added to the diet of sufferers of severe acne. These are just a few of the natural methods of treatment for cystic acne. No matter what method of treatment you decide to try you should always consult a professional, whether it is your dermatologist or an herbalist. Your doctor should be able to refer you to a board certified dermatologist if needed.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Skin Care Tips

  • Be Gentle, and keep your hands away from your skin.

  • Don’t use hot or cold water to wash your face. Instead use lukewarm water with a mild cleanser, and wash it twice a day. Regular soap should be avoided. Any other prducts with harsh chemicals need to be avoided too. Ask your doctor in case you need any advice on cleanser. After gently washing and rinsing your face, pad your face dry. Avoid scrubbing since it could open skin lesions that are breeding grounds for bacteria.

  • Although it is against your instincts, you must learn to keep your hands away from pimples and other lesions. Squeezing pimples is a bad idea, unless performed under sterile conditions by a doctor.

  • For the guys: Be careful while shaving. Though I believe that electric razors need to be used if you have acne, but each man knows what works for him, so run a test on yourself first. Be gentle not to open up existing lesions.

  • For the girls: When going through acne treatment , choose only oil-free cosmetics. Cosmetics are one of the minor roots of acne. Find out which cosmetics do not clog your pores. If you are using products claiming “designed not to clog pores”, watch out for the side effects.

  • Stay out of the sun: Learn to do without suntan for a while. Sun does not cure acne and the risks of sun exposureare unacceptable. Ultraviolet rays dry the oter layers of skin causing it to peel away. Acne will return, once you are away from the sun. You also become a candidate for skin cancer with prolonged exposure.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Cleansing Your Skin

Washing your face is something you’ve been doing all your life - but are you doing it correctly? Here are some hints on how to best cleanse your face:

Don’t Overdo It

You should wash your face NO MORE than three times per day. Over-washing can dry your skin. If acne is a problem, the drying will cause the skin to produce more sebum (oil) and can lead to worsening the condition.

Use Gentle Cleansers

Avoid using harsh cleansers on your face. Deodorant soaps contain strong chemicals that can leave a residue on your face. This residue can cause pores to become blocked, which can lead to blemishes. In addition, chemicals found in many bar soaps can be irritating. You might want to try a “complexion bar,” or other cleansers that are soap-free and mild to the skin.

Use Cleansers Sparingly

Even when using a mild cleanser, you should not use it full strength to cleanse your face. Instead, dilute it with approximately a palm full of water and then apply to your skin.

Rinse Thoroughly

Be sure to rinse your face thoroughly after cleansing. As mentioned previously, any residue left on the skin can clog pores and lead to blemishes. Rinse, rinse, and rinse again!

Avoid Alcohol

We’re not referring to wine here. No, indeed, we are referring to facial products that contain alcohol. Although it may feel refreshing, it is very irritating to the skin. Look for products that are alcohol free.

Be Aware of Your Skin Type

Facial cleansers are not “one size fits all.” Choose products that are compatible with your skin type. For oily skin, use products that salicylic acid or citric acid. For dry skin, buy products that contain ingredients such as glycerin or cocoa butter. Sensitive skin should be cleansed with products that are gentle and contain chamomile, aloe vera or almond oil.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is a process that removes dead skin cells. It is recommended that you not exfoliate more than two times per week. You may want to do it less often than that. Avoid exfoliates that are too abrasive.

Remember - be kind to your skin to look your very best.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Home Remedies For Beautiful Skin

Don’t own a lab coat? Not a Bunsen burner in sight? Never fear - you can still make your own beauty products using items in your refrigerator and cupboard. Not only are the following recipes for beauty inexpensive, they are pure and great for your skin.

Making your own skin care products is not only good for you it is good for the environment. There is no pollution resulting from the production of these homemade beauty treatments. In addition, there is no residual packaging to add to landfills or recycle. So, let’s go green and go beautiful!

Homemade Beauty Products:

    Set aside some “me” time. These wonderful homemade facials will be relaxing and make you feel pampered:

  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon of rose water with 1 teaspoon of honey. Apply to your face and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wash the mixture off with lukewarm water. This recipe will moisturize and will leave your skin feeling soothed. It is also gentle enough to be used every day.

  • Combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon yeast and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix together thoroughly and apply to the face. After 15 minutes, rinse off paste with warm water.

  • Mix together (with a fork) one egg, a tablespoon of honey and a heaping
    tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply to the skin sparingly, allow it to dry and use a warm washcloth to remove.

  • Combine 1 teaspoon of gram flour, 1/4 teaspoon orange peel powder, 1
    teaspoon beaten yogurt, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Mix ingredients well
    and apply to neck and face. Let the mixture dry and rinse with warm water followed by a cold water rinse.

Try these homemade cleansers for a delightful change of pace:

  • Mix together 1/4 teaspoon lime juice with one teaspoon each of cucumber juice and milk. Apply to face and neck. Wash off with warm water after 14 minutes.

  • Using honey, papaya, milk and milk powder, form a paste. Apply and wash off after a few minutes.

We can all use a refresher now and then. Try the following:

  • Place slices of cucumbers or fresh tomatoes on your eyes to refresh and
    reduce puffiness. Both can also be used by rubbing on your face and rinsing.

Really, you do not need to blow your savings just to have a beautiful skin. Next time you long for a facial open your fridge and treat yourself to an inexpensive, all natural, at home salon. Satisfaction guaranteed.




Sunday, May 25th, 2008

Skin Needs Vitamin Too

Your body isn’t the only thing that needs to be healthy; your skin has to be healthy, too. Some people may not be aware of this, but a lot of vitamins are essential and helpful in improving your skin’s health.

Let us start by discussing the Vitamin A. You have probably heard discussions about how good this vitamin, more specifically beta-carotene, is for the eyes, but aside from this, it is also good for the skin. Vitamin A is important in repairing and protecting the skin tissues. A lack or even a small drop in the required amount of this vitamin will immediately be manifested by the body, especially by the skin itself. Flakiness and drying of the complexion is a good example the signs of vitamin A deficiency. To avoid these consequences, it is best to take foods that are filled with vitamin A, such as fruits and vegetables.

Aside from food supplements, the external application of Vitamin A is also a plus. These supplements can be taken in the form of lotions and creams, which help control the fast growth of acne, wrinkles and unwanted facial lines. Aside from these important benefits, Vitamin A also helps us avoid psoriasis, the symptoms of which include the swelling and scaling of the skin. Retin-A, which is a derivative of Vitamin A, is used in the formulation of retinols. Retinol is an over the counter drug that is used as a treatment for aging. Topical retinol with Vitamin C is also found to reverse skin changes, which are caused by photoaging and chronological aging.

The next vitamin on our list is Vitamin B for Vitamin B Complex. The most important “B” to remember in Vitamin B complex is Biotin. This nutrient is responsible for the formation of the nails, hair, and skin cells. Biotin is found in various types of food such as eggs, rice, oatmeal, and bananas. Even the human body creates its own biotin.

However, the fact that our body produces it doesn’t mean that you should stop taking food and other supplements rich in Biotin and the entire vitamin B complex. A lack of this important nutrient may result in dermatitis or skin inflammation accompanied by itchiness and redness of the skin. Hair loss is also another symptom for vitamin B complex deficiency.

There are now available creams in the market which contain B vitamins. These creams help restore or bring radiance to the skin as it moisturizes skin cells and improve the entire body’ s skin tone. Aside from biotin, Niacin is another B vitamin which helps bring back moisture to the skin in almost less than a week. They work by relieving dry and chaffed skin. It also serves as a skin lightener which can clear up blotchy skin.

Vitamins C and E are also good for the skin. Individually, vitamin C helps protect the skin from skin cancer normally caused by very long and frequent exposures to the sun. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is responsible for the reduction of wrinkles and photo damage. A 400 mg dose of natural Vitamin E every day would help prevent this damage and enhance the skin’s texture. Together, these two vitamins work in reducing DNA damages in the skin cells. This fact made researchers come to the conclusion that antioxidants help defend the body’s skin cells from further DNA damage. The vitamins C and E also lessen damages brought about by free radicals, which are detrimental byproducts of pollution, smoke, and exposure to too much sunlight. These free radicals gorge down elastin and collagen fibers that are important to the structure of the skin.

There are formulated lotions, which include a combination of vitamins C and E to help restore lost vitamins and to make your skin healthier looking. Good sources of vitamin C include broccoli, bell peppers, citrus fruits, cauliflower, and other green leafy vegetables. There are also a lot of vitamin C supplements available as over the counter drugs, of which it is enough to take a 500 to 1,000mg tablet a day. For Vitamin E, nuts, olives, asparagus, vegetable oils, and spinach are good sources. Unfortunately, you cannot make your vitamin E supply and need to depend only on taking these foods. It can be supplemented by creams, lotions, and pills, of which the required amount is up to 400 units a day. An excessive intake of vitamin E may also be harmful.

Lastly, the skin also needs vitamin K. Vitamin K does not do much for the skin, but it has one major benefit. This benefit is manifested by the reduction of dark circles formed under the eyes and the appearance of bruises. It can also be combined with vitamin A to form a potent formula for lightening the circles under the eye.