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By theresa
If you suffer from acne, you are probably wondering if you can still use self-tanning products. During this time of year, many people desire a bronze look, and they use self-tanning products to achieve that. If you suffer from acne, you need to understand some things before you go running out and buying the latest self-tanner.
It may be true that the active ingredients in sunless tannes don’t cause acne. But what about all of the other ingredients. Some sunless tanners ccontain oil and other pore-clogging ingredients. If your skin is prone to acne, these should be avoided. It seems like a paradox though because it’s unsafe to tan the normal way. Even though a tan may temporarily cover the redness of acne, there’s no evidence that having tanned skin helps to clear up acne. People who tan in the sun or in tanning booths or beds run the risk of developing dry, irritated, or even burned skin.
If you suffer from severe acne, such as cysts or nodules, then you probably shouldn’t use a self-tanner at all. If you only get a few pimples from time to time, you can probably use light self-tanning products without increasing your acne breakouts.I looked through hundreds of forums and articles before going out today and purchasing my self tanner because I’m trying to stay away from the sun and people mostly had terrible things to say. They complained of acne and pore blockage etc.
The information on this topic is actually pretty conflicting. While so many people would like to think that self tanners are the cause of their acne it seems that doctors beg to differ. Self-tanners can contain pore-blocking oils, says New York City dermatologist Dennis Gross. To help, “check the label for words like hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic, and choose a light gel instead of a cream formula.”
Another doctor I read speaking on the topic said, “Self tanners themselves do not clog pores however they can be put into formulations that can clog pores,” explains Dr. Doris J. Day, a Manhattan dermatologist. “You should exfoliate before applying to make sure the skin is smooth and the product penetrates evenly, and look for products that say non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic on the label. This means they have been tested to not clog pores. Generally this would be gels, lotions, or wipes. “
There are definitely a few good sunless tanners out there for acne-prone skin. L-Oreal’s Sublime, Bath & Body Works sunless tanner and Sephora’s Glow Fusion have all been reported to work great on acne-prone skin.
If you’re ready to skip laying out but don’t want to give up glowing skin, self-tanners are a great bet. Self-tanners can darken skin for up to a week thanks to dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. If you were to look at commercials, magazine advertisements, and many high society people, you see toned and tanned bodies. However, all of this is merely portraying a false sense of health and beauty. In truth, tanning beds can be very dangerous, causing burns, suppression of immune systems, damage to the cornea, cosmetic and drug-induced photosensitivity, and a higher risk of developing melanoma cancer.
Another important thing to know if that you must exfoliate to get an even tan. It’s not just something people tell you to do– you absolutely MUST to get an even tan. Believe me I’ve been there you don’t want to wind up streaking. Let’s say you have a layer of dirt on your skin. Do you think self tanner will work well if you put it on over it? You’re right, it wouldn’t. On the day you plan to start using the self tanner, take a shower. While you’re in there, exfoliate one more time, it can’t hurt. Before you start, though, you want to be completely dry. So towel off and hang out for a while before using the self tanner.
By JeffreyRapaport_MD
When there is trauma or injury to the skin, it responds by scarring most of the time. There are commonly two types:
1. Pigmented
2. Fibrotic
In pigmented scars, the skin appears darker in colour due to damage on the superficial skin layers. In some skin types, the scars will appear red and later turn to a dark brown colour.
In fibrotic scars, there can be pits / holes in the skin or the skin can appear raised and bumpy.
What are the causes?
In most cases, scars are due to burns/injury/surgery or trauma.
Acne scars: These are one of the commonest scars on facial skin. They appear as pits or small holes on the skin. Sometimes, they can be deeper and appear to be wavelike.
Pigmented scars: These commonly follows minor trauma/sun burn/ abrasion. The area appears dark in colour.
Hypertrophic scars: These are raised and red scars that appear as bumps. It mainly occurs in areas of irritation.
Keloid scars: These are caused by an aggressive healing process of the skin.
Contracture scars: Occur post-burns. There is tightening of skin in the injured area.
What is the treatment?
The treatment basically depends on the type of scar.
Chemical Peeling: This helps in the case of superficial pigmented scars and takes six to 10 sessions. The peels are a combination of alpha hydroxy acids and TCA.
Fractional Lasers: New laser technologies have very less downtime and are a boon to treating scars. It takes six to eight sessions every three to four weeks. The result varies between 70 and 80 per cent depending on the scar.
Ablative Lasers: This procedure is barely used due to the long recovery period and is not suitable for Indian skin.
Injections: Steroid injections are used for treating hypertrophic and keloidal scars.
Surgery: Plastic and reconstructive surgery is required for contracture scars.
Preventive steps
Acne scars can be avoided bypicking on the scars and by avoiding forced clean up of the pimples by extraction.
The best way to remove this is by undergoing chemical peels under a dermatologist’s supervision.
Acne scars are the easiest to avoid. People prone to keloids and
hypertrophic scars should be cautious about abrasive procedures.
What does the doctor say?
Acne scarring can be treated with the latest techniques. In the last two years, there have been many advances in laser technology available for Indian skin which now makes it possible to treat scars safely and effectively. Facial scars can be removed and so one should get it treated at the earliest.
Dr. Jeffrey Rapaport, MD is a NJ based cosmetic dermatologist. His practices focuses on acne prevention and acne scar reconstruction. He pioneered Multi life Scar Reconstruction surgery. He can be reached at the CosmeticSkin.com or by calling (201) 227-1555
By Angela
If you’ve browsed the shelves of a beauty store lately you know how complicated picking out a good cleanser can be. There are literally dozens of products available on the market in all sorts of price ranges, types, and all promising their own unique acne fighting ability. Picking out a new cleanser can be more then a little daunting, but the ten tips below should help you find the best one for you skin.
1. Determine a price point. Beauty products vary all over the pricing scale, from the down right cheap to the expensive. Before looking at any products, determine how much you are willing to spend.
2. Narrow the search down to a few brands. Most of us have certain brand names we just like more then others. If this is the case, this part is already done for you. If not, try reading a few reviews on the internet of the major brands before heading out to the stores.
3. Find a cleanser made for your skin type. Possibly the most important step, finding a cleanser that is made for your unique skin type is crucial in having the best skin care regimen. If your skin is oily, dry or combination, you should be able to find a product suited to your needs.
4. Make sure you are not allergic to the product. If you have any allergies, check the back of the label and make sure it is not listed in the ingredients. This is especially true of organic products.
5. Find a cleanser that treats your skincare problems. Facial products, especially cleansers have gotten very specific over recent years. If you have a skincare problem, such as acne, find a cleanser that contains fighting ingredients.
6. Make sure the cleanser does not contain oil. It should go without saying, but some cleansers are still comedenic, meaning they can break you out. Make sure the product says oil free or non-comedenic somewhere on the bottle.
7. Make sure you like the feel and smell of the product. This can be difficult, especially if you are shopping on the internet, but it is important to test out the smell and consistency of the product if you can. Chances are, if you don’t like the way the product smells or feels you’ll be back at the store buying a new one in no time.
8. If you are looking for an organic product, make sure the bottle has an organic seal. Sadly, several products listed as organic are not actually in fact organic. If this is a concern to you, make sure the official organic seal is marked on the product before you buy it.
9. If you have sensitive skin, look for a gentle product. Nothing can cause more headaches to people with sensitive skin then facial cleansers. They can be drying to your face and even cause rash like reactions. Make sure the product you are looking at caters to sensitive skin.
10. Buy the trial size. Several brands, especially higher end and specialty brands, offer trial sizes of their products. If you’ve never used the product before, this may be your best bet. It typically takes three weeks to determine if a new skincare product will work for you, so make sure you purchase enough to last that long.
By Angela
Cafrine @ Flickr
No one ever wants to deal with a pimple, but some times they just seem worse then others. Maybe you have a big night coming up or a presentation at work and you just want to get that pimple gone as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there isn’t an instant cure for any pimple, but there are ways to make them seem less noticeable.
One of the easiest ways to make a pimple less noticeable is to use concealer. If you wear make up, concealer can be a great cover all tool as long as the product is non-comedenic. If you can, purchase a green tinted concealer as the green coloring cancels out the redness of the pimple. Be sure to apply the green tinted concealer underneath your foundation to keep the green coloring from showing on your face.
If you don’t wear make up, ice may be your next best bet. Try applying an ice cube directly to the pimple, leaving the ice cube on your face for ten minutes. The ice will work to reduce the swelling in the pimple and make it appear smaller overall. The level of swelling should stay down for several hours.
You can also try used tea bags. Tea has long since been known to reduce swelling, however, it will also reduce some of the redness in the pimple and surrounding area. To use this method, make a cup of tea and drain the remaining juice from the tea bag. Apply the warm tea bag directly to the pimple and leave for ten to fifteen minutes. After you remove the bag, the pimple should be noticeably reduced.
While there is no way to make a pimple just disappear, you can make it less noticeable in an emergency. For the best results, apply the tea or ice before applying the concealer. This two pronged method will last the longest and keep your face noticeably free.
By theresa
Tyra Banks recently spoke out about her experience with an acne treatment gone awry. It seems that no matter how much money skin treatments cost it really had more to do with what the products are comprised of than how much they are as Tyra unfortunately learned the way most of us do, by looking in the mirror. Those same “acne fighting” “anti aging” creams that costs hundreds of dollars may cost you your confidence if not tested beforehand on a little patch of skin. Sorry Tyra, looks like you had to learn the hard way but thanks to your story we wont have to!
Moisturizers are bland, oily substances that are applied to the skin by rubbing. They are used to replace natural skin oils to cover tiny fissures in the skin, and to provide a soothing protective film. By doing this, they slow evaporation of the skin’s moisture, thereby improving the appearance and feel of dry and aging skin. One question is always commonly asked. If somebody has very oily skin, should they be using any type of moisturizers or lotions. If your skin is already oily, it’s already not dry enough to be using moisturizers and lotion. These products will make your face appear to be even more oily. You will want to avoid moisturizers and lotions unless you use and acne pads and they start to dry your face out to the point where it’s dry instead of oily. If you notice there is too much oil on your face you will want to wash your face off with something that remove the oil. Soap is not necessarily the best thing to use.
Getting the right moisturizer can make all the difference for an acne-prone complexion. First and foremost, make sure any moisturizer you buy is oil-free. A moisturizer with an oil base will indeed cause acne problems. However, there are more moisturizers on the market without oil than there are with oil. Moisturizers with a gel base or moisturizers containing salicylic acid are great moisturizers for acne-prone complexions. A moisturizer that states it will help prevent acne breakouts is usually a great choice. Don’t go overboard. Drying out oily skin with harsh products will not stop your oil, and will only add the problems of surface dryness, flaking, and skin irritation to the mix. Some tightness is normal after using cleansers that are effective enough for oily skin, but don’t use a cleanser or toner that leaves skin feeling parched.
Tyra Banks spoke about spending $200 on a face cream and ended up breaking out in droves. The ‘America’s Next Top Model’ host - who prides herself on her bargain hunting and calls herself “the queen of cheap” - regretted spending the extra money after her skin erupted after reacting to the beauty product. She revealed on the ‘Tyra Banks Show’: “I bought this $200 face cream and I had to stop using it because it broke me out. I had pimples on top of pimples. The kind of pimples that feel like there is poison underneath your skin. The kind of pimples that feel alive! I guess I’ve learned my lesson - stick to the cheap face cream I’ve been using for more than 10 years. There is no magic in a bottle.”
If you have mild acne, adult acne toners can really make a difference in how soon your acne clears up. If you have persistent or severe acne, adult acne toners should still be part of your acne treatment regime. The only difference here is that your acne treatment regime is usually a multi-step process which includes cleansing, toning and applying medication. Regardless of the severity of your acne, you want to make sure that you cleanse your skin prior to using an adult acne toner. The process of cleansing is to remove dirt and oils from the surface of your skin.
Then post toner or Alcohol you can go ahead and use an oil free moisturizer. Maybe Tyra should have thought of picking up some Cetiphil at Rite Aid before she waster $200 on some silly skin care con. It’s not about price when it comes to acne it’s about using mild gentle products that don’t over do it. Sorry Tyra you are no longer on the road toward becoming America’s next top model.
By theresa
Acne isn’t the easiest problem to treat. We all know this from the countless alterations we’ve been forced to make to our lives to fight this horrible issue tooth and nail. But it’s even harder for those of us who play sports. Those pimply faced football players didn’t just have an acne issue they had what is known as Acne Mechanica, a form of acne caused or aggravated by heat, covered skin, constant pressure and repetitive friction against the skin.
In young people, especially, acne mechanica may be due to physical skin trauma causing a flare of pre-existing, nearly invisible “sandpaper acne.” Small, undeveloped “sandpaper acne” lesions—microcomedones—of the forehead and chin may be visually inapparent but perceptible to the touch as roughness of the skin. Sandpaper acne of the forehead and chin is readily traumatized by sports helmets and straps, and by tight headbands. Young people with a predisposition for acne of the shoulders, back and buttocks are especially at risk for acne mechanica caused by shoulder padding, equipment straps and tight uniforms or clothing. Acne mechanica is usually not associated with skin conditions other than “sandpaper acne”. Heat, pressure, occlusion of the skin and friction may be all that is needed to induce an outbreak of acne mechanica.
Those who are at risk for developing acne mechanica include: athletes who wear padded equipment during the course of their activities; people who wear tight uniforms made of synthetic material; soldiers who carry a lot of heavy weaponry and equipment; and those who wear helmets such as motorcycle riders and football players.
Some other examples of pressure are- soldiers carrying heavy loads on the back, people carrying backpacks, athletes wearing a tight headband, women wearing bras with tight straps etc. Any such instance when the skin is tightly covered with cloth and pressurized makes it vulnerable. For example- people who wear very tight clothes made of synthetic material may get it. Not everybody gets acne mechanica. Those who have a tendency to develop body acne may get it. Those with very small comedones may get it. When these small comedones are subjected to mechanical pressure and friction, they may flare up. Comedones are whiteheads and blackheads.
Another group of people at risk are musicians who tuck musical instruments around their necks for long period of time. These include violin players who tuck violin against their neck when playing which usually causes acne below their ear. I had a friend in high school who constantly dealt with this as a classical violinist.
Acne mechanica does not occur during any particular age and is also not associated with any type of skin condition or disorder besides sand paper acne. Acne mechanica only affects when the skin becomes vulnerable due to extra pressure, heat or tightening or when the body have the tendency of developing body acne. It also occurs when the already present small blackheads and white heads suffer through extra amount of mechanical pressure and friction. Acne Mechanica affects different parts of the body such as face, shoulders, neck, back, under arms or thighs.
Acne mechanica can be prevented by most of the people. Professionals, who cannot avoid such skin pressure, must take care of the skin immediately after getting free of their professional duties. Acne mechanica can cause skin scars. Protect yourself from it.
My friend who played classical violin wound up using a drying cleanser on the area and getting benzoyl peroxide from a dermatologist to treat his on the spot acne. It’s funny because he always had clear and perfect skin but something about the friction, heat and oil combined seemed to make the acne flare near his chin and ears. It probably had something to do with the intense practice sessions in the summer and a lack of knowledge about this type of acne that effects so many people who are probably mistaking it for something hormonal and going on Accutane etc. The important thing is to be aware that it exists and do your best working hand in hand with a doctor to combat the problem. My friend now is back to normal and still playing in an orchestra. Could be that his skin eventually adjusted but I think it has something to do with the extra attention to the area.
By theresa
I love oatmeal and I eat it practically every morning for breakfast. But the cool thing about it is not only is it great for you but it’s great for your skin too But the thing I didn’t know was that it makes a great face mask and scrub as well! As for measles and other skin irritations, people have used oatmeal to conquer acne. Apply some cooled, cooked oatmeal to the whole face for fifteen minutes, then wash off. Oatmeal is an astringent and seems to draw oil and impurities out of the skin, keeping it clean and blemish-free. This method may take a week or two, but should have good results. The use of oatmeal masks and oatmeal-based products to treat acne has become popular in recent years. You can use colloidal oatmeal, which is simply rolled oats that have been milled into a fine powder, as a facial scrub. Or, you can cook up some oatmeal and apply it directly to your face.
It’s a great exfoliant for your skin and we all know how important it is to wash away those dead skin cells and impurities to stop our pores getting clogged. It’s great for sensitive skin because its effective enough as a natural exfoliant but it’s not too harsh that it will damage or aggravate your skin. This is good news for those with sensitive skin because it doesn’t take a lot for a break out to occur.
The edible grains of a widely grown cereal grass, oats (avena sativa) appear in many beauty products. People appreciate their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties. Come to think of it, that’s another childhood memory. When I got the chicken pox my mom popped me into an oatmeal and baking soda bath to relieve the itching. Oats are also highly absorptive, hypoallergenic, and help to soften skin.
They have the best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains (amino acids work as water-binding agents in skin care products). Oats have also been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin. Oat grains and straw appear in shampoos, dusting powders, moisturizers, and cleansing bars and that’s just the start of a list.
Oatmeal is a good home remedies for acne because oatmeal is an astringent which helps to draw out oil and impurities from the pores and keep your skin clean and blemish free. As well as being an effective exfoliant, oatmeal can also be combined with other natural products to make your very own acne clearing face mask.
Oatmeal, when used as a skin cleanser, actually absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while providing very gentle exfoliation, leaving skin smooth, soft, and clean, without soap. As a facial mask, oatmeal deep cleanses pores without irritating and drying out skin. And as a facial scrub, oatmeal gently but effectively removes dead skin cells, to reveal softer, smoother looking skin. In addition, cleansing and exfoliating with oatmeal provides the bonus of a natural, healthy glow.
Eating Oatmeal is also cancer fighting. So you can divide half for your skin and half for breakfast! Here is some info on the health benefits of oatmeal.
According to the American Cancer Society:
1. Insoluble fiber’s cancer-fighting properties are due to the fact that it attacks certain bile acids, reducing their toxicity.
2. Soluble fiber may reduce LDL cholesterol without lowering HDL cholesterol. LDL is bad; HDL is good.
3. Soluble fiber slows down the digestion of starch. This may be beneficial to diabetics because, when you slow down the digestion of starch, you avoid the sharp rises in your blood sugar level that usually occur following a meal.
4. It has been found that those who eat more oats are less likely to develop heart disease, a disease that is currently widespread in the United States.
5. The phytochemicals in oat may also have cancer-fighting properties.
6. Oats are a good source of many nutrients including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein.
By theresa
I never quite knew what the deal was with using moisturizer and having super oily skin. The truth is that any little thing I put on my face causes a break out. I was jealous of people around me using toners and other skin care products because any minor topical cream or treatment and my skin would erupt like a volcano. So I decided today to do a little research on the pros and cons of moisturizer. Those with combination skin must be dealing with a constant struggle. I could only imagine. But regardless I figured a little knowledge on the subject couldn’t hurt even if I wind up never using moisturizer again.
Your skin is oily so you use a product to get rid of the oil, then your skin becomes tight and dry so you use a product to moisturize, which often causes the oiliness to return. But there is a way to stop this cycle and achieve healthy, balanced skin. The key is using the right products to help your skin maintain the ideal amount of oil in the skin.Moisturizer is something we use to hold the skins own water content in place, and add to it. For oily skin, the best choices for that are a gel or a lotion. Creams usually add to much of a good thing to oily skin, and weigh it down. You want hydration, not lubrication.
Oil (sebum) is produced by sebaceous glands. Normal sebum production performs the important job of lubricating your skin. Sebum also carries with it dead skin cells shedding from your hair follicle walls. The amount of sebum an individual generates is determined by genetics (and often increases during adolescence). While excess sebum is not directly responsible for acne, it can contribute to clogged pores.
It may seem strange but everyone needs to moisturize (even people with oily skin). This isn’t to add moisture as such, but to help the skin retain moisture. A good moisturizer, suited to your skin type, will help your skin retain water and protect it from the damaging effects of pollution and the sun. If you use a topical acne medication, apply the moisturizer after applying the acne medication. If your skin still feels dry or stings, try applying the moisturizer before applying the acne medication.
When it comes to oily skin you will want to wash your face at least twice per day. You want to use some type of facial cream that will remove the oil from your face. You do not want to put anything on your face which will make it produce more oil or make it look worse. You will to use some type of acne pads with alcohol. The alcohol will dry out your skin and stop it from being as greasy or oily. You will want to use these in the morning and at night.
For some reason though I really don’t see the point in applying alcohol to then apply moisturizer. It seems like it doesn’t make much sense to dry your skin out before moisturizer. Getting the right moisturizer can make all the difference for an acne-prone complexion. First and foremost, make sure any moisturizer you buy is oil-free. A moisturizer with an oil base will indeed cause acne problems. However, there are more moisturizers on the market without oil than there are with oil. Moisturizers with a gel base or moisturizers containing salicylic acid are great moisturizers for acne-prone complexions. A moisturizer that states it will help prevent acne breakouts is usually a great choice. Even if you have oily skin, you can still benefit from the use of a daily moisturizer. And, no, moisturizers don’t have to leave your skin feeling greasy and looking shiny. The trick is in finding the right product. I’m still on the fence about the whole thing really but I guess I’ll give this hydration idea a try and see if my acne improves. I’ll keep you posted!
By Angela
The Happy Robot @ Flickr
Facial scrubs and exfoliates can be an excellent tool in the battle against acne. They work to remove dead skin cells and debris that can clog your pores, but is your facial scrub doing damage to your skin?
Typically, exfoliates are made from crushed nuts or seeds that are ground into a thin paste. The compound can be rough on the skin, especially if you have a sensitive face. If the face scrub is not carefully applied, it can cause tiny cuts and tears in your skin. The scrub can also irritate current acne, causing it to rupture and spread, which can potentially create new acne.
However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage done by an exfoliate, especially if you have sensitive skin. For starters, be as gentle as possible when applying the facial scrub to your skin. Often, people will use more force then necessary when rubbing the scrub on to their face. To reduce the risk of damage, use light circular motions and limit the time the scrub is on your face to less then one minute.
If you have very sensitive skin you may want to consider switching to an exfoliate made from synthetic fibers, such as micro-beads. Face scrubs made from produced materials rather then nuts or seeds are gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of damaging both the facial tissue as well as any current acne break out. You can purchase a facial scrub made from micro-beads at any drugstore. Several brands also contain ingredients proven to fight acne such as Saylic Acid.
While there is a possibility of damage to your skin using an exfoliate, facial scrubs are still a great option for even the most sensitive skin as they do work to remove the dirt and debris that could be causing your acne. As long as you take proper steps to ensure you are not creating the damage yourself while using the exfoliate it can safely be applied one to three times a week.
By Angela
Blackheads are simply clogged pores that take on a look of a plug. They’re very dark in color and most often appear on the nose and forehead region of your face. They’re fairly common and easy to diagnose. Unfortunately, they are often difficult to remove. If you’re struggling with blackheads try some of the tips below.
1. Use a gentle exfoliate on the blackhead and surrounding areas. Sometimes what may appear to be a tricky blackhead may only be a small clog in your pores. Exfoliating may help to remove the clog and give you a clean pore.
2. Apply a warm compress to the area containing the blackhead. Since blackheads are pretty tightly clogged pores, it may help to soften them up. Apply a warm, moist towel to your face and leave it for ten to fifteen minutes. After, try exfoliating again.
3. Try a specific blackhead removal cream or lotion. A few companies make over the counter removal creams for blackheads. If you haven’t been able to remove them on your own, these may help.
4. Try pore strips. Pore strips are much like tape for your skin. You apply the strip on the effected area and gently remove. As the strip comes loose it will take debris and oil with it. Use pore strips with caution, some people have experienced minor aggravation to their skin after using these.
5. Do not squeeze, poke, or pick at the blackhead. Performing “surgery” on the effected area may only make matters worse. Resist the urge to pick and prod at the blackheads.
Blackheads are a fairly common skin condition. As with most skin woes prevention is better then a cure. Typically, blackheads form from oily skin. Try to beat them before they form by using a cleanser and lotion designed for oily or combination skin.
