Pimples can be hard to get rid of, and the products we use to get rid of them are made of chemicals, which obviously aren’t good for your skin. Salt is a common ingredient found at every home. Rich or poor, the only thing which is consumed by everyone in equal is common salt. Little must you know that apart from giving taste to the food and make it worth eating it has various medicinal properties as well. It is very effective in treating acne and pimples. Since it is a spice you may feel little inflammation but it will help you get rid of that acne. Epsom salts has many uses, as an all body exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and promote circulation, as a foot soaking agent to smooth, relax and refreshes your feet and neutralize odors, and as a facial exfoliate. For starters you need to wash your face with an effective face wash. Once the skin is clean apply Epson salt to reduce the swelling and irritation. Dissolve a half of a cup of Epsom salt in boiling water and allow it to cool. Then soak a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply the cloth to your skin. Allow the cloth to rest on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse the skin thoroughly with lukewarm mater. Pat your skin dry and then apply a soothing lotion that contains tea tree oil or aloe vera. Epsom salts are named for the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England, where they were known at least as far back as Shakespeare’s day. When bathing, the magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is absorbed through the skin and is an inexpensive and natural way to reduce stress, treat skin problems, and draw toxins from the body. Always keep at least two half-gallon containers of Epsom Salts in the house. They’re only a couple of dollars each, and they’re great to pour in the tub when our muscles ache. Or use the stuff the way the great spas do — for exfoliation. On days when you are not looking to do a skin treatment but want an easy and effective way to exfoliate Mix a half-teaspoon of Epsom Salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water. The Epsom Salt Council suggests the following alternatives. Mix together two cups of Epsom Salt and ¼ cup of petroleum jelly. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil for a pleasant fragrance. Apply the mixture to gently scrub away old cells and encourage a healthier-looking complexion. Or miix ½ teaspoon of Epsom Salt into a deep cleansing cream so you can reap the benefits of this mineral deep inside your skin. Massage the mixture onto your skin and then rinse with cool water. Pat dry. Or if you are interested in a relaxing bath mix two cups of Epsom Salt with a few drops of a delightful fragrance to create a custom bath crystal. To dress up your bath crystals, add a few drops of food coloring or ½ teaspoon of glycerin. Store the crystals in an airtight container. Epsom salt has wonderful properties and uses that are beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. In addition, the cost of a box of Epsom salts is so minimal compared to all the fancy packaged skin care products, that you can indulge yourself as much as you like. For those people that suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, you should consult your doctor prior to using an Epsom salt bath.

Have you noticed acne on one side of your face, particularly by your jaw line? Did you know this is because of your cell phone? In today’s face paced world, our lives essentially revolve around our cell phone. It is even hard to believe that about a decade ago you could survive without them. But little did you know that, having your cell phone glued to your ear all day can cause clogged pores that cause skin irritation and even worse, acne. This germ-generating machine is constantly hosting natural oils from your face and makeup and other goop and grime.
Everyone has their moments the pimples could be from your cell phone. Your hands touch escalator handles, bathroom doors, elevator buttons, and subway polls and all those germs are transferred to your cell phone every time you call or text and think of how many times you do that! You may want to start scrubbing your phone with astringent. This is something I do every once in a while to prevent big, bad pimples from forming on the part of my face that touches my phone.
According to microbiologists from England’s Manchester Metropolitan University, your cell phone is home to more bacteria than your toilet seat — bacteria that can cause very serious illnesses such as pneumonia and meningitis. In most cases, though, it is acne.
Whether you talk on a cell phone or a telephone located in your home, there is a good chance that you put your hair or face against it. What this ultimately means is that your phone is being exposed to the oils from your face and skin. The next time that you use your phone, even though you may have just washed it, the oils will be put back into your skin. If your face or hair is incredibly oily when you talk on the phone, then it is likely that you will put a lot of oils back into your skin or hair when you talk on the phone next.
To clean you phone Dampen a cloth or soft, lint free paper towel, with rubbing alcohol. The less lint the cloth you are cleaning with, the less will stick on your face when talking on it. Pour an ounce or two of alcohol into a small dish, bowl or cup. Get a cotton swab and dip it into the alcohol. Let it drip off the excess. Wipe along the cell phone, cleaning the spaces that the cloth wouldn’t get to. In between the numbers. This is really one of the more effective techniques in my opinion.
TheKansasCityChannel.com, a subsidiary of ABC, has recently reported findings that there are literally, “tens of thousands of bacteria live on each square inch of a phone, including Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), which can cause pimples or boils, and even pneumonia and meningitis.” According to the report, cell phone handsets are more contaminated than shoes, door knobs and toilets. When you stop and think about the places your phone goes, besides residing in your pocket, purse or briefcase, you can begin to understand the depth of this issue. How many times have you dropped your cell phone? Any accidental drops in the toilet? Gross, I know, but it happens more often than people want to admit. Do you ever set your cell phone on t e counter tops in public bathrooms or on top of restaurant tables? The most disturbing fact of all is that the really harmful germs aren’t even considered.

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.

There is no suggestion that someone leading an organic lifestyle is going to be more or less susceptible to acne than anyone else. It is believed though, that the organic lifestyle is generally more healthy and the diet more balanced which, at the very least, can help maintain a healthy skin.

Acne is a bacterial infection of the skin caused primarily by a single bacteria, but sometimes more than one. It causes several types of skin lesions which cause embarassment at the least, and at their worst, severe scarring. Many people affected by acne tend to fear the side effects of the harsh chemicals often used in acne skin care products. These chemicals include tretinoin and salicylic acid, and have to potential to leave skin dry and irritated. Herbal acne cures may be a better choice for these people.

You can make your own herbal acne cures to cure pimples. What you need to do is to mix one tablespoon of groundnut oil with one tablespoon of lime juice. Then after washing your face gently and thoroughly, you can dab a little paste on each pimple. It is also possible to create a skin-penetrating-and-cleaning natural facial treatment from everyday household components. Combine yogurt and oatmeal until well blended and put it on as you would any store-bought mask. As with any mask, allow it to dry and then remove it with warm water and pat it dry with a towel. A mixture of honey and cinnamon will also suffice. These home-made remedies promote healing of skin tissue by acting as antiseptics and reducing inflammation.

Tremendously embarrassing and burdensome problem. It is easy to feel that you don’t have control over your breakouts. But the fact is, you do. Now, your first response may be to assume that I’m going to recommend you see your dermatologist. Well, think again. Natural remedies can be just as effective and medications. Possibly more powerful. Sometimes, all your body needs is the right nutritional balance and proper skin care.

Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera, Zinc, and Vitamin A are some natural products that have been used with some success to cure Acne. A word of caution about ‘natural’ skin care items. They often contain certain chemicals for preservation purposes. Some of these may not be advisable for you if you’re pregnant or have certain special health considerations. As mentioned, it is best to consult with your doctor before embarking on any therapy. The most important thing to do if you suffer from Acne is to drink at least four pints of water every day. Drinking a lot of water is very beneficial to your skin. Including fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables in your daily diet will also bring about a marked improvement in the quality of your complexion.

Wrong eating habits can be the root cause for all types of acne. Irregular hours of eating, excessive starch consumption, too much of sugar, fried and fatty foods are also common causes of acne. Chronic constipation is another cause of acne vulgaris. If the bowels do not move properly, the waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the bloodstream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste result in acne and other forms of skin diseases.

Acne affects a lots of people at some stage in their life. Aside from scarring its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne should not be ignored and should be treated with great care to ensure a healthy life. Keep in mind that treatment results are varies on different people, one kind of treatment may worked for a person but it might not work for you.

To take this leap of faith and go with a natural cure for acne is going to take discipline. This is because you must set out a pattern of treatment. You must stick completely to the instructions given with the product. If you do not then there will be a lapse in treatment and you will have to start the process all over again. The motivation that will keep you on the right path is to think of being acne free. To think of going out and not be embarrassed when you are meeting someone new. To wake up in the morning and see a spot free face in the mirror. To be able to shave and not tear your face with every stroke of the razor. These are just a few of the benefits you will reap once you start using natural acne cure remedy.

Scalp acne as the name suggests is not only limited to the scalp, it can occur in any place where hair follicles are present i.e. face, armpit, legs and alike. Scalp acne’s real name is “scalp folliculitis”. It is important to start an appropriate acne treatment for scalp timely so that the situation does not get worsened.

Scalp acne is acne that shows up on the scalp and near the hairline. People who have excessively oily hair are more prone to this type of acne. The severity of scalp acne ranges from mild, barely-noticeable cases to severe instances that need intensive medical treatment. Scalp pimples or scalp acne are not always the same as garden-variety skin pimples. The scalp is, of course, skin, but scalp pimples usually involve the hair follicles, which get inflamed. The disorder can vary in nature and comes under various scientific names, but basically they all result in small, itchy pustules that are usually first noticed while combing or brushing of hair. Such pimples get infected in no time at all and become a major problem.

The cause of scalp pimples is not clear. In certain cases, micro-organisms such as yeast, mites and the dreaded staph bacterium that often thrive in the uniquely suitable host environment of the scalp can lead to scalp pimples. In such cases, treatment with topical antibiotics such as clindamycin or erythromycin solutions or oral tetracycline may be necessary. In more severe infestations, even steroids may be needed. In milder cases, simple but unrelenting scalp hygiene can resolve the problem.

Some people have many pustules on the hairline and some have few depending on the skin type. Some topical antibiotics used include clindamycin and erythromycin which can sometimes lead to dryness of the skin.

Severe forms of scalp acne must be treated only under dermatologist surveillance. People with nodules or cysts should also be treated by a dermatologist. Severe cases that continue to reoccur may need to be treated by performing laser removal on the infected follicle or follicles. Severe Forms of this form of acne are rare, but they are a great hardship to the people who experience them, and can be disfiguring–and, like all forms of acne, can have psychological effects on the sufferer.

Mild forms of scalp acne can be treated the way most other acne is treated. Keep the affected area clean by using a product that contains salicylic acid. Remember though that these products can cause excessive dryness so use only on affected areas. For better control, apply using a cotton wool or ball.

Since oily hair is a contributing factor to scalp acne, it is imperative to use shampoo that’s formulated for oily hair. Hair care products designed specially to treat seborrhea have also been used with reasonable success. And since many people use more than just shampoo on their hair, it’s a good idea to check the labels on all hair care products and make changes as necessary.Some people have many pustules on the hairline and some have few depending on the skin type. Some topical antibiotics used include clindamycin and erythromycin which can sometimes lead to dryness of the skin.

Severe forms of scalp acne must be treated only under dermatologist surveillance. People with nodules or cysts should also be treated by a dermatologist. Severe cases that continue to reoccur may need to be treated by performing laser removal on the infected follicle or follicles. Severe Forms of this form of acne are rare, but they are a great hardship to the people who experience them, and can be disfiguring–and, like all forms of acne, can have psychological effects on the sufferer.

Consider adding a topical application to the your daily cleansing routine. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide ointments, creams, astringents and gels can be applied directly to the acne for a speedier healing process. Consider products that are less likely to make your hair appear greasy. You will also want to use astringents sparingly to avoid over drying. If the scalp acne remedies dry the scalp, the oil glands kick into over drive and the acne will persist.

The reasons of acne on chin in women are same as acne on other parts. But, it specially occurs before their menstrual cycle. So the main reason of occurrence is hormonal problem and other reasons are excessive toxin in body, stress or irregularity in diet.

There are many treatments, medication and acne solutions available in market to cure the problem of acne on chin in women. Along with them there are many laser treatments, natural treatments and home remedies available that can help women get rid of acne on chin easily.

Accutane is an effective treatment for chin acne in women. But, it is advised to use it carefully. Pregnant women and diabetics should avoid using it. A regular intake of this medicine can cure acne.

Jeffrey Rapaport, MD, FAAD is a skin specialist and his medical practice focuses primarily on Acne prevention and Acne Scar Repair and Restoration surgery. His practice is located in NJ and his website is at www.cosmeticskin.com. He can be contacted for a free consultation at (201) 227-1555

ToastyKen @ Flickr

Recently, I have been battling a rather nasty round of acne break outs around my mouth and chin. I tried everything I could think of to clear up the break outs. I changed my face wash, swapped out my pillow cases and laundry detergent, stopped wearing lipstick all together, and many other typical methods of putting the stop to a persistent acne break out. The acne would decrease for awhile and then come back after a few days. Finally, I did some research to see what else could be causing the acne in just this one spot.

According to my findings, that toothpaste your mother told you to put on your pimple as a teenager may actually be to blame. The ingredients in toothpaste, especially certain kinds, can contain fluoride as well as a whole host of other chemicals and scents. When these chemicals get on your skin they can irritate it, or simply clog your pores, causing an acne break out.

While I wasn’t applying the toothpaste directly to the break out, research says that toothpaste can come in contact with your skin while you are brushing, especially around the lip areas (exactly where I was having my break out.) The best way to combat this? Always brush your teeth before washing your face. This will ensure you are removing any trace of toothpaste that may have gotten on to your skin.

So, another acne myth bites the dust. Toothpaste is not, in fact, a good acne spot treatment. However, there are plenty of excellent acne treatments available for purchase that will work wonders on your skin.

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

1. Sandalwood is very effective in treating acne scars. Mix it with some rosewater and apply it to the scars. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.

2. Rub ice cubes on the face to tighten the pores.

3. Cut a tomato in half and rub it on your skin.

4. Use cucumber juice as a toner.

5. Raw garlic is a very effective acne blemish treatment.

6. Take turmeric internally or make it into a paste and apply it to the skin.

7. Sage and Aloe Vera have healing properties. Apply Aloe Vera directly to the skin. Seep sage in hot water, cool and then apply.

8. Apple cider vinegar is good for clearing up spots. Use in place of a toner.

Maya Stein is an accomplished author. She typically writes on women’s health and related issues. She can be reached at maya@hotmail.com

Serena @ Flickr

Your hair, even when it is freshly cleaned and dry, contains a load of natural oils. While these oils may be great for your hair, they aren’t necessarily beneficial to your skin. In fact, if they come in repeat contact with your face, they may be adding to the oil already on your skin, and increasing breakouts. Also, if you are like me, you use a product or two on your hair. Hair products aren’t made the same as products for your face and skin, they are often comedenic and include several oils. If these products are in your hair, and your hair touches your skin, these products will transfer over to your face.

So how can you tell if your hair is to blame? The easiest way is to track where your break outs typically occur. If you notice a lot of break outs along your forehead, or down the sides of your face, there is a chance your hair may be to blame. However, even if your break outs aren’t centralized to any one area, that doesn’t mean you can rule your hair out entirely. Often when we sleep, our hair gets mashed in to parts of our face for several hours at a time and may cause acne.

If you think your hair may be an acne culprit there are a couple of things you can do to reduce the chance of acne. First, try and keep your hair as clean as possible and reduce the number of products that you use. Clean hair will be less likely to cause acne. Second, try to wear your hair off your face. This may not be possible all the time and for every hair style, but reducing the time your hair spends on your face, especially at night, will reduce the chances of acne occurring overall.