By Angela
A few brands have made quiet a name for them selves in the world of acne. Most people think of brands such as Clearasil, Stri-Dex, Oxy, and Persa-Gel when they think of acne. These brands control the top of the market food chain, but are they as good as their advertisements would have you believe?
We’ve picked a product from each of the four most popular brands for our review. Most of these brands make dozens of products tailored for every skin type and condition, but each of the products below hold a certain claim to fame for the manufacture in terms of sales and popularity.
Clearasil Adult Care. This is one of the few products on the market specifically tailored for adult acne. The product’s main ingredient is Sulphur. Sulphur has a drying ability on acne and can speed healing time.
The Good. Clearasil Adult Care actually had a pleasant smell, which is not all that common in products with Sulphur. We also found it less drying on the skin then other products. Overall, it did it’s job as a spot treatment. After prolonged use, we did notice a decrease in the size of our current acne.
The Bad. Clearasil Adult Care is only available in a tinted cream, meaning there is some color that will remain on your face after the product is absorbed. If you have fair skin, the color does not match well and can be obvious on your skin.
Stri-dex Triple Action Pads with Salicylic Acid. This product contains Saylic Acid and is used as an after cleansing acne treatment. Saylic Acid works to exfoliate the skin and reduce bacteria.
The Good. Stri-dex Triple Action Pads have under gone some improvements in recent years, they no longer contain alcohol and are much more gentle on the skin. They do give a tingling sensation and leave with you clean feeling skin. After continual use of this product we did notice are acne had decreased somewhat.
The Bad. Stri-dex Triple Action Pads can be drying to some skin types. Even without the alcohol, if you have very sensitive skin this product may not be for you.
Oxy Spot Treatment. This product is a spot treatment cream that contains benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide has long been thought of as one of the top acne fighters. It dries current acne and helps reduce bacteria in the skin.
The Good. Oxy Spot Treatment comes in both tinted and un-tinted varieties with three color options. If you like a little color to your treatments, this is a good product to choose.
The Bad. Oxy Spot Treatment can be drying to certain skin types. After a few uses, we noticed a dry, flaky patch in the area of the face where the cream had been applied. Also, because Oxy Spot Treatment contains BP it can bleach clothing.
Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 Persa-Gel is probably one of the most popular acne products on the market. Like the Oxy Spot Treatment, Persa-Gel is a topical spot treatment, however persa-gel is a gel material making it much easier for the skin to absorb. The product also contains Benzoyl Peroxide.
The Good. Persa-Gel absorbs very easily into the skin. It is also very gentle, especially for a product containing Benzoyl Peroxide, and only caused minimal dryness with extended use.
The Bad. Persa-Gel doesn’t seem to work for everyone. Many people using the product notice an effect within days. However, others do not notice much of an effect after even extended use. This product is definitely up to the individual and their skin type.
While these brands may corner most of the market on over the counter acne treatment, there are literally hundreds of products available to test on your acne. If you aren’t satisfied with these treatments, meet us back here for future reviews of less well known products and treatments.
By Angela
BrittneyBush @ Flickr
Is your stress level causing your acne? Some researcher’s believe that your stressful days may be causing (or at least increasing) your acne breakouts, but does the claim hold any weight?
Unfortunately for those of us who live life more on the stressful side, recent studies have proved that stress is a definitive cause in both increasing and aggravating your current acne problems. The study, conducted by the Stanford University School of Medicine, charted the progress of 22 students who already suffered from acne. During more stressful times the students acne noticeably increased.
“Subjects who had the greatest increases in stress during examination periods also had the greatest exacerbation in acne severity.”
How does stress worsen your acne?
Stress does damage to your skin on two levels. First, during times of noted stress levels, your adrenal glands produce more of the hormone Cortisol. Cortisol is known to increase oil production in the skin, leading to acne break outs. Second, when you are under going a large amount of stress your immune system is weakened, making it harder to fight off and heal the acne caused by the increased hormone productions.
How Can You Reduce Acne Break Outs During Stress?
Your best option to reduce stress related acne break outs is to reduce stress all together. However, that is not an option for most of us. We all have to live with a little stress. So what can you do in the meantime?
First, pay close attention to your skincare regimen. If you know you are headed for a stressful time, consider kicking it up a notch. If you haven’t already, include a weekly face mask to help combat the extra oil production. Second, make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals. During times of increased stress many people let their diets fall to the wayside. Proper nutrition is essential to acne free skin, so make sure you are getting your daily fruits and vegetables.
Now that we know stress is a factor in our acne we can take the steps necessary to prevent it, and try to lower the stress levels in our lives. Reducing your stress is beneficial to both your skin and your overall well being.
By theresa
Medical researches show that there are some glands under the skin called sebaceous glands. They secrete something oily, called sebum. These glands are more active and aggressive around the puberty. The main function of these glands is to keep skin healthy and moist enough through out the life. The term bacne refers to acne that occurs on the back. Bacne occurs on the back in the form of blackheads, pimples and spots and these can reach the advanced stage in the form of cysts. It occurs to people between the ages of 10 and 40 years. Similar to traditional acne, back and chest acne can also be caused by stress and hormones. Unlike traditional acne, back (Bacne) and chest acne can occur due to the clothing that we wear, and the activities of our everyday lives. While dermatologists and other skin care specialists don’t quite agree on what causes bacne, some common possibilities can include excessive sweating, wearing overly tight clothing for long periods of time, and carrying heavy backpacks, which irritates the skin when your back sweats underneath the weight of the backpack. Bacne can appear in a number of different forms: blackheads, pustules, zits/pimples and cysts, which form deep under the skin so they can’t be popped. Pimples on the back are an annoyance that are, not only extremely sore and painful but, embarrassing and unsightly. You may be ashamed to show your back with visible acne pimples and cysts, and this can seriously affect how you feel about yourself and possibly even your desire to participate in some social activities. The obvious way of preventing bacne infection from happening is to wash off the sweat from your skin right after doing heavy, perspiring work and to exfoliate your skin regularly. But if you are already suffering from it, here is what you should do to treat it. Be sure to shower as soon as possible after perspiring heavily. Also, while exercising or doing other physical activities which cause you to sweat, be sure to wear cotton clothing that fits loosely. This will allow your skin to get more air and hinder the development of acne from sweat and bacteria soaking into the skin. Use a body scrub or acne body wash instead of plain soap. Neutrogena Body Clear body scrub or body wash are good products to use, but you may want to try two or three brands to find what works best for you. But, please know that cleansing alone will not cure back acne. There are several different factors which can make backne worse. Reason number one is tight fitted clothing such as tight T-Shirts, sports bras and such items as back packs. What happens is that as your body sweats, the perspiration is trapped between your skin and the clothing; which leads to irritation and worsening of bacne. Elevated hormone levels, especially in women during pregnancy, are also another contributing factor to back acne. Steroids are yet another contributor to bacne, prominently in men, whether used for medicinal purposes or image enhancement. You can try a good body wash or Hydrogen peroxide is also a very good solution to keep the bacne at bay. You can just mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide in warm water and then take your bath. Hydrogen peroxide hence acts as an anti bacterial solution. Sometimes taking a bath with very hot water can also helps as it kills the bacteria thriving in the pores of your skin. Hot water also helps to dissolve the excess oil that has accumulated around the pores of your skin. It is recommended that you… (read it in How To Get Rid Of Bacne Super Fast). You can sometimes make use of wipes to clean the pores of all the dirt that has accumulated. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen when going out in the sun as the sun proves to be harsh on the affected areas and may aggravate the irritation.
By Angela
We talk about Hyperpigmentation a lot on this site. Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common problems for acne sufferers. Hyperpigmentation occurs after an acne break out has healed, leaving a reddish mark in place of the original acne that can last on the skin for months, or in some cases years. While not as permanent as an acne scar, is often just as frustrating, but is there help out there?
If you’ve considered seeing a dermatologist for your hyperpigmentation now may be the time. While dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons are commonly thought of in relation to acne scars, they also treat a myriad of other skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation.
Dermatologists have several ways to treat your hyperpigmentation. If your case is moderate to severe, one of the most common treatments is dermabrasion. Dermabrasion is like a buffer tool that is used to sloth off the outermost layer of your skin, removing the red mark. Dermabarasion is relatively pain free and can be completely easily with minimal downtime.
If your hyperpigmentation is only mild to slightly moderate your dermatologist may recommend a topical treatment that you can use at home.. These topical treatments do take longer then more abrasive treatments, such as dermabrasion, however they are easier for some patients to use as they require no healing time. While there are several over the counter topical treatments for hyperpigmentation, the ones prescribed by a licensed professional often have the best results.
There are several different ways a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can treat your hyperpigmentation. The best course of action is to seek a consultation with a recommended professional. They can review your individual needs and come up with the best solution for your skin.
By theresa
Every pregnant woman is different. Some women already have acne and pregnancy makes it worse, while others experience healthy “glowing” skin. Those of you who are dealing with pregnancy acne will likely find that the worst time for those pimples is in the first trimester. However, as your pregnancy progresses, your estrogen levels will increase and your acne will likely ease up possibly even disappearing completely. While no one can predict just who will get pregnancy acne, women who have had previous problems with acne or are more prone to breakouts just before their periods may have more difficulties with acne during their pregnancy. The changes that a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy are numerous, and often frustrating. Acne is one of those problems. Breaking out in acne during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. One of the most obvious but also the most effective ways to deal with breaking out in acne during pregnancy is to keep your skin clean. After you clean your skin, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any soap residue that might be left over. Use an oil-free facial cleanser, and avoid soaps that contain oils or other irritating substances. A variety of medications are prescribed for the treatment of acne, some taken orally, others topically. When assessing the possible risk of these medications during pregnancy, the route of the exposure is important to consider. Topical creams and gels are less systemically available than medicines taken orally, ultimately meaning that the fetus is exposed to less of the medication. Two factors that make acne more prevalent with pregnancy are the hormone, progesterone, and changes in hydration. Progesterone is the hormone that makes the bed of implatantion healthy for the fertilized egg. The ovary makes it, but after the first trimester it is usually the placenta that makes it. Besides making implantation stable, it also relaxes smooth muscle, which prevents premature labor, but also causes constipation. It loosens up the joints, especially the pubic joint which makes more room for the baby to fit through on the way out during labor. If you thought acne was a thing of the past you may be surprised to find that acne during pregnancy is quite common. Just as hormonal fluctuations during puberty can result in a surge of pimples, so too can pregnancy. If you already suffer from adult acne you may find your situation a bit worse during pregnancy. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience breakouts at any time during pregnancy or later. The skin returns to its normal condition within a month or two after the baby is born.
Pregnancy can create several hormonal imbalances that affect a woman’s skin, energy levels and even tastes. Acne breakouts are commonly associated with hormonal issues, and typically subside after the pregnancy is over. Many women can discontinue taking acne medication after delivering the baby, and can benefit from spa facials or medical-grade facials shortly after they have fully recovered. Topical ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy include tretinoin, hydrocortisone, adapalene, salicylic acid and tetracycline. Accutane, a popular acne therapy, is also not considered to be a safe solution while pregnant.Hydration is tough to keep up with when you’re pregnant. But drinking about 6-8 glasses of water a day will not only dilute out secretions to improve acne, but will also contribute to the relaxation of the uterus and even help with the constipation. Hydration is not an acne cure, but it will help. Although the causes of pregnancy acne (increased oil production, bacteria, hormonal affects, medications and vitamin deficiencies) are the same, but the skins reaction is much more sensitive. Another skin disorder that affects pregnant women is melasma, which is a discoloration of the upper lip, nose and forehead. The discoloration is often dark and can resemble the reddened area of the skin before a pustule, papule or whitehead erupts.
By theresa
Despite there are myths exist about foods such as chocolate that cause acne, so far no studies have been able to show to that effect. In fact, what effect foods seem to have on either the development or the course of acne in most people remains unclear. The real acne causes are a buildup of dead skin cells within the pore, an excess of skin oil, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. None of these factors are triggered by the foods we eat. A chocolate candy bar is innocent, but is blamed regularly. Other foods that are blamed include pizza, potato chips and dairy products. No foods have been proven to cause acne. If a person maintains a healthy diet and consumes healthy vegetables and fruits, acne can be prevented. Dark chocolate contains flavenoids, an antioxidant known to lower cholesterol. So it’s possible eating a certain amount will reduce your risk for heart disease. About 30% of people with acne have a dietary component. There are some companies that put chocolate into their skin creams as a softener. According to these companies, the antioxidants of the chocolate also help in preventing wrinkles. Chocolate also contains one third the average adults daily requirement of antioxidants, which yet again, can help reduce acne, not cause it. Antioxidants help skin by preventing free radicals, which naturally occur in the body, from damaging our immune system and skin. Antioxidants won’t cure acne but they will help improve skin health which in turn can reduce acne. Your skin is an eliminatory organ also, and sometimes it will eliminate toxins through your skin if it needs to. Some people say that the whole toxins thing is nonsense, but just think of Poison Ivy. It is so toxic, that you don’t even have to eat it to break out from it. You only have to touch it. Also not everyone is allergic to Poison Ivy. Excess amount of any food may cause acne it may be either chocolates or pizza. If you take food in balance quantity then it will not harm you skin or even it will not cause other disease. Just avoid too much sugar and fats as they may cause increase your hormone production. If we eat chocolate in a moderate amount and don’t take it too much then it will not harm you in any way. The Canadian Medical Associate Journal published in September of 1938 is evidence that this idea of chocolate as an aggravator of chocolate has been pondered for years. From their observation of a mixed, unselected, dietary-un-controlled and locally untreated group for a five month period, they determined that the fat radicle found in whole dairy products such as cheese, chocolate, cocoa, nuts and fried foods helped fuel the developing demands of the sexual development at puberty, but also stimulated bacterial invasion. A direct quote shows the strong belief that chocolate was indeed a culprit for acne: “Derivatives of the cocoa bean, being of a fatty nature, must still be forbidden.”
Chocolate has been blamed for many ailments including acne, tooth decay, obesity, and lacking of food value. It has also been known to have an anti-depressant effect, cause hypertension and even have an aphrodisiac effect.
We know now that chocolate is basically harmless unless, like everything else, it is over-consumed. Chocolate has been found not to cause nor aggravate outbreaks of acne. These results are backed up by further research that shows acne in no way is affected by chocolate. In large clinical research studies, no clear associations have been made between foods and acne. However, some foods can make acne worse for some people. If you suspect that a certain food type is making your acne worse, you can determine if it affects it by avoiding that product for 2-4 weeks. If your acne improves over that time period, then it’s possible that you were right! After a break of a few weeks, you can try eating the suspect food again to see whether you get another flare of your acne. Just remember that a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best choice, and foods like chocolate and french fries should be eaten in moderation.
By MayaStein
Skin Care Tip # 1
Use a quality exfoliation product. This will help to remove
dried or dead skin cells and will expose the new, healthy cells
in their place. Not only will your skin look better, but it will
feel better (and softer) as well.
Skin Care Tip # 2
It�s tempting to spend a few hours in the sun or even soak up
some rays in the tanning bed, but that�s a big �no-no� if you
care about your skin. In addition to being dangerous where
health is concerned, either of these are simply not good for
your skin�s appearance. Blistering, peeling and premature
aging/wrinkles can all occur as a result. If you love a suntan
and cannot get through the summer without it, consider a
self-tanning lotion instead. Years ago, these products were
famous for giving an orange, rusty look. Thankfully, those days
are over and quality self-tanners are now providing a natural
flawless tan without early aging or any known health concerns.
Before applying to the entire body, use a small test area to
make sure that no irritation occurs.
Skin Care Tip # 3
If you have problems with dry or cracked lips due to harsh
winter weather or even extreme wind, use lipstick or lip balm.
This will help to protect your lips and keep them moisturized
and feeling soft.
Skin Care Tip # 4
If you suffer from dry or cracked skin, then you already know
how miserable this ailment can be. If you want to get ride of
the tight skin and embarrassing redness, consider purchasing an
8oz. Jar of Pacquin Plus Hand & Body Cream. It provides instant
relief, but takes several applications to get your skin soft
and looking as good as new.
Skin Care Tip # 5
When choosing a product to use on your skin, including soap,
avoid anything with harsh ingredients. Always use a soap that
features a moisturizer, which will replenish the natural
moisture of your skin and leaving it feeling soft. In addition,
always look for products designed for sensitive skin if you are
so inclined.
The information in this article is to be used for informational
purposes. It should not be considered as, or used in conjunction
with, professional medical advice. Consult your dermatologist
prior to beginning any skin care regimen or if you have been
diagnosed with any disorder involving the skin.
By Angela
Unfortunately, some acne scarring may be inevitable. Due in part to your genetic make-up and skin condition, some of us just tend to scar easier then others, especially where acne is concerned. However, there are a few steps everyone with acne can take to reduce their risk of post acne scars.
Do not touch at your acne. The most important, and almost obvious, step you can take to prevent acne scarring is to stop popping your pimples. This is a hard step for most of us to accomplish, but picking at your current acne can cause it to rupture and damage the skin underneath. Keeping your hands off your face as much as possible will reduce the risk of acne scars.
Be gentle when washing your face. Along the same lines as popping a pimple, some people treat their skin rather roughly while cleansing. It’s a common misconception that acne forms from dirt on your face, which leads people to think they should scrub hard while cleansing. This can actually irritate your skin causing even more acne and acne scars. Go gentle during your skincare routine.
Use facial scrubs made for sensitive skin. Facial scrubs can be beneficial for acne sufferers, they can help sloth off the dead skin cells that are clogging your pores and give your skin a healthy glow. However, if you are prone to scarring, look for a mild scrub made for sensitive skin.
The most important thing to remember when treating acne on skin that is prone to scarring is to look for sensitive products and use light and gentle motions while treating your skin. You may not be able to prevent all scarring, but you can reduce the frequency.
By theresa
It’s always been brought to my attention that what you eat may be affecting the appearance of my skin. Eating carbs may not just be detrimental to my weight but to my skin’s appearance as as well. How does what you eat affect your skin? Carbs are short for carbohydrates which can be found in all staple foods. Now obviously carbs would be a part of any diet that can contribute to acne and acne breakouts. However your diet can also prevent acne and breakouts but it all depends on whether you have a healthy diet or you have an unhealthy diet.A study theorizes that our high glycemic diet dials up insulin levels, which then steers our system into acne mode by indirectly bumping up oil (sebum) and skin cell production in our pores. Higher sebum levels and cells stuck deep within the pores provide a veritable feast to bacteria that make a home within follicles. When the pores become clogged with excess oil and skin cells, you get a pimple. Clog a lot of pores and you get a lot of pimples. These foods put your blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster ride. As a result the body releases hormones that increase sebum production, cause the skin cells to divide more frequently and weaken the immune system. Based on this research it seems carbohydrates cause acne. But that’s only a half of the story. The real culprit is unstable blood sugar levels. Now, it is true that eating carbohydrates increases blood sugar levels. And refined carbohydrates trigger even sharper increase. But the body is very good at regulating blood sugar levels. It has to, because too high or low levels are dangerous, and possibly even fatal. This insulin spike will cause acne, because increased insulin affects sex hormone levels and can contribute/cause PCOS. She might not notice the insulin spike because her body is making more blood sugar to compensate, or alternately, she might be eating more carbs without realizing it. You eat carbohydrates, the body converts them to sugar, and this spikes your blood sugar levels. The pancreas responds by releasing insulin that lowers blood sugar levels. Overtime cells get ‘tired’ of insulin. You’ll develop insulin resistance. So the pancreas needs to produce more insulin to bring down blood sugar levels. In low-carb diet books insulin is referred as the monster hormone.
There has been a lot of speculation about how diet and food intake affects acne. There is a relationship between what we eat and how our skin reacts, although the exact interaction is not clearly understood. Researchers at the RMIT University in Melbourne are planning to test the theory on 60 teenage boys over three months. It will be one of the first controlled studies to examine the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on acne. “There’s a lot of anecdotal evidence,” Neil Mann, one of the researchers told New Scientist magazine. “Dermatologists will tell you they have put patients on low-carbohydrate diets and seen improvements. This will be the first controlled study.”
When people hear about acne being affected by carbs they seem to jump into a low carb diet which may in fact work for you in the short term and include welcomed weight loss. But low carb diets are also in fact high in fat. Fat in essence will prevent insulin from doing it’s rightful job. There is no reason to avoid carbohydrates which are needed for a healthy body just for the fleeting hope of perfect skin. In truth the idea that solving acne by just taking something out of your diet is a little insane. There are ways however to regulate your diet for better health and in turn create a healthier lifestyle which will of course affect your skin’s overall appearance and stop an over production of oil. Acne varies among individuals so consider keeping a food diary. There may be certain foods that could cause flares ups in some but not in others. Those foods should be avoided. Try using a supplement that can provide all of the nutrients needed to complement your diet. Maintain a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Water helps flush toxins out of your system, so 6-8 glasses must be consumed on a daily basis.
By Angela
annerre @ flickr
Have you looked at the ingredient list on the back of your cleanser lately? Most cleansers contain dozens of ingredients. You may recognize one or two, but chances are there’s a whole slew of man-made chemicals in your face wash you’ve never heard of before. The chemical make-up of most beauty products has led a lot of people to opt for organic, but are organic products really better for your skin?
What Are Organic Products?
Organic products are made from purely natural ingredients and carry an official seal on the front of the bottle. They do not contain any man-made chemicals or fragrances. Since their inception, several organic lines have expanded into specific skincare treatments, include acne, hyper pigmentation and scarring.
Are Organic Products As Good As Traditional Lines
Organic cleansers, like traditional cleansers, vary by brand. Some brands are more affordable then others and some work better then others. Recently several high end product lines have been developed from organic products. These lines appear just as any line purchased at a cosmetic counter. If you prefer to purchase more expensive products, these cleansers and treatments are just as well-packaged, fragrant and in-depth as traditional cosmetic counter lines. There are also several drugstore level brands that work just as well in fighting acne and other skincare issues.
Are Organic Products Better?
There are some definite upsides to organic lines. Since they are chemical free, their ingredient list is much smaller, meaning you put much less on your face everyday. The less you put on the face, the better your chances are for seeing a decrease in acne.
Organic products are also hormone free. Certain chemicals, such as Parabens, have been debated by experts. Some people believe that Parabens (found in most traditional products) effect the hormone levels in your body. While there is no definitive research on this, a large majority of people have pledged to keep their bathroom counter Paraben free just in case.
Products made from organic material are also typically aluminum free. Aluminum may be a cause of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. Like Parabens there are no definitive studies proving or disproving this theory. However, to be on the safe side, it may be better to obtain from products containing aluminum.
Organic products certainly have their upsides. Several people use organic products, especially cosmetics and skincare products, exclusively. However, switching to all organics is really up to you. It depends on your personal tastes and skincare needs. If you’re interested in making the switch, try out one or two products first before moving over completely.
