My Skin Care Forum

Chest Acne: Causes and Solutions

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 11:15:02 +0000

Chest acne is a severe skin illness that affects a large number of people all around the world. It includes pimples, abrasions or cysts on the chest area of your body. The abrasions and pimples can range from small to huge gashes.

For a long time it was believed that acne only affected teenage boys and girls and has been said to be an adolescence disease. We’ve since learned that this notion is untrue. Chest acne affects both adults and teenagers. The results of having chest acne can cause discomfort socially as well as awkwardness within your sense of self. It is an illness that can cause great uneasiness and irritation of the skin. A recent study has proven that it affects 54% of women and 40% of men.

The causes of chest acne are the same as the causes of regular acne. The glands that produce oil and that are located just beneath the skin’s surface somehow become blocked. The glands produce oil called sebum. Typically there is nothing to worry about as long as the amount of sebum being produced is normal. However once the natural glands start working excessively and begin to produce an over abundance of sebum then pores begin to get clogged and acne is formed. The over production of sebum and dead cells provide a breeding background for bacteria therefore causing acne. Another major role behind the cause of chest acne is the release of excessive oil due to a hormonal imbalance. Every time there is an influx of hormones due to pregnancy, adolescence or added stress acne is very likely to occur. People who participate in sports that require coverage throughout the chest region are also more likely to develop chest acne. Also during warm weather pores tend to get blocked more easily with substances such as deodorant, sweat and bacteria thus producing acne.

The solutions for chest acne include dealing with the actual symptoms. Once you figure out the root of the issue then you will be able to clear your chest acne. You can start off by washing the affected area with an antibacterial cleanser or a cleanser that has benzyl peroxide as an ingredient and has been is created particularly to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide has proven to be very effective in diminishing acne. Repeat this process based on the advice of the product. Then you can apply an anti bacterial cream as a solution to chest acne. It is important to remember not to pick at your acne. If you pop a pimple with exposed hands you are more likely to cause an infection, scars and spread the bacteria to other parts of your body.
Another solution of chest acne is following the advice of your doctor. They can assist in giving you medication that might cure a hormonal imbalance, offer you antibacterial ointment that is stronger than over the counter treatments or offer alternative treatments such as steroids or laser therapy. Doctors will work to specifically address your needs while dealing with the causes and solutions of chest acne.

What is a Retinol Facial and what can it do for you?

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:08:15 +0000

The face is the most visible part of a human’s body and because of this, has become the most popular feature to undergo cosmetic surgeries, rehabilitations, and spa treatments. Because of its prominence the face is also the most subjected to outside elements and injuries, which results in the need for such treatments. One of the leading problems involved with the facial features is dryness and chapping of the surrounding skin. This can occur at any time but most often in the winter months when there is less moisture in the air. To stave off these effects Retinol facials are often offered as a remedy. So, what is a retinol facial?

Retinol is simply another form of vitamin A. It is used for its moisturizing affects and is often applied in the form of topical creams. It can also be used to treat acne and varying forms of skin edemas. Experimental results have shown that vitamin A can play a large part in the production of collagen and is thus also used in anti-aging creams. Retinol facials have become popular because they can result in all of the above. A retinol infused cream or pack is applied to the face where it will be absorbed into the skin. Skin will appear softer and will take on a more youthful appearance.

One of the leading questions asked along with what is a retinol facial, is why is it one of the best? It is one of the best because the vitamin A is a naturally occurring source of growth and moisturizing enzyme. Keep in mind though, that in most cases Retinol is synthetically created in a laboratory setting. However, this enzyme is animal based and can be found in common food products such as eggs and liver. Because of its natural occurrence, products boasting of this enzyme are a favorite for both cosmetic and nature enthusiasts alike.

With the question, what is a retinol facial answered, the next step is what types are available to the public? Most health and beauty spas offer these types of treatments. But they do run on the expensive side. One sixty minute treatment can cost someone almost $700. This does not include the most often recommended pre-spa regimen of Day and Night Retinol creams for at least one week prior. In fact a common spa package for a retinol facial suggests four weeks of one facial a week, along with the pre-spa regimen to achieve the desired results. Most clients are looking for a quick fix, and a less costly one. In these cases it may be better to go with an at home kit that simply includes the day and night cream. It may take a bit longer but you will still achieve the moisturizing, healing and rejuvenating affect that you are looking for.

Now that we can answer what is a retinol facial? We just need to ask ourselves, when do we want to get one? For anyone who is needing a small rejuvenation of body and mind, this simple treatment can do wonders in that regard. And, even if you are unable to afford the full spa package a simple at home personal session with retinol infused cream will leave you feeling better than you have in years.

Why You Should Use Night Cream

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:58:46 +0000

Applying night cream should be an essential part of a woman’s everyday facial maintenance routine. Different from day creams, they work while you are sleeping, nourishing and replenishing your skin. The skin’s ability to absorb the cream is more prominent during the night, therefore, moisturizing the skin and smoothing out tiny lines and wrinkles. The hours when our bodies are sleeping is a time for healing, re-energizing, and promoting good health.

The Benefits of Using Night Cream

Once a woman reaches 30 years of age, her skin begins the ever-changing aging process. It begins to lose the elasticity of a once soft, firm complexion she had in her youth. It is mainly this reason why you should use night cream. The ingredients contained in the cream, such as retinol, collagen, amino acids, and vitamins, all help to stimulate cell growth renewal. Some creams contain additional ingredients as well which may be more tailored for women in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s.

There are also many other reasons why you should use night cream. The daily effects of smoke, pollution, sun rays, and make-up can really play havoc with a woman’s skin. They can turn a once smooth complexion into a patchy, blotchy complexion. Night creams can help in the aid to repair the damage done to a woman’s skin caused by these elements. By improving blood circulation and moisturizing, a woman’s skin can eventually regain that youthful appearance of an even complexion, free of fine lines and wrinkles.

For those who like to experiment, a fun reason as to why you should use night cream is the thrill of being able to make your own. Considerably a lot less expensive, making one’s own night cream involves nothing more than a few ingredients. An Apple Night Cream involves ingredients such as chopped apples, olive oil, and rose water while a Cucumber Night Cream contains chopped cucumber, egg white, and olive oil. To add scent to the night cream, all it takes is adding a few drops of an essential oil to the cream. It is best to discard any unused night cream after four to six days.

Night creams should be applied by gently applying a very small amount of cream onto your skin. This should be applied in an upward and circular motion, massaging the cream directly into the face. To avoid puffy eyelids in the morning, do not apply the night cream onto the upper lids. It is best applied at least one half hour before bedtime.

What is a Retinol Facial and what can it do for you?

What is a glycolic facial?

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:03:53 +0000

A glycolic facial peel is the mildest form of a chemical facial peel offered. It uses a glycolic facial cleanser and peels away the top layer of your skin. People who would benefit from glycolic facial treatment have damage from excessive sun exposure, lines and light wrinkles in their skin and have issues of skin tone difficulties. Often times if a bleaching agent is added to the glycolic treatment then age spots and blotchiness can also be removed.

The glycolic facial peel removes dead tissue from the outer layers of the face allowing regenerated and underexposed skin to shine through. The outer layer of skin is peeled off exposing healthier, underexposed skin. Your facial skin will look tighter and younger.

Cosmetic stores will often offer a glycolic facial peel home treatment. This should be used at your discretion and care. The prices of the glycolic facial vary according to the source of the treatment, the location of the salon and the experience of your aesthetician. A small salon will charge about $150, but a dermatologist or plastic surgeon will probably charge $500 to $1000. In Beverly Hills expect to pay as much as $5000. Glycolic facial peels are often performed after receiving a mild cleansing facial treatment. Be should contact a well trained aesthetician or a person well versed in skin care to consult your decision and to perform the glycolic facial treatment.

Before receiving a glycolic facial you must prepare your skin accordingly. Don’t use any masks, scrubs or harsh exfoliating creams on your skin. Avoid usage of anti-wrinkle creams, tanners, facial waxing, or any irritating substances for at least two days prior to the treatment. Also make sure to warn the aesthetician performing the glycolic facial peel prior to receiving the treatment if you are taking the prescription acne medicine Accutane, if you have fever blisters, cold sores or are sun burnt. Failure to doing so will result in added sensitivity and irritation. You may receive glycolic facials in a series. The recommended usage is 4-5 facial peels and should be done weekly or every other week depending upon your skin and the opinion of your aesthetician.

After returning home from getting a glycolic facial, you should not exercise for several hours. Your skin will be reddened and slightly more sensitive than usual. Be sure to stay out of direct sun exposure and wear sunscreen when outdoors. Makeup may be used accordingly but any harsh, abrasive, tingling, anti aging creams should be avoided for 2 days following the procedure. Your face will be more sensitive than usual due to the chemical process involved but once your new skin is revealed it will be healthy, vibrant and younger looking. You will be sure to get lots of complements on your refreshed skin!

What is a Retinol Facial and what can it do for you?

How to Lose Cellulite

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:19:11 +0000

Cellulite is a fat like substance that is usually stored on the outer thighs, buttocks and abdomen. It can be brought on by many different factors. Genetics, diet, exercise and circulation seem to be the leading causes of it. While some males can get cellulite it is predominantly found in many women. Cellulite is fat that has accumulated in a lump or in lumps just under the skin. The little lumps that cellulite can create are very visible on the outer skin. This condition seems to be more of a cosmetic issue because it is harmless as far as medical problems go.

When researching for ways on how to lose cellulite people will come across products called cellulite cream. There are many different versions of this cream on the market today. Each one of these creams promises the user a chance to rid their bodies of ugly cellulite deposits on various parts of the body. While the cream itself will probably not rid the body of cellulite using it to massage the problem area may prove to be beneficial. Loss of circulation in different areas of the body is one major factor in cellulite. Massaging the area can bring circulation back up and cellulite back down. A combination of massage and certain herbs can bring circulation back faster to the problem areas and will also give a boost to the health of the body. Creams with added menthol also seem to work better than others as menthol is known to help promote good circulation.

Water retention has also been known to create cellulite in different areas of the body. Reducing the amount of water that is retained in the body is an option for people when looking into how to lose cellulite. There are several different products on the market today that help in reducing the excess build up of water. Caffeine that is found in coffee and other products can also act as a diuretic and keep water from staying in one are of the body for too long. Many of the over the counter cellulite creams will have caffeine added to them as an ingredient. A healthy diet can also help to keep cellulite from accumulating on the body. Eating right and keeping the body healthy will help to keep cellulite from being stored in the problem areas.

One method people should look to when researching on how to lose cellulite is exercise. Exercising thighs, buttock and the abdominal areas can help to boost circulation and also will work to tighten muscles and lose fat. Fat is one of the leading factors to many kinds of cellulite problems. Combining exercise with a good diet will give the person an even higher chance of being able to lose the cellulite.

These Tips Are Effective For Getting Rid Of Cellulite

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:29:54 +0000

Getting rid of cellulite is not impossible. If you work hard, you can slim down and tone your body. Follow these tips if you want to eliminate your cellulite for good.

How To Lose Cellulite

If you want to eliminate your cellulite, you should start by eating a sensible diet. You should only eat healthy and low fat foods. Make sure you eat foods and meals that are low in trans fatty acids and saturated fats. You can do this by avoiding processed foods and eating natural foods such as vegetables, chicken, fish, lean meats, fruits, and whole grain foods. In addition, you should reduce your calorie intake, drink a lot of water, and take a good multivitamin if you want to get rid of your cellulite. You can improve your appearance if you follow these tips and drink 8-10 glasses of water each day.

If you are interested in getting rid of cellulite, you should exercise your body. You should do cardio and weight training exercises if you want to see the best results. Exercise will help you burn calories and fat and it will reduce your cellulite. If you have cellulite and you get rid of the extra fat on your body, you will tone your physique. Exercise will also boost your metabolism and help you burn extra calories each day- even when you are resting. If you don’t like exercising, you should try walking outside or on a treadmill.

Getting rid of cellulite can also be achieved by using cocoa butter and massaging the affected areas. Massage will improve your appearance and reduce your cellulite, but if you want to see amazing results, you should eat a healthy diet, work out, and take a potent multivitamin. In addition, you can take other vitamins and minerals like vitamin B, vitamin E, vitamin C, and calcium. These supplements benefit the metabolism and they help to reduce body fat.

Alternatively, you can reduce your cellulite with Smart Lipo or Laser Lipolysis. Experts say that the laser is effective for tightening the skin and it is helpful for getting rid of cellulite. Keep in mind that Smart Lipo is a new procedure and there are no studies that prove its effectiveness for eliminating or reducing cellulite. If you are interested in getting rid of cellulite with Smart Lipo, you should find an experienced cosmetic surgeon to discuss the procedure.

If you follow these tips, you will improve your appearance and reduce your cellulite. It will take time for you to eliminate your cellulite, but if you are consistent with your diet and exercise, you will look great.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:06:41 +0000

Let us face it; blackheads on ones face are not attractive at all. It can make your skin look dirty and unkempt even if you wash it every day and maintain a good hygiene regimen. Some people have a real problem with these little dirt filled pores and they just cannot figure out how to get rid of blackheads. No matter what they do, they cannot seem to get rid of them.

You can try many remedies before seeing a dermatologist. Someone who has no idea how to get rid of blackheads may think it is good to try to scrub your face to remove them. This is not a good idea and can actually make your skin worse. You are essentially pushing soap into your pores and making them become inflamed when doing this.

Gently wash your face once a day with an acne face wash. One with micro scrubbers is a good option for those with skin issues. It will help to remove any dead skin cells that could potentially become your next blackheads. Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.

Another trick you could try is purchasing a facemask from your local drug store. There are many masks that have helpful ingredients in them such as avocado or Dead Sea mud. These masks go on your face wet and then dry. When you peel the mask off, it will remove your dead skin cells and your blackheads with it. They are very effective and will leave your face feeling fresh and clean. Be sure to moisturize your face with a high quality hydrating cream after using a peeling mask as they can dry out you skin leading to over oil production.

For more serious blackhead problems there are popular products that can be purchased from your local drugstore or a television infomercial. These products usually contain an active ingredient such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These products are pretty tough and should know how to get rid of blackheads, even if they do not want to go away.

If these remedies do not work, there is always the option of going to a dermatologist. They have a tremendous amount of experience in this department and have just about every product at there fingertips. They will surely find something that can work for you.

One thing they may want to try is microdermabrasion. It will help to even out your skin tone and declog your pores. It will also aid in minimizing the look of your pores. Another treatment that they may suggest is performing a chemical peel. It may sound harsh but when done by a professional it can have tremendous results in removing stubborn blackheads. It works by removing the top layer of skin. When it is peeled off, it takes all of the dead skin cells off with the blackheads attached.

With all of the options available to clear you skin of blackheads, you should be able to find a solution. Everyone’s skin is different so what works for your friends or your sister may not work for you. Be patient and try each of these methods to see what will work best with your skin type.

How to Get Rid Of Acne Fast

admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:58:13 +0000

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions known to man. Acne forms in early adolescence, teen years, and again late in life. Some individuals will fight acne their entire life. Having a sudden out of nowhere acne breakout just before a big event is a relatively common and natural thing to happen due to stress or excitement causing changes in the body’s natural chemistry which may lead to excessive oil production in the skin and then into clogged pores which cause acne.

How to get rid of acne fast?

There is no immediate cure for the condition of acne. Acne forms from pores in the skin getting filled with bacteria, dirt, and oil which cause the pores to become agitated and inflamed thus leading to an acne spot. To heal an acne spot the pore itself needs time to drive out the foreign substances and heal damage. Any product which claims to cure acne within just a few hours to a day and happens to be made of chemicals is more than likely far too harsh to not cause damage to your skin after usage.

How can I fix acne immediately?

If you have acne, and no time to wait for your acne to heal before a big event your only choice would be to conceal your skin problem. There are many skin creams and applications which can match different shades of colors of natural skin to hide the appearance of severe acne. Although when using any form of makeup you want to be careful not to use a product which will suffocate your skin and cause an even more severe acne problem long term.

Applications such as mineral based makeups are a more safe choice for your skin and reduce the likeliness of any future damage coming to your skin. But like all makeup these applications should only be worn as needed, and washed through fully off of your skin at night before you sleep.

Preventing Acne Naturally

The best quickest way to cure acne is to prevent the acne from coming as much as possible. Using the right acne remedies and following this simple tips will work the best. Simple changes in life habits can actually change the quality and clarity of your skin.

Greasy, and unhealthy foods such as fast food, chocolate, French fries, and any spicy food will increase chances of acne not only by increasing the skins excretion of natural oils but also by causing pores to clog simply through exposure.

Hygiene is also a common cause of acne; as long as your skin is clean your pores are clean. You should wash your face at least twice a day with sensitive soaps to keep your skin clean. Do not use harsh soaps as the skin on your face is far more sensitive in comparison to the skin on your body.

How To Chose The Best Acne Soap

admin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:25:20 +0000

The best acne soap for your particular skin type is not impossible to find; but, it does require some research on your part. There are many products available and this article will detail some of the things to take into consideration prior to selecting the best acne soap for your particular skin type.

First, acne isn’t easy to heal. If you are currently buying perfumed soaps you may notice that your skin is dry and flaky. If you wash your face too frequently, your breakouts may be made worse. Yes, you can wash your face too much.

A few things to consider prior to making a choice on the best acne soap for you are:

How many times a day should I wash my face?
Can I purchase the drug store acne soaps and get good results?
Should I use moisturizer to keep the soap from drying out my skin?
Should I only purchase natural skin soap products?

Some soaps work to hydrate the skin and actually help reduce excessive oil which can cause breakouts and clog up your pores. There are also acne soaps that use minerals from the Dead Sea. There are even acne soaps available on the market today that help reduce acne scaring. These soaps usually contain Vitamin E and C. These vitamins tend to help lighten pimple marks. One acne soap has 24K gold in it’s formula. The small tiny gold particles dissolve into the skin and kill the acne. A couple of ingredients to look for in your soap are Salicylic acid and Benzoyl peroxide. These are two top ingredients in a good soap. Sulfur also produces good results.

It is important to get rid of perfumed and chemical enhanced soaps. Go natural and try to use a new soap for at least three weeks before deciding if you are getting the results you desire with your acne soap. Avoid a soap that makes your skin feel raw, tight or tender. It is a good idea to use an antibacterial soap if your tend to have acne on your body. This helps rid your skin of bacteria which tends to encourage breakouts.

Remember, a good acne soap should remove dirt and bacteria and contain natural oils that actually act as a moisturizer for your skin.

A Review of Acnezine

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:32:59 +0000

In this review of Acnezine by Revitol you will find that Acnezine is a leader in the market of acne treatments. Acnezine formally known as acuzine claims to be a natural cure for acne. However, benzoyl peroxide is one of the very few products in this well known treatment that is not an herbal remedy.

Benzoyl peroxide is a very common ingredient that can be found in most of the leading topical acne treatments available. It is noted within the packaging of Acnezine that benzoyl peroxide can cause many so called typical side effects such as burning, redness, peeling, itching and mild facial swelling depending on the strength that has been used in the product. In using Revitol’s Acnezine for this review, I have found that with the bad there will be alot more good.

This product does contain several natural ingredients that are also known to be remarkable for skin care. Some of the natural ingredients in Acnezine are aloe leaf juice, birch, green tea, orange fruit extract, lemon peel oil, witch hazel, honey, tea tree oil, willow bark extract, sage leaf extract and bilberry extract as well. All of which are noted to be herbal. There are several products on the market that contain the same ingredients as Acnezine, but none with the level of scientific evidence behind them that Acnezine had assured.

Acnezine is a two part treatment for acne that consists of a topical cream and a pill that is to be ingested one time a day before a meal and on an empty stomach. This pill is also to aide in the disappearance of acne blemishes and in the nourishment of your skin for a healthy and appealing glow. This pill for most will not cause any unwanted side effects but before taking any herbal remedy you should always consult your doctor prior to its usage. The packaging also warned that Acnezine’s herbal supplements can interfere with other medications you maybe taking or cause complications in people with certain medical conditions.

I have to caution you before you take any medication or start this acne treatment that you should check with your doctor before you begin any new regimen. Those with sensitive skin or sensitive stomachs could potentially be prone to unwanted irritation when first beginning usage of this product. Although there have been very little side effects reported with this product as with any new product always err on the side of caution.

How to Prevent Whiteheads

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:43:33 +0000

If you’re wondering how to prevent whiteheads, then don’t worry because there are several ways to get rid of them. Not everything will work for the same people, so that is why it important try out a variety of methods. Pimples and whiteheads are usually caused by stress, hormonal changes, the foods we eat, and puberty. Most everyone will get whiteheads at some point in their life, and they will usually go away, with or without scarring, depending on how you choose to treat them. The one thing you must always avoid when trying to get rid of them is popping them. If you choose to pop your whiteheads, the chance for scarring increases dramatically.

Knowing how to prevent whiteheads requires that you understand the causes. One of the first ways to deal with them is to avoid excess stress. While some stress is an inevitable part of life, not all stress is. Try taking some time out of each day to sit and think about the good things in your life. Try to transform your attitude from negative to positive, and just relax. Another way to get rid of your whiteheads and minimize stress is to get some exercise to relive tension and anxiety. Any sort of emotional tension can make your breakouts ten times worse.

Eating a healthier diet will create extremely noticeable changes when it comes to your skin. You remember the old saying, “you are what you eat”? Well it’s true. So, if you want to avoid looking like a “pizza face” or “french-fry head”, then it’s best to avoid foods that contain little to no nutritional value. Also avoid fast food because although it may seem wholesome, it’s all been fried in grease and transfats – two things your skin does not need. Drinking lots of water is also important for healthy skin.

If you really want to know to prevent whiteheads, then you will stay persistant with your efforts. Don’t just return back to your old lifestyle once the pimples have disappeared because they’re likely to come back. Identify what causes your breakouts and make a note of it. Do you get more pimples at a certain time of month, when the weather changes, or only when you are stressed out? By taking the advice mentioned above as well as recognizing your own personal causes for breakouts, you can eliminate your whiteheads completely.

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What Is Cellulite?

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:24:21 +0000

You might be wondering what is cellulite. While some people tend to think of cellulite as something that overweight people deal with, the truth is that cellulite can be found on people of all sizes. In fact, most women will develop cellulite at some point in their life, but with proper care you can get rid of cellulite.

How to Get Cellulite

Fat deposits become trapped, causing the skin to look dimpled or lumpy. The most common areas that cellulite can be found are in the abdomen, buttocks and thighs. Even though women mostly develop cellulite, men can as well.

The outer layer of skin is the epidermis. The next layer of skin is the dermis. Underneath these two layers of skin is the subcutaneous tissue, which is a layer of fat and connective tissues. It is in the subcutaneous tissue where cellulite materializes.

Not only may you wonder what is cellulite but you may also wonder what causes cellulite. Are some people more prone to develop it? How can a lean person end up developing cellulite? Hormones can be a factor in cellulite development. They contribute to the storage of fat along with your body’s metabolism.

Other factors that can play a part in cellulite development are your genes, your age, body fat, gender, and even the thickness of your skin. Skin thickness varies so if your skin is not as thick, cellulite is more prominent.

There are also certain points in a women’s life that cellulite is formed because of greater hormonal changes taking place. These are during the years of puberty, during pregnancy, and menopause. Hormones are also affected when taking birth control pills, so that can be a time when cellulite is formed.

While cellulite cannot be reversed or prevented, it can be kept from becoming worse. The lumpy look of cellulite can be made worse if a person has poor eating habits, gains weight or is not taking in enough water.

Although you will find many products on the shelves claiming to be able to rid your body of cellulite, caution should be used. Most of these treatments are expensive and ineffective. However you will find some products that although may not completely get rid of cellulite, can reduce the appearance of it.

The best way to reduce cellulite is to decrease body fat. By developing a healthier lifestyle which includes nutritious eating and exercise, you can at least reduce the chances of cellulite forming.

What is Acne and What is the Best Acne Remedy?

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:59:50 +0000

What is acne? Acne is the eruption of unsightly spots and pimples that break out over the skin when oil glands in the body are inflamed. These sebaceous glands secrete oil that protects the skin and hair from damage. When the glands are inflamed acne appears on the skin in the form of papules and pustules. Oil builds up behind pores that are clogged with cellular debris. This buildup creates an environment where microorganisms thrive, resulting in pimples, or cysts, on the skin. The areas affected most by acne are the face, chest, back and shoulder regions, though it can form most anywhere. Most people have a strong desire to start popping zits, but that isn’t always a good idea becuase that can cause scaring.

The oil produced by the sebaceous glands is called sebum, and can be found all over the body with the exception of the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. A particularly high concentration of sebum is found in areas around the scalp and face. Sometimes the oil glands become overactive and produce more sebum than the body needs. This typically happens during puberty and is prominent during the ages of 12 and 20. That’s why teenagers are more prone to curse this malady, and they don’t stop to ask, what is acne? They want only to get rid of it.

Some treatments for acne are through changes in the diet, some center around prescription medications, and others promote skin care methods using various lotions and cleansers. Acne skin care products are widely available and many are inexpensive. One of the chief makeups of cellular debris is dirt and grime. So, in all cases, good sanitary and washing habits are a necessary part of treatment. Pimple creams can also help keep acne away. Depending on how bad the acne is you may want to consult a professional, though in minor cases an esthetitician can manage the process. Estheticians are those practitioners who deal with the art and beauty of aesthetics. By setting you up with home-care regimens and having you come in for regular appointments, they can help you get the production of sebum down to acceptable levels while saving considerably compared to a dermatologist.

Other factors such as sun damage from overexposure can lead to the skin producing more sebum as well, increasing the chances for acne flare-ups and other skin conditions. Even some of the quick-action products that claim to get rid of acne can instead exacerbate the treatment. They can cause excessive skin dryness, which in turn leads to the glands producing even more sebum, and the cycle of acne continues. Proper treatment will require that all of these factors are taken into account in order to provide the desired relief. Choosing the correct acne cream or acne face wash may take some trial and error. Don’t get discouraged if one acne treatment doesn’t work for you.

So the effective treatment of acne is centered around keeping the oil glands stable, and the sebum count down while controlling any side effects.