Taking Care Of Acne-Prone Skin

by Low Jeremy

Although acne has been largely associated with teeners and puberty, the condition is not only confined in this age level. In fact, there are cases when as teeners, people do not suffer from acne only to have acne appear when they are in their 20s.

Acne is characterized by big break outs and pimples in large quantities. It can develop in different areas of the body although frequently found on the face and at the back. Acne often starts from the overactivity of the pilo-sebaceous glands, oil-producing glands. When combined with bacteria, dead skin cells and hormones, these oils are trapped in pores and induces swelling.
Often, lumps will develop into white heads or blackheads or even purely red lumps that are tender. Acne can also lead to scarring when not treated early. Some acne extend so deep within the skin and form nodules and cysts that even when heals, will leave scars that may not disappear.

Although nothing has been proven yet, acne has been known to be exacerbated by emotional stress, fatigue, humidity and even cosmetics. This is the reason why the use of chemicals on the face is strictly forbidden when there is acne as the products only irritate the skin.

There are actually medicines that can be applied to treat acne but before putting them on your face, you need to first consult a doctor to find out the regimen that will fit your condition and your skin type.

Here are some tips on how to take care of acne prone skin:

1. Let it be treated by professionals

The earlier you have it medically treated, the better will be the prognosis. There are medications that can help control the processes that lead to the acne problem such as the over-activity of the sebaceous glands, hormonal imbalances and even stress.

2. Do not take it in your own hands

Do not squeeze your pimples. This will only spread the infection and cause the affected area to swell. Squeezing your pimples may also result in permanent scarring. So be very careful in tweaking those red bumps on your face.

3. Avoid oily cosmetics

Remember that acne-prone skin is oily enough as it is. If you use oily cosmetics, it will only add up to the oil build up. If you have to wear make-up, look for the ones that are water-based. This will be less harsh on the skin. Also, remember to always remove your make-up at night. This is very crucial as leaving make-up on your skin while asleep can further irritate the skin.

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Skin Care: Turn Back the Clock - or Just Your Wallet?

by Rebecca Prescott

Your skin is a very clever organ. No matter which in the arsenal of developments in anti aging skin care products are proudly emblazoned on the bottle and in the marketing literature, your skin knows the truth. And whilst it may play the game for a little while, plumping up nicely to give the appearance of looking younger, more even, and less lined, this is only a temporary, somewhat cosmetic ruse. It is actually a biological trick of the light, a chimeraic nod to the quest for youth. Don't be fooled.

Skin care is big business. And there's nothing wrong with that. But whilst its highly entertaining to browse through the shelves and try out the latest pedigree of skin cream, these foot soldiers in the war on wrinkles meet a somewhat tenacious and uncooperative foe in our skin.

Our skin. This multi-layered emissary to the outside world, bearer of our expressions, our joys, our grief. Guard against the invisible tide of micro-organisms that seek to infiltrate our body's first defence against disease and infection. This complex array of cells that every month regenerate and shed, within the constraints of age and the quality of our diet. Our skin is a hard worker and much unappreciated. Often barely nourished despite the money spent on technological promises, we still hope the dream of youth slipping away will be restored.

There is a way to slow the process of aging. But not by applying high tech anti aging creams. By understanding exactly what our skin is, we can find better ways of giving it what it needs. And consequently, we will find ourselves with what we want - more youthful skin.

Our skin is composed of 3 main layers. The outside layer that we apply our anti aging skin care products to is the epidermis. This in turn has 4 to 5 layers, depending on where it is in the body, and whether there is a lot of hair on it. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, serves as a barrier. This is where the cells are continually shedding and where new cells are ultimately pushed up to. These cells have no blood supply, and hence no nutrients or oxygen carried in the blood reach these cells. They are essentially dead in that they cannot engage in the metabolic processes that living cells do. But they do serve very important functions. By creating an impenetrable barrier, they keep out bacteria and other micro organisms, and are thus part of the immune system. But this very function also serves to keep out most of the expensive ingredients in anti aging treatments. And no matter how well an ingredient performs in a laboratory test tube, that does not necessarily translate to reaching the deeper layers of your skin, where the real anti aging work takes place. Most skin care products work only on the stratum corneum, and that is their downfall as anti aging secret agents.

The next layer down from the top is the dermis. This is the layer where wrinkles develop. The dermis consists of living cells, and they are responsible for the structure, integrity and elasticity of the skin. Here collagen is regenerated whilst existing collagen is broken down in the monthly cellular cycle. The production of collagen slows with age and factors like smoking, sun exposure, stress and inadequate nutrition. Other skin nutrients like elastin and hyaluronic acid are found here. Hyaluronic acid for example, helps hold water. As the dermis is composed of living cells, it has a blood supply, which transport nutrients and oxygen to the cells. These capillaries also transport cellular wast like carbon dioxide away. Here you'll also find lymph vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, and nerve endings for heat and cold.

Fibers from the dermis extend down and into the next main layer, the subcutaneous layer. They anchor the skin to it. The subcutaneous layer in turn attaches to organs like bone and muscles underneath. Here are nerve endings that are sensitive to pressure, blood, lymph vessels, fat cells, collagen and elastin. The subcutaneous layer thins as we age, which creates a more angular appearance.

Moisturizers achieve their temporary effect by trapping water already in the skin. They essentially act as a seal, they do not provide additional water or 'moisture'. The few products that actually work on the deeper layers of the skin are the Retin-A skin care treatments. Vitamin C, though popular, has not conclusively demonstrated that it can reach the deeper layers, the dermis. And even if it did, there is not enough evidence that it actually does anything there.

But the news is not all bad. We can do something, and its not rocket science. If we supply the skin with the nutrients it needs, with good, fresh fruit and vegetables, and good quality fats and protein, or even supplements as a boost. Then, and only then, will we stall the clock at a more agreeable hour.

References:
1. Tortura & Grabowski, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 7th Ed. (Harper Collins)
2. E Angyal, Gorgeous Skin (Lothian Books)

Acne sufferers, this article covers TCM acne treatments versus acne natural cures, for a great insight into how they view skin conditions. And if you want a deeper understanding of why we get sick, check out this article on supplements and herbal medicine.

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For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.

Acne Skin Care Products

by Kirsten Hawkins

We all need to follow a skin care regimen to keep our skin healthy and in top shape. Our skin can reflect on how we take care of our body. At some point of our lives, it is almost inevitable that we experience having minor forms of skin infections caused by acne like pimples and blackheads. Teenagers are more prone to it as the body undergoes different hormonal changes. As the body continually grows towards adulthood, individuals really have no way of stopping it and can only lessen its effects. By using different methods and acne skin care products person’s that are more prone to it can control its growth.

Acne skin care products performance can greatly depend on how an individual's skin type reacts to it. It must conform to the skin’s characteristics, which may include skin sensitivity, tone, ethnicity and gender. There are many acne skin care products in the market with different active ingredients and solutions for different skin types. Acne prone skin can be very sensitive to different chemicals and must be very careful in using different products. There are different tips and techniques for mild to severe cases of acnes. Some acne skin care products may not work for some people in helping them improve the look and condition of their skin.

Among the commonly used acne skin care product is the facial cleanser. There are many types of cleansers available that are good and gentle for the skin. It is easy to find a cleanser that is made specifically for a person’s skin type. Using a different soap for your face is also important since bath soaps can be harmful to acne-prone individuals. Testing different acne skin care products may do more harm than good. Skin toners contain ingredients that can dry skin making it susceptible to acne.

A moisturizer is well recommended for individuals that are using benzoyl peroxide to keep the skin from becoming too dry. Upon using acne skin care products for treating blemishes, using moisturizers can keep the skin in balance and helps prevent some of the dryness on its initial stages. Benzoyl peroxide can be harmful to a few individuals. When it exceeds the reasonable quantity and concentration, it can cause severe swelling and flaking. Testing acne skin care products and starting at lesser amounts of dosage is advised to keep track of your skin’s reaction.

Manual razors are better than electric razors since it can give you more control as you shave. Quality safety razors are not hard to find, it can make shaving easier. Changing the blade more often can lessen the skin irritation for acne prone individuals. Blunt and uneven blades can cause accidents like cuts. Unclean blades can also infect open scars and pimples. Opening a scar or blemish can cause a secondary bacterial infection and a permanent scar. Using a shaving cream can prevent burns acquired from shaving and it can also lessen the possibility of bacteria from entering cuts.

Aside from acne skin care products you can also rely for health supplements like vitamins. Vitamins A, B6, C and E can be good for acne treatment and are essential for a healthy skin. Being watchful on your diet and sugar intake can also help minimizing acne problems. Foods rich in sulfur like garlic and onions can be use to cure acne. Consulting a dermatologist for the right acne skin care product can save you the time and effort in reaching the desired results. Skin experts can give you a proper advise on how to treat your skin well.

Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit http://www.acnesolution411.com/ for more information on acne and acne treatments.

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For more News, Articles, Guides, Tips, Tricks and various Cosmetics and Skincare Products information... visit our site at http://www.cosmetics-n-skincare.com/.