7 Ways To Conquer Acne


Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

  • Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • L-Carnitine
  • Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Proactiv® Solution
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Retinoids
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral Contraceptives
  • Anti-Androgens
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

_______________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat Acne

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

_______________________________________________

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Acne Scars ? Getting Rid of Bad Memories!

Acne scars can often be the final reminder of a... Read More

Cow Juice and Acne

There is growing evidence that suggests that the consumption of... Read More

Natural Acne Treatment

Apart from physician's medications, Acne can also be treated very... Read More

Acne

One of the most popular skin disorders, Acne, is the... Read More

Solutions to Rosacea & Acne Rosacea - Treatments That Eradicate the Redness

Rosacea, or acne rosacea, is clinically defined as a chronic... Read More

Are You Addicted To Your Acne Trigger?

An acne trigger is any thought, location, feeling, food, emotion,... Read More

Your Guide To Acne Skin Care

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty... Read More

Effective Treatment Options Available for Moderate to Severe Acne

Suffering from even a minor acne flair up can wreck... Read More

Proactive Facial Cleanser For Acne

Acne can be a tough problem to fight but it... Read More

Is Milk Giving You the Zits?

A study published in the February 2005 edition of the... Read More

Why You Will Never Achieve Long-Lasting Acne Free Skin With The ?External? Acne Treatments Today

Most of the acne treatments out there just don't have... Read More

Acne Treatment

Imagine the day when you have to cancel an important... Read More

Eczema and Acne Herbs For a Powerful Footbath

In 1979, Maurice Messe'gue', the famous French herbalist, who practiced... Read More

How To Alleviate Your Acne Problem

Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne... Read More

Frugal Home Remedies for Acne

Acne is a problem that strikes people of all ages,... Read More

Acne Program- Step 3: Relieve Your Constipation with a Three Day Mini-Juice Fast

Getting your bowels moving and cleaning out your colon is... Read More

Acne Scar Removal

Those who have battled with acne may have acne scars.... Read More

Acne Blemish Laser Treatment

If you are looking to eliminate acne, cure zits and... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Eczema and Other Skin Disorders

Many people suffer from eczema and various skin disorders that... Read More

Save Money On Acne Cleansers

My first education on how to buy acne skin care... Read More

Acne Treatment: 7 Things You Must Know!

Let me ask you this...Are you suffering from acne?Do you... Read More

Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

Isn't skin a wonderful thing to have?An obvious benefit of... Read More

How To Use Fish Oil To Help You Stop Acne

If you want to control acne breakouts, you need to... Read More

Acne ? A Clean Face ? First Step In A 12 Step Program

For those that need more than a special cream like... Read More

How to Use a Smoothie to Eliminate Acne, Improve Skin, and Keep Regular

Fruit smoothies provide you a different way to eat fruits.... Read More

Different Types of Acne, Different Treatments ? Cystic Acne Treatment

Acne can range in severity from a relatively small number... Read More

Adult Acne Treatment ? To Treat a Condition That No-one Talks About

Acne is the most common skin complaint in the world.... Read More

Acne Program ? An Introduction

Acne is the most common skin disorder. Over 10% of... Read More

Stop Squeezing Your Pimples - 7 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Pimples

It's everyone's worst nightmare. Waking up the day before a... Read More

Lasers - A Modern Cosmetic Treatment For Acne Blemishes

The best way to protect your skin from acne-related scarring... Read More

Battle Blemishes

Every individual has different skin needs. But what doesn't differ... Read More

Acne Scar Removal Surgery

Acne scar removal surgery is one way of treating the... Read More

What is Milia - Whiteheads-Acne

MILIA (whiteheads)Milia are deep seeded white bumps that form when... Read More