How Parents Can Help When Their Teens Who Have Acne

Monday, March 13th, 2006

Since acne and pimples is such a common condition that many teenagers suffer from, parents of teenage children are sure to have experienced it themselves. As adults, we know that acne will pass, but this is small comfort to teenagers who are suffering from the embarrassment of acne. Parents need to be morally supportive, but also need to be a source of information and advice about how to treat acne.

One of the best ways for parents to help their children is to learn as much as possible about the various types of acne and how it can be treated. Armed with this knowledge you can help your teenager make appropriate decisions about medications or whether or not to consult with the dermatologist.

Just because you had acne when you were a teenager doesn’t make you an expert. New medications and new methods of treatment have been developed so that most common acne conditions can be brought under control. There are a variety of approaches, so knowing what is available will help you decide which is best for your child.

Consulting with a dermatologist is always a good idea for any skin condition. Those spots that appear on your teenager’s skin are most likely to be acne, but there are other skin conditions that resemble it. Consulting with a dermatologist will give you a definite diagnosis and also provide you with as many treatment options as possible.

Talking with your teenager about acne can be touchy because he or she is likely to be embarrassed by their appearance. You know best how to approach your teenager, but in general you need to be supportive and understanding. Never accuse your child of following habits that cause acne — the myths about oily foods, chocolate, or sex causing acne have been proven to be untrue.

Most likely, your teenager is trying everything he or she can to control the acne. Even if they don’t want to talk about it, it most likely is one of their major concerns. After all, acne can affect self image and sociability and in severe cases can lead to depression and withdrawal.

Let your teenager know that you are available and that you are willing to help him or her with their acne. Talking about your own experiences may help and certainly can’t hurt – it may give your teenager a broader perspective on the condition.

Even though it may be small comfort, remind your child that most teenagers suffer from acne — they are not alone. It is estimated that 85% of adolescents have acne, and 40% have acne severe enough to need treatment by a dermatologist. If, after trying a few over-the-counter medications without success, encourage your child to go to a dermatologist. Medical treatments can include oral medicines, physical treatments, and ointments and lotions which are applied directly on the acne. These treatments can help clear up the acne while offering relief from the physical discomfort it causes.

Acne does not last forever. As your child gets older the acne should become less of a problem, and by the time they are in their early 20s should be a thing of the past.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Acne Treatments Part Two — Prescription Medication

Thursday, March 9th, 2006

Acne Treatments Part Two — Prescription Medication

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” After trying almost everything and against my dermatologist’s prediction, I cured myself from severe acne without drugs and without creams. Since then, I have helped thousands of people worldwide to be acne free… let me show you how!”
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Many people try to treat acne conditions on their own without consulting a doctor. However, it is always a good idea to check with a dermatologist when you notice any kind of unusual skin condition. Even if it turns out to be acne, the doctor can give you valuable information and advice about how to treat it.

Mild and moderate conditions of acne can often be treated with over-the-counter medications, but severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist and prescription medicine. Even if the acne is moderate, a prescription medicine may be more effective than what is available over-the-counter.

There are two types of prescription acne medications — oral and topical. Antibiotics are often used to fight acne, and they can be taken orally or as a lotion. Topical prescription medications may include ingredients such as zinc or retinoids.

Antibiotics — The most common antibiotic used for treating acne is tetracycline. It is used to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and also reduces inflammation. Antibiotic treatment may take several weeks or even months to be effective and must continue even after the acne has cleared up. A common side effect associated with tetracycline is increased sensitivity to sun light resulting in bad sunburns if the patient stays in the sun too long. Other side effects include upset stomach, dizziness, and hives.

Women taking tetracycline can suffer from increased incidences of vaginal yeast. Pregnant women and children under the age of 12 cannot take tetracycline because it discolors growing teeth.

Ointments — Antibiotic ointments have fewer complications than oral antibiotics. They are effective in killing bacteria which cause acne, and when used in conjunction with other topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide the bacteria may not develop resistance to the antibiotics.

Retinoids — Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and can be applied directly on the skin in the form of lotions or creams. Topical retinoid medications are useful for treating blackheads and whiteheads by helping to open clogged pores. A common side effect of topical retinoids is dry skin.

Oral retinoids can be used for more severe forms of acne which don’t respond to other treatments. Oral retinoids cause the upper layer of the skin to peel thereby opening pores. They also cause the body to produce less sebum – the substance which causes oily skin.

A number of serious side effects are associated with oral retinoids. They can cause birth defects if mothers are taking them when pregnant, so females must use two forms of birth control if they are under retinoid treatment. They can also cause liver damage and depression, so regular medical attention is needed to make sure the patient is not being adversely affected by retinoid treatment.

Other medications – Birth control pills are sometimes effective in treating acne in women. They change hormone levels in the body and can reduce the acne causing effects of testosterone. Zinc is a relatively new treatment that is effective in some cases. Always discuss with your dermatologist for the most effective treatment for your particular case.

Also see: #1 Natural Acne Treatment Product with Guaranteed Results!

Some Common Acne Myths You Should Be Aware Of

Wednesday, March 1st, 2006

Scientific knowledge about acne is gradually clearing up some of the misconceptions surrounding this condition, but there are many myths that persist. Here are some common acne myths.

Myth #1 - Acne is caused by poor hygiene. This belief may have arisen because of the skin infections associated with acne. However, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for outbreaks of acne. The mixture of sebum and dead cells which cause acne is situated beneath the surface of the skin where it is impossible to clean it away. However, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice a day will keep the skin as healthy as possible. Be careful not to scrub too hard, however, as this may make acne worse.

Myth #2 - Acne is caused by certain foods. There is a long-standing belief that eating chocolate will cause the face to break out in pimples. There is no scientific evidence for this — studies have shown no statistically significant relationship between eating chocolate and acne. The same holds true of other foods associated like potato chips and sugar. It is true, however, that eating too much of these foods is unhealthy, and you wish to keep as healthy as possible at all times and especially if afflicted with acne. Limiting chocolate and sugar consumption is always a good idea.

Even though chocolate and french fries do not cause acne, there are some foods which do seem to aggravate it. There seems to be a relationship between milk and acne, and foods high in iodine also seem to cause pimples. Iodine is found in seafood, so those with acne may be advised not to eat too much seafood.

Myth #3 - Acne is related to sex. At various times we heard that masturbation or celibacy causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, however, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is unclear. Anger and stress also affect hormone levels.

Myth #4 - Acne has to run its course. There are many treatments available for acne, so those who are suffering from the discomfort and embarrassment that acne causes can find relief by consulting with a dermatologist or using over-the-counter medicine.

Myth #5 - Acne is only a teenage condition. It is true that most adolescents have acne, but it also affects some adults. Acne will usually clear up by time one enters their early 20s, but some people experience acne for the first time when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Myth #6 - Acne only affects appearance. Acne is a skin condition which can also cause psychological distress. Those with severe acne are especially vulnerable to feelings of depression and low self-image. There is a strong link between severe acne conditions and social withdrawal.

Myth #7 - Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them. In fact, popping pimples may aggravate acne by spreading the bacteria which is causing it. Popping can also lead to scarring which in severe cases can be permanent.

Myth #8 - Sunbathing is good for acne. Exposure to the sun has the effect of drying out excess oils, so it does in fact have a short-term effect of improving acne. However, the skin quickly becomes accustomed to sun exposure so no long-term benefit is gained. Sun exposure may also damage the skin and increase the chance of skin cancer.

Myth #9 - Makeup causes acne. Some makeup can clog the pores which is bad for the health of the skin. Cosmetics labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic” are safe to use and some brands may include ingredients which can treat acne.

Myth #10 - The more acne medicine the better. Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should use more medicine. Excess use of acne ointments, however, may irritate the skin, and oral medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Always follow the directions for the acne medications.

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Acne Resources
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An Acne Sufferer’s Tale And How He Finally Overcame 15 Years of Acne Agony

Monday, February 27th, 2006

“…it all started when I was fifteen years old. Like an ugly shadow, it followed me around for the next ten years.

It defied every dermatologist and their expensive prescriptions, treatments with over-the-counter products, ongoing six a.m. antibiotics that created nausea beyond belief, and even Accutane - the “Miracle Drug”.

It was Acne and it was NOT my friend. It stole my self-confidence and made me think and feel that there was something wrong with me. After ten years of constant emotional battle, I finally found a different and viable solution to this common problem. I must admit, I was very skeptical at first.

I didn’t think I would EVER get rid of the acne that had tormented me for so long. However, I desperately wanted to feel better about myself and I wanted the acne GONE - so, I gave it a try.

After 3 days, I woke up and made the slow walk to my bathroom mirror. I walked in with my eyes closed, and when I opened them, my jaw dropped to the floor!

IT WAS COMPLETELY GONE!!

My acne totally disappeared in only 3 days! I finally had the clear face that I had always wanted, and my confidence and self-esteem went through the roof!”

Click here to continue reading this personal account and triumph over acne

Finding the Wrinkle Removing Treatment Product that is Right for You

Tuesday, February 21st, 2006

As women grow older, many begin frantically searching for the best available wrinkle removing treatment. This is understandable because common problems, such as crow’s feet and bags under the eyes, become increasingly common as we age. With so many wrinkle removing treatment products available, however, it can sometimes be overwhelming to find the one that’s best for you. In addition, you want a product that will not only help reduce the number of wrinkles you already have, but that will also help prevent new ones from occurring. Fortunately, a few simple guidelines will help you narrow down your choices, making it possible to find the product that is right for you.

Natural Versus Non-Natural Treatments

One way to eliminate approximately half of the available products for wrinkle removing treatment is to ignore products that are non-natural. Non-natural products often contain harsh chemicals that can ultimately cause more harm than good. In addition, treatments such as Botox are invasive and painful. Yet other treatments have no sound medical basis for their claim of removing wrinkles. With natural products, you never have to worry about the long-term effects and you will not need to be stuck by painful needles.

Selecting the Right Product

Now that you have eliminated all of the non-natural products from your list of potential wrinkle removing treatment products, you need to determine which natural product contains the best ingredients for wrinkle reduction and prevention. Therefore, the wrinkle removing treatment product you select should include ingredients such as Jojoba oil, soybean oil, avocado oil, vitamin A, green tea extract, vitamin C, and aloe vera gel.

Jojoba oil should be included in the product because it helps to balance the natural properties of your skin. Sebum, which is the natural oil found in your skin, helps to keep your skin moist. Jajoba oil is similar to sebum and is able to suppress its production in oily skin and to increase its production in dry skin. In addition, Jajoba oil is high in vitamin E and helps cleanse the skin.

Soybean oil and avocado oil are also both rich in vitamin E and, therefore, help to protect the skin and retain moisture. Avocado oil also has vitamin A and many other minerals, as well as potassium. As a natural oxidant, avocado oil also improves your skin’s elasticity and helps to reduce fine lines in the skin.

Additional vitamin A is also beneficial when added to a natural wrinkle removing treatment product. Palmitate, retinyl, tretinoin, retinoic acid, retinal, and isotretinoin are all forms of vitamin A to look for on the product label. All of these forms of vitamin A have been shown to help in the treatment of acne and in keeping the skin healthy. Vitamin A also helps increase the growth of new skin and increases its collagen, which helps keep it moist and appearing youthful.

Green tea extract also contains beneficial antioxidant minerals and, therefore, helps remove free radicals from the skin. Vitamin C also has strong antioxidant properties. Scientists have long known that it is capable of producing firmer and smoother skin. Aloe vera gel has also long been known for its healing powers, as well. It prevents the skin from becoming dry by helping to preserve moisture.

When used together, such as in this all natural product,these ingredients have a powerful effect on preventing and removing wrinkles.

Application

After narrowing down your choices for a wrinkle removing treatment product according to ingredients, you also need to consider the frequency and mode of application. Some products need to be applied every day for several days, even weeks, before a difference can be noticed in the skin. Instead, look for a product that is capable of providing more immediate results and does not require frequent applications that are difficult to carry through on.

In addition, some wrinkle removing treatment products require special brushes or other equipment to apply. This is a great hassle and should not be necessary with a quality product. Instead, look for a product you can apply with just your fingers and that is easy to remove with a cloth.

Cost

After finding a natural product with all of the right ingredients that fits into your lifestyle, the final consideration is cost. Many products on the market are simply over-priced. High price does not necessarily equal high quality. Remember, you do not have to spend a fortune to look good!

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