Oct 18

Fighting Acne From the Inside Out with Vitamins and Minerals

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Your skin tends to reflect the state of the health of your body. If you are unhealthy, skin can look dry and sallow. Having a good diet, and taking vitamins can improve the way skin looks, and help reduce and prevent acne. Drinking water is also very helpful in preventing acne; if you do not drink enough, you can become dehydrated, and toxins are not able to be flushed properly from the body. Dry skin from dehydration can lead to pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells, and toxins can build up in skin; both of these conditions can lead to and worsen acne.

Vitamin A

In addition to staying hydrated, there are many vitamins that are important to skin health. Vitamin A is one of the most well-known skin improving vitamins. Retinol, and retinoids, are a form of vitamin A and one of the most commonly used ingredients in skin care. Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is a vitamin A derivative, and one of the strongest and most successful acne medication that can be prescribed. These chemicals can increase the rate of skin cell turnover, helping clear up pores; they also can help limit oil production which helps to reduce the severity and frequency of breakouts. Vitamin A can be found naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, pumpkins, eggs, mangos, peas, and broccoli; additionally, retinol can be found in many lotions and serums as a topical treatment.

Vitamins C and E

Both vitamin C and vitamin E are important in helping limit the amount of damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the destruction of elastin and collagen. These are the support structures of skin, and lack of collagen is part of what leads to acne scarring. Vitamin E specifically has also been shown to reduce damage done to skin by the sun, and improve the texture of skin. Vitamin C is in a slew of foods, most fruits, and especially citrus, contain large volumes of the vitamin; drink and pill supplements are available almost everywhere. Sunflower oil, green leafy vegetables, mangoes, broccoli, avocados and kiwi are all rich in vitamin E.

B Vitamins

B vitamin are also critical to clear skin. Specifically, vitamin B3, also known more commonly as Niacin, has many anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce the appearance of acne. B3 also helps increase and maintain skin’s moisture; this keeps skin from drying out and clogging pores with dead skin. Additionally, this vitamin speeds up the separation of skin cells, which helps keep pores clear and clog free. B5 is another important vitamin in the reduction of acne, it is a major part of the production of Coenzyme A, which is a chemical that helps metabolize oil in the skin. If enough Coenzyme A is not produced, it can lead to a build up of oil in the skin, which leads to acne. B vitamins are commonly found in meat, but there are vegan forms available as supplements.

While topical application of acne treatments is still critical to combating breakouts, you can do a lot to assist the process by staying hydrated, and ensuring you have enough vitamins to help combat and prevent the causes of acne.

Oct 18

All About Gram-Negative Folliculitis

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Gram-negative folliculitis is a type of acne complication that usually occurs after prolonged treatment with antibiotics. Acne vulgaris, which causes whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and pustules, occurs when dirt, bacteria, oil and dead skin cells clog the pores. When acne is not controlled by over-the-counter treatments, a physician may prescribe an antibiotic such as doxycycline to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin. This treatment also affects the number of bacterial organisms present in the nasal passages. Gram-negative organisms usually make up only 1 percent of a person’s nasal flora. In people who use antibiotics to treat acne, gram-negative organisms make up as much as 4 percent of the nasal flora. In some people, the gram-negative organisms leave the nasal passages and come into contact with the skin on the face.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of folliculitis depend on the extent of the problem. Superficial folliculitis only affects the upper part of each hair follicle. This type of gram-negative folliculitis causes red skin, inflamed skin, tenderness, itching, clusters of red bumps around the hair follicles and the formation of pus-filled blisters. Deep folliculitis gets deeper in the skin and affects the entire hair follicle. This condition causes pain, large bumps and pus-filled blisters. Once the infection clears, this type of folliculitis may leave permanent scars. Doctors can usually diagnose this condition just by looking at the skin, but some might take a sample of liquid from one of the pustules on the skin and have it tested in a laboratory. This can help determine exactly which bacteria is causing the problem.

Prevention

It may not be entirely possible to prevent folliculitis, but those who use antibiotics to treat acne should try to protect themselves. Men who save their faces should use a new blade each time they shave. Avoiding cuts and nicks can prevent bacteria from building up on the face. If shaving seems to make things worse, avoiding shaving until the infection clears up can give the skin a much-needed break.

Treatment Options

Drug therapy is the best way to treat gram-negative folliculitis, as topical treatment rarely works. Ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the most effective in killing gram-negative organisms and controlling this type of folliculitis. A drug called isotretinoin is especially effective for treating this condition. It is not an antibiotic, but a drug that is derived from the antioxidant beta-carotene. This medication can eradicate facial lesions in as little as two to three months. Since it is not an antibiotic, however, it has no effect on the gram-negative organisms on the skin.

Acne Management

Once the folliculitis subsides, treating any remaining acne is important. Since the use of antibiotics increases the risk for gram-negative folliculitis, topical creams and cryotherapy should be considered. Topical treatments that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can reduce the amount of oil on the skin and prevent the pores from becoming clogged. Cryotherapy, also known as slush therapy or dry ice therapy, which involves the application of dry ice to skin affected by acne. This treatment can help reduce the number of acne lesions and may even help prevent scarring.

Oct 16

Zenmed Derma Cleanse Review

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I was very skeptical about trying ZenMed Derma Cleanse for my acne but I was desperate enough to try their product. I had a friend who swore by this company and convinced me to try this acne system. She also convinced me that it was better than all of the other acne products that had used such as Proactiv and Max Clarity. At this point I really had nothing to lose and order ZenMed Derma Cleanse. It took almost two weeks to be delivered instead of the 4 to 7 days promise that was guaranteed to me over the phone. When I received my package, one of the bottles was broken and leaking all over the other products. I called the company to let them know what had happened and they advised me to purchase a new bottle! At this point I was so livid that I wanted nothing else to do with the company. I did try to salvage the cleanser as best I could and used what was left of it. I have to say that I was sorely disappointed with the product and the with the way customer service treated me. I will never order anything that has to do with ZenMed after using their product. The system is said to be natural and irritant free, this is not true. If anything this product made my flare-ups even worse. It was a good thing that they had a 60 day money back guarantee.

I have suffered from acne since middle school; it went from mild to severe after I turned 13. But since then, I have used every product that you can think of and they either made my acne worse or gave me horrible dry skin, but still I tried. If you have or currently suffer from acne, then you have probably tried everything. I am that person who has tried everything both prescribed and over the counter. I have tried everything from Nature’s Cure, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Proactiv, Skin ID, Murad, Olay, and finally Clearasil. There comes a time when people actually reach their breaking point and try other natural ingredients for their skin, and depending on how often they are used, they actually work. I finally came across a product called ZenMed Derma Cleanse and I am sad to say that it was a waste of money and time.

What is ZenMed Derma Cleanse?

ZenMed Derma Cleanse is an acne system designed to treat acne both internally and externally for a long period of time. ZenMed Derma Cleanse is supposed to treat all steps in the acne cycle, which includes preventing it, clearing it, healing it, and getting rid of discoloration.

Functions

Elimination of pimples
Elimination of clogged pores through gentle exfoliation
Prevention of future breakouts
Refreshed and supple skin

Time frame

Within 3 days; however, every skin type is different. It may take less time or more time depending on the type of skin you have.

Price

Depending on which system you want anywhere from $29.99-209

Natural ?

Claims to be natural
Some harmful chemicals (dried my skin out)

Ingredients

Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
Mineral heavy clay
Benzoyl Peroxide
Salicylic acid

Side effects

Some dry skin
Wear sunscreen when going outside because the product contains salicylic acid

Money back guarantee (People Pleaser Guarantee)
ZenMed Derma Cleanse guarantees its customers a 60 day money back guarantee in case the product does not meet your expectations. All you have to do is return the product within 60 days of use for a full money back guarantee. Waiting after 60 days will not get you a refund because the company will not accept it.

I personally did not have a good running with ZenMed Derma Cleanse. My skin type is different from other people’s skin types. What did not work for me might work for someone else. Just be patient with the results. I waited two weeks and did not see any results but you might be lucky and see results after 3 days. If you do not like the product, you have the option of returning it to the company within 60 days for a full refund. You really have nothing to lose but your acne.

Oct 16

Biodermagen Review

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Biodermagen is an acne serum that is designed to treat and prevent acne without stripping the skin of vital moisture. In addition to eliminating breakouts and blemishes, Biodermagen can also help to restore the skin’s vitality and youthfulness, which is a skin concern for many adult women who are fighting signs of aging and acne.

Since this product claims to provide visible results in 24 hours and an 80 percent reduction in the frequency of breakouts in four days, this article is focused on the ingredients that Biodermagen is composed of. Examining the potential effectiveness of the ingredients and the overall advantages and disadvantages will help to determine if this product is a good choice for individuals with acne-prone skin.

Ingredients in Biodermagen

• Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is found naturally in the deepest layers of skin. The essential function of this ingredient is to hydrate and smooth the skin, as it is able to absorb more water when compared to other substances. By binding to water molecules, hyaluronic acid can greatly reduce dryness and hydrates the skin’s tissues, providing anti-aging benefits and soothing acne-prone skin.

• Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an all-natural anti-inflammatory that treats acne by reducing redness and swelling on the skin. It is also hydrating and can help skin retain moisture levels without leaving skin greasy. Since aloe vera is naturally cooling, it can help a person’s skin feel more comfortable and less likely to flake and peel.

• Salicylic Acid

The main function of salicylic acid is to mildly exfoliate the skin. Since it can penetrate deep into pores, salicylic acid prevents acne by ensuring that dead skin cells do not become trapped in the skin’s hair follicles, which can cause acne. As it unclogs pores, this ingredient can also eliminate whiteheads and blackheads.

• Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a natural botanical that closely resembles the natural oil that is produced by the skin and can help to balance oil production. It can also provide long-lasting hydration to the skin, and is non-comedogenic, which will not clog pores or worsen acne.

• Allantoin

Allantoin is a botanical ingredient that is helpful in the healing of acne blemishes and treating infections. It can also soothe and calm skin that is irritated and inflamed. Allantoin is also highly moisturizing and can improve skin’s appearance by making it look healthy and smooth.

• Bergamot

Bergamot oil acts as an astringent on the skin and can help minimize oil production. It is also an antiseptic, which can free the skin of the bacteria that can lead to breakouts. Since it also encourages wound healing, bergamot oil can also reduce the risk of post-acne scarring.

• Clove

It is believed that clove oil is a strong antibacterial agent that can prohibit the growth of bacteria. Clove oil also reduces inflammation, as it can control swelling and redness.

• Lavender

As an all-natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, lavender can treat existing acne and prevent against further breakouts. This is accomplished by decreasing redness, swelling and eliminating harmful bacteria on the skin. Lavender can also encourage the healing of acne and promote the growth of new skin cells, which will revitalize the look and feel of skin.

Advantages

Most of the ingredients in Biodermagen are all-natural, which helps to reduce the side effects that can occur with most topical acne treatments, such as dryness, peeling and flaking. The mix of botanicals and natural oils work synergistically to hydrate the skin, promote healing, reduce oil production and calm and soothe inflamed skin.

Unlike most other acne treatments, Biodermagen contains hyaluronic acid, which can plump the skin and provide the necessary moisture that acne-prone skin needs. Since this ingredient can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in addition to minimizing the appearance of acne scarring, it is a good choice for adults who are experiencing acne and also wish to look younger.

Disadvantages

The Biodermagen website only provides a few customer reviews, which are all positive. Not everyone is going to have a positive experience with a particular product, regardless of how effective the ingredients may be in treating and preventing acne. It would be beneficial to have more customer reviews on the site, both positive and negative, so that consumers can base their judgment on the experiences of others who have used the product.

While most of the ingredients in Biodermagen are natural, there are also a few synthetic ingredients that can be found in the product. While the specific chemicals and synthetics are not listed, the ingredients list clearly states preservatives. Since Biodermagen is described as an all-natural formulation, preservatives and fragrances should not be listed in the ingredients. This information is definitely misleading and contradicts the natural claims that this product is making.

Oct 16

Green Tea as an Internal and External Acne Fighter

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Green tea has been touted as a wonder “drug” for many years, especially by many eastern cultures. It has been purported to help prevent cancer, reduce cholesterol, aid in weight loss, just to name a few. As time has gone by, medical tests have begun to show that many of the reported health related claims associated with green tea are actually true. Green tea has also recently become a popular acne treatment.

What is green tea?

Green tea originated in China, and is made only from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. It is only brewed from leaves that have gone through the most minimal of oxidation during processing. Due to different processing, harvesting and growing conditions, many different flavors and variations of green tea exist.

How does green tea treat acne?

The first reason way that green tea fights acne is by being a natural astringent; astringents cause skin to contract. This means that green tea can help shrink pores and reduce inflammation caused by acne. In addition to visually making skin look better by shrinking pores, it can also help keep dead skin cells and oils from getting into and clogging pores, which is the process that causes pimples.

Green tea is also an antioxidant. This is a huge help in repairing skin, and keeping it balanced. Additionally, as an antioxidant it can also help kill some of the bacteria on the top level of skin. This can help prevent pimples from forming. Green tea can also be absorbed into the skin and help dry out acne and the bacteria that causes it from the inside. This can help prevent acne from forming, and lessen the duration and severity of breakouts.

How do I use green tea to fight acne?

There are several different ways to use green tea to fight acne. The most obvious is internal; drinking green tea every day can help fight inflammation of the skin from the inside out, and antioxidants help restore skin’s balance and heal it faster.

Green tea can also be applied directly to the skin in a few different ways. The first is a green tea toner, which is quite simple to make. Simply brew fresh green tea, using one or two tea bags. You can make the concentration stronger or weaker by using more or less water to brew and steep the tea. Once you have brewed the tea, wait until it cools, then make sure that you squeeze the water out of the tea bags to get the most green tea out of them. You can put this into a water bottle or other container to use for a few days before you need to brew replacement tea. This toner is applied by using a cotton ball to swipe over your face after washing it as normal.

Another way to use green tea to treat acne is as a stronger spot treatment. When you brew the green tea, instead of wringing as much tea out of the tea bags as possible, place them in areas on your face that are most broken out. Leave the tea bag on for about five minutes to allow the tea to soak into the skin.

Does green tea work as an acne treatment?

While there have not been many published studies on the effect of green tea on acne, user consensus is that it is effective. People have found that green tea is effective, and reduces the appearance and frequency of acne. Additionally, there are no real side effects to the use of green tea. Most other acne treatments, cause drying, redness, and itching; green tea does none of these things. Since green tea is cheap, has effectively no side effects, and has a high rate of success, chances are that this will be an effective acne treatment for almost everyone.

Oct 16

Acne Fulminans - A Serious Medical Condition

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Acne fulminans is an extreme form of acne, which is also known as acute febrile ulcerative acne. It usually occurs after an attempted, but unsuccessful, treatment of acne conglobata. Acne conglobata is a form of ance that includes comedones, abscesses and draining of the sinus tracts. However, acne conglobata is not always the trigger for Acne fulminans; it can be caused by steroid use, or just occur spontaneously with no apparent cause. Acne fulminans is related to an overproduction of testosterone, and is something that occurs mostly in boys over the age of thirteen, and can affect men until the age of forty.

What are the symptoms of acne fulminans?

The symptoms of acne conglobata will show up abruptly, with little to no warning. These symptoms, in addition to comedones and abscesses, include nodules and ulcerating acne. This acne is not limited to the face and back, as most acne is, it can develop all over the body. If left untreated, these can become oozing and open sores, which are highly susceptible to infection.

Acne fulminans also causes inflammation and pain in joints, and shortly after causes lymph nodes to swell and become inflexible. The swelling and rigidity of the lymph nodes can lead to problems breathing, which can also eventually have a detrimental effect on internal organs. As symptoms progress, people with acne fulminans will usually have a fever and will lose their appetite, which leads to excessive weight loss and can cause muscles to atrophy. It is common to need to be hospitalized to treat acne fulminans, usually for around two to four weeks. Acne fulminans, especially if left untreated, can cause issues with the digestive system and bone structure.

What causes Acne fulminans?

Doctors are not sure what causes Acne fulminans; however, it is thought that it is caused by elevated levels of testosterone, which causes a rise in the oil production in skin and the bacteria that cause acne. Most cases of Acne fulminans occur after being treated with treitonin in an attempt to cure acne conglobata, as mentioned above. Steroid abuse has also been linked to the development of Acne fulminans, but sometimes there is not a clear cause of its onset.

How is Acne fulminans treated?

As soon as symptoms occur, treatment should be sought immediately. Unfortunately most people ignore symptoms until hospitalization is required. This is a very serious medical condition, and the effects of it if left untreated can be incredibly debilitating. Topical acne medications have no effect, and treatment is usually a combination of medications; steroids are used to help limit swelling of the acne and sores, aspirin to control pain and also assist with limiting inflammation, and high doses of antibiotics to help limit the spread of acne fulminans while also helping to keep sores from becoming infected. Additionally, Isotretinoin, an incredibly strong acne medication, may be used to help speed recovery.

Acne fulminans is a severe and debilitating condition, and should be taken seriously. If you see any of these symptoms, see a dermatologist or doctor immediately to help prevent escalation of symptoms and side effects.

Oct 16

Acne Conglobata: Prevention is better than cure!

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cne Conglobata is considered to a very rare and severe condition of acne that may appear. Besides the regular manifestations or symptoms of the regular common acne like whitehead and blackheads this kind of diseases is more like a lesion that is pus filled which does eventually is the cause of a deep scar. This kind of acne is considered to be a very serious disease of the skin and must be looked into by a skin specialize. Acne conglobata also requires the right kind of treatment so that it may be prevented from getting any worse. Besides the discomfort that is caused by this form of acne, the disease could also be very painful especially when there is a rupture of the lesions.

Common areas affected

The chest, buttocks, back and face are considered to be the common areas that normally get affected by acne conglobata. Since this condition is considered to be inflammatory this could also lead to the keloid scarring of the skin and hence disfigurement in many extreme cases. It starts off from under the skin which is why the scars look like interconnected burrows. This kind of acne vulgaris normally affects young men who belong to the age group of 18 and 30. These symptoms may also be visible even if the sufferer has reached 40 years of age.

Cause of Acne conglobatta

The cause of this severe form of acne is unknown. Although, there are many experts that say the disease is normally because of other acne manifestations such as blisters, pimples and cysts. Just like how a volcano may suddenly erupt, this particular disease could also originate due to acne which has not shown symptoms at all. This condition of acne being really serious is associated with testosterone levels increases, anabolic steroid abuse or a condition which is the cause of the body producing more androgens.

Treatment

Although this acne condition is considered to be severe it is not known to be fatal or anything that may threaten the life. Although, such condition could definitely kill something which is the self esteem of an individual suffering from acne conglobatta. Considering the long run the physical rigors which are caused due to this disease are far more bearable when compared to the mental and emotional torture that one has to go through because of this skin ailment. Individuals who suffer from such acne are normally the ones who get shunned by people normally making them feel like they are lepers in their own homes or communities. There are many treatments which aim at stopping this particular problem. There are also many antibiotics which have caused positive effects as well although the administration of the patient and medications should be done by a professional dermatologist. Erythromycin and tetracycline are common antibiotics which are used for the treatment of this disease although dapsone is a stronger alternative if the problem becomes severe. Isotretinoin is also considered an excellent option for treatment. It is a retinoid; it has effective results when it is tried for this particular disease of the skin. This medication could turn out to be rather bitter to swallow as well as have some really permanent side effects like bone diseases or hair loss. Other treatment options include radiation or carob dioxide laser.

Although you are going to try out a range or treatments it is important to carry out with the regular care in order to get some best results. You have to keep the skin clean and get rid of any oil based lotions or products. You should not use scents or perfumes for the skin. If you happen to be a part of any activity which could make you perspire you have to wash your skin with some cool water. When you do not do so you will not remove the toxins and dirt from the skin.

Acne is a condition which is hard to deal and normally teenagers are the ones who get affected by this problem. As and how one continues to age it could become a huge problem with relationships, life choices, careers and jobs. You should not wait until there is any further damage to the skin. You have to act right away and get the right treatment. If the acne is extreme you should consider getting doctor advice to get through a good treatment plan. You should know that prevention is the best medicine for this disease. You have to keep the symptoms at check as it is treatable and take action at the right time.