Natural Cures for Acne

Posted on by
Reply

Many people are looking for natural cures for acne as an alternative to harsh chemicals or prescription medication. Fortunately, there are many different natural products that can help alleviate the symptoms and discomfort.

Before trying to treat the condition, it is important that you first understand what causes a breakout to happen. In most cases, it is a build up of dead skin cells and trapped bacteria that cause white heads, black heads, and other pimples to appear on the skin. Therefore, logically it makes sense to treat it in ways that will help remove those conditions that make bacteria thrive under the skin.

Recently we posted an article about Home Remedies for Acne, which can be a great resource for the variety of different things available in your medicine or kitchen cabinets that can help alleviate symptoms and discomfort associated with acne. However, none of these are well researched or documented – some of them may only merely be old wive’s tails. Most dermatologists will agree that the advice of a qualified medical professional and studied and proven treatments will offer a better solution for the problem.

When you are considering natural cures for acne, you will really want to think about what the word natural means to you. To us, natural would mean a product that has to chemical additives and occurs unaltered and naturally in nature, such as a plant product like witch hazel or aloe vera. There are many “natural” products available commercially both online or in the aisles of your local drug store. However, when you read the product labels you’ll likely find a list of chemicals and preservatives that have been added. If you want truly natural products, it can be a little more difficult to find ones that are easily obtainable at an affordable price as well as truly do not contain any additives or unnatural substances.

Below are some of the possible acne cures that might be of interest to you:

Tea Tree Oil: Nothing could possibly sound more align with nature that the oil of a tea tree. Also known as melaleuca oil, this is a substance that is believed to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is quite strong on its own, so it is best to use it in a diluted format so that it does not cause irritation or inflammation of the skin. Tea tree oil is toxic to consume, so it should never be eaten, drank, or otherwise ingested. There are many products available that contain it in the list of ingredients that you can try if you are uncomfortable or concerned about using it safely.

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is known mostly for its healing and soothing properties, especially associated with skin conditions such as sunburn. It can greatly help with soothing uncomfortable spots that are irritated and painful. You can grow aloe plants and extract the gel from the plant yourself, or you can find it commercially in just about any store.

Proper Diet: It is believed that if you eat properly your skin will be healthier as well. Eating a diet that is rich in protein and green leafy vegetables can be a natural way to help prevent skin conditions from reoccurring. When you eat a proper diet, you can also see many benefits of getting enough vitamins and minerals which can also help promote healthy skin.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil may be another possible good treatment for skin ailments naturally. Many have reported success in using it in conjunction with aloe vera gel.

If you are seriously interested in learning natural cures for acne, you may want to speak with your dermatologist to see what products he or she recommends that are not chemically engineered. Being able to use the things available naturally on earth can be a great way to not only help your skin but also avoid harsh side effects and damage from more abrasive treatment regimens.

Severe Acne: What You Need to Know

Posted on by
Reply

Severe acne can often be a problem for many people. It is more than just having the occasional break out or a few problem areas, but acne that may be spread out all over one’s skin in different areas of their body beyond the face such as the back or the arms and legs. It is usually painful and can be swollen. It is also a chronic condition, which means it doesn’t just go away after puberty and many times does not react or respond to traditional over the counter remedies. While different doctors and people will have different opinions on what exactly should be classified as severe acne, it is most likely that they will all agree that if it affects your ability to enjoy life to the fullest, it should be considered something that needs medical treatment.

Having clear skin is not a matter of being vain or being judgmental about how your look. It can affect your whole outlook on life, such as how you feel about yourself. Depression, anxiety, stress, low self esteem and others can become a result in having skin problems that interfere with your every day life. While we all know that it’s who is inside that counts, when you have severe skin problems you may feel self conscious and worry that others might not be able to appreciate you for you or see past those red splotches.

The good news is that you do not have to be stuck with the bad skin forever. Many people think it is a hopeless situation, until they begin speaking to their doctor and dermatologist. It is easy to be tempted to try the many different over the counter remedies instead of seeing a doctor, especially if you do not have health insurance. But because severe acne can be due to hormonal imbalances, overactive sebaceous glands, or other underlying causes, it is likely that professional help would not only be more cost effective in the long run, but also help you see results much more quickly.

Here are just a few of the possible treatments your physician may recommend:

Oral Contraceptives: Contraceptives, most commonly known as birth control pills, can either make acne worse or for those who have hormonal imbalances show miraculous results in their ability to regulate hormones that cause skin to be more prone to breakouts. You need a prescription and the doctor will likely order some tests to verify that hormones may be playing a role in your skin condition.

Steroids: If the glands in your body are causing the breakouts, steroid treatment may be effective for some, though overuse or abuse of steroids could make the problem worse. Prescription creams may be effective in reducing itching, burning, and redness.

Oral Antibiotics: Many cases of acne are caused by bacteria trapped underneath dead skin cells. Often times an antibacterial cream is simply not enough, but some patients can find great relief in taking prescriptions from their doctor that regulate the accumulation of bacteria and infection. Your doctor will be able to make recommendations on what types would be the best for you.

These are just a few examples of the different treatments available for severe acne. There are many other options available, which is best to be discussed between you and your doctor if you are concerned about your skin’s health.

Home Remedies for Acne

Posted on by
Reply

Many home remedies for acne exist, which can make treating skin problems a lot less expensive than designer washes and creams as well as microdermabrasion and other treatments. Not all home remedies are created equal however, and many of them are based simply on little more than folklore. In general if you have severe skin problems or breakouts are affecting your quality of life, you should make an appointment with a trusted dermatologist. Keep in mind that when trying home remedies that you should not substitute it for medical care or advice and that you should also consider any allergies or skin sensitivities you may have from using certain items.

Here are some popular home remedies for acne:

Sugar Exfoliating Scrub: Mix 1/2 teaspoon super fine sugar with regular facial soap. Wet face and lather vigorously and rinse well. You can also alternatively use Vitamin E Oil instead. It is believed the sugar helps with removing dead skin cells.

Milk Cleanser: Mix 1/4 cup of milk and 1/4 teaspoon of table salt. Gently massage into face and allow to dry 2-3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. It is believed the milk will clean out pores and the salt will remove dead skin cells and bacteria.

Witch Hazel: Witch Hazel is a natural remedy which can be found at most retail stores in the pharmacy section very inexpensively. It is a natural astringent, which means it opens up pores and draws out any bacteria. Simply dab onto a cotton ball and apply to face. Excessive use may lead to drying, so do not use more than once per day, and less if irritation occurs.

Avocado Mask: Mash up 1/2 avocado and apply to face for 15 minutes, wash and rinse thoroughly afterward.

Oatmeal Mask: Cook 1 cup of oatmeal according to instructions on package and allow to cool. Apply to face and allow to sit for 15 minutes before removing and washing afterward.

Toothpaste: Most toothpastes have a abrasive added into them that can help with removing dead skin cells, as well as many ingredients that can help with drying out oily skin or drawing the bacteria up to the surface and out of the pores that causes breakouts. You can use it for troublesome spots and areas or you can use it as a face wash.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is thought to have antiseptic properties in fighting off bacteria. It can be used for troublesome breakout areas.

Antibiotic Ointment: For acne that is caused from bacteria, applying an antibiotic ointment to painful areas or to an acne cyst, it can be helpful in killing the infection that is causing the inflammation.

Baking Soda Paste: This is an easy to make homemade acne treatment – basically you just mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and enough water so it sticks together and you have a nice paste to apply to affected areas.

Ice Cubes: If you have a sore, swollen, or painful pimple, then an ice cube might help with reducing the amount of swelling and redness. Apply ice as soon as it begins to hurt or swell and hold it there for several minutes. You will be able to tell if this worked or not after a few minutes. This is a good one to do in conjunction with the others, as it won’t get rid of the spot but can help if it is painful.

Drink Water: Water is always good for you, and drinking more of it can help your skin be more likely to heal better, resist infection, and replenish cells efficiently.

Do you have any home remedies for acne that have worked (or didn’t work for that matter!) that you would like to share? We’d love to hear about it in our comments section below.

Microdermabrasion for Acne

Posted on by
Reply

Microdermabrasion for acne is procedure for treating both recurring acne problems and scars that has gained increasing popularity over the last few years. While the procedure was not designed specifically for acne, it has shown to be effective in some individuals. Below we’ll take a look at how it works, what the potential side effects are, and whether you should consider trying it or not.

What is Microdermabrasion?
As the name may suggest, it is a process in which a light abrasive (commonly zinc oxide or aluminum oxide crystals) is used in removing the outer most layer of dead skin from the surface. Often pimples and breakouts occur due to bacteria becoming trapped under the dead skin cells and clogged pores, so by removing the layer of dead skin this can help with the prevention of this happening. It can also be effective in removing acne scars or other blemishes from the skin.

Microdermabrasion can be done in both professional and home settings. It can be done at a spa or in many dermatologist offices. Many home kits exist which allow for someone to do it themselves. Treatments done in a professional setting may be more powerful and effective than home systems, but both can show some improvement in individuals who have decided to use it.

While the procedure is generally painless for most people, it is important to note that there are some possible potential side effects that could cause irritation or discomfort. The most common side effects are redness and a temporary increase in spots afterward. This is because when it is done the bacteria comes to the surface. You may also feel some temporary soreness or discomfort afterward, which can often be relieved by using moisturizing lotion for your skin. After treatments you should also avoid exposure to sun light, since your skin will be more sensitive.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should not use the treatments or have the procedure done more than every 2 weeks, as this can cause more harm to your skin than good. It can be very tempting if you see results and improvement to want to do it more often, but it will not be good for your skin.

Who Should Use It?
If you have discussed it with your doctor or dermatologist and it is believed that build up of dead skin cells of bacteria may be the culprit, it could be a potential solution for your problem. It may also be an alternative to consider if different things such as antibiotics, lotions, creams, and other treatments have shown to be ineffective in improving the condition of your skin and clearing up your acne problems. Keep in mind that you will also need to do microdermabrasion treatments continuously over a period of several months to often see results, so it is not a miracle overnight cure for solving skin problems.

Do you have any experiences to share with using microdermabrasion for acne? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Get Rid of Acne Blackheads: Causes & Treatment

Posted on by
Reply

Trying to get rid of acne blackheads are a common problem for many. They are usually very small but are noticeable because there are often many of them. They are especially common on the face in the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. Those with oily skin are at the most risk for having problems with blackheads and whiteheads.

Blackheads are caused by hair follicles that become clogged by sebum and dead skin cells. Sebum is the oily matter that is produced by your sebaceous glands in the skin. The hair follicles that cause blackheads are more open than other follicles, which allows for air to enter. While it appears that your face has spots of dirt, the discoloration is actually caused by a chemical reaction resulting in the oxidization of the substances trapped in the follicle which gives the spots their black or dark brown color.

Blackheads are typically not painful, but they can be at risk for becoming infected and developing into larger and more painful spots. They can often be treated through the proper cleansing and care for the skin. While they cannot go away on their own or overnight, using good skin care practices for preventing acne can be of great help in reducing the number you have.

Cleaning the skin should be done daily with a mild cleanser. Some use exfoliating cleansers, which are believed to help with cleaning into the pores and removing the build up of dead skin cells and sebum. Blackheads do not go away over night or by magic, and even once they have been controlled it is important to create a daily routine to help keep them from recurring.

Here are some different remedies available that may work for you:

Astringents: Astringents are any substance or chemical that causes the body tissue to constrict. One of the most common and easily obtained astringents is witch hazel, which is extracted from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant. There are also other astringents available, such as “Sea-Breeze” available in most retail stores, as well as many other naturally occurring substances.

Beta Hydroxy Acid: This is another compound you may find in many cleansers and creams and lotions available. They are naturally occurring or may be produced synthetically. The most common type of beta hydroxy acid used for treating blackheads and whiteheads is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid works by helping dead skin cells shed more easily which can help reduce the build up of them resulting in clogged pores.

Exfoliates: Many cleansers contain exfoliates which can help with reducing the build up of dead skin cells and sebum in hair follicles. These types of cleansers often have a “sandy” or “abrasive” feel to them as they shed away the dead skin cells. An exfoliating scrub should only be used 3-4 times per week at maximum to prevent excessive drying, peeling, or abrasion to the skin.

Pore Cleansing Strips: Pore cleansing strips became very popular in the nineties and have shown for some to be beneficial in help reducing blackhead breakouts. They work by applying the strip to the affected area for a certain amount of time as specified by the package instructions and then peeling away. When the strip is lifted, much of the build up inside of the pores also comes up with it.

Finding a solution and treatment for acne blackheads can be a process of trial and error for many. Using different combinations and practicing good cleansing habits can greatly reduce and help prevent the build up of blackheads and whiteheads on your skin. If experimenting with several products, it is usually best to try one at a time to make sure it is not causing an allergic reaction, as well as how effective one treatment may be compared to the others for you.

Have any experiences to share about acne blackheads? Leave your comments below.

An astringent may also be helpful in cleaning out clogged pores.

Remember that everyone is different and some treatments may or may not work for you. It can sometimes be a matter of trial and error to find the best solution.

Sulfur Acne Treatment

Posted on by
Reply

Sulfur acne treatment is another commonly found and prescribed cure for acne and pimples and dates back to being used for skin care for hundreds of years.

Sulfur is a naturally occuring compound and is found on the periodic table of elements if you’re a chemistry buff. It is known primarily because of its very distinct smell when in contact with certain other elements, typically the smell of “rotten eggs”. It is used in both over the counter and prescription medications.

Sulfur works for treating acne by causing the skin to dry out and peel. Excessive drying and peeling may cause skin problems to worsen, but for some it is necessary in helping remove dead skin cells which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to form and grow and cause breakouts.

What Types of Products Contain Sulfur?
There are a wide array of products available that contain sulfur, again both over the counter and as a prescription drug. It comes in many forms, such as liquids, creams, lotions, soaps, and even facial masks. Reading the ingredient list of the product you are using or purchasing is very important in determining if sulfur is present and at what concentration.

Who Should Try Sulfur Acne Treatments?
Most people can use sulfur acne treatments safely and without concern. If you frequently have oily skin or a build up of dead skin cells, the sulfur may help in getting rid of these conditions that the bacteria love and thrive in. There are some people however who may not benefit from using the sulfur treatments, such as those with excessively dry skin or have an allergic or negative reaction to sulfur. Speaking to your doctor will help you determine if using a sulphur based product is right for you.

What are the Potential Side Effects?
The most common side effect is excessive peeling and drying which may cause discomfort. For some, it may cause a rash, redness, or burning sensation. It is VERY IMPORTANT that when using a product containing sulfur in it that you read the directions very carefully, especially with the use of facial masks and cleansers. Misusing the product can cause more problems than not using it at all! Read the directions several times to ensure that you understand how to use it properly.

If side effects occur that cause concern or you believe that you may be having an allergic reaction, do not hesitate to contact your doctor, who may be able to recommend what to do for relief of your symptoms as well as alternative cures that do not involve using a sulfur based product.

Do you have any experiences to share about sulfur acne treatment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: Does it Work? Is it Safe?

Posted on by
Reply

Benzoyl Peroxide for acne is a commonly used treatment method for breakouts and pimples. It is found in many different over the counter and prescription creams and lotions. But what is it exactly? Does it work? Is it safe?

When it comes to treating acne and other chronic skin conditions, especially those that affect our face or back or other parts of our body that can make us feel self conscious, we’re often willing to try just about anything in order to help make the pimples disappear. While benzoyl peroxide is believed to be generally safe, before using it there are many things you should know and learn about first, as for some it can cause skin problems to actually become worse.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide and How Does it Work?
Benzoyl peroxide is one of the first treatments ever used in successfully reducing acne and has been on the market for many years. Studied by Jack Breitbart of Revlon, it was first used in the 1920′s. It is found in many different lotions, creams, and gels such as Clearasil, Proactiv, and others. It is generally found in a concentration of 2.5%, as anything higher (5-10%) may cause excessive drying, irritation, and other problems that could potentially make skin conditions worse.

It works by creating an environment that the type of bacteria that cause acne do not like to live in. Pimple causing bacteria does not do well in an environment that has a lot of oxygen, and the benzoyl peroxide brings oxygen into the affected region, which helps kill the bacteria which is causing the skin to break out. It also helps clear away dead skin cells, which can help with the prevention of further breakouts from happening.

Is Benzoyl Peroxide the Same as Hydrogen Peroxide?
Many people are familiar with hydrogen peroxide. It’s important however to know that benzoyl peroxide is NOT the same as hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can be corrosive and can do more damage to your skin than good. It should also be noted that Benzoyl peroxide must be in small concentrations or it can be toxic.

What are the Potential Side Effects?
While not everyone will experience side effects from using products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, for some there may be a few adverse reactions. Most products only contain a concentration of 2.5%, while others may have much higher dosages of 5% or even 10% concentration. In general, the smaller dosages will cause less side effects.

The most common side effect is dryness or irritation of the skin. This can occur from using too much of the product or simply from having sensitive skin. For many people after using the cream for a week or less these symptoms will go away as the body builds a tolerance. When using over the counter medications, lotions, or gels, you will want to make sure that there are not other additive ingredients that may be causing the side effects. Reducing use to every other day may also help overcome the side effects.

If you experience any other side effects such as a rash, itching, or other symptoms, discontinue use and contact your physician or dermatologist, who may be able to recommend something else.

Do you have any comments about Benzoyl Peroxide for acne? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Acne Cyst: Treatment and Prevention

Posted on by
Reply

An acne cyst is perhaps one of the more painful types of acne, which is often a large pus filled nodule (also known as a lump, in non medical terms) that can occur anywhere on the body, from the face to the back to even other regions and areas. They often become inflamed or sore and may even produce a throbbing sensation or be painful to touch.

Acne cysts can occur in just about anyone, regardless of age, sex, or skin type. You may find that only get one or two once in awhile, for others it can be a regular occurrence that causes great discomfort and even make one feel self conscious about his or her appearance.

Like most forms of acne, the lump is caused typically by a build up of bacteria underneath the skin, which causes the painful and sore spot. Some cysts can be relatively small – others may be very large.

Often you can attempt to treat a cyst at home without the need of medical attention. However, if you experience any other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, nausea, or generally do not feel well and it seems to have started the same time when the cyst first appeared, it is better to speak to a physician, as there may be an underlying infection that needs antibiotics or other medical treatment you cannot do at home. You should also speak to your physician if they occur on a regular basis or affect your day to day regular routine.

The first rule is that no matter how tempting it may seem, you should never, ever, pop it! If you pop it, squeeze it, or anything else to irritate it or break it open, you will likely spread the bacteria to other parts of your face, putting you at risk for further breakouts and additional cysts forming. Popping it may also make it more likely to scar, which means that even once it is cleared up, you may still have a blemish in that part of the affected skin.

Cleaning the affected area is very important, and you will also want to make sure your hands are clean as well, as this can lead to more bacteria being spread.

An antibiotic lotion or cream should be applied to the affected area 2-3 times a day, or as directed on the medication package. There are many over the counter creams available, and we recommend using a non greasy version. If you go to a doctor, they may prescribe something that is a little stronger than what is available at your drug store or pharmacy.

There are also many other things that may help, but it will depend mostly on your skin type and if you have any other sensitivities to lotions or creams. The most popular types of over the counter treatments for acne include retinol, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Retinol is a type of vitamin A which is believed to help with healing of breakouts. If you are nursing or pregnant, you should speak to your doctor before using it, as too much vitamin A can be bad for your or your baby.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over the counter lotions and creams as well as face washes. You should look for a solution that is no more than 2.5%, as anything in a higher concentration can cause sensitivity and extreme drying of the skin, which may cause pores to become clogged even worse.

Salicylic acid is a chemical compound that for some may cause adverse reactions, but is believed to be generally safe in small doses and when diluted in a solution such as a face wash or acne medication. It works at helping clean pores.

If using over the counter remedies for your acne cyst, be sure to watch for any signs of allergic reaction or symptoms becoming worse. Be sure to follow manufacturer’s directions carefully to ensure that you are using the product properly and safely. If the condition persists, worsens, or becomes a chronic condition that occurs frequently, speaking to your physician or a dermatologist is highly recommended to determine the best treatment as well as rule out any other underlying causes that may be affecting your skin.

To prevent further acne cyst breakouts, you may also want to check out our article on how to prevent acne.

Do you have any experiences to share about having an acne cyst or treatment suggestions? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Preventing Acne: Can You Prevent a Breakout?

Posted on by
Reply

Many people wonder if there is anything they can do for preventing acne from occuring and breakouts from showing up. While there are many different factors that involve whether or not you may be able to prevent acne from happening, doing any of the below things certainly will not hurt you or your skin and will help you be a happier, healthier person – even if your skin isn’t cooperating.

There are many myths about what causes acne. Some believe it has a lot to do with not washing your face, eating greasy foods or chocolate, or even just bad luck of having somewhere important you need to go. A breakout however isn’t from any of these single factors – usually it has a lot to do with the oil glands in your skin, the pores becoming clogged and bacteria being built up on your skin. Hormones and genetics can also play a role with this, which for some makes avoiding pimples and zits a lot more difficult.

Nonetheless, if you want to prevent acne, here are some simple tips to help you that won’t cause any harm in trying:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced, healthy diet consists of eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, dairy, meat, and whole grains. The USDA has set out pretty easy to follow eating guidelines with the food pyramid – ideally you should eat 2-3 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of vegetables, 3 servings of dairy, 3 servings of meat, and 6-10 servings of whole grains each day. Eating a balanced diet will help with your body regulating a healthy blood sugar level, which can help reduce stress and keep your hormones well balanced. There’s no harm in eating right – so even if it doesn’t help you get rid of acne for good, it will at least help you be healthy.

2. Wash Your Face Daily: Washing your face seems like an obvious thing to do, but it’s important your also wash your face the right way. If you do not rinse soap properly, or use a soap that your skin is sensitive to, it can cause pores to become blocked which then can cause a breakout to happen. You don’t want to wash your face too often, as this can lead to drying of your skin, which then leads to dead skin cells causing your pores to become clogged. If you work in a hot, sweaty, or greasy environment, or have been very physically active, you should always wash your face off after that also.

3. Keep Cosmetics to a Minimum: Many cosmetics that you may use to cover up your acne may actually be making it worse. If possible, go without them completely. If you must use them, choose ones that do not clog pores, often labeled as noncomedogenic. Hair products such as shampoo or styling gel can also cause trouble – make sure they stay away from your face and back if you are prone to getting pimples on your back.

4. Wash Your Hands: Our hands come into contact with millions of germs and particles of dirt each day. If you touch your face with your hands, you’ve just transferred that bacteria to your face. Try to touch your face as little as possible, and wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially after handling food, eating, and activities where they may have been exposed to dirt or bacteria.

5. Don’t Pop Pimples: We know that when you do get a pimple on your face the urge to pop it is difficult to resist. However, when you do pop a pimple, the bacteria (pus) that was inside has now been spread to the surrounding skin, which can cause flare ups. This is often why some people will notice they have certain problem areas.

6. Wear Sunscreen: Sunscreen is vital when you are outside in the sunshine. While a tan might seem like it helps with hiding acne, it actually causes your body to produce sebum, which can actually make it potentially worse. Not to mention sunburn is never a fun thing to have! Choose one that will not clog pores, and remember afterward rinse your face off.

Doing these things may or may not help with preventing acne completely, but they can help make it much more easier to deal with or handle. If you have any concerns about your skin, be sure to speak with your physician or a dermatologist who can help you pinpoint exactly the causes of the your skin concerns and recommend the best treatment.

Do you have any tips on how to prevent acne? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Welcome to Cure Acne Help!

Posted on by
Reply

Welcome to Cure Acne Help, a website dedicated to providing unbiased and reliable information related to skin care and treating acne. There are plenty of miracle cure claims out there, we’re here to sort fact from fiction and to help you make the best decision for you and your skin.

Below are our articles about acne treatments as well as information about skin care. If you have any questions or comments about this website, feel free to Contact Us and we’ll try to respond to you as quickly as possible.