Tag Archives: acne treatments

Milk of Magnesia as Acne Treatment

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Milk of Magnesia is a milky type of liquid that is made from magnesium hydroxide. Most commonly known as a treatment as a laxative or antacid, some attention has been brought to it for using milk of magnesia as acne treatment. It is sold over the counter and is available in either liquid or capsule form in most pharmacies and health store venues.

Those who have used this home remedy for treatment before have had some success in using it, especially if their skin is very oily. Those with dry skin may want to avoid the treatment, as it will likely excessively dry the skin out and possibly cause itching, burning, or rash like results. (As can all possible acne cures may.)

The drying effect of using the product can help those with oily skin have some success in drying it out. Oily skin makes it most likely for bacteria to become trapped underneath the skin cells that can result in breakouts and pimples.

When you are using milk of magnesium for treating acne and pimples, you’ll want to make sure that you apply it topically only. This means do not eat it, unless you want to have a sick stomach! It is a laxative, so unless you need a laxative, it’s definitely not something you want to take! You will be spending most of the day in the bathroom most likely if you do that. Fortunately, using it topically as a treatment does not have the same effects.

To use it, you will want to take a small cotton ball and dip it into the milk of magnesia liquid. Make sure you shake it up before using. Then carefully apply it all over your face, taking care not to get any of it in your eyes. You will want to let it dry, which can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes and then carefully wash it off. After you rinse it off you will not likely need to do anything else, but you may add a moisturizer if you are prone to very dry skin.

If you are trying it for the first time, you will likely want to wait a few times before applying it to your skin to make sure you do not have any harsh reactions to it. If your skin is very dry, it is likely that it could make the problems worse or cause such dry skin the potential discomfort from that does not justify the small possibility of benefit available. Be sure that if you have any severe reactions to using it that you contact your physician.

If after a few applications your skin seems to be responding well to it and you have not noticed any side effects of using it, then you can increase the frequency of the amount of times you use it. You can use it up to once a day if it does not cause too much dryness. However, if it does cause too much irritation than you should reduce the amount of times you use it.

Using natural remedies is just one of the many possible ways to cure acne. The best treatment for severe cases is to usually pinpoint the exact cause and speak with a dermatologist. Treating skin conditions is often something that can be a process of trial and error, as everyone is different. While milk of magnesia as acne treatment may work for some people with much success, others may need to look into alternative ways to care for their skin.

Yogurt for Treating Acne

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Most people would not consider using yogurt for treating acne, but some have seen improved results by using it as a regimen for curing their skin conditions. Of course, there are others who have seen their acne get much worse from milk and dairy products as well.

Yogurt, which is basically a cultured dairy product available in most grocery stores, is believed to be both a natural astringent which also can have moisturizing properties as it is rich in vitamins and minerals that can be good for your skin.

Yogurt is created when milk is fermented and the properties of milk are changed by helpful bacteria that create lactic acid. The high acid content of yogurt in conjunction with naturally high ph levels make it helpful in killing the bad bacteria that causes breakouts on your skin.

Because it does contain helpful bacteria it can also be helpful in combating a build up of yeast which can sometimes overstimulate sebaceous glands.

The most important thing is to choose organic, natural yogurt that does not have any artificial flavorings or sweeteners.

Of course, the first question is “how much should I eat?” There’s not a right or wrong answer to this, but it does help to know that the USDA recommends only 2-3 servings of dairy products per day. For this reason, we don’t recommend going over 2-3 cups of yogurt per day. It is likely that eating just 2 cups of it per day can make a small difference over time. There are also yogurt probiotic drinks that are supposed to aid in digestion that you can also try if you would prefer that over the custard cups versions.

Another thing that is popular is to create a yogurt face mask to use once a week in helping to cure acne and other skin blemishes. By pasting plain yogurt on your skin and allowing it to sit there for 5-10 minutes before washing it off it can directly work its magic on your skin. Be sure you use the plain version without any sugar or fruits added, as that can be a sticky mess if you are not careful! You will also want to make sure that you very thoroughly clean the yogurt off your face – it is not recommended to leave it on any longer than 15 minutes and if you do not clean it off completely it could actually irritate skin problems further.

 

Home Remedies for Acne

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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

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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.

Sulfur Acne Treatment

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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?

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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.