Don’t Make These Acne Treatment Mistakes

Acne Treatment Mistakes

If you suffer from acne (and nearly 50 million Americans do), you have probably been bombarded with all sorts of acne

treatment solutions : from face washes to creams, gels, masks, medication, laser solutions and the lists goes on.

It is no wonder that finding the right acne treatment is a baffling experience.

However, what not to do is just as important as what to do and here is a top eight list compiled by dermatologists (courtesy of Wed MD), of common mistakes when it comes to treating acne.

The Top Eight Common Acne Treatment Mistakes:

1) Not giving the treatment time to work – It takes usually from 2-6 weeks for an acne treatment to work and sometimes, your skin will get worse before it gets better. Give the product one month’s trial to give it a chance to work.

2) Trying too many products in one go – We want the acne to preferably disappear over night and when they don’t clear in a matter of days, we immediately move onto the next product. “They also add one product to another. Sometimes the products can cause irritation of the skin and add further insult to the owner,” Barbara R. Reed, MD, a dermatology professor at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver says.

3) Thinking acne is a result of dirt – which we then try to “remedy” by over scrubbing and over cleaning. Scrubbing will only irritate the skin more as it can compromise the skin’s protective barrier. Instead wash gently with a PH balanced non irritating wash.

4) Choosing the wrong product – Go for non-comedogenic face cleansers and watch out for oil based products that could clog pores. Other ingredients to look out for are : isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, butyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, decyl oleate, isostearyl neopentanoate, isocetyl stearate, myristle myristate, cocoa butter, acetylated lanolin, and D & C red dyes. They could be found in moisturizers, sun screens and cosmetics so look out for them.

5) Picking at the acne yourself – Looking at the pimples ten times a day will not make them heal faster. Nor will picking at them with your fingers which could make the lesions more infected. Either have them extracted professionally or give time for your acne products to work.

6) Not seeing a dermatologist – Dermatologists can diagnose, treat and give prescribed medication to treat acne. It is important to understand and treat your acne with the right medication at an early stage to prevent them from getting worse, or from scarring your face. Seek help before it gets out of hand.

7) Over using or under using the prescribed acne medication – Piling it on will not necessarily make it better faster, whilst not using the medication when you should will also undermine the cure. The key is consistency and to target all acne prone areas.

8. Stopping the acne medication too soon – Just as it takes 2-6 weeks for the acne to clear up, it will take that long for it to come back. Don’t stop cold turkey. Instead, decrease use gradually for example from twice a day to once a day, then once every other day to two, three times a week and keep an eye out for any re-occurrences.

Remember to give your acne treatment time to do its work and be patient!

Is It For You?

Accutane Acne Treatment

Accutane acne treatment is a prescribed medication used for treating serious forms of acne such as nodular acne and cystic acne that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

What is Acne?

Acne is formed when excess oil clogs the skin’s pores and causes the pores to be blocked. If left alone, the blocked pores will manifest themselves into pimples. This is only the beginning.

Sometimes, these pimples can turn into nodules, which are often painful and remain on the skin for a longer period of time. Over time, the nodules can get more inflamed and turn into acne cysts, which often require draining by a physician.

This type of acne can persist for weeks if not months, and is one of the most severe types. If the treatment you have sought isn’t giving you the results you want, you might consider Accutane as a possible treatment. There are, however, some things you should know before making the decision to take this medication.

Things You Should Know About Accutane Acne Treatment

Accutane Acne Treatment

There are literally hundreds of topical solutions available over the counter. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. If you have tried many and are still suffering from acne breakouts, it may be time to talk to your doctor about a prescribed treatment. One such prescribed treatment is called Accutane.

Accutane Acne Treatment Side Effects

Accutane acne treatment has been found to be effective in treating more severe types of acne, but can have serious side effects. You will most likely need to sign a form from your pharmacists or from your doctor to state that you have understood the possible side effects of Accutane, and that you are taking the medication under your own choice and understanding.

Not Suitable For Pregnant Women

If you are thinking of becoming pregnant or think that you may be pregnant, then avoid Accutane at all cost. One of the most serious possible side effects of taking Accutane is that it can cause birth defects in unborn children. It may even cause miscarriages, premature birth, or stillbirth.

In fact, many doctors make under going a monthly pregnancy test a prerequisite to taking Accutane. This enables them to stop the medication as soon as there are indications of a pregnancy.

It is also highly advisable that even after you have stopped taking Accutane, a woman should wait a minimum of one full months before becoming pregnant. Obviously the longer the period between stopping the Accutane acne treatment and becoming pregnant, the better and safer it is.

Mood Swings and Depression

There have also been reports of Accutane affecting moods and in more severe cases, depression and even thoughts of suicide. Symptoms of these problems include: feeling down or anxious, feeling useless, irritability, anger, not wanting to socialize, sleeping too much or too little, contemplations of taking one’s own life, and changes in weight or appetite.

Others have reported nose bleeds, dry eyes and panic attacks. Should any of these symptoms, or any other changes that are not normal (because Accutane will affect each and every individual differently), consult your doctor immediately.

Although Accutane could be the final treatment to cure you of your acne, it is important to make note of any changes in your behavior, moods and bodily functions whilst taking this acne treatment.

As we know, not only is severe acne physically unattractive and painful, it can also cause many psychological problems and depression too. Acne can greatly impact one’s social life, and can affect many sufferers mentally, especially teenagers.

But before embarking on an Accutane acne treatment, have a discussion with your doctor to see whether or not the benefits of taking this medication outweigh the possible side effects, and whether this is an effective treatment for you.

Related articles for Accutane Acne Treatment

• Accutane – our most effective acne treatment (realself.com)
• Acne scar treatment after Accutane (realself.com)

What is Acne Cyst Treatment?

Acne Cyst Treatment

Deep cysts, inflammation, extensive damage to the skin and scarring characterize severe acne. It often requires an aggressive acne cyst treatment regimen and should be treated by a dermatologist.

Severe forms of acne can require years of treatment and may experience one or more treatment failures. However, almost every case of acne can be successfully treated.

There are five popular acne cyst treatments, and many are effective treatments that are available currently:

1. Drainage and surgical excision,
2. inner lesion corticosteroid injection,
3. isotretinoin (a potent drug for treating severe cystic acne),
4. oral antibiotics, and
5. oral contraceptives

Some people may choose a more natural treatment for severe acne, which will also be covered briefly in this article.

Drainage and extraction, or acne surgery is a procedure performed by qualified doctors and is used on some large cysts that do not respond to acne cyst treatment and require drainage and extraction.

Dermatologists are trained in the proper technique of drainage and extraction and perform acne surgery under clean sterile conditions. Patient who attempt to drain and extract acne cysts themselves through squeezing or picking, can lead to skin inflammation, worsening of the acne and scarring.

When an acne cyst becomes severely infected, there is a good chance it will rupture and scarring will occur. To treat these severely inflamed cysts and prevent scarring, dermatologists may inject the cysts with a diluted corticosteroid.

This will lessen the inflammation and encourage the skin to heal the acne cyst. An inner lesion corticosteroid injection works by melting the cyst over the course of a few days.

Isotretinoin for Acne Cyst Treatment

Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment known today for severe acne and acne that is resistant to other medications and treatments. Isotretinoin is a form of vitamin A, a synthetic creation, which comes in a pill form.

It is administered once or twice a day for anywhere from sixteen to twenty weeks total.

There are however, many possible side effects that may occur while undergoing this therapy. Possible side effects include severe pain in the chest or abdomen, trouble swallowing or painful swallowing, severe headache, blurred vision or dizziness, bone and joint pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or rectal bleeding, depression, dryness of the skin, eyes and nose, and thinning hair.

While taking isotretinoin patients are monitored closely by their health care provider through follow up appointments.

Antibiotics for Acne Cyst Treatment

Oral antibiotics have been a basis of therapy for severe acne for many years. Like topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics work to reduce the “P. acnes”. “P. Acnes” are normal residents on the skin, which decreases inflammation.

Treatment with oral antibiotics usually begins with a high dosage, which is eventually reduced as the acne resolves. Over time, the “P. acnes” bacteria can become resistant to the treatment. When resistance occurs, another antibiotic can be prescribed or other treatment options may need to be explored.

Oral contraceptives have been shown to effectively clear acne in women by suppressing the overactive sebaceous glands.

Oral contraceptives can be used as long-term acne therapy; however, this medication should not be prescribed to women who smoke, have a blood clotting disorder, are older than thirty-five or have a history of migraine headaches, without the advice of a gynecologist.

Synthetic Steroid for Acne Cyst Treatment

Spironolactone, a synthetic steroid, may be used in combination with oral contraceptives to treat acne cyst  in adult females. Spironolactone inhibits androgen, hormones that stimulate oil glands in addition to other effects on the body production.

There are possible side effects that may accompany Spironolactone treatment. A few side affects include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue.

Some people choose more natural ways to combat acne cyst. Some natural treatments are eating a whole foods diet that consists of only natural foods that have not been chemically or mechanically processed.

Yoga or deep relaxation techniques may be used to reduce the amount of stress that is put on the body and the mind.

Essential oils are another natural treatment that may be added to the diet of sufferers of severe acne. These are just a few of the natural methods of treatment for acne cyst.

No matter what method of acne cyst  treatment you decide to try you should always consult a professional, whether it is your dermatologist or an herbalist. Your doctor should be able to refer you to a board certified dermatologist if needed.

Video For Acne Cyst Removal :

Related articles for acne cyst treatment:

• Acne surgery for treatment of acne (realself.com)
• Cystic Acne Symptoms (gospelofreason.com)

Does it work?

Exfoliation For Acne Removal

There are many ways to help remove acne, one of which is gentle exfoliation for acne removal.

This is the process of employing a gentle but slightly rough product to rub and wash the skin and remove the top layer of dead skin.

Most other types of acne treatment aim exclusively at the skin itself, but these preparations get the best results  when used in partnership with other acne removal procedures.

Exfoliating the skin can be one of the most effective methods for getting rid of acne, or to prepare the skin for other acne control if carried out appropriately.

A gentle exfoliation for acne removal product to try is the

Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub

There are quite a lot of products aimed at exfoliation for acne removal which you can readily find in pharmacists and even supermarkets.

These products can be a rough scrub product or a liquid cleanser with micro fine sand like particles prepared specifically for the purpose of removing surface skin. These are the most widespread kinds of products employed for exfoliating.

Salicylic Acid Exfoliation

On another level, exfoliation can be carried out chemically by using substances like salicylic acid found in exfoliation cleansing treatment pads. These preparations help peel back the upper layer of skin.

The idea of getting rid of skin by means of acid may come across a bit too drastic, but it is nothing to worry about if done professionally or according to instructions. The acid used for this exfoliation process is extremely mild and is simply a means to remove unwanted dead skin.

The aim is to use these products to help remove the top layer of dead skin and prevent your skin’s pores from being blocked by excessive oil, dead skin cells and dirt. This blockage inside the skin’s cells whether from oil or dirt is how acne develops.

These types of exfoliation products can be used as both preventive measures for skin prone to acne or as a treatment for existing acne breakouts.

Products with Antiseptic Elements

When you are already suffering from a breakout of acne you can use exfoliating products that have some treatment properties inside it. Normally these products will combine either an abrasive or acidic characteristic for exfoliation with an antiseptic element to decrease the bacteria levels of the skin.

You have to make a judgment as to whether these products would result in more discomfort or irritation to your skin, or whether it will help in the elimination and healing process of acne.

When not to use exfoliation for acne removal

If you have weeping or already sore prone acne, exfoliation may not be a good idea. At all times use these products precisely as directed by the manufacturer or by your physician to get the best results.

There may be some noticeable flaking of the skin particularly when you first start using exfoliation for acne removal. This is to be expected and should not cause too much concern. Just remember that even oily skin needs moisture and an oil free moisturizer is a good idea to keep skin supple and hydrated.

In a lot of brands and products,  you will find moisturizers that will work in conjunction with the exfoliating product. Exfoliating is an effective way to keep your pores clean and free from impurities.

But remember, not all acne will benefit from exfoliation and you should seek advise before embarking on an exfoliation for acne removal program.

Related articles for exfoliation for acne removal

• Should Men Exfoliate? (beautyandthemen.wordpress.com)
• Exfoliating-keep your skin clear and healthy (makeuptipz.wordpress.com)

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Acne and Hormones

Is there a link?

There are numerous factors that experts claim go directly into producing acne breakouts. You can still significantly improve your current skin condition and additionally decrease the chances of acne recurring by handling these things. Nevertheless, the top acne treatment programs take care of the root origins of a person’s acne breakouts, not simply what’s on the surface.

For starters, your skin must supply a warm spot that is moist which is able to house the bacteria which results in acne breakouts. The actual bacteria that causes acne breakouts is present on every person’s skin. If you are predisposed to acne good care needs to be taken to both minimize the amounts of acne bacteria present and to avoid furnishing a friendly setting for the actual acne bacteria to be able to grow.

This sort of bacteria profits the most from oily skin being desirable surrounding together with the existence of expended skin debris which can be a supply of nourishment. Obstructed pores are most suitable places for bacteria to gather and reproduce. If you are afflicted with acne then as a 1st step you need to introduce a sensible cleaning and exfoliation program so that you can deny any bacteria of both nourishment as well as protection.

An added component which plays a role in acne is that of the oils your skin is producing. Ahead of or for the period of an acne outbreak the oil glands underneath your skin are working at an increased rate to produce an unusually excessive amount of oil. Skin pores are in no way intended to deal with this amount of oil and easily become blocked by that oil combined with expended skin cells.

While cleansing and exfoliation is usually of assistance the actual problem in this case is that it is the hormones that are triggering the excess production of oils initially.

The association involving hormones and acne has always been recognized. In reality anybody can logically observe that link. Baby acne is known to be the effect of hormonal imbalances as the the child’s own hormone system commences to balance itself immediately after birth. Teen acne breakouts are obviously as a consequence of hormone changes for the duration of puberty. Women that are pregnant may also be predisposed to acne breakouts as a result of the imbalances in hormone ranges.

Because of this we are able to quickly observe that any acne treatment program which just tries to lower the oil levels of the skin as well as the bacteria concentrations found will probably be rather limited in its likelihood to accomplish a satisfactory outcome. After all they are just endeavoring to treat the indications which present themselves on the skin rather than the main reason for the acne initially.

There are a few helpful questions that you really should check out so as to get to the actual reasons behind your acne. Exactly why are your skin pores are producing too much oil in the first place when many individuals do not have this condition? In fact, I am confident you know individuals you deal with that participate in less physical activity, consume a smaller amount of fluids and have a much more harmful diet yet do not have this situation.

In the same way, if the actual bacteria which brings about acne breakouts is almost certainly present on every person’s skin then why doesn’t everyone experience acne? You don’t have to find the answer to these particular questions. All you might want to do is examine the idea that these kinds of questions exist to be aware that there has to be a basic cause which would need to be uncovered initially before topical procedures can be of any assistance.

Needless to say the clue to all of this is why your current hormone levels are changing to such a degree that it is causing acne. There isn’t a simple response to that question for the reason that every individual has varied situations bringing about the situation.

And yet at the same time, what we do know is that as a result of controlling the hormones you will get those oil glands under control. Through taming the hormones your ability to deal with usual concentrations of bacteria on your skin is going to improve.

And so yet again we arrive at a position of either going for the genuine cause of the difficulty or the treatment of the symptoms. You could carry out a program of hormone therapy to enforce a levelling of the hormones as proposed by a large number of medical doctors. A few of the most generally suggested treatment options include things like oestrogen/progesterone contraceptive products. Also, anti-testosterone Cyproterone combined with oestrogen can be quite beneficial in getting rid of acne.

The fact is that hormone remedies would probably primarily work if the initial hormone imbalance was transient. In any other case, the primary reason for the actual imbalance will probably be invisible and untreated. This could certainly bring on a return of the acne when the particular hormone care is stopped.

The top acne treatment programs will be those that take into account exactly what the probable factors are which would bring about an imbalance to begin with and just what other contributing factors have to be present in order for an individual’s acne to surface. Once that course of action has been done extensively will be able to subsequently address itself to address those items fully which can not just apply treatment to a person’s acne but to prevent any kind of acne breakouts subsequently.

Through becoming familiar with just what is causing the acne on your skin you would be more receptive to the exact steps you will need to perform to deal with it and subsequently keep it from happening forever.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Acne Treatments?

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a potent water and oil soluable antioxidant that fights free radicals on its own, as well as with other vitamins such as vitamin C and E. It helps in the production of glutathione and helps the body absorb CoEnzyme Q10. It is also instrumental in fighting degenerative diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

So what has alpha lipoic acid and acne treatment got in common?

Well, it seems that certain users have found alpha lipoic acid applied topically reduces scar marks on their faces.

Watch this video from the acclaimed skin care specialist Dr. Perricone:

Dr. Perricone – Alpha Lipoic Acid used Topically

1) As a vitamin supplement – Make sure you take a good multi vitamin also.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Timed Release (300mg)

2) A light weight serum applied at night.

Dmae Alph Lip, Est-C Serum, 2 oz ( Multi-Pack)

(Unfortunately, the item above can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states  and there is only 4 left!)

3) A day cream to protect you skin.

Janson Beckett Alpha Lipoic Acid Vitamin C Ester & DMAE Moisturizing Day Cream

4) And for men

Reviva Men Alpha Lipoic Night Cream

If in doubt about alpha lipoic acid, please consult your doctor first.

Related articles for alpha lipoic acid acne :

• Health Tip: Caring for Acne-Prone Skin (nlm.nih.gov)
• Celebrating Ground-Breaking Alpha Lipoic Acid Discovery (prweb.com)

Antibiotics  Acne Treatment

What You Need To Know

Acne is an inflammatory condition that develops when acne bacteria invade the sebaceous glands of human skin. It normally leads to comedones, papules, or pustules. It can affect numerous parts of the body such as back, chest, upper arms or face. The characteristics of acne are rapid multiplication of the bacterium propionibacterium acnes (p.acne) in the duct of the pore, an excessive secretion of sebum, increased level of free fatty acids, and inflammation and lesion around the sebaceous gland.

In the case of most adolescents, acne goes away after a while leaving few scars. If the acne is more severe, you can consult a physician and take proper medication to avoid long term scarring. More often than not, acne requires a systemic treatment,  and antibiotics are the most commonly utilized systemic treatment.

Many oral and topical antibiotics are available in various pharmacists and drug stores. Based on you acne type, you can choose the most appropriate antibiotics for treating acne. Bear in mind that treating acne requires a long-term use of antibiotics and whatever treatment you decide on, you must consult your physician before starting an antibiotic course. Controlling acne requires consistency and patience, and may involve many different approaches. It is not uncommon to see a few months pass beofore you begin to see results.

Oral Acne Treatments with Antibiotics

The most important antibiotic used in acne treatment is oxytetracycline, which is made from certain soil actinomycetes. For the first week a stronger dose is usually prescribed and a lesser dose for subsequent weeks. The alternative antibiotics are doxycycline and minocycline, but these should not be taken on an empty stomach.

It is important to be committed while taking these antibiotics, as it may take a few months to develop considerable improvement. If you have Gram-negative folliculitis, you can use co-trimoxazole for better results. You can use erythromycin as an alternative antibiotic to tetracycline. Erythromycin has proven to be very effective in controlling the pathogens responsible for causing acne; what’s more, this antibiotic is very useful in controlling Gram-positive infections. If you are a pregnant, you should not consume tetracycline, as it may unbalance the absorption of the hormone progesterone and affect the pregnancy.

Antibiotics should not be taken lightly and caution must be taken. Antibiotics kill all the bacteria in your body, which is great when you need to take control of bacteria that has gone hay wire, but there are also beneficial bacteria killed in the process. It is highly recommended to take a probiotic supplement or eat yoghurt with live cultures to replace the beneficial bacteria whilst on antibiotics. 

Topical Acne Treatment with Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin, erythromycin, and tetracycline are available in the market in the form of creams, gels, or lotions. Even though topical antibiotics are effective against certain acne treatments, there are risks in using these antibiotics. An example would be some resistant organisms may produce colonies, rendering future antibiotic treatments less effective.

Discuss with your doctor about all the options available in treating, controlling and preventing acne. For some the topical treatments are the best option while others may find that antibiotics will suffice. Remember that good dietary habits are also crucial to beautiful skin. Discuss the different approaches and see what acne treatment is best for you.

Have you tried this for acne and acne scar treatment?