Skin Care Friends » Acne

How To Get Rid Of Pimples

Skin Care — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:01:28 +0000

Do you know what a pimple is and what causes it? Even more importantly do you know how to get rid of pimples? In basic terms a pimple is an inflamed bump on the skin and they are the most common symptom of acne. While those suffering from acne are the most common targets for pimples, they can occur for anyone at any age. All it takes is a blocked pore or hair follicle and the conditions become ripe for a pimple to appear.
If this blockage isn’t removed quickly then chances are a pimple will form. Blockages can come from make up, creams or your own sweat and when they happen there is a buildup of fluids and bacteria in the pore which causes it to swell and become inflamed. This swollen pore is often red and sore and is what we commonly refer to as a zit or pimple.

Another likely factor in this whole equation is your diet. While it is generally accepted that many cases of acne are caused by hormonal imbalances, I think that our diets can have a huge impact on the hormones our bodies produce. Certainly foods like simple sugars, oily fast food and fatty snacks will lead our bodies to produce hormones and chemicals in far greater amounts than is normal. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is likely to be good for both your complexion and your overall health.

While you can easily find good advice about getting rid of acne, getting rid of pimples requires a slightly different tack. Most things you do to get rid of acne are prevention measures or are accomplished through medical treatments. If you have an acne problem then you might want to look at this article on how to get rid of acne. If you just need to get rid of the occasional pimple though, here’s a proven method.

How to Get Rid of Pimples

Many people’s first thought is to pop a pimple when they see it. Please hold off on this because if you try to pop a pimple before it’s “ripe” so to speak you are asking for an infection. Trying to pop a pimple that isn’t ready will drive the bacteria more deeply into the pore and can lead to infection, a cyst or even scarring. If you get a pimple wait until you can see the yellow puss ready to break out before attempting to pop the pimple.

If the pimple is ready to pop then you can proceed. The first thing you will need is a small sharp sewing needle, warm water, gauze pads or band-aids and a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Start by pouring a small amount of the alcohol into a small bowl and immersing the needle in the alcohol for 15-30 seconds. This is enough to sterilize the needle for this simple surgical procedure.

While the needle is soaking in its alcohol bath you can wash your hands and face to make sure they are clean of all dirt, bacteria makeup or other external junk. To be extra safe you can dip your fingers in the alcohol as well and use one of the gauze pads to clean the area around the pimple with alcohol. You may not be ready for a surgical suite at this point, but you’ll be well sterilized for removing a pimple without risking further infection.

Now take the needle and gently prick the white part of the pimple so that you break through the skin. Next take two of the gauze pads and place one on either side of the pimple and gently and evenly apply pressure to the sides of the pimple to squeeze the pus out. Continue applying gentle pressure until you see clear liquid or blood coming out of the pimple. Once you get to this point you’ve gotten the majority of the pus and bacteria out and the pimple is gone.

Soak one of the gauze pads in alcohol and gently clean the pimple and the area around it. You can expect it to sting a bit, but that just means the alcohol is doing its thing, cleaning and sterilizing the wound you created to empty the pimple. This will kill any remaining bacteria and help you avoid getting an infection. After you are done cleaning you can either cover the pimple with a small band-aid or you can use an anti biotic concealer to cover the remaining blemish.

And that’s all there is to it. Pimples can be very annoying and even embarrassing at times, but by following these simple steps you can quickly and safely get rid of pimples when they appear and keep them from messing with your social life. If you have any additional tips on how to get rid of pimples please leave a comment below so we can all benefit.

Acne Free – Yes or No?

Skin Care — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:36:44 +0000

When looking at popular acne treatment products available there’s no doubt that two of the biggest are Acne Free and Proactiv. This is really not surprising to me because they are basically the same benzoyl peroxide formula.

Acne Free was the first product to come out as a direct competitor to Proavtiv, using the same formula, but as a cheaper alternative. Since the debut of Acne Free, Proactiv has dropped their price to match the price of Acne Free plus they still offer their free gifts when ordering. So, even though Acne Free no longer has a price advantage over Proactiv, they have become so well known that they are still one of the most popular acne treatment formulas available without a prescription.

Acne Free does claim that their product is a time release formula, which makes it different from and work better than Proactiv. This is supposed to be backed up by clinical studies, however I was not able to locate the clinical studies referred to so as far as I can tell this is the same benzoyl peroxide formula that Proactiv uses.

The complete kit comes with three products, a cleanser, a toner and a moisturizing lotion. You can find the Acne Free system in major chain stores near you or online at sites such as Amazon.com. As mentioned above, the formula they use is based on the common acne fighting substance known as benzoyl peroxide, which basically fights acne by drying out the skin and killing acne causing bacteria. The main question most people have about Acne Free is “Does it work?”.

Because the main ingredient is benzoyl peroxide many people will experience an initial benefit from using Acne Free. However, research has shown that when using benzoyl peroxide to dry out the skin and kill off bacteria it is common for the bacteria to have a rebound effect and it is possible that users could experience worse acne breakouts several weeks to months after beginning use of any of these types of products. It is thought that this is caused by the body increasing production of oils in response to the overly dry skin caused by benzoyl peroxide treatment. So it may not be one of the best ways to get rid of acne.

If you decide to give Acne Free a try you should be aware of the possible side effects that could occur. The same common side effects of any product containing benzoyl peroxide include drying, peeling and irritation as well as itching and redness of the skin and sensitivity to the sun. You should be especially aware of the last side effect if you choose to use Acne Free during the summer months. Effects will vary from person to person and while some may experience no side effects, others will find that their side effects can be very pronounced.

In conclusion it seems to be a toss up if you are considering using Acne Free vs. Proactiv. Both products seem to be using the same formula and all the anecdotal evidence I have found indicates that both work remarkably the same. If you have a coupon or find a sale on one or the other then you should probably go with that one. Note that neither of these products works for every user, side effects can be mild to severe and it’s possible that your acne will actually get worse after using either of these benzoyl peroxide based products. My final thought is that there are certainly better products out there and if you are looking for an acne fighting product your best bet is to play it safe and consult a dermatologist.

How To Get Rid of Acne

Skin Care — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:04:20 +0000

The question of how to get rid of acne is a broad one and before discussing it I want to make it clear to you that I am not a dermatologist or doctor. I also want to make it clear that for many people acne is simply a fact of life. While there are many things you can do to help prevent pimples and acne, there is no sure way to stop it completely. While acne is most common in adolescents and teens, even adults can experience acne and even though I am middle aged I still get the occasional pimple. Your best course of action to get rid of acne is to consult a dermatologist.

Now that I’ve said that, I want you to know that I’ve done much research regarding acne. There are many reasons for people to get acne and quite a few types and causes for acne to occur. This article will give you a good overview of potential ways to get rid of acne, but if you have a specific acne problem you may want to take a look at the other acne articles in the acne category in the sidebar to your right.

How to Get Rid of Acne and How to Prevent Acne

Take a look at all your make up, hair products and other cosmetics and get rid of any that are oil based. Excess oil on your skin is one of the primary reasons people get acne, so to avoid acne you should try to avoid using oil based products on your skin. In addition, be careful of fried foods as the oil will also build up and can cause acne outbreaks. Many young people fail to heed this advice and continue to use oil based cosmetics and eat too much fast food, contributing to their acne problems. A simple lifestyle change can make a big difference when trying to get rid of acne.

Avoid any harsh cleansing products to help get rid of acne. This is actually a good suggestion for skin care in general. Many of the facial cleansers and soaps are designed to exfoliate your skin and dry up oils, however this can actually do more harm than good. If you are following the first step and avoiding outside oils there is no need to further strip your skin of oil. Your glands produce natural oils meant to keep your skin from getting too dry and if you continue to wash away these oils the glands go into overdrive producing more and more oil. It’s a vicious cycle and can actually damage your subaceous glands and lead to increased outbreaks of acne.

To avoid the cycle of harsh cleansers simply make sure you are taking regular showers or baths and washing your face and body with a gentle soap. Sure it’s great if you can keep away from oils and oily food, but I know that’s not always possible. By taking a daily shower (or even two – one in the morning and one at night), you can reduce the number and severity of your acne breakouts. Just make sure to use a gentle soap, there are lots of all natural soaps out there that fit the bill.

Don’t pick, squeeze or pinch your pimples or blackheads. While it seems the natural reaction to pinch or pick at your acne, it is the totally wrong thing to do. Picking at a pimple has 3 very bad side effects that could actually cause your acne to get worse. First of all, your fingers are very likely covered with lots of oils that will compound your problem. Secondly, your fingers are also filled with bacteria that can cause more outbreaks or infection. And thirdly and most importantly when you squeeze that pimple you are going to be pushing the fluid inside it both farther in as well as out. This can cause infections, increased fluid build up and can even damage the subaceous gland. Keep your fingers away from your pimples if you want to get rid of your acne.

As I said at the beginning of this article, you should go to see a dermatologist and use an acne lotion that he or she recommends to you. It’s not enough to just head off to the store and grab any old lotion that claims to be dermatologist recommended, you have to actually meet with the doctor and see what they recommend. Depending on the type of acne you have and the causes your dermatologist could recommend a soap, a lotion or a cream and it may be over the counter or in the worst cases you may need a prescription strength acne cure.

Doctor Recommended Acne Treatments

In most cases the first product a dermatologist will recommend is a lotion containing retinoic acid (known by most as Retin-A). Another mild alternative is adapalene which is sold under the brand Differin. Both of these products are made of vitamin A and work primarily by promoting the removal, or sloughing, of dead skin cells. They are often combined with a mild antibiotic which is used to control the bacteria in moderate cases of acne.

In more severe cases of acne it may be necessary to use a stronger antibacterial cream to control the acne. Unfortunately these creams are coming under greater scrutiny and dermatologists are being cautioned to avoid their use when possible. In some cases they will prescribe the drug Accutane instead of a stronger antibiotic. Accutane is very effective when used for cystic acne, however it comes with some pretty strong side effects so you will want to check with your doctor about these before agreeing to take Accutane.

If you are female you have one other alternative and that is to use certain kinds of birth control pills. The hormones in certain oral contraceptives can be beneficial to the treatment of acne, however these come with their own side effects so they may not be the best line of defense against acne.

As you can see, answering the question of how to get rid of acne is not as easy or straight forward as you may have thought. There are many variables and it is best to consult a trained professional to diagnose your particular kind of acne and the best way to treat it.

Home Acne Remedy for Scars

A Skin Care Friend — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:25:13 +0000

Aside from suffering the negative effects of having acne, people with acne also have to deal with acne’s after effects; scars. Acne scars happen after the acne lesions have healed. The healing process leaves hyper pigmented and dark blemishes on the skin. Although this is a healing and remodeling process that usually takes six to twelve months, abnormally some acne scars are still present after one year. The saddest part is that these scars can be a permanent and lifetime problem of the skin. The best way to prevent this permanent damage is to prevent acne lesions from ever happening. Here are some home remedies for acne scars that are inexpensive and can be prepared readily and easily.

Applying lemon or lime juice to acne scars can help get rid of the dark scars. Put the juice in the cotton ball and apply it to the scar area on the skin and then wash it with water afterwards. The next scar treatment is using tomato on the skin and this eventually helps in renewing the dead skin cells and healing the damaged skin. Tomatoes contain vitamin A which is a good antioxidant for the skin. Applying olive oil can also help to moisturize the skin and eventually limit the skin scarring. Applying a natural face mask made from sour cream, yogurt, oatmeal, sandalwood with rosewater and lemon juice is also an excellent remedy for scars. Another, much easier way, is rubbing ice on the scar. This helps to tighten skin pores and give them a fine texture.

Acne scars are another skin problem aside from just having acne. Scars make having acne even worse because their effects could last a lifetime. However preventing the scar from developing is the best way to reduce this problem. A home acne remedy for scars can be easily prepared. They remedies are also cost effective and have no terrible side effects because they are usually made from natural ingredients such as lemon juice, ice, yogurt, olive oil, tomatoes, etc. However the results may vary depending on how old the acne scars are and what type of skin the person has. Home remedies require patience and discipline; their results will not take place overnight. Getting rid of acne requires a daily regimen and personal habits that should be readily applied every day. Consider it as your daily habit to have beautiful skin that is free from acne scars.

Five Home Remedies for Acne

A Skin Care Friend — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:50:10 +0000

There are so many acne treatments available that sometimes it can be rather difficult trying to figure out which acne treatment is best for you. Before you start buying acne products off the shelf, it’s best to start with the basics to see if home remedies can clear the complexion.

The best thing you can do for your face it to keep it as clean as possible. Thoroughly clean your face in the morning, and again at night just before going to sleep.

You also want to keep your pillow cases and bed sheets clean. After all, it won’t do much good to clean your face at night if you are just going to put your face on an unclean pillowcase.

You also want to wash your hands often throughout the day to keep yourself from spreading facial oils when touching your face.

Drinking water may also play a part in your complexion’s wellness. Drinking at least 7 glasses of water each day can keep your skin in good condition, help it function correctly and keep a bad complexion from showing up.

Diet is an additional considerable contributor to bad skin. Eating foods high in trans-fatty acids, such as chocolate, cooking oils and many processed foods may cause pores to clog. Others experience a bad complexion mainly because of allergic reaction from some specific food items they eat. An effective acne treatment method may be as straightforward as getting treated for your allergies.

Once you realize the cause then it’s time to discover how to do away with your a bad complexion. There are all types of ointments, scrubs and age old acne treatment options on the market to choose from.

The more common ingredients found in acne medications are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is found most often in teenage acne creams and is usually for gentler, less serious forms of acne. On the other hand, benzoyl peroxide, is a more substantial treatment used for more significant acne problems. You will need to check on insurance coverage. Most health plans do not cover non-prescription acne remedies.

Examine various different strategies to find what acne remedy works best for you. Having a bad complexion may make anyone feel uneasy and embarrassed – regardless of whether you are a teenager stressing about a bad complexion or you’ve experienced problems as an adult. Discovering the most effective acne cure will get your self-confidence back on track.

How To Get Rid of Pimples Today

A Skin Care Friend — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:09:06 +0000

Expensive pimple creams and ointments are not always the best solution to become acne free. Sometimes simpler is better, for example incorporating eight glasses of water a day will go a long way to having healthier skin. In this article would share with you a few home remedies that have been proven time again to be effective for promoting clear skin.

One of the most popular techniques that you can use to get rid of pimples today, is cooked oatmeal. To prepare to oatmeal all you have to do is mix it with warm water, and stir until it turns into a thick paste. Make sure that the oatmeal is at least room temperature before applying. Only apply the oatmeal paste to the affected areas. Allow the paste remain on your face for at least 10 to 20 minutes, 20 minutes is the recommended amount of time. After 20 minutes gently remove the oatmeal with warm water.

Another great antiseptic is good for removing the triggering bacteria is great from. In this case you just need to mix a little of the grapefruit extract with water and apply it to the infected area using a cotton ball. It is important that you do not use this technique more than twice a day, in fact I would start off using it once a day to insure that the grapefruit doesn’t effect the skin in anyway.

You can also use freshly squeezed lemon juice or even cider vinegar, and apply it directly to the infected areas with a cotton ball. Again, everyone’s skin is different so try try the aforementioned techniques with caution. Start off by applying some of the strategies found in this article to a small area to see if your skin reacts in a negative way. Overuse of some of the strategies can also cause an adverse reaction such as blemishes or a rash.

Get Rid of a Pimple Fast

A Skin Care Friend — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:15:10 +0000

Unfortunately, getting a pimple is an unpleasant fact of life that most everyone will deal with at some time or other. Chances are it will happen at the most inconvenient of times and this is when you must know how to get rid of a pimple fast. Thankfully, there are a few methods that have proven to be effective.

A sulfur mask will decrease inflammation of the skin in addition to cleaning oil and dirt out of the pores. Some masks are meant to be left on overnight while others are supposed to be rinsed off after a specified period of time. Carefully follow the instructions that come with the mask you purchase.

There are a number of products that are designed specifically to treat acne and they are easily found in any local drugstore. The active ingredients you are looking for are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Trial and error will tell you which one is best for your skin. Again, follow the directions that come with the product and do not overdo it with the application or you will damage your skin.

If you are absolutely out of time and need some relief quick, go to your kitchen and grab an ice cube. Wrap it up in a soft cloth or tissue and apply it to the pimple for approximately thirty seconds. Repeat the process several times throughout the day. This should reduce any swelling or redness and make it easier to cover up with makeup until it has completely healed.

There are more drastic measures that you can take but you will need to seek out the assistance of a professional.

An esthetician can use a machine that removes blemishes by applying a small electrical charge directly to it. The pimple will shrink in just a few hours. The most extreme remedy of all involves a visit to a dermatologist who can inject the blemish with dilute cortisone. This is recommended for painful cystic outbreaks.

Proven Way in Treating Acne

A Skin Care Friend — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:09:06 +0000

The most conventional way of cleaning one’s skin and preventing very bad acne is to go for the three step solution at least twice a day: washing / foaming, cleansing / toning, and moisturizing. Strictly in this order, this three-way step has been tested and proven for many years both by skin care specialists and dermatologists. It has also been attested by users and skin product reviewers.

Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and other forms of acne types can be somewhat surprising and frustrating, mainly because they usually break out the skin when they are most uncalled for, or when you least expect it. To decrease the probability of their outbreaks, the three step process prevents as well as treats acne and is highly recommended both for budding young adolescents and adults alike. It is safe and harmless method for a skin care regimen as long as you are sure that you use the right and appropriate skin products compatible to your own skin (eg. facial wash or foam, facial cleansers or toners, and facial cream and moisturizers).

To start off with this effective method, have your face steamed over a basin of hot water. Another alternative is to wash it with lukewarm water – as long as it’s not cold or ordinary tap water. This will initially jumpstart your skin care routine as this method is proven to open your pores. By this, it would be possible to wash away dirt and oils that may as well clog them. Clogged pores would surely result in pimples which is why using lukewarm water to open them is the most effective way. Use your own choice of facial wash or foam wash to wash your face. Gently wash it with your hands; do not rub or scratch your face in a harsh way. Then use a clean facial towel to completely dry it. The same routine would apply to other parts of the body to reduce outbreaks. Just substitute face wash with a good body acne wash.

After washing your face, toning or cleansing comes in second. A facial cleanser would further clean away the dirt and oil residues of your face while a facial toner would instantly reduce your skin’s oiliness. You can opt for either of the two, although you can also incorporate both in your skin care routine. So as to replenish and smoothen your face, applying facial creams of moisturizers would do the trick.

Usually this is done in the morning and in the nighttime. It is for this reason that some skin care products have daytime or nighttime creams specifically made for the time of the day. These two parts of the day, after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night, are crucial for skin because there in between them skin cells are being rejuvenated. So it is important that you are able to cover the most essential skin care requirement so as not to develop skin outbreaks in between those times.

Getting Rid of Acne Scars Effectively

A Skin Care Friend — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:06:03 +0000

Acne scars can sometimes be worse than acne itself because they take such a long time to go away. Some scars can even be permanent. Although a seeing a doctor can be helpful, you may want to try to treat the scars yourself if they are not too bad. This article talks talks about how to get rid of acne scars using a few different methods.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, as dead skin cells can shed faster if your body is hydrated. Water also helps new skin grow faster. Be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as these foods contain minerals and vitamins that are good for your skin. Many people do not know this, but lemon juice is actually very helpful in reducing the appearance of scars or even eliminating them altogether. You must also keep a healthy and nutritious diet, because this also helps healthier skin to grow. Foods that are rich in protein, like chicken or fish are great for helping the skin heal. Rosehip seed oil has many uses, including as treating burns or scars, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Some people even use tomatoes to help reduce scars. Slice up a tomato and place it on the affected area once a day to make your skin look brighter and smoother as tomatoes are full of vitamin A. Use honey or rose water to help your skin heal faster. The easiest thing you can do for acne scars is to simply wash your face every day with water and a mild soap.

A more expensive method you might consider is laser resurfacing. This is usually a last resort for people with severe scars from acne. A dermatologist numbs the scarred area and then removes the top layer of your skin with a laser. The heat from the laser also makes the second layer of skin much tougher, leaving your face scar-free. This procedure takes about two weeks to heal.

Whatever you decide, acne scars can be reduced. Even if you go to a doctor, make sure you still follow the rules to keeping your skin healthy by drinking water and maintaining a balanced diet. Doing this will ensure beautiful skin.

Ways to stay Acne Free

A Skin Care Friend — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 06:16:05 +0000

Acne is an embarrassing problem that many people suffer from. It can strike at any time, and is not limited to teenagers. In fact, many people go on to experience acne well into adulthood. If you have the occasional pimple once very few months, then consider yourself lucky. You can probably get by with a simple acne cream, or just let it go away by itself in a few days. But there are many others who have serious acne that comes in the form of major breakouts. For these people, acne can appear all over the face and even on the body. These cases of acne can be a great source of frustration, and even damage a person’s self esteem.

Any plan to stay acne free should include regular washing twice a day. You should always wash once in the morning, and once in the evening. Some people may be tempted to wash more often, but this can dry out your skin which can lead to further problems. You must also take care to use a gentle soap while ensuring the water you use is not too hot. And be careful not to scrub too hard because this can aggravate your skin. Anyone with acne prone skin should do their best not to treat it too roughly or manipulate it too much. So that means no picking or popping pimples!

There are other bad habits that you can avoid when thinking of how to get rid of acne naturally. Stay away from caffeine or sweet sugary drinks. And take care not to smoke or spend too much time unprotected in the sun. Make sure to wash your pillows regularly as they can also contain dirt or substances that can clog pores. And if you wear makeup, try to wear less and let your skin breathe or at the very least remove it completely before bedtime. Getting rid of acne is an overall process that takes time, so keep an eye on all of these factors for the best results.