7 Ways To Conquer Acne

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

• Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• L-Carnitine
• Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Proactiv® Solution
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoids
• Antibiotics
• Oral Contraceptives
• Anti-Androgens
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

_______________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat Acne

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

_______________________________________________

Don't blame whitening agents in toothpaste for those breakouts Chicago Tribune Despite suspicions from some zit-stricken folks seeking answers on online advice forums, dermatologists say there's no reason to blame toothpaste for acne breakouts. What toothpaste can cause, however, is irritation or allergic reactions in people with ... and more »

Los Angeles Times

Men's grooming: Major moneymaker? Los Angeles Times And although only a quarter use facial skincare items such as lip products and acne treatments, revenue grew 11% in 2011, according to the report. “There is a huge opportunity with men for facial skincare,” said Karen Grant, a senior global industry ... NPD Reports on the Men's Grooming Industry: A Market Poised for GrowthPR Web (press release) all 5 news articles »

Solta Medical to Present at the Leerink Swann 2012 Global Healthcare Conference MarketWatch (press release) Isolaz was the first laser or light based system indicated for the treatment of inflammatory acne, comedonal acne, pustular acne, and mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne. CLARO is a personal care acne system that is the first FDA cleared ... and more »

Aloe Vera Benefits Sufferers of Acne, Cavities and Ulcers WebWire (press release) 02/08/2012 - Not only is aloe vera good for treating skin ailments, aloe vera juice can be found in many health and beauty projects used to treat acne and tooth cavities, and it has been used in products that aid digestion. Aloe vera's benefits have ...

Halifax Evening Courier

ASDA thief stole make-up on her birthday because she was embarrassed about ... Halifax Evening Courier Mark Newell, defending, told Calderdale magistrates that Brocklehurst had stolen the make-up because she was embarrassed about acne scars on her face. He added that Brocklehurst, of Devon Street, Halifax, had a chaotic lifestyle and had struggled to ...

Acne Inversa Patients Face Sexual Distress Skin and Allergy News Digital Network Sexual dysfunction and distress are increased in patients with acne inversa leading to a diminished quality of life, according to the findings of a recent prospective, observational study. The findings, which are among the first to evaluate sexual ...

Laser and Vacuum Acne Treatment myfoxny.com COM - If you've ever dealt with severe acne you know it's not easy to get rid of. treating it can be exhausting. Now many doctors say acne is on the rise -- and not just among teenagers. But some patients are finding help with an innovative treatment ...

Cheapest Acne-n-Pimple Cream Himalaya Online-Natural Herbal Remedies for Acne ... SBWire (press release) Himalaya Acne-n-pimple cream is best herbal remedy for Skin Care, Rosacea, Acne Vulgaris and Chronic Dermatitis. It has astringent, styptic and cooling properties helps to treat acne and pimples, keeps skin soft and smooth.

Viacom Says Acne Treatment Co. Skirted Marketing Payments Law360 (subscription) By Megan Leonhardt Law360, New York (February 08, 2012, 6:18 PM ET) -- Viacom International Inc. lodged a breach of contract suit in New York state court Wednesday, alleging thermal acne treatment company Zeno Corp. skipped out on paying for an ...

Research and Markets: Global Acne Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Business Wire (press release) Fore Pharma's latest report "Global Acne Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012" is an outline of all the key research and development (R&D) activities of the global acne drug market. It covers information on key pipeline molecules in various stages of R&D ... and more »