How does one get rid of acne scars?
If you think acne is a real hassle, then acne scars can be a real pain in the arse.
In the last few years, lasers have been developed which can help reduce acne scars. Lasers are never the first choice for acne and only used after other treatments have been tried out. Most physicians use lasers in combination with drugs to cure the resistant inflammatory acne outbreaks. The results after laser for acne scars are mediocre at best. Most of the time, you end up wasting thousands of dollars and end up with a face which looks a lot worse than what you previously had.
Finally there are a number of chemical peels which are available to treat acne. Glycolic acid is probably the best as it is gentler to the skin. However, chemical peels like laser are an adjunct to medicines for the treatment of acne. Results after chemical peels for acne scars are terrible.
Final point
So in the end, be a wise consumer, read about acne and the available treatments. Do not always stand in a queue for the latest treatment and never fall the pre and post photo routine. The majority of treatments are nothing more than a scam. Medicine is first of all a business and many health professional care more about money than your skin. Always check up the credentials of your provider, ask questions, and if in doubt get a second opinion.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Why do i have acne? part 2
How can I manage acne at home?
For those who develop acne, all oily cosmetics should be avoided. If one does wear cosmetics, they should be water based. The majority of synthetic chemicals have the ability to irritate and make acne worse. Therefore, the fewer cosmetics you wear, the better it is for your skin. Wash your face to rid of the oils and debris. Do not use harsh detergents and soaps on your face. Avoid too much sun. If you find that one particular food aggravates your acne, change your diet. Further, stop picking at your acne; it can cause severe scarring. Lastly, do not look for a cure for acne online- you will only find a lot of disappointments.
So how can I treat severe acne?
The treatment of acne is difficult. Almost everyone has an opinion on how to best treat it. For those who have persistent or inflammatory acne, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist. There are many antibiotics which can help. The latest creams and pills derived from Retinoids and can do wonders for acne. However, one should be reminded that what works for one individual may not work for another.
In the initial phase one may try to apply a topical antibiotic for several weeks and when that fails, one may try a retinoid. The Retinoids come as a cream and also as a pill. Retinoids do work well but can cause skin irritation and photo sensitivity of the skin.
One of the best acne drugs is Accutane, Accutane has been found to be an excellent treatment for acne when used under the guidance of a dermatologist. The drug is relatively safe and the two most common side effects include skin dryness and also the risk of damage to the fetus when taken by a pregnant female. Thus, Accutane is often not prescribed to females of child bearing age. Each female has to discuss this issue with the physician before taking Accutane.
For those who develop acne, all oily cosmetics should be avoided. If one does wear cosmetics, they should be water based. The majority of synthetic chemicals have the ability to irritate and make acne worse. Therefore, the fewer cosmetics you wear, the better it is for your skin. Wash your face to rid of the oils and debris. Do not use harsh detergents and soaps on your face. Avoid too much sun. If you find that one particular food aggravates your acne, change your diet. Further, stop picking at your acne; it can cause severe scarring. Lastly, do not look for a cure for acne online- you will only find a lot of disappointments.
So how can I treat severe acne?
The treatment of acne is difficult. Almost everyone has an opinion on how to best treat it. For those who have persistent or inflammatory acne, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist. There are many antibiotics which can help. The latest creams and pills derived from Retinoids and can do wonders for acne. However, one should be reminded that what works for one individual may not work for another.
In the initial phase one may try to apply a topical antibiotic for several weeks and when that fails, one may try a retinoid. The Retinoids come as a cream and also as a pill. Retinoids do work well but can cause skin irritation and photo sensitivity of the skin.
One of the best acne drugs is Accutane, Accutane has been found to be an excellent treatment for acne when used under the guidance of a dermatologist. The drug is relatively safe and the two most common side effects include skin dryness and also the risk of damage to the fetus when taken by a pregnant female. Thus, Accutane is often not prescribed to females of child bearing age. Each female has to discuss this issue with the physician before taking Accutane.
Why do i have Acne? 101
If there is one skin condition that is more depressing than the economy, it has to be acne. Acne is a very common skin disorder and affects millions of individuals. Most individuals develop some degree of acne during their lives. Why acne occurs in some individuals and not in others is a million dollar question. The simple answer is bad luck.
Where does Acne usually develop?
While most people develop acne on the face, it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is most common after puberty and the adolescent years. Acne is usually mild soon after puberty but in a few cases can develop into real ugly inflamed pimples. In most individuals, acne clears up without much hassle. However, for some unlucky individuals, acne keeps on recurring and can cause permanent scars.
What causes Acne?
No one really knows, but everyone including your grandma has an idea. There are a lot of myths associated with acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, excessive masturbation, bed wetting, eating crap, changes in the environment or personal hygiene. No matter how many times you wash or take good care of your skin, one can still get acne. Acne has no relationship to any type of food that you eat. However, once acne is acquired, there are some spicy and hot foods that can worsen the appearance.
What happens during Acne?
In Acne, the pores that secrete oil get plugged with dead skin and some debris. The excess oil collects in the pores and leads to development of white heads, blackheads or pimples. Sometimes bacteria on the skin start to grow in these oils and cause an inflammatory reaction, thus leading to a red rash which surrounds the pimple.
The exact cause of acne is not known but has been related to excess oily skin, too much male sex hormones, and a lot of bad luck
Where does Acne usually develop?
While most people develop acne on the face, it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Acne is most common after puberty and the adolescent years. Acne is usually mild soon after puberty but in a few cases can develop into real ugly inflamed pimples. In most individuals, acne clears up without much hassle. However, for some unlucky individuals, acne keeps on recurring and can cause permanent scars.
What causes Acne?
No one really knows, but everyone including your grandma has an idea. There are a lot of myths associated with acne. Acne is not caused by dirt, excessive masturbation, bed wetting, eating crap, changes in the environment or personal hygiene. No matter how many times you wash or take good care of your skin, one can still get acne. Acne has no relationship to any type of food that you eat. However, once acne is acquired, there are some spicy and hot foods that can worsen the appearance.
What happens during Acne?
In Acne, the pores that secrete oil get plugged with dead skin and some debris. The excess oil collects in the pores and leads to development of white heads, blackheads or pimples. Sometimes bacteria on the skin start to grow in these oils and cause an inflammatory reaction, thus leading to a red rash which surrounds the pimple.
The exact cause of acne is not known but has been related to excess oily skin, too much male sex hormones, and a lot of bad luck
Friday, May 22, 2009
Blue light and Acne: part 2
The results?
As always doctors claimed that acne quickly cleared up, oil production was decreased, and everyone was happy. Further, doctors claimed there was a dramatic improvement in skin texture. The results were infinitely better than the blue or red light alone. These researchers claim that red and blue light get absorbed better in oil glands once the photosensitzer is applied and light therapy targets the acne lesions. Not mentioned was the severity of pain when intense light therapy is administered- rest assured it hurts like hell. No mention was made if the doctors were paid consultants
by the light therapy companies.
So what should the consumer do?
A word of warning- newer medical treatments are always hyped up and lots of false promises are made. This is especially true when it comes to treatment of acne. Therefore, the best advice is not to rush. Wait and see what happens. Read testimonials and ask questions. Remember, cost of this therapy is not going to come cheap. Cosmeticians and skin doctors are not into this profession just to rid of acne, but make money. If there is no acne, there is no money to be made.
So for the moment, continue washing your face, stop mucking around with your pimples, discontinue the habit of using a new type of treatment every week and never rush to get the latest acne therapy.
If your acne is excessive, use a retinoid. If your acne is mild, use home remedies and if you have only one zit, keep away from doctors- chances are they will make your face worse.
As always doctors claimed that acne quickly cleared up, oil production was decreased, and everyone was happy. Further, doctors claimed there was a dramatic improvement in skin texture. The results were infinitely better than the blue or red light alone. These researchers claim that red and blue light get absorbed better in oil glands once the photosensitzer is applied and light therapy targets the acne lesions. Not mentioned was the severity of pain when intense light therapy is administered- rest assured it hurts like hell. No mention was made if the doctors were paid consultants
by the light therapy companies.
So what should the consumer do?
A word of warning- newer medical treatments are always hyped up and lots of false promises are made. This is especially true when it comes to treatment of acne. Therefore, the best advice is not to rush. Wait and see what happens. Read testimonials and ask questions. Remember, cost of this therapy is not going to come cheap. Cosmeticians and skin doctors are not into this profession just to rid of acne, but make money. If there is no acne, there is no money to be made.
So for the moment, continue washing your face, stop mucking around with your pimples, discontinue the habit of using a new type of treatment every week and never rush to get the latest acne therapy.
If your acne is excessive, use a retinoid. If your acne is mild, use home remedies and if you have only one zit, keep away from doctors- chances are they will make your face worse.
Blue light therapy and Acne- a newer version?
If a therapy was great for acne, then one would leave it alone, market it and make a lot of money- right? Well, in my last article I wrote that intense blue light was as good as garbage. Despite claims by physicians that it works, less than 5% of individuals ever see any benefit. Even individuals who responds to blue light soon develops acne recurrence. Therefore, spending a fortune on blue light therapy is at best considered a waste of money.
Anyway, now blue light therapy for treatment of acne has been modified. At the recent meeting in San Francisco, the skin doctors got together and discussed all the new therapies for acne. The latest is combining intense blue light with a photo sensitizer. A photo sensitizer is simply a chemical that has the ability to attract light. For example if you have a small skin lesion, you apply the photo sensitizer on skin followed by light. The photo sensitizer will attract light only to the painted area and the skin lesion will be destroyed by intense localized heat. Photo sensitizers have been used to destroy various cancers- the results are not always great or reproducible.
In this study, researchers combined blue and red light to treat acne. Only 10 patients with mild to severe acne were followed. The photo sensitizer used was amino levulinic acid (ALA). This chemical was painted on acne lesions one hour prior to light therapy. Then a numbing cream was applied and both red and blue light were used to zap the acne lesion.
Anyway, now blue light therapy for treatment of acne has been modified. At the recent meeting in San Francisco, the skin doctors got together and discussed all the new therapies for acne. The latest is combining intense blue light with a photo sensitizer. A photo sensitizer is simply a chemical that has the ability to attract light. For example if you have a small skin lesion, you apply the photo sensitizer on skin followed by light. The photo sensitizer will attract light only to the painted area and the skin lesion will be destroyed by intense localized heat. Photo sensitizers have been used to destroy various cancers- the results are not always great or reproducible.
In this study, researchers combined blue and red light to treat acne. Only 10 patients with mild to severe acne were followed. The photo sensitizer used was amino levulinic acid (ALA). This chemical was painted on acne lesions one hour prior to light therapy. Then a numbing cream was applied and both red and blue light were used to zap the acne lesion.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Acne Facials: part 3
So how do acne facials work?
To control oils on face, the therapist may use some type of chemical peel like salicylic or azelaic acid. Hot steam therapy opens up pores and allows for easy extractions of blackheads and comedomes. This is then followed by a cosmetic mask to help dry up the oils. The mask as always is nothing simple- it is always made up of exotic and naturally occurring substance like clay, sulfur, extracts of tea or seaweed. Once the mask is completed, an oil free moisturizer is applied on the skin to help prevent dryness
How often should one undergo acne facials?
As always when there is money to be made, many sessions are required. The therapists claim that one needs an acne facial every 6-8 weeks to look great.
Is there anything one can be done at home?
Most therapists also recommended that one practice face cleaning at home with an acne cleanser such as benzyl peroxide. Please consumers do not buy acne facial kits for home use. They do absolutely nothing, are expensive and a waste of time. It is like giving your hard-earned money to Mr. Bernie Madoff.
What are results like?
You have to be realistic in expectations. Results of acne facial are quite variable and depend on severity of your acne and when treatment is sought. There are many types of acne facials and one should try out a few to select the best one that works. This usually means that nothing ever works.
What is cost?
In general, acne facials are not cheap. The basic treatment can cost $50. Depending on what the therapist does and how much mucking around is done, it can easily cost anywhere from $150-$1,000. Acne facials with physicians are even more expensive because you also have to pay to listen to crap.
Final point
Before you enroll for facial acne, get an opinion from a friend, college, or better still talk to an aesthetitician/dermatologist. Everyone is offering acne facials these days. Therapists, Technicians, Filipinos, Thai, Vietnamese, Italians, French, and even unemployed cooks. Acne facials make you feel good, and do make your face look clean for a few hours. As far as acne is concerned, it is rubbish (or should I say crap). People who go for acne facials have money to waste. If you really want your acne to go away, start with cleaning your face at home 2-3 times a day, wash the oils off regularly and keep the face clean. Eat healthy, exercise, do not smoke, and use a retinoid (e.g. accutane). I am not sure if this will completely get rid of your acne, but it will save you from being ripped off by scam artists in the field of cosmetics.
To control oils on face, the therapist may use some type of chemical peel like salicylic or azelaic acid. Hot steam therapy opens up pores and allows for easy extractions of blackheads and comedomes. This is then followed by a cosmetic mask to help dry up the oils. The mask as always is nothing simple- it is always made up of exotic and naturally occurring substance like clay, sulfur, extracts of tea or seaweed. Once the mask is completed, an oil free moisturizer is applied on the skin to help prevent dryness
How often should one undergo acne facials?
As always when there is money to be made, many sessions are required. The therapists claim that one needs an acne facial every 6-8 weeks to look great.
Is there anything one can be done at home?
Most therapists also recommended that one practice face cleaning at home with an acne cleanser such as benzyl peroxide. Please consumers do not buy acne facial kits for home use. They do absolutely nothing, are expensive and a waste of time. It is like giving your hard-earned money to Mr. Bernie Madoff.
What are results like?
You have to be realistic in expectations. Results of acne facial are quite variable and depend on severity of your acne and when treatment is sought. There are many types of acne facials and one should try out a few to select the best one that works. This usually means that nothing ever works.
What is cost?
In general, acne facials are not cheap. The basic treatment can cost $50. Depending on what the therapist does and how much mucking around is done, it can easily cost anywhere from $150-$1,000. Acne facials with physicians are even more expensive because you also have to pay to listen to crap.
Final point
Before you enroll for facial acne, get an opinion from a friend, college, or better still talk to an aesthetitician/dermatologist. Everyone is offering acne facials these days. Therapists, Technicians, Filipinos, Thai, Vietnamese, Italians, French, and even unemployed cooks. Acne facials make you feel good, and do make your face look clean for a few hours. As far as acne is concerned, it is rubbish (or should I say crap). People who go for acne facials have money to waste. If you really want your acne to go away, start with cleaning your face at home 2-3 times a day, wash the oils off regularly and keep the face clean. Eat healthy, exercise, do not smoke, and use a retinoid (e.g. accutane). I am not sure if this will completely get rid of your acne, but it will save you from being ripped off by scam artists in the field of cosmetics.
Acne Facials: Part 2
Acne facials
For many years, acne facials were hyped up to as a method to clear up acne scars and blackheads. Before you read more on about acne facials-, it is not a cure for acne and rarely helps the majority of individuals with this skin disorder.
During an acne facial, the therapist simply extracts the black head. By the way, you will get a nice facial steam bath with some aromatic oils and herbs. As always, these exotic herbs and oils will have been obtained from the Amazon rain forests, the Dead Sea or from the gall bladder of the hippopotamus (a bunch of BS).
To be fair to the acne facial treatments, the process does help get rid of excess oil, clean skin and help open up pores. Massage therapy should not be done during acne facials as it can worsen acne.
To make it look fancy and exotic, you will be treated with tender loving care and pay a fortune. You can extract the black head at home with a comedome extractor-, which costs less than $2. Acne facials do nothing for your acne, acne scars or nodular acne. Acne facials are just a gimmick and do nothing really significant.
Mucking around with pimples and squeezing them with instruments only leads to one thing worse than acne- acne scars. So if you have any common sense, forget acne facials.
For many years, acne facials were hyped up to as a method to clear up acne scars and blackheads. Before you read more on about acne facials-, it is not a cure for acne and rarely helps the majority of individuals with this skin disorder.
During an acne facial, the therapist simply extracts the black head. By the way, you will get a nice facial steam bath with some aromatic oils and herbs. As always, these exotic herbs and oils will have been obtained from the Amazon rain forests, the Dead Sea or from the gall bladder of the hippopotamus (a bunch of BS).
To be fair to the acne facial treatments, the process does help get rid of excess oil, clean skin and help open up pores. Massage therapy should not be done during acne facials as it can worsen acne.
To make it look fancy and exotic, you will be treated with tender loving care and pay a fortune. You can extract the black head at home with a comedome extractor-, which costs less than $2. Acne facials do nothing for your acne, acne scars or nodular acne. Acne facials are just a gimmick and do nothing really significant.
Mucking around with pimples and squeezing them with instruments only leads to one thing worse than acne- acne scars. So if you have any common sense, forget acne facials.
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