Tips For Controlling Acne And Promoting Healthy Skin

Clear, healthy skin doesn’t always come easy. Few of us were born with it, but here are seven great tips to help both teen girls and guys control acne and attain ideal healthy skin.

Clean It.
Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face on a daily basis. Don’t skip days, even if you didn’t do any physical activity. Inconsistent treatment isn’t effective enough.

Drink Plenty of Water.
Water helps flush out toxins from the body, which can lead to clearer skin. Drink the recommended 8-10 glasses per day and you are sure to see results. (Read Does Drinking Water Help Prevent Acne?)

Eat Healthy.
Stay away from foods which are high in fat, sugar, oil, or are highly processed. Instead opt for a diet which includes whole grains, fruits, green vegetables, and lean meats.

Get More Sleep.



The average teen needs 9-10 hours of sleep every night, but only 20% are actually getting it. Sleeping helps keep stress and hormone levels down. These are some of the major causes of teen acne, so the more you sleep, the more your skin will benefit.

Exercise.
Being active on a regular basis helps regulate hormones in teens. So dance, swim, walk, or play, and you will surely see a difference in your skin and your overall health.

Treat It.
There are many acne treatments available. One effective treatment is an, “acne facial.” Facials are cosmetic treatments that include extractions and a variety of different masks, creams, and lotions. An acne treatment that actually gets rid of bacteria under the skin is an ideal treatment. It reduces acne, sun spots, and oily skin. It also improves skin’s overall texture. Find a list of Phoenix day spas and Scottsdale day spas that provide skincare treatments that not only treats acne, but beautifies the skin as well.

AcneFree is an self treatment set of acne control products available at many Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale retail outlets including Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, Walgreen's, CVS Pharmacy, Albertson's and Fry's Food and Drug as well as other stores. Click here for more information about AcneFree that helps fight teen acne 24/7.

Consult an Expert.
A dermatologist or skin care specialist will be able to recommend products that will work best on your particular skin. Head Medical Trainer at Dermacare Ahwatukee, Dr. Jessica Anderson, says teens should see a dermatologist especially if they if acne problems are not improving. A dermatologist can help to make sure there isn’t a deeper problem.

If you follow all of these tips than you are sure to see major improvements in your skin. But if you find yourself facing a sudden breakout, use a concealer pencil to cover it. Also remember to use and oil-free sunscreen to protect your new, clear skin from harmful UV rays.

source : azteenmagazine.com

Read more

Common Risks of Laser Resurfacing

Ablative laser resurfacing can cause various side effects, including:

* Itching, swelling and redness. After ablative laser resurfacing, treated skin will be itchy, swollen and red. Itching and swelling don't last long, but redness — the degree of which is related to the depth of resurfacing done — can be intense and may last for several months. The aggravation of a previously existing skin condition, such as rosacea or contact dermatitis, also can contribute to redness.
* Acne. Applying thick creams and bandages to your face after treatment can worsen acne or cause you to temporarily develop tiny white bumps (milia) on treated skin.
* Infection. Ablative laser resurfacing can lead to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The most common infection is a flare-up of the herpes virus — the virus that causes cold sores. In most cases, the herpes virus is already present but dormant in the skin.
* Changes in skin color. Ablative laser resurfacing can cause treated skin to become darker than normal (hyperpigmentation) or lighter than normal (hypopigmentation). Hyperpigmentation is more common in people who have darker skin. The first signs of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation typically occur weeks after treatment and may go away without treatment. Use of topical retinoic acid or glycolic acid can help treat hyperpigmentation after the treated area has healed. Hypopigmentation that persists is difficult to treat.
* Scarring. Ablative laser resurfacing poses a slight risk of permanent scarring.
* Turning of the eyelid (ectropion). Rarely, ablative laser resurfacing near the lower eyelid can cause the eyelid to turn out and expose the inner surface. Surgery is needed to correct the problem.


Nonablative laser resurfacing also can cause side effects, including:

* Infection. Nonablative laser resurfacing can cause a flare-up of the herpes virus.
* Changes in skin color. If you have darker skin, nonablative laser resurfacing can cause your skin to become temporarily darker (hyperpigmentation).
* Mild swelling and redness. Swelling and redness typically only last hours or days.
* Blistering and scarring. Rarely, nonablative laser resurfacing can cause blistering or scarring.


Laser resurfacing isn't for everyone. Your doctor may caution against laser resurfacing if you:

* Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Amnesteem, others) during the past year
* Have diabetes, a connective tissue or autoimmune disease, or a weak immune system
* Have a history of radiation therapy to your face
* Have a history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids)
* Are pregnant or breast-feeding

source : mayoclinic.com

Read more

5 Step to Prevent Acne Scars

1. Treat acne as soon as it develops.
The most effective way to avoid acne scarring is by preventing acne from developing into a more severe form. Don't wait to see if acne will go away on its own. Begin treatment right away, and see your doctor if your acne is unresponsive to over-the-counter treatments.

2. Avoid inflammation, if possible.
Inflamed acne lesions are much more likely to cause scars than non-inflamed lesions. Avoid doing anything that may further irritate your skin. This may include aggressive scrubbing, harsh skin care products, etc.

3.Don't squeeze, pop, or pick at pimples.



Squeezing a pimple can force debris deeper into the follicle, spread infection, and worsen a blemish. When you pick at the skin, it can cause acute inflammation and seriously damage the skin's tissue. Remind yourself that "popping" that pimple can extend the healing time and may cause a permanent scar. Allow the blemish to heal on its own.

4. Know if you are prone to scarring.
The tendency to scar varies from person to person. If you are highly prone to scarring, you should see your doctor right away to discuss treatment options. He or she can help you with a treatment plan to help minimize the chances of scarring.

5. See your doctor if you experience large, deep breakouts, or cysts.
Deep nodules or cysts often leave deep, permanent scars as the infection destroys skin tissue. A doctor must treat acne of this severity. Quick, effective treatment can help lessen the chance of developing deep scars.

source : acne.about.com

Read more

Bargain Acne Spot Treatments

For that annoyingly red pimple, it's acne spot treatments to the rescue. Spot treatments are used directly on breakouts. While they won't stop new pimples from forming, they can help that existing blemish to heal more quickly.

Remember, don't apply any spot treatment too often, or you'll end up with a red and peeling patch. And if you are currently under a doctor's care for your acne, get his approval before using a spot treatment.

Almay Blemish Healer for Oily Skin
Active ingredient: salicylic acid

This inexpensive spot treatment also contains witch hazel, and meadowsweet. Witch hazel is often used as an astringent. Meadowsweet, a perennial herb, is claimed to have refreshing and purifying effects on the skin.

This spot treatment absorbs fully into the skin, so makeup goes on over it smoothly. And, like all Almay products, this treatment is hypoallergenic and fairly gentle for sensitive skin.

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment
Active ingredient: 2.5% benzoyl peroxide
This formulation is said to give the power of a 10% benzoyl peroxide but with less irritation. The cream itself is white, but dries clear on the skin. Unfortunately, makeup doesn't go on smoothly over the treated spot, so you'll probably want to put this one on before bed.

Clean and Clear Advantage Spot Treatment
Active ingredient: 2% salicylic acid
Dries clear on the skin, but makeup may not go smoothly over the top. It does tend to sting when first applied, but it goes away after a few minutes. Most people are willing to tolerate the stinging because this product makes pimples smaller overnight.

Nature's Gate Natural Results Extra Strength Spot Corrector
Active ingredient: 2% salicylic acid
Looking for eco-friendly skin care? This product is for you. It is paraben-free, and all added botanical extracts are certified organic. No animal byproducts are used, nor has the product been tested on animals. And the packaging is completely recyclable. Good for your skin and good for the earth.

AcneFree Clear Skin Treatments Acne and Blackhead Terminator
Active ingredients: 1.5% salicylic acid and 1% benzoyl peroxide
Such a great product, we'll forgive them the clunky name. Containing two super effective acne-fighting ingredients, this spot treatment works to reduce redness and unclog pores. It's like getting two treatments for the price of one. But don't apply it too often, or you'll end up with an irritated, peeling spot.

source : acne.about.com

Read more