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Thread: Acne (pimples)

  1. #1
    Acne is a common problem faced by almost all teen-agers and youth. What is acne and why do we get them. Acne is actually caused because of hormone imbalance. Your skin breaks out because of a hormone called testosterone. Both men and women have testosterone in their systems. In fact, did you know that in order to make testosterone, boys bodies have to make female hormones first? If you have acne, you haven't got abnormal levels of testosterone. You've got skin that reacts abnormally to this hormone. You start producing testosterone around the time you start sprouting body hair. Testosterone tells glands in your skin, called sebaceous glands, to produce oily stuff called sebum. To add to the problem the inside of the tubes that hold each hair become gummy and get partially blocked - giving you blackheads. Put together if sebum blocks the tubes --- you have big acne.
    So go to your pharmacist or doctor to get your acne treated. Here are a few tips that will help you know how to treat acne at home.


    1. If you have red angry looking acne, don't touch it. If you squeeze now, all you'll do is force the contents deeper into the skin that will make matters worst. And all you'll end up with is redder, angrier acne than you had before. Don't do it.
    2. If you have a yellow custard top? Go for it. These beauties CAN be squeezed but there's an art to it. Here's how. Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid trouble and infection. Put a tissue over your finger. Why? Because you want the contents of the spot on the tissue, not splattered all over the mirror. Using the side of your thumb and the end of your finger, very gently start to squeeze. Don't whatever you do, use your nails as this will damage your skin. Stop when you're applying a lot of pressure and nothing is happening and you see clear fluid, rather than yellow grotty stuff and the spot begins to bleed. When you've finished dab it with antiseptic. Once the custard bit is out, the spot will heal more quickly than an unsqueezed yellow top would, providing that you now leave it well alone. Now wash your hands again.
    3. Whiteheads and blackheads. If acne is left untreated they may cause this problem. Here the rule is if they're black, squeeze but if they're small, white raised lumps leave them alone. All that stuff about clean hands, tissues and stopping if nothing is happening or you see blood, apply here too.


    Tips for acne treatment


    1. DON'T TRY TO WASH IT AWAY
    Acne isn't caused by dirt. In fact people with oily skin have cleaner skin than average because they wash it more often. But it's a fact that washing too much can make acne worse because it makes the skin dry and sore. So, wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. If you have patches of dry skin, don't worry about putting moisturizer on. It won't make your acne worse. If you're still concerned, use an oil free moisturizer.


    2. DON'T NUKE 'EM
    There are lots of over the counter creams, gels, lotions and potions. Most contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide. You'll find the strength written on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for the highest sort, working on the 'let's nuke 'em principle. The likely result is that you'll irritate your skin like mad. It may also go all dry and scaly on you. But if you still are willing to bleach then use the mild one.


    3. MAKE A DATE - THE TWO MONTH RULE
    If you have been using over the counter remedies for two months and there is no real improvement in your spots, this is the moment to go and make an appointment with your doc.


    4. YOUR DOCTOR - THE TWO MONTH RULE
    The thing you are most likely to be given by the doctor is a prescription for antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you put on your skin) or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take. You should take them for at least two months and then go back to your doc. If they seem to be working, he will probably tell you to keep taking them and give you some more. If they aren't doing their stuff, don't despair - he has loads of other spot busters in his black bag.


    5. YOU ARE NOT AN ALIEN - BUT JUST BE PATIENT
    Hundreds of thousands of teenagers seek help for acne. You are not alone. You are not an alien. And if people really care about you, they don't even notice your acne, however bad you think they are. But you will need to be patient. Most treatments take time to work. At least two months. And some treatments, like antibiotics will work well but may have to be taken for months, or even years.


    6. THE MONTHLY CURSE... OR EXAMS
    Acne does tend to get worse just before a period. It's because there is a surge in hormone levels at this time. But boys don't get away lightly either. Being hot and sweaty (particularly after sports like football) makes acne worse. And for everyone, stress - particularly at exam times - is a cue for a mega breakout. This is normal - and of course, even more reason for feeling stressed. Go chill. They'll get better - promise.


    7. WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ON YOUR SKIN AND HAIR
    Some beauty products are big no-nos. These include pomades and defrizzing agents for hair that tend to cause an outcrop of blackheads along the hairline and some of the heavier cosmetics. And be wary of suntan oils. Not all will make you break out, but some may. Try a friend's first before you buy. By the way, the sun might dry up acne and a tan might hide them, but your skin is still vulnerable in the sun and needs protection.


    8. CARRY ON KISSING
    You can't catch acne during kissing - go for it!


    9. CARRY ON EATING CHOCOLATE
    It's a myth that eating chocolate and fried foods causes acne. However, eating a good diet improves your general well-being and this is reflected in your skin.


    Common Questions asked about acne problem


    Does wearing make up cause acne?
    It is not necessary that wearing make up causes acne. Acne is caused because of hormonal imbalance mostly during puberty. But you have to take special care while you apply make up and thereafter if you have acne. Make sure you wash any make up tools, including sponges and brushes as often as possible as these become a breeding ground for bugs which can cause your spots to pop up. Stop wearing make up if you have too many spots and you can resume after you have treated them. Don't forget to clean the make up after you come home and and make sure you cleanse your face properly each night.


    Do skin toner and moisturizer cure acne?
    One thing that you need to know is acne is not caused by dirt, so no amount of cleaning and toning is going to get rid of them. So for treating acne you must consult your doctor and eat lots of healthy food and drink lots of water. That is the natural way to keep you face spot free.


    Is it ok to do facial?
    It can be a real treat to have the facial done, as they can be very relaxing and make you feel properly pampered. However, you should be aware that they should not be used to help 'treat' spots, as this can be quite dangerous if the beauty therapist is not trained. Sometimes a beauty therapist will also squeeze out any spots and blackheads that if it's not done properly, may cause a bigger problem than before.


    What is the best way to cover up spots?
    Foundation is okay to use and may give you more confidence if you've got a hot date, but remember to look for oil-free one. Whatever you use to put on your skin, wash your hands or sponge before applying foundation.

    Source: seasonsindia
    http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4091/69423957gy5.jpg
    On Independence Day Here's wising our dreams of a new tomorrow come true for us NOW AND ALWAYS!

  2. #2
    Worried about acne? Cut down milk


    Cont...

    Worried about acne? Cut down milk

    Thursday, May 10, 2007
    10:26 IST

    Blog this story



    Teenagers with acne - a common skin disease that causes pimples - may get a clear skin if they cut down their milk intake, a new study says.


    Many a spotty teenager has been told to lay off chips and chocolate if they want clear skin but a research carried out at Harvard School of Public Health showed that teenagers who drink a pint or more of milk a day are almost 50 percent more likely to develop spots and pimples than those who rarely or never drink milk.


    The researchers looked at the teenage diet of more than 47,000 women and then compared dairy product intake with cases of acne. Analysis of the results revealed a clear link between milk and skin problems, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.


    Worst off were those who regularly drank skimmed milk, with two half-pint glasses a day raising the risk of the condition by 44 percent. Those who drank a pint of whole milk a day were 12 percent more likely to develop acne, while semi-skimmed milk increased the risk by 16 percent.


    Overall, those who regularly drank milk were 22 percent more likely to have suffered from acne than those who rarely or never drank it.


    Cream and cottage cheeses also raised the risk of the condition; however, chips, chocolate and pizza did not, the scientists said.


    Writing in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the researchers said that sex and growth hormones naturally found in cow's milk might trigger off spots.


    However, Britain's milk producers said that milk has many health benefits. "Unnecessary exclusion of dairy from the diet can compromise nutrient intakes," said Judith Bryans of the Dairy Council.

    Source: msnindia
    http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4091/69423957gy5.jpg
    On Independence Day Here's wising our dreams of a new tomorrow come true for us NOW AND ALWAYS!

  3. #3
    awesome sis...v.cool...thanks 4 sharing enjoyed reading ...it waz like a bonus to ma info...



  4. #4
    Kool new info, thanx 4 sharing
    ~Ye Dard Ka Tufaan Guzra kyu nahi..Dil Toot Gayaa Hai To Bikhra kyu nahi..Ek Hi Shakhs Ko Chahta Hai kyu Itna..Koi Dusra Is Dil Me Utarta kyu nahi~

  5. #5
    Escape the summer breakouts

    What you can do to avoid an itchy and spotty summer skinscape.

    Summer is the worst time to quiz your mirror about degrees of fairness or beauty. Besides the obvious tanned skin, there are issues of dust, oil and sweat. But by far the greatest concern remains acne on the face, and boils on the body. Though heat can’t be held guilty for causing skin eruptions, it does aggravate the problem.


    Acne is governed by testosterone, a hormone present in men and women that accumulates in the sebaceous glands, which secrete the oil that keeps the skin waterproof and supple.

    The level of activity of testosterone in your body defines the quantity of oil on your skin. Excess oil leads to the blocking of pores, in turn causing acne. In the summer months, factors like sweat and dust accumulation make the skin excessively oily and block the pores.


    Dr R K Joshi, senior consultant dermatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital explains, “The only way to counter this activity on the face is by frequently washing it with water and using a cleanser.”


    He recommends the use of soap-free face wash two or three times a day. In fact, for women he has another piece of advice — make sure you buy make-up that does not block the pores of the skin or that is “non-comedogenic” in nature.

    Besides regularly splashing your face with water, it is a good idea to give some to your body as well. So, drink plenty of water and other cooling beverages like khus, rosewater and vitamin C enriched drinks.

    Another summer problem is boils on the body. Excessive sweating and body hair blocks pores and generates fungal activity, creating a condition called folliculitis. The best way to prevent folliculitis is by changing undergarments and sweaty clothes in the evening and using an abrasive soap rich in sulphur.

    Says Dr Simal Soin, consultant dermatologist, “Acne is a skin problem while folliculitis is a bacterial infection and if prevention techniques don’t work then see a dermatologist.” We say, prevention is better than cure: so stay clean, cool and hydrated all day long.

    Source: msnindia.com
    http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/4091/69423957gy5.jpg
    On Independence Day Here's wising our dreams of a new tomorrow come true for us NOW AND ALWAYS!

  6. #6
    This is good info. I'm wondering if any acne treatments work? Has anyone tried any of those? I've tried proactiv but had no luck. Anyone hear of Clearpores? It looks interested cause it comes with a herbal supplement that is suppose to work from the inside out. Any scoop on this? Theres a review at skincleansingsystem.com along with a savings code but I'm just skeptical about these.

  7. #7
    Really nice and useful post. These the common problem face by everyone. But the tips given by you is really proven useful. Apply ice on face. It will help to reduce inflammation. Keep the application of ice per day until it reduces the size of the button. Doing this on a regular basis also reduces pores. It will also prevent dirt from accumulating in the pores, which normally results in acne.

  8. #8
    Thanks for the detailed information Saira =)

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