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Acne-Clearing Chocolate: a Delicious Surprise or Too Sweet to Be True?

Some believe that chocolate can cause or exacerbate acne, leading many acne-sufferers to give up the sweet treat. However, Frutels, a company that specializes in nutraceutical candies, begs to differ. They created the ultimate treatment for acne: a delicious, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate filled with nutrients that are hand-chosen to provide complexion-clarifying benefits.

Based on Frutels’ original gummy acne treatment, their chocolates contain a slew of vitamins that supposedly heal and prevent blemishes from the inside out by addressing stress, hormone and dietary issues. The chocolate formula is sugar-free, Kosher, vegetarian and a natural acne product. The company also claims that their chocolates are free of side effects, which some people disagree with. The chocolates contain an artificial sweetener called maltitol that can act as a laxative in high doses or on an empty stomach. This ingredient is also known to cause migraines in a very small number of people. (Please note that most people are able to use Frutels without incidence.)

Because Frutels is ingested, the candies may be used to treat acne that occurs on the face, back, chest, buttocks or anywhere else on the body. This makes it a good multi-tasking choice for those who experience breakouts in more than one area. Of course, the most important question when it comes to any acne product has not yet been addressed: is Frutels effective? Let’s take a quick peek at the formula’s active ingredients to find out if the clarifying treats have the ingredients needed to back up these claims.

Each serving of Frutels chocolates (2 pieces) contains the following:

• 50 mg Vitamin C
• 7 mg Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• 7 mg Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• 7 mg Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• 7 mg B6
• 7 mg Biotin (Vitamin B7)
• 7 mg Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
• 7 mg PABA (Vitamin BX)
• 7 mg Choline
• 7 mg Inositol (Vitamin B8)
• 3.34 mg Zinc
• 27 mcg Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
• 7 mcg B12

Based on the active ingredient list, Frutels contains many vitamins and antioxidants, both of which contribute to clear skin. The B vitamins in particular help balance sex hormones, one of the main causes of acne. Zinc, which speeds wound healing while providing other beneficial actions, is often used to treat acne and support the skin’s overall health. Plus, the fact that these nutrients are packed into naturally antioxidant-rich dark chocolate means that each active ingredient is more readily absorbed by the body.

User reviews of the product are varied. Some claim to notice an almost immediate improvement in their acne. Others say that the price ($29.95 for a one month supply for those with mild acne, $58.95 for a one month supply for those with more severe acne) is simply not worth the results, or lack thereof. As with most things, you’ll only be able to find out if it works for you by trying the chocolates yourself. Frutels does offer a money back guarantee on your first purchase – 100% of your initial purchase amount (minus shipping and handling) will be refunded if you return your empty boxes within 60 days of purchase.

Skin Picking: What’s Normal and What’s Not

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Most people with acne (and even some people who don’t experience acne) tend to pick at their skin. While skin picking is certainly not advised, mild picking or scratching generally won’t do more harm than causing your acne lesions to heal at a slower rate. Sometimes those who pick at their skin more often or with a more aggressive approach will experience scarring or pigmentation issues, which may require use of an acne scar treatment. These habits are considered normal, however unadvised they may be.

There are, however, people who suffer from Dermatillomania, or Compulsive Skin Picking. Dermatillomania is classified as an impulsive control disorder, and is often experienced by those who also suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Dermatillomania usually causes the sufferer to pick at the skin on their face, although they may also pick at the skin on their body or scalp. Compulsive Skin Picking can lead to extreme scarring and other disfigurement. Although Dermatillomania is not directly tied to adult acne, it can also lead to acne issues due to the spreading and embedding of dirt, oils and bacteria.

Compulsive Skin Picking is used by sufferers to cope with stress, boredom or perfectionism. Dermatillomania may be practiced by those who are easily distracted or distressed. If you suspect that you suffer from Dermatillomania, there are many treatment options available to you, which will help you reclaim your life and your complexion.

Acne caused by CSP is able to be treated using traditional acne treatment products. Some suffers of Dermatillomania find that acne treatments formulated with benzoyl peroxide help keep them from picking, as this ingredient is known to stain linens when used in a concentration of 2.5% or higher. Along those same lines, acne scar treatments using hydroquinone will also provide extra incentive to keep from picking, as hydroquinone is very likely to stain your linens, such as your clothes, bedsheets or towels. Of course, the best acne treatment for those with Dermatillomania is to stop picking. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.

Dermatillomania may be treated with psychotherapy, medications or natural remedies. Some sufferers of CSP find that simply keeping their hands occupied will help them re-train their minds and bodies to keep from picking. Before attempting to find a Dermatillomania treatment on your own, visit your health care professional to confirm your self-diagnosis and learn about the best treatment options for you. Remember, the information provided on this website is never meant to replace the professional opinion, advice or diagnosis of your health care professional.

source:flickr by:iujaz

Relax Your Way to Clearer Skin

Studies prove that stress levels have a direct effect on acne, particularly teen acne. One study showed that teens experiencing high levels of stress were 23% more likely to experience an inflammatory acne breakout, something no one wants to deal with when they’re already stressed. But, why does stress make acne worse? Read on to learn why breakouts are more likely to occur when you’re stressed and which acne tips will help you restore clarity to your complexion.

Stress aggravates acne in two ways. First, it stimulates the production of hormones, one of the main causes of acne. Secondly, it slows the healing process, causing acne to last longer. The combination of these two actions lead to a blemished complexion, which can then cause self-esteem issues and even more stress, leading to a seemingly inescapable cycle of stress and acne.

So, what can you do to banish your stress-related breakouts? The answer is obvious: reduce stress. Unfortunately, reducing stress isn’t as simple as realizing that it needs to be done. Luckily for stressed acne sufferers, there are a few things you can do that work as a treatment for acne and a treatment for stress.

1. Get a facial. Facials make a great adult acne treatment and are thoroughly relaxing as well. A facial begins a gentle face cleansing and exfoliation to remove any makeup, dirt, debris and excess oils from the surface of the skin. Then, your esthetician will look at your skin under a bright light to reveal any problem areas. He or she will then extract blackheads or whiteheads if your skin is in need of such a procedure and you are comfortable with it being done. (Sometimes extractions can be too painful or uncomfortable for those with sensitive skin.) Finally, your esthetician will perform a soothing face massage and apply a skin care mask, allowing you to bask in relaxation while the mask rejuvenates the skin.
2. Use an at-home face mask. When facials are too expensive or time-consuming, a perfect alternative is to use an acne treatment mask formulated for home use. These masks are easy to apply and provide fantastic results for a fraction of the cost of an in-office facial. While your mask is working to clarify the skin, you can soak in the tub, read a magazine or do whatever helps you to unwind and regain a calm sense of self.
3. Get a massage. While a massage may not seem like a way to get rid of acne, it can be! Massages release built-up toxins in the body and help to expel them, resulting in a healthier body and, therefore, healthier skin. Plus, it is well-known that massages are one of the best way to release stress. If a professional massage isn’t in your budget, trade massages with a friend or that special someone.

source:flickr by:leeno

Let’s Get Scrubbing!

Exfoliating the skin is an important step in every skin care regimen. The main purpose of exfoliation is remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells in order to achieve a healthier look and feel. Exfoliation also works to smooth and soften the skin, reduce visible signs of aging, restore radiance, and heal and prevent acne blemishes. Using chemical or physical exfoliating acne products will help unclog pores and remove impurities, leading to a clearer complexion.

Choosing the right exfoliation product is as easy as identifying your skin type. You may also want to choose a product based on active ingredients, depending on personal preferences and sensitivity levels. Some exfoliants are specially formulated to act as acne treatment products, making them a great choice for those who experience regular breakouts. Chemical exfoliants use gentle, safe acids (usually plant-derived acids) to exfoliate the skin without scrubbing. Physical exfoliants use beads, generally made from silicone or organic ingredients, to scrub away dead skin cells and debris. Both methods are safe and effective.

Exfoliating ingredients are found in many product types, including cleansers, lotions and masks. It is possible to over-exfoliate the skin, so you don’t want to build your regimen using only exfoliating products. Gentler exfoliants may be used every day; however harsher formulations, such as aggressive physical scrubs, should only be used once or twice per week as needed.

Oily Skin with Acne
When exfoliating oily skin, it is important to choose a formulation that will absorb excess oils and impurities. Chemical exfoliants that use glycolic acid work well on oily skin, as do exfoliants containing kaolin or bentonite clay. The latter ingredients are found mostly in acne treatment masks, such as the Clarifying Clay Masque by SkinCeuticals.

Dry Skin with Acne
Dry skin often needs the most exfoliation as it is more likely to develop a rough, flaky appearance. Using a creamy exfoliating cleanser will help restore moisture to dry and dehydrated skin while removing the dead skin cells that cause a dry appearance. Those with dry skin should not use formulations containing purifying clays, unless the formulation is specifically developed for dry skin.

Sensitive Skin with Acne
Those with sensitive skin need to take special care when exfoliating. Sensitive skin generally does best when exfoliated with a chemical formulation, although there are some physical exfoliant products that are safe for sensitive skin. It is best to avoid overly stripping formulations, such as those often used for oily skin, as they can aggravate sensitive skin. If your skin is too oily for a heavy, creamy exfoliant, look for a good “middle ground” product that will soothe the complexion without causing it to feel greasy or uncomfortable.

Mature Skin with Acne
Acne-prone mature skin is often difficult to treat, as many treatments for acne do not target visible signs of aging. However, there are products out there, such as MD Skincare’s Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel, that will help clear acne while restoring a youthful appearance to the complexion.

Normal or Combination Skin with Acne
Normal and combination skin types are able to pick and choose whatever exfoliating adult acne treatment they prefer. Most normal skin types prefer creamier or more hydrating products, such as those used by dry skin types, while most combination skin types choose absorbent products to create a “squeaky clean” feeling.