Source: flickr.com user rbmay

For the Ladies: Acne, Period.

It’s no secret: most women experience a higher number of acne breakouts during their period, as well as during other times of hormonal imbalance. One of the most common acne FAQs is about hormonally-caused acne. How do you treat hormonal acne breakouts? Can you prevent them from occurring? Which hormones cause the breakout? The questions are endless. Thankfully, there’s a clear answer for every source of befuddlement!

An Overview
There are many hormones which contribute to the formation of acne blemishes. Anabolic steriods, corticosteroids, ACTH, testosterone, and gonadotropins can all have acne-inducing effects. These flare-ups can also be caused or exacerbated by glucocorticosteroids, a hormone that’s increased by higher stress levels. For this basic overview, I’ll stick to the main hormones that lead to a woman’s cyclical acne.

During the menstrual cycle, different hormones experience increase and decrease of production. As a basic overview, the ovaries produce both estrogen (female hormone) and testosterone (male hormone. In the beginning of the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels increase as an egg matures in the ovary. The estrogen has many functions, including masking testosterone in order to allow ovulation to occur. When the egg is released (ovulation), estrogen levels begin to drop. During this time, progesterone, which has qualities of both androgens and estrogen, levels begin to increase in order to prepare the uterine lining for the implantation of a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized and/or implanted, progesterone levels drop, leading to the woman’s period.

The progesterone made during the menstrual cycle is meant to compete with androgens (the main cause of acne). If the progesterone was able to properly control androgen production, the effects of the androgens would never make an appearance in the form of acne. However, some women make too much testosterone (an androgen), making it difficult for the progesterone to win its struggle with your body’s androgens. Other women make too little estrogen, which is essential for masking the body’s testosterone. The most common cause of androgen-related acne, however, is a woman’s natural sensitivity to her body’s normal levels of androgens.

Treatment and Prevention
Hormonal acne can be controlled or prevented by women through birth control and other forms of hormonal supplementation. However, these types of acne treatments do not come without their health risks. In addition, this form of treatment does not always work, and many women cannot use hormonal supplements due health reasons or religious beliefs. If hormonal acne treatment is not an option for you, you can turn to natural acne treatments and topical acne treatment products.

Most adult acne treatments provide great results when used on hormonally-caused acne. If topical treatment doesn’t seem to clear up your monthly acne, it may be wise to up your acne treatment regimen during times of hormonal flare-ups. By adding an acne spot treatment or clarifying night mask, you may be able to get your cyclical breakouts under control without turning to hormone treatment therapy.



source:flickr by:incurable_hippie

How to Properly Cover Acne Blemishes

Aside from actually getting rid of acne, the most important thing to most acne-sufferers is knowing how to effectively cover acne blemishes. While concealing zits may sound simple, it can often become frustrating and time-consuming, and may even worsen acne. Thankfully, there are a few acne tips and tricks that will make covering breakouts simpler, easier and faster.

Cleanse
As with most acne tips, step one is cleansing the complexion. Use a mild, non-abrasive cleanser formulated with your favorite acne ingredient, such as salicylic or lactic acid. Be sure to cleanse your hands as well to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria from your fingers to your face. After cleansing, apply an acne spot treatment if you feel that it’s necessary.

Moisturize
Dry zits are much harder to camouflage than “fresh” zits. Using a non-greasy, non-comedogenic moisturizer before applying a concealer will help create a smoother texture and more natural appearance. If a pimple is particularly dry and flaky, you can apply a thick coating of a petroleum jelly-based skin care product and leave it on for a few minutes. Apply a warm compress to the skin for a few moments, then use the compress to wipe away the excess product to reveal a suppler and smoother skin texture.

Conceal
The number one tip to remember when applying concealer is that less is more. If too much concealer is applied, it will appear dry and cakey, making your blemish even more noticeable. Using your application tool of choice (a brush, sponge, or clean fingertips all work great), dab a small amount of concealer on and around your zit. Gently blend outward to create a natural-looking finish. After concealing, even the complexion with your favorite makeup base. A mineral makeup pressed foundation is ideal for acne-prone skin, as it sets concealer and helps control excess shine.

Remove
Cleansing your face at the end of the day is an important step on the road to achieving clearer skin. When skin care makeup is left on overnight, it’s more likely to enter the pores and interact with bacteria, causing blemishes, irritation, and unhealthy skin. Taking five minutes to remove makeup and cleanse away the dirt, debris, bacteria, and oil of the day will help clarify your skin while preparing you mentally for bed.

source: flickr by: bass_nroll

The Sun and Your Acne-Prone Skin: How to Stay Clear During Summer
Summer is a fun, beautiful time of year. The clear, warm weather allows us to enjoy vacationing, spending time on the beach or at the lake, and adding some color to our complexions. Unfortunately, summer brings new obstacles when it comes to caring for acne-prone skin. Acne skin care during summer doesn’t have to change much; simply remember the following suggestions to help your skin stay clear while you enjoy the heat.

Clean
The heat of summer brings with it sweat, and lots of it. The combination of heat, sweat and chafing clothes can result in a form of acne all its own: acne mechanica. Acne mechanica can be prevented by wearing natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton or bamboo, and by showering as soon as possible after sweating. Use an acne treatment product containing salicylic, lactic or glycolic acid on the face and body to keep the skin clear, calm and comfortable.

Lighten
Lighten your moisturizer, that is. In the winter, more emollient skin care creams or lotions are great for keeping dryness at bay. In summer, however, a lighter moisturizing cream will suffice. Make sure to choose a formulation marked “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” to ensure blemish-free use.

As an aside, many acne sufferers don’t like using moisturizers because they feel that their skin is already to greasy or oily. Don’t let oily skin keep you from moisturizing! Not all daily moisturizers are heavy or greasy. In fact, many creams and lotions absorb quickly and completely to leave a soft yet residue-free finish.

Control
Oil-control during summer is essential for keeping your skin clear. Using an acne-indicated cleanser twice daily does a great job of keeping oil under control, though using an oil-absorbing mask once or twice a week may be helpful as well. Start with two daily cleansings to see how it effects your oil production. If you feel you need the extra boost of a mask, choose a natural acne product with antioxidants and absorbent clays, such as kaolin clay.

Moderate
Contrary to popular belief, not all sun exposure is bad. Adults should get around 15 minutes of unprotected exposure every day to absorb the proper amount of vitamin D. Too little sun exposure could result in a vitamin D deficiency, which could then lead to rickets. However, too much exposure can cause extreme damage to the skin, including skin wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer.

In addition, a little sun exposure can help the appearance of acne, while too much can exacerbate the condition by causing excessive oil production and increased dead skin cells — the perfect storm for clogging pores. The key is moderation; try applying your broad-spectrum skin care sunscreen 5-10 minutes before you leave the house. Since sunscreen doesn’t “kick in” for 20-30 minutes after application, this application window will allow a small amount of unprotected sun exposure, followed by 90-120 minutes of sun damage prevention.

source:flickr by:Scott Huber

Acne and Makeup

It’s a classic catch-22: wearing makeup causes breakouts, which makes you use more makeup. This cycle can both cause and aggravate acne, which leaves you feeling aggravated. Thankfully, there’s a simple solution. Creating a pure beauty care routine will help prevent acne cosmetica, the fancy name for acne caused by cosmetics. Building a pure cosmetic regimen is actually easier than you think. All it takes is the desire for clear skin and some diligent label-reading.

Acne Cosmetica
Before delving into what makes a makeup product pure, let’s take a look at acne cosmetica. When a makeup product is applied, it doesn’t adhere to the application area to sit for the day. It actually migrates into the low areas (the pores), just like water to a drain. If your makeup cosmetic contains comedogenic ingredients, the formulation can clog the pore, resulting in makeup-caused acne. Acne cosmetica can appear just like traditional acne blemishes, or it can simply look like a fine rash. If you experience either form, be sure to discontinue the use of the offending product immediately.

Comedogenics
Most people, especially acne sufferers, believe that all oils are comedogenic. Surprisingly, that is not the case! Many oils, including essential oils, petroleum products, sunflower oil and mineral oil, are non-comedogenic and safe for use on acne-prone skin. On the flip side, lanolin and isopropyl myristate are two common comedogenic ingredients used in beauty makeup products. If you’re unsure about a product’s ingredients, check the label for “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic” markings. These two phrases indicate that the product in question is probably ok to use on acne-prone skin.

Shimmer
Many skin care makeup products add a little shimmer, glimmer or shine to your look. The ingredient that makes this happen is usually mica, a very common mineral often used in mineral makeup formulations. Although natural and gentle, mica features a jagged shape that can cause irritation or pore clogging. If your mica-infused beauty care product is causing issues, trying switching to a shimmer-free formulation, or finding a glimmering product that uses something other than mica to provide you with the glow you desire.

Red Dye
We’ve all been told that red dye is bad for our health, but it can be bad for our skin, too! Most red dyes used in cosmetic products, such as blush, eye shadows and lip products, are actually comedogenic coal derivatives. Don’t like the idea of slathering coal on your face? Try using carmine, a natural and gentle red hue that’s been used since the Aztecs.

Texture
When it comes to keeping your skin free of acne blemishes, texture matters! Cream formulations are more likely to contain comedogenic ingredients, which makes them more likely to cause acne. Even if a cream formula is non-comedogenic, the thicker, heavier texture can feel uncomfortable to some acne sufferers. If you’re trying to prevent acne, look for powder or gel formulations.

source:flickr by:ccarlstead

Shaving Acne-Prone Skin

Nothing aggravates adult acne like shaving. Acne-prone skin is sensitive and delicate, which makes it more likely to experience shaving irritation such as razor burn, redness and razor bumps. Razor bumps are caused by inflammation of the hair follicle, and look an awful lot like acne blemishes. When acne breakouts and shaving bumps combine, the result is an inflamed, red and uncomfortable complexion.

Thankfully, there are measures one can take to minimize shaving irritation and maximize comfort and clarity. One thing to always remember is you cannot shave off acne! Trying to do so will result in extremely painful damage that will almost certainly scar. When shaving acne-prone areas, shave gently over your blemishes and aim to reduce trauma to the skin.

1) Cleanse with warm water. Using a gentle, exfoliating acne cleanser will remove dead skin cells and soften the skin and hair, which creates a slick surface for minimum friction, and therefore minimum irritation. The warm water causes the skin to become pliable while bringing blood flow to the face. Try shaving in the shower, or just after taking a shower, for great results.

2) Lather up. Choose a non-foaming shaving cream that creates a slippery surface. Foaming, mousse-like saving creams often contain very drying ingredients that irritate the skin. Plus, these types of skin care products don’t actually protect very well against razor damage, making it twice as likely to leave your skin looking and feeling irritated. Try a cream from Whish or eShave, two companies that use nourishing, natural ingredients to provide the perfect surface for irritation-free shaving.

3) Use a new, single-blade razor. While it’s true that double- and triple-blade razors provide a closer, longer-lasting shave, single-blade razors cause less irritation to sensitive, acne-prone skin. Double- and triple-blade razors shave so deeply that the skin treats the follicle as a wound. The skin heals over the follicle, forcing the new hair growth to fight its way through, resulting in a red, inflamed bump, otherwise known as a razor bump. Single blade razors shave well, but don’t cause ingrown hairs. Electric razors are also great for acne-prone skin, plus they’re easier to use and don’t necessitate shaving cream.

4) Shave with hair growth. By shaving in the direction of hair growth, otherwise known as shaving with the grain, you’ll minimize nicks, cuts and razor bumps! If you’re not sure how to shave with the grain, run your hand along the area to be shaved. If it feels smooth and silky, you’re running your hand in the direction of hair growth. If the hair feels prickly or fuzzy, you’re going against the grain.

5) Tone, treat and moisturize. After shaving is complete, apply an alcohol-free toner to the skin. Choosing an antibacterial formulation is especially beneficial to acne-prone skin, as it will kill acne-causing bacteria before it can settle into your open pores. If you use gentle acne treatment products, it’s probably safe to use them after shaving. However, if you tend to experience product-related irritation after shaving, it’s probably best to wait until the next day to resume your acne treatment. Finally, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to seal in hydration and calm the skin.

source:flickr by:adria.richards

Stay Clear While Exercising

Some say that exercise will help clear out your pores and reduce acne, while others claim that exercise actually exacerbates acne. Talk about conflicting acne tips! The main thing to remember is that exercise is extremely important to your health and always necessary! Don’t let the threat of acne blemishes keep you from getting that heart pumping and staying in shape.

Overall, exercise actually helps in the fight against acne. When you exercise, your internal systems work at full power, which helps acne blemishes to heal and pores to unclog. However, there are many factors at work during exercise that can cause or worsen acne breakouts.

Go Natural
Wearing makeup, greasy skin care creams, sunscreen or even heavy acne treatments during exercise can cause or worsen acne breakouts. While working out, the pores clog easier, and comedogenic formulations will only add to the problem. If you’re exercising outside, such as jogging or doing outdoor yoga, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 15. This will keep your skin protected from UVA and UVB rays without leading to blemishes.

Dress for Success
Choosing breathable fabrics, such as cotton or hemp, will help keep your body cool and comfortable while simultaneously preventing breakouts. Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or spandex, lock in heat and moisture, which creates the ideal breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria. Heat and moisture can also irritate sensitive skin, leading to excess redness and discomfort. In addition, friction is not your friend when it comes to acne. Loose, comfortable clothing is always ideal.

Wash Up
After exercising, hit the showers as soon as possible. Use the correct adult acne products on the face and body to remove sweat, dirt and bacteria, returning the skin to a fresh, neutral state. (Plus, who doesn’t want a shower after a work out session, anyway?) If showering immediately is not an option, wipe down acne-prone areas with witch hazel or similarly medicated pads to help keep blemishes at bay. Cleansing pads are travel-friendly and easy to use, making them a favorite on-the-go option.

source: flickr by:stuck in customs

Is My Acne Caused by Soy?

Many people believe that acne is caused or exacerbated by diet. One of the most common foods which is rumored to produce acne breakouts is soy, whether it’s in a pure or processed form. Soy and soy derivatives are found in many foods, including boxed snacks, treats and, of course, soy milk and tofu. Soy is often found in chocolate, which may be one of the reasons some believe chocolate to be an acne trigger. But, can soy actually cause breakouts, or is this belief yet another acne myth?

When researching the relationship between soy and acne, a lot of conflicting information is found. Many claim to experience worse acne when consuming soy products, while others promote soy as a natural acne treatment. Some say they made the switch from dairy to soy after experiencing acne seemingly caused by cow’s milk and other dairy products and see clearer skin while using soy as a dairy alternative. Cow’s milk is actually more likely to be an acne trigger, as most milk contains hormones and/or stimulates androgen production, both of which can lead to acne blemishes. However, the facts are easy to see; some people do find a connection between soy and acne breakouts.

While soy surely causes breakouts in some people, that does not mean it is a cause of acne for everyone. Soy is one of the most common allergens with reactions ranging from very mild to very severe, including reactions that present themselves in the form of acne. Soy-caused acne does not appear the first time one consumes soy. Because soybeans contain proteins that do not break down with regular cooking temperatures, soy often triggers the immune system to respond defensively.

The first time one eats soy, the immune system reacts badly and creates antibodies. When the immune system responds this way, the sebaceous glands become inflamed and produce too much sebum. The sebum gets trapped in the inflamed hair follicles and creates a clog, keeping bacteria and the excess oil under the skin. As the sebum and bacteria build up, the walls of the hair follicles are ruptured, creating a papule or blackhead. If the hair follicle does not rupture, a whitehead is created instead.

If you seem to break out after consuming soy products or using acne treatment products that contain soy, you may have a mild soy allergy. The only way to know for sure if soy is the root of your acne is to eliminate all soy from your diet for one to two weeks. If in that time you find that your breakouts are less severe or more infrequent, you’ve likely found the culprit. If a soy-free diet does not help to improve your acne, it is probably safe to resume the moderate use of soy products, though soy does have other health risks that should be discussed with your doctor.

source:flickr by:shutter daddy

Treating Acne While Pregnant

Pregnancy is a beautiful stage of life that produces the most incredible miracles — sweet babies. However, along with the beauty of pregnancy comes some unwanted changes, including increased hair growth, widening feet and adult acne. While these temporary crosses are easy to bear when thinking of your little one within, they are certainly not preferable. Although there’s not much you can do when it comes to unwanted hair or feet that will only fit in flip-flops, many adult acne treatments are safe to use, even when pregnant.

Acne during pregnancy is all hormonal. Even if a woman didn’t experience acne in her teens or before becoming pregnant, she is not immune to the occasional androgen- and estrogen-caused breakouts during her pregnancy! Most pregnant women suffer from blemishes during her first trimester when her hormones are most unruly. After the first trimester, many of these women will see a natural decrease in their acne. Unfortunately, a few women will continue experiencing acne throughout her pregnancy and even into the few weeks following the delivery of her baby.

One of the easiest ways to treat acne during pregnancy is to follow the dietary recommendations of your OB or midwife. Most diets recommended for pregnancy are full of anti-acne antioxidants and nutrients that help keep your skin healthy, radiant and clear. While deviating from your healthy diet to indulge in some ice cream (pickle optional) won’t cause your skin to erupt in inflamed red bumps, sticking to healthier options most of the time is generally the best way to go for you, your baby and your skin.

As for topical acne treatments, most are safe for use during pregnancy. There are, however, some that should be avoided during those 40 weeks. They include:

• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)
• Differin (adapelene)
• Oral forms of Accutane
• Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin)
• Retinoic acid
• Retinol
• Retinyl linoleate
• Retinyl palmitate
• Salicylic acid
• Tazorac and avage (Tazarotene)
• Tretinoin

It is also important to steer clear of any leave-on acne spot treatments, masks, peels, lotions, gels or creams. Any acne products you use should be able to be rinsed off soon after application without neutralizing its benefits. Remember, if in doubt, always consult your OB or midwife for advice regarding your acne treatment products.

As a rule of thumb, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are safe to use during pregnancy. Some common AHAs used in pregnancy-safe acne products include glycolic acid and lactic acid. Lactic acid is especially beneficial for use on extra-sensitive skin as it won’t cause or exacerbate irritation. Check out Belli Skin Care’s Acne Clearing Facial Wash for a pregnancy-specific acne treatment that features a fresh lemon scent that won’t upset sensitive tummies.

source:flickr by:hitthatswitch

Supplement Your Acne Product Regimen

Attacking acne from the inside is extremely beneficial when done in conjunction with your acne product regimen. By targeting breakouts with topical and internal products, your acne heals faster and is less likely to reappear. Plus, taking natural dietary supplements will benefit your entire body.

There are many supplements that are believed to provide benefits when used as a natural acne product. However, not many of them have been proven to provide real anti-acne results. Rather than list all of the supplements that might help clarify your skin, I’ve included the few that truly provide actions that will improve the appearance of your acne.

Zinc
Zinc is the most proven acne treatment supplement. Many studies have shown that zinc can reduce the appearance of acne lesions by up to 40%. Zinc provides antioxidants, helps speed wound healing and is antimicrobial. When used topically, zinc is able to help treat and prevent sunburn, windburn, diaper rash, dandruff and more. Please keep in mind that zinc taken internally is toxic at more than 100mg per day.

Fish Oil
Fish oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory that’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. The anti-inflammatory effect is what makes it a great treatment for acne, but fish oil is also well-known for its abilities improve the health and function of the heart. Some of the lesser known benefits of fish oil are its effects on cancerous growths, mental health and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Multivitamin
A multivitamin is great for your basic health, as well as the health and clarity of your skin. Most people don’t eat as healthfully as they should, which means their body isn’t getting all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs. Taking a multivitamin helps your body stay in tip-top shape by supplying these essential nutrients. Keeping your body healthy in its entirety is a very important step to take in your quest for clearer skin. A healthy body is more likely to produce and maintain healthy, clear and radiant skin.

Before adding any new supplements to your diet, be sure to consult with your doctor for his approval. In addition, be sure to do your research into the best brands to ensure that you’re getting high-quality ingredients and top-notch formulations. Supplements can be the best acne products when used correctly, in addition to improving and maintaining the general health of your entire body.

Hot Acne Treatments

There are always new advances in the skin care industry, particularly treatments for acne. One of the newest acne treatments is heat therapy, a treatment designed to kill acne-causing bacteria by safely and gently heating the skin to 121^oF. The leading FDA-approved heat device, Zeno, is a sleek, easy-to-use hand held zit-zapper that applies comfortable and comforting heat to your blemishes. By doing this, Zeno claims to promote faster healing of the blemishes, thereby restoring clarity to your complexion. It can also help reduce the pain of deep, irritated blemishes.

But, does Zeno actually work? Zeno has conducted multiple FDA-reviewed clinical trials on the Zeno Hot Spot to test the safety and effectiveness of the device with stunning results. After a 14-day randomized, controlled, double-blind study, users of Zeno saw that:

• 90% of blemishes disappeared or faded within 24 hours.
• 96% of blemishes disappeared or faded within 48 hours.
• 84% of blemishes disappeared or faded with only two treatments.
Clinical trial results found at MyZeno.com.

Zeno states that most blemishes require two to three 2.5 minute treatments* during a 24-hour period to be completely eradicated. However, some blemishes need only one 2.5 minute treatment before disappearing, making it one of the most effective acne spot treatments currently available. Plus, Zeno may be used in conjunction with any topical acne products, which is great for those of us who love our serums and creams.

Aside from some mild, short-lived redness around the point of application, no side effects were reported throughout clinical trials. The heat of the Zeno is specially designed to be just hot enough to kill the P. Acnes bacteria, so it won’t burn the skin or cause any discomfort. Because Zeno is ingredient-free, it’s considered a natural acne treatment. This makes the Zeno Hot Spot an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin.

Although Zeno is safe and gentle enough for sensitive skin types, it doesn’t work on every type of zit. Zeno is made for those with mild to moderate inflammatory acne. It will not reduce or remove blackheads, whiteheads or cystic acne, though the sensation of warmth may feel therapeutic on cystic acne breakouts. If you’re not sure if the Zeno is right for your type of acne, speak with your dermatologist before purchasing the device.

The Zeno MD and Zeno PRO are available for purchase at DermStore.com for $175 and $159, respectively. In addition to the initial purchase of the device, Zeno recommends that you replace the device’s tip after 90 treatments. Tips are also available at DermStore.com for $25 for the PRO tip and $55 for the MD tip. Although these prices may seem a bit much at first, the cost is nothing compared to the price of dermatologist trips, prescriptions or even some topical acne treatments.

*When using a Zeno, be sure to read the directions carefully and completely. Misuse may result in burns and other damage.