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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.

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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.

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Acne Treatment Reactions

It’s happened to the best of us: reactions to acne treatment ingredients. The peeling, redness and inflammation is not only uncomfortable, it’s even less attractive than the acne blemishes you were trying to get rid of it the first place! Treating reactions and irritation related to acne treatment products is fairly simple in most cases. Here’s a quick look at the most common forms of irritation and what you can do about them.

Mild Reactions
Most people experience redness, peeling, dryness, stinging and warmness when using a new or more aggressive acne treatment. These slight reactions are somewhat normal, and usually go away as your skin gets used to the active ingredients. Most skin types experience some sort of vague irritation when using an acne treatment; however, sensitive and reaction-prone skin types are definitely more likely to experience these and more severe side effects.

Extreme Reactions
Less common and more worrisome reactions include blistering, swelling and crusting, severe burning, extreme redness, changes in skin tone (darkening or lightening), and skin rash. If you experience any of these side effects while using an acne product, you should discontinue use of your product or regimen and consult with your physician or dermatologist as soon as possible. These signs of irritation could be symptoms of an ingredient allergy, and you could risk permanent damage, such as scarring, if these symptoms go untreated.

In the event of a mild reaction, it’s ok to continue using your clarifying product as long as the irritation clears up within a couple weeks. If the irritation is too uncomfortable, you can try decreasing your treatment dosage by using a less concentrated product or applying the product less often. If your irritation worries you or doesn’t clear up soon after beginning your acne care regimen, discontinue the use of your products and consult your dermatologist or general doctor.

Many treatments for acne that are currently on the market use gentler ingredients in order to avoid causing irritation. However, more severe cases of acne are generally too stubborn to be treated by mild products, making more aggressive ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, a must for these patients.

If decreasing your application frequency or product concentration is not a choice for you, and you are not experiencing symptoms of a severe or allergic reaction, there are things you can do to diminish discomfort. It may be helpful to begin using a more moisturizing oil-free skin care cream or simply adding jojoba oil to your moisturizer of choice. In addition, there are many travel-friendly hydrating spritzes that supply lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration that can help ease the dryness and discomfort associated with aggressive acne clarifying products.

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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: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.

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Lauric Acid: Potential Skin-Saver?

With so many striving to find gentler and more effective treatments for acne, it’s amazing that lauric acid has stayed under wraps for so long. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid, and the main acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It’s also found in cow’s milk, goat’s milk and human milk. It’s known for its ability to boost the metabolism and strengthen the immune system, but its antimicrobial effects are what make it seem promising for use as an acne treatment.

Dr. Huang, the researcher currently working on the P. acnes vaccine, believes that lauric acid would be especially useful in the fight against acne due to the fact that it’s endogenous, meaning that it already occurs in the human body. Because of this, lauric acid would be handled and tolerated by our bodies extremely well, allowing it to offer optimized benefits as an adult acne treatment.

When tested in the lab and in mouse ears, lauric acid yielded good results against P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. However, because P. acnes isn’t the only factor when it comes to acne, this may or may not mean that lauric acid will be used in future acne treatment products. I, for one, hope to see lauric acid used because it is natural, inexpensive, non-toxic and has a long shelf life, all of which contribute to a gentle, user-friendly and affordable product.

Right now, coconut oil features the highest levels of lauric acid at 47.5%. Does this mean that coconut oil can be used as an acne treatment? Coconut oil is used by many as a moisturizer. It reduces dryness and flaking without causing any adverse effects. It also delays wrinkles and sagging skin, and helps treat eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin infections. Along with these benefits, the idea that coconut oil’s lauric acid content would provide antimicrobial benefits leaves us believing that it wouldn’t hurt to try it as a natural acne treatment!

source:flickr by:only alice

Light Therapy

Sunlight has long been believed to be an effective treatment for acne due to the antibacterial effects of the ultraviolet spectrum. Unfortunately, the sun’s UV rays are also notoriously damaging, making extended sun exposure too harmful to be used as an acne treatment. While studying the healing properties of UV light, scientists discovered that visible violet light in sunlight activates a porphyrin in P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. This porphyrin kills P. acnes, resulting in a clearer and more beautiful complexion.

After this incredible discovery was made, light therapy, also known as phototherapy, was born, and light therapy devices soon followed. These devices use bright LED lights, fluorescent lamps or dichroic filament bulbs to target P. acnes bacteria. Studies have shown that after consecutive light therapy treatments, bacteria in the pores was reduced 99.9%. This means that light therapy is truly once of the best adult acne treatments available!

Light therapy is a great choice for those with skin sensitive to traditional acne treatment products, as well as those who prefer natural acne products. Phototherapy can be administered by a dermatologist or through an at-home light therapy device. Light therapy devices made for home use can supply incredible results when used consistently and correctly.

With so many searching for acne tips, it’s not surprising that there are many myths about what causes acne and how to get rid of acne. These myths lead many to stray away from what could actually help their acne, causing them to experience more breakouts, slower healing time and even discomfort.

Myth #1: Acne is Caused by One’s Diet

Many believe that acne can be caused or aggravated by what one eats. This is do to the fact that most non-Westernized societies do not experience acne in the same way Westernized societies do, leading people to wonder if the difference in diet is to blame. While there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory, there have been studies showing that high-glycemic foods (white bread, sweets, soda, etc.) could be linked to acne. Although these links could prove to be false, it is always better to limit the intake of high-glycemic foods, and instead opt for a more well-balanced diet.

Myth #2: Acne is Caused by Poor Hygiene

It is true that keeping your face properly cleansed can help clear up acne; however, the acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Acne begins below the skin’s surface without any help from dirt or grime. Cleansing the complexion with an acne treatment product can help unblock plugged pores, allowing the trapped sebum to escape and the pimple to heal. For a complete explanation of how acne forms, please see our Causes and Treatments for Acne page.

Myth #3: Acne is Caused by Stress

While acne is not directly caused by stress, stress may have an effect on hormones which, in turn, can aggravate acne breakouts. Luckily, an acne treatment product can overcome a bout of stress and its hormonal effects any day of the week.

Myth #4: Acne is Caused by Sex

Folks from older generations enjoy telling youngsters that acne breakouts are caused by sex or masturbation. This acne myth is one of the oldest, dating back to the 17th century. While acne is definitely not caused by sex, both acne and the desire for sex are increased by androgens. Therefore, when one’s body is producing higher levels of androgen, a person may experience both a higher sex drive and more severe breakouts.

Myth #5: Acne May be Cleared with Sun Exposure

Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays causes a reddening of the skin, which can help acne breakouts blend into the complexion. Additionally, sunlight may be able to help your current acne breakouts heal faster; however, subsequent breakouts will probably be worse. Although acne cannot safely be treated with sunlight, it can be treated with violet light using specially designed light therapy acne treatment devices.