source:flickr by:frankdasilva

Acne FAQs: Can Allergies Cause Acne?

We often talk about the hormonal causes of acne, but did you know that immune system responses can also trigger pimples and pustules? You’ve probably noticed that you breakout more easily when you’re sick, due in part to your immune system fighting the illness. Like a virus, food allergies and sensitivities can also cause the immune system to react. This, in turn, means that food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances can help cause acne breakouts.

Allergic reactions (like inflammation, rash, and more severe symptoms) occur when the body is unable to properly digest the food that you’re allergic to. This allows improperly digested food particles to enter into the bloodstream. Because these food particles aren’t broken down into the individual nutrients that your body expects, your brain will tell your immune system that the body has been invaded, just as it would in the case of bacteria or viral infection. This causes the entire body to experience inflammation, which can lead to a slew of other allergy symptoms.

Any food allergy can lead to inflammatory acne, but dairy, lectin, and gluten are the most common culprits. Let’s take a look at these common food allergens, where they’re found, and how they can be avoided.

Dairy
A dairy product is generally considered to be any food product containing cow’s milk. Occasionally, a dairy product will instead be made with goat’s, sheep’s, or buffalo’s milk, but the dominating raw ingredient of choice is cow’s milk.

Milk allergy, or lactose intolerance, is an extremely common allergy. In fact, many people believe that pasteurized and homogenized cow’s milk is simply indigestible by humans. This is due to the fact that the aforementioned processes destroy the milk’s natural enzymes which allow it to be comfortably digested. (This is supported by the fact that, barring an extreme milk allergy, lactose intolerant people can drink raw cow’s milk with no ill effects.)

Dairy products include everything from pure milk to cheese, yogurt and ice cream. There are a bevy of cow’s milk alternatives on the market, including soy, nut, and hemp milk, as well as cheese, yogurt, ice cream and more made with milk alternatives.

If you have a true milk allergy, or even particularly harsh lactose intolerance, you may want to consider using skin care products formulated without the use of dairy. Many skin care moisturizers, face cleansers, and even acne treatment products contain dairy due to its naturally exfoliating and moisturizing properties.

Lectin
Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are present in most plants and animals. They assist their home carrier in many immunological functions, as well as protein synthesis and delivery. However, when ingested by an outside source, lectins wreak havoc on the digestive system by attaching themselves to the walls of the intestines. This can cause intestinal damage, cellular death, compromised villi, leaky gut, and more. In addition, these damages cause the body to redirect important resources to the now-damaged gut, resulting in fewer nutrients that are able to be used by the body for its every day needs.

Although lectins are found in most foods, some foods contain only trace amounts, while others are filled to the brim. Rather than scare yourself out of eating ever again for fear of lectin-induced intestinal damage, try limiting your intake of some of the main offenders, including grains, soy, legumes, and tomatoes. Because lectins are so prevalent, removing them from your diet is literally impossible. However, knowing the highest lectin sources and limiting your overall intake will significantly improve your overall health, as well as your intolerance-related acne.

Gluten
Found mostly in grains, gluten is the composite of two proteins — gliadin and glutenin. Gluten sensitivity is a very common occurrence, though life-threatening allergy (known as celiac disease) is fairly rare. Sensitivity-induced reaction almost always takes the form of dermatitis, but other symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues are by no means unusual.

Gluten is found in many food products, including everything from bread to candy bars. While true gluten allergy is rare, many people are choosing to give up gluten, claiming improved health, clearer skin, and quality of life. This has led to a boom in gluten-free food products, making it easy to steer clear of the ingredient.

Acne induced by food allergies may be treated with traditional adult acne treatments; however, your condition will only be improved on the surface. In order to truly rid your skin of allergy-related acne, it is necessary to remove the offending foods from your diet, in addition to using acne treatments.

source:flickr by:doug88888

Accutane, also known as Roaccutane or Isotretinoin, is a vitamin A derivative meant to treat severe acne. Taken orally in pill form for anywhere from 15 to 20 weeks, Accutane has been used since 1979 to provide dramatic healing to those experiencing the worst forms of acne. It almost always provides extreme, and sometimes permanent, clarification of the skin, making it one of the best acne treatments on the market. However, Accutane comes with a laundry list of side effects, ranging from irritating to devastating.

Because of Accutane’s efficacy, it’s being prescribed more and more often to those experiencing mild to moderate acne. While this may seem logical, Accutane’s serious side effect risks turn this into a rather controversial issue. Why use an aggressive acne treatment with many known side effects when a gentler acne treatment product would suffice? The answer is unsurprising; patients enjoy the convenience of a pill with the promise of results. Many ignore the side effect warnings, keeping their eyes only on the goal of clear skin. Unfortunately, these patients are often the ones who are later blindsided by anything from allergic reaction to life-threatening conditions.

For the sake of promoting a complete understanding of the health risks associated with Accutane, below you will find a comprehensive list of possible side effects. If you are considering using Accutane to treat your acne, please be sure to research each of these possible risks as thoroughly as you are able.

• Abnormal blood tests
• Abnormal menses
• Alopecia
• Anemia (low iron)
• Arthritis, which can be acute and long-lasting
• Birth defects (Accutane should never be taken by a pregnant or lactating woman)
• Bleeding of the gums
• Blood disease
• Bone overgrowth
• Bumps on the skin that may ooze or bleed
• Calcification of bones, tendons, and ligaments
• Depression, possibly severe
• Dry skin, lips and mouth
• Eczema
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Hair loss
• Hair overgrowth, particularly in women
• Headaches
• Hearing issues
• Hives
• Increased pressure within the skull
• Inflammation of the gums
• Inflammation of the lips
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Inflammatory bowl disease
• Joint pain
• Low back pain
• Low blood platelet count
• Low white blood cell count
• Muscle pain
• Nail issues
• Neurological issues
• Nosebleeds
• Rapid and severe breakdown of muscle tissue
• Rash
• Reduced blood flow, particularly to the brain
• Respiratory issues
• Severe allergic reaction
• Sun sensitivity
• Tendonitis
• Vision problems
• Yellow deposits on the eyes

Although the range of possible side effects is wide and filled with serious health concerns, Accutane is truly one of the most effective treatments for acne on the market. If you are at low risk for experiencing the more serious side effects associated with Accutane, and you are a sufferer of severe acne, Accutane could be the answer for you. Adversely, if you are experiencing mild to moderate acne, it would be wise to begin with a gentle acne treatment, such as a cleanser and acne spot treatment formulated with salicylic acid, before turning to such an aggressive answer to your breakouts.

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:soartsyithurts

Acne Tips: Care for Your Hair

Did you know that your hair can exacerbate or even cause acne? Think about it; do you breakout more often when you have bangs? Do you notice a correlation between greasy hair and oily skin? Chances are if you answered ‘yes’ to either (or both) of those questions, your acne is made worse by your hair. Hair-related acne is most common on the face, but it can even occur on the neck, shoulders and back if the hair is long enough.

If you want to know how to get rid of acne caused by your hair, the steps are simple and easy to remember. Taking better care of your hair and being mindful of letting your skin breathe will help clarify the skin, leading to a healthier and more beautiful complexion.

As your first step, be sure to pin back bangs whenever possible. If you have bangs and severe forehead acne, you might want to consider growing your bangs out. Although bangs can sometimes be comforting to hide behind, the products used on the hair can irritate and worsen acne, plus bangs form a barrier between your skin and the environment. This barrier traps oils and bacteria against the skin while making it difficult for the skin to breathe and function properly.

The next step to reducing acne is to stop playing with your hair. We all know that picking at our skin makes acne worse, but when you have hair-caused acne, playing with your hair can be just as harmful as picking your skin! When you run your fingers through your hair, you’re picking up oils, product residue, debris, and more. Then, when your fingers touch your face, all of these unwanted substances end up in your pores. To help “train” yourself to leave your hair alone, pull it back into a simple ponytail for a couple days. (Remember to pin back your bangs if you have them!) After a few days of this, you’ll hopefully lose the desire to mess with your hair.

Lastly, look at your beauty hair products. Shampoos, conditioners and styling products formulated with natural ingredients are less likely to worsen acne. Sodium laureth sulfate and other common hair care ingredients can be harsh and irritating to the skin, especially sensitive skin types such as acne-prone skin. Eliminating these ingredients from your beauty care regimen will help the skin (and hair) regain balance and beauty. Simply read the ingredients lists of your products and replace those containing harsh chemicals with naturally-minded products containing nourishing and gentle botanicals. Also, be sure to wash your hair before you cleanse your face in order to rinse away any remaining shampoo or conditioner residue.

With these easy steps in mind, you’re well on your way to eradicating hair-caused acne. Though it may take a little while to get used to a new hair care regimen, your skin will surely thank you for your efforts!

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:Ayelie

Get Rid of Acne with Green Tea

Green tea is a beloved beverage, a powerful antioxidant, and a unique culinary ingredient. But, did you know that it’s also an effective treatment for acne? In fact, green tea with honeysuckle is known to some as “Pimple Tea” for it’s pimple-fighting abilities. As one of only two herbal ingredients proven to treat acne on their own, green tea is a fantastic all-natural acne treatment to use as an alternative to harsher man-made (or man-altered) ingredients.

In a recent study conducted by Jennifer Gan-Wong, M.D., a skin care cream formulated with green tea was tested against a 4% benzoyl peroxide solution. When used on test subjects with moderate to severe acne, the green tea cream was proven to be as effective an acne treatment as the benzoyl peroxide solution. In addition, green tea won’t cause the side effects that benzoyl peroxide is known for, namely itching, over-drying, or allergic reactions.

Green tea is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and detoxifying; three traits which surely contribute to its anti-acne capabilities. Plus, green tea is full of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that provides 200 times the free radical-fighting benefits of vitamin E, another popular antioxidant. Used topically, green tea is very soothing and comforting, making it a favorite of those with sensitive skin types and delicate skin conditions such as rosacea.

Virtually side effect-free, affordable, and completely natural, green tea is a wonderful addition to any acne regimen. Green tea may be applied topically, ingested in pill form, or incorporated into your daily diet as a tea or antioxidant food ingredient. The benefits of green tea are optimized when ingested, plus green tea is also believed to boost the metabolism and aid in digestion; two benefits anyone can enjoy. A comprehensive adult acne treatment can be achieved through both topical application and dietary ingestion. Simply choose a cleanser, moisturizer, or acne treatment product formulated with green tea and replace your daily coffee with a hot, sugar-free mug of green tea. Your skin (and body) will definitely thank you!

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:sunshinecity

The Newest Treatments for Acne

New treatments for acne are always on the horizon. With some of the world’s best scientists looking for a true acne cure, they’re bound to find many acne treatments along the way. Here’s a quick rundown of the newest and best acne treatment products on the market. If any of these products sound like a solution for you, talk with your doctor or dermatologist about getting a prescription.

Acanya®
2.5% benzoyl peroxide with 1.2% clindamycin

While benzoyl peroxide can be irritating and damaging when used for prolonged periods of time, it is often the best ingredient for use on severe or persistent acne. 2.5% benzoyl peroxide is the best concentration for use on severe acne, as higher concentrations aren’t more effective and may cause excessive irritation, such as itching and redness. Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic that has been shown to have exceptional anti-acne abilities, especially when used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide.

Atralin®
.05% tretinoin with hyaluronic acid

Tretinoin, an acid form of vitamin A, is a common yet aggressive adult acne treatment, more commonly known by Retin-A® or other brand names. Tretinoin is also used to treat signs of sun damage, visible signs of aging, stretch marks, and even some forms of cancer. Tretinoin is known to be drying to the skin, which can cause discomfort such as itching. However, this new tretinoin acne treatment also contains hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator. Hyaluronic acid is able to attract and hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it ideal for combating the drying actions of tretinoin.

Dapsone®
topical anti-inflammatory

Dapsone is a clear gel that helps reduce the inflammation caused by acne. It may be used alone or in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide for maximized results. Dapsone is unique in that it focuses on inflammation rather than killing bacteria or boosting exfoliation, making it a great new tool in any acne-fighting arsenal. While it takes 12-14 weeks to see results, the improvement is truly worth the wait. Plus, unlike some acne products, Dapsone will not make acne worse before it gets better, which makes those 12-14 weeks a little easier to live through.

Evoclin®
Clindamycin foam

Perfect for mixing with shaving cream, Evoclin uses antibacterial clindamycin to kill acne-causing bacteria while you shave. Ideal for on-the-go men, Evoclin will work to clarify the complexion without adding an extra step to your daily skin care regimen.

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:erix!Acne-Causing Medications

Acne-Causing Medications

Some acne breakouts have surprising causes, such as prescription medications. Even if your medical condition is not acne-related, the medication prescribed to treat the condition may trigger a blemish outbreak. If nothing seems to be helping and you’re at a loss for how to get rid of acne, your prescription medication may be to blame.

If you suspect that your medication is causing you to break out, do not stop taking the medication! Your doctor prescribed the medicine for a reason, and a blemish or two does not justify ceasing your regimen. Take your concerns to your doctor if you’re concerned about your medication causing or exacerbating your acne. He or she may have an alternative drug that won’t leave you looking for the concealer.

When experiencing medication-related breakouts, your normal acne treatment regimen should suffice. However, sufferers of mild to moderate acne may need to amp up their treatments for acne to combat worsening breakouts. Simply using a higher concentration of your active ingredient of choice may provide the results you’re looking for. Or, you can try out new acne-fighting ingredients to see what works best for you.

Here’s a general list of medications that are known to have acne as a side effect. If you are taking one of the listed drugs and experiencing unusual or worsening acne, talk with your doctor or dermatologist to see if there’s a different medication for your condition.

• Anticonvulsants – taken for epilepsy or other seizure-causing conditions, as well as bipolar disorder
• Antabuse/Disulfuram – a drug used to enforce sobriety in alcoholics
• Corticosteroids – used to treat asthma and chronic lung diseases
• Immuran – an immunosuppressant often used before organ transplant
• INH/Isoniazid – used to treat tuberculosis (TB)
• Quinine – used to prevent and treat malaria
• Thyroid medications – taken to stimulate the thyroid gland