The Connection Between Acne And Hormones

The connection between acne and hormones is well known to the science community. Realizing that connection is your first step in fighting those zits that you just cannot get rid of. Whether you are one of eighty-five percent of teenagers who deal with acne on a regular basis or one of eight percent of adults who have a serious problem with acne, understanding the connection between acne and hormones will help you fight your unsightly problem.

The hormones of your body control a number of different things. If your hormones get unbalanced at any point in time, a number of different problems can form. There are several typical times that the hormones get unbalanced in the body. Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are just a few of the times that the connection between acne and hormones is very visible. In most people, just prior to an acne outbreak, the androgens in the body go crazy. This can lead to overproduction of oil in the glands. That overproduction leads to clogged pores and hair follicles. This, in turn, causes black heads, white heads, and nasty red blemishes to form.

Adding natural progesterone to your diet, though, can help diminish the connection between acne and hormones. Using a natural progesterone cream can help to stop acne breakouts before they start. Natural progesterone is a cholesterol derivative. It can be found in Mexican yams and soybeans. In South America where these are consumed on a regular basis, people simply do not experience the acne problems that people do in other parts of the world. Using natural progesterone to fight acne has no known side effects, unlike prescription medications.

Understanding the link between acne and hormones can help you understand how to better fight your zits and get clearer skin in less time than you ever though possible.

About Author:
Dean Iggo is the webmaster of quick-acne-treatments.com a website providing the best acne treatments as well as unbiased reviews of popular acne remedies and scar removal products.

Available Acne Treatments

Individuals who are experiencing acne breakouts, either serious or not, may receive a medical prescribtion from their doctor which may help heal their skin condition. A few of these medications may be topical or those that are applied on the top of the skin, others are methodical or the drugs that are taken orally.

Retin-A

Retin-A is a current medicine obtained from Vitamin A's retinoid metabolite. It increases cell turnover and free blocked materials from the hair follicles.

It is also known to decrease the formation of new acne but improves the appearance of wrinkles. In several cases, this medicine enhances the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and irritation. A considerable side effect of this medication is extreme drying of the skin which can develop into red, swollen and blistered condition. It is also recommended that people with already sunburned skins must not apply this drug.

Oral Antibiotics

In alliance with numerous actual drugs, oral medications may be prescribed by a dermatologist. Still, target bacteria may reveal immunity to some
antibiotics. In cases comparable to this, different medicines may be considered. As with oral antibiotics, up to date antimicrobials may goal the identical bacteria or may be used straight on the existing spot of acne infection.

Spironolactone Acne Treatment

Spironolactone is a diuretic known for its potassium-sparing properties. It was first designed to reduce body fluids without depleting the potassium level of
the body. For the interest of people who suffers from acne, Spironolactone can reduce the production of androgens, the specific hormones excreted to activate
the production of sebum, the oily substance found on the skin. If this sebum is trapped in the hair follicles, it may cause the onset of acne outburst. As a result, the control in androgen release would diminish the possibility of acne infection and infection.

However, in taking Spironolactone, there are several considerations which must be identified both by the physician and the patient. This is due to the fact
that there are certain medications and health conditions that may be significantly affected through the use of this diuretic. It is equally significant to note the side effects of this drug to the body conditions to equate the benefits of this drug. Some side effects may include skin allergies, diarrhea, muscle cramps and nausea. This medication, if taken under extreme control of a physician may confirm as an effective way of reducing the risks of acne.

Doxycycline Treatment

Doxycycline is a frequent medication used against mild inflaming acne infection. This antibiotic is known to minimize the impact of the attacks of the
bacteria that clog within the hair follicles which in effect, cause the acne outbreaks. This drug is also noted to cure a host of other diseases and ailments
such as gum disease, urinary tract infections and a number of sexually-transmitted diseases.

Typically, this medication can grow the individuals susceptibility to sun's harmful radiations. If exposure to sun cannot be avoided, then it is best to
apply sunscreens or employ the use of protective clothing. At any rate, acne-inflicted individuals must never be allowed to over-expose their skin to
sunlight.

Minocycline Treatment

Minocycline is derived of tetracycline, very often used for acne treatment. Children age must not take this medication as it will reduce the development of
teeth and bones. As with the doxycycline, minocycline can effectively decrease the potency of the bacteria thriving in the skin pores. Along with acne, it is
also noted to efficiently provide treatment for other bacterial skin infections.

About Author:
Bjorn Gutter writes articles on health related subjects. This article was written foracne treatment.

Acne free skin through Ayurveda

Acne is a very common skin problem which affects young people at their puberty and few adults till they reach 45. Acne are referred as Youvana pitikas (which means the eruptions of youth) in ayurveda. This shows the prevalence of acne from ages. Ayurveda has described the causes of acne and recommends the best natural herbal acne remedies too.

What causes acne?

A large number of oil producing glands called “sebaceous glands” are present under the skin on face, back, chest and shoulders. During puberty or menopause due to the influence of the sex hormones, which are produced in male and female, these glands become more active and produce an oily secretion called “sebum”. The sebum makes the skin more oily .The excessive sebum clogs the skin pore or the pit of the hair follicle forming acne.The blocked pore or acne acts as an excellent habitat for bacteria. The bacterial infection causes inflammation (red, painful swelling of the infected area) of the clogged pore or hair follicle leading to eruption of pimples.

Vata and Kapha are two main doshas, which are involved in eruption of acne and pimples. Rakta dhatu or blood also plays an important role in formation of acne.

Vata when gets vitiated due to unhealthy diet and lifestyles affects other two doshas (kapha and pitta) to aggravate them. Aggravated pitta affects rakta dhatu or blood. The vitiated blood affects the skin and causes excess secretion of oil from sebaceous glands. Kapha has sticky property. The aggravated kapha imparts the stickiness to the oil produced by sebaceous glands of skin. Thus the thick sebaceous plugs are formed in skin pores and hair follicles leading to eruption of acne.

Acne worsens when

1. grease, dirt or other harsh chemicals accumulate on skin.

2. you have Increased stress levels.

3. you indulge in Squeezing or pinching of acne.

4. when there are hormonal imbalances during menstrual cycle, menopause and puberty.

5. you are under medications like steroids or hormonal therapy.

Precautions to be taken to avoid exaggeration of acne eruptions:

• Avoid foods which are spicy, dry and oily. These may cause indigestion and lead to vitiation of vata.

• Keep a habit of emptying bowels regularly this always normalizes vata.

• Avoid fast foods and soft drinks.

• Wash your face twice daily with mild cleanser.

• Put a hair band to avoid falling of hair on face. The sweat and dirt accumulated on hair may fall on facial skin through hair strands

• Avoid application of scrubs.

• Wash your hair regularly with mild shampoo to keep it clean and avoid dandruff.

• Squeezing and pricking of pimples cause scaring. Hence avoid this

• Avoid exposure of skin to severe climatic conditions.

• Avoid oil based moisturizers. Water based moisturizers are always beneficial.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Practice a regular exercise regimen

Natural Herbal acne Home remedies :

• Wash your face with lukewarm water and mild soap twice a day.

• Wash fresh methi leaves (fenu greek leaves) and grind it to make a paste. Apply it on face and wash it off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes.

• Grind juicy tender neem leaves with turmeric to a consistency of paste. Apply this paste on acne and pimples. Wash this off after it dries.

• Apply a face pack of ripe tomato pulp and wash it off as soon as it dries naturally (preferably after 45 minutes) .

• Do not keep the make up while sleeping. Cleanse it with a mild herbal cleanser.

• Mix besan flour (gram flour) with rose water and apply a face pack.

• Consuming fresh vegetable salads and fresh fruits keeps the skin healthy and resistant to blemishes.

• Drink plenty of water (15 glasses a day)

About Author:
Dr.SavithaSuri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda . Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers and websites. She is a regular health columnist to an international magzine “Joyful Living” Read more about acne care at www.ayurhelp.com/acne_pimples.htm
www.ayurhelp.com
email doctor@ayurhelp.com

Choosing the Proper Acne Alternative Treatments

Choosing the right regimen of acne alternative treatments can mean a lifetime of clear skin without the difficulty of obtaining yet another medicine from your doctor that either won't work or will cause such severe side effects that you will believe the acne is better than the treatment. Millions of people suffer from acne on a worldwide basis. There are a number of homemade and herbal remedies that we in the western world don't even consider because they are not a prescription medication. However, acne alternative treatments are the only thing that will cure your acne problems without side effects.

Acne Alternative Treatment 1

Choosing a diet that is reliant upon unprocessed fruits and vegetables can help to cure your acne. You will need no less than five servings of some type of vegetable and one serving of some variety of fruit every day for the diet treatment to work. If you eat a lot of trans fats, you will have to cut them out of your diet. Increase your intake of foods that contain omega-3 oils. Be sure to take in at least eight glasses of water each day with your new diet.

Acne Alternative Treatment 2

Increase your intake of vitamin and nutritional supplements. Taking five thousand international units per day of Vitamin A has been shown in a variety of studies to decrease acne in many people. Zinc can help prevent acne before it starts if taken in mild doses. Vitamin B6 can reduce skin sensitivity and help stop acne breakouts as well.

Acne Alternative Treatment 3

Using herbs like sarsaparilla, yellow dock, burdock, and cleavers has been shown to dramatically reduce acne outbreaks. If a blemish erupts while using these herbs, dab it with tea tree oil for overnight results. These are best taken in their natural form for full effectiveness. The best way to do this is through tea.

About Author:
Dean Iggo is the webmaster of www.quick-acne-treatments.com a website providing the best acne treatments as well as unbiased reviews of popular acne remedies and scar removal products.

The True Meaning of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is a type of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of traditional or conventional medical treatment. People use alternative medicine instead of using traditional medical treatment. This is often because they feel it is a natural way to get better.

There are many types of alternative medicine. Some are covered by medical insurance, but most are not. Some forms of alternative medicine that may be covered are chiropractic and osteopathic therapy. These forms of alternative medicine are widely used.

There are other forms of alternative medicine that are not as widely used, but are becoming more popular by the minute. These are: massage therapy, therapeutic touch, folk medicine, herbal medicine, special diets, homeopathy, music therapy, aromatherapy, naturopathy, faith healing, and new age healing. There are also some non-western forms of alternative medicine such as: Chinese medicine, gi gong, reiki, and ayarveda.

There are some less commonly practiced forms of alternative medicine as well. One is called biofield therapy. This is a form of alternative medicine that works with your so called "energy fields" to heal you. Another is bioelectrical magnetic therapy. This alternative medicine uses pulse and magnetic fields to heal you.

Alternative medicine is quite popular for people who are terminally ill. Many AIDS and cancer patients prefer it. An example of this is a cancer patient who uses alternative medicine instead of receiving traditional chemotherapy or radiation therapy. People also use alternative medicine to heal ailments such as back pain or migraines. Instead of traditional painkillers, the patients would use aromatherapy, sound therapy or herbal therapy. Alternative medicine is even used on animals. Have you ever seen the movie "The Horse Whisperer?" That was about a form of alternative medicine used on an animal. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, and others have also been used on animals.

The last thing you should know is that there is no scientific evidence that alternative medicine is effective. There have been no scientific studies to prove if they are safe or if they work for the diseases or ailments they are used for. Before using an alternative medicine, talk to your doctor, make sure your doctor feels it is safe and will not harm you.

There are many different kinds of alternative medicines to choose from. Now that you understand it a bit better, you can decide if it is right for you. For more information talk to your doctor or research it online. With careful research, you may find one that is right for you.

About The Author:Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.info-meds.info a blog focusing on the Medical, resources and articles. This site provides detailed information on medicines. For more info on medicines visit:http://www.info-meds.info

Whats The Real Cause Of Acne?

Most acne medications only mask the symptoms of acne and does nothing to stop the real cause of acne. This is why people buy acne products month after month (year after year). And every time they stop using the product acne would come back again and again.

What you need to do is find out what the real cause of acne is and stop it.

So what's the real cause of acne?

Acne occurs when your body contains more toxics than your kidneys and bowels can remove. (Your kidneys and bowels are the two primary channels of elimination that your body expel toxics and waste products through.)

These toxics can be the accumulation of fat stored chemicals the liver can not wash out or there may be a problem with fat digestion, fat accumulation, food allergy, or even the accumulation of hormones that your body produces.

Once these toxics build up, your kidneys and bowels can get overloaded and clogged up, causing it to not function properly. When that happens some of the load will be dumped onto your liver. One of your liver's main roles is to metabolize pile up fat into usable energy for your body.

This means, your liver will be doing some of your kidney's work. So now, your liver gets overloaded and it too will not work at full capacity.

What happens when your bowels, kidneys, and liver gets overloaded?

When that happen your body will expel toxins through your lungs and skin (your secondary channels of elimination). And this is when acne occurs. This is when your skin starts to breakout.
But whatever the toxic source is that's causing this problem, acne is a sign that your bowels and kidneys are overloaded with toxins, waste products, or hormones.

It is a sign that your liver is growing weaker in its detoxification abilities (and it will continue to grow weaker if you do not do what it takes to get rid of the toxics in your body).

So if you think that acne is your only problem, think again, your liver, kidneys, and bowels are getting weaker every time you breakout.

About the Author
Houa Yang is the author of "The Definite Guide To Acne Free Skin." It reveals the same method he personally used himself to get rid of acne in 3 days and stop it from ever coming back for the past 4 years...without any prescription drugs or acne medications! For more info visit: http://www.howtogetridofacne.com

Some Acne information

By Martha Fitzharris

Severe or moderate Acne can be an upsetting an annoying problem to anyone. While acne treatments for a mild case of acne are usually successful, moderate acne is a greater problem. Even dermatologists cannot cure a severe case of acne but can only provide an acne treatment regimen.

Follow a specialist advice

After using an oral medicine or any treatment make sure that you understand and follow the directions for applying it. If you are taking a prescription acne medicine, read the patient leaflet that accompanies the medication carefully. In cases of severe and moderate acne, it's usual that only a professional or a dermatologist may prescribe medicines, each with its own treatment protocol and directions.

When going to a professional, it is important to use all the acne treatments he gives you in a proper and correct order. Consider bringing a tablet of paper, a pen, and a friend or relative with you to your appointment with your dermatologist. Simply jot down some notes about the order and time of day for applying each acne medicine and what its purpose is.

And if your skin seems to be clearing from acne, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have succeeded in curing this skin blemish. Most people with moderate to severe acne must continue to use their acne medicine long-term to prevent any recurrence of their acne problem. Using the acne treatments properly should translate to clear skin and freedom from acne scars.

Other products for Acne breakouts

There are a large number of products on the market labeled as skin cleansers, facial cleansers, pore cleansers, and facial pore cleaners that can be used in curing acne.

However, when cleansing skin that is afflicted with acne, an important point to remember is not to scrub the skin more than the necessary; never scrub your face with a washcloth. As we said, it is a misconception that acne is caused by dirt clogging the pores of the skin

You will only get a worsen condition of Acne over-washing or scrubbing your skin. Rather use only a gentle skin cleanser, lukewarm water, and a gentle motion with your fingertips as your primary acne skin care regime. And, when you wash your face with your hands, be sure to first thoroughly wash your hands.

Are Natural Treatments an effective choice?

After using medicine that may have side effects on you, try with natural methods to improve Acne. For example, a soap made from Echinacea and other herbal ingredients is an effective antibiotic facial cleanser that helps fight acne and restore clear skin. Tea tree oil also has known antibiotic properties and serves as a mild anesthetic that will soothe the irritated skin. There are also other natural skin care products available that have been proven being effective in improving acne.

It's important that, no matter how much Acne bothers you, you don't have to touch those pimples. People who are afflicted with acne should avoid touching their face except to gently wash it with mild cleanser as already discussed.

By trying to remove pimples by hand you run the risk of creating acne scars that will last for a lifetime. Instead, have patience and rely on your prescription or over-the-counter acne treatment to work. Acne remedies usually take from 6 to 8 weeks before curing acne.

You may also have to abandon the use of some cosmetics during the acne treatment period. Be sure to select only oil-free cosmetics and ones that are labeled as non-comodogenic (won't clog pores) to use on your road to clear skin.

Have this basic skin care advices in mind and search the best product for your Acne problem.


About the Author
Martha Fitzharris is a free lance journalist for http://www.naturalbioskincare.com a website offering a new biological natural skin care product that activates skin renewal for a healthy skin.

Acne: 10 Most Common Myths

What we think we know about acne is steadily being replaced by what scientists are learning. Meanwhile, many myths continue to circulate and endure. Clearing up some of the misunderstandings about acne is what this article is about.

Myth #1: Acne only affects appearance
Acne can also cause deep psychological distress. Severe acne can lead to low self-image and feeling depressed. There is a strong link between severe acne and social withdrawal.

Myth #2: Acne is caused by poor hygiene
While skin infections are associated with acne, lack of cleanliness is not the reason for acne outbreaks. The combination of oil and dead cells which produce acne is located beneath the skin's surface where it is impossible to clean it away. Gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily will keep your skin as healthy as possible. Scrubing too hard may worsen acne.

Myth #3: Acne is caused by specific foods
Chocolate has long had a reputation as a pimple producer. Studies have shown no scientific evidence that this is true. The same holds true for potato chips and sugar. There are some foods that do seem to aggravate (not cause) the condition: milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood.

Myth #4: Acne has to run its course
There are many acne treatments available both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist.

Myth #5: The more acne medicine the better
Some people believe that if their acne gets worse they should just use more medicine. That's a bad idea because medicines can be dangerous when taken in large quantities. Excess use of acne ointments may just irritate the skin further.

Myth #6: Sunbathing is good for acne
Exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, so it does improve acne short-term. However, long-term the skin adapts and the acne is unfazed. Worse, there is scientific evidence that sun exposure damages the skin and increases the chance of skin cancer.

Myth #7: Makeup causes acne
Some makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for the health of your skin. Cosmetics that are labeled "noncomedogenic" or "nonacnegenic" are safe to use. Some brands are made with ingredients that actually treat acne.

Myth #8: Acne is only a teenage condition
While most teens have acne, so do many adults. Acne generally clears up by the early 20s. But some people experience acne for the first time as late as their 40s. And for the most unfortunate of all, some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.

Myth #9: Acne is related to sex
We've probably all heard that either celibacy or too much sex causes pimples. There is no evidence for this. There is a link between sexual activity and hormone production, but the relationship between sex and the production of sebum (the oily substance which combines with dead skin cells to cause acne) is not known. Stress and anger also affect hormone levels.

Myth #10: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them
The fact is popping pimples may worsen acne by spreading the bacteria that is causing it. Popping can also lead to eventual scarring, which in severe cases, can be permanent.

About Author:
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit Acne Medications for recent acne research info.