Acne Complex vs. Proactive Solution

Acne complex is a treatment regimen formulated by dermatologist Howard Murad, M.D. This regimen is not that much different than the acne treatment system, Proactiv Solution, developed by doctors of dermatology, Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields.

Both systems, and probably many more that are not as well known, revolve around three core steps and accompanying products, that address the factors of skin breakouts. The major difference between these two systems is that Acne Complex contains no benzoyl peroxide, that can be irritating to sensitive skin.

The first step consists of washing the affected area with a deep-cleaning cleanser. Proactiv's cleanser is formulated with tiny exfoliating grains or beads. The Murad cleanser is silky smooth.

The next step involves using a toner, in gel or liquid form, that cleans and/or unclogs clogged skin pores.

The third step is the use of a skin perfecting or repairing lotion. This lotion hydrates or moisturizes the skin and heals blemishes.

The aforementioned steps and products comprise the core of both the Acne Complex and Proactiv Solution acne treatment systems. Of course, both manufactures also offer additional specialized sundry products such as clarifying masks, body washes, and a SPF 15 oil-free moisturizer to help protect you from the sun's harmful rays.

Bear in mind that these two systems are preventative in nature. They heal or clear up your present skin problem, and they prevent further breakouts. As such, they recommended that you continue using their products everyday to stop acne before it starts.

Acne and Birth Control Pill

Women who do take the birth control pill and who notice that their acne is getting worse should discuss the situation with their doctor. Different brands of oral contraception have different levels of hormones and one side effect of some brands is an increase in acne. Switching to another brand can bring acne back under control.

And that's why women who have moderate but persistent acne sometimes choose to start taking the birth control pill as a way to help clear up their acne. Any women who is healthy, who is at least age 15, who has begun menstruating and who has made the decision to begin using oral contraceptives can discuss getting a prescription for a birth control pill with their doctor. There are several brands that help clear up acne but only one so far has been approved by the FDA for treating acne and that is Ortho Tri-cyclen.

It's important to note that taking the birth control pill as a way to treat acne is an option that is best pursued only after all other acne treatment options have been attempted without success. The birth control pill does have side effects and it must be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective.

Pregnancy and Acne

Women who have become pregnant often report an increase in acne. Many changes occur within a woman's body in an effort to properly prepare the body for the growing fetus. The two primary female hormones at work in every woman's body are progesterone and estrogen. During pregnancy, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, taking on new roles as the fetus develops. But progesterone is more androgenic than estrogen, which basically means it is more like the hormones found in men. Increased progesterone during pregnancy causes the sebaceous glands to produce more sebaceous oils than normal and that is what can cause outbreaks of acne.

If it's possible, the best way to handle acne during pregnancy is to realize that it is a short-term problem that will usually go away once the baby is born. If this isn't possible, discuss your options over with a dermatologist who has experience working with patients during their pregnancy. After discussing your situation, the dermatologist will be able to suggest treatment options which will make you happier with your appearance and that won't harm your baby.

Vitamins For Acne

Simple therapy to wipe out acne: Cram your diet with vitamins for acne conditions!

Although it's true that most people who suffer from acne are teens, this condition can persist into adulthood. While everybody will experience the occasional zit, for the most part, acne is preventable. Ah, you don't believe me! Well, listen up, follow this advice and see if you don't get the results you want.

Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have a raft of blemishes show up just about the time you're going to a party? Nutrition is all important in the fight against acne. The best vitamins for acne conditions are found in fruits and veggies.

Excess oil in the skin is a major culprit. This doesn't mean that avoiding fat altogether is the answer. There are good and bad fats. Fats should comprise about 20% of your total intake of calories each day. Generally, animal fats and trans fats are the ones you want to avoid. Olive oil is the best and is also healthy for your cardiovascular system.

Now, to keep outbreaks to a minimum, lets take a look at those good vitamins for acne. Vitamins A, C, E and zinc should be in good supply in your daily diet. This means lots of fruits and veggies. Include lots of salads. A variety of greens, fresh parsley, all of the citrus fruits and red, orange or yellow vegetables are all high in vitamins A and C. Avocados are loaded with vitamin E. The ready to drink vegetable juices supply many of these vitamins. If you don't care for the taste, try a squirt of lemon juice or one of the spicy versions, ice cold, as this beverage is so beneficial to the health of your skin.

When you make a salad, which makes an excellent lunch or dinner, make it a chef's style with healthy additions like sliced chicken breast or salad shrimp. Vary your selection of dark green, leafy vegetables in your salads so you don't get bored with this meal. Spinach, or spring mixes are good choices. Dice in a sweet red or orange bell pepper for a good dose of beta-carotene, the most beneficial form of vitamin A. Organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables also contain more of these nutrients than veggies that have been picked in an under ripe state and shipped hundreds of miles. Look for salad dressings made with olive or soy oil.

With summer here, a fruit smoothie makes a great, quick breakfast that's filling and good for your skin.

Teens need these vitamins for acne treatments in greater abundance than adults. Talk to your doctor to see if vitamin supplements are a good addition to your healthy eating program. Remember too, that caffeine washes all these vitamins, particularly vitamin C, out of your system before you can absorb them.

The most helpful vitamins for acne conditions are found in abundance at the produce counter. Eat up for great skin!

Acne Laser Treatment

There are many different acne treatments, designed to treat different types of acne. Mild forms of acne can often be treated by over-the-counter products and natural remedies, while more severe forms of acne require medical attention.

In recent years laser treatments have proven to be a faster, and sometimes more efficient means for treating many conditions. Acne is one of them.

Acne is rarely misdiagnosed, and is easy to analyze. It can leave lasting scars, which are more prevalent in forms of severe acne, while those left with milder forms of the condition are easier to treat.

One of the most successful treatment alternatives for treating acne scars is the use of lasers such as Erbium. Acne should be treated as early on in the course of the condition as possible, so as to prevent further scarring. This can also reduce the severity of the scarring.

Erbium laser treatment as a means of treating acne and the scars associated with it is painless, bloodless, gentle, and very effective.

The actual therapy is simple, fast, and accurate, and more severe scarring can be treated during several sittings if preferred.

Though the side effects of such lasting treatments are few, and may not occur, but are still possible, discuss this treatment and its possible side effects with your doctor before deciding whether or not it will be the best treatment for you. Remember, there may be other options available that might be more highly recommended.

Back Acne Treatment

Acne is a common problem among both teens and adults, and, as more people seek treatment, more information becomes available about this condition. When most people think of acne, they think of it occurring on the face, since that is where it is most commonly seen. That is, however, not the only problem area for the skin where acne can develop.

Acne is also common on the back and chest, and is often more difficult to treat when found on these areas. This is, in part, because the skin on the back is tougher than that on the face, so it is necessary to use different skin care products on this area. The back is also in constant contact with clothing and other materials that might irritate the skin, which can further aggravate the condition.

Acne is caused from excess oils on the skin that build up and form lesions called pimples. Acne prevention is the best way to treat it, but this can be more difficult to do on the back.

Like with facial acne, it is important to stick to a daily skin regimen especially for this type of acne. This includes a cleanser, lotion, and possibly a moisturizer. Glycolic acid is also said to work well with such a regimen.

Another way to try and treat back acne is to try to figure out what could be causing or helping to aggravate it. Heavy backpacks are worn across the upper shoulders and part of the back. If you carry one, especially on a daily basis, and have particular trouble with acne in these areas, you might try switching to a shoulder bag, or pack with carry handles. Once your acne clears up, try wearing the backpack once again. If the irritation returns, you will know at least part of the cause, and may consider other alternatives instead.

The clothing you wear can also affect and irritate your acne. Tight clothing can rub against your skin, which will aggravate it, and can also promote sweating. Sweat will, in turn, cause excess oil build-up, which will cause more breakouts to occur.

Rough clothing is also bad for acne-prone areas, as it aggravates the affected area, which can irritate existing acne and cause new breakouts.

Like other forms of acne, back acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is important to recognize the type and severity of your condition so you can treat it accordingly. Skin type also plays a part in the treatment of acne. Different skin types require different treatments, and react differently to products.

If you are using over-the-counter products that don't seem to be working to clear up your back acne, seek the advice and care of a physician who can help you find a treatment that is right for you.

Cystic Acne...What Causes It, and How Is It Treated

Cystic acne is one of the most severe forms of acne. Nodules form under the skin, then later harden into painful cysts. This type of acne requires medical attention, and usually persists for long period of times, often weeks or even months.

Cystic acne is often treated with a drug called Accutane, an oral medication usually taken once or twice a day for 16 to 20 weeks. It is believed to marginally reduce the size of the oil glands so that less oil is produced. This reduces the chance for pores to clog because the body is not producing as much oil. When this occurs, the formation of pimples and cysts is reduced, the pre-existing ones are not further irritated.

This medication also helps to reduce cell shedding and the stickiness in the follicles, which helps prevent the development of this painful type of acne.

Advantages of this drug are: it is a very effective medication that can help prevent extensive scarring in many patients. After one to 20 weeks of use, acne is reduced, or in some cases, almost completely goes away. The downside to this is that when the patient stops taking this medication, the acne often returns and it is necessary to once again begin taking it.

There are, however, several disadvantages to taking Accutane, and they should be considered before making the decision to take this drug. In addition to being very expensive, this drug is linked to some very adverse effects.

Possible side effects include: inflammation of the lip, inflammation of the mucous membrane on the eyes, dry mouth, nose, or skin, itching, and muscle aches.

More serious side effects include decreased levels of blood cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, and abnormal liver enzymes. Patients taking Accutane are usually monitored by a physician to make sure these side effects don't occur, and to stop the drug if they do.

The good news is that these side effects usually go away after the medications stopped, but if you are using this drug and experience any of these side effects, it is crucial that you tell your doctor immediately.

The most serious adverse effect of this drug is that it can cause serious birth defects. Women who are taking this drug are advised to take a pregnancy test each month to be sure the drug is stopped should they become pregnant.

There are other rules that women should follow pertaining to this drug therapy and having children, so it is important to consult your physician about this drug and its possible effects.

Cystic acne is one of the most painful types, and, perhaps, most difficult to cure. Find a treatment that works for you, and consult your physician about its effects.

Adult Acne

When most of us think of acne, we think of adolescence. Many people who had acne as a teen are no longer afflicted by it; however, the number of people who do battle acne during their adulthood may surprise you. While teens do make up a large percentage of the acne-suffering population, it is more prevalent in adults than one might think.

It is also becoming clear that the physical, psychological, and social effects of this condition are still frequent occurrences in adults, and can cause many problems. Also according to recent studies, acne is an increasing problem among adults, but the reasons for this are not always clear.

Whether acne strikes during adolescence and lingers into adulthood, or simply strikes after the age of 30, the physical and psychological effects can be long-lasting and cause problems. Dermatologists say that adult acne is more likely to leave permanent scars because as the skin ages and loses collagen, it's more difficult for it to bounce back and the scars are, therefore, often unable to heal as they would in younger skin. Physical scars aren't the only ones left by adult acne.

Psychological scarring can be much harder to trace, and sometimes more difficult to deal with because of the misconceptions that accompany them. For example, it has been believed that the psychological effects of adult acne are easier to deal with because adults are able to accept the condition better than teens. In reality, the ramifications of these scars can be severe because acne has been perceived to be a condition specific to teens. Though we know this isn't the case, many people are often afraid to admit they have adult acne and seek treatment.

As perceptions are shifting, and more people are recognizing acne as a problem not only among teens, but also among adults, more people are going to dermatologists for treatment.

Many adults are now seeking relief with prescribed medications as well as from over-the-counter products to treat the condition. Sales of these products have increased, along with the awareness of adult acne.

Because adult acne is reported to be on the rise, doctors are now starting to consider the special causes and unique effects of this condition on older patients. As public awareness continues to increase, people may be more likely to seek treatment.

The amount of information now available about adult acne can, also, help people afflicted with this condition to better understand it, and how to combat its problems. More study is also being given to the psychological effects of adult acne. Because adults, like teens, are often affected by what those around them think and how they are perceived, many often stop attending social events. Understanding what is causing the adult acne is key to its treatment. If the physical problems are treated, the social and psychological ones can be as well.

Teen Acne

The adolescent years are among the most difficult in a person’s life. These years are delicate because the teen is trying to gain independence and an identity, while still being dependant on his family. Teens often feel a need for acceptance and looks really come into play during this turbulent time. Teenage acne can be a very aggravating and embarrassing condition them.

Just about everyone knows a person who suffered the embarrassment and frustration of having reoccurring breakouts during the teenage years. Teen acne affects just about every adolescent at one time or another. Many products have developed over the past few decades that can help adolescents control their breakouts much better than the generations before them.

Anyone who has gone through this stage can relate to the way teen acne can be detrimental to a person’s self esteem. This is particularly true if the adolescent has other issues that affect the way he feels about himself. Low self esteem does not heal as easily as teen acne. It does not simply disappear when the blemishes fade away. For this reason, controlling acne breakouts during this stage is very important.

Those who have adult acne find the condition to be a little frustrating, especially when the cause of the breakouts is unknown. However, few adults are apt to let the skin problem affect their social lives. Teen acne works differently because it really has an emotional impact that is not so profound in adult cases, especially if long term marks and scars result from the blemishes. This can be detrimental to a teenager’s self image.

The good new is that there are many resources for individuals suffering from teen acne. Proactive is a medication used by individuals who have severe breakouts. This popular product has taken the skin care market by storm and for good reason. Clients swear that the product is very effective and they have the pictures to prove it.

Acne peels are usually reserved for teen acne alone. Adults are warned against using this process because it is too harsh for older skin. Many adolescents are finding the peels to be a great method of clearing their complexions and for maintaining the newly cleared complexion. The peels are costly, but well worth the investment.

With products like Proactive and procedures like the acne peel comes another obstacle for adolescents to overcome. They have to choose which method to use. Sometimes the best way to discover the most reliable approach to treating teen acne is trial and error. However, with such quality products and procedures, teens have little worry about, at least when it comes to their complexions.

Acne Rosacea Treatment:

Acne rosacea treatment: a medical mystery, with plenty of clues.

Acne rosacea, better known as rosacea, is a chronic skin condition of the face which produces a redness of the skin, sometimes accompanied by acne-like breakouts. Untreated, acne rosacea can cause disfiguring effects. In severe cases, the notable redness may cause the nose to swell and even enlarge, over time. Eyes may also be affected with painful, inflamed areas.

While the cause remains a medical mystery, a large percentage of sufferers are fair skinned, middle aged people, suggesting a genetic connection. There are a variety of acne rosacea treatments available, but insufficient clinical evidence makes reliable treatment a hit-or-miss effort. Here's what we do know about acne rosacea treatments. If you suffer from this condition, discuss all of these possible treatments and contributing factors with your dermatologist.

Antibiotics are sometimes helpful and are the first line of defense in acne rosacea treatment. Retin A(TM) and Metrogel(TM) are commonly prescribed topical antibiotics, with anti-inflammatory properties. Tetracycline is an oral antibiotic which may provide some relief.

Wheat, barley and rye are rich sources of azelaic acid, found to be an effective control in cases of acne rosacea, as well as simple acne. A prescription topically applied cream, consisting of 20% azelaic acid, is another treatment proven in controlled clinical studies.

Among the herbal treatments for acne rosacea, blood cleansers may prove valuable. While there is little scientific data to support the use of such herbs, anecdotal reports indicate that burdock root, red clover blossoms, cleavers and yellow dock have been used to good effect in acne rosacea treatment. Such blood cleansers are, however, proven to flush toxins from the body. You're wise to discuss these herbal options with your dermatologist or a naturopathic physician.

The B vitamin complex seems to play a puzzling role in the management of acne rosacea treatment. When acne rosacea patients took supplements of vitamins B6 and B12, symptoms generally worsened. However, it's been noted that significant numbers of acne rosacea patients are deficient in adequate amounts of stomach acid. These patients improved with a balanced B complex supplementation. More research and clinical studies are necessary to reach a definitive conclusion on the effects of vitamin B and acne rosacea treatment.

Another piece of this puzzle is evidenced in clinical studies, which find that acne rosacea patients statistically are deficient in production of pancreatic digestive enzymes. Oral supplementation, as an acne rosacea treatment, sometimes results in improvement. Again, further research is needed.

Dietary clues are few and inconclusive. While alcoholic beverages may contribute to increased reddening of the skin, it has been determined to not be causative. Spicy dishes and hot beverages seem to aggravate flare-ups. Your best bet is to avoid these in your diet. Hopefully, future research will uncover ways to effectively manage acne rosacea treatment with dietary changes.

Ambient temperature, including exposure to sun, extremes of temperature, both hot and cold, and even bath and shower water temperatures, can trigger adverse reactions. Although the clinical research is currently sparse, temperature seems to be implicated, both in food and the environment.

Effective acne rosacea treatment requires good communication between you and your physician. Don't embark on any self-prescribed treatment. This medical mystery will, sooner or later, be solved.

Acne Treatment Products

There are some that have acne very bad, and some that just have a few pimples here and there. Some people are lucky enough that they never have a worry about acne in their lives. Though the teen years are the ones that most associate with acne problems, there are plenty of adults that will tell you that this problem can go on for years and years afterwards. When you have issues with this, you have to know what acne treatment products are going to be the very best for you and your skin type.

Those that have only a few outbreaks, and they are not very bad, can use many of the acne treatment products that you see on the shelves in the store. In fact, these people may have good luck with picking up their facial cleaning routine a bit. It might not totally eliminates pimples, but it can go a long way towards lessening the problem. Use some of the milder formulas when it comes to acne treatment products in this case, so you don’t dry your skin out too much.

If you have some breakouts that leave you feeling embarrassed, but they come and go, you want some stronger treatment products for acne. These can be found on the store shelves, but you may want to do some research as to which work the best. That's because some of the stronger acne treatment products cost quite a bit, and you don’t want to waste a lot of money guessing which ones are the best. Add a better cleaning routine to your new products to see if you have any luck getting rid of or greatly reducing your breakouts.

Those with severe acne may not find their acne treatment products in the stores. These can help, but you are not going to solve the problem this way. You may have to go to a dermatologist to get some medications and topical applications that are going to take care of the severe outbreaks of acne that can happen. They can help not only get rid of the acne, but can also help prevent pitting and scarring that comes with bad and frequent pimple outbreaks.

Some believe that eating fatty foods and chocolate can mean more breakouts, but that is not the case. Pimples come about mostly because of bad face washing habits and internal hormone fluctuations. When choosing your acne treatment products, remember to think about the changes in your body throughout your cycle if you are a women. You may notice breakouts come a week before your period. Also remember that you have to take your skin condition into consideration when you are choosing acne treatment products. You don’t want to do more damage by drying out your skin too much.

Acne Control

Do you suffer from acne problems? Whether age-related or hereditary, acne control is a successful venture you can manage yourself!

When you get a zit, it can ruin your day, especially if you're a teen, because you get them more often than adults. If you have severe acne, it might be hereditary. There's an upside to this, because people with oily skin tend to age far more gracefully than those of us with dry skin! With a good acne control program, you can absolutely minimize acne problems, enjoying beautiful skin and looking better longer! Best of all, you can manage your acne problem yourself. Let's take a look.

If others in your family have had acne problems in the past, make an acne prevention program a priority. Since you're vulnerable, restrict fatty, fried and oily foods. For example, canned fish is often packed in oil, so when you shop for tuna, buy the type packed in water. Drink plenty of liquids on a daily basis. Water is good, but cranberry juice is excellent at cleaning your entire system of many toxins, a primary goal of any good acne control problem.

Cleanse your face and body with a glycerine soap, which will not dry your skin so severely as other types of soaps. Oatmeal soap is also a good cleanser for acne conditions. The healthier your diet, the less prone you will be to frequent attacks of acne. After you clean your skin, apply a little witch hazel on a cotton ball to close the pores.

If you already suffer from acne problems, you'll want to do everything in the acne prevention program outlined above, plus a few more steps and techniques to get the situation under control.

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for a recommendation on a good multi-vitamin supplement. You'll want to be sure that the particular formula supplies 100% of your requirements for vitamins A, E, C and the trace mineral zinc. These nutrients play an important role in having a nice complexion and healthy skin. Supplementing does not mean that you can ignore those fruits and veggies! Most have significant amounts of fiber, helping to detoxify your system, as well as supplying valuable antioxidants.

If you take just one herbal supplement, Burdock root is highly recommended in an effective acne control program. Consult a qualified herbalist at your local herb shop for information on dosage. Also, talk to your pharmacist or physician on possible interactions with other medications you're taking. Burdock root is a tonic blood cleanser found to be of great value in acne control.

While there are many excellent acne products on the market, these are topical, more of a cosmetic cover, but don't address the nutritional needs. Excellent nutrition is key to acne control. In this case, beauty works from the inside out! Follow your acne control program on a consistent, daily basis. You'll soon see a significant and beautiful, new you!

Proactive Acne Treatment Efforts

Acne is one of the most common problems among teens and adults alike. It comes in many types and can take many forms. The physical and psychological effects can be devastating, especially affecting self-esteem and feelings about one's physical appearance; and proactive acne treatment efforts are of vital importance to those who have to cope with this very real problem.

While many mild forms of acne can be treated by over-the-counter products, more severe types may require medical attention. It is important to properly care for acne and take the necessary steps to treat and prevent it, but it is also important to know when your acne requires you to see a dermatologist.

The decision to see a doctor about your acne takes into account several things, among them, how you feel about your acne and how it's affecting you, and the medical facts surrounding your acne condition. There are several reasons why it may be a good idea to see a doctor as part of your proactive acne treatment protocol. For one thing, severe acne may leave permanent scars, and medical treatment may help reduce scarring. Acne scars come in different types, and appear on some people while others do not have them. The type of acne you have, and your skin type, both play an important role in how your acne scars are treated. The best way to prevent acne scars is to prevent acne, so you should find what works for you and stick to it.

If you have cystic acne, a more severe type of acne, painful cysts may need to be drained by a physician. This type of acne usually requires medical attention because of its severity. It can also last for months and cause a good deal of discomfort to sufferers.

In men, scars on the face and neck may make shaving difficult. Shaving can irritate scars, especially larger, more prominent ones, and can further irritate the skin.

Acne can also have negative psychological effects on people. It can cause them to become anxious or depressed, because they are constantly worried about their appearance. They may also fear how others see them, and feel there is no cure for this condition. This happens in adults because many feel their acne should have cleared up after adolescence, or shouldn't have occurred during adulthood. They are often afraid to place themselves in social situations where they might feel inferior, and often shy away from events. A physician can help treat the physical effects, as well as the psychological ones.

Another reason to see a doctor is that teens who suffer from acne early on can usually expect it to worsen as they get older, and even continue on into adulthood. This can also mean more severe types of acne have formed, and by seeking medical attention, scarring can be prevented earlier on in the course of the condition.

Even if you aren't sure, it can be a good idea to seek medical attention for your acne. Even if prescription medications aren't necessary, a doctor can advise you in your proactive acne treatment efforts by helping you find a treatment that works best for you, and you'll be on your way to recovery.