7 ways to heal acne scars

1. Drink lots of water: Drinking water is one of the most recommended measures to reduce acne scars. It improves blood circulation in your body and increases the chance of wound-healing-ability to your body. So, you should drink at least 7 to 8 glasses of water everyday, each glass should be around 300ml.
2. Apply honey: It is believed that honey is a great skin builder and wonderfully heals scars. You can directly apply honey to acne scars and leave it to settle for about 10 minutes. There after rinse your face with cold water.
3. Eat tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich source of vitamin A and has excellent healing properties to reduce appearance of scars. You can eat fresh raw tomatoes everyday to help heal and decrease the appearance of acne scars.
4. Apply Aloe Vera gel: Gel or juice of Aloe Vera is highly useful in fading of acne scars. You can grow Aloe Vera plant in your home and apply freshly taken pure Aloe Vera gel to your scar. Otherwise many branded cosmetic companies manufactures pure Aloe Vera gel, so you can choose the best cosmetic companies to get Aloe Vera gel.
5. Drink lemon juice: Lemon essentially contains good amounts of citric acid, which is a part of AHAs group that has amazing properties to reduce acne scars. Drink lemon juice as often as possible or as much as you want to get rid of acne scars.
6. Apply ice cubes: This is one of the easiest and simplest ways of healing acne scars. Even though it may not give you immediate results, regular application can give you effective results. Apply ice cubes on acne scars for at least 10 to 15 minutes everyday.
7. Reduce stress level: Stress is one of the major causes for acne and it might also disable the healing process of acne. Try to stay away from stress as much as possible. If it is not possible for you, at least explore different stress management techniques to eliminate stress.

Cure acne naturally

• Apply a honey mask to your face once or twice a week - Honey has antibacterial properties so it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also gentle on sensitive skin.
• Wash twice a day with acne soap - You should wash your face twice a day with a sulfur based soap designed for acne. Once when you first wake up in the morning and then, right before you go to bed at night. Be extremely gentle to your skin when washing - do not scrub or use any sort of rough cloth. Overwashing your skin will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, thus increasing your acne.
• Keep your hair off your face - If you have long hair or bangs, pull your hair off your face. Your hair contains oils as well, and will contribute to your breakouts. You'll also want to wash your hair everyday and after workouts
• Take a potent multi-vitamin - Acne can be a sign that something is wrong on the inside. Your skin depends on nutrition. It is a vital organ that is usually neglected. If your body is not receiving the right nutrition, it will fight back. One common way it will rebel is to produce excessive sebum, clogging pores, and reducing the ability for your skin to heal and fight bacteria (see Acne Prevention Vitamins)
• Include chromium in your diet - Chromium is well known for weight loss diets. But it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. Taking a chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.
• Eat carrots for beta-carotene (Vitamin A) - Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne?
• Avoid wearing makeup - Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads. If you feel you must wear makeup, be sure it is water-based.
• Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples - As tempting as it may be, do not squeeze, scratch, rub or touch your pimples and blackheads. Do any of these actions, actually increases the sebum production. Plus, when you squeeze, you are actually rupturing the membranes below your skin, causing infection and sebum to spread underneath your skin. The result is more pimples.
• Wash your pillow case every other day - Your face lays on your pillow case every day. Your pillow case absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. Thus causing breakouts. Keep your sheets and pillow cases clean.
• Eat foods rich in zinc - Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin. A diet low in zinc can actually cause acne breakouts.

Heal acne naturally

Cut back on eating refined carbs (bread, pasta, etc). Also, cut back on eating sugar (any sugar, a little natural sugars might be okay).
Take fermented foods (saurkraut, kefir, goat cheese, or natural yogurt) and/or take a good pro-biotic and enzymes.

Stop using your cleansers, face creams, makeups, etc. If you are going to use these, get natural products.

Eat more veggies! They clean your blood of toxins that cause the acne.

WATER! Get 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water.

Move around. Trampoline is a great way to move your lymphatic system. Running or jump roping is also good.

Take a multivitamin each day.

Do this three times a day:

• Get the things you need. You will need a face cloth, a hand towel, soap (bar or liquid), and working water (hot and cold).
• Wet down your face cloth with hot water. The water has to be so hot, the face cloth steams. Be careful not to burn your hands, though! When the face cloth is steaming, wring out the water, and place it on your face. This will open your pores. Repeat this process twice. Make sure your eyes are closed, unless you enjoy pain.
• After opening your pores, quickly wash down your cloth again with hot water and put soap on it. Then scrub your entire face, but concentrate on the infected areas. Let the lather rest for about 40 seconds. While waiting, wash your cloth down again with hot water thoroughly.
• Wipe the lather from your face thoroughly. Make sure none is left over.
• Rinse the cloth with cold water. Make sure the cloth is VERY cold. Then place it on your face. This will close your pores. Dry your face with the towel, but don't rub, just dab the water off.

home remedies for acne

Orange Peel- Orange peel is effective remedy for acne. Take some orange peel and grind it with some water. Apply this paste around pimples and wash after some time.

· Toothpaste- To cure acne, one can apply toothpaste over acne at the night time and wash it after 15 minutes. The most considerable thing is that the toothpaste should not be of gel form, it must be herbal toothpaste as gel toothpaste can give way to itching or irritation.

· Neem Leaves- Wash your face with lukewarm water. Now take some paste made by crushing some fresh neem leaves. Apply the paste over face. Leave it for15-20 minutes. Wash the face. This natural remedy is helpful to cure acne.

· Mint Juice- Take some fresh leaves of mint and extract juice from it. Apply this over face every night as it is the wonderful treatment for acne.

· Papaya- Papaya is an excellent fruit and also has medicinal values too. Take juice of raw papaya and apply it over swelling acne or pimples. It is very good remedy for acne.

· Nutmeg (Jaiphul)- Grind some jaiphul with some unboiled milk. Apply this paste over acne affected area and leave it for 1-2 hours. It is a magical remedy for acne as it helps to remove pimples and also remove marks.

· Almond- Mix almond powder with water to prepare paste. Apply over acne affected area and leave till it dried completely. Rinse it off.

· Sandalwood Powder- Sandalwood and rose water both can prepare the best home remedy for the acne. Take 1 spoon of sandalwood powder and mix some rose water to it to make a paste. Now, apply this paste over the acne affected area and leave for 15 minutes. Wash with water.

· Cinnamon Powder- Mix honey and cinnamon powder to prepare paste. Apply this paste over face after washing before going to sleep. Next morning wash the face with warm water. If this remedy is used on regular basis for two weeks it shows magical values.

· Groundnut Oil- Take a tablespoon of groundnut oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it well and apply over the face as it is helpful in preventing acne, blackheads and other skin problems.

Cumin Seeds- Take some orange peel and grind it well with some water. Now apply this paste over the face. Wash after some time. It is one of the best and most recognized home remedy for pimples.

· Cucumber- The juice of cucumber is very effective. Grate some cucumber and apply it over the face, near eyes and neck region. Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with water. It is an excellent home remedy for acne as well as blackheads.

· Rose Water- Mix some rose water with lemon juice in equal proportion. Apply this over face with the help of cotton ball. Leave it for half an hour and wash thoroughly. If this is repeated for 20-25 days then it helps to get rid of acne problem.

· Yogurt- Take1 tablespoon, 1 tablespoon of sour cream and 1 tablespoon of grinded oatmeal now mix 3-4 drops of lemon juice in it. Mix them well to prepare paste. Apply this over face and wash after 10-15 minutes as it is a superb remedy for acne.

· Fenugreek Seeds (Meethi)- Take some fresh leaves of fenugreek and grind them to prepare paste. Apply the paste over the acne affected area every night. Wash it after every 10-15 minutes. Wash the face with warm water. It is an excellent remedy for acne.

ASPIRIN MASK FOR ACNE

You heard about the great mysterious aspirin mask and now you're checking out to see what's all this fuss about, right?
Well it's totally true that using an aspirin face mask has helped many many people to get their acne under control. It's one of the most effective means available
And the good part is that with a relative cheap bottle of aspirin you can make quiet a few masks; that's just a few cents per treatment! Now tell us that that isn't better than all that expensive branded label stuff that is thrown at you all over the placE.
Aspirin contains a very effective type of salicylic acid; this is the kind that gives the deep down cleansing your skin needs to get or stay blemish free. In some people it even helped to quickly heal existing blemishes and kept them from coming back
On top of that it is also a great exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells and so preventing your pores from getting clogged. This is what makes your skin feel silky soft and smooth afterward
Finally, all this together with its anti-inflammatory properties make aspirin a unique and world-class ingredient in your acne treatment regime

ANTIBIOTICS FOR ACNE

Acne can be a real pain, especially if nothing seems to solve the problem.  It is for this reason that some people suffering from acne may try using antibiotics as an alternative when nothing else has seemed to work.  This can be effective for a number of reasons. However women who are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant need to be careful when taking antibiotics during pregnancy.  Most general oral antibiotics are not safe medication to take during pregnancy however there are a few exceptions.  Here are a list of what you should and shouldn’t take.

How and why do antibiotics work to treat acne?

Antibiotics work to decrease the amount of bacteria that is in and around the hair follicle.  They also work to reduce irritation that the chemicals in white blood cells create.  Antibiotics have also been found to be effective in treating acne because they reduce the concentration of fatty acids in the sebum as well as reduce inflammatory responses.

What are some of the most commonly used antibiotics to treat acne?

Erythromycin

Erythromycin is one of the most common antibiotics used to treat and prevent acne. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and kill bacteria.   The dosage of Erythromycin varies but is typically prescribed as 250-500 mg twice a day.  This medication can and should be taken with food as common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, stomach pain, and mild skin rash.  Erythromycin is safe for pregnant women to take however women should discuss taking the medication with their doctor in detail beforehand.  Make sure to include a detailed and updated list of any other prescriptions, vitamins, dietary supplements, etc. you may be taking and never take more than the recommended dose.  If a person experiences any of the following symptoms they should seek medical attention immediately: Severe skin rash, itching, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, wheezing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine, vaginal infection, fatigue or unusual tiredness.

Doxycycline

Doxycycline is another popular antibiotic often used to treat acne.  It is most often used on patients who did not respond to erythromycin.  The dosage of Doxycycline usually begins at 50-100 mg twice a day and should be taken with food because it can cause upset stomach and nausea to occur.  Although the antibiotic has been effective in treating many patients suffering from acne, it is important to note that it has been shown to cause harm to the fetus.  If you think you may be pregnant contact your doctor. Doxycycline cleanser is also found in breast milk of mothers who are breastfeeding, so it is important that one does not breastfeed while taking this medication.  Doxycycline has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA due to the fact that animal studies have revealed evidence of embryo and fetotoxicity which included toxic effects on skeletal formations.  There are many other cons to taking the drug if you are pregnant.  It can cause discoloration in the baby’s teeth.  It is for these reasons that Doxycycline is often only prescribed during a pregnancy when there are no other alternatives and the benefits outweigh the risks.  Please discuss the use of this antibiotic with your doctor if you are or suspect that you may be pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant.

Oral Retinoids

Oral Retinoids are extremely dangerous and not safe to take during pregnancy.  Some examples of Oral Retinoids that one should avoid if they are pregnant include Isotretinoin.  Isotretinoin is often used to treat patients who are suffering from cystic acne.  Although it has been found to be quite effective in treating cystic acne it has also been banned from being used during pregnancy as it causes malformations to the fetus.  The drug also increases a woman’s chances of miscarriage and infant death.  For any woman who is planning on becoming pregnant they should stop taking the drug at least a month before trying to conceive.  For anyone who is on Isotretinoin who is pregnant should discontinue use at once.
These are only a few of the antibiotics one should or shouldn’t take when trying to treat acne and if possibly pregnant.  For further information or concerns please talk to your physician or dermatologist.

HOMEMADE ACNE MASK FOR OILY AND ACNE PRONE SKIN

A typical acne face mask that also battles oily skin. The brewer's yeast stimulates circulation while the tomato absorbs excess oil from your skin
The lemon exfoliates and yogurt cleanses, soothes and nourishes
What do you need:

• 2 tablespoons Tomato juice
• 1 tablespoon powdered Brewer's Yeast
• 1 tablespoon Plain unflavored Yogurt, with active cultures
• 1 teaspoon Lemon juice

How to do it:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until you have a nice and smooth paste
Spread the paste gently and equally with a facial mask brush or spatula on your clean face and neck; keep the eye area clear
Now lie down, relax and leave the mask on for 15 minutes
Then wash it off with warm water and a soft warm wash cloth, end with a splash of cold; pat your skin dry with a clean towel. Finally apply a moisturizer, this way you "seal" your skin to keep the water inside

HOMEMADE ACNE MASK

This homemade acne mask will help to reduce redness, draw out oil and blackheads
What do you need:

• 1/2 cup finely ground Oatmeal
• 1/2 ripe Apple
• 1/4 Cucumber
• 2 tablespoons Milk

How to do it:
Cut the apple and cucumber in pieces and put them together with all the ingredients in a blender and mash and mix it well until you have a smooth substance
Smooth the paste gently and equally with your finger tips on your clean face and neck; keep the eye area clear
Now lie down, relax and leave the mask on for 20 minutes
Then wash it off with lukewarm water and end with a splash of cold; pat your skin dry with a clean towel

Basic Homemade Acne Mask

For a basic homemade acne mask you can take just 1 or combine 2 or 3 of the ingredients in the list above and apply them to your face. We give you this suggestion
What do you need:

• 2 ripe Tomatoes
• 2 teaspoon2 fresh Lemon juice
• 2 teaspoon2 Oatmeal

How to do it:
Peel the tomatoes and cut them in pieces. Put theses in a food processor and mash it. Pour it in a bowl and add the lemon juice and oatmeal, mix it until you have a smooth substance
Spread the paste gently and equally with your fingertips on your clean face and neck; keep the eye area clear
Now lie down, relax and leave the mask on for 15 minutes
Then wash it off with warm water and a soft warm wash cloth, end with a splash of cold; pat your skin dry with a clean towel

NATURAL INGREDIENTS TO FIGHT AND CLEAR YOUR ACNE

There are a few natural ingredients you can play around with in your homemade acne mask recipes, that are specifically focused on the job you want them to do
Besides the already given recipes, you can carefully experiment with these specific ingredients and design your own signature homemade acne masks

Aloe Vera Apple Apple cider vinegar Baking Soda Basil Brewer's Yeast Carrot Chamomile Cinnamon Clay Comfrey

Cucumber Egg white Honey Grape seed oil Green Tea Lemon Mint Nettle Oatmeal Orange Papaya

Pineapple Red wine Rose water Rosemary Sea salt Seaweed Strawberries Tea Tree Oil Tomato Turmeric Willow bark

As you can see, some or most of these you will probably already have in your kitchen cabinets or fridge. No need to buy expensive acne treatments with designer labels to treat your acne; it is possible to do-it-yourself
Before applying any facial mask clean your face and neck with fresh water. Take off all cosmetics, creams, lotions, in short: everything. Use a non abrasive, non aggressive soap if necessary. When finished, pat your skin dry
Even better is to take a hot shower or a steam bath to clean and open up your pores.

BEAUTY REMEDIES FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN

The best natural acne treatments consist of ingredients found in most homes. Get rid of skin blemishes with everyday household items.

Acne is a serious problem that often affects many teenagers, but it can also affect adults well into their 40s. Acne does eventually go away by itself, but if left untreated, unsightly scars can result. Many treatments conducted by dermatologists or products available on the market might get rid of blemishes, but they are expensive and sometimes harsh to sensitive, acne-prone skin. Natural treatments for acne are highly effective and less likely to cause irritation or other adverse reactions.

Garlic for Acne

Garlic juice is an effective way to get rid of skin blemishes because garlic is a natural antibacterial agent. It contains sulfur which is nature’s antibiotic.
Garlic as a natural acne treatment:

• Cut off a piece of a garlic clove and rub it directly on blemishes and problem areas.
• Press out the garlic juice and dab it on acne.
• Rinse the garlic off the skin after 20 minutes.

Honey for Acne

Honey contains potassium, which suffocates bacteria in acne cells to get rid of skin blemishes and pimples faster.

• Cleanse skin twice a day with a honey face wash.

Combine ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of mild liquid soap and ½ cup of water. Stir gently and use in place of a normal facial wash to get rid of and prevent acne.

• Apply honey as a spot treatment to get rid of acne blemishes
• Use honey as an overall facial mask to treat acne eruptions and acne prone skin.
• When using honey as a spot treatment or an acne mask, rinse off after 25 minutes.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that kills the infection in acne and gets rid of skin blemishes. Native to the Australian Melaleuca alternifoliais tree, Tea Tree oil is one of the best natural acne treatments because it contains the antibacterial agent terpene. Terpenes are hydrocarbons produced by plants. Tea Tree oil even becomes more effective in the site of infection.
Tea Tree oil as a natural acne treatment

• Use Tea Tree oil as a spot treatment to get rid of skin blemishes.
• Dilute 1 part Tea Tree oil to 3 parts water to avoid irritation.

Brewer’s Yeast for Acne

Brewer’s yeast contains B vitamins and chromium which get rid of acne blemishes when applied topically. B vitamins clear skin and even skin tone while chromium speeds up the acne healing process.
Brewer's Yeast as a natural acne treatment

• Apply Brewer’s Yeast to the entire face as a facial mask.
• Dab Brewer’s Yeast directly on acne blemishes for fast healing.
• For both the mask and spot treatment, mix Brewer’s Yeast powder with water until a thick paste forms. Rinse 15 minutes after application.

These ingredients are the best natural acne treatments to get rid of skin blemishes. Use these ingredients first to fight acne, and if the condition persists, see a dermatologist.

HOMEMADE GREEN CLAY MASK FOR ACNE

We are spoiled with choices when comes to clay mask.  There are many type of clays : white clay, red clay, green clay, pink clay and yellow clay. These exceptional quality clays have a multitude of purposes and each one carries substantial quantities of minerals for general skin health.
Did you know that Green Clay works best on acne skin? Green Clay is the most absorbing of clays, and it is generally used as a facial mask for tissue repair, drawing toxins from the skin and to normalise excessive secretions of oil or sweat. Green clay also firms, tones and refines the skin, promoting a smooth, supple, and clear complexion.
Green clay can be found at your local health food store or if you wish to purchase online, I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs. They stock all the various clays mentioned above.
To make your very own homemade green clay mask, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 ounce green clay
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel
• 3- 1/2 teaspoons of water

Method

1. Combine the clay, aloe vera gel and water in a bowl and mix well.
2. Apply the paste to your face immediatiately, using gentle, upward strokes and avoiding the the areas around the eyes.
3. Let the mask sit on your skin for approximately 15 minutes or until it’s dry.
4. Rinse off well with warm water before applying a toner and moisturizer.

The aloe vera gel in this mask provides strong healing properties, and due to its soothing nature it can calm blotches, rediness and swelling to the skin.
Alternatively, you can also make  a Simple Yogurt and French Green Clay Mask.
The ingredients are

• 1 tablespoon of French Clay
• 2 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons distilled water

Method

1. Mix together the yogurt and distilled water in a mixing bowl.
2. While stirring, slowly sprinkle in the french green clay
3. Apply the paste to your face immediately, using gentle, upward strokes and avoiding the the areas around the eyes.
4. Let the mask sit on your skin for approximately 15 minutes or until it’s dry.
5. Rinse off well with warm water before applying a toner and moisturizer.

HOW TO WASH YOUR FACE IF YOU HAVE ACNE

Washing or cleansing the face is one of the essential parts of any skin care routine, but many people aren’t entirely sure of how best to go about facial cleansing when they have acne-prone skin.
It’s actually rather simple, but there are some important things to know that can actually make acne worse if done improperly.
Let’s take a look at the proper way to wash your face, starting with choosing a facial cleanser and then we’ll go step-by-step through the actual washing process.

Choosing a Facial Cleanser

There are really 2 categories of facial cleansers that a person with acne-prone skin should consider using: medicated cleansers and non-medicated gentle cleansers.

Option 1: Medicated Facial Cleansers

These include most of the products you see labelled as acne washes; this is because they contain some sort of acne fighting ingredient such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
If you decide to use a medicated facial cleanser, then you should not apply any other medication after you wash, unless otherwise directed by a dermatologist. It’s especially important to avoid using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together, as that combination is far too irritating to the skin.
Medicated cleansers can work very well for mild cases of acne, but for most people I would recommend the next option…

Option 2: Non-medicated Gentle Cleansers

These types of cleansers are meant to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and anything else on your skin and nothing more. It should also be non-comedogenic, so look for words on the packaging such as “won’t clog pores”.
Although many aren’t necessarily made to treat acne, that’s actually a good thing. By using a non-medicated facial cleanser that is gentle on the skin, you can then follow it with an application of a topical medication such as benzoyl peroxide. This approach to treating acne is typically more effective than simply using a salicylic acid acne wash.

Never Use: Soap

You should never use regular soap on your face, for a number of reasons. Not only are soaps typically very irritating to the skin, but they leave behind a residue on the skin and can clog pores.However some people find that dove soap does not leave residue and gets rid of their acne.
Never use a product on your face unless it is specifically made to be used on the face. The skin on the face is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body, so the products you use should be different.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Washing Your Face

Here is the proper way to wash your face is you have acne prone skin.

1. Splash your face with water: Before applying the cleanser to your face, you should first get the face wet. Just a couple of splashes on the entire area (face and/or neck) you are going to wash.
2. Lather up your cleanser: With the face still wet, put some of your cleanser into your hands and work it into a good lather before applying it to your face. This actually “activates” it and helps it to thoroughly clean your skin.
3. Gently clean your skin: Once the cleanser has been worked into a lather, simply apply it to your face and neck and gently rub it around. There are 2 important things to keep in mind during this step: (1) Do not use a washcloth, only your fingers. Washcloths are far too irritating to the skin and are simple unnecessary. (2) This step should happen very quickly, 10-15 seconds only. You do not need to scrub your skin or rub the cleanser in with any amount of force, simply apply it and immediately rinse it off to avoid excess irritation.
4. Rinse: Rinse off the cleanser by splashing your face with water. Be thorough, but do not rub your skin too hard trying to get it off; it will come off just fine with light splashes of water.
5. Gently pat dry: This is another step where people irritate their skin without realizing it. Once all of the cleanser has been rinsed off, take a clean towel and gently pat the skin dry, do not rub the towel on your face to get the water off. Rubbing only irritates the skin and is not necessary.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

Your face should be washed once or twice per day, never more. Many people with acne think that washing their face more often will help clear their skin, but in fact the opposite is usually true. Excessive washing only causes irritation and can lead to more breakouts. Once in the morning and once at night is good enough, maybe with a simple water rinse after any intense athletic activity.

What Should You Do After Washing The Face?

If you’ve washed your face with a medicated face wash, such as one with salicylic acid, then you should not apply any other medication. A non-comedogenic moisturizer should by applied 10-15 minutes after you’ve washed, to allow the skin to fully air dry.
If you’ve opted instead to use a gentle non-medicated wash, then you should follow it with an application of a topical acne treatment such as benzoyl peroxide .Wait at least 10 minutes for the skin to fully air dry, and then apply the medication. Follow that with a non-comedogenic moisturizer.

WHY YOU GET ACNE BREAKOUTS?

Have you ever wondered why you have acne? It’s almost a silly question, since no doubt nearly anyone who has ever had an acne breakout has to wonder why it has happened to them. Still, it’s a very important question to be asking because if you want to stop your acne and clear up your skin, you first need to understand why you’re getting pimples in the first place.
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always simple. There are a lot of reasons why someone might be getting acne and that means that not every treatment option is appropriate for all cases. To clear up some of the confusion and help you understand why this is happening to you, I’ve put together this list of the top 8 causes of acne. Also, before you begin reading, it’s important to realize that there could be multiple reasons for your skin condition, and not merely a single cause.

Reason #1: Hormones (Especially during puberty!)

The most common cause of acne is quite simple: hormones. Specifically, increased levels of male sex hormones such as the androgen known as testosterone. Although primarily associated with men, women also produce testosterone in their ovaries (although in smaller quantities).
This increase in androgens in why acne usually begins to show itself around the onset of puberty, when hormone productions increases and leads to the unwanted side effect of teenage acne.
Testosterone interacts with some naturally occurring enzymes in your body and stimulates your sebaceous glands (the oil glands in your skin), leading to increased production of an oily substance called sebum. This is the stuff that keeps your skin moist and lubricated, and when production levels ramp up during puberty it can lead to excessively oily skin. If some of your hair follicles are blocked, the oil has to where to go and is forced to form into a pimple.
Adults are not immune from hormonal acne, and this is especially true for females. During ovulation and menstruation, estrogen levels tend to drop which leads to an increase in testosterone production. This, in turn, leads to adult acne.

Reason #2: Genetics

While they may not be fully responsible, your parents may be partly to blame for your acne! It’s been debated in scientific communities and decades whether or not there was a genetic component to acne. That is: are you more likely to get acne if your parents (or grandparents) had it? Well, now it seems that the answer is a resounding yes.
According to a study published by the Journal of Investigative Dermatology in 2002 which looked at sets of female twins, there is a strong genetic component which affects one’s likelihood of getting acne.

Reason #3: Diet

This one is highly debatable, but there seems to be evidence suggesting that diet can play a role in contributing to acne. Specifically, a diet with a high glycemic load (lots of carbs!) seems to make acne worse. Cow’s milk (and other dairy products) are also known to have some effect.
With that being said, there are a lot of old wives’ tales and myths out there when it comes to the relationship between diet and acne. No, greasy pizza and chocolate are probably not going to cause you to breakout. Still, it’s best to be aware of what you are eating and notice if anything seems to make your skin inflame or break out more than normal. If you notice anything like that, it’s probably a good idea to limit consumption or altogether avoid that particular food item.

Reason #4: Bacterial Infection

If you have ever gone to a dermatologist for your acne, you might know that one of the first treatment options that will usually try is to put you on an antibiotic such as tetracycline or minocycline. Have you ever wondered how an antibiotic can get rid of acne? The answer is that acne is sometimes caused by bacteria!
Propionibacterium acnes is a slow growing bacterium that has been shown to have a role in causing acne in some people. This little guy lives on your skin, and likes to consume nutrients from the fatty acids which in the sebum released by your hair follicles. If one of your pores if blocked, such as by dead skin cells, this bacteria can grow out of control and form an acne lesion.
In addition to being susceptible to antibiotics, propionibacterium acnes can also be killed with other acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and ultraviolet light.
It is important to realize why antibiotics are not effective at treating everyone’s acne: because propionibacterium acnes is only one of many possible causes of acne.

Reason #5: Skin Irritation and Inflammation

So you’ve been doing everything you can to try to combat your acne: washing several times a day with a salicylic acid acne wash and scrubbing hard with a washcloth, applying 10% benzoyl peroxide, and popping every zit before it comes to a head. Despite all of this, your acne is only getting worse…why?
Because you’re irritating your skin!
Many people are actually trying to hard too clear their skin, and are only hurting themselves by making the problem worse. People who experience acne, especially if it’s adult acne, usually have sensitive acne prone skin and need to treat it gently if they want to improve their acne condition.
When your skin is irritated, it tends to overreact and try to “fight back” against whatever is irritating it. This leads to more acne breakouts and more redness which can worse the appearance of existing acne lesions. Also, if your acne is caused in part by a bacterial infection (see reason #4) then you are probably spreading the bacteria around if you are squeezing and popping your pimples.
Reason #6: Makeup & Cosmetics
Sorry ladies, I know you want to look beautiful but your makeup may actually be causing your acne or at least making it worse. There is actually a special name for acne which specifically caused by cosmetic products and it’s called, not surprisingly, acne cosmetica.
Acne cosmetica is generally more mild than the general condition known as acne vulgaris, but it is still a problem for those who are experiencing it. Fortunately, there is hope! It’s very possible to use makeup in a way that doesn’t lead to acne.
For starters, you need to make sure that anything you put on your skin, makeup or otherwise, is labeled as non-comedogenic. This basically means that it won’t clog your pores, and therefore is a good start when attempting to treat acne cosmetica. Another thing that a lot of people forget about is to clean your applicators regularly. Makeup brushes and applicators are a place where bacteria can grow, and you are then rubbing those bacteria on your skin. Yuck!

Reason #7: Stress

This is another one that is highly debated, and until recently the medical community was heavily divided on whether or not stress could be a cause of acne or not. Recently there have been some discoveries that seem to suggest that yes, stress can both lead to new acne breakouts and make existing acne conditions worse.
In 2002, a small scale study conducted by the Stanford University of Medicine concluded that student who experienced greater stress during exams also had more greatly exacerbated acne conditions.
There are some reason why this may be the case, including the fact that increased stress levels stimulate the andrenal glands to produce more of those acne causing hormones we talked about back in reason #1. Stress also decreases the healing capacity of your immune system by up to 40%, which means that existing acne nodules will tend to stick around longer before they heal and disappear. One more thing about stress: people who are stressed out will often change their diet, possibly in ways which worsen acne symptoms.

Reason #8: Vitamin Deficiency

This one is a bit sketchy, but I thought it deserved a mention anyway. Vitamin A, several of the B vitamins, vitamin D, and even vitamin E have all been suggested as possible causes of acne. In fact, one of the most powerful and effective acne medications known as Accutane is actually derived from vitamin A.
Vitamin D is very interesting to consider as a factor in developing acne, because it isn’t actually a true vitamin at all! While when it was named it was certainly thought to be one, we now know that vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone which is produced in the skin. It’s actually known to reduce inflammation, which helps get rid of acne nodules in your skin.

MOST COMMON PRODUCTS FOR ACNE

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a first-line treatment for mild and moderate acne vulgaris due to its effectiveness and mild side-effects (primarily an irritant dermatitis). It works against the "P. acnes" bacterium, and normally causes just dryness of the skin, slight redness, and occasional peeling when side-effects occurThis topical does increase sensitivity to the sun as indicated on the package, so sunscreen should be used during the treatment to prevent sunburn. Benzoyl peroxide has been found to be nearly as effective as antibiotics with all concentrations 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10% equally effectiveUnlike antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide does not appear to generate bacterial resistance

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are reserved for more severe cases^.With increasing resistance of P. acnes worldwide, they are becoming less effective^.Commonly used antibiotics, either applied topically or taken orally, include erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracyclines such as minocycline.

Hormones

In females, acne can be improved with hormonal treatments. The common combined estrogen/progestogen methods of hormonal contraception have some effect, but the antiandrogen cyproterone in combination with an oestrogen (Diane 35) is particularly effective at reducing androgenic hormone levels. Diane-35 is not available in the USA, but a newer oral contraceptive containing the progestin drospirenone is now available with fewer side-effects than Diane 35 / Dianette. Both can be used where blood tests show abnormally high levels of androgens, but are effective even when this is not the case. Along with this, treatment with low-dose spironolactone can have anti-androgenetic properties, especially in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Topical retinoids

A group of medications for normalizing the follicle cell life-cycle are topical retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene (Tazorac). Like isotretinoin, they are related to vitamin A, but they are administered as topicals and, in general, have much milder side-effects. They can, however, cause significant irritation of the skin. The retinoids appear to influence the cell creation and death life-cycle of cells in the follicle lining. This helps prevent the hyperkeratinization of these cells that can create a blockage. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has similar, but milder, effects and is used in many over-the-counter moisturizers and other topical products. Effective topical retinoids have been in use for over 30 years, but are available only on prescription, so are not as widely used as the other topical treatments. Topical retinoids often cause an initial flare-up of acne and facial flushing.

Oral retinoids

A daily oral intake of vitamin A derivative isotretinoin (marketed as Roaccutane, Accutane, Amnesteem, Sotret, Claravis, Clarus) over a period of 4–6 months can cause long-term resolution or reduction of acne. It is believed that isotretinoin works primarily by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands, however some studies suggest that it affects other acne-related factors as well. Isotretinoin has been shown to be very effective in treating severe acne and can either improve or clear well over 80% of patients. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and will often cure acne for good. The treatment requires close medical supervision by a dermatologist because the drug has many known side-effects (many of which can be severe). About 25% of patients may relapse after one treatment. In those cases, a second treatment for another 4–6 months may be indicated to obtain desired results. It is often recommended that one let a few months pass between the two treatments, because the condition can actually improve somewhat in the time after stopping the treatment and waiting a few months also gives the body a chance to recover. On occasion, a third or even a fourth course is used, but the benefits are often less substantial. The most common side-effects are dry skin and occasional nosebleeds (secondary to dry nasal mucosa). Oral retinoids also often cause an initial flare-up of acne within a month or so, which can be severe. There are reports that the drug has damaged the liver of patients. For this reason, it is recommended that patients have blood samples taken and examined before and during treatment. In some cases, treatment is terminated or reduced due to elevated liver enzymes in the blood, which might be related to liver damage. Others claim that the reports of permanent damage to the liver are unsubstantiated, and routine testing is considered unnecessary by some dermatologists. Blood triglycerides also need to be monitored. However, routine testing are part of the official guidelines for the use of the drug in many countries. Some press reports suggest that isotretinoin may cause depression, but, as of September 2005, there is no agreement in the medical literature as to the risk. The drug also causes birth defects if women become pregnant while taking it or take it while pregnant. For this reason, female patients are required to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence while on the drug. Because of this, the drug is supposed to be given to females as a last resort after milder treatments have proven insufficient^.

Anti-inflammatories

Nicotinamide, (vitamin B₃) used topically in the form of a gel, has been shown in a 1995 study to be of comparable efficacy to topical clindamycin used for comparison^.The property of topical nicotinamide's benefit in treating acne seems to be its anti-inflammatory nature. It is also purported to result in increased synthesis of collagen, keratin, involucrin and flaggrin, and may also, according to a cosmetic company, be useful for reducing skin hyperpigmentation (acne scars), increasing skin moisture and reducing fine wrinkles^.
Ibuprofen in combination with tetracycline are used for some moderate acne cases for their anti-inflammatory effects.
Mandelic acid has been noted to be an effective topical treatment for mild to moderate acne. It is considered to be a gentler alternative to popular alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid^.

5 Tips To Get Rid of Acne Overnight

Ugly pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, scars and skin breakouts have become a serious issue today and people try their best to get rid of acne overnight. Acne commonly influences around 89% of the teenagers whether they’re girls or boys and it further spreads its circle towards adulthood. It becomes extremely difficult for affected people to find a match for themselves and in most cases they are denied of their chances to get married for a long period of time. It shatters one’s self confidence and becomes embarrassing when one try to socialize with people having clean and clear faces. Fortunately, acne is an easily curable disease and if proper care is taken then one can get rid of acne overnight.
Acne can be removed in one night or at least be reduced. Still some types of acne cannot be removed in one night but their presence can be hidden or significantly reduced. Below are 5 effective ways to get rid of acne overnight:
1. Aspirin with Lemon Juice:
Smash one tablet of aspirin in a bowl and add some lemon juice to it. Now apply this mixture on the affected area. There is acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin that along with lemon juice boosts the healing process.
2. Toothpaste:
Toothpaste (not gel) is widely used to treat pimples caused by acne. Apply toothpaste on the affected portion and cover it with bandage. Leave it overnight and wash off in the morning. The astringent and surfactant nature of toothpaste will reduce pimples and you will definitely get rid of acne overnight. If your skin is sensitive and you feel irritation or skin burning then stop the treatment right away.
3. Shaving Cream:
Shaving cream is very effective in killing pimples. Apply it on the pimples and leave it overnight. Wash your face in the morning preferably with good quality acne soap.
4. Icing:
Icing is also an effective way to get rid of acne overnight. Wrap up ice cube in a soft cloth or tissue and ice the affected area for 20-30 seconds several times a day. The cold temperature of ice cube makes acne look better by reducing swelling and redness.
5. Bentonite Clay:
Bentonite Clay is a natural mineral found in a powdered form. It absorbs the impurities and balances the skin oil. Mix two tablespoons of Bentonite Clay with cold water and make a thick paste of it. Now mask your face with it, let it dry and then wash your face.
Above tips have worked for a lot of people and helped them get rid of acne overnight. Since everyone has different skin nature so treatment that works positive for one person might not work for you. Therefore, it is always a good idea to pre-test a small area of skin and then move on with the method that best suits you. Careful and correct application of above techniques ensures fast and positive results. So if you want to get rid of acne overnight then go ahead and try any of above methods. Apart from this, keep a healthy lifestyle by taking proper sleep, doing exercise and drinking lots of water.

BEST VITAMINS TO GET RID OF ACNE

When it comes to treating acne, people don't often think of using vitamins. However, according to the Acne website, diet can play a significant role in treating acne. There are a number of nutritional foods available to nourish the skin. Vitamins are best if obtained from fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. But supplements can work as well.

Vitamin A

As a staple in acne treatment, Vitamin A is often found in retinoids. Retinoids are topical acne treatments prescribed by dermatologists, according to mayoclinic.com. Vitamin A in retinoids will promote cellular turnover, helping keep pores clear. But getting plenty of Vitamin A in your diet from dairy products or fish oils is great for the skin too, say experts from the Acne website. It's important that get enough Vitamin A. Vitamin-Nutrition reports that a deficiency in Vitamin A can actually cause acne. Vitamin-Nutrition recommends up to 10,000 IU of Vitamin A to successfully fight acne.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B2 is great for decreasing stress, says the Acne website, and stress can make acne worse. Foods that are high in B2 include leafy, green vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, whole grains and fish. Vitamin B3 can help improve circulation, reduce cholesterol, and help metabolize protein, fat and sugar. You can eat more B3 by enjoying peanuts, eggs or avocados. Vitamin-nutrition.com says that all the B vitamins play a role in health skin care, taking a quality B-complex will help maintain a vibrant skin tone.

Vitamin E

According to the Acne website, Vitamin E is another essential vitamin for skin care. Known for its antioxidant effects, it helps the skin fight against free radicals (by-products of cellular metabolism that can be potentially harmful to the skin). Vitamin E enhances tissue repair and healing, says Vitamin-Nutrition.org. To get more Vitamin E, eat peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and broccoli, or take 400 IU daily of Vitamin E to treat acne.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids antioxidants that are necessary in at least 300 metabolic functions within the human body, says Vitamin-Nutrition. Vitamin C is important for cellular repair, fights infection and boosts immunity. Bioflavonoids play an antibacterial role in the body. For fighting acne, vitamin-nutrition.org suggests 1,000 milligrams three times each day.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral, but it helps heal the skin and prevent the scarring that acne can cause, according to Vitamin-Nutrition. Zinc also acts as an antioxidant fighting against and prevents damage from free radicals. If there's a deficiency of zinc, acne can result, says Vitamin-Nutrition. Sources of zinc are eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms. Between 25 to 30 mg per day is recommended by Vitamin-Nutrition for acne defense.

Chromium

Chromium is a mineral also, but helps with acne by reducing infections on the skin, says Vitamin-Nutrition. Eating a diet high in sugar can cause a loss of chromium from the body, thus, taking a dosage of 150 micrograms per day is recommended to fight acne.

TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET RID OF ACNE

1. Keep you skin clear, dust-free.
2. Use oil-free cosmetics.
3. Pay attention to your diet as unhealthy diet is one of the main causes of acne. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as this really helps in treating acne.
4. Drink plenty of water everyday. 8-10 glasses of water a day, keep acne away. Drinking water not only helps one in getting rid of acne, this also is helpful in fighting several other diseases.
5. Applying a paste of fresh methi (fenugreek) and later washing the face with lukewarm water is another treatment for acne
6. Neem is the best name in my dictionary. Use soap made of neem. Mix the paste of neem with turmeric and do apply it on your face.   This is also one of the best acne treatments.

IMPROVE THE APEARANCE OF ACNE SCARS

There have been eight proven ways to improve the appearance of acne scars and help you feel better about your skin and how other people see you. Acne scars may not be life threatening, but they have awful effects on self esteem. Almost every adolescent has had some sort of trouble with acne and breakouts which often lead to scarring. Here are some tips to help you get rid of acne scars:
1. Chemical Skin Peels – This treatment peels the skin off with chemicals, revealing a new, fresh portion free of scarring.
2. Dermabrasion – This treatment removes the damaged layers of your skin to reduce the signs of acne scaring. The outer layer is removed, as is the scar. The skin will be smooth and clean.
3. Healthy Diet – Eat a balanced diet filled with foods that have solid nutrition. It is proven that the healthier you eat, the better your skin condition.
4. Laser Resurfacing – While being most effective at removing acne scars, the laser is applied directly to the skin and heals the affected area. This procedure may even prevent wrinkles.
5. Rosewater and Sandalwood – The combination of these two are very affective at removing scars. Make a paste with sandalwood and rosewater, apply it to your skin, let it sit overnight and rinse it off in the morning.
6. Hydrate your Skin – Water is beneficial to your body as a whole. It cleanses the body of toxins and will help remove acne scars, and help them heal quicker.
7. Rose hip Seed Oil – This ingredient is great because it rejuvenates skin cells, helping repair the damaged skin.
8. Vitamin E – Taking a Vitamin E supplement will eliminate scars, because it speeds up your skins renewal process and helps heal cells.

HOW TO POP A PIMPLE

Common advice is to let your body heal a pimple on its own without popping. But in the real world, some people absolutely refuse to go around with a bulging white zit for the world to see. Plus, when done properly, popping a pimple can actually be beneficial to the healing process. Reserve this technique only for pimples that are absolutely begging to be popped—all the way at the surface and white. After a shower is best, when the skin is supple.

1. Disinfect a needle with rubbing alcohol. A basic sharp sewing needle is a good choice.
2. Gently prick the pimple’s surface.
3. Take two tissues and wrap your index fingers with them.
4. Squeeze from the sides, confidently but gently, using a down-and-in motion. Don’t force it. If the pimple is ready, it’ll pop. If it doesn’t, leave it be. Be sure to stop if clear fluid or blood starts to come out.
5. Continuing to work at a lesion that is not ready to be popped will most definitely introduce unnecessary irritation, and can also increase the chance of scarring. Walk away from the mirror!

ACNE MYTHS BUSTED

Washing your face more often will help clear up acne

Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, an effective acne system is more powerful than a bout of stress any day. Some psychiatric medications may have acne as a side effect, but stress itself is no big deal. Your time is better spent determining the right course of acne treatment rather than feeling guilt about stress

Stress causes acne

Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, an effective acne system is more powerful than a bout of stress any day. Some psychiatric medications may have acne as a side effect, but stress itself is no big deal. Your time is better spent determining the right course of acne treatment rather than feeling guilt about stress

Sex causes acne

This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is not based on scientific evidence. A more plausible explanation may be that higher levels of androgens (male sex hormones) can cause increased sex drive. We also know that high levels of androgens can be related to more severe cases of acne. So it may be the higher androgen levels and not the associated increase in desire for sexual activity that is related to acne.

The sun will help get rid of acne

10-20 minutes per day for sun exposure for people with lighter skin and 20-30 minutes per day for people with darker skin may prove beneficial for acne symptoms, especially body acne. However, overly exposing your skin to the sun creates skin damage, which leaves the skin irritated. This irritation can result in more acne in the weeks following over exposure as the skin heals itself. If you notice a break out "out of the blue," ask yourself if you got sunburnt about two weeks ago. That may be the cause.

Diet and acne are related

The bottom line is we need more research. We do know that people in some indigenous societies do not experience acne whatsoever across the entire population. This is in stark contrast to the widespread presence of acne throughout all modern society. It leaves us to ponder whether the indigenous people's unprocessed hunter/gatherer diet contributes to their acne-free skin or whether their clear skin is a result of genetics or some other factor. Discovering a dietary way of preventing acne may be a future reality, however, we may live so differently from our hunter/gatherer ancestors that it has become close to impossible to replicate our ancestral diet. Keep in mind that almost any diet will appear to work in the short term because as your body loses weight, insulin and other hormones react and acne tends to recede. Then, as body weight levels out or increases, acne symptoms tend to return. Any legitimately effective anti-acne diet should continue working after the initial weight loss period.

FADING ACNE MARKS WITH HOMEMADE REMEDIES

1. Lemon Juice Facial. Simply take a cotton ball, dab it with some lemon juice, then start massaging your acne scars thoroughly. The acidity will soften the skin and reduce the appearance of the scars. Let it stay on for about 20 minutes and then wash it away with warm water.
2. Tomato Face Mask. Yet another simple home acne remedy that can help to get rid of acne scars. Simply take a tomato, slice it in two, and then start rubbing your scars with one of the halves. This has a 2 prong effect, which is to lighten the scars and increase skin elasticity. Wash it away after 20 minutes.
3. Egg Whites. Use a cotton ball to massage egg white into your skin. The whites of an egg have very powerful healing qualities which can help to heal your scarring and make it significantly less visible.
4. Cucumber Juice. This is a great technique for reducing inflammation and increasing elasticity. Since there is no acidity in cucumber juice, there is no need to wash it off immediately. Leave it on and be sure to repeat this remedy daily.
5. Baking Soda Remedy. An excellent and very popular method for how to get rid of acne scars naturally, as it helps to unclog your pores, it kills acne causing bacteria, and it even helps to exfoliate the skin. Simply combine water and baking soda and mix it thoroughly into a paste. Apply this mixture to your acne scars and let it sit for about 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse and wash your skin well. Use this technique twice daily.
6. The Honey Rub. An excellent way to smooth out the skin and clean your pores. Use warm-hot water to clean your face, then quickly pat the skin dry. This will open up the pores and allow the honey to get in there. Apply the honey liberally to the areas affected by acne scars AND all around these areas too.
Wait for about 20 minutes, then wash your face again with warm-hot water. Dry your face for a second time and then rub an ice cube all over your skin, thereby closing the pores. This technique, like any other, won't completely get rid of acne scars all on it's own, but it will greatly help if you include it in your routine.

How to Prevent Acne With Simple Tips & Tricks

1. Stop Touching Your Face. Believe it or not, the hands are prone to having large amounts of bacteria all over them without us even having a clue about it. This is due to the fact that we come into contact with things throughout the course of the day that are literally bacteria-ridden cesspools -- things we would never touch if we knew just what was on them. Having said that, using your hands to frequently to touch your face WILL DEFINITELY transfer bacteria to it, thereby leaving room for acne to develop and overrun your face quite quickly.
2. Be Sure That Your Face is Washed Thoroughly & Gently Two Times Daily. This will ensure that it is constantly clean and free of bacteria. This is one of the easiest methods of acne prevention and one that should be followed no matter what.
3. Maintain an Exercise Routine. Many people don't care about how to prevent acne through exercise, even if it is an important aspect. By exercising on a consistent basis, you will be able to reduce stress, increase circulation & blood flow, as well as improve oxygen penetration of the skin cells. These three factors, which many teens & adults with acne overlook, can greatly aid with getting your acne to go away and stay away. So many people focus on preventing acne from the outside of the body, that they forget the importance of acne prevention from the inside.
4. Always Shower After a Workout or Exercise. By having a shower right after your workout or strenuous exercise, you reduce the risk of developing acne. Why? Because the excess oils that your body has produced -- which are a contributor to the clogging of your pores -- will be washed away during the shower.
5. Adjust Your Sleeping Conditions. One of the best ways of how to prevent acne is to improve your sleeping habits as well as you're sleeping environment. Always sleep on a clean pillowcase that is changed (or washed) at least two to three times a week. If you're a women, be sure that you do NOT go to bed with makeup still on your face -- as this can contribute toward acne build-up. What is also good is to pull the hair away from the face when sleeping to avoid further oil build-up on the skin. Whether you have tremendously oily hair or not, try to to keep it from constantly touching your face.
6. Drink Plenty of Water. Water is one of those wonderfully simple ways that'll help to keep the skin free of acne. It's a natural detoxifier that will keep skin cells clean and free of free-radicals which can & do contribute toward clogged pores and acne build up. You don't have to be chugging water down 24/7, but you should be drinking WAY more of it than sodas, soft drinks, and caffeinated beverages. Drinking fruit & vegetable juices in addition to water is also a good idea, as such drinks come jam packed with vitamins & antioxidants.

CLEAR ACNE WHITH NATURAL/HOMEMADE REMEDIES

Baking Soda Skin Exfoliant: This is one of the most effective methods of getting rid of acne there is. All it involves is a damp rag with baking soda liberally applied to it. The rag is used to rub the skin gently for about 5-10 minutes, after which time the skin is rinsed off and towel dried. Must be done regularly for a few weeks.
Egg White Mask: Many people use beaten egg whites as a facial acne mask. The mask is applied to the face for about 15 minutes, then it is washed off and the skin is GENTLY patted dry with a soft cloth. Eggs have potent healing properties (due to the protein contained within) which makes this a great method for healing and clearing away acne. This is by no means an overnight acne cure, so don't get upset when you find out you have to use this technique for a matter of weeks before the effects begin to show.
The Oatmeal Cover Up: As opposed to cooking it for breakfast, the oatmeal is cooked, allowed to cool, and then it is lathered onto the skin to make an anti-acne facial mask. Allow the mask to sit for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse it away with warm -- NOT HOT -- water. Gently dry your face with a paper towel or soft piece of cloth.
The Aloe Vera Rub: If you happen to have Aloe Vera plants at your home (or know where to get some), then you've already got yourself a super powerful treatment for clearing acne. If you don't have the plant, well, then a simple aloe vera lotion should suffice. This acne treatment is done simply by rubbing the plant (or the lotion/cream) directly onto the skin.
The "juice" from the Aloe Vera plant helps to reduce the visibility of acne spots and acne scars. More specifically speaking, it helps to heal the skin, to protect it, and and to make it softer and smoother. In addition to actively treating and getting rid of acne breakouts, aloe vera is also an outstanding preventative measure too. There's a reason that aloe vera is recommended for treating all sorts of skin conditions -- it WORKS!
These are some of the great ways of how to cure acne at home. They aren't the fastest of acne treatment methods, but they do work and they are 100% natural. If you're on a budget yet still wish to clear acne breakouts without spending lots & lots of money, then it's recommended you start with these simple remedies!

FADING POST ACNE MARKS SCARS

Post acne marks (macules, acne scars) are the flat red or brown dots left behind by pimples. Most of the time, post acne marks will go away on their own. However, for some people, it can take anywhere from three months to many years to disappear.
To treat these red marks you might use the following options

• Exfoliation. Exfoliating helps fade your marks faster by shedding old skin and bringing new skin to the surface. Though exfoliation is one way to fade dark marks faster, be aware that these types of topical exfoliating products can cause irritation such as redness, peeling, and dryness.
• Tretionoin, retinol. To get rid of red acne marks you can also consider using tretinoin/retinol products.
• AHA (Alpha hydroxy acid). Try over-the-counter products with AHAs to fade old acne marks and to lighten skin.
• Sunscreen. Sunscreen cosmetic protects your skin against pigmentation

HOW TO GET RID OF INFLAMED ACNE

If inflammation develops, it causes the surrounding skin to become red, and the spots become larger and filled with pus (pustules). In some cases the pustules become even larger and form into small 'nodules' and cysts.

Treatments

You have to be very careful with inflamed acne to prevent scarring. Apply topical treatments to all the affected area of skin, and not just to each spot.
Try over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide. It is a well known antibiotic. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps to unplug blocked pores. Use the lowest strength at first. In many cases the 2.5% preparation works just as well as the 10% preparation, but causes the least irritation.
There are a lot of topical antibiotic preparations also. They reduce the number of bacteria and reduce inflammation. You need a prescription to get a topical antibiotic.

HOW TO GET RID OF BLACKHEADS

If you have oily skin, blackheads can occur on your face. A blackhead (an open comedon) is a yellow or blackish bump or plug on the skin. Blackheads are caused by excess oils that have accumulated in the sebaceous gland's duct. The substance found in these bumps mostly consists of keratin and oily secretion of the sebaceous gland, which darkens as it oxidizes.Many people believe that these blackheads are formed due to dirt. This is wrong, because frequent washing does not rid you of blackheads.

How to get rid of blackheads

Do not extract blackheads using your fingernails or a comedone remover. This can cause permanent damage to the pores.
Do not use medications for acne if you have blackheads only. Medications will not help you but can cause significant harm to the skin.
Treatment Options

• If you have a small amount of black dots, then try a gentle scrub to exfoliate your skin.
• Try over-the-counter medications containing BHA (Beta hydroxy acid, Salicylic acid). BHA works as a bacteriocide and comedolytic agent by causing the cells of the epidermis to shed more readily, opening clogged pores and neutralizing bacteria within, preventing pores from clogging up again by constricting pore diameter, and allowing room for new cell growth. Optimum concentration of BHA in an over-the-counter product is 1-2%.
• Try over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide works as a peeling agent, increasing skin turnover and clearing pores, thus reducing the bacterial count there as well as directly as an antimicrobial. Optimum concentration of benzoyl peroxide in an over-the-counter product is 2.5-10%.

Doctors and dermatologists can prescribe products that contain a much higher concentration, but as with any radical exfoliant, care must be taken when using these products.

HOW TO GET RID OF WHITEHEADS

Whiteheads (closed comedons) are caused when the pores are clogged with oil. Unlike open comedons (blackheads), whiteheads are closed, so the oil is trapped under the skin.

How to get rid of whiteheads

Never attempt to remove whiteheads forcibly. This may result to skin damage because pores are not open and spread further infection.
If whiteheads are not infected then exfoliation might be an effective whiteheads treatment. Wash affected areas of your face with facial exfoliators and gentle scrubs for 3-4 times a week.
If whiteheads are infected then you might try medications from the list

• Benzoyl peroxide - kills the acnes bacteria and helps prevent acnes from overgrowing.
• Tretinoin products - reverse the "stickiness" of the skin cells allowing them to slough normally.
• Salicylic acid (BHA, beta hydroxy acid) - reduces inflammation and helps your skin shed faster.
• Antibiotics (topical or oral) - kill the acnes bacteria and might be used if many whiteheads are infected or if there are infected papules or pustules.

If over-the-counter medications do not suffice for your case of acne, you should visit a dermatologist.

How should people with acne care for their skin?

Clean Skin Gently

Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening and after heavy exercise. Some people with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps and rough scrub pads. However, scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make the problem worse. Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use. Patients should wash their face from under the jaw to the hairline. It is important that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it. Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.
 

Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin

People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk developing scars or dark blotches. People should avoid rubbing and touching their skin lesions.
 

Shave Carefully

Men who shave and who have acne can test both electric and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Men who use a safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream. Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only when necessary.
 

Choose Cosmetics Carefully

People being treated for acne often need to change some of the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation, blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free. Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during the first few weeks of treatment because the skin may be red or scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or Benzoyl peroxide. Oily hair products may eventually spread over the forehead, causing closed comedones. Products that are labelled as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of closed pores) should be used; in some people, however, even these products may cause acne.

BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FOR ACNE

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, can effectively treat acne in some women. For years doctors have used oral contraceptives off-label as acne treatments. Today, a handful of oral contraceptives are also FDA approved as acne treatments. They include:

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen
• Estrostep
• YAZ

Oral contraceptives are not used as a first line of defense against acne. They are often prescribed after other treatment options have been tried, or if a woman needs a form of birth control anyway. For best results, oral contraceptives are used in conjunction with other acne treatments, such as topical retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide.

How it Works

Oral contraceptive pills are made up of a combination of progestin and estrogen. They alter the natural female reproductive cycle and hormonal patterns. The majority of birth control pills use ethinyl etradiol as the estrogen ingredient. Since birth control pills reduce the amount of testosterone within the body, they often improve hormonal-based acne breakouts. When testosterone production is suppressed, the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands is reduced. The chance of pore blockages is also reduced. For women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), oral contraceptives can be particularly helpful in clearing acne brought about by this condition. Certain birth control pills, such as Yaz and Yasmin, contain a progesterone that can help limit the amount of androgen hormones within the body, thereby reducing breakout activity. The pill can also help with other symptoms of PCOS, such as excessive hair growth.
Depending on the formulation, some oral contraceptives may raise testosterone levels in the body. This, in turn, could actually worsen acne. If you are looking for a birth control pill that will help reduce acne breakouts, let your doctor know. He or she can prescribe a brand that will work with the goal of improving acne as well.

Common Usage Directions

Oral contraceptive pills are taken daily, preferably at the same time each day. Three weeks of "active" pills are taken, followed by one week of placebo "reminder" pills, during which time menstruation will occur. It can take three months or longer to notice any changes in acne after you begin taking oral contraceptives. It is not uncommon for acne to worsen before it improves.

Possible Side Effects

As with all systemic medications, side effects may occur while taking oral contraceptives. Common side effects may include:

• nausea
• weight gain
• breast tenderness
• menstrual spotting
• mood swings

Less commonly, more serious side effects may occur. These include:

• blood clots
• stroke
• headaches
• gallstones
• increase in blood pressure
• depression

Conclusion

Oral contraceptives can be used as a long-term acne therapy for women who also need a form of birth control. They can effectively control mild to moderate acne breakouts, especially acne that tends to worsen during ovulation and menstruation. For women with more severe acne, birth control pills can be used in conjunction with other acne treatment medications.

TRETINOIN FOR ACNE

Also known as all-trans-retinoic acid, tretinoin is the acid form of vitamin-A. It is a crystalline powder which is yellowish in color. Retinoic acid is soluble in DMSO, Polyethylene Glycol and Ethanol. It is practically insoluble in mineral oil and water.

How does Tretinoin works on acne?

In short, Tretinoin works by stimulating the skin cells to divide at a faster rate. Faster cell division means increased skin cell turnover rate causing the skin to peel which then promotes the extrusion of blackheads and whiteheads. Overall, the skin peeling unclogs blocked pores and exposes a new layer of younger skin cells. It may take 2 months or more of Tretinoin use to see an improvement in your acne.
Advantages
Reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles results as the layer of younger skin cells emerges at the surface.
Tretinoin also suppresses the pigment producing cells of the skin known as Melanocytes. The suppression of melanocytes reduces hyperpigmentation and results into an even skin tone.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of retinoid is that they cause photosensitivity. It makes the skin very sensitive to sunlight causing sunburns.
Takes several months to fully work.

Side Effects

During the 2 weeks of use, you would experience acne breakouts and flaking of the skin. Burning sensation, redness and peeling of the skin is expected. Lightening or darkening of the skin is also expected. As your skin adjusts to the medication, the side effects would gradually be lessened. This medication would also make your skin more sensitive to the sun. It is advisable to use sunblock (at least SPF15) when going out in areas where you are exposed to the sun otherwise your skin would be severely sunburned. In case of skin flaking, use a moisturizer to minimize flaking.
Dryness, redness or peeling may occur during the first weeks of treatment. To prevent aggravating the skin, protect it from sun, tanning lights, extreme wind or cold and harsh skincare products. Use of sunscreen is recommended.

UVB LIGHT TREATMENT FOR ACNE

UV phototherapy is extremely efficient acne treatment. particularly UVA that killing the bacteria that cause acne infections providing long term relief. UVA light is proven more effective for this than UVB, however a combination as found in our UV-Buddy is more ideal. UVB light can be harmful if misused. We recommend speaking with a doctor to ensure UVB light treatment is suitable for your condition.

DIFFERIN FOR ACNE

Defferin is the drug found in Adapalene gel. Adapalene gel is a topical retinoid-like drug for the treatment of mild to moderate Acne vulgaris. Adapalene is more effective than some topical drugs as it penetrates deeply into the hair follicle. Adapalene possesses potent anti-inflammatory and comedo lytic properties . Adapalene is used when comedones, papules and pustules predominate (white heads.) Side effects include; burning sensation or stinging of skin; dryness and peeling of skin; itching of skin; redness of skin and worsening of the acne. It has not been widely tested on children or pregnant women

SALICYLIC ACID FOR ACNE

Salicylic Acid is a relatively new Acne treatment applied as a cream once or twice a day for a maximum of six months. It is used to treat mild to moderate Acne and is as effective as Benzoyl peroxide, erythromycin cream or oral tetracycline against troublesome skin bacteria and comedones. A small percentage of users may notice redness of the skin. It is also used to treat, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic Dermatitis of the skin and scalp, calluses, corns, common warts, and plantar warts, depending on the dosage form and strength of the preparation. Side effects include; confusion; dizziness; headache (severe or continuing); rapid breathing ; ringing or buzzing in ears (continuing.) It has been proven that Salicylic Acid is absorbed through your skin into your blood. It has not been widely tested on children or pregnant women.

BENZOYL PEROXIDE FOR ACNE

As it's name suggests, Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful BLEACHING agent, it is somewhat successful in killing the bacteria and reducing most Acne conditions, but it comes with many warnings and some lesser know side effects. You may as well apply diluted chlorine on your skin. After the first few days of use patients notice redness and scaling of the skin this can be reduced by using a less concentrated solution or not applying as often. It will bleach clothes and hair so if applying to chest and back wear old clothes. Side effects include; painful irritation of skin, including burning, blistering, crusting, itching, severe redness, or swelling; skin rash, burning, itching, scaling, redness, or swelling of skin (severe,) dryness or peeling of skin (may occur after a few days); feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of skin. It has been proven that Benzoyl peroxide is absorbed through your skin into your blood, causing strain to internal organs such as liver and kidneys. It has not been widely tested on children or pregnant women.

HOW ACNE DEVELOPS?

Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found over most of the body, PSUs consist of a sebaceous gland connected to a canal, called a follicle, that contains a fine hair. These units are most numerous on the face, upper back, and chest. The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that normally empties onto the skin surface through the opening of the follicle, commonly called a pore. Cells called keratinocytes line the follicle.

The hair, sebum, and keratinocytes that fill the narrow follicle may produce a plug, which is an early sign of acne. The plug prevents sebum from reaching the surface of the skin through a pore. The mixture of oil and cells allows bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin to grow in the plugged follicles. These bacteria produce chemicals and enzymes and attract white blood cells that cause inflammation. (Inflammation is a characteristic reaction of tissues to disease or injury and is marked by four signs: swelling, redness, heat, and pain.) When the wall of the plugged follicle breaks down, it spills everything into the nearby skin--sebum, shed skin cells, and bacteria--leading to lesions or pimples.

People with acne frequently have a variety of lesions, some of which are shown in the diagrams below. The basic acne lesion, called the comedo (KOM-e-do), is simply an enlarged and plugged hair follicle. If the plugged follicle, or comedo, stays beneath the skin, it is called a closed comedo and produces a white bump called a whitehead. A comedo that reaches the surface of the skin and opens up is called a blackhead because it looks black on the skin's surface. This black discoloration is not due to dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads may stay in the skin for a long time.

Other troublesome acne lesions can develop, including the following:

Papules--inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch

Pustules (pimples)--papules topped by pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base

Nodules--large, painful, solid lesions that are lodged deep within the skin
Cysts--deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring.