Isotretinoin Acne Treatment Warning for Potential Patients

July 16th, 2010

Doctors are finding that over time the bacteria that are associated with acne are becoming resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics. Therefore, medical researchers are working on new drugs to treat acne, particularly topical antibiotics.

Current Developments

Medical practitioners often prefer Isotretinoin today. This is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A that serves as a very powerful way to end to bacterial proliferation.

It also helps control the sebum secretion, and also works on mitigating the inflammation, thereby helping to get hold of severe chin acne. However, just like any other acne treatment Isotretinoin can have serious side effects.

Risks of Use

Isotretinoin can cause dryness in the eye, mouth, lips, nose, and skin; itching, nosebleeds, susceptibility to sunburn, muscle aches, and poor night vision. It can also have a detrimental affect on liver functioning and it can cause high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

The worst side effects of all are that it can cause birth defects. This is one of the most serious reminders why you should always seek the advice of your physician other health professional before trying any new acne treatment.

This is what will ensure whether Isotretinoin is right for you or not. This usually would be determined upon a thorough checkup during which time you would disclose medical history to your doctor.

You would also let your doctor know what supplements, medications, vitamins, herbs, and other substances you are using. It is highly imperative that you remember that isotretinoin should never be used without proper dermatologist supervision.

Acne Care Warning for Using Benzoyl Peroxide Users

July 9th, 2010

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many acne skin care products. It is used because it is considered to be gentler than using alcohol-based skin cleansers.

The Problem

Benzoyl peroxide could possibly irritate the skin. It also could cause a mild drying of the skin which leads to drying and/or redness and peeling. However, the main concern is if you leave it on the skin for two hours or longer.

Most of the time you probably would not, as usually you would wash off most peroxide-based cleaners right away. However, you should also note that benzoyl peroxide is not just used in over-the-counter facial cleansing products.

It is also used in solutions used to treat modest cases of non-inflammatory acne. This is a case in which you should remember to wash off the peroxide-based product within two hours or less.

In this case, you can experience the full benefit of using this less-harsh but strong enough chemical on your skin. However, if you leave it on your face too long that is when the redness, peeling, and rashes could occur.

A Solution

Although there is a small risk of reaction, benzoyl peroxide products are generally regarded as safe and effective treatments for acne. However, in order to be sure you remain safe you should take care to use the low concentration of it possible.

If you use benzoyl peroxide right it will greatly benefit you. However, besides using it right and in the right proportion you should also only use it as often as needed. This will prevent dryness as well as other side effects mentioned above.

Other natural alternatives for clear skin include the following: vinegar water, mild exfoliates with almond shells in them, or witch hazel. However, using benzoyl peroxide is by some consumer and expert standards better for your skin than SD alcohol 40.

Overview of Blue Light Acne Treatment

July 2nd, 2010

Blue light acne treatment is an alternative to laser treatments. It often is preferred because it requires no use of ultra-violet light to remove skin problems.

Advantages

One main advantage is that it is safe and affordable. It is more affordable than other types of laser or light acne removal procedures.

This procedure is ideal for moderate to severe cases of acne. It actually zaps the bacteria that cause the pimples to form. It is more effective than even some of the best creams and lotions.

Disadvantages

It may be too expensive for some people. It also could slight redness or irritation, or it could cause burning and/or swelling. It may not work as well alone as would when combined with photo-dynamic therapy.

Some Background

The use of blue light procedures was approved by the FDA in 2002. Since then millions of acne sufferers have taken advantage of this way of addressing unsightly skin problems.

Since the invention of this type of acne treatment new kits have become available. They can be used for treatment right at home.

Certain kinds of blue light therapies have also been used to remove age spots and wrinkles. It is regarded as a way to help keep people looking young.

Herbs that Fight Acne

June 25th, 2010

A number of herbs today are used in special formulas to clear skin problems. They provide different benefits to acne sufferers, as well as to people who experience other blemishes such as whiteheads or blackheads.

These herbs benefit an acne-prone person either directly or indirectly (dealing with the root of the problem or clearing the surface):

Thyme-Facial steam packs often are made with this pleasant-smelling herb. It is known to clear the complexion quite well. It might be mixed along with other ingredients such as basil or rose water.

Basil-This herb often is found in tea and also is included in many facial masks or treatment pastes. Its strongest suit is its ability to fight against acne-causing agents. You might see it in a home recipe along with lemon, thyme, tea tree, or witch hazel.

Tea tree-This herb is most often used as an oil. It’s main role is to cleanse and toning the skin. It has healing/antiseptic qualities that keeps acne away.

Turmeric-This root has antiseptic and antibiotic qualities. It serves the skin quite well, as it addresses the root of the problem-the acne fighting bacteria. It also helps eliminate redness, soreness, and pimples.

Burdock-This herb helps strengthen the immune system and promotes blood purification. It also provides a way to detoxify the body and one result is less chance that skin blemishes such as pimples or blackheads would form.

Rooibos-This herb has anti-oxidant qualities. Therefore, it is esteemed as a product that helps build up the immune system. It also soothes and heals the skin, which allows for the correction and disappearance of blemishes.

Heather-The young version of this flower is often added to teas. It has forever been applied as a way to clear skin problems. If you see it on a label as part of a product ingredient list you can be assured it is very helpful.

Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask Review

June 17th, 2010

The Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask is an overnight spot treatment that is often used for acne. It is ideal for use on the whole face as often as once a week. Here are some pros and cons based on individual user experiences with this product.

Pros

It works well to calm and control blemishes. Yet, there are no harsh ingredients in it such as benzyl peroxide. It would work great for people with sensitive skin, and there is less chance of irritation or blotchiness.

It has in it natural cleansing ingredients such as tea tree oil and anti-microbial botanical sources-one main reason why it is preferred over other acne masks. This is what helps cleanse the face to get rid of acne, and again it is ideal even for people with more sensitive and/or drier skin.

Cons

It ordinarily works for people who even have dry or sensitive skin. However, too much for too long can still be too strong and cause problems.

You should try a thin sample of and see how that works on your skin and then maybe later try a thicker bunch of it. One major disadvantage of this product is that it sometimes requires extra product in order to be able to use it-more than another.

Baking Soda for Acne? The Pros and Cons

June 10th, 2010

Here is an interesting thought-baking soda for acne. Does it really work? If so, it would definitely be a very cheap alternative.

Pros

It cleans the skin well and it makes the skin feel soft. It also helps get rid of mild acne very well, and it has helped with blackheads even and it makes the skin glow.

It is a very inexpensive solution, as already mentioned above. It also is very easy to apply and the texture of it can provide you with the right amount of exfoliate for your skin.

Cons

It could cause a burning or irritating feeling on someone with sensitive skin. It also can cause irritation even on normal skin if you rub it too hard into the skin. It also can sting if you have open wounds or sores on your face.

It sometimes is hard to wash baking soda off your face. It is a bit grainy too-not as soft as traditional cleansers.

Instructions

Using baking soda on your face for acne is most effective when made into a paste. You would add equal amounts of water to baking soda. It helps if you apply a moisturizer on afterwards, and one all natural solution would be a dab or two of olive or almond oil.

Using baking soda would probably work best for people with oily skin. However, it can be used with caution on normal and combination (some oily/some dry) skin.

If you want to try other ingredients with baking soda you might want to try honey, lemon juice, rose water, and brown sugar. This makes a nice facial scrub. You would mix the ingredients together in moderate proportions and then let sit on your face for 10 minutes.

You would then scrub your face for two minutes. After that you would then rinse/take it off.

Review of Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10

June 3rd, 2010

The Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 is a rather potent solution. It works for many people, but how well is the question.

The end result depends upon skin type for the most part. However, even then the outcome of using this product is very individualized.

Pros

This product is quick and easy to use. It works best on people who have oily skin, and it does wonders as a spot treatment. Users have been known to see acne cleared up in one to three days.

For use on the occasional blemish, this product works great. The best part about using this Clean & Clear product is that it is affordable.

Cons

This product is a bit strong as it does contain the highest dosage of benzoyl peroxide usually present in an acne gel. It is so strong that some people have experienced excess dryness and irritation.

Conclusion

Users should beware when using Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10. The recommendation is to try a small amount to see how your skin reacts. Then, try using the amount prescribed by the manufacturer. Instructions for usage are on (or in) the box and/or the label.

If this product does not work for your skin type, you might want to instead try something else. One recommendation is the Proactiv Solution 3-Step System.

Acne Zit Zapper Review

May 24th, 2010

Zeno is a zapper that is used to help “zap” zits away. It uses heat to help blast out the bacteria in follicles before a pimple rises above the skin’s surface.

This is one way to heal the skin naturally as it reduces inflammation and redness. The temperature of the Zeno zapper is set way below that which would burn the skin. That is a major advantage of course, and yet it seems to provide instant results.

How it Works

First, it needs to be switched on. Then, after about 60 seconds it heats up to its highest operating temperature. It then beeps to let you know it is ready for use.

When ready to zap a pimple, you should let it remain on the zit for 2.5 minutes. You will be greeted by series of beeps every 30 seconds during the treatment as well as after the treatment is completed.

Note that if you do not use it for 35 seconds it will shut off after a period of inactivity. It takes 30 seconds between treatments to allow the Zeno acne to recharge itself.

Further Instructions

After a number of uses you are going to have to replace the Zeno tip. You can find packs of 90 replacement tips for around 30 dollars.

Customer Feedback

One way to determine how effective the Zeno treatment is to read customer feedback. About 90% of people who used it have left positive remarks about this pimple zapper.

The recommendation is to use the Zeno zapper two or three times within 24 hours. The earlier you catch the pimple the faster your case of acne will clear up. Some zits can be wiped out in a matter of a day.

According to the above expected results, most customers are pleased. Pros and cons of this product are shown in more detail below.

Pros

Effective relief from pimples can occur in 24 hours. There are no real side effects reported yet and it works for all (or at least most) types of acne problems. It also does not dry out the skin like other methods of pimple creams, cleansers, and treatments would.

Cons

Replacement tips are needed and these can be costly. This solution may not be effective for everyone and cannot always replace the need to take care of your skin.

It also is not meant to be used as a replacement for healthy lifestyle and diet observance. The Zeno zapper is meant more for “emergency” situations and not be necessarily be used every single day.

‘Acne Free in 3 Days’ Book Review

May 17th, 2010

‘Acne Free in 3 Days’ by author Chris Gibson is a very popular book that is used to help people clear their skin. This is marketed as an all natural approach to acne treatment.

A Brief Description

Of course, you are not going to be told the whole story here because otherwise there will be no need to buy the book. You will, however, be provided with a very excellent summary.

Basically what this book does is it helps people modify their diet. This is done in a way that helps fight acne from the inside out.

Another way to help people get rid of acne in the amount of time designated (3 days) is to chance your lifestyle. More details are indicated in the pages of Acne Free in 3 Days, as we are not allowed to give away all the secrets.

We can give you a bit of a clue though. There are certain foods you should not eat if you want to clear your face. There are also certain substances and beverages you also should not use if you want to get rid of acne in this short amount of time.

Pros

This book offers a simple step-by-step solution. Author Chris Gibson writes in a way that individuals can understand. He even shows people how addressing acne at the root of the problem (clearing of bacteria and other debris trapped in the skin) will help.

Recommendations to various home remedies for further self care are present in this book as well. You are shown how to clean your face without using harsh chemicals and natural oils.

Another major advantage of using this system is that it is not expensive at all. You only need about $20 to $30 worth of supplies along with the purchase of the book. This may seem like quite a bit of money to spend at first but in the end you are likely to notice it is worth it.

Cons

The price for the Acne Free in 3 Days book along with the cost of materials recommended in the book may be too high. Some people are just not sure they want to pay to get all these supplies if they are not sure it would work.

These supposed 3-day acne clearing method may not work for more severe cases of acne. You should talk to a doctor if your skin does not clear in a short amount of time, say 3 to 7 days. It could be a result of another type of acne such as cystic acne.

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub Reviews

May 10th, 2010

Biore Pore is a cleanser that is very inexpensive. That is probably the main reason why people try it-because it only costs about $7.00 for a small tube.

It has other advantages as you see below…

Biore Pore completely clears acne in some people. It also exfoliates the skin and as a result the skin looks smooth and healthy.

This product does a very good job of preventing acne as well and the face is refreshed, as it leaves the skin feeling cool, minty, and fresh. It also is very gentle on the skin. As you can see for the price, it really does wonders for many people.

Disadvantages

It may not work so well on dry or sensitive skin. Some people felt that it was not soothing enough on redness that appears as a result of acne problems.

The texture of this product according to one user is waxy and that this product also has a “strange smell.” Sometimes people who used it have noticed that the nose and cheeks appear red.

Buying Tips

You should determine your skin type before buying this or any other acne scrub product. If you are not sure what your skin type is you can see a dermatologist. Some possibilities would be dry skin which is a type when your face may itch and feel scaly and oily skin where your face feels greasy.

Some peoples’ skin may be oily in some spots and dry in others. This is combination skin. If the skin has just the right amount of oil on it and does not feel greasy or dry then it is normal skin.

Again, it may be hard to tell so you should see a dermatologist concerning this. It is always better to be safe than sorry or you could ruin your face using the wrong product.