Archive for the ‘Acne’ Category

Green Tea for Acne Free Skin

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Benefits of Green Tea for Skin

Green tea has excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties and therefore many people use green tea for skin care and beauty treatments. Studies have shown that the polyphenols found in green tea are very effective in treating and preventing a number of skin related problems. In addition regular consumption of green tea also helps in maintaining healthier and younger looking skin. One of the many benefits of green tea for skin is that it has essential anti-aging properties which can help in slowing down the process of cell damage which occurs with progressing age. Its antioxidant properties help in repairing cell damage, blemishes, wrinkles and other skin impurities.

Apart from helping in age reversal green tea also acts like a natural sun screen for the skin. When the skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun it tends to get loose because of the oxidation and this can even lead to wrinkled skin. Green tea used in combination with sun block helps in reducing and completely erasing sun damage. Therefore using green tea for skin treatment is the best way to stay away from a number of skin diseases and disorders and also avoid sun damage.

Green Tea for Acne Treatment

The antioxidants contained in green tea have been found to be very effective in preventing and treating acne problems. Therefore it is important to take into account the benefits of green tea for acne treatment. Green tea also has powerful anti-bacterial properties which help in reducing skin inflammation caused by acne and also help in controlling hyperactive hormones which can cause acne problems. Many people these days prefer using green tea for skin and acne problems because it has almost no side effects as compared to conventional drugs and medications.

Using green tea for acne scars not only helps in eliminating these scars but also helps in increasing a person’s self confidence. Regular consumption of green tea helps fight and reduce the infection causing bacteria in the body and also prevents further acne breakouts. Green tea acne treatments also help in soothing irritation and redness caused by acne breakouts. Green tea can either be consumed or applied on the affected areas for curing acne scars. Green tea is used in a number of facial lotions and cleansers to treat acne and other skin related problems. In addition green tea can also be applied on the skin to brighten the skin and even out the skin tone.

Severe Acne Treatment - How to Get Rid of Severe Acne

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Acne is a skin infection that can occur at any time in your life and to anybody. It often occurs on the face but can also appear on the back. Usually acne is not very severe and largely appears when there are hormonal changes in the body. There are times when this acne can be really severe. Severe acne can mean severe inflammation that is red, sore and more often than not, pus-filled. Severe acne can cause many psychological problems like depression and anxiety as these tend to cause a lot of embarrassment.

Severe Acne Scars

Severe acne often leads to a lot of scarring. This scarring, along with acne, can also lead to a lot of problems. There are even different kinds of acne. Some of the main kinds are Acne conglobata, Acne fulminans, Nodulocystic acne and Gram negative folliculitis. Severe acne treatment is usually a course of strong antibiotics and topical creams, including corticosteroidal creams to treat the acne and the severe acne scars. Sometimes attacks of this severe acne can cause fever so a bigger range of medications can also be used to treat severe acne.

Home Remedies for Severe Acne

You can even try home remedies for severe acne.

•    A pack of raspberries, strawberries and blackberry leaves with water can cause relief for the inflammation in the case of acne.

•    Oatmeal with yogurt makes a very effective face mask. Let this mask dry and after washing it off, apply a microbial or an antibiotic cream to curtain infection.

•    You can use soaps made from aloe vera gel. Application of the gel on the inflamed areas can also reduce the pain and irritation.

•    Apply honey mixed with cinnamon on the infected areas and leave it overnight.

•    Even the paste of ripe tomatoes is considered very effective for acne.

•    Application of mint juice on the acne is known to bring relief.

•    Drinking a glass of wheat germ juice is very good to remove acne from the system.

•    A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves is also very good for acne.

•    Lime juice and rose water also helps. Rose water is a great astringent too.

Acne is primarily caused by bad eating habits and not taking adequate protection of your skin. Regular steps you can take are to eat properly balanced meals with a good amount of fiber. You should also avoid junk and fried food as they tend to have a propensity to cause acne. You should also regularly clean your face. Exfoliating twice in a week is a good idea. Remember to remove all makeup before you sleep so as to prevent formation of blackheads which can lead to acne.

Acne Rosacea Natural Treatments to Relieve Acne from Rosacea

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Rosacea is an irritation on the skin that looks like acne and is usually chronic and occurs on the ‘T zone’. Sometimes this infection spreads all through the person’s cheeks, while in certain rare instances, even spreads to arms and legs. The acne rosacea symptoms are an infection that begins as an aggravated blush. This then turns onto persistent redness that would be seen on the chin, the nose as also the forehead of the person. The blood vessels can sometimes be prominently seen on the nose would also resemble acne. With various triggers like sun or the abuse of alcohol and no proper use of make-up, these inflammations become pimples and are a very painful condition. Though the condition would resemble that of adult acne one should be careful to get a proper diagnosis on the condition.

Acne Rosacea Symptoms

There is no real one cause of acne rosacea, but as mentioned, there are certain triggers. It develops in those persons who blush or have an inclination to blush. A prominent acne rosacea symptom is that of prolonged redness and is often considered by many to be a sunburn.  If the acne rosacea symptoms are diagnosed or checked in time, it can help prevent an attack and the condition can be treated properly. Most people who are prone to these symptoms should avoid foods that can make them feel flush or blush like spicy food, hot beverages, hot meals, and alcohol. Such people would also require tto use sunscreen everytime they move out into the sun.
The acne as a result of rosacea has no real treatment. Rosacea itself has no treatment. It just involves being regular about cleansing and avoiding the triggers.

Acne Rosacea Natural Treatments

There are some acne rosacea natural treatments you can try to relieve acne from rosacea.

•    You can try using oils like borage oil, flaxseed oil, primrose oil, as also tea tree oil. The use of such oils helps in reducing the inflammation, scales, and also the dryness that causes itching on the areas that are infected.

•    Aloe vera gel can also keep the skin hydrated and thus help in reducing inflammation.

•    One could also consume a small amount of some apple cider vinegar orally as this is also used as an acne rosacea treatment option.

•    A decoction of chamomile and water is known to be really soothing for inflamed areas. Prepare a chamomile decoction and chill it. Application of this decoction on the rosacea is quite soothing.

•    The spice turmeric can be mixed along with water to form a paste has anti inflammatory qualities, It can relieve itching and infection.

These are some external acne rosacea treatment options.You can even eat right and ingest some herbal remedies to stop attacks of acne rosacea.  Increasing your blood circulation can help deal with rosacea. Building a sturdy immune system is a good place to begin. Increase your intake of vitamins to improve immunity. Vitamin B, vitamin C and beta carotene all help the body fight this condition.

Home Remedies for Acne Scar Treatment

Friday, April 1st, 2011

If you have acne scarring, you need acne scar treatment to have normal skin. Plastic surgery is usually the most effective option for acne scar treatment. However, most people cannot afford such expensive surgeries. For them, acne scar home treatment is a more viable option. The home remedies for acne scars can be whipped up from simple kitchen ingredients.

Acne Scar Home Treatment

Acne can damage the top layer of the skin, and the treatment of these scars usually involves sloughing off the damaged layers. Another way to approach the treatment of acne scars is to use of remedies that help build collagen and improve moisture in the skin so that the skin repairs itself naturally on its own.

•    The simplest of natural acne scar treatment is to use lemon juice. If you have dark acne scars, lemon juice can naturally lighten them. Clean your face using soap free cleanser and daub it all over with a piece of cotton soaked in lemon juice. If you have any skin irritations, cuts or scrapes on your face, you should avoid using lemon juice as it can cause further irritations.

•    Regular exfoliation of your skin can help treat the acne scars. Baking soda can be used to exfoliate your skin. Mix together a spoon of baking soda with filtered water. The resultant solution can be used to exfoliate your face gently. Smear the solution on your face and move your hands in gentle circular motions.

•    Apart from exfoliation, moisturizing your face is also important. Pour a few drops of olive oil onto your hands and rub them on your face. Olive oil is a good source of vitamins that can help your skin produce collagen. Collagen repairs your skin and helps build new skin tissue. This helps repair the acne marks on your skin.

Your diet can also play an important role in acne scar treatment. Apart from the other home remedies for acne scars, maintaining a healthy diet can improve skin texture, complexion and can also help decrease the likelihood of having acne in the future. Fresh fruits contain a lot of enzymes, vitamins and minerals which can control acne. These also have antioxidants in them that can naturally slough off dead skin and produce fresh skin.

Drinking a lot of water can help flush toxins from the body, reducing acne and acne related scars. Drinking lots of water also keeps your skin supple, clear and free of acne. It is recommended that one drinks six to eight glasses of water every day.

Homemade Facial Treatments for Acne

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting thousands of people around the world. Although this problem is more common in teenagers and younger adults, it can be seen in people of all ages. Some of the most common causes of acne include hormones, unhealthy diet, lack of adequate skincare measures, and so on. The severity of the problem can vary from person to person and depends on the underlying cause. At times, acne can be quite severe, leading to a lot of embarrassment and lack of confidence. Therefore, almost all people who suffer from this problem end up consulting skin specialists for the right facial treatments, to cure the problem.

Acne Facial Treatments

In most cases, the medical facial treatments for reducing acne aim at the reduction of oil production on the surface of the skin, fighting off bacterial infections and reducing inflammation. Some of the options used in acne facial treatments include:

•    Over the counter topical medication
•    Antibiotics
•    Isotretinoin
•    Oral contraceptive
•    Laser therapy
•    Light therapy
•    Cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels

Unfortunately, acne facial treatments can be quite expensive, which is why not all people can afford them. Therefore, there are several people who opt for homemade facial treatments, which are not only cheaper, but are also less likely to have side effects. Given below are some of the most common home facial treatments for acne:

•    Washing the affected area of the skin with a mild and gentle face cleanser. Therefore, it is best to avoid facial scrubs, face washes, astringents and other face masks, as they irritate the skin and aggravate the problem of acne

•    There are several over the counter topical products, containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, to dry up the excess oil on the skin, thereby reducing the acne.

•    The use of any greasy products, like lotions, skin creams, sunscreens, concealing products and cosmetics should be strictly avoided as they worsen the problem significantly.

•    It is important to keep the skin, as well as any other surrounding area clean, as the hair could also touch the face regularly.

•    Picking or squeezing the acne can cause it to spread, thereby worsening it. At times, it could also lead to acne scars, which are difficult to get rid of.

While most of the options of facial treatment mentioned above are fairly safe if used correctly, it is best to consult a doctor, before tying out any of them.

Home Remedies for Getting Rid of Blackheads

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

Blackheads can be described as small, dark and hardened pits, which appear on the surface of the skin. They are usually regarded by most people as precursors of acne. There are several men and women around the globe who suffer from blackheads on their skin. These blackheads look very ugly, and hence most people, especially women, go through blackheads treatment, to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Unfortunately, getting rid of blackheads may seem like a huge challenge for most people. This is because even regular or intensive acne treatment is quite ineffective, when it comes to getting rid of blackheads.

Blackheads Treatment

There are several commercial products that are easily available in the market today that claim to be very effective when it comes to blackheads treatment. However, these products are not only expensive, but it has also been seen that many of them do not yield the results that they promise. Hence, people have now started moving towards a more natural blackheads treatment, which mainly includes the use of home remedies for blackheads. Given below are some simple steps that can be included as a part of blackheads treatment:

•    Use a mild and gentle cleanser, which is water soluble. Apply it to a soft washcloth and rub it on the affected part so that it can help exfoliate the skin manually. However, this should not be overdone, as it could lead to a rash. Cleansers that are drying can irritate the skin and therefore they should be strictly avoided

•    While applying moisturizers to the face, the ones that are too greasy or emollient should be avoided. Studies indicate that some of the most effective ways of keeping the skin moist and hydrated are by applying light fluid lotion, gel or any liquid based skincare products. Thick lotions and creams can clog the pores on the person’s skin, thereby aggravating the problem

•    It is advisable to apply a leave on exfoliant, which has a salicylic acid base. However, it is very important to ensure that the products used contain no irritants or else they could worsen the problem significantly.

•    The excess oil on the individual’s skin should be washed away or absorbed at regular intervals. There are several clay masks that are free of irritant that can help people in this. Certain types of oil blotting paper can also be used for the skin for this purpose.

In case there is no improvement in spite of using the home remedies mentioned above, it may be best to consult a dermatologist for blackheads treatment.

Natural Blackhead Removal Treatment

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

In some people, the oil or sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of oil which then gets trapped within the pores. The dead skin cells and dirt combine with this oil and form a hard plug. The part of the plug that is exposed to air undergoes oxidization and takes on a black color. This is referred to as a blackhead. Blackheads commonly occur in the T-zone area as there is a greater concentration of oil glands there. Blackheads can occur due to various factors. Hormonal changes are the main trigger of excess oil production by the oil glands. These changes may be brought about by puberty, stress and intake of certain medications. Application of make-up and skin care products that are very oily can also lead to formation of blackheads.

Homemade Blackhead Treatments

Blackhead treatment comes in the form of gels and creams which are available over-the-counter. There are also some natural blackhead treatments.

•    One such effective natural blackhead removal remedy is a mixture of pepper and curd. Add a tablespoon of powdered black pepper to some curd and mix into a paste. Apply it to the affected areas and wash after 10 minutes. A teaspoon of rice flour may also be added to the paste.

•    Another effective acne and blackhead treatment is lemon juice. Application of fresh lemon juice to the affected skin twice or thrice a day helps to keep the skin pores tighter.

•    One can also prepare a face pack for blackheads by adding some lemon juice and a teaspoon of groundnut oil to roasted and ground pomegranate skin.

•    Homemade blackhead treatment can be done by applying honey to the skin. Honey is beneficial for sensitive skin and can be used to treat many skin blemishes.A facial mask made with honey, lemon juice, banana and salt is effective in reducing the formation of blackheads.

•    Fenugreek helps to prevent blackheads, acne and also wrinkles. Grind some fresh fenugreek leaves into a paste by adding some water and apply to the face at night. It can then be washed off in the morning.

•    To reduce blackheads, one can even apply grated potato on the skin. The potato must be left on the skin until it dries.

•    A paste made with radish seeds is another popular remedy for blackheads. Grind some radish seeds with some water to form a thick paste. Apply this to the affected skin and wash it off after it dries completely.

Homemade Treatment for Pimples on Face

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Acne is a skin condition which is characterized by inflammation and eruptions on the skin. It most commonly occurs in adolescents. There are four major factors involved in the occurrence of acne. These include overactive oil glands, skin pore blockages, infection by skin bacteria and inflammation. The oil glands are responsible for producing oil or sebum which helps to lubricate the skin. These oil glands are connected to small canals which contain hair. These are known as hair follicles. The openings of the canals are called skin pores. Oil production is regulated by the hormones. Hormonal fluctuations during times of stress can lead to greater production of oil. This excess oil may get accumulated and trapped in the skin pores. The dead skin cells also adhere to the oil and form plugs which block the pores. These blockages can lead to formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Some amount of bacteria is normally present on the skin. These bacteria also collect in the blocked pores and cause inflammation and irritation. The inflamed areas of skin are also characterized by swelling, redness and warmth.

Types of Pimples

There are different types of pimples such as blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts. Treatment for pimples is aimed at preventing scarring. There are many over-the-counter medications available for acne in the form of ointments, creams, face washes and cleansers. Many individuals also opt for natural treatment for pimples on face and other areas of the body. An effective natural treatment for the different types of pimples is tea tree oil. This oil has anti-bacterial properties and hence works well in treating pimples. To soothe irritated and inflamed skin, one can also apply the gel of aloe vera leaves. Zinc capsules are often prescribed for those with recurring acne problems as it helps to strengthen the immune system and promote healing of the skin. Supplements of vitamin A and vitamin E are also often recommended.

Homemade Treatment for Pimples

A homemade treatment for pimples involves application of a mixture of tomato pulp, honey and rose water to the face. It also helps to apply a mix of lemon juice, cream and glycerin to the affected areas.  In addition to home remedies, it is also essential to follow a healthy balanced diet and perform regular exercise. Adequate intake of water is imperative for healthy skin as the toxins and waste materials are flushed out of the body and this would prevent any of the different types of pimples from setting in. Since stress is one of the major triggers of acne, relaxation through yoga and meditation is also beneficial.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

The tea tree oil is extracted from a plant in Australia. It is known for its anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties. In aromatherapy, tea tree oil is used for many ailments like bad breath, athletes’ foot , cold sores, body odor and of course, acne. This oil contains an ingredient called terpinen-4-ol which is responsible for its anti bacterial properties.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne Scars

The use of tea tree oil for acne and removing acne scars has been a popular remedy for ages. It can be used directly with other emollients depending on the skin type. As it is a very strong oil, it cannot be applied to the skin directly. For oily skin the combination of one part oil and nine parts water is good. But for sensitive skin, one part oil is mixed with nine parts aloe vera gel is better suited. You can even try tea tree masks by mixing the oil with green clay and applying it on your face. You can leave it on for 30 minutes before washing it off. The use of tea tree oil for acne scars is relatively safe and has almost no side effects on the individual’s skin. If you consider using tea tree oil for acne treatment, it is also necessary that you be well informed about the application of the oil as well as its usage.

Do not directly use too much of the oil at one go. Use a small amount at first and if your skin does not react adversely, you can slowly increase the dosage of tea tree oil for better and faster benefits. The first application does sting initially but that just means it is killing the bacteria. If the stinging sensation persists or you start feeling a burning sensation, you should discontinue applying it as it could be an adverse reaction. It is a very strong oil and if used undiluted or under diluted, it can cause a skin reaction of its own. It is also never ingested and always used in topical solutions.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne Treatment

Tea tree oil is also available in a soap form which can help keep your skin on an even keel.  Mixing tea tree oil with your everyday toner will help keep bacteria at bay, constantly. Combining tea tree oil with lavender oil and aloe vera gel creates your very own acne-fighting moisturizing. This moisturizing helps fight acne and helps the skin to rejuvenate. Mixing the oil in a bath can help treat the larger acne infected areas. If you have really dry skin, you can also add some milk powder or oatmeal to the bath.

Tea tree oil usually takes longer to work on acne and acne scars than conventional medicine cures but also has a long lasting effect. So it is worth persevering. Tea tree oil is even used in medical treatment for acne.  It is also used in a variety of different products like lotions, gels, toothpaste, shampoos and mouthwash.

How to Get Rid of Pimples Scars

Thursday, December 30th, 2010

Pimples or acne are commonly observed in teenagers on account of the hormonal changes that they undergo during the years of puberty. Many a times such acne or pimple attacks tend to result in pimples scars which are observed in the form of craters or gorges in the skin.  These scars make the skin look unsightly and have an adverse effect on ones overall beauty, hence many people are keen on knowing how to remove pimple scars.

Home Remedies for Pimples Scars

There are also plenty of home remedies for pimples scars that form part of the available options for treatment of pimple scars however one should keep in mind that these home remedies will not completely erase the scars but just reduce the intensity of their appearance.

•    One of the home remedies to know how to get rid of pimple scars is to first cleanse the concerned area of skin with  some clean water and then with the help of a cotton ball apply some freshly squeezed lemon juice. This lemon juice should be allowed to remain on the scars for at least ten minutes before washing it off with some water. Those who have highly sensitive skin should be careful while using lemon juice because of the presence of citric acid which may result in a burning sensation.

•    Another way to get rid of pimples scars naturally is to prepare a mixture of two teaspoons of purified water and one teaspoon of baking soda to form a paste like mixture. This mixture should then be applied on the affected skin and allowed to remain before washing it off. Thereafter one should massage the area of skin with some olive oil to ensure that the skin remains supple and healthy.

•    Another treatment for pimple scars which is known to be highly effective is to mix together some zero fat sour cream , oatmeal , two spoons of fresh lemon juice and some yogurt which  after blending thoroughly should be used as  a face pack. This pack should be allowed to remain on the skin for some time before washing it off completely.

•    A treatment for pimples scars also involves the application of some vitamin E oil which tends to reduce the intensity of these scars.

•    One of the home remedies for pimples scars is to also wash ones face with some warm salt water at least twice a day. This treatment should ensure that the skin remains oil free which would otherwise aggravate the acne.