Archive for the ‘Acne’ Category

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Homemade Acne Treatments to Heal Your Sensitive Skin

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Symptoms of Sensitive Skin

Acne is a common skin problem that can occur in individuals of all ages and is one of the most common symptoms of sensitive skin. It is, however, more common among teenagers. There are many acne treatments available in the market today. But many of these products contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful for sensitive skin. The symptoms of sensitive skin include dryness, itching, pimples, redness, spots and sunburn. Sensitive skin is also likely to suffer allergic reactions to harsh soaps and cosmetics. These symptoms of sensitive skin could be very embarrassing and affect the individual’s aesthetic features greatly. The best acne treatments for sensitive skin are those that involve natural ingredients.

Acne Sensitive Skin Treatment

  • One of the most popular acne remedies to treat the symptoms of sensitive skin is ice cubes. Applying ice cubes to the affected areas will help to reduce the inflammation and redness.
  • Another acne sensitive skin treatment is an oatmeal mask. This can be easily prepared by grinding some oatmeal in a blender and adding a small amount of water. Apply the paste to the face and wash it off after twenty minutes. This gives a soothing effect to the skin.
  • You can also treat acne by placing raw potato slices on the affected skin. This helps to reduce swelling and irritation. Acne treatments for sensitive skin must be gentle so that they do not aggravate the condition.
  • One such mild facial mask can be made with baking soda. Add a little water to some baking soda powder and apply to the face. Rinse the face once the mask dries. If your skin is too sensitive, you can dab a little paste on individual pimples.
  • Some people find an egg yolk facial to be beneficial for sensitive skin. Simple beat one egg yolk and apply to the face with a cosmetic brush. Allow it to dry and then wash the face with a mild cleanser. Do not use this treatment if you are allergic to egg.

Since sensitive skin can suffer damage from the use of commercial face cleansers, it is advisable to use natural cleansers as these are gentler on the skin. One of the most effective acne cleansers for sensitive skin is a mixture of lemon and rosewater. You may also wash the face with a saline solution to prevent inflammation. The juice of fresh ginger is also a helpful remedy for acne. Ginger helps to reduce bacterial infection and inflammation. This may be slightly strong and hence it is advisable to do a patch test on another area of skin before applying to the face. Washing the face with mint tea is also known to be a beneficial acne treatment for sensitive skin.

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How to Tackle Teenage Acne Problems

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Acne problem has become of the leading concerns amongst teenagers as well as young adults, all across the world. Studies reveal that over 85% of the teenagers in the United States of America develop acne, due to the production of androgen hormones. This problem could range from mild acne to severe acne and boys are more susceptible to severe acne, because they tend to produce more androgens. Moreover, the pores on the skin tend to get blocked by grease, dirt and dead skin, which leads to redness, swelling and perhaps pus too. Contrary to the common beliefs, acne is not usually caused by lack of hygiene or by eating greasy foods and chocolate.

While there are some anti-acne creams that are available in most stores today, skin experts usually recommend that they should not be used too often for treating teenage acne. At times, these creams could cause more harm, as they aggravate the condition.

Natural Teenage Acne Treatments

There are a few teenage acne remedies that can be made at home using natural ingredients. These home remedies are believed to be safer and are supposed to have few side effects.Given below are some of the most common natural teenage acne treatments:

•    Take a hot steam for around ten minutes or so. Boil some water in a deep dish and then allow it to cool for around fifteen minutes. Bend your head over dish and cover your head with the towel, so as to trap the steam within. Inhale the steam from the dish for as long as possible. This remedy is great for killing the germs. It also prevents acne from spreading.
•    Oatmeal and yogurt are also effective teenage acne treatments. Combine some plain oatmeal and yogurt together, to form a thick paste. Apply this paste to the acne-affected area and leave it on till it dries. Wash your face with warm water and pat yourself dry.
•    Boil 50 grams of blackberry leaves, strawberry leaves or raspberry leaves with a liter and a half of water, to make a face pack. Apply this pack on the affected area for around 3 minutes to soothe any itchiness.
•    Aloe Vera is usually very effective in the treatment of acne. Apply some Aloe Vera gel on the affected area and leave it on for a while, before rinsing it off
•    Apply fresh mint juice every night, to cure the acne and get rid of it.

Teenage acne treatments using home remedies are very safe and beneficial.. However, if you do not notice any improvement after a few weeks, it is best to consult a dermatologist who may suggest better and especially designed teenage acne treatments.

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How to Get Rid of Cystic Pimples

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Cystic Pimples

Harsher forms of acne are associated with greater complications and cystic pimples are the worst form of acne. Cystic pimples are different from the typical bumps and blemishes that are normally associated with skin problems or acne. They are much larger in size and more painful than normal. A cystic pimple can be as large as 5 mm or more in diameter. They are found on the skin and a more severe variety may appear as bumps under the skin’s surface. They are produced by the same processes that bring about superficial pimples, that is, excessive oil production. However, cystic pimples cannot be seen or easily reached. Just like normal pimples, a cystic pimple is a pocket of accumulated fluid. But cystic pimples are and can also caused by some sort of infection. Unlike other forms of acne, such as blackheads and whiteheads, cystic pimples never release their waste products. Squeezing or “popping” a cystic pimple would only multiply your problems by spreading the infection to surrounding tissues. Some people are more prone to cystic pimples than others. Most people who suffer from these pimples must be wondering how to get rid of cystic pimples.

Cystic pimples are usually linked to an unhealthy lifestyle. An unbalanced or fat rich diet with an insufficient intake of water can spell doom for your skin. Drinking plenty of water and including fresh fruits and leafy vegetables will go a long way in preventing abnormal oil production which could lead to cystic pimples.

Home Remedies for Cystic Pimples

There are a few home remedies for cystic pimples that you can use to ease the pain. You should wash your face with an oil free cleanser at least twice a day. Pat your face dry with a clean napkin each time and dab some oil free moisturizer onto your face. Applying toothpaste to the affected areas on your face before you go to bed is another form of cystic pimple treatment. The pimples should be much smaller in the morning. You could also reduce the cystic pimple swelling during the day by applying a paste made up of crushed up aspirin tablets and a few drops of water to your face. Once the paste has dried up, rinse it off with some warm water. If this does not work you can also try applying a gel consisting of 10% benzoyl peroxide. Although home remedies are great, in certain severe cases treating cystic pimples is best left to a good dermatologist.

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Home Treatment for Acne Cysts

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Acne cysts are a type of acne that is characterized by pus formation, pain and discomfort. This condition is also referred to as nodulocystic acne or cystic acne. Acne cysts may occur in individuals of any age, although it is most common in teenagers and young adults. A bacterial infection leads to the formation of pus in the cysts. Treating acne cysts early is important as the infection could spread to other areas of the body. Home treatment for acne cysts is known to aid in providing relief. Before examining the treatments available for this condition, let us first understand what causes acne cysts.

Causes of Acne Cysts

Since acne cysts are a type of acne, the causes of this condition are similar to those of acne in general. The main causes of acne cysts are bacteria. Accumulation of dead skin cells and excess production of sebum or oil also contribute to the occurrence of acne cysts. When dead skin cells and oil accumulate within a hair follicle, the walls of the pore expand beyond their limit. When the walls rupture, the bacteria in surrounding areas of skin enter the pore and lead to infection. Pus formation is part of the body’s natural defense response to the infection. Certain factors are known to increase the risk of acne cysts. These include consumption of fatty, sugary and processed foods, alcohol consumption and improper skin hygiene. Acne cysts can be cured completely if treated early. Only home treatment for acne cysts is not entirely effective as medical treatment is also necessary.

Treatments for Acne Cysts

  • A beneficial natural treatment for acne cysts is aloe vera. The gel of aloe vera leaves may be applied directly to the affected areas. Aloe vera is believed to be the ideal acne cyst cure since it generally does not lead to any side effects.
  • Fruit packs also help in soothing affected skin. You can use fruits such as mangoes or lemons. Turmeric powder and ground dried margosa leaves may also be added to the fruit pack.
  • Tea tree oil is another good acne cysts treatment as it has anti-bacterial properties. It may be applied to affected skin using a cotton ball.
  • You may also use apple cider vinegar as a home treatment for acne cysts. Dilute some apple cider vinegar in water and apply to the skin. Leave it on for about ten minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water. This helps to maintain the pH balance of the skin.

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How to Get Rid of Whiteheads on Nose

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Whiteheads are formed due to the accumulation of excess sebum or oil in the skin pores. Whiteheads on the nose area are most common. They can also develop on the forehead and around the eyes. Whiteheads on the nose appear as very tiny raised bumps that are white in color and composed of oily material. Unlike blackheads, the debris inside whiteheads is not exposed to air and hence oxidation does not occur. This is why they do not darken. In order to get rid of whiteheads on the nose and other areas of the face, one must follow a healthy diet and maintain a daily skin cleansing regimen.

Whiteheads around the nose usually occur due to an excess production of sebum or oil by the oil glands. This is triggered off by hormonal imbalances due to factors such as stress, menstruation, intake of certain medications and some illnesses. Many women are prone to whiteheads during their menstrual period. The diet may also play a part in the occurrence of whiteheads. Consumption of too many sugary foods can lead to hormonal disturbances. The best whiteheads treatment is a healthy, balanced diet and proper hygiene of the skin.

Treatment for Whiteheads

The diet must consist of plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also important to drink lots of water so that the body is able to flush out the toxins. In some cases, certain dietary supplements may also be prescribed to regain hormonal balance. There are also some natural remedies which serve as an effective treatment for whiteheads.

  • A simple home remedy for this skin blemish involves the use of raw milk and salt. Add a pinch of salt to about 50 ml of milk and the squeeze in some lime juice. Apply this over the affected areas and then wipe off with a cotton ball. This helps to clean the skin pores.
  • A paste of fenugreek leaves would help to prevent as well as get rid of whiteheads on the nose. Apply and leave on for about 20 minutes, before rinsing the face with lukewarm water.
  • An age-old treatment for glowing skin is rose water and sandalwood. These natural ingredients are also effective in treating whiteheads on nose. Combine rose water and sandalwood paste and apply to the nose area. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash the face with lukewarm water.
  • Lightly steaming the face also helps to open up the pores and dislodge the whiteheads.

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How to Control Acne Breakouts

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Many people suffer from acne breakouts on account of a fluctuation in the hormone levels which may occur at various stages of the individuals lives  such as pregnancy, puberty or even menopause. A breakout of acne would also be indicative of a buildup or poor elimination of toxins or even high levels of stress or lack of adequate exercise. Most of the methods of treating acne through commercially available products include the use of topical application products which contain a compound called benzoyl peroxide which tends to be a major skin irritant at times. Peroxide is basically an oxidant that is known to damage healthy skin tissue although it is also highly effective for acne oil control. One of the most common acne control tips is to minimize the use of cosmetic products such as foundation creams which are oil based as they tend to aggravate and existing acne condition.

Acne Control Treatments

Acne control treatments include the substitution of oil based cosmetics for alcohol based cosmetics or even better water based cosmetics. This is because although they tend to provide less camouflage as compared to oil based cosmetic water based and alcohol based cosmetics are less prone to causing acne breakouts. One of the first steps to known how to control acne is to visit a dermatologist who can then accordingly prescribe the antibiotics, topical creams and medications that are most suitable for the individual. Thereafter one should also ensure that they drink at least eight glasses of water every day as water tends to flush out any harmful toxins from the body and keeps the skin supple and hydrated. On the other hand the intake of carbonated drinks, sugar rich foods, oily and fried foods should be reduced or completely eliminated if possible.

In some cases of acne breakouts, the dermatologist may even prescribe vitamin supplements such as zinc, vitamin E and B complex vitamins. Additionally, while treating acne one should also reduce the intake of milk and dairy products as the hormones present in milk tend to aggravate the acne breakouts. Those who need to have milk may substitute it with soy milk instead. Some home remedies for acne oil control include the use of tea tree oil directly on the acne as it tends to kill the bacteria. Similarly, one can also incorporate cranberry juice as part of their daily diet as it is known to help control acne breakouts in some individuals.

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How to Heal Acne Scars Naturally

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Healing acne scars naturally takes a great deal of time and patience and can take a few weeks for the results to show. First and foremost drink plenty of water as this will help improve your blood circulation and aid in flushing out the toxins in your body. About 5-6 litres every day should be enough and you may also drink fruit juices, particularly water melon to cool the body and heal the acne scars.

Home Remedies for Acne Scars

  • Citric acid present in lemons is an excellent remedy for acne and it is best to have a glass or two of lime juice everyday to heal acne scars.
  • It might be helpful to grow an aloe vera plant at home as the gel from its stem can be applied onto the scars to heal them easily.
  • Consume two or three fresh tomatoes every day as part of a salad or just a snack. The vitamin A present in it is an essential component to heal the scars.
  • Apply honey or a mixture of honey and lime juice onto the scars and leave on for about fifteen minutes. Wash off with cool water and use an ice cube over your face to close any open pores. Allow your face to dry on its own or gently pat dry.
  • Applying a little vitamin E to your scars will help them heal faster.
  • Take a spoon of milk that has not been boiled and mix it with a teaspoon of powdered green gram. Once you have an even, thick mixture you can apply it onto the scars and the rest of your face if you wish and leave on for half an hour. Wash off with cool water and dry using a clean cotton towel.
  • Wash your face clean and dab a little tea tree oil onto the scars. Continue this for at least three weeks to notice the change.
  • Slice a potato thinly and leave on your face. Remove them in half an hour. While this will help reduce the dark scars, it will also help get rid of dark circles and make your skin look fresh.

Do not touch your face too often lest the germs that abound in the hands affect the pores in your face. Wash your face twice or thrice a day with a mild face wash and use a scarf when out in the sun to protect your face from the dust and pollution.

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How to Use Herbal Treatments for Acne

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Acne is a chronic skin condition that usually affects teenagers, although it can also affect adults in some cases. Acne occurs when the hormones act on the sebaceous glands underneath the skin and is not restricted to the face alone. It can occur on the neck, arms, back and even extend to the shoulders and arms. Acne can occur due to one’s feeding habits, especially irregular meal times, overconsumption of starch, fatty, greasy food and too much sugar. Constipation can cause acne too and this is because the inability to discharge waste from the bowels poisons the blood stream with toxic matter. Dust, grime and pollution are also capable of aggravating acne as they clog the pores and can give rise to blackheads and whiteheads.

Herbal treatment for acne is preferred over medicated ointments as they are safer for the skin.

  • Wash your face with warm water and while still wet, apply a mixture of plain unflavoured yoghurt and oatmeal onto the face. Wait till it dries and wash off with warm water. Pat your face dry and if you wish, you may rub an ice cube over it, to close the pores.
  • Another herbal treatment for acne includes making a paste by mixing a little honey and powdered cinnamon till you have a thick even paste. Apply onto the face and leave overnight. Wash it off first thing in the morning and dab try with a soft towel. Allow a few lettuce leaves to saturate in water. Use it to rinse your face twice a day.Alternatively you may soak fenugreek leaves in water overnight and use the water to rinse your face in the morning.
  • Mash a ripe tomato and apply the pulp all over your face. Wash off in fifteen minutes. Mix a teaspoon of rose water and an equal amount of lime juice. Apply this after washing your face every night. Leave it on for half an hour before using lukewarm water to wash it off. Gently pat dry afterwards.

Do not squeeze any of the pimples and drink plenty of water and fruit juices to make sure that your skin is hydrated and that toxic matter is easily flushed out of the body. Avoid greasy junk food, alcohol and smoking. Eat a healthy balanced diet consisting of fresh green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meat and fish. While preparing food, use as little oil as possible and keep away from fatty food.

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Natural Acne Blemish Treatments

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Acne scars are quite bothersome and if not treated in time, may take a long time to fade away.

Home Remedies for Acne Blemishes

  • The most commonly prescribed home remedy for acne blemishes is petroleum jelly which is available in most stores. Wash your face with cool water and dab a little jelly onto the scars. Leave them overnight and wash off the next morning. It is important to begin the application when the scars are still pink in color, in other words while they are still fresh. This remedy may not work as effectively otherwise.
  • A thick paste can be made out of turmeric powder and sandalwood. Once the mixture is even and without any lumps, you may apply it onto the blemishes and wash it off in half an hour.
  • Alternatively a few drops of rosewater may be mixed with sandalwood powder and applied to the area. This too can be washed off in half an hour or so.
  • Slice a lemon into two and remove the seeds. Use one half of it to gently rub the scarred areas. Lemon is commonly used as an exfoliating agent. It will clear out dead cells if any while its bleaching properties are capable of lightening the skin.
  • Grate a potato and apply it onto the face by gently rubbing it in. Wash your face in twenty minutes or so.
  • A ripe tomato can be cut in half and rubbed onto the blemishes. This simple acne blemish treatment has been found to be very effective even when treating old scars. You may wash this off in half an hour and gently dry it with a towel. After washing your face, use an ice cube to rub all over your cheeks and other acne prone areas. This will ensure that the pores remain closed and it will help to reduce the production of sebum.
  • Use a mild face wash, preferably something herbal and wash your face with it. Dab gently to dry. Wash your face with freshly made buttermilk that is a little thick in consistency. Wait for about fifteen minutes before washing it off with cool water.

Avoid greasy, oily junk food, alcohol, smoking, and artificially flavored and carbonated beverages. Consume a healthy balanced diet that consists of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, lean meat and fish. Drinking at least 6 liters of water a day is essential to ensure that your skin remains hydrated and supple. This will aid in clearing up the blemishes faster. When travelling, use a scarf or a stole to cover up your face to protect it from pollution and dust.

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Natural Treatment for Facial Acne Pustules

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

Acne is a common skin condition that can be very painful and disfiguring. Acne can occur anywhere on the body and leads to scarring that could take a long time to heal. An excessive production of oil on the skin can lead to a clogging of facial pores and thereby result in the formation of acne. In addition, sweat, dead skin cells, dirt and other pollutants that the skin is exposed to everyday could also result in facial acne. Facial acne can manifest in the form of recurring pimples or pustules that can be very painful and itchy.

Acne pustules are normally in the shape of a dome, filled with pus and with a white center. These lesions generally form above a sebaceous follicle with a hair at its center. Acne pustules treatment involves a combination of proper skin care, a healthy diet and a few simple remedies. Firstly, ensure that you take proper care of your skin to avoid the appearance of acne pustules. Avoid touching these pustules as they may break and then become infected. This could lead to a further spread of the pustules and it is thus advisable not to touch them at all. Ensure that your fingernails are closely trimmed to avoid causing any damage to the acne pustules. Use a good moisturizer and cleanser that is suitable for your skin type. For instance, use skin care products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help control oil production on your skin and to treat acne pustules. However it is important to remember, that individual skin types may have specific requirements and it is advisable to consult your dermatologist before pursuing any kind of treatment.

Remedy for Acne Pustules

Avoid going to sleep with makeup on your face as this could further clog your pores and result in acne. Ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep as lack of proper rest can also lead to skin conditions like acne pustules. It is also important to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet to get rid of pustules. Avoid eating junk food and food that is excessively greasy or oily. In addition to these skin care tips and health precautions, there are several home remedies you could try to help treat acne pustules effectively. Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for acne pustules. Apply tea tree oil on the affected area at least twice a day to help get rid of pustules.

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