Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Acne Treatment And Tips

Acne Treatment And Tips

Many people are affected by acne and it often goes untreated. If acne remains untreated, hyper pigmentation and scarring are just two examples of long lasting effects that it can leave behind. Just like any other illness it is important to address this issue in order to avoid negative consequences. Luckily there are plenty of natural skin care options that you can use to fight acne.

How does Acne Develop?

Acne develops deep in the skin's surface at the base of hair follicles. These spaces are surrounded by skin cells and sebaceous glands that are responsible for producing sebum, a type of oil. Dead skin cells are secreted from healthy hair follicles by the movement of sebum. A blemish is caused when this process is interrupted by a blockage caused by a group of skin cells that cannot be secreted from the follicle. A blocked mass of dead skill cells and oil produces a micro comedone. Bacteria begin to grow in this microenvironment, as it is able to fuel itself and live off of the dead skin cells and oil. If this continues, it will cause a whitehead, a closed comedone, or a blackhead, an open comedone. In more serious cases your body will naturally send other types of cells to fight the infection, causing the mass to grow larger, become inflamed, and result in a painful bump or cyst.

What Causes Acne?

It is helpful to know about that factors that trigger this nasty process to begin. There are a number of different factors that can lead to problems with acne. The most significant factors that cause acne are genetics, stress, and diet. People react to acne outbreaks in distinct ways and unfortunately many end up aggravating their condition. For example, washing your face often seems like a logical answer, however, excessive washing can have negative effects. Other beauty products can negatively affect skin, such as hair products containing oil that can create acne in the areas of the forehead and temples. Make-up as well, is usually oil based. Stay away from heavy make-up, especially focused around the blemish, even though you may be tempted to cover it up.

How do You Treat and Prevent Acne?

1. Leave blackheads and whiteheads alone to heal naturally. Popping them or picking at your skin leads to further infection and future scarring.

2. Do not excessively wash your skin. Blackheads might appear as though they are filled with dirt, but what you see is actually oxidized sebum. The truth is that cleaning your skin too often can actually exacerbate the condition. Wash twice a day with gentle acne sensitive products and pat dry.

3. Noncomedogenic products are important to use as they do not worsen cases of acne.

4. Be careful to find an acne treatment product that is right for you. You should be aware of side effects, for example, sensitivity to the sun. You should be aware of this effect and be careful to wear UV protection.

5. Keep away from extra treatments. Facials and other heavy therapies can clog pores and worsen your condition. A simple natural skin care routine is the best method to clear your skin.

6. It is a good idea to pull your hair back and keep from touching your face with your hands. Try to avoid anything that could make your face oilier.

By: Sara Kitch
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Things To Know Before You Use Laser Acne Treatment

Things To Know Before You Use Laser Acne Treatment

The color of your skin is a key factor in determining the use of laser treatment. Dark skin tends to be dry and might need moisturizing. Laser acne treatment involves the danger of excessive darkening which is difficult to reverse. Excessive laser heat used for dark complexion can damage your skin. By creating an injury to the gland that causes acne, the treatment is able to keep the reappearance of acne at bay for a longer time period. In case the problem resurfaces, you may have to go for further sittings.

Cost and insurance

A session of laser acne treatment is expensive at $500 for a 15-minute session. Depending on the severity of the acne, your doctor might prescribe multiple sessions. Besides, your mobility will be hampered for a few days after the treatment. Medications may have to be continued for a few days after treatment. Calculate your obvious and hidden costs like loss of pay for the period that you are to avoid moving out. Your insurance company will not cover the treatment as a medical necessity. The costs are high but if the problem is affecting your self-esteem and your social interactions, you may feel it is worth the cost.

Expectations of the treatment

Laser acne treatment involves burning the affected tissue without affecting the surrounding area. Though effective, a patient cannot expect to come out from treatment looking perfect. There will be raw looking, bruised skin with crust-like formations on the skin. The skin may temporarily have an increased redness and some hyper-pigmentation that takes about 2 years to settle. Besides, this treatment does not promise perfect unblemished skin but aims to control the problem. There are limitations to the treatment that you must know before opting for the procedure. Severe acne is successfully treated and the skin does rejuvenate with a superior luster than before treatment. However, it takes time to see these results.

Communicate with your doctor

Select a qualified doctor who is skilled at performing surgery and is aware of the use of laser equipment and heat application. Inform your doctor about any medicines that you are allergic to. If you are having medication for any existing health issues, the doctor must know so that unwanted reactions during and after the treatment are avoided. Ask your doctor about the treatment and all that will be done. The doctor may use a topical anesthetic to prevent a stinging or burning that occurs with laser acne treatment. Understand the precautions you will have to take after the treatment and work out the viability of taking them.

Post treatment care

Your skin should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a few days after the treatment. If you are working, you will have to find a way to make this possible. Make your house suitable and ensure availability of basic items before you enter treatment. Further, you must be aware of whether pain or burning sensation after the treatment is completed is to be expected and what steps you should take in case there is a problem. Laser acne treatment demands precautions after the skin has been treated so that you can avoid any unwanted effects on your skin.


By: Ingrid
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