Acne Information

7 Ways To Conquer Acne


Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

  • Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • L-Carnitine
  • Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Proactiv® Solution
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Retinoids
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral Contraceptives
  • Anti-Androgens
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

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Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat Acne

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

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MORE RESOURCES:

CaymanMama.com (press release)

Roche ordered to pay $13M to users of acne drug
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All three began using Accutane a decade ago to treat teenage acne. One of the group is expected to soon have his colon surgically removed while the others ...
New Jersey Jury Awards $12.9 Million to Three Patients Whose Use ... MarketWatch
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AsiaOne

The pill isn't the best answer for acne
AsiaOne, Singapore - Nov 19, 2008
By Thidakarn Ratanabanangkoon, MP Q. Does the birth-control pill cure acne? My 13-year-old daughter is getting a lot of pimples. ...


Acne gel being recalled
Capital News 9, NY - Nov 17, 2008
DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated Gel sold at Dollar General and the Equate Medicated Acne Gel sold at Wal-Mart are being pulled off the shelves. ...


Business Wire (press release)

Arcutis Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Approval of Acanya™ Gel for ...
Business Wire (press release), CA - 14 hours ago
Evaluated in clinical studies enrolling over 3200 subjects with moderate to severe acne, Acanya Gel is the only FDA-approved fixed combination antibiotic ...


Medicated Acne Gel Recall: Sold at Wal-Mart, Kroger and Dollar General
AboutLawsuits.com - Nov 18, 2008
A recall has been issued for 1 ounce tubes of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream, which were sold as “Kroger Acne Gel”, “DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated ...


The Money Times

CSI USA, Inc. Issues Voluntary National Recall of Topical Acne Cream
MarketWatch - Nov 13, 2008
No other acne medications sold by Dollar General, Kroger or Wal-Mart are affected by this recall. CSI USA, Inc. 170 Commerce Way Gallatin, TN 37066 Attn: ...
Various brands of acne creams are recalled The Money Times
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Benzoyl peroxide topical acne cream recalled
Prescribing Reference, New York - Nov 18, 2008
CSI, Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of all lots of 1oz (28g) tubes of 10% benzoyl peroxide acne cream because product samples were found to ...


New Study Finds CO2 Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Safe And ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 19, 2008
For many acne patients, the resulting acne scars which last long after the pimples have disappeared can cause considerable psychosocial distress. ...


My life in shopping: Trinny Woodall
guardian.co.uk, UK - 1 hour ago
I went to Clinique and bought the three-step acne programme and felt so grown-up. Are you a shrinking violet in the changing rooms? No. ...


The truth about acne - Part II
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Nov 17, 2008
Often times, acne involves an increase in oil production, so persons with acne may notice that they have a more oily skin than others. ...

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