What is Acne? People have differing opinions as to what acne really is. So, what exactly is acne? Do a couple of occasional but recurring zits qualify as a case of acne or do you have to have a lot of zits?

Believe it or not, the answer is that occasional pimples or zits do not constitute a true case of acne. Although zits do seem to have the ability to appear almost instantaneously and at the most inopportune times like picture day, prom night, spelling bees, sporting events, dates, and special award ceremonies, they are not a true acne outbreak.

The dictionary defines acne as “an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands, characterized by comedones and pimples, especially on the face, back, chest, and, in severe cases, by cysts and nodules resulting in scarring.”

The anatomical definition of sebaceous glands is: “small subcutaneous glands usually connected with hair follicles. The follicles secrete an oily semi-fluid matter, composed in great part of fat, which softens and lubricates the hair and skin.”

Real acne outbreaks are actually a disease of the skin. However, the great news is that acne is treatable. Although it can be very embarrassing, cause great emotional distress, and lower your personal self-esteem for a period of time, acne is not fatal.

There are new and effective treatments being sought by researchers and great advances have been made in the treatment of acne in the last few years. Years ago, when a person had acne, they were pretty much stuck with the problem. There were very few treatments available and the medical profession didn’t even consider acne a disease.

It was long thought that acne was the direct result of a diet that was too high in fat and/or sweets. That is no longer the case. Acne is most often associated with puberty and the onset of pre-teen and teenage years but it can and does develop in adults as well. When acne does finally heal, there can be permanent scars left (from picking and popping) that are unsightly and cause patients to suffer long term emotional distress and low self- esteem.

New and very effective skin resurfacing treatments have been developed over the last several years that have, if not completely removed acne scars, at least diminished their appearance and severity.

Acne Fact or Fiction:

You can hear a lot of tall tales about acne today, so let’s take a look at the fact or fiction of acne. It is always better to be well armed with factual information so that you don’t get fooled by the fictional facts that surround acne.

Fictional Fact #1: Acne is caused by a lack of sexual activity.

Factual Fact: Acne and sexual activity are two entirely separate issues. One has no bearing on the other. Hormones secreted during puberty and young adulthood does have a bearing on acne. They also have a bearing on sexual arousal and activity. However, acne has no bearing on sexual activity nor does sexual activity have any bearing on acne.

Fictional Fact #2: People have acne because they are dirty.

Factual Fact: Dirt has no part in acne. Dirt is dirt. Acne is acne. One has nothing to do with the other. Acne is a build up of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Dirt isn’t involved. Keeping the face clean can and will help to prevent clogged pores but dirt does not cause acne.

Fictional Fact #3: Dermatologists can cure acne.

Factual Fact: Dermatologists can TREAT acne. They can help to alleviate the symptoms and help to clear up the pimples, black-heads, and white heads. They can prescribe antibiotics and topical ointments, lotions, and creams that will help but there is no cure at this time for acne.

Fictional Fact #4: Acne is simply a skin problem.

Factual Fact: It’s true that acne affects the skin but it can also affect the way a person sees himself or herself. Acne and the scarring it can leave behind may cause a sufferer to become depressed and develop low self-esteem, both of which can lead to larger and more complex life socialization problems. Acne sufferers need the loving support and reassurance from their family and friends.

Acne and Stress:

Can stress actually cause acne? There is ample evidence available to suggest that stress can most assuredly cause an acne breakout or make an existing breakout worse. Our bodies are highly developed chemical laboratories that produce all sorts of stuff.

At puberty, our body begins to produce an abundance of male hormones and this happens in both boys and girls. This overproduction of male hormones can happen at other times in life besides puberty; for example, when a girl or woman starting or stops taking birth control pills.

These male hormones cause the bodies sebaceous glands to shift into overdrive and begin producing sebum. The sebum then travels up hair follicles, clogs the pores and begins the acne development cycle. However, male hormones are not the only cause for the sebaceous glands to begin producing an overabundance of sebum. When we become extremely stressed or overly emotional, our bodies react by causing the adrenal glands to produce a substance known as Cortisol, which is released directly into the bloodstream. Then the chemical chain reaction continues as the sebaceous glands release sebum, the sebum travels up the same hair follicles, clogs the pores and acne develops.

The physical changes in the body can cause exactly the same chemical chain reaction as the emotional changes in the mind. The mind/body connection is very real. Maybe some of it really IS in your head. If that’s the case, there is help available to help people deal with the acne that is caused by stress. Reducing stress will just naturally reduce sebum production by the sebaceous glands and reducing sebum production will help to alleviate an acne breakout. Therefore, when you learn to reduce and control you stress levels, this part of the chemical chain reaction is minimized.

It really it isn’t any different than restoring a hormonal balance to your body that reduces sebum production. So, in the final analysis, both factors that cause excessive sebum production should be addressed. Solving one problem might help; however, solving both problems could eliminate acne altogether.

Acne Facials:

If you are part of the 95 of the population who suffer from acne, you have more than likely seen TV or print media advertisements for acne facials. Have you ever wondered if there is anything to the claims that their manufacturers make?

In general, the answer is yes! Most acne facials are very effective, pretty much worth the price, and can be used in conjunction with your usual acne fighting regime. They won’t necessarily replace any part of what you are already doing; but, rather enhance the overall effects.

You can find acne facials in most health stores, at many cosmetic counters, and online. As a matter of fact, you can probably complete a better comparison of available products online than you can anywhere else.

Most of these acne facial products provide for a three-step program. The first step is a complete facial cleansing. The next step is a steam massage. The final step is a facial mask. The first two steps are designed to prepare the face. The steam massage softens the black heads and the white heads to remove toxins from your skin. The facial mask serves to remove the dead skin cells from the face and to moisturize it as well. The overall effect of the acne facial is a very relaxing, calming, and cleansing experience. It just plain feels good. Anything that helps to calm and sooth your stress can’t be bad because we all know that acne is aggravated by high stress levels. Acne facial masks can be used in addition to other parts of your acne prevention and treatment regime or you may find that the facial can, in fact, actually replace some things that you are currently doing.

Acne Concealer’s:

One of Newton’s laws of physics laws says that, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” That law of physics spills over into a lot of our life situations. For example: A young woman gets a zit and wants to cover it up. The cosmetics industry has a multitude of products designed to do just that. Okay, that’s a little far out there but you get my point.

The acne pimples, whether they are white heads or black heads should never be picked at or popped. If they are popped or picked, it can and normally does result is a scar that is much harder to get rid of than the actual pimple, black head or white head. Popping a pimple is not going to make it go away. In fact, popping a pimple is only going to make the acne worse.

Still when you get a zit, you have to go out and face the world so you are looking for ways to make your skin look clear. You want to disguise the zit and make it as unnoticeable as possible. Here is where the cosmetic industry can help. There are a multitude of products designed to make a zit less noticeable. You don’t want to use a product that just adds to the problem by adding additional oil to already oily skin. So, you do need to remember, that when you use a cover product to make the zit less noticeable, you need to totally clean the product from your skin immediately when you return home.

Some of the better known as well as more effective cosmetic concealer’s on the market today are:

1. Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer: This product produces a smooth matte appearance and was designed specifically for covering acne blemishes as well as for covering Rosacea and dark circles under the eyes.

2. Flawless Skin by Prescriptives: This product will not aggravate acne but will supply a medium to full coverage and it contains SPF 25 for protection from the sun.

Don’t let acne control you; but rather, become smart and learn how to control the negative influences in your life that create a positive situation for acne to develop!

About The Author

Stephen M. Seabrook, MBA

President

Nice Specialty Gifts, L.L.C.

Shop for the best anniversary gifts for your parents, get personalized gifts for your spouse, or unique gifts for best friends at nicespecialtygifts4u. Com! Our 3.6 million gift superstore has this plus more!

http://www.nicespecialtygifts4u.com

Home of 3.6 million item gift shop with over 1,250 suppliers and Home Income Portals at http://www.homeincomeportal.com/stesea490 and http://www.itsmyfranchise.com/stesea532

Technorati Tags: acne

Technorati Tags: acne

1. How to Clear Acne Up Fast – The Best Things to Stop Acne in Its Tracks & Prevent Future Breakouts

   by
   
   Kerry Mathews

   Many people want to know how to clear acne up since it is a very common skin disease that many people deal with. Acne is the term for plugged pores, pimples, and even deep lumps such as cysts. Acne can occur on the face, chest, back, neck, upper arm, and the shoulders.

2. How to Clear Acne

   by
   
   Heather Eaton

   First things first there is no 5 minute way to get rid of acne. To properly remove acne it must be attacked directly from the root. The perfect cure for acne is already in your body. Yes that’s right; your body produces the necessary chemicals needed to cure acne. I’m sure most places where you read this topic they will never tell you this. Homemade remedies may work but will not be long lasting.

3. Cure Acne With Food! How Omega-3s Can Get Rid of Your Acne For Good

   by
   
   Danny Be

   Acne is seen as something that can only be treated by topical treatments, using gels, and cleansers. Food may not be the cause of Acne, but it can definitely help treat it. Here’s how a good diet can help rid you of all your Acne problems.

4. Acne Creams – Can They Ever Work?

   by
   
   John R Richards

   If you’ve got acne you’ve probably already spent a small fortune on acne creams and preparations. Now, ask yourself – have you still got acne? I thought so. Creams just can’t cure it. And this is why.

5. Can Vitamin D Help Cure Acne?

   by
   
   Lyle Rutstein

   Vitamin D is one of those vitamins that we can’t live without. But can it help cure acne? Read on to find out.

6. The Gadget For Your Acne

   by
   
   Gerald Shaw

   Acne treatment has leveled up, including mini-handheld devices, which can be kept inside your bathroom, together with the toothbrush, shaving blades, and hair blow dryer. These new mini-machines come with an expensive price tag, and boast of treatment results that are very effective.

7. How to Avoid the Side Effects From Conventional Acne Treatments

   by
   
   Okpara N Franklin

   The treatment of various acne forms varies from ingestion of pills to external applications of over-the-counter products on the acne patient. But care has to be taken of what you are taking into your body or applying on it in treating your acne. Side effects and other adverse outcome are some of the problems you may experience.

8. Best Acne Treatment Ever Discovered – This is How to Give Severe Acne the Boot

   by
   
   Kevin Morgan-Rowe

   If you have severe acne, at least one visit to the doctor to make sure you don’t have some treatable underlying condition is probably a good idea. The hard work of getting rid of acne, however, is going to fall to you. Fortunately one herbal remedy outshines all the others in helping you keep acne away once you have it under control.

9. Top 3 Untrue Acne Advice

   by
   
   Shane Jackson

   Friends and family are well intentioned but often give bad advice about acne. Here are the top 3 most commonly given untrue advice about acne.

10. Acne Solution Treatment – How to Find One That’s Effective For You

    by
    
    Kim Hartley

    As if life isn’t hard enough most times, so many of us still have to be burdened with blemishes everyday. You get up every morning, make it to the bathroom, happen to glance in the mirror and UGH! There’s that acne reminder and maybe even more blemishes that the day before. Not a fun way to start your day. Now it’s time to concentrate on an acne solution treatment that’s safe, effective and soothing to your skin containing all natural ingredients.

11. Is it a Papule Or a Pustule? PART 2 Acne Solution

    by
    
    Drew Lachlan

    What kind of acne to do you have? Is it a papule or a pustule? Don’t worry, I’ll explain what they are even better what you can do to get rid of them.

12. The Healer of Blemishes

    by
    
    Gerald Shaw

    Women think that acne is just a teenage problem but some women are still as plagued by acne, and still affected by their self-esteem issues. Still, for every problem there is always a solution and acne does not have to be an issue that never goes away anymore.

13. How to Get Clear Skin – You Must Learn This Incredible Secret About Acne If You Want to Get Cured

    by
    
    Felix Schmieder

    There’s quite a reoccurring theme with acne treatments and how to get clear skin: Put product on your skin. Repeat.

14. 5 Spectacular Acne Tips to Becoming Acne Free For Life Finally Revealed Just For You

    by
    
    Todd Dosenberry

    Do you love tips? What about tips that will help you obtain the clear skin you have been wishing for on a daily basis? I have many tips to share with you. This article will feature 5 tips that have to do with diet and acne. Learn to feed your skin nutrition if you want healthy skin.

15. Fight Against Acne is Not Over

    by
    
    Gerald Shaw

    The fight against acne never ceases. More and more efficient and simpler technology have been devised in order to alleviate people’s skin problems and their numerous acne problems as well. For instance, a company called Swell Skin was able to experiment and create a new formula of beauty care that enables to balance the needs of skin care, together with exposure to bacteria and germs, the aging process and a multitude of skin and acne problems.

16. How to Get Clear Skin – Are You Doomed to Have Acne For the Rest of Your Life?

    by
    
    Felix Schmieder

    If you’re looking for methods for how to get clear skin and you are still focused on finding the perfect “thing” to put on your face then for the love of god STOP! If you keep going about looking for the perfect product to put on your skin, I guarantee you that you will have acne forever.

17. Three Steps to Cure Back Acne

    by
    
    Drew Lachlan

    A question twenty percent of people with acne ask is how do I treat my back acne. Breakouts on your back are thought to come from wearing tight-fitting clothes, which trap perspiration against your skin. If you want to find out the truth about the causes of back acne and what can be done about it read on.

18. Is it a Papule or a Pustule? Part 1 – Acne Solution

    by
    
    Drew Lachlan

    What kind of acne to do you have? Is it a papule or a pustule? Don’t worry I’ll explain what they are even better what you can do to get rid of them.

19. Acne Scars – Make Them Disappear

    by
    
    Gabe D

    Scars left by acne are often results of picking and popping. Try to ignore the pimples and let it be. Pressing and popping them cause marks and scars, and make them last longer.

20. Acne – 11 Things You May Not Know

    by
    
    Jenn Stevens

    It’s not always an easy time being a teenager. When you are a teenager with acne, it is even worse. Fortunately, there are avenues to pursue if you have this annoying problem.

21. At Home Microdermabrasion – Is This Right For You and How to Avoid Beginner Mistakes

    by
    
    Evelyn Kiarra

    In the economy today, many women are beginning to steer away from expensive spas or treatments received at dermatologists. These same women are looking for more affordable treatments that they can perform at home.

22. 3 Contributing Factors of Adult Acne

    by
    
    Shane Jackson

    Yes, you can still get acne as an adult and it happens more than you might think. Learn what causes adult acne and how to deal with it.

23. Acne Adult Solution – How to Find the Right Treatment

    by
    
    Hans Moeller

    Your search for an adequate acne adult solution does not have to end up with an online search or a walk along the isle with cosmetic products in the store. It is unbelievably annoying and sometimes quite embarrassing to show up with a face dotted with red and purplish pimples when you are not a teen any more.

24. 3 Things to Consider If Laser Acne Removal is Right For You

    by
    
    Scott Louis

    Of course, before you ask for any treatment you may want to first ask a dermatologist if, in your current case, the acne will disappear naturally due to the fact it happens to some people. But if you’ve got a serious acne circumstance, then it’s more likely that a treatment will be recommended, whether it’s your own face, upper neck, chest, back, shoulders or upper arms which can be affected.

25. Stress and Acne – Reduce Stress Through Relationship Growth & Live Acne Free

    by
    
    Todd Dosenberry

    Stress and acne; how do you think they relate? Take out a piece of paper and record your thoughts. Do you feel stressed out after you study your face in the mirror wishing your acne was gone?

26. 4 Tips to Know Which Acne Treatments Are Right For You

    by
    
    Scott Louis

    My friend is getting married next month, so understandably, she is as jittery as she is loved up. She worries about almost everything related towards her wedding, including, her overall aura on that special day. This morning, she came up to assist me with a troubled look on her face.

27. The Secret to Fading Acne Scars

    by
    
    Alan K Cunningham

    Do you think that fading acne scars is just a dream that is almost impossible to come true? Maybe you just have not heard of some of the recent breakthroughs when it comes to removing acne scars.

28. Top 5 Must Know Acne Terms

    by
    
    Shane Jackson

    When it comes to fighting acne, knowledge is power. Start with the basics and learn as much as you can to help you in your fight to prevent acne breakouts.

29. Acne Products – Treat Your Acne

    by
    
    Ivan Kandol

    When it comes to acne product, it is important to know what you want and need. There are so many options out there that there that can match your skin’s needs.

30. Effective Acne Treatment With the Zeno Mini Acne Clearing Device

    by
    
    Ron T Cody

    Acne is a problem faced by millions of people worldwide, especially when you are in your teens and early twenties when your hormones are raging. Over the years many acne treatment products have been introduced to the market with mixed results, some help your acne problems while others make it worse.

Technorati Tags: acne

ACNE is just terrible… its depressing. please help?

Things you should know about me, im skinny and in fit and i eat healthy. read the rest below to figure out everything i've done
i have used these products:
Differin
Neutrogena
Pro active
Acne free
clean and clear
cetaphil
natural ingredients like: aloe and lemon
NOTHING HAS SEEMED TO BE WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i dont have crazy disgusting acne, i just have a lil acne like on my cheaks and side of my face
and i have had it since june….and now its january… and its not gone.
well most of it is, but sometimes it comes back
i have all types white heads, black heads, regular pimples.
i really have been trying and sticking to my routine and eating very healthy fruits and drinking water.
i've tried everything. I AM NOT ALLOWED TO TAKE A MEDICATION/PILL for my acne.
please give me advice or ways that you got rid of your acne??
i am TIRED of this. it makes me depressed looking in the mirror. i used to have a pretty face, now it has zits and acne scars everywhere. i need something to correct the scars and prevent my acne problem. please help.

Technorati Tags: acne

What type of acne medicines or face washes helps clear skin and get rid of acne?

What face washes or Acne medicine helps get rid of it.
or what are you secrets to clear skin?

Technorati Tags: acne

Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…

Skincare made for you

They include amino acids, vitamins, liquid silk, essential oils, whitening agents and compounds that tackle skin problems like acne and itch. … Read More…

Your skin can speak

Many women believe that their breakouts may be due to an allergic reaction, acne, sensitive skin or simply miserable skin. There are precise reasons for … Read More…

HollyNeeds-A-Facial! From the Looks of His Skin, Jon Gosselin Should Be The …

Why not make Jon the new spokesperson for Proactiv, the complete acne treatment system for facial acne and pimples? First of all, he'd really expand the … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: acne

Technorati Tags: acne

Health Tip: Caring for Acne-Prone Skin – Yahoo! News

(HealthDay News) — The exact cause of acne isn't understood,
but the American Academy of Dermatology says four factors are involved:
too much oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.

The academy offers these skin-care suggestions designed to help manage
acne:

Gently clean your face one or two times per day with a gentle skin

Technorati Tags: acne

Natural Acne Treatment 101
 by: Kirsten Hawkins

Let’s face it. Nobody is really immune to having acne from time to time. Don’t blame your French fries. Don’t blame your Hershey’s bar. Don’t blame yourself for not being able to wash your face enough. Don’t blame being overworked. Acne does not happen because of those. Acne is caused by some imbalances in our body and internal impurities. This is the main reason to the imperative knowledge that the way to really get rid of acne is through internal cleansing. Using topical medications and oral antibiotics as acne treatment does not guarantee the disappearance of these menacing and painful spots that invade the face. What artificial medications do is only target one or just a few of the causes of acne and a few more of the symptoms. This requires acne sufferers to use different products to treat just the individual cause and symptom of this skin disorder. Oftentimes, they could even worsen the disorder because of their side effects.

Herbal alternative, holistic remedy, nature’s way. Whatever you call it, natural treatment is one of the most resorted forms of therapeutic means for many debilitating diseases. One of them is dealing with acne.

The ultimate realization is that acne should be dealt with by performing internal cleansing treatments that target the source right away and fights acne before it even has the chance to begin. And there’s no other way to do this but to seek help from natural acne treatment sources. Natural acne treatment is good for dealing with moderate to severe cases of acne.

The advantage of natural acne treatment is that it does not only attacks the symptoms. This natural method treats the cause of acne. Natural acne treatments usually entail modifying the eating habit to relieve the symptoms. It is about cleansing the vital organs. In this kind of cure, herbs are used to provide nutrients and sustenance to the vital organs and also aids in cleansing internally.

Some of the herbs or herbal concoctions and topical preparations reported to do well as natural acne treatment are the following:

Olive leaf extract – potent for strengthening the liver

Herbal cortisone – mimics the effectiveness of cortisone as an effective

acne treatment without the side effects

Jing Huang Gao – a Chinese herbal cream

Tea Tree Oil – said to be the same effect with that of five percent benzoyl peroxide

How does natural acne treatment work? Herbal remedies for acne actually target the liver. Why? It is because liver is the organ that cleans up the troubles of our hormones – one of kinds of chemicals produced by the body to ensure proper function. And when our hormones get messed up, the skin makes it obvious by giving birth to these annoying critters in the form of acne. Herbs contain vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients that provide the body nourishment and some unexplained energy source. These herbal alternatives are reported to be fine when taken for long-term but should only be taken seasonally. Another way that natural acne treatment through herbs is carried out is the ability of some herbs to kill fungi that weaken the liver. A healthy liver functions well to cleanse our blood of the dirt from excess hormones. And with our blood clean, consequently, our skin’s condition will improve. That’s the herbs’ ways of accomplishing the natural acne treatment process.

About The Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a freelance writer specializing in skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. Visit http://www.acnesolution411.com/ for more information on acne and acne treatments.

Technorati Tags: acne

How about these right… I think you’ll find the following nuggets of wisdom particularly insightful. Leave your comments below. Check out the second one in particular…

Sketch shows likeness of Waldo-area rapist

Detectives and a forensic sketch artist worked with the victims to produce the sketch of a balding black man with pitted cheeks, possibly from acne scars. … Read More…

BSO: 'Shady' bank robber is career criminal

One teller even noticed acne on a shoulder barely concealed by a tank top. Kotcherha was released from a state prison in December after serving a two-year … Read More…

Mistrial in attempted murder case

She said the wounded daughter described a gunman in his 20s with brown eyes and a face scarred from acne. Alvarez was in his 30s when the shooting happened … Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: acne