Archive for September, 2010

Social Implications Of Acne In Teens

The teenage years are stressful enough without adding acne to the mix. Thats precisely why teens in Long Beach are seeking out Long Beach pediatric dermatology offices to help them remedy this problem. Sadly, teens (and everyone for that matter) are judged by the way they look and if severe acne rears its ugly (white)head, life can become very difficult indeed. In Long Beach, acne free is just one step away if the right Long Beach pediatric dermatology office is found. Teens need a supportive as well as knowledgeable skin doctor to treat their acne.

Many effective acne treatments are available. In dermatologist offices in Long Beach acne free remedies are becoming more popular than ever as more parents are realizing the importance of treating their teen childs acne.

Long Beach acne treatments effectively treat teens in the Long Beach area who suffer from not only the physical pain of acne, but also the mental pain and peer critique involved. Offices that specialize in Long Beach dermatology are the best places to go in order to make sure the dermatologist has a deep and genuine understanding of what the teenager is going through socially and physically as a result of their acne. Long Beach acne solutions are effectively helping teens to get acne free skin quickly and affordably.

What are some of these Long Beach acne treatments? The most common are benzoyl peroxide (drying agents), antibiotics, or oral medications such as Accutane. These are all deemed effective by a majority of teenagers and are permanent Long Beach acne solutions that allow them to get their social status back on track; something that is extremely important for teens during this difficult period of their lives. Your Southern California dermatologist will help your child find out what the best acne free remedy will be for their particular body chemistry.

If your teen has severe or persistent acne, dont delay in getting them professional Long Beach acne treatments that are quick and effective. Their appearance means a lot to them (even if they dont tell you that it is important) and they need all the help they can get during these years of their life! Acne may not be a big deal to you, but it definitely is to them and it is best to help them get treatment from a dermatologist before their acne turns into permanent acne scars; which can lead to further psychological damage that may be irreversible. Acne may be physical in nature, but its effects are everything but!

Acne Products – The Pro’s And The Con’s

Acne is now becoming a common problem for most people and since a lot of people are in need of a cure, lots of acne products are now being released in the market. A lot of the products sold commercially are actually beneficial, while some of them are scams and trick people into spending money for products that do not really work. Whatever remedy or skin care product you choose for you acne problems, instant results are unrealistic. Even the most effective product will take a certain amount of time to work before noticeable results and improvement will be seen.

Products that contain the right ingredients will need at least three months for it to work. So basically, acne products that are advertised to be instantly effective are not true so a consumer must always be careful when choosing the acne products to use. Acne basically is a skin inflammation, but only in a more serious form.

There are people who may have a serious acne condition in which one acne product is not enough for sufficient treatment. In cases such as that, dermatologists often prescribe one acne product combined with others for the desired effect to happen. The treatment aims shedding of the skin so that blockage will be prevented and for the bacteria that is causing the problem to be killed and eliminated. In addition to that, the chosen product must also be able to relieve the skin from inflammation so that the hormones can be balanced again.

There are also acne products that can cause allergic reactions to users who are sensitive with specific ingredients. Unpleasant side effects can be observed and before using any product, the patient must first consider the benefits over drawbacks caused by the product. Before using any skin care product, one should consult with a physician first since these products can contain active ingredients that can be harmful to them. If they are too sensitive to the ingredients, their acne conditions may worsen and instead of being treated of their problem, they may need to find another cure for it. That is why dermatologists need to analyze the condition of the patient first before suggesting any medications.

Exfoliating agents are one of the radical treatments used in solving acne problems. A thin layer of the affected skin is sheded off because of chemicals contained in the product. The layer of superficial skin is peeled off, which in turn, removing any dead skin cells that can block the pores of the skin. By peeling off the skin, any blocked pores can be unclogged which can prevent skin inflammation. No prescription is needed when purchasing one since these are over the counter products. They also contain agents that moisturizes the skin since the exfoliating effect that it has can dry up your face.

There are also topical creams that can kill acne causing bacteria and they contain benzoyl peroxide which kills bacteria that cause acne. It also has keratolytic effect meaning, it can also dissolve the keratin that clogs the pores of your skin which can make it an effective acne product as well.

Avoid Stress For Better Skin Health

The treatments were exorbitantly expensive and available only to the wealthy. They required weeks of recovery time and usually changed the appearance of the face, sometimes not for the better.

But even more importantly, these products contain harmful ingredients too. In fact, these harmful ingredients actually negate the healthful properties contained in these products. By making your own healthy skin-care remedies, you can maintain quality control and save a small fortune.

Supplementation is obviously a good idea, but researchers had some difficulty coming up with the right supplement for topical application. The molecules needed to be small enough to penetrate through the skin’s surface if they were to be of any benefit.

Aging is actually only a small part of the cause. Sure, your melanin production may rise as you get older, but the predominant causes are not related to age.

With even celebrities like Oprah Winfrey endorsing the berry, the fruit is today in everybody’s favorite list and appears to be poised to climb new heights.

They usually break down Vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for tissue repair. These chemicals also impair our skin’s ability to regenerate. It deters the proper production of collagen. Most smokers experience premature skin sagging and premature wrinkle formation.

The sun’s UV rays speed up the deterioration of skin cells and dermis tissues. You need to strengthen sun protection in order to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Additionally, people with sensitive skin who are afraid to try harsher lightening treatments might find this treatment better for the skin. There are lesser risks for allergic reactions and irritations. These acids can even be mixed with your favourite moisturizer.

Wrinkles appear faster and skin tissues become more fragile. Eventually, this leads to the loss of dermis elasticity. Thin skin condition and saggy dermis are just some of the problems you might have to deal with in the future.

They might not work as fast as surgical treatments in removing wrinkles or age spots but they can still significantly improve the structure and over-all health of your skin in just a few weeks.

Most women who are undergoing pre-menstrual cycle experience excessive production of sebum that leads to the appearance of pimples and acne. On the other hand, menopausal women usually experience dermis dryness. Without proper moisturization of skin tissues, they get damaged easily.

Lack of Vitamin B complex can cause skin dryness and flakiness especially in the deeper layers of the skin. This is also what you need to improve the circulatory and metabolic process of your system. You can find this vitamin from peanut butter, red meat, fish, eggs and banana.

If this method is done correctly, damaged skin layers are removed to reveal younger and whiter skin underneath. It works well in reducing pigmentation spots. It is also an ideal treatment for those plagued with wrinkles and fine liens.

These free radicals are labelled as “harmful” substances because they damage cells. With the help of antioxidants, the oxidation process is terminated. These molecules also repair damaged cells.

Acne Home Remedies That Are Safe And Effective

Those who are suffering from acne and pimples can benefit from simple acne home remedies. These are safe and effective treatment options in order to improve skin condition. Following these conservative home remedies can also control the spread of pimples and acne as well as heal pimple scars. It should be understood that treatment takes time and a lot of patience in order to achieve favourable results. A lot of people had benefited from home remedies primarily because nature has its own healing wonders. Moreover, these home remedies are also economical and safe. Here are some of the best options;

1. Lemon juice mixed with rosewater simply mix equal portions of lemon juice and rosewater and apply directly on skin. Leave it on for 15-30 minutes before rinsing with water. This is solution is highly beneficial for skin with acne because of the skin healing properties of lemon juice. It is also a mild and natural astringent with antibacterial properties. Rosewater is likewise known for its antibacterial properties and is effective as a skin toner. This makes this solution one of the most powerful and widely-used acne home remedies.

2. Oatmeal and honey cook oatmeal in a typical manner as you would eat it and add cup of honey. Mix it thoroughly and allow it to cool for awhile. Apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes or until it feels stiff and rough against your skin. It is best if you leave it long enough to allow some of it to dry on your face. Oatmeal is an effective pore cleanser and it helps in absorbing excess oil from the skin. It is also a natural and gentle exfoliating agent. Honey, on the other hand, is an excellent skin toner. This mixture, when applied 3 to 4 times a week on face, can significantly improve the condition of acne prone skin making it one of the best acne home remedies.

3. Peppermint this medicinal herb contains menthol which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent making it one of the most beneficial acne home remedies. Take a handful of peppermint leaves. Using a mortar and pestle, crush them thoroughly until its juice starts to come out. Gently rub the leaves and juice on the skin concentrating on the most affected areas. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. You can repeat the procedure as often as you want in order to treat pain and skin inflammation.

4. Aloe Vera the gel of this plant has natural medicinal properties. It also has a cooling and soothing effect to acne sores. Moreover, it is known as a natural antibiotic that can effectively kill bacteria. Simply apply the gel directly on affected skin areas. Avoid contact with eyes.

These are just some of the best and most common acne home remedies. They are not just effective in treating acne prone skin; they are safe and economical as well. With proper and regular application, these natural remedies can help you achieve healthier and clearer looking complexion.

How To Eat To Get Beautiful And Healthy Skin

It’s always a good idea to eat healthy, even when not trying to look devilishly attractive in a bikini or speedometer. While some foods, such as sugary treats, or even dairy products, won’t do anyone any favors, there are lots of foods that can help the skin as well as the rest of the body. Here are five to get started:
1. Water. Usually saying, water is more important than food. It helps keep the skin hydrated, and helps clear out the system, which will not only mean beautiful skin, but feeling better all around.
2. Blueberries. They’re a high source of antioxidants – one of the foods with the highest capacity out there – and are a good source of fiber.
3. Walnuts. Loaded with essential fatty acids, they’re just what the skin needs to protect itself. Additionally, it also helps the skin look younger by giving it the nourishment it needs to keep it supple.
4. Green Tea – an incredibly beneficial one. Green tea has anti inflammatory properties and is rich in Polyphenols. And, for an added benefit, helps the metabolism.
5. Whole Wheat Bread. This item, while some might say has a less appealing flavor than, say, white bread, is healthy because it contains selenium. Selenium is a mineral that is helpful when it comes to skin cells, and, studies show, might even help skin damaged by the sun.

Sometimes changing the diet can be challenging; either by being a picky eater, or by forgetting what it is that is good to eat and why it’s needed. So, for those that don’t much like the idea of changing their diet, here are five other ideas.
1. Sunscreen. Use it. Besides the fact that at times, there seems to be nothing worse than suffering from sunburn, the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are extremely harmful.
2. Moisturize. Dry skin doesn’t heal as easily as soft skin, and therefore is more susceptible to other forms of damage. So after each cleansing, a light moisturizer is the best bet.
3. Indoor Tanning is a No-No. If it’s been established that UV rays cause damage to the skin (essentially because it burns it), so purposely introducing the skin to it just seems silly.
4. Take Vitamins. Some vitamins are especially geared towards enhancing the health of the skin. For women, Evening Primrose Oil is used for promoting skin health and helping reduce acne, and anyone can take Vitamin E.
5. Exercise. Exercise is good anytime and for multiple reasons, but it helps the skin keep elasticity, which will, in turn, help reduce wrinkles.

Everyone likes healthy skinso just eat healthily and use right skin care products as I have told you. Its not so hard to do these things, but you should keep up all the way.

Can Acne Drugs And Antibiotics Make Your Acne Worse?

Although many people think that the only people who suffer from acne are teenagers this is very wrong. It can affect anyone at any age from any type of background and suffering from it can be a huge problem. Not only can it leave your skin looking and feeling horrible but it will also damage your self confidence. There are several different types of acne treatment available you should ensure that you research them al well before starting on one of them.
The most common way to treat acne is with antibiotics and many skin specialists will recommend it immediately. The creams will work very well for a while but they will eventually stop working and you will be left with the same acne problems. You must however fully understand what causes acne and this is the best way to find an acne treatment. Although there are many myths and tales about what causes acne you should try to learn as much as you can about the skin condition.
Diet will play a huge part in your acne problems and it isn’t always because of sugar which is often blamed for your outbreak. Processed foods are fast becoming a huge problem to your skin and they can cause and make your acne far worse. Many people who suffer from acne will have low Vitamin E and A levels and improving these can help. You should ensure that you eat a healthy diet and include plenty of vitamin E and A products in it. You may need to de tox your body to rid it of all toxins which will have taken over.
You should try to drink plenty of water every day this can really help with your acne treatment and detoxing your body. Your skin will look bad if it is dehydrated so drinking plenty will ensure that you are hydrated. You could try cutting out certain food groups such as carbohydrates and dairy products as this may help with your acne. Although you might not find out straight away what is causing the skin problem with time you will do. Once you have found the food then you can begin improving your diet and your acne treatment will begin.
You will find that your acne will begin to disappear and because there was no need for antibiotic creams it is far better for you. You should learn how to keep your skin properly cleansed and clean and there are many home remedies which you can use. Aloe Vera, lemons and tea tree oil are all fantastic ways to keep your skin looking fantastic and feeling great. Once you begin with your new way of life then you will look and feel so much better, your confidence will grow and you will enjoy showing off your smooth looking skin.
These days there is no need to suffer with your acne you can find treatments yourself or visit your doctor who can advise on the best treatment for you. If you suffer from extreme cases and you have tried changing your diet then you may need to have laser treatment. Everyone has different reasons for having acne and you need to find out what is causing yours.

Know Your Healthcare Team What Kind Of Doctor Is That?

As a college student who is majoring in physical therapy, Ive become more aware of the various healthcare professions. As a teenager, you have probably only seen a primary care physician or pediatrician, but this doctor may not be able to fully address all of your bodys needs. There are many other professionals who are part of the healthcare team and who can help keep you healthy. Here are some of the different healthcare providers who can help take care of your mind and body:

Pediatrician: Youve probably been seeing a pediatrician and will continue to do so until you reach the age of 18 or 21. Pediatricians provide a wide range of care for infections, injuries, genetic defects, behavioral difficulties, developmental disorders, and more. If necessary, pediatricians can also refer you to another healthcare provider or medical specialist.

Nurse Practitioner: When your doctor wasnt available, you probably saw a nurse practitioner. This is a registered nurse (RN) who has an advanced degree and works very closely with physicians to provide care for patients, but they are not doctors themselves. A nurse practitioner can still prescribe medicine and deal with many of your issues.

Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN): Its recommended that girls see an OB/GYN between the ages of 13 and 15. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and labor; a gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system. An OB/GYN can help you with detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Pap test (cancer) screening, and family planning.

Nutritionist/Registered Dietician: A nutritionist or registered dietician can help you make sure that youre eating right. They both specialize in the study of nutrition and can counsel you on food and eating issues, including eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. Registered dieticians differ from nutritionists, as they require a higher education and a license.

Physical Therapist: If you have a physical injury or disability, such as a sports injury, a physical therapist can help you strengthen and regain control of that particular part of your body. They do so through the use of exercise and other physical treatments.

Psychologist/Social Worker/Family Therapist/Mental Health Counselor: Whether youre having a hard time with your school, friends, relationship, family, or job, any of these therapists are available to help you sort out your problems. Psychologists, social workers and mental health counselors specialize in working with individuals, while family therapists work with both individuals and families. A school counselor is a great place to start if youre having an issue, as they can help to find a therapist that is right for you.

Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental, addictive, and emotional disorders. In most states, a psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can prescribe medicine, such as anti-depressants. If you are seeing a psychologist who feels you need medication to help stabilize your emotions, he might refer you to a psychiatrist.

Dermatologist: Are you having a problem with acne or something unusual on your skin? A dermatologist can help. Dermatologists also specialize in hair and nail care, a fact that a lot of people are not aware of.

Allergist: You probably know someone who is allergic to bees, nuts, pollen, or shellfish. These are a few examples of common allergies. Technically, an allergist specializes in the bodys immune response. When a person has an allergy, their body experiences an immune response to the foreign matter.

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeon: It is very common for teens to see an oral or maxillofacial surgeon for removal of wisdom teeth. But these surgeons can also diagnose and perform surgery to treat injuries, defects, or diseases of the head, face, and neck.

Urologist: You may go to an urologist if you are experiencing an issue with your urinary tract such as urinary tract infections, which are common in woman, or bladder control, etc. An urologist also specializes in the male reproductive organs, similar to how an OB/GYN specializes in the female reproductive organs.

Podiatrist: If you are having trouble with your feet or ankles, you may see a podiatrist. They specialize in the foot and ankle region, and can treat injuries such as sprains, fractures, or infections. They also treat disorders like bunions, calluses, warts, ingrown toenails, and corns.

Pediatric Endocrinologist: Pediatric endocrinologists specialize in hormones, which are chemicals produced by glands that affect how certain parts of your body can work. Hormones affect puberty how your body grows as well as your weight, your blood sugar (diabetes), and much more. Endocrinologists can help regulate hormones and the glands that produce and secrete them.

This information is just general guidelines to the various healthcare providers that are available to you. In order for you to receive the best treatment, be sure to talk to your primary care doctor or pediatrician, who will be able to point you in the right direction. But most importantly, make sure you get regular check-ups.

5 Tips For Getting Rid Of Acne

By now, almost everybody has seen the late night and early morning acne infomercials with Jessica Simpson and Sean “Diddy” Combs. I guess they figure, if a celebrity trusts something, then so should you. The promises made for the product sound surreal, and yet for many people it may be just the cure they’re looking for. Even so, it may not be for everybody.

One of my daughters who had acquired a bad case of acne in recent years, tried the infomercial solution, and it didn’t work on her at all. Being a young teenager, she was beset by acne breakouts and needed a solution fast. But unable to find a quick solution, we ended up going to the local dermatologist for acne information and answers. The doctor gave her a prescription for a cream and an oral medication. After following his instructions for a couple weeks, her acne had virtually departed. This was the right solution for her, but it may not be for you – because we’re all different.

Here are some general tips that I’ve discovered over the years:

If you have oily skin – it’s best to take a medicated acne product or one in gel form.

If you have dry skin – you’ll probably do better with the acne cream form and medicated products with benzoyl peroxide or salycic acid.

If you have both oily AND dry skin (combined type) – you will probably need a combination of oily skin gels and dry skin acne creams to apply to different parts of your fact according to the skin condition there.

If you have sensitive skin – you will more than likely need less intense concentrations of either dry, oily, or combined-type treatments.

If you have skin pain because of acne – you should get personal attention from a dermatologist.

So many people struggle with skin afflictions on a regular basis. With the advances in science, you’d think that the acne problem would have been solved long ago and that acne would be a pale memory. Unfortunately the age-old confidence destroyer is still around and going strong.

Today, reaching middle age, I find myself in a new situation when it comes to unsightly blemishes. Now I find that my skin tends to be a bit oily and I have acne breakouts after moisturizing my face. One of the few things I look forward to as I get older is the absence of acne.

Herbal Acne Treatment

For people suffering from acne, it is always a challenging aspect to take medications and watch the side effects taking control of their body. Though medications are effective in controlling acne, they are way too stressful to give the person any sense of happiness. Besides, people with a milder form of acne should always opt for herbal or holistic treatments instead of taking over the counter drugs, that could prove to be more of a problem that a treatment.
Herbal acne treatment ensures that there are no side effects and that the person can have their acne controlled through a persistent routine. Remember though that herbal acne treatment requires time and patience and it is not something that will be cured overnight. Along with a herbal treatment, you also have to take good care of your diet factors.
An oily diet during acne flares up is a recipe for danger, as acne tends to get worse when there is an element of oil present in the body, because at that time acne occurs solely due to excessive sebum. Therefore avoid oily stuff, avoid make up as they aggravate the situation more and avoid squeezing, poking your pimples.
Herbal treatments which you can look up to include turmeric and neem leaves made into a paste, with a touch of garlic. Make the paste and apply it on face and leave it for an hour. Do the same routine twice a day, until the acne subsides.
Another famous herbal acne treatment is the use of CHAMOMILE, LAVENDER, JUNIPER, BERGAMOT, DANDELION ROOT which can be extracted to a paste and helps in reducing in toxicity when applied. For anti inflammatory treatment, herbs like the Echinacea and Poke root are the best treatment. They also work to reduce the swelling too, but again they require a persistent use, and they cannot give you results within a day.
Tea tree oil is also one herbal product that is widely used because of its fantastic antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral properties.
So the next time you have acne, instead of grabbing an over the counter drug which could cause a number of side effects, try opting for this holistic way instead.

Different Natural Treatments To Diminish The Appearance Of Various Forms Of Scars

Many wounds result in scars. However, the end appearance depends on the type and severity of the wound as well as how an individual’s body handles the healing. A sure fact is that the deeper the wound, the more severe the scar; therefore, those who have suffered deeper wounds and consequently have unsightly scars are likely to explore scar removal options.

Types of Scars

If you are considering scar removal, you need to also take into account what kind of scar you have. There exist many types of scars that result from wound healing. Keloid scars are progressive growths of raised, irregular shaped scar tissue that extend beyond the bounds of a wound. They occur when the body over produces collagen during the wound healing process. Hypertrophic scars remain within the limits of the wound but are also large raised scars due to high collagen amounts. Contractures are results of surface injuries that end in scars formed by a loss of tissue. Facial scars differ from others as they are usually caused by acne. Acne scars can differ in shape, size and depth and are determined by the severity of acne.

Natural Scar Treatment

Current burn, hypertrophic, and treatment for acne scars include many that are unnatural, for example, laser therapy, skin grafting, steroids, and other types of surgeries. However, we will look at more natural options for scar reduction.

Vitamin E: This vitamin serves as an antioxidant and can be taken in capsules or in liquid form. It is thought to penetrate into the layers of skin and decrease the existence of free radicals that can interfere with healing. It also can partly manage the production of collagen.

Onion Extract: This is a common ingredient in scar removal creams, scientifically known as Alium cepa. This element can work as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent. It is also speculated to be able to regulate collagen.

Topical Honey: Common honey has been used in dressing wounds and burns for centuries. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and is thought to be able to stimulate the growth of new tissue. Studies have been done with a particular type called manuka honey.

The Real Answer

As much as we would love to believe that these simple at home fixes could do magic to remove acne scars and other types, there has just not been enough reliable evidence that proves the success of these home remedies. Scientists have studied these three natural elements and their effectiveness on scars with little or no results. That’s why we did a little more research to find out if there was anything out there that was natural and truly effective for scar removal, and sure enough we found the answer! Organic skin care products have recently begun to add a new ingredient which has been getting excellent feedback from scientists. It is scientifically known as Helix Aspersa Muller, and is a type of snail serum. The serum is taken from snails that are found to share amazing similarities in skin characteristics with humans. This serum’s regenerative property that has been proven to be effective on human skin has shown to be a wonder cream for scar prevention and scar healing. It controls collagen production, triggers cell communication and binding, serves as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as an anti-itch agent. It works as a deep moisturizer to keep the skin healthy during healing. The higher level of cell communication allows the body to recognize and break down dysfunctional cells including those that make up scar tissue. Therefore, acne scar removal occurs when cells that make up scar tissue get dissolved down into the building blocks needed to rebuild healthy new skin cells and beautifully smooth skin.