Combating skin problems using home and herbal remedies
Many people disagree about using home and herbal remedies for skin problems because they feel that using these will only make things complicated. Although this might be true, they should not make light of the great potential some home and herbal remedies can be in solving their skin problems at a lesser cost.
Simplifying skin problem medication
When you encounter any skin problem acne, pimple breakout, burns, or bites, you need to consult the dermatologist or the doctor. This can tell you the extent of the damage, first before doing anything. If financial resources are limit, here are some home and herbal remedies for skin problems that can be used without major consultations with the experts.
1. The Vitamin therapy. This is one of the easiest home remedies for skin problems. By using vitamins such as niacin, vitamin A, and Vitamin E, there can be improved skin especially if you take at least 100 milligrams (mg) of niacin, 50,000 international units of vitamin A, three times a day, and 400 mg of vitamin E, once daily for at least one month.
2. The orange peel remedy. Aside from being a good source of vitamin C, orange through it's peel, has become a popular home remedy for skin problems. You can pound the peel and mix it with water and apply the mixture directly on the area's affected.
3. The lemon remedy. This is one of the simplest remedies you can do at home to deal with skin problems. Once the fruit juice of the lemon is extracted, this can be applied on the skin directly. Depending on the extent, you can use it regularly to see improvement on the affected areas.
4. The cucumber remedy. At home, grated cucumber can be the best toner because it can eliminate persistent blackheads and pimples as well as other skin impurities.
5. The garlic remedy. Rubbing raw garlic on the affected area several times a day can help you have clearer skin and can help purify your blood stream to make it less prone to bacteria.
6. The coriander and mint juice remedy. Another popular home and herbal remedy for skin problems is the application of coriander juice or mint and turmeric powder mixture on the affected area. Before using this make sure that you cleanse the affected area thoroughly before applying it, preferably at night.
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Sunday, February 6, 2011
Alternative Acne Treatments that Work
Alternative Acne Remedies that Work
There are several acne alternative treatments that can help impede or even cure acne. The Chinese believe that acne is caused by toxicity and heat in the blood stream. Some view acne as a digestive problem where the poisons from poor digestion are discharged into the skin.; One of the most elemental alternative acne treatments is to consume a low fat diet, maintain proper hygiene, and eat proper vitamins.
Saturated fat intake should be kept to a minimum, as they can damage the tissue of the body, and also induce inflammation.It has also be proposed to abstain from foods that may cause heat to build up in the body, like garlic, coffee, or spicy foods.
Plenty of Vitamin A should be consumed, as it is essential for healthy skin. Zinc is also important as it helps heal the skin, and reduces hormonal imbalances.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential as they maintain cell membranes and aid in the transport of nutrients to the cells. Acidophilus capsules may be used to help with digestion.
Daily bowel movements are important so a high fiber diet should be adhered to. For acne that is cause by menstruation Vitamin B-6 is important as it can help regularly maintain the proper metabolism of the increased release of hormones.
Some acne alternative treatments that may be applied directly to the skin include a honey facial. This is done by putting uncooked honey onto ones face and leaving it on the skin for five to ten minutes. Honey is said to revitalize the skin. Alternately tea tree oil may be applied to the skin. This has been said to impede bacteria from growing on the skin.
Exfoliants may be used to treat acne and pimples. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha-hydroxyl acids that are found in citrus fruits. It is suggested that they lessen dead skin cells from building up. Therefore lemon juice can be mixed with water and applied to the face. The juice should be allowed to dry on the skin for up to ten minutes and then is should be rinsed off.
If one has sensitive skin more water may be required to the blend so the individual doesn't experience too much of a "burning" sensation.Herbalists have their own concoctions to use as pimple alternative treatments. They suggest evening primrose oil, or black current seed oil capsules.
Alternatively some recommend teas with Echinacea or goldenseal. Exercise and relaxation are also important alternative treatments for acne, as the body needs to be at its peak. While alternative acne treatments are controversial, especially with doctors, their success depends highly on the individual and the degree of acne they are suffering from.
There are several acne alternative treatments that can help impede or even cure acne. The Chinese believe that acne is caused by toxicity and heat in the blood stream. Some view acne as a digestive problem where the poisons from poor digestion are discharged into the skin.; One of the most elemental alternative acne treatments is to consume a low fat diet, maintain proper hygiene, and eat proper vitamins.
Saturated fat intake should be kept to a minimum, as they can damage the tissue of the body, and also induce inflammation.It has also be proposed to abstain from foods that may cause heat to build up in the body, like garlic, coffee, or spicy foods.
Plenty of Vitamin A should be consumed, as it is essential for healthy skin. Zinc is also important as it helps heal the skin, and reduces hormonal imbalances.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential as they maintain cell membranes and aid in the transport of nutrients to the cells. Acidophilus capsules may be used to help with digestion.
Daily bowel movements are important so a high fiber diet should be adhered to. For acne that is cause by menstruation Vitamin B-6 is important as it can help regularly maintain the proper metabolism of the increased release of hormones.
Some acne alternative treatments that may be applied directly to the skin include a honey facial. This is done by putting uncooked honey onto ones face and leaving it on the skin for five to ten minutes. Honey is said to revitalize the skin. Alternately tea tree oil may be applied to the skin. This has been said to impede bacteria from growing on the skin.
Exfoliants may be used to treat acne and pimples. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha-hydroxyl acids that are found in citrus fruits. It is suggested that they lessen dead skin cells from building up. Therefore lemon juice can be mixed with water and applied to the face. The juice should be allowed to dry on the skin for up to ten minutes and then is should be rinsed off.
If one has sensitive skin more water may be required to the blend so the individual doesn't experience too much of a "burning" sensation.Herbalists have their own concoctions to use as pimple alternative treatments. They suggest evening primrose oil, or black current seed oil capsules.
Alternatively some recommend teas with Echinacea or goldenseal. Exercise and relaxation are also important alternative treatments for acne, as the body needs to be at its peak. While alternative acne treatments are controversial, especially with doctors, their success depends highly on the individual and the degree of acne they are suffering from.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Adult acne: Is it Possible to Have Pimples as an Adult?
Adult acne: Is it Possible to Have Pimples as an Adult?
When we hear the term acne, the image that comes to mind is the spotty-faced, gangly teenager. We picture the awkward adolescent going through physical changes as he moves from childhood to adulthood. Although the majority of people that suffer from acne are teenagers a significant number of adults suffer from acne as well.
This condition is termed, Adult Acne.In reality, acne can become a problem at any age. Adult acne is when acne occurs in people twenty years of age and above. It can be brought on by any number of things however one of the most common causes is as a reaction to stress medication.
Many people mistakenly say that stress causes acne because people with high-stress levels can often break out in spots. However, the reaction is usually to the medication that they are placed on rather than to the stress itself. Doctors are not sure exactly what about the medication causes acne to break out but usually prescribe additional medication to cure the acne.
Adult women are often known to suffer from an attack of acne when they stop using oral contraceptives. Stopping the use of The Pill causes hormonal changes in the body. Hormones and the condition of the skin seem to be very closely related. The clogged pores that cause acne to appear are affected by what is happening in the body hormonally.
Under normal conditions, the ovaries produce both estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone. Although it is normal that it is present in the female body, estrogen should always be in higher concentrations than testosterone. When it is not, problems arise.Research shows that hormones strongly affect the way that the skin looks and behaves.
To put it simply, the balance between androgen and estrogen is fine. When one of these hormones is out of balance in a woman’s body, the effects are seen in the skin. This is the reason that many women see acne appear and re-appear with their menstrual cycle. Hormone therapy is one solution to hormone-induced acne.
It works on reducing androgens and preventing them from stimulating the sebaceous gland into producing the large amounts of oil that feed the acne bacteria below the surface of the skin. This treatment can be very effectiveThere are many effective treatments for acne. The more you know about them, the better. As you can see, acne is not always related to proper washing and hygiene, nor is it related to a bad diet.
Researchers have found that hormones affect the skin and the development of acne. This is a medical condition and therefore should be treated by a trained doctor or dermatologist. There are many over the counter drugs and treatments, only attempt to use these after consulting a medical professional.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
When we hear the term acne, the image that comes to mind is the spotty-faced, gangly teenager. We picture the awkward adolescent going through physical changes as he moves from childhood to adulthood. Although the majority of people that suffer from acne are teenagers a significant number of adults suffer from acne as well.
This condition is termed, Adult Acne.In reality, acne can become a problem at any age. Adult acne is when acne occurs in people twenty years of age and above. It can be brought on by any number of things however one of the most common causes is as a reaction to stress medication.
Many people mistakenly say that stress causes acne because people with high-stress levels can often break out in spots. However, the reaction is usually to the medication that they are placed on rather than to the stress itself. Doctors are not sure exactly what about the medication causes acne to break out but usually prescribe additional medication to cure the acne.
Adult women are often known to suffer from an attack of acne when they stop using oral contraceptives. Stopping the use of The Pill causes hormonal changes in the body. Hormones and the condition of the skin seem to be very closely related. The clogged pores that cause acne to appear are affected by what is happening in the body hormonally.
Under normal conditions, the ovaries produce both estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone. Although it is normal that it is present in the female body, estrogen should always be in higher concentrations than testosterone. When it is not, problems arise.Research shows that hormones strongly affect the way that the skin looks and behaves.
To put it simply, the balance between androgen and estrogen is fine. When one of these hormones is out of balance in a woman’s body, the effects are seen in the skin. This is the reason that many women see acne appear and re-appear with their menstrual cycle. Hormone therapy is one solution to hormone-induced acne.
It works on reducing androgens and preventing them from stimulating the sebaceous gland into producing the large amounts of oil that feed the acne bacteria below the surface of the skin. This treatment can be very effectiveThere are many effective treatments for acne. The more you know about them, the better. As you can see, acne is not always related to proper washing and hygiene, nor is it related to a bad diet.
Researchers have found that hormones affect the skin and the development of acne. This is a medical condition and therefore should be treated by a trained doctor or dermatologist. There are many over the counter drugs and treatments, only attempt to use these after consulting a medical professional.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne Vulgaris: What is it?
Acne Vulgaris: What is it?
Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. Everyone gets this skin disease At a certain point in life. In fact, it has been proven that about 85% of the total population in any place have had a cause to be infected with pimples are during a point in their lives this occurring mostly during the teenage years.
Also, women seem to keep fighting the scourge well into their 40s and 50s as a result of female body cycles and the hormonal changes that occur in women. Men have also been known to develop pimples as a result of stress. The cause of acne is not complicated. It is caused by the blocking of the skin pores by oil and dead skin layers.
When the oil and the skin block the skin pores, it gives room for bacteria that is trapped under the pores to grow causing infection. Androgen hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, then when excessive skin oils and the bacteria are trapped below the surface of the skin, the area becomes inflamed and the mixture begins to leak into surrounding skin.
This build up, causes swelling, redness and pus, which is seen on the surface of the skin as a pimple; either a whitehead or a blackhead. Although acne has been around since the beginning of man, it is a fairly under-studied disease. This means that there is still a lot of frustration for those that suffer from acne, since a lot of trial and error is involved in treating the condition.
Doctors still can not identify one single treatment to resolve all cases of acne. More often than not, they ask their patient to try one treatment after another until they find the solution that will work for them. To add to this frustration, the skin takes a long time to show improvements even when treatment is working.There are effective treatments for all types of acne, even for the most severe of cases.
It is best to seek treatment for acne sooner rather than later as acne is a progressive condition that moves from mild, to moderate to severe quickly over time. Severe acne can, and often does, cause permanent scarring of the skin. Once this happens, the acne sufferer will either have permanent scars or will have to seek regular treatment to have the scars removed.
This is a hassle that they do not need after years of painful acne.The person that seeks medical treatment for their acne before it reaches the stage of being severe has a better chance of fully recovering unscathed. They can go on to lead "normal" lives with no visible signs of the skin disease that at one time ailed them. If you are currently suffering from acne, the most important decision that you can make is the decision to seek treatment and to halt the progression of the skin disease.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne vulgaris is the scientific name for acne. Everyone gets this skin disease At a certain point in life. In fact, it has been proven that about 85% of the total population in any place have had a cause to be infected with pimples are during a point in their lives this occurring mostly during the teenage years.
Also, women seem to keep fighting the scourge well into their 40s and 50s as a result of female body cycles and the hormonal changes that occur in women. Men have also been known to develop pimples as a result of stress. The cause of acne is not complicated. It is caused by the blocking of the skin pores by oil and dead skin layers.
When the oil and the skin block the skin pores, it gives room for bacteria that is trapped under the pores to grow causing infection. Androgen hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce too much oil, then when excessive skin oils and the bacteria are trapped below the surface of the skin, the area becomes inflamed and the mixture begins to leak into surrounding skin.
This build up, causes swelling, redness and pus, which is seen on the surface of the skin as a pimple; either a whitehead or a blackhead. Although acne has been around since the beginning of man, it is a fairly under-studied disease. This means that there is still a lot of frustration for those that suffer from acne, since a lot of trial and error is involved in treating the condition.
Doctors still can not identify one single treatment to resolve all cases of acne. More often than not, they ask their patient to try one treatment after another until they find the solution that will work for them. To add to this frustration, the skin takes a long time to show improvements even when treatment is working.There are effective treatments for all types of acne, even for the most severe of cases.
It is best to seek treatment for acne sooner rather than later as acne is a progressive condition that moves from mild, to moderate to severe quickly over time. Severe acne can, and often does, cause permanent scarring of the skin. Once this happens, the acne sufferer will either have permanent scars or will have to seek regular treatment to have the scars removed.
This is a hassle that they do not need after years of painful acne.The person that seeks medical treatment for their acne before it reaches the stage of being severe has a better chance of fully recovering unscathed. They can go on to lead "normal" lives with no visible signs of the skin disease that at one time ailed them. If you are currently suffering from acne, the most important decision that you can make is the decision to seek treatment and to halt the progression of the skin disease.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne Medications How do You Choose?
Acne Medications How do You Choose?
There are many medical treatments for acne, although unfortunately, it can not be said that there is any one, single treatment to cure acne. Rather than having a single treatment for acne, doctors generally have to try several different products for each individual before finding the treatment or combination of treatments that will clear up the problem.
Every case of acne is different and will do different things to the skin depending on the individual. This makes acne quite a difficult condition to treat. A lot of experimentation and trial and error with various medications is usually needed before a successful treatment is found.
This can be very frustrating for the person that wants a quick-fix solution to their problem or even for those individuals that have a stubborn strain of acne that takes a long time to clear up. It always helps to see a doctor or dermatologist that has plenty of experience in treating acne, this way they can draw on their professional experience.
There are some absolute ‘no nos’ when it comes to dealing with acne. You should never scrub skin that is affected by acne. This irritates and inflames the acne, causing more pimples and making the healing process longer and more drawn out.
Never attempt to self-treat or self-medicate. Pimple removal is something that should always be left up to a trained doctor in an antiseptic environment.In most cases, the first treatment that a doctor will recommend is a topical cream.
Acne No More Works
These creams, like all acne treatments, do not cure acne, but rather help manage the symptoms of the acne. The treatment that you receive will depend on the type of symptoms that you are experiencing. It will either be aimed at unplugging pores, killing bacteria (antibiotics), reducing the amount of oils (such as Accutane) or altering the hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands (such as oral contraceptives).
If topical creams alone prove ineffective, doctors will usually combine them with an oral antibiotic. The topical creams usually contain benzoyl peroxide which although effective, should be used in small doses. It was originally thought to be harmless, however studies show that prolonged use or overuse can lead to premature aging of the skin.
Try Natural Acne Remedies
The most important thing to remember when attempting to rid yourself of acne is to work with a trained medical professional that you trust. Secondly, be patient. Even in the best of cases, acne does not clear up overnight. In fact, even when you have found a treatment that works, your skin will usually get worse before it gets better.
Doctors usually recommend continuing a treatment for at least four to six weeks before expecting to see results. Do not be disappointed if the first treatment that you try does not work. Expect to try several different treatments before finally finding success.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
There are many medical treatments for acne, although unfortunately, it can not be said that there is any one, single treatment to cure acne. Rather than having a single treatment for acne, doctors generally have to try several different products for each individual before finding the treatment or combination of treatments that will clear up the problem.
Every case of acne is different and will do different things to the skin depending on the individual. This makes acne quite a difficult condition to treat. A lot of experimentation and trial and error with various medications is usually needed before a successful treatment is found.
This can be very frustrating for the person that wants a quick-fix solution to their problem or even for those individuals that have a stubborn strain of acne that takes a long time to clear up. It always helps to see a doctor or dermatologist that has plenty of experience in treating acne, this way they can draw on their professional experience.
There are some absolute ‘no nos’ when it comes to dealing with acne. You should never scrub skin that is affected by acne. This irritates and inflames the acne, causing more pimples and making the healing process longer and more drawn out.
Never attempt to self-treat or self-medicate. Pimple removal is something that should always be left up to a trained doctor in an antiseptic environment.In most cases, the first treatment that a doctor will recommend is a topical cream.
Acne No More Works
These creams, like all acne treatments, do not cure acne, but rather help manage the symptoms of the acne. The treatment that you receive will depend on the type of symptoms that you are experiencing. It will either be aimed at unplugging pores, killing bacteria (antibiotics), reducing the amount of oils (such as Accutane) or altering the hormones that stimulate the sebaceous glands (such as oral contraceptives).
If topical creams alone prove ineffective, doctors will usually combine them with an oral antibiotic. The topical creams usually contain benzoyl peroxide which although effective, should be used in small doses. It was originally thought to be harmless, however studies show that prolonged use or overuse can lead to premature aging of the skin.
Try Natural Acne Remedies
The most important thing to remember when attempting to rid yourself of acne is to work with a trained medical professional that you trust. Secondly, be patient. Even in the best of cases, acne does not clear up overnight. In fact, even when you have found a treatment that works, your skin will usually get worse before it gets better.
Doctors usually recommend continuing a treatment for at least four to six weeks before expecting to see results. Do not be disappointed if the first treatment that you try does not work. Expect to try several different treatments before finally finding success.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne Hygiene
Acne Hygiene
One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it's caused by dirt. It's not! Acne is caused by a combination of factors you can't control, like your hormone balance and the natural pace of your skin's renewal system. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can control that may help you keep your acne in check. Begin by following these simple suggestions for healthy-skin hygiene.
Acne Prevention - Tip #1: Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.
Acne Prevention - Tip #2: Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.
Acne Prevention - Tip #3: Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. A strong astringent, alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, red skin — and possibly more blemishes.
Acne Prevention - Tip #4: Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes — with fingernails, pins or anything else — can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing greater inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.
Acne Prevention - Tip #5: Hands off! Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a normal resident of your skin; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.
Acne Prevention - Tip #6: Work out, wash off. When you exercise, your movement generates heat; clothing and equipment cause friction. Until you shower off, heat and moisture are trapped against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria. So whenever you can, shower off immediately after exercising.
Acne Prevention Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne No More
Acne Remedies
One of the most common misconceptions about acne is that it's caused by dirt. It's not! Acne is caused by a combination of factors you can't control, like your hormone balance and the natural pace of your skin's renewal system. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can control that may help you keep your acne in check. Begin by following these simple suggestions for healthy-skin hygiene.
Acne Prevention - Tip #1: Don't over-wash. Since dirt is not causing your acne, excessive scrubbing and washing won't make it go away. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.
Acne Prevention - Tip #2: Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.
Acne Prevention - Tip #3: Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. A strong astringent, alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, red skin — and possibly more blemishes.
Acne Prevention - Tip #4: Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes — with fingernails, pins or anything else — can force bacteria deeper into the skin, causing greater inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.
Acne Prevention - Tip #5: Hands off! Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a normal resident of your skin; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.
Acne Prevention - Tip #6: Work out, wash off. When you exercise, your movement generates heat; clothing and equipment cause friction. Until you shower off, heat and moisture are trapped against your skin, creating an ideal breeding ground for the spread of bacteria. So whenever you can, shower off immediately after exercising.
Acne Prevention Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of acne treatment.
For more information visit: Natural Health And Natural Healing
Acne No More
Acne Remedies
Acne and Exercise
Acne and Exercise
Moderate exercise is actually good for your skin. It helps you maintain a healthy body and manage your stress levels, too. If you find your acne is aggravated by regular exercise, then you may want to examine your routine. What do you wear? Where do you go? How hard do you work? Exercise-related acne is usually caused by something you put on your body rather something you do with it. Remove these outside factors, and you may put an end to your workout breakouts. Here are just a few things to watch for.
Acne & Exercise - Make-up. When exercising, wear as little make-up as possible. Even oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics can clog pores if worn during heavy exercise. When you’re done working out, wash as soon as possible.
Acne & Exercise - Sunscreen. If your regimen takes you outdoors, always wear sunscreen. While acne may improve slightly after brief periods in the sun, studies show that prolonged exposure actually promotes comedones (clogged pores) and, of course, sun damage. Some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is even more important. When choosing a sunscreen, look for products that are oil-free and have a protection factor of at least SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Like make-up, sunscreen can travel across the skin’s surface and lodge in the pores — so wash immediately after working out.
Acne & Exercise - Clothing. If you’re prone to body acne, avoid garments made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Why? Some synthetic fabrics can trap the heat and moisture against your skin, creating a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that contribute to acne. For moderate exercise, your best bet is lightweight, loose-fitting cotton, or a lycra-cotton blend. Natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe, and loose garments are less likely to cause friction. If you’re exercising vigorously and working up a good sweat, however, you may want to try some of the new fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin.
Acne & Exercise - Equipment. Some people are more likely to get acne or have their lesions aggravated in the areas affected by sports equipment. The best defense against friction-related breakouts is a good fit — make sure your helmet doesn’t slide around on your forehead, or your wetsuit isn’t too tight under the arms. You can also curb equipment-triggered breakouts by lining your helmet with a layer of soft, washable cotton fabric; it's a great use for those old t-shirts, too. And no matter what the sport, it’s always a good idea to keep your equipment clean and dry when not in use.
Acne & Exercise - Moisture. Mom was right: You should get out of those wet clothes! No matter how you get your exercise — treadmill, trail, tennis court, or whatever — don’t sit around in your sweaty clothes or wet bathing suit when you’re done. If you can, shower off immediately and change into dry clothes before driving home. If this isn’t possible, change into dry clothes and wipe down as well as you can. When toweling sweat off your face, always use a clean towel, and blot gently rather than wipe. Vigorous wiping can irritate your skin, driving make-up and sunscreen deeper into the pores.
Acne & Exercise - Showering. Again, it’s best to shower immediately after working out. You may want to use a medicated exfoliant cleanser, but always be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing harder isn’t going to make you any cleaner, or make your acne go away — and it may actually irritate existing lesions or promote the development of new ones. If you can't shower right away, you can still curb breakouts by wiping down with medicated pads; keep a few in your gym bag just in case.
So keep up the good work! A healthy exercise program is an integral part of your overall health; and a healthy body is more likely to have healthy skin. Just keep an eye on the various factors that accompany your regimen, and try to remove the acne triggers — you’ll be on your way to breakout-free workouts.
More information about acne remedies go to Natural Health and Natural Healing
Moderate exercise is actually good for your skin. It helps you maintain a healthy body and manage your stress levels, too. If you find your acne is aggravated by regular exercise, then you may want to examine your routine. What do you wear? Where do you go? How hard do you work? Exercise-related acne is usually caused by something you put on your body rather something you do with it. Remove these outside factors, and you may put an end to your workout breakouts. Here are just a few things to watch for.
Acne & Exercise - Make-up. When exercising, wear as little make-up as possible. Even oil-free and non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) cosmetics can clog pores if worn during heavy exercise. When you’re done working out, wash as soon as possible.
Acne & Exercise - Sunscreen. If your regimen takes you outdoors, always wear sunscreen. While acne may improve slightly after brief periods in the sun, studies show that prolonged exposure actually promotes comedones (clogged pores) and, of course, sun damage. Some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is even more important. When choosing a sunscreen, look for products that are oil-free and have a protection factor of at least SPF 15 for both UVA and UVB rays. Like make-up, sunscreen can travel across the skin’s surface and lodge in the pores — so wash immediately after working out.
Acne & Exercise - Clothing. If you’re prone to body acne, avoid garments made exclusively with lycra or nylon. Why? Some synthetic fabrics can trap the heat and moisture against your skin, creating a fertile breeding ground for the bacteria that contribute to acne. For moderate exercise, your best bet is lightweight, loose-fitting cotton, or a lycra-cotton blend. Natural fabrics allow the skin to breathe, and loose garments are less likely to cause friction. If you’re exercising vigorously and working up a good sweat, however, you may want to try some of the new fabrics designed to wick moisture away from your skin.
Acne & Exercise - Equipment. Some people are more likely to get acne or have their lesions aggravated in the areas affected by sports equipment. The best defense against friction-related breakouts is a good fit — make sure your helmet doesn’t slide around on your forehead, or your wetsuit isn’t too tight under the arms. You can also curb equipment-triggered breakouts by lining your helmet with a layer of soft, washable cotton fabric; it's a great use for those old t-shirts, too. And no matter what the sport, it’s always a good idea to keep your equipment clean and dry when not in use.
Acne & Exercise - Moisture. Mom was right: You should get out of those wet clothes! No matter how you get your exercise — treadmill, trail, tennis court, or whatever — don’t sit around in your sweaty clothes or wet bathing suit when you’re done. If you can, shower off immediately and change into dry clothes before driving home. If this isn’t possible, change into dry clothes and wipe down as well as you can. When toweling sweat off your face, always use a clean towel, and blot gently rather than wipe. Vigorous wiping can irritate your skin, driving make-up and sunscreen deeper into the pores.
Acne & Exercise - Showering. Again, it’s best to shower immediately after working out. You may want to use a medicated exfoliant cleanser, but always be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing harder isn’t going to make you any cleaner, or make your acne go away — and it may actually irritate existing lesions or promote the development of new ones. If you can't shower right away, you can still curb breakouts by wiping down with medicated pads; keep a few in your gym bag just in case.
So keep up the good work! A healthy exercise program is an integral part of your overall health; and a healthy body is more likely to have healthy skin. Just keep an eye on the various factors that accompany your regimen, and try to remove the acne triggers — you’ll be on your way to breakout-free workouts.
More information about acne remedies go to Natural Health and Natural Healing
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