Pimple Facts

Acne is a nasty little problem that millions of people face every single day. However, many people who are trying with all of their might to fight acne have to also deal with myths surrounding the skin condition. Dealing with myths can greatly hinder your fight against acne. While acne is not a serious or deadly skin condition, it is a condition that can ruin a persons self esteem or even their quality of life.

In this article, we will discuss the five most common myths about acne, putting to rest some of the tales that you might have heard and giving you the clear path to finally having and loving clear skin.

Myth 1. Only Teens Get Acne

There could be nothing further from the truth than this myth. While teens generally get more acne during their puberty years, they are not the only age group that gets acne. Many people especially women have acne from puberty on through adulthood and even into their elderly years. Acne is not bias to a specific age. In fact, though many teens will suffer from some degree of acne, some people do not see any acne at all until they hit their adult years.

Myth 2. Dirt Causes Acne

Dirt does not cause acne. Even dirty skin does not cause acne, however it should be said that healthy skin comes from proper hygiene. Even if you rolled in dirt, you are not going to get acne simply by having dirt on your skin. In fact, those who wash their face too often could cause some irritation, which then makes the skin more susceptible to the chance of infection.

Myth 3. Acne Can Be Caused By Stress

Stress is not a direct cause of acne. However, stress can and will worsen acne on the skin. Therefore, it is really important, particularly if you already have acne that you find ways to reduce the stress in your life, control it, and manage it to help in improving your skin and health overall.

Myth 4. A Poor Diet of Fatty Foods Will Cause Acne

We are sure that you have heard that a poor diet will cause or hurt acne. However, the real truth is that there is no scientific evidence that directly links any particular foods to the cause of acne. Acne has a wide range of causes, pinpointing just one cause is impossible. Therefore, it is important to watch and understand your own skin. If after eating some foods your skin has a negative reaction, then it is generally a good idea to choose to avoid it. However, remember things such as what you drink or sugar, fried foods, candy, or chocolate do not cause acne.

Myth 5. Acne Is Contagious

This is a huge myth. Acne is not contagious in any way, shape, or form. It is a bacterium, which is found in most contagious elements, but the bacteria sits tucked away in the skin and hair follicles. Therefore, it is impossible to transmit acne from one person to another by contact, either kissing or touching. Therefore, even if someone has acne, you can kiss and touch them without any fear.

There you have the top five myths about acne that are still in existence today. Learning the real truth about acne is the best defense you have in fighting, prevention, and treatment.

The effect of acne to individuals is alarming. However, there are certain truths that should be made clear so as to avoid wrong treatments and worse skin conditions. Since misconceptions about acne can have dire results, it should be straightened out with following truth:

1. Dirt is the culprit of acne

No! Dirt does not cause acne. Plugs in the follicle of the skin are the causes of acne. These plugs are formed when in the process of skin shedding, the dead cells mix with sebum and clog the pores of the skin. Extreme consciousness in washing and scrubs will do no help because dirt is not the reason for the presence of acne. These actions even increase the possibility of developing acne because they make the skin drier than usual.

2. Direct acne treatment is effective

No! Topical creams applied directly to the acne do not make them disappear. Since visible acne is 2-3 weeks old, they are difficult to treat with direct application of a cream. It is best to avoid the development of acne by preventive treatment of the whole face.

3. Only teenagers have acne

No! Usually, acne appears during teenage years because of hormonal changes. However, acne should not be ignored. If not treated properly, the acne may worsen and consequently result to acne scars, which are much more difficult to treat. It is good to treat acne at its early stages, before it can do permanent damage to the skin.

4. French fries cause acne

No! Actually, there is no solid evidence that certain foods are involved in the development of acne. Not even nuts or chocolates do harm to the skin. But a healthy diet boosts immune system that fights acne. Keep that in mind.

5. Cosmetics can cause acne

Maybe. If the chosen make-up is not “non-comedogenic”, then acne development is more likely. Non-comedogenic products do not result to the clogging of pores. Make-ups should also be hypoallergenic and water-based to prevent any adverse reactions of the skin.

6. Sweating prevents acne

No! Too much exercise can stimulate sebaceous glands of the skin to produce more oil, which when mixes with perspiration and heat worsens the already existing acne.

7. The sun can help

Not really. Little sun exposure can help acne. But too much exposure under the sun can make the skin dry and shed dead cells faster. More dead cells result to more clogged pores. More clogged pores will result to more acne break-outs.

8. Facial scrubs and toners work

No! Scrubs usually tear skin tissue thus resulting to increased probability of bacterial infection and blemishes. Also, toners with contents of alcohol leave the skin dry and stimulate the sebaceous glands to secret more oil that can clog pores and produce acne. Small-grained scrubs and alcohol-free toners are advisable.

9. Acne can be cured

Not at the moment. Although it is not curable, acne can be treated. Treatments only improve the conditions but will not totally eliminate the occurrence of Acne. The best treatment is prevention. But if the acne has appeared, treatments given by certified dermatologists should be taken.

Charlie McDonnell (charlieissocoollike) singing “A Song About Acne” live at Gizzi’s Coffee in Greenwich Village, New York on 12 December, 2009. Feat. the Fangirl Chorus www.youtube.com/charlieissocoollike

Acne and pimples affect most of the teenagers, and sometimes even adults. Most of the conventional treatments that use chemicals and drugs have severe side effects. Therefore, it is ideal for acne pimple natural treatment, which will turn out to be effective and also cheaper.

Apply a thin layer of coconut oil on the pimple and massage it deep into the skin. Make sure that the pimple does not break out. This application will sooth and heal the affected area. This activity can be repeated several times a day and before going to bed to ensure a healthy and good skin.

Make sure to drink plenty of water and add fruits that contain natural fibers to your diet. A combination of raw apple sauce from two or three apples and two tablespoons of ground flaxseeds is ideal. A diet with fruits and vegetables without any junk food can show considerable improvement in your skin within one month. Raw nuts and seeds, fresh and dried fruits such as dates and figs are highly fibrous and should be included in the diet.

A paste made from fenugreek leaves can be applied at bed time and washed off with warm water in the morning to prevent acne and pimples. Tea tree oil is good for acne pimple natural treatment Tea tree oil combined with a few drops of water should be applied with a cotton pad twice a day. Table salt is another cost effective alternative for treating pimples. Wash your face with cold water first and then apply table salt mixed with water by slight rubbing. Let it stay for ten minutes and wash off with cold water.

Get some fresh basil leaves and allow them to simmer in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Keep this mix in the refrigerator to chill. Apply this mix to the acne using a cotton ball twice a day. Among the other natural remedies for acne pimple natural treatment, eucalyptus oil and neem leaves are also included. All these cures are good, but there are a lot of people that have a problem following, or finding these items to get their cure. That is why I always use a program which has easy step by step instruction so that clients can get clear skin. Having clear skin is probably one of the most important aspects of someones life, without clear skin, your only ice skating with one skate.

Do you want to know how to get rid of pimples fast? I know you do. Before you can achieve that, you have to first learn the truth about what really cause acne & what really make it worse. The fact that acne is a very common skin problem, people are so desperate to find cure to their acne problems which has lead to the development of myths. You can’t get rid of your acne if you don’t know the truths behind acne myths. Here are three of the biggest, most popular myths:

Myth #1: People with acne have to use oil-free skin care products.
No, it is not necessary. Firstly, oil does not cause acne. Yes, people with oily skin tend to get acne and yet some people with dry skin also get acne. And still there are some people with oily skin, don’t get acne. How is that possible then?

Myth #2: Acne can be cured.
Unfortunately, until now, there is absolutely no cure for acne. However, it is 100% treatable. You have likely heard this before, “prevention is better than cure”. Yes, the best way to treat acne is to prevent it from happening. After you have found the skin care routine that works for you, stick with it. Even if your skin has completely cleared up because there is NO cure for acne – yet.

Myth #3: Popping pimples is the best way to get rid of them quick.
No, it is the best way to get permanent scar quick. Picking or popping pimples can cause infections which will result in larger pimples! Popping fresh, new pimples can lead to permanent scars! My advise is of course, do not pop your pimples.

Now that you know these are all ridiculous myths, you can finally get rid of your pimples fast. It’s not necessary to use oil-free skin products because other products that contain oils are sometimes good for acne skin. Stick with your skin care routine & finally never ever pop your pimples.

Discover a proven & time-tested method to get rid of all types of acne faster than ever & stop them from ever coming back at – Click here.

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When you suffer from acne searching for the best acne cures can become an obsession. Ads for acne cures are everywhere, but the truth is not every acne remedy is good for your skin. The shelves at the drugstore are filled with acne pills, products that promise to clear acne and teen acne, and even some topical ointments that promise they are natural acne cures. Many women’s magazines even devote scores of articles to home acne cures or even an acne diet. When you are faced with so many acne remedy choices, it is hard to know what is best for your skin.

The truth about acne is that anyone can get it. Teen acne is not a result of what you eat, what you put on your face, or how clean you are. Don’t feel bad about yourself if you suffer from acne. There was nothing that you did to cause it. The hormones that your body produces have a lot to do with the acne that erupts on your face so most natural acne cures and home acne cures really don’t do all that they promise to do. An acne diet won’t change the way your body produces and processed oil beneath the surface of your skin. Acne pills are not a magic cure all that simply makes acne disappear.

If you really want to clear acne from your face, you need to stop the formation of acne before it manifests itself in pimples. There is no cure for acne, so products that promise you easy acne cures aren’t telling you the truth. Instead of looking for acne cures, you need to start looking at acne prevention.

Proactiv Solution knows that prevention is the best acne cure. As a result, its creators worked hard to develop an acne remedy that goes deep below the surface of your skin to kill bacteria before it has a chance to develop into acne. Proactive Solution is much better for your skin than topical over the counter treatments, because it doesn’t wait for acne to form before it fights it. It penetrates into your skin, stopping acne at the source.

Even though Proactive Solution is designed to be used everyday, it is gentle on your skin. Unlike other chemical laden acne treatments that make your skin dry and flaky, Proactiv Solution is formulated with soothing botanicals like allantoin, panthenol, aloe, and chamomile. It hydrates your skin and leaves it feeling smooth and soft. Many so called acne cures found on the market today are much too harsh and using them every day can actually make your acne worse. Proactive Solution is so gentle that it is actually good for your skin. It won’t dry you out and cause further outbreaks.

Many acne cures that are sold at the drugstore are hard to use. They require multiple steps, messy masks, or smelly solutions. Proactiv Solution is easy to use. The three step process works together to clear acne and keep it from reaching the surface of your skin. You simply wash with the exfoliating renewing cleanser, sloughing off dead skin cells and allowing your fresh skin to glow. Then you unclog your pores with the revitalizing cleanser, refreshing and toning your skin. The last step is to attack bacteria by smoothing on the repairing lotion. The whole process only takes a minute or two each day, but the result is acne free skin for good.

Don’t be duped by the promise of acne cures that can’t deliver. There is no acne diet or super amazing bottle of acne pills that will cure your problem. True acne cures just don’t exist. Even though acne isn’t curable, you don’t have to live with it. You can fight acne and keep breakouts at bay. Using Proactive Solution is the best defense against teen acne and the stress that it can cause.

There are a few medications that a dermatologist can prescribe for acne. While they can help clear up the problem, they don’t indefinitely cure acne and they do cause many different side effects, including depression, liver damage, and even birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Taking prescription medication to control your breakouts is something that should be discussed with your dermatologist, but before you take such a drastic measure, doesn’t it make sense to give the simple process of using Proactive Solution a chance? Proactiv Solution is a great alternative to prescription medications for acne treatment. It is gentle, inexpensive, easy to use, and good for your skin.

Proactiv Solution has helped many people fight the problem of acne. Men and women alike have found it to be a useful in combating breakouts. When you deal with acne, you don’t feel good about the way you look. Proactive Solution can give you back the good self image that acne takes from you.

Acne is a skin disease that is caused by a type of bacteria called P.acnes. The oil that is produced by the glands in the skin attracts the dirt and hence provides a favorable environment for the bacteria to increase in number. This causes infection resulting in inflammation in the skin. Pimples are developed as a result and they look like small nodules on the surface of the skin. These pimples spoil the look of the person and also cause pain in some cases. Acne is commonly found in teenagers during the stages of their puberty. This type of acne will disappear naturally when the boy or the girl crosses the teenage. Acne is also found in adults of the age thirty and forty. For these people specific treatments have to be taken so that the complexion of the skin is maintained.

Various acne products are available in the market for curing acne. These medicines are either ointments that are applied externally or pills that are consumed internally. For teens these products are sufficient to cure their mild acne but they are not suitable for adults. Adult acne can be cured only with the help of dedicated treatment that involves various cosmetic therapies.

The actual cause for acne is still unknown while for teens acne is mainly caused by the hormonal changes in the body. The food habit also has a major influence in causing the disease. When people take items that contain more oil, the sebaceous glands are activated to produce more sebum. The excess secretion of sebum results in the formation of pimples causing acne. Acne will become severe if the symptoms appear on unhealthy skin. When dirt is allowed to settle down on the skin for a long time, it blocks the pores thus creating acne. It is always better to maintain a dirt free skin to prevent acne. Use of cosmetics is also a major reason for acne in adults. The creams that are used in the make up stick to the skin blocking the pores. As a result the dirt is clogged up in the pores and the bacteria multiply leading to acne.

While choosing acne products you must know the ingredients of the product. Generally creams, gels and ointments are used as products for treating acne. These creams reduce the secretion of sebum and fights against the bacteria to cure acne. Doctors suggest the use of creams containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for treating pimples as they are very effective. You must read the labels before buying the product to know what is included in the creams. Many of these creams will claim to have 98% nutrients for the kin and these nutrients will be present only in the outer layer. Some manufacturers may call their product as a natural one but actually these will be made of extracts from natural substances. You have to be careful while choosing these natural products. You can choose a cream that contains organic products. Organic products are safe for the skin and organic creams contain 95% organic substances and 5% water.

The acne products that are effective with one person need not have the same effect with the other person. This is because each of us has a different skin type and different products have to be used accordingly. For some people use of wrong acne products created harmful effects. For oily skin types gels should be used. If you have a normal skin you can choose any product that is found to be effective.

A good acne product must reduce the itchiness after applying over the pimples. You must not get irritation in the skin when you apply the cream on your pimples. If you have a pain or irritation then you must understand that the product is not suitable for your skin. Persons with sensitive skin should not try our acne products on their own. The product you buy must be feasible in terms of cost and cure. However none of the acne products are found to have immediate results. You need to follow the treatment for about 8 months to cure acne completely. You should not find discoloration in your skin after using the acne product. When you choose the right product for your skin you can cure your acne. Otherwise you have to visit the doctor for some other skin problem.

Scratching the pimples for clearing them off is a very bad habit that will intensify the problem. Many teenagers do this and they are left with permanent scars of acne. The modern medicine has therapies that can remove the acne scares completely.

Various home remedies are available as acne products. Vegetables and fruits must be taken in large quantities to nourish the skin form inside. Sandalwood oil is an ancient treatment for acne that is found to be very effective. Rosewood seed oil and tea leaves are also effective to cure the itchiness in the skin due to acne. Natural products in the kitchen are found to be effective against the pimples. But if you have already developed whiteheads and blackheads you must go for the medicines to cure acne. These home remedies are good for mild acne problems but for severe acne a dermatologist will prescribe medicines.

When you have symptoms of mild acne you must start using the acne products. Ayurvedic products are also found to be very effective. If your acne forms pustules and nodes it will become difficult to cure them with acne products. You must go for intensive treatments for removing the pimples. To treat the irregularities caused by the removal, various treatments like laser treatments are available that will let you regain your original complexion. However of you start treating acne at the early stages you can escape from the scars, otherwise you will have to spend more for removal of the scars. Teenagers can use the acne products for treating acne since they will have only mild acne, but for adults intensive treatments are required.

LET’S RUB IT!!!! Eddy’s head must have been very sore at the end =P I DO NOT OWN ED EDD OR EDDY ALL RIGHTS GO TO DANNY ANTONUCCI

Top 10 Myths About Acne

I have been treating acne in my patients for over a decade.  And during that time many patients have asked me questions related to myths that they have heard, that simply aren’t true.  Here I will address the top 10 acne myths that I have heard over the years with detailed explanations of why they are false.

Acne Myth 1 – Washing your face more often will help clear up acne

Facial blemishes are not caused by dirt. Contrary to what you may have seen in commercials, pores do not get blocked from the top down due to “impurities”. Rather, the walls of a pore stick together deep within the skin, starting acne formation. Far from preventing acne, frequent washing may actually irritate pores and cause them to become clogged. A washcloth can add even more irritation. The best bet is to wash very gently with bare hands, and only wash twice a day.

Acne Myth 2 – Stress causes acne

Stress may have an effect on hormones and theoretically can promote acne. However, an effective acne treatment regimen is more powerful than a bout of stress any day. Some psychiatric medications may have acne as a side effect, but stress itself is no big deal. Your time is better spent determining the right course of acne treatment rather than feeling guilt about stress.

Acne Myth 3 -Masturbation or sex causes acne

This antiquated notion, originating as early as the 17th century to dissuade young people from having premarital sex, is just plain wrong. Don’t believe the hype.

Acne Myth 4 -The sun will help get rid of acne

Although a tan may temporarily mask acne, the sun can make the skin dry and irritated, leading to more breakouts in the future. In fact, there’s no link between sun exposure and acne prevention, but the sun’s rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. Always protect your skin by choosing a sunscreen of at least SPF (sun protection factor) 15 that says noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic on the label, which means it won’t clog pores.

The sun also reddens your skin, blending your skin tone with red acne marks. However, a sun burn is actually skin damage, and sun exposure can cause irritation which will make acne worse. People will often notice their skin breaking out as it heals from sun damage. The sun is a short-term band-aid which will often bite back with more acne in the weeks following exposure. However, some sun exposure is not evil. It is actually important, and we get our vitamin D from the sun. Limiting sun exposure on acne prone areas of your body is most likely prudent, but some exposure from time to time is not only unavoidable, but is perfectly okay.

Acne Myth 5 -Diet and acne are related

The bottom line is we need more research. We do know that people in some indigenous societies do not experience acne at all. This is in contrast to the widespread presence of acne throughout all modern society. It leaves us to question whether the indigenous people’s diet contributes to their acne-free skin. Discovering a dietary way of preventing acne may be a future reality.

Although eating too many sugary, high-fat foods is never a good idea, studies show that no specific food has been proven to cause acne. Every individual is different, though. Some people notice their breakouts are worse after eating certain foods — and these foods are different depending on the person. For example, some people may notice breakouts after eating chocolate, while others are fine with chocolate but notice they get breakouts after drinking too much coffee. If that’s the case for you, it can help to cut back on that food and see if it makes a difference.

Acne Myth 6 -Popping pimples will help them go away faster

Popping a pimple may make it seem less noticeable temporarily, but popping can cause it to stay around longer. By squeezing pimples and zits, you can actually push bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil further into the skin, causing more swelling and redness — and sometimes causing a red or brown mark or scar to form. Sometimes marks can last for many months and true scars (dents and pits) will last forever.

Acne Myth 7 -Don’t wear makeup if you want clear skin.

As long as you choose cosmetics that are nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, they shouldn’t cause breakouts. In fact, some concealers now contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which help to fight acne. You can also try tinted benzoyl peroxide creams that hide pimples while helping treat them.

If you’ve had moderate to severe acne, though, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about the best cosmetics to use — he or she may recommend avoiding cosmetics altogether or only using certain brands so you’re acne isn’t aggravated.

And even if a product is labeled nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic, you should stop using it and talk to your doctor if you notice that it’s irritating your skin or seems to cause breakouts.

Acne Myth 8 – If you keep getting breakouts, it helps to use more acne medication until the breakouts stop.

Because acne medication contains drying agents like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, using too much medication may cause overdrying, leading to irritation and more blemishes.

If over-the-counter acne medication doesn’t seem to work on your acne, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist. Also, if you’re taking a prescription acne medication, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions — some medications may take up to 8 weeks to make a significant difference.

Acne Myth 9 – Acne is just a cosmetic disease.

Yes, acne does affect the way people look and is not otherwise a serious threat to a person’s physical health. However, acne can result in permanent physical scars–plus, acne itself as well as its scars can affect the way people feel about themselves to the point of affecting their lives.

Acne Myth 10 – You just have to let acne run its course

The truth is, acne can be cleared up. If the acne products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist. With the products available today, there is no reason why someone has to endure acne or get acne scars.

For more information on acne, including: medication reviews and skin care tips, click here, or visit: www.skincarehelp.me.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne

Acne is a very common disease. People who have it tend to have similar kinds of questions about it and its treatment. This section addresses some of the common questions asked by people with acne. Please remember that your dermatologist is always the best source of specific information about your individual health issues, including acne.

Questions and Answer does follows:

What causes acne?

The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.

Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.

In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.

I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?

Many people still believe that acne is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously, only to irritate the skin further and worsen their acne. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild soap is usually all that is required. However, acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for the acne.

Does stress cause acne?

Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around! If the acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people.

I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?

Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, acne may persist into adulthood. Such types of acne include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face (which afflict males more than females) and acne associated with the menstrual cycle in women. In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males.

There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.

What role does diet play in acne?

Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet–but diet shouldn’t really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.

Does the sun help acne?

Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne. Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.

What is the best way to treat acne?

Everyone’s acne must be treated individually. If you have not gotten good results from the acne products you have tried, consider seeing a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you. For more information about the types of acne treatments that are available, and for basic acne treatment guidelines, please see Acne Treatments in the main part of AcneNet.

What kind of cosmetics and cleansers can an acne patient use?

Look for “noncomedogenic” cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne.

Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist.

Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.

Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?

Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.

Can anything be done about scarring caused by acne?

Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the acne. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the acne be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring.

How long before I see a visible result from using my acne medication?

The time for improvement depends upon the product being used, but in almost all cases it is more a matter of weeks or months instead of days. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication or combination of medications daily for 4 to 8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients to be aware of this time frame so they do not become discouraged and discontinue their medications. Conversely, if you see no change whatsoever, you might want to check with your dermatologist regarding the need to change treatments.

Would using my medication more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my acne?

No–always use your medication exactly as your dermatologist instructed. Using topical medications more often than prescribed may actually induce more irritation of the skin, redness and follicular plugging, which can delay clearing time. If oral medications are taken more frequently than prescribed, they won’t work any better, but there is a greater chance of side effects.

My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new acne blemishes. What should I do?

Topical acne medications are made to be used on all acne-prone areas, not just individual lesions. Part of the goal is to treat the skin before lesions can form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. Patients are generally advised to treat all of the areas (forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) that tend to break out rather than just individual lesions.

My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?

If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop–but follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their acne flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications.

Does it matter what time I use my medication?

Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist. If you were taking one dose a day of an antibiotic, you could probably take it in the morning, at midday or in the evening, although you should pick one time of day and stay with it throughout your treatment. With oral medications prescribed twice a day or three times a day, you should try your best to spread out the doses evenly. Some antibiotics should be taken on an empty or nearly empty stomach. For optimal results with topical treatments, you should strictly follow your dermatologist’s recommendations. For example, if instructed to apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid at bedtime, it is important to follow these directions strictly. If the two were applied together at bedtime, for example, you could decrease the efficacy of the treatment because of chemical reactions that make them less effective.

I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What’s a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?

This is a common problem. Many patients try to associate taking their medication with a routine daily event such as brushing teeth or applying makeup. It also helps to keep the medication close to the area where the reminder activity is carried out.

In most cases, if you miss a day of your oral treatment, do not double up the next day; rather, get back to your daily regimen as soon as possible–but there may be different instructions for different oral medications. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose of your particular medication.

I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my acne and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around acne scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication and is it permanent?

It is not possible to make general statements about side effects of medications that apply to individual cases. A dermatologist should be consulted. The facial marks and body discoloration described by the patient in this case do fall within the range of side effects of some antibiotics.

Unique patterns of pigmentation are sometimes seen in acne patients treated with certain oral antibiotics—particularly minocycline. The pigmentation patterns that appear may include:

* Localized blue-black or brown marks in and around acne scars and in areas of previous acne inflammation

* A “muddy skin” appearance that may cover much of the body

* Diffuse brownish pigmentation of the feet and lower legs.

The pigmentation side effect gradually disappears after the therapy is discontinued.

Any side effect of a medication should be noted by the patient and brought to the attention of the physician. While most side effects are temporary they should be discussed with the physician and monitored.

My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my acne. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn’t vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of acne?

Dietary vitamin A is essential to good health, especially vision. It has healthful effects in the skin. Large doses of vitamin A for the treatment of acne is not recommended on grounds of safety. The retinoids and retinoid-like substances used as topical treatments for acne are prepared especially for their potent effect on the shedding of cell lining in the sebaceous follicle. Their use should be monitored by a dermatologist.

Dietary vitamin A has multiple health effects in the human body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Extreme vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, usually accompanied by dry, scaly skin. Vitamin A overdose that far exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 5,000 IU can have effects nearly as catastrophic. Extreme vitamin A overdose can cause the skin to blister and peel—an effect first seen in early North Pole explorers who nearly died after eating polar bear liver that has an extraordinarily high vitamin A content.

Topical retinoids are usually prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe acne. Side effects are chiefly dermatologic, including redness, scaling and dryness of the skin, itching and burning. These side effects can usually be managed by adjustment of the amount and timing of retinoid applied to the skin. Dose adjustment must be discussed with the dermatologist who prescribed the treatment.

Are there any acne treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?

There are no acne treatments specifically for use on dark skin. Acne treatments are generally as safe and effective on dark skin as on light skin. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin.

Acne is a common skin disease that has the same causes and follows the same course in all colors of skin.

Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin. Topical anti-acne agents such as benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide also is a strong bleach and therefore must be applied carefully to avoid inadvertent decolorization of a patch of hair, towels or clothing.

Darker skin has a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed). Severe inflammatory acne may result in dark spots. The spots resolve over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.

Removal of acne scars by dermabrasion or chemical peeling may cause temporary lightening or darkening of dark skin in the areas of treatment. Scar treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon before it is undertaken.

Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.

Is acne that appears for the first time in adulthood different from acne that appears in adolescence?

Acne has a specific definition as a disease of sebaceous follicles. This definition applies to acne that occurs at any age. However, it may be important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.

Current understanding of the causes of acne vulgaris is described in the Main Text section Why and how acne happens. In brief summary, acne vulgaris develops when excessive sebum production and abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle result in plugging of follicles with a mixture of sebum and cellular debris and formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Bacteria in the follicles—chiefly Propionibacterium acnes, the most common bacterial colonist of sebaceous follicles—may contribute to the inflammation of acne by release of metabolic products that cause inflammatory reaction. The pathogenic events, which cause disease, in the sebaceous follicle are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with growth and development between ages 12 and

Some acne investigators believe that although this understanding is generally correct, there is more yet to be learned about the causes of acne vulgaris.

Acne that appears after the age of 25-30 years is (1) a recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence, (2) a flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy, or (3) acne that occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Acne flares in association with pregnancy or menstruation are due to changes in hormonal patterns.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be investigated for any underlying cause. Drugs that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic drugs, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium, and iodine-containing drugs. Chlorinated industrial chemicals may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne. Chronic physical pressure on the skin—for example, by a backpack and its straps, or a violin tucked against the angle of the jaw and chin—may induce so-called acne mechanica. Some metabolic conditions may cause changes in hormonal balance that can induce acne.

Some lesions that appear to be acne may be another skin disorder such as folliculitis—infection and inflammation of hair follicles—that require different treatment than acne. Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of acne. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?

Excessive picking and squeezing of otherwise mild acne is a condition called excoriated acne, seen most often in young women. A dermatologist may provide effective counseling.

The typical person with excoriated acne is a person—often a young women—who is so distressed with her appearance due to acne that she literally tries to “squeeze the acne out of existence.” The acne is often very mild, but the person’s face may constantly be covered with red marks from squeezing, and open sores where lesions have been picked open.

The word excoriate means to scratch or abrade the skin. Excoriated acne is a medically recognized condition that should be discussed with a dermatologist. Occasionally giving in to a temptation to squeeze a blackhead is not defined as excoriated acne. Hours in front of a mirror, squeezing and picking every blemish, is a definition of excoriated acne. A dermatologist may be able to counsel the patient regarding a course of treatment in which the patient can participate, but keep “hands off.”

Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn’t alteration of diet be considered a treatment for acne?

Diet has never been proven to have a role in the cause or treatment of acne. Dietary manipulation may have a role in the treatment of some scaling diseases of the skin, but not in the treatment of acne.

Dietary cause is one of the most persistent myths about acne. Foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, do not cause acne, but certain foods seem to make some people’s acne worse. The following can bring on or worsen it:

Hereditary factors

An increase in male hormones found in both males and females

Menstruation

Emotional stress

Oil and grease from cosmetics, work environment

No food has been shown to be effective in preventing or treating acne. A healthy diet is, of course, necessary for good general health.

Shouldn’t I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?

No. When it isn’t blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.

Why does acne usually start at puberty?

No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.

Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?

This redness is caused by the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn’t always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.

If my skin turns red, does that mean that I’m going to have scars?

Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.

What are free radicals?

Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage. Antioxidants, including several of the active ingredients in Acuzine, help prevent the buildup of free radicals.