Acne and Smoking

Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Acne most often occurs in the early teenybopper years, but affects some through adult life. Acne comes under the group of skin rashes. Causes of acne include hormones, diet, evolutionary biology, vitamin deficiency, stress, and more. The real explanation may be a complex mix of many of these factors. Oily or heavy make-up is another cause of acne. Smoking can cause acne. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK. Every year, around 114,000 smokers die from smoking-related diseases such as heart disease and lung cancer.

Sometimes smoking is justified by the fact that nicotine allegedly has stress reducing effects. NIA non-inflammatory acne is most prevalent in smokers. Smoking can lead to a slew of other health-related problems, including ones that adversely affect the skin. These may include grey skin , wrinkles and yellowing of the skin and nails. Among adults with acne, non-smokers were more likely to suffer from inflammatory acne. Smokers, however, were much more likely to experience non-inflammatory breakouts. 42% of smokers suffered from acne, compared to 10% of non-smokers. But cigarette smokers seemed to develop non-inflamed acne at a much higher rate than other adult acne sufferers. About 70 per cent of smokers say that they want to stop smoking, but most believe they are unable to.

If you really want control acne first step that you need to take is to stop smoking. Wash your face regularly but avoid over-washing it. Make some changes in your diet and include some fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet as well. Practice yoga and meditation that will also help you a lot. Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy and acne pimple free skin. Drink lots of water as it will help in flushing out the toxins from the skin. Acne has nothing to do with dirt. So, don't over-wash or over-scrub your face or the rest of your body. Diet plays the same role as the herbs play in the elimination of acne. One should include juices taken from the juice extractor in the diet. Corticosteroid injections speed healing of the lesion to just a few short days.

Baby Acne Treatment Tips

Baby acne is a problem of skin and defined as inflamed blackheads, red pimples and whiteheads. It can be present at birth, but typically appears at 3 to 4 weeks of age. Baby acne commonly appears on the arms, legs, shoulders, face and buttocks. Baby acne usually appears on the chin, cheeks or forehead in the form of whiteheads, blackheads or pustules. The bumps of baby acne are quickly fleeting evidence of the connection between a mother’s body and her baby’s. During the final moments of pregnancy, her hormones cross the placenta into her child. Among other things (such as maturing the lungs), this stimulates the oil glands on the skin, eventually giving rise to the baby acne. Sometimes, baby acne is associated by contact with dirty clothes.

Milia are pearly white bumps on a baby's nose, chin or cheeks. Sometimes milia affect a baby's gums or roof of the mouth as well. Many babies are born with milia. Baby acne often develops within the first three to four weeks after birth. Many babies have both conditions at once. Benzoyl Peroxide 5% lotion is very effective to remove acne from the skin. This lotion may be used in babies over 3 months old. Wash your baby's face with warm water two or three times a day and pat it dry. Don't use lotions, oils or other treatments. Never pinch or scrub milia or baby acne. Oils or creams are not recommended by the health care providers to reduce the acne from the surface of the skin. Clean affected portion of the skin with mild soap and clean water or cleanser like Aquanil Cleansing Lotion daily.

Baby Acne Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Drink fresh fruits juices and large amount of water.

2. Never pinch or scrub milia or baby acne.

3. Do not squeeze, dig, touch or pick the acne.

4. Use paper towels to pat the affected area dry and throw it away.

5. Benzoyl Peroxide 5% lotion is very effective to remove acne from the skin.

6. Apply a little medicine such as hydrocortisone cream for baby acne.

The Hidden Truths About Pregnancy Acne

Do you suffer from pregnancy acne? Well, you do not have to worry, because you are not alone. Even though pregnancy acne is extremely bothersome, it is completely common. Most pregnant women suffering from acne are experiencing it during their first trimester. This is usually because there is an increase in hormones. As hormone levels increase, oil in your pores will also increase. Thus, leading to oily skin. Most women would rather say they are glowing with the delight of being pregnant, but the awful truth is their skin is just more oily. However, as the pregnancy continues, estrogen levels increase and acne usually subsides. Although, no expecting mother wants a face full of zits at any time during her pregnancy.

Instead of people coming up to you and saying congratulations on the bun in the oven, you are constantly wondering if they are staring at those monster zits you have on your face. You probably never suspected at what was supposed to be such a happy time in your life you would have to worry about pregnancy acne. And lets face it, you do not need another stress while you are pregnant. Getting fast acting treatment for pregnancy acne is extremely important for new mom's to-be, because it is hard enough that you are gaining weight in areas you never thought you would. Having flawless skin is not too much to ask during pregnancy.

Discover the best adult acne treatment tips

Adults all over the United States are searching for adult acne treatment. In fact, 75 % of adults are still suffering from this so-called teen skin disease. While it is true that acne is the most common among teenagers and young adults, 25% of adult men and 50% of adult women are suffering from acne. People are continuing to develop acne well into their 20's, 30's, and 40's. With acne being the most common skin disease in the United States, adult acne treatment is now the most common treatment being sought after.

While most adults should be looking for their own children's acne treatment, they are preoccupied with searching for their own. It is pretty embarrassing to pick up your teenager from school and your face tends to resemble the sixteen year olds with the pimples everywhere. Needless to say, finding an adult acne treatment becomes more important than Indiana Jones finding the Holy Grail.


No matter what kind of acne you have, it can be cleared up with an adult acne treatment. First, you must know what skin type you have. If you are washing your face with the wrong cleanser, it could be the root of all your skin problems. If you have dry, combination, or oily skin, you should be washing with specific cleansers every morning and evening. If you do not know your skin type, you may want to visit a dermatologist.

Secondly, you should know what type of acne you have. If you know the difference between the different types of acne, you will learn how to treat your type of acne and hopefully be able to find an adult acne treatment that is right for you. The following are a list of the different types of acne and their definitions:

Whiteheads: These are little pimples that have completely blocked the pore, appear white, and are under the skin's surface

Blackheads: These are little pimples that have partially blocked the pore, appear black, and rise to the skin's surface.

Papules: These are small, pink or red bumps that are tender and never come to a head
Pustules: These are small, red pimples that are inflamed, are red at the bottom, and have white or yellow pus in the middle or top.

Nodules: These are large, solid pimples or lesions that are very painful and deep in the skin.

Cysts: These are deep, pus-filled pimples that can be as large as 5mm in diameter or more, and they are very painful.

Knowing what kind of acne you have could help you and your dermatologist pick your adult acne treatment. Furthermore, in the fight against acne, you must be willing to change some of your old habits. First, make sure you are using an oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion or sunscreen on your face. This will prevent breakouts and pore clogging. Secondly, wash your face every morning and evening. Make sure you apply a low-strength benzoyl peroxide to your face before bedtime. Thirdly, drink plenty of water. This does wonders for your face. Just remember, there is an adult acne treatment out there for you!

What Type Of Acne Product Works For What Type Of Skin?

There are countless numbers of people that are suffering from some type of blemish problem and are searching for the right acne product for their skin. Many people just suffer from mild breakouts while others suffer from incredibly severe acne issues. Read on for some tips on which types of products for acne will help with what types of skin problems.



Oily skin is generally shiny and is quite likely to attract dirt and other irritants. When developing a skin care routine for oily skin you should leave out moisturizers all together. You should definitely find a good acne fighting face wash and cleanser and you’ll want to make sure to also use alcohol based products like astringents to aide in drying out your skin.



Dry skin appears dry and often flaky. Generally, dry skin isn’t as prone to acne breakouts as other skin types however to treat blemishes with an acne product that also includes a good moisturizer. You should stay away from products containing alcohol when looking for acne treatment products for dry skin.



Combination skin can be one of two things, either normal to oily where your forehead, nose and chin would be prone to breakouts while your cheeks would not and dry to oily which is basically the same except that your cheeks would be dry. Acne fighting products for this type of skin should be specifically tailored to the type of combination skin that you have.



Finding out more information about the type of skin that you have can really assist you in learning what types of acne products will work on your skin and which ones will just irritate it. As soon as you figure out the type of skin you will have a much better chance you will have of finding an acne product that will help clear up your skin.

Top 8 Acne Treatments For Acne Free Skin Quickly And Easily

Millions of people have acne and it can be very embarrassing and depressing sometime. You don't need to buy expensive products for acne treatment because there are natural acne treatments available. Listed below are 8 of the best acne home remedies that have been tested and proven effective by people.

1. Fruits that have lots of acid make great acne-fighting facial masks. Fruits and vegetable are rich in acid that help treat acne problems. Eating fruits and vegetables is a must if you want to be acne free quickly.

2. Crush some garlic and gently daub on acne. A lot of people have said that garlic is one of the best acne home remedies they have ever tried. Garlic is a great natural acne treatment because of its properties and health benefits.

3. Reduce acne swelling by using ice. Ice will reduce inflammation and shrink the size of pores. Cover your acne with ice when it gets swollen.

4. Use pulp of Papaya to cover face. Papaya fruit is a great source of Vitamin A, an antioxidant vitamin that hinders the overproduction of sebum which is a major cause of acne.

5. Stop drinking milk and eating sugar to prevent acne growth. You will prevent acne from appearing if you stop eating sugary foods and drinking pasteurized milk.

6. Eat orange to boost immune system. A strong immune system is essential in fighting acne and other infections.

7. Potato is one of the best acne home remedies. Grate a potato and apply on the affected area for 30 minutes. Potatoes have amazing acne swelling reduction properties.

8. Cucumber can be used in various acne home remedies. Juice made out of cucumber can be taken as a drink or applied directly onto the face.

These tried and tested best acne home remedies show make treating acne easy and inexpensive. These simple treatments can help you naturally achieve healthy and acne-free skin.

How To Cure Pimples Fast

Here are some simple things you can do to help get rid of your pimples:

1.) Do NOT touch them - Most people who have pimples are very tempted to pick and squeeze them, this is not a good thing to do, this will usually result in actually making the problem worse as you often make it easier for the acne to spread.

2.) Drink plenty of water - Water is one of the best things you can consume, especially when it comes to getting rid of pimples and reducing the chance of them coming back, you should drink around one and a half litres of water per day, no more, no less.

3.) Wash your face twice per day - Washing your face will remove the dirt and sweat that gathers on it though a regular day, simply wash your face once when you get up in the morning and once before you go to bed.

4.) Eat healthy foods - Things like oily foods, fried foods, greasy foods, sugary foods and basically things of that nature will usually just make the problem worse, you should try to eat healthy foods such as fresh vegetables.

The Easiest Ways To Treat Acne Naturally At Home

Treating acne at home is becoming more and more popular these days as people begin to realize that many pharmaceutical acne medications are not as effective as promised and often have unpleasant side effects. Today I am going to show you some of the easiest ways to treat acne naturally at home and discuss why they are so effective. By forming an acne treatment program using natural remedies you not only help yourself by cutting down on harsh chemicals but also the environment as well, which is another major benefit.

Using lemon juice as a topical lotion is one of the easiest, and best ways to treat acne naturally. Lemon juice can be applied every day to the entire face, or to localized areas which need the most treatment. To prepare it you need to take a fresh, small lemon, remove the rind and cut the flesh into small cubes. Lightly rub one of the cubes over the skin and then discard. The other cubes can be placed in the refrigerator and will keep for a few days but after that will start to deteriorate. Allow the juice to soak into the skin for 10-15 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water. Before you apply the juice you should clean your face with lukewarm water as well. If you are applying the lemon juice to single pimples (as opposed to the entire face) then you do not need to wash the juice off. The only reason for washing the juice off when it is applied to the entire face is that walking around with a sticky face all day is more than just a little bit inconvenient!

Why is lemon juice a great way to treat acne naturally? Firstly, lemon juice has an antibacterial effect which helps to kill the specific bacteria that collect in the pores of the skin and then go on to cause acne. Because one of the main constituents of lemon juice, citric acid, is water-seeking it acts to dehydrate the bacteria and therefore eliminate them. The citric acid in lemon juice also helps to reduce the amount of oil on the skin and therefore remove one of the essential components of acne. As with all medical treatments you should test lemon juice on a small patch of skin first and if problems such as excessive itchiness or irritation arise, stop using it.

Another one of the easiest ways to treat acne is by increasing your daily intake of water. This can be done at home, in the car, at work, at the mall - anywhere! Although it is recommended that you drink eight glasses of water a day, I personally believe that this is not enough. From my experience, you should drink around 4 liters of water a day, spaced out through the day. When you first start increasing your water intake you will notice yourself needing to go to the toilet much more than often but after a while this will become less of a problem as your body gets used to the amount of fluid you're providing it with. Remember that you can also drink too much water so take it slow, and if you start feeling ill then reduce your intake to a more suitable level.

Water is effective as a way of treating acne naturally because it helps to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities that would otherwise be excreted through the skin, which then worsen the problem. Increasing water intake also helps to keep the skin well moisturized and supple so that it looks much healthier. Adequate hydration also ensures that the cells in your skin can function properly and therefore stay in good condition. Without enough water your skin cannot repair and heal itself and so acne becomes a bigger problem. By drinking plenty of water you can prevent this from occurring.

Using natural substances such as lemon juice and water is a great way to help combat acne and be kind to the environment at the same time. The remedies I have shown you today are, in my opinion, extremely effective and are also well priced when compared with most pharmaceutical treatment options. Add some lemon juice and water to your skin care regimen and you'll be making good use of some of the easiest ways possible to treat acne naturally at home.

How Do Acne Treatments Work?

Acne treatments work differently, so it is important for patients to know what these cures can do so that they can find what is appropriate for their level of condition and for their type of skin. Below is an overview of how common acne cures work.

Antibacterial acne treatments

The most common of this type of cure are topical creams or lotions with benzoyl peroxide. There are also those that contain sulfur or salicylic acid that can be applied to the affected areas. Topical antibacterials work by getting rid of bacteria and by peeling off or removing dead skin cells. Since these topical treatments act like skin bleach, they do not allow bacteria to build a resistance against them over time like other acne cures usually do. These treatments, though, can cause mild irritation or pigmentation when used excessively. They are good for mild to moderate conditions.

Contraceptives and hormonal treatments

Contraceptives, or anti-testosterone medications, are effective for women who suffer from acne. They work by reducing the levels of androgenic hormones in women which are believed to cause acne breakouts. Cortisone, another form of hormonal treatment, can be injected directly to the pimple to reduce inflammation. This form of treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist first before being used since it can cause certain negative reactions, particularly the loss of natural skin color.

Laser procedures

Laser treatments act on acne by burning away the sebaceous gland that produces the oil-causing pimple. It also destroys the bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, which causes zits. Lasers are basically effective in curing acne, but skin damage and dryness are potential risks associated with this form of treatment, thus, the use of laser in treating acne should be discussed first with a skin expert. Added to the potential risks is the cost of the treatment which is definitely higher than mere topical or oral cures.

Regular pampering

Having regular facials or steaming can also help cure acne. If the condition is only starting, prevention is still your best option. Pampering your skin or getting it treated regularly will help in preventing pimples from starting. The idea behind facials and steaming procedures is to open the pores of the skin and make dirt and bacteria easier to remove. The procedures are also not just for treating acne but also for making sure that your skin stays clear, smooth and healthy.

Acne treatments vary in how they work. The type of remedy would depend on the level of condition, the type of skin and the treatment's affordability. In any case, a discussion with a skin expert is the first step that we should take to make sure that we don't regret the choice that we will make.

Acne Treatment Tips

Dealing with acne can be embarassing at any age. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is less prone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of your acne starting today.

1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.

For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin.

And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.

2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.

3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help conquer acne breakout.

4. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.

5. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin!

How To Relieve Back Strains and Spasms

If you have back pain, then it’s possible you’ve strained your back. Knowing what a strain is, and what causes painful back spasms is very important because there can be many reasons for that ache in your back. There are some common causes of back strains, so read on to learn what they are, and what you can do to prevent pain in your back.

Most minor back pain is the result of unintentional accidents. There are more serious chronic diseases like osteoarthritis and lupus that can cause muscle inflammation and damage. Estimates in the U.S. are that 70 billion dollars per year are spent on some type of back pain relief. From over the counter back pain medications in pill form to surgery for relief of back pain, it ranks second behind headaches as a common aliment for the average person. A lot of the back pain that you’re experiencing might be because you’re not taking care of your back.

Back pain from strains doesn’t have to come from serious accidents like a car wreck. Any sudden movement in the wrong way can twist your muscles causing a strain and spasms. Simple activities like bending over to pick an item off the floor or even throwing a ball can cause a strain, and painful muscle spasms. Another back pain cause is picking up heavy objects from the floor, or from overhead.

To keep back pain at a minimum when bending down, always use the knees to squat down, and your upper leg muscles to lift and pull up any object you’re lifting. Always keep your butt muscles under your body. By doing so, it’ll help you use them in lifting and pushing upward. Anytime your bottom is not directly underneath your when squatting and pushing upward, it’ll thrown your back out and hurt the muscles. If reaching overhead don’t handle objects of to much weight. If you do, you’ll strain the muscles from over reaching, and the weight will compress the spine and muscle leading to possibly a serious strain on a muscle.

There are other ways you can cause muscle damage, too. The over use of muscles, holding a position to long with a heavy object in hand, and repetitive movement of the muscles in your back can cause a muscle strain. A preventive measure to guard against muscle strain is to break your workload up, and to warm up before you begin work. In fact, before you begin any type of physical job or exercise routine, always warm up with a gentle stretching of the back. If you’re holding a position to long, set down the object and switch to another group of muscles to help relieve the pressure and strain on your back. Your muscles that are not worked on a regular basis can become strained too. You’ll need to exercise routinely to have strong muscles in the back.

Finally, muscle strain in the back can be caused by poor posture. Poor posture really puts pressure on the back, and pain is most often noticed in the lower back area. If you’ve got poor posture the pain is usually because the spine and the muscles are stretched beyond its normal range. The muscles, ligaments and disks in your spine if you have swayback, are pushed excessively inward at the lower back. Pain is felt in the lower back with swayback. A flattened back is another posture no-no. If your pelvis is tilted to far toward the back, all the muscles and the supporting structure of the ligaments are stretched, and it will cause pain. Rounded shoulders are the result of having poor supporting chest muscles, and upper back strength. Rolling your head to far forward can cause havoc on your back and radiate pain in the back too. By rolling your head too far forward, your esophagus and diaphragm are compressed. This prevents any oxygen from getting to your muscles. Your body needs oxygen to keep muscles supple and not tense. A vicious circle of bad posture and lack of oxygen to your muscles will make them tense, and cause back pain. Use corrective exercises to make your back strong, and incorporate good posture. You’ll not have to worry about straining your muscles and be pain free if you do.

Migraine, Sinus and Tension Hedaches

FACT: Headaches Affect Nearly 90% of Men and 95% of Women

All kinds of pains are bad. But there is nothing as mentally exhausting as a headache. It affects our well-being, our productivity and even our social existence. After a headache we feel mentally drained and physically exhausted. But then we come to the interesting question, should a bad headache keep a good man (or woman) down? To find a solution to this question, it is important that we understand more about headaches.

Headaches are of different types. They can be identified as headaches due to migraine, sinus and tension. Now these headaches are very different but they do affect the same part that is the head in general. So if we understand more about them we can reach an interesting conclusion.

And you know what that is? Headaches are largely preventable. Of course there are a lot of cures available over the counter now but do we really have to wait for the headache to start to resort to treatment? Isn’t prevention better than cure? Isn’t it better to be proactive than reactive?

The following pages consist of 101 remedies and treatments on how to prevent headaches. But before we go to the tips, it might be useful to have at least a superficial understanding of the different types of headaches.



Migraine Headaches


A migraine is a splitting headache that just seems to set in apparently due to no reason at all. The reasons for a migraine are mainly vascular. That means that certain changes in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain trigger of the pain. Of course, the causes for the changes in the blood vessels may vary from person to person but this is generally how it starts.

Migraines are easily the most common headache syndrome. It affects 10 to 15 percent of the global population. One peculiar feature of a migraine is that it usually starts in childhood or adolescence and is most common in young and middle-aged adults.

The only good thing about a migraine is that it usually stops as people get older. Migraines have nothing to do with a person’s background, upbringing, or social class. Migraines do not discriminate.

Migraines have a strong impact on the quality of a person’s life. It affects not only the person but also the lives of those who move in close contact with he person. Migraine attacks can some times be so severe that person may have to abandon his or her routine activities for three or four days at a stretch.

Once the pain of a migraine sets in, it is sheer agony. It is almost as if one side of your head is being ripped off. There is very little a person can do to stop this pain.

The good thing about a migraine is that it is transient, that is the pain will go away after sometime. This usually happens after the person gets a few hours of sound sleep. But the worst thing about migraines is that they recur. But migraines too can be prevented to a very large extent as the tips below explain.

There are two main types of migraine, the classic migraine and the common migraine. Both the classic and the common kind can occur as often as several times a week or as rarely as once every few years.

Both types can occur at any time. But for some people at least, it is possible to predict the occurrence of the migraine. For example there is a greater tendency for a migraine near the days of menstruation or every Saturday morning after a stressful week of work.

Although many sufferers have a family history of migraine, the exact hereditary nature of this condition is not known. People who get migraines are thought to have an inherited abnormality in the regulation of blood vessels. The following factors often act as triggers that set of the migraine.

Stress is one of the major factors that can contribute to the onset of a migraine. Now it may not be possible for you to get away from the cause of stress, particularly if it is something connected with your job.

Anger can trigger of a migraine as well. It would be good for short tempered people to learn ways of controlling their anger. The best method is of course the one to ten method. The next time you get angry count to ten very slowly before you really blow your lid. By the time you get to ten you should have cooled down.

Both physical and mental fatigue can lead to a migraine so do not push your self too much. Enough is enough and when your body starts giving you signals that it has had enough, take heed and stop whatever you are doing. Just bear in mind that a little more productivity on one day is not worth the productivity of the next couple of days.


Sinus Headaches

Sinus problems, too, give rise to headaches. The sinuses are small spaces in the facial bones just below the facial skin. The spaces are concentrated in the nasal region, temples and around the eyes. Sometimes, due to infection, these spaces get inflamed with mucus and infected as well.

This leads to the headache that is the result of sinusitis. There are many causes for sinusitis which are allergy, a deviated nasal septum, and severe cold, enlarged parts in side the nose, and acute ongoing infection.



Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are also common in many people. Stress and anxiety are causes for tension headaches. The moment such a person gets tense about something, the person develops a tension headache. Insufficient sleep, anxiety, problems, and worries give rise to the tension headache

causes of Hair Loss in Women

Hair Loss in Women
The term Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) tends to lay credence to the thought that hair loss is primarily a male problem. While males do lose hair more readily and tend to lose hair in sections, women suffer baldness and hair thinning also, except the thinning is more uniform throughout the head. With this is mind, women are better candidates for surgical hair replacement and weaving treatments, because large portions of the scalp are highly unlikely to be bald on a woman suffering with androgenetic alopecia.

Because a great deal more emphasis is put on the beauty of a woman’s hair, this is becoming a great concern for today’s woman. While the general information covered thus far is good for all persons in general, there are a few things specific to women concerning hair loss.

Many women suffer hair loss and an increase of facial hair after the onset of menopause. This is because of the drop in estrogen production, changing the ratio of estrogen to testosterone in a woman’s body. Prior to menopause, a woman’s body is constantly producing estrogen, which binds excess testosterone to proteins called globulins. Therefore, there is little excess testosterone in a woman’s body. After the onset of menopause this estrogen is no longer present, thereby exposing it to a similar although milder type of syndrome that males go through concerning the overproduction of DHT. An interesting note is that once again, the syndrome of menopause and its unique effects are not as common in the Eastern world, but are specific to Western civilization. The key differences are the consumption of less red meat and fatty foods in Eastern lands than in the West and less daily stressors in most Eastern lands as compared to Western civilization.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that is becoming more prevalent among women in the past few decades and is psychologically driven in Western society due to the emphasis put on slender women being the ideal in Western civilization. Needless to say, if you or a loved one is suffering with this disorder, a qualified physician should treat any cases of anorexia. However, some of the side effects of anorexia can be hair loss due to the malnutrition the syndrome caused. In this case, it is vital to carefully follow the advice given in the sections Nutrition, Diet, and Hair Loss, and Natural Hair Remedies.

It is of course recommended in all cases that you reduce your intake of red meats, fatty foods, and reduce stress, however due to your profession and engrained habits there may be a limit to how much you can change this part of your lifestyle. There is another factor in Eastern civilizations that may cause a stark difference in their women not suffering through typical menopausal symptoms here in the West. The consumption of soybeans and soybean products is much higher in the East. This is significant because soy contains estrogen-like substances and work in the body similarly to estrogen. Therefore there is not an extreme drop in estrogen levels in women who consume soybean products, thus reducing the symptoms of menopause typically suffered in the West.

Some women who suffer hair loss tend to have gastrointestinal problems that do not allow them to absorb proteins and zinc that are necessary to maintain a healthy head of hair. If you think that you have problems with your gastrointestinal system and are experiencing unusual hair loss, of course see your doctor. You may be able to take some natural non-dairy acidophilus after meals for a couple of months in order to increase your digestion of these nutrients.

There are a number of myths associated with hair loss in women particularly. Many were told that brushing the hair 100 strokes each night will promote healthy hair growth. As mentioned earlier, extreme brushing of the hair can cause stress on the hair which can cause breakage and hair loss. Also, just as hats have been rumored to cause hair loss, wearing wigs has also been rumored to cause hair loss. This is very untrue, especially if the scalp is given sufficient time to breathe at night and hair is washed regularly to avoid buildup. Although stress can cause temporary hair loss, permanent hair loss is usually unconnected to stress. Last but not least, the belief that there are cosmetic products that are out on the market that grow hair is simply unfounded. There is only one product on the market that has been proven to grow hair on women safely, and that is women’s Rogaine® discussed later in the section Over The Counter Treatments.

During pregnancy hair growth increases dramatically in most women. This increases the usual percentage of hair normally growing on the head. Therefore, after childbirth there may be an increase in hair loss due to more hair follicles than usual entering the rest phase. The temporary excessive loss of hair usually occurs between one and three months after childbirth and is quite normal; it should balance out a few months after childbirth at most. Similar syndromes occur after ceasing birth control pills or switching types of birth control pills.

REASONS OF HAIR LOSS

Summary on Hair Loss
Hair is a living protein, and as with any living part of our bodies we must be sure to maintain proper health to optimize our chances of maintaining a healthy head of hair. Proper nutrition is vital to maintaining healthy hair, since the hair is a living and growing part of the body’s system. Viewing it in this manner can help us to treat our bodies different and raise expectations through proper care. A healthy balanced diet, occasionally with the help of vitamin and mineral supplements and exercise are all key components to a healthy regimen of maintaining healthy hair.

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or androgenetic alopecia is the condition that over 95% of persons that suffer hair loss have, and it is caused by a rise in DHT, a direct component of testosterone. The scientific developments of the past two decades have brought hope and promise to many who suffer with this type of hair loss. Treatments like Rogaine®, Rogaine® for Women, Propecia, and improved surgical treatments have brought relief to many who would have previously had to settle for gradual hair loss, wigs, or hairpieces. The discovery of the role of DHT in preventing hair loss has even opened the doors to possible herbal solutions to hair loss prevention, such as saw palmetto, nettles, rosemary and horsetail. Even more promising is the fact that the hair loss commonly known as androgenetic alopecia is found to occur mainly in Western civilization or those who have adopted the ways of Western civilization, meaning that there may be dietary practices that contribute to hair loss and therefore giving hope to the possibility that diet could control not only temporary hair loss, but androgenetic alopecia as well.

Doctors and scientists are studying DHT production in the body to understand it more thoroughly. There is an obvious link to hair loss and prostatic health and this only increases the pace of hair loss discoveries. Most treatments for prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also have the pleasant side affect of growing hair on the heads of those taking it. With the pace of research and discoveries today, there is a great deal of optimism in the field of hair loss prevention. Hair is an important part of our dress and appearance, therefore a large part of our self-esteem. It is likely that there are answers for your situation presently or coming in the near future.

Remember, the restoration of hair growth is not an overnight process. The process takes time regardless of the method chosen. Be patient and follow as much of the advice given by professionals as possible. Keep in mind that the body is a system, and it is the abuse of this system by food intake and environmental causes that lead to most common hair loss. Through returning the body back to its natural state, hair growth can be restored. Good health to you!

Prevent Hair Loss with Good Grooming and Care

Hair is fairly strong and can generally withstand normal grooming techniques. However, there can be thinning or breakage of hair due to poor grooming habits, and following several tips can prevent these bouts of thinning and breakage. Avoid combing hair with fine-toothed combs when wet, as this is a common cause of breakage. Although this is a tempting practice because hair straightens and detangles much better if combed when wet, the stress on the hair shaft is immense when the hair is wet because it is weakened.

This goes for brushing the hair when wet also. Brushing the hair in general can be stimulating to the scalp, encouraging blood flow to the hair follicles and maintaining their health. Brushing the hair before washing it can loosen up flakes of sebum and dead skin buildup and make it easier to thoroughly clean the scalp during shampooing. Remember, over combing or over brushing generally will cause damage to the hair, which is quite contrary to the old 100-stroke brushing rule.
Although clean hair is desirable and even necessary for the maintenance of healthy hair, excessive shampooing can strip vital minerals like calcium, phosphorus, nitrogen and iron from the hair. This is particularly true when using commercial shampoos. Most commercial shampoos contain formaldehyde as a preservative. To disguise the presence of formaldehyde it is listed in the ingredients as Quanternium-15. This substance can be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and poisonous to the entire system.

Unfortunately for those who suffer with dandruff, anti-dandruff shampoos are some of the most dangerous shampoos on the market. Selenium sulfide is the main ingredient in most dandruff shampoos, a substance that has shown to cause degeneration of the liver. Other toxic chemicals such as polyvinyl pyrrlidone plastic (PVP), which is a proven carcinogenic, and creosol which has been proven to be highly toxic are commonly found in dandruff shampoos. This is why it is very important to correct this condition as quickly as possible through natural means.

Natural shampoos normally found in health food stores are a much better choice. Even with natural shampoos, be careful of the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can strip away too much oil from the hair, causing shampoo residue to be left behind. Ingredients that have proven useful in shampoos are cocamides, Panthenol Pro-B, of course the previously discussed vitamins, aloe vera, sage, nettle, burdock, chamomile, chaparral, horsetail and rosemary. Also look for shampoos that contain keratin, the protein substance that hair is made of, or amino acids. This will help seal breakages in the cuticle.

Choose a shampoo with a proper pH balance; a level of 5.5 is ideal. The pH scale runs from 0 to 6.9 for acids and 7.1 to 14 for alkaline, with 7 being neutral. Although generally conditioners are good for hair provided that they do not contain the previously mentioned harmful chemicals, shampoos with conditioners included should be avoided. Shampooing and conditioning serve two different functions and the effectiveness of both are diminished by combining the process.

When shampooing, pour the shampoo into the hands and rub the shampoo in with your hands rather than pouring it on your head. By pouring shampoo directly into the hair you may promote buildup in one particular spot. Massage gently with your fingertips to loosen flakes and buildup and to stimulate circulation, but avoid using the fingernails as this may scratch the scalp and cause scarring over time. Shampoo with warm water to open the pores and rinse with cool water to promote shrinking the pores back to their normal size. After washing hair, dry it by blotting the hair with a towel. Avoid rubbing, especially with terrycloth towels, as this will pull hair when it is in a weakened state due to the wetness.

Be sure to follow directions on all perms and relaxers, as misuse can cause serious damage to the hair shaft. Excessive coloring, styling or heat treatments, and chemical treatments can damage hair and cause breakage even when directions are followed. Always keep in mind that these perms and relaxers have harsh chemicals in them that chemically alter hair, and long-term use of these chemicals can cause harm to hair shafts and follicles causing some hair loss. If you can avoid the use of these chemicals, by all means do. The result could be the increased life of your hair.

If you decide to use perms or relaxers to process hair, be sure to use semi-permanent hair color or henna. This will avoid harsh reactions between the relaxer or perm and the ammonia and peroxide amounts in permanent dyes. It is always best to allow the hair to rest untreated as much as possible, and avoid mixing chemical processes.

Another styling caution is against the overuse of hairstyles that pull the hair too tight, such as ponytails and braids, which will cause hair loss especially along the sides of the scalp. This syndrome is called traction alopecia. Keep in mind when styling hair that hair is living and growing, and is susceptible to the stress of constant pulling continuous abuse causes scarring, which will lead to permanent hair loss in the areas affected. Along with leaving the hair chemically untreated for a time, leaving it in a loose style without over-manipulation for as long as possible will ensure optimum results.

More Hair Facts and Hair Loss Basics

Although both men and women can suffer significant hair loss, over 50% of men will suffer with Male Pattern Baldness (MPB), also known as androgenetic alopecia, at some point in their lives. The reason behind hair loss is a genetically inherited sensitivity to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5-alpha-reductase. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone, a male hormone, to DHT, the substance identified as the end-cause for hair loss.

Most hair loss follows a pattern that has been codified in a table called the Norwood Scale (see figure 1). There are seven patterns of hair identified in the Norwood Scale, Norwood I being a normal head of hair with no visible hair loss, Norwood II showing the hair receding in a wedge-shaped pattern. Norwood III shows the same receding pattern as Norwood II, except the hairline has receded deeper into the frontal area and the temporal area. Type IV on the Norwood Scale indicates a hairline that has receded more dramatically in the frontal region and temporal area. Additionally there is a balding area at the very top center of the head, but there is a bridge of hair remaining between that region and the front. Type V on the Norwood Scale shows that very same bridge between the frontal region and the top center, also called the vertex, beginning to thin. Type VI on the Norwood Scale indicates that the bridge between the frontal region and the vertex has disappeared. Finally, Type VII on the Norwood Scale shows hair receding all the way back to the base of the head and the sides just above the ears. Norwood patterns are determined genetically.

Figure 1. Norwood Scale




Hair loss has been noticed and studied throughout the ages, and some interesting discoveries were made in ancient times. For one it was noticed that eunuchs: those males without genitals-never went bald. Men who were castrated as a result of accidents in battle also never went bald. This was the first indication that testosterone had something to do with hair loss. It has also been found that the more recessive the hair gene, the more propensity toward baldness one has. Blond-haired persons have a greater propensity toward hair loss than darker-haired people, and therefore Caucasian persons have a greater propensity toward hair loss than non-Caucasian people. Beyond the genetic propensity of certain people toward hair loss, there seems to be various dietary triggers that activate the process, a notion that is promising since this can be controlled.

What exactly are androgens? Androgens are sex hormones mainly produced by males, the main one of which is testosterone. Androgens are produced by the adrenal glands, which protect the body in stressful situations by also producing adrenaline so that the body may respond to situations it deems to be threatening. The stress of daily life in Western civilization has caused a state of alarm in people that has made the body unable to distinguish between everyday stressors and threatening situations. Therefore the adrenal glands in most people in Western civilizations are overactive, constantly producing adrenaline and naturally producing testosterone along with it. Additionally, the over-consumption of red meat and high fat foods in Western society cause an overactive adrenal gland, perpetuating this situation.

There is a definite connection between the syndrome of Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) and the prostate gland. The prostate gland is actually a cluster of small glands in males surrounding the urethra, located just below the bladder. There is not a lot known about all the functions of the prostate, except that it serves to squeeze seminal fluid into and through the urethra during ejaculation. Prostate problems can cause serious problems with urination it becomes enlarged, and sometimes the prostate becomes cancerous. The syndrome of non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). DHT is responsible for the division of cells in the prostate, and is normally expelled by the prostate. However, when the prostate fails to expel the DHT, it builds up and causes enlargement. It has been confirmed that typical North American and northern European diets lend to the perpetuation of BPH and prostate cancer, whereas these are uncommon phenomena in other lands and was even uncommon here in the past. This is significant because the overproduction of DHT is responsible for BPH and prostate cancer, and is also responsible for MPB or androgenetic alopecia. The findings in research for BPH cures have usually simultaneously produced benefits in hair growth. We shall cover some of these discoveries in various sections of this book. Additionally, changes in diet are necessary to avoid all of these conditions and improve overall health.

Some common myths have arisen concerning hair loss. Because of medical advancements many of these myths are being addressed and corrected. For starters, although androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness is genetic and therefore can be hereditary, it is not passed down through only your mother’s side of the family. Either side of the family can pass down the genetic disposition toward baldness. Also, contrary to old family tales, wearing hats does not cause baldness either.

Most common hair loss comes under what has been commonly known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). Although referred to as MPB, females suffer a similar syndrome, so it is more properly called androgenetic alopecia. Although hair loss is not life or health threatening, it can cause serious problems with a person’s psyche and self-confidence. There has been no absolute cure found for hair loss, and many factors of hair loss are hereditary, however there are several preventative measures one can take to maintain healthy hair and scalp.

Acne Healthcare, Programs and Treatments

Acne Healthcare, Programs and Treatments
There is hope. Although acne is not curable, it is treatable. And dermatologists now know more about the controlling and prevention of acne than ever before. One secret to acne management acne is prevention or stopping the condition before it starts or reoccurs. Another is to use any of a variety of treatments that work best for you under the guidance of your healthcare provider or dermatologist. And after you find a treatment solution or solutions, use them regularly. We’ve already looked at preventative measures, so now let’s take a look at treatment options available today.

First of all, timing can make a difference in acne treatment. It can be prudent to begin treatment as soon as the first signs of acne appear in order to avoid the most minimal damage. And even after the blemishes fade, you may need to continue treatment to keep new outbreaks at bay.

Next let’s take a look at research below that represents a compilation of a wide variety of acne healthcare, programs and treatments available today. They are basically listed in alphabetical order below. Wherever possible, websites have been included so that you can follow up at your leisure for additional information.

ABY SkinCare – A management and treatment program that combines Benzoyl Peroxide, Sulfur and Glycolic Acid. Their Acne Kits are customized to individual skin care needs with strength varying from 2.5 percent to 15 percent (factoring sensitivity and prior usage).

Accutane - This retinoid prescription medicine, also known as Isotretinoin, is used to help treat severe acne when other methods like antibiotics fail. It is generally packaged in 30-day portions at a time, closely monitored under a physician’s care because the medicine has important precautionary measures. Possible severe side effects have been reported including birth defects with pregnant women, mental lethargic issues and suicide. The medicine cannot be combined with Vitamin A and take care with contact lens wearing and a decrease in night vision.

Acne Clearz - This DHEA-free and fragrance-free Night Serum, for adults and teens, boasts a sensitive or low irritation ingredient mixture with moisturizers, deep penetrating yet clear and gentle for skin. It’s considered a super strength pore clearing medicine that combats existing and returning pimples and blackheads and helps cover acne scars, featuring Hydroxy and Anti-Oxidant protectors, helpful in the control of oil generation. www.teramec-direct.com

Acne Treatment Clinic - This California-based clinic offers a variety of acne helping products via mail order upon completion of a skin assessment questionnaire. They ask clients to email or call them to share details about their progress with using their products during the first few months. And their product selections include cleansers, cosmetics, masks & peels, moisturizers, sunscreens, topical medications, vitamins; like BENZOYL Peroxide Medication, Glycolic Gel to help prevent new acne and reduce scarring, Sunscreen Crème to help prevent sunburn and pore clogging, and miscellaneous items like sponges and applicators to use with their products. www.acnetreatment.com or http://stores.yahoo.com/acnetreatment

AcneControl Thera Line - Developed by Biomani Scientific SkinCare, this product line was formulated by a physician specifically to treat acne. It features sebum production and oil control properties, acne bacteria destroyer, acne preventative measures, dead skin cell exfoliation and removal, pore minimizing treatments, white and black head dissolvent and prevention treatment and skin soothers. Their product line includes TheraGel, containing acne-causing bacteria Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid and Sulfur to help with acne treatment and prevention. (Results have been reported in as little as six weeks of use.) Another product in their line up is a therapeutic cleanser containing tea tree and botanical extracts that help control oil and remove makeup and extra pore-clogging sebum and dirt, boasting immediate results. They also have a therapeutic toner, Sun TheraCare and TheraScrub to aid in skin care. www.acnecontrol.com

Acne-Ltd III - This is a new topical treatment that destroys bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in areas where applied. Compacted and highly concentrated with Zinc oxide, Iron oxide, Sulfur, Sodium chloride, Polyethylene glycol and Manganesium sterate, you simply glide the product’s applicator over clean, wet skin (infected area only). Blackhead elimination and pore clearing begins in the infected areas at once, moisturizing, not aggravating, the skin in the process. www.acne-ltd.com

Acnesil – This topical cream’s active ingredients include non-skin drying Melaleuca alternifolia, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. It has been reported to reduce whiteheads, when applied at the first sign of a breakout, doesn’t dry out skin and can be used for larger infected areas or smaller targeted spots. The cream can speed up the length of time it takes to heal, helping completely remove all traces of acne. www.acnesil.com

Acne Spot Dry - This non-irritating, hypoallergenic blemish treatment by DAK Pharmaceuticals is made of Aluminum Magnesium Silicate, Camphor, Iron Oxides, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur and Zinc Oxide. Blot it on trouble spots and it fights acne-causing bacteria and dries out the problem areas including the blemishes themselves. Immediate results have been reported. www.acnespotdry.com
Acnevention – This pimple treatment, also by DAK Pharmaceuticals, contains Chitosan Ascorbate, Glycolic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Kola Nut Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Salicylic Acid, and Ubiquinone (CoQ10). Similar to Acne Spot Dry, this product features these benefits: it destroys harmful bacteria, dries blemishes, unclogs pores, heals damaged skin, moisturizes, helps prevent scars, nourishes and soothes, and helps prevent the return of blemishes. When used, this product leaves a skin soft and refreshed. www.acnevention.com

The Body Shop – This company has many products to help with acne treatment and prevention that feature tee tree oil, a known helpful remedy. The anti-bacterial tea tree oil is reported to seep deep into the skin, keeping oily shine under control and helping control acne problems. It is said that the Bundjalung aboriginal tribal group have had knowledge of tea tree oil healing properties for a long, long time - approximately 40,000, years! And The Body Shop offers lots of healing items with it including Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissues, Tea Tree Oil Facial Wash, Tea Tree Oil Facial Scrub, Tea Tree Oil, Tea Tree Oil Daily Cleansing Wipes, Tea Tree Oil Face Mask, Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick, Tea Tree Oil Daily Foaming Facial Wash, Tea Tree Oil Mattifying Moisture Gel and Tea Tree Oil Freshener. They also sell Tea Tree Oil Nose Pore Mask, Tea Tree Oil Blemish Pads and Tea Tree Oil Pressed Powder. www.thebodyshop.com

Social and Treatment Tips for Acne Sufferers

Here are a variety of tips to help with acne prevention and treatment and skin maintenance. They are listed in no particular order of importance.

- Do get plenty of fresh air and sunshine for vitamin D, ingredients for healthy skin. Not only will your skin appreciate the vitamin D, your body and mind will enjoy the oxygen and stress reducer of a daily jaunt outdoors. But don’t overdo it and get a sunburn! Remember to use sun protection / tanning lotions if you’ll be out long. You don’t want to get caught up in that cycle of burned, dead skin cells blocking pores, resulting in acne scenario.

- Remember, even "good" stress can trigger internal chemical responses that result in acne, too. So plan ahead to deal with extra stress when planning a wedding, graduation, a move, a new job, a job transfer, a new baby, etc. Journal a little extra, focusing on the upcoming issue or issues and plan in some extra rest (use relaxation or meditation tools – cassettes, workshops, etc.) Get help around the house, take time off, exercise (yoga and T’ai Chi are highly recommended), have fun or whatever you need to do. But be proactive. When you control stress, you help control the stress hormone cortisol - reducing its release as you reduce stress, thus reducing the effects of acne. Also activity and exercise help improve blood flow and circulation, natural healing aids for your skin (and other organs), enabling improved waste management, via pores for the skin’s waste removal.

- Note that both blackheads and whiteheads are filled with trapped sebum and bacteria. So the prevention and treatment advice for how to handle both blackheads and whiteheads is essentially the same.

- Drink an adequate amount of water daily. Many recommend three to four tall glasses and mineral or filtered water. Too little water can lead to dehydration, which can lead to dead skin cells not naturally falling off or sloughing properly; the end result can be blocked pores, acne.

- Acne has nothing to do with dirt. Period. So don’t over-wash or over-scrub your face or the rest of your body. Keep in mind that too much can result in dry skin. And dry skin means your body will jump in and create more oil. Then what? Extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. Same old story.

- Add more fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to your regular diet. (Note that deficiencies if selenium and zinc, found in Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds, have been associated with acne.) So add salads, dried fruit and nut snacks, juices and other healthy treats to your daily planning.

- Decrease your dietary intake of caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates (carbs) and caffeine. Some studies show that caffeine can increases the levels of stress hormones inside your body, provoking or worsening acne conditions. So with regards to tea, coffee, chocolate and other caffeinated beverages - - skip ‘em where possible. With regards to sugar and refined carbs, same thing.

Sugar and refined carbs, like in white bread, rice, flour, pasta, etc., can result in an insulin surge, resulting further in an excess of male hormones that stimulate skin to discharge lots of sebum. Then it’s back to that cycle again: sugar or refined carbs lead to increased insulin, leads to increased hormones and sebum - the sticky sebum clogs pores, bacteria grows, acne results.

- Decrease your dietary intake of red meat and dairy products. Since both are more difficult for our bodies to digest, their acid-forming properties are linked by some to our bodies’ health. In a nutshell, some researchers say that when the body puts forth effort in the digestion of high levels of animal protein, waste products are not completely processed as usual; i.e. they can shed slowly, blocking pores, causing acne. Other acne-causing problems with red meat and dairy products are the high levels of hormones they contain that in turn generate more in humans that can cause acne. And the dairy tolerance levels of some humans can result in acne issues as well. Some solutions could be to include other dietary remedies for both — like lean meats and nut milk or soymilk products.

- Focus on using natural products for your skin. And avoid unnecessary chemicals in your skin / body products that can be harmful. It’s that same cycle: foreign chemicals work against the skin, removing natural oils. The skin works overtime to produce more oils then. And what happens? Pores get blocked and acne results. To prevent this, here are some tips:

A. Use non-pore clogging or noncomedogenic products like make-ups and tanning lotions.
B. Use this rule of thumb when using products that contain chemicals: a little goes a long way.
C. Look for any combination of these terms on labels: natural ingredients, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral and / or antimicrobial agent.

Acne treatment: How to get rid of acne

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults are acne sufferers. And although acne affects about 50 percent of all adult women, acne does affect males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

This life guide includes information based upon research about acne. It strives to help clear up myths from facts and present an overview of the issues surrounding acne along with possible solutions available to help with the prevention and treatment of acne, all based upon the most recent studies, reports, articles and findings available, so that you can learn more acne health care.

For example, does chocolate really cause pimples? And how about oily foods? Do French fries bring on the acne? The latest reports show that although scientific evidence is not 100% accurate in this area, your diet does not directly cause acne. And by diet, this means not only chocolate and French fries, but also any other dietary combinations with sugar and oil or other ingredients.

The real cause of acne can actually be a blend of several factors that we’ll discuss here. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of acne research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

Science of Acne in Layman’s Terms
In a nutshell, a few simple steps occur that cause skin blemishes. First, acne occurs when for some unknown reason or combination of reasons, hair follicles, also known as pores, become blocked. Although the exact combination of reasons that pores become clogged may not be fully known, many contributing elements for teenagers and adults alike can include; genetics (whether or not there is a history of acne problems and if so, to what extent), hormones, dietary and vitamin make up (or lack of /deficiency) and stress related factors. Other denominators could include factors like how your body normally rids itself of its dead skin cells and influences that may be working against this regularity (for example climate and other environmental forces or overall body health at the time) and your hormones and their effect on your own body’s sebum production (especially for females).

Second, the normal dead skin cells that combine with your body’s natural sebum oil as it drains through the skin’s surface become clogged in these blocked pores. This substance becomes somewhat sticky, further clogging the passageway.

Third, bacteria begins to grow around these clogged areas. As a normal reaction your, your body’s white blood cells attack the bacteria, fighting it and pushing it out of the body.

And forth, the resulting growths during this 14-day to 21-day battle are called microcomedones. Microcomedones turn into comedones, commonly referred to as blemishes, pimples or acne.

There are basically four types of acne; whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and nodules. Whiteheads are when the sebum (oil) and resulting bacteria are trapped below the skin’s surface and you can actually see a white head appear above (or near popping out of) the skin. Blackheads are when the sebum and resulting bacteria are only partially trapped, slowly draining out the surface and turning black because of your skin’s melanin or pigmentation. In the absence of either white or blackhead are generally (but not always) smaller pimples. And the often deeper, boil-like lesions are referred to as nodules.

All forms of acne can be mild, moderate or severe. Typically, mild acne is visible in the form of whiteheads and blackheads, sometimes pimples. With moderate acne, more pimples and pustules are present on the face, some may appear on the back or chest. And with severe acne, many nodules develop, often large and sore, over parts of the face, back, chest and other body areas. This type of acne can lead to scarring. Actually, lesser cases of acne have been followed by scarring. So for those with possible nodular acne, seeking advice from a healthcare provider as soon as possible is recommended.

A gender issue to note is that males more often have the severe form of acne rather than females, due to their hormones. And the areas where they tend to break out most frequently are unfortunately more difficult to treat, the chest and back.

Acne Truth and Myths

Let’s take a look at some other popular beliefs about acne to dispel any other rumors; for example, stress. Is it true that increased stress spreads acne? Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body’s creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.

Acne is contagious, true or false? Not! No one can “catch” acne; it is non-communicable.

You’ll outgrow acne, so just leave it along; myth or truth? This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn’t be left alone to possibly worsen.

Being out in the sun helps acne, right? In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!

Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality? Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body’s oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.

Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false? False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.

People with acne are dirty and don’t wash enough? Not! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.

Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn’t make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality? Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person’s lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.

OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne? Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine;” however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.

Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality? Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.

Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces? Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.