How to Remove Pimples

Are you one of over 85% of people who will experience Acne Vulgaris in their lifetime. If you have ever had a pimple then you are already one of that percentage.

Although you may not have heard it by such a medical name, Acne Vulgaris is a skin disease affecting areas of the skin where oil glands and follicles are the most dense. Areas most affected by acne include facial acne, the chest and back acne. In most people a pimple = Acne Vulgaris.

Do you have Acne Vulgaris?

If you suffer from just a few red spots, whiteheads or pimples then you are suffering from mild acne. Normally starting in teenage years, it is possible for acne to continue into adulthood.

Severe forms of acne can cause large areas of painful, raised and inflamed pimples which can cause scarring. In severe acne it is possible for the entire face, back or chest to be covered, and can even result in acne cysts.

What causes Acne?

Acne is caused by a number of factors. Generally acne pimples begin by oil, dead skin cells and dirt clogging up pores. Problems arise when bacteria or infection make their way into the follicle resulting in inflammation and more severe infections. Families may also be predisposed to acne, if a parent had severe acne, their children may be more likely to be afflicted.

Symptoms of Acne Vulgaris.

Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Generally these occur on the face, shoulders, chest and neck. Severe symptoms include large and deep acne cystic lesions. These are painful easily infected and can cause scarring.

Treating Acne

There are many treatments for acne, and the treatment solution you chose depends greatly on the type of acne and severity. There are lots of great resources for acne treatment ideas:

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.

Acne tends to affect most teenagers to some degree. And in most cases, it is a mild temporary condition that is not permanent. But some teenagers develop severe acne problems that dramatically and negatively affect their social and emotional well being. And for some of these individuals, this debilitating condition can turn into a life long problem.

Severe acne problems affect millions of adults. An acne breakout for adults can occur out of nowhere and without any warning and then go away just as easily. But it can also be a serious chronic condition for some sufferers. Severe acne sufferers also have to deal with the embarrassment of unsightly acne scars, which can result in low self esteem issues.

There are hundreds of acne treatments that involve drugs and expensive creams. But they are not designed to treat the underlying conditions that cause acne outbreaks. These expensive remedies treat the symptoms of the disease, not the disease itself.

Many acne remedies are designed to treat the mild temporary acne that primarily affects teenagers. Doctors know that teenage acne is a fleeting problem and, as the teenager enters adulthood, the acne normally goes away. As a result, most doctors treat only the acne, not the underlying condition. Unfortunately, adult acne sufferers know that their acne will return again and again. They know that acne will be a recurring visitor in their life. The expensive treatments the doctors typically prescribe can not cure the disease; it can only treat the symptoms.

If you suffer from severe acne, you also know that serious infections can result. And this sometimes requires powerful and expensive drugs to fight it off. Until recently, there were not many effective tools to deal with severe acne. But now there is a holistic acne treatment than can get rid of acne in just 3 days. Get the details on this amazing acne cure here.

Acne commonly occurs during the adolescence period. It is often caused by excessive secretion of oil from the glands. The typical acne lesions that appear on the face and body are comedones, papules, pustules and pimples.

Aside from the physical scar that acne leaves on your skin, it also inflicts an emotional toll, negatively affecting teenagers’ self-esteem and confidence. For some, acne can become so severe that they shun social contact, leading to social insecurity and sometimes even depression.

With the advanced acne treatments and acne products available today, acne need no longer have such a crippling impact on the sufferers’ life. Once the outward symptom of acne first becomes apparent, that is, inflammation and lesion on the skin, it is important that you treat it right away so as to slow down or stop further inflammation.

It is a good idea to pay the dermatologist a visit and to have the doctor recommend the best acne treatment for you. The treatment recommended will vary on skin type and also your age.

Acne can be treated much more effectively if it is treated along with acne products, be they over the counter or prescribed. There are numerous acne products sold over the counter currently for the prevention and treatment of acne, with many of these products scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne.

In severe cases, it is best that you consult the dermatologist for advice and get a prescription for stronger acne products. These acne treatments and products require a higher degree of monitoring, as they tend to have more side effects.

The acne product recommended depends on the type and severity of the acne. There are acne ointments and acne creams containing benzyl peroxide to treat both mild and moderate acne. For more serious acne, there are topical antibiotics that kill the bacteria in the blocked follicles. For even more serious cases, oral antibiotics are effective. And for extremely severe cases, laser surgery can cut the root of the acne.

Aside from treating acne with products, a proper diet is also very important. Teens should avoid eating foods that are too oily, too spicy or too acidic.

So with all these acne treatment options available, you can rest assured that acne will never be an ugly and permanent fixture on your face. When acne rears its ugly head, do not let it ruin your life. With the right acne treatment and right acne products you can get rid of acne for good!

Acne Introduction

Acne is the most common and chronic skin disease. It is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles usually found on the face, the neck, chest and shoulders. Nearly eight out of ten young people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffer from the some degree of acne. It is closely related to the disturbance in the hormones experienced at puberty.Acne Symptoms

Acne is characterized by the presence of comedowns or blackheads, pimples, small superficial sebaceous cysts and scars. There are over half a dozen forms of acne. All of them are concerned with sebaceous glands or the glands connected with hair follicles. The most common from of acne are blackheads and pimples.Acne Causes

All forms of acne have their origin in wrong feeding habits, such as irregular hours of eating, improper food, excesses of starches and sugar, and fatty foods. Chronic constipation is another major cause of acne. If the bowels do not move properly, waste matter is not eliminated as quickly as it should be and the bloodstream becomes surcharged with toxic matter. The extra efforts of the skin to eliminate excess waste result in acne and other forms of skin disease.Acne Treatment - Home Remedies for Acne

1. A pack made by boiling 50 gm of raspberry, strawberry or blackberry leaves with 1.5 litres of water for 3 minutes will give itching free and soothing skin. One of the well liked home remedies for acne.

2. Mix natural yoghurt and fine oatmeal to a thick paste, apply and leave to dry. Wash the face with luke warm water and pat dry it. Afterwards you can apply and antibiotic lotion depending on the skin type.

3. The latest method nowadays used for the treatment of acne skin is the aloevera. Soaps and gels made from aloevera serves a good purpose in healing the acne damaged skin. One of the best home remedies for acne.

4. The orange peel is valuable in the treatment of acne.

5. Make a paste by mixing honey and cinnamon powder. Apply the paste while sleeping and wash the face next morning. One of the simple home remedies for acne.

6. Unboiled milk mixed with besan has been proved effective for the daily wash of acne skin.

7. Mix 1 tablespoon groundnut oil with 1 table spoon lime juice for treating pimples. One of the effective home remedies for acne.

8. Apply fresh limejuice mixed with a half glass of boiled milk for treating pimples, blackheads and cracked skin.

9. Apply ripe tomatoes paste on pimples and wash it after keeping for an hour.

10. Apply fresh mint juice every night to treat acne.

11. Make a paste of salt in vinegar, keep it for 20-30 minutes and then wash.

12. Drink a glass of wheatgrass juice daily to remove acne.

13. Make a paste of turmeric powder in mint juice keep it for 30 minutes and then wash with luke warm water. One of the popular home remedies for acne.

14. Apply a paste of fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves in water, keep it overnight and wash the face with warm water next morning.

15. Mix lime juice and rose water in equal portions and apply every night after thoroughly washing the face. Keep for 30 minutes and then again wash the face and pat dry it. One of the common home remedies for acne.Acne Prevention

Acne is common in teens and twenties, and a serious disorder of the sebaceous glands, requiring medical direction. To keep skin conditions under control, observe the following suggestions:

1. Reduce the oiliness of the skin.

2. Remove the blackheads regularly.

3. Have a well-balanced, regular diet with lots of fresh fruit juices.

4. Avoid emotions, high temperature, humidity, nylon and silk garments as they all block skin pores and promote acne.

5. Try to avoid chocolates, nuts, fried and fatty foods.

6. Vitamin C and vitamin E are antioxidants which rejuvenate the skin, so the diet rich in these vitamins should be included. Cleaning methods to be followed for acne skin

1. Cleanse the face with medicated soap and warm water.

2. Apply acne cream or ointment all over the face and the neck.

3. Saturate cotton with an antiseptic lotion and touch each and every pimple or acne.

4. Steaming is an excellent way to clean all types of skin. It cleans the skin, stimulates the circulation and unclogs the blocked pores.

5. Electrical devices are available to produce steam–this process is known as a sauna facial and are highly beneficial for the cleaning of acne skin.

6. If your skin is dry, steam your face once a week. In the case of oily skins, steaming can be done daily. Steaming should be done by leaning over a large bowl of boiling water. Cover your head with a towel, making a tent around the bowl.

No medication will prove effective without balanced and healthy diet. So its important to take good diet before opting for any medication. Zinc is also and efficient mineral in dealing with acne. Along with diet, good and healthy living habits are also essential in preventing and treating acne.

One of the most painful things about acne is the ugly scar they live behind. A reminder of the pains and embarrasement they must have caused previously. Most teenage and young adults worry more about the scars left behind than the acne lesions themselves.

As we all know acne scars are as a result of lesions (pimples) that had not healed, was opened up prematurely or had become inflamed. There are quite a number of genetic factors, which influence the size, frequency and type of scars and vary for different people. If you tend to see more acne scars on your skin it may be due to your particular skin color and your biological history.

Every acne sufferer knows that squeezing or picking open pimples would results in acne scars, but still the temptation to “pop” a fresh pimple is always available to you anytime you look at the mirror. You should avoid squeezing and picking your pimples because as you already know by now it only increases the number of “spots” on your face and leaves an unpleasantly looking skin behind.

Two types of acne scars exist; the first type is usually a spot of skin that is brown, pink or purple in color indicating that a pimple has been in that area of your skin. The second type of acne is known as an “ice pick” scar and it is the small hole you sometimes see on your skin where the lesion used to occupy. Inflamed lesions, such as cysts, pustules, or nodules are the major culprits in causing acne scars.

Your skin’s own process of rebuilding the original color in the healing tissues results in the pigmented scars you see. You can lighten your acne scars by using various types of acne scar treatment, which are available to you, some of which include: bleaching creams, lotions or laser surgery. The type of acne scar treatment and products you use would depend on the type and the intensity of your acne lesions.

A common method of acne scar treatment is the use of certain chemicals to peel off your skin. Chemicals like salicylic or lactic acid, lycolic are used to peel off the damaged top layer of your skin. Such procedures stimulate the growth of a new and smoother layer. The peels are usually done over a period of time and are effective against pigmented scars. This acne scar treatment is even very effective for active acne.

Another type of acne scar treatment is dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. This usually involves the removal of the top layer of the skin with use of a high-speed rotary wire brush or diamond stone. Definitely more than one session is required for each scar and there is also the issue that in some cases it does not remove the acne scars, it just makes it less noticeable.

Also the use of laser resurfacing for acne scar treatments is gaining grounds in some circles. Just like the effects of sun exposure, doctors employ the use of a concentrated light from a laser beam to heat up some certain parts of the top layer of your skin. Among dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons this is more preferable than dermabrasion.

Although mild acne scars take sometime to disappear, usually about five to six weeks if using quality acne scar treatment products like Revitol’s Acne gel. You should try a preventive approach by ensuring that you do not have breakouts any longer. The reasoning behind this is that if you do not solve the acne problem at its root by using an excellent skin care product you would end up having to clear a new set of acne scars left by fresh pimples.

To totally erase those spots off your face you should ensure that you do not have any active acne or it is under control. A skin care product like clear pores system is sure to remove the first issue of acne lesions on your skin. After the removal of acne from you skin, you should try revitol’s acne gel, which would ensure that your dark spots and acne spots fade away.

Acne is a common inflammatory skin disease that involves pimples, primarily on face. Acne specifically occurs in teenagers and young adults sometimes causing them embarrassment, even psychological stress as well. Poor diet, stressful life, and hormonal changes are a few reasons for acne breakout. Also, incorrect use of beauty products or using poor quality acne skin care products can aggravate acne.

You can try using some natural or home remedies for mild acne, if it is initial stage and you see an occasional whitehead or a blackhead. However, if your acne is moderate, you should see a dermatologist and seek proper acne medication, before it gets severe. A doctor generally refers a few acne creams, and guides you on using acne skin care products. A variety of acne products are available at medical stores. Some of these are good to cure acne, and while others help you prevent acne.

There are many OTC medicines that people take for acne. This may be a good option for initial stage but if your acne is getting worse, seek proper acne medication. The dermatologist examines the symptoms and gives you prescribed medicine for effective treatment and cure. Apart from treatment, you should change your diet plan and avoid foods that can cause acne or that slow the recovery process.

Most often, the acne products contain benzoyl peroxide and some antibiotics. These help the affected area to dry out, and take care of acne scar as well. Many acne creams and lotions that you use for treatment contain vitamin A. However, you may feel some irritation or itching on your skin when you begin the treatment. Use a good quality skin moisturizer for in such cases. In case of severe acne, you may also require to take oral acne medication. Many prescribed medicines eliminate the reasons that can cause acne. Generally, these help you fighting against the bacterial infection that leads to acne.

Sometimes, a medicine has its side effects as well. Discuss with your doctor, if you notice any rashes on skin, or some stomach problem, and seek any alternative medicine, or some medicine to counter the side effects of acne medication. Research has shown that a few acne medicines may cause malformation of the teeth; and a few others can cause changes in the color of the skin. Your skin may get dark, or lighter than its normal color.A few other common side effects are as below.

• Your hair may lose their natural color, and may turn white.

• You may notice skin allergy.

• There may be blisters or some swelling over affected areas on skin.

• In some cases, you may also see burning or redness of skin.

Some doctors recommend that you should not take calcium supplements, or any laxatives while you are taking acne medications. Select your acne skin care products carefully, and if possible, use only those products that are prescribed or recommended by your doctor.

Washing your face is the most important factor that contributes to early recovery. Wash your face to revoke any oils or dirt from your face and do not apply any make up or cream while going to bed. It enables your skin to breathe which is very important for a healthy and fresh skin. Do not touch, prick or pierce your pimples as it may leave permanent scars on the skin. Let them heal naturally or though acne medications, and the scars will automatically disappear over a period of time.

Sometimes, a few medicines are not recommended for special cases such as for a pregnant women and patients of Hansen’s disease. Also, the patients of asthma, hay fever or those who have a weak liver are also advised against using some particular acne products. In such situations, discuss all the symptoms with your dermatologist, along with any medication that you are already taking. You may require some different acne creams or medication in such cases.

While purchasing acne products, read the instructions carefully. See the manufacturing and expiry dates of products, and read how to use those. There may be instructions that require that you should not expose your skin to sunlight after applying a specific acne cream. Following the instructions properly will help quick acne treatment and cure.

Apart from traditional acne medications, you can control acne using herbal products as well. The advantage with using herbal products is that these do not cause any side effects, though sometimes, the recovery process is slow. Even if you are taking traditional medicines, you can take herbal and natural treatment for acne, simultaneously. However, consult with your doctor before using a herbal product since it may hinder the effectiveness of prescribed medicines. Also, take required precautions in your diet and lead a positive and stress free life style.

For a large number of teenagers and young adults, acne is more than a skin disorder; it is a very painful condition that usually affects the social life of such individuals. With the obsession of the media on physical appearance, many teenagers and young adults get frustrated feeling that they can not be as attractive as the models, actors, and singers they see on television. This is chiefly due to the outbreak of acne pimples on their skins.

If your acne condition is termed as “mild” meaning that you only get a little amount of pimples on your face, then it seems the best treatment for you would be a topical medication which is usually referred to as an over the counter acne treatment. There are quite a number of over the counter products to choose from as they come in various forms like: creams, ointments, soaps and facial pads.

Topical medications usually contain the same active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic aid. These ingredients work by killing bacteria on the affected areas of your skin or by peeling a very thin layer of your skin, which opens up your previously blocked hair pores. When you use such products daily, it cleanses your skin and prevents dryness. These ingredients have the after-effect of providing a thin protective layer on the surface of your skin. This helps in protecting your skin against bacterial infections, healing existing pimples, refreshing complexion, purifying pores, drying up and preventing new pimples. These ingredients are very effective in combating mild to moderate acne problem.

Most dermatologist and doctors tend to recommend the use of products that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for combating acne. Although these products are effective in combating some forms of the skin problem, they are not enough for severe sufferers or some certain types like cystic acne.

If you’re a teenager or a young adult and you’re afflicted with a severe form of acne, I guessed you must have tried some creams, lotions or gels that have only slightly improved your condition. Since one of the main causes of your skin problem is due to over-active hormones, it is only logical for dermatologist and doctors to prescribe acne pills which work on the inside of the body in an attempt to correct hormonal and chemical imbalances in your body system. In case you are afflicted with Cystic acne, it is certain that you have over-active hormones, which is definitely one of the root causes of the problem.

The most common acne pills prescribed by doctors are accutane, and antibiotics like tetracycline, clindamycin, and erythromycin. Although topical forms of these antibiotics are available, a large number of doctors and dermatologist tend to prescribe the oral form. They work in killing the bacteria that contribute in the formation of pimples. But the downside of most antibiotics is that with time the bacterium on the skin develops resistance to it.

Another category of acne pills used in treatment is the hormonal treatment, which are effective in women. Cortisone, Cyproterone and drospirenone work at decreasing the excessive amount of oil produced in the hair pores.

Accutane as previously mentioned is also an acne pill that doctors prescribed in treating severe cases of acne. A large number of sufferers have found relief from their breakouts while using accutane. Accutane simply reduces the amount of oil produced by your skin. One major risk of taking accutane pills is the harmful effects it has on pregnant women and nursing mothers, which is in the form of birth defects.So Is There Any Oral Medication For Acne Without Side Effects?

With all the following pills mentioned which seem to have one downside or the other, most sufferers would wonder if there actually were a magical pill, which could improve their condition. If you suffer from acne it would interest you to know that there are quite a number of pills in the market, which combat the root causes of your problem – which is usually due to chemical and hormonal imbalances. These acne pills contain antioxidants and herbal extracts which helps in eliminating the free radicals that are dangerous to your skin and promote infections. They also fight inflammation to reduce the redness you see on your skin and heal damaged skin.

Although using the acne pills found in the acnezine and clear-pores systems would give you improvement on your skin texture and prevent formation of new zits. However these systems take no chances by also providing an external “topical” medication, which cleanses the hair pores and fights acne-causing bacteria. In order words these systems combat the problem from the inside and the outside of your body.

If you suffer from a severe case of acne then I will certain ask you to take action by ridding your skin of pimples by using a quality skin care product that fights the problem at its roots and also on the skin. One benefits of using an internal and external treatment is that your pimples problem would be gone in the shortest possible time, as you do no have to wait long periods to begin seeing relief.

A product like the acnezine skin care system was what I used in erasing pimples off my face, it contains a moisturizing cream and a Skin Anti-Oxidant Capsule, which ensures that your skin texture improves. An excellent skin care system on the market, which is by far the number one acne system, is the clear pores system. It is capable of combating both body and facial acne. It consists of a deep cleansing facial/body wash, facial/body protection cream and an herbal supplement. This system is very effective for severe sufferers as it ensures total acne treatment. The healthy pores system is also a very good skin care product that has solved the problem of acne pimples for a large number of former sufferers.

So what are you waiting for, go do something about your acne problem now!!!

For more information, tips and reviews on acne and the best acne pills available to you, visit: adult acne treatment. Now!!!

Did you know that over 180,000 people search for information on acne everyday, out of which 77,000 want to know more about acne medicine ? And that there are over 22 million sites talking about acne, and acne medicine, treatment and products ? This tells me a few things. One, there are many people out there suffering from acne, and they are interested in knowing what kind of acne medicine is available to help them cure their problem. Equally, there are millions of available acne treatments and products out there. Obviously, no one acne medicine is suitable for any one person then.
First, a quick review on what acne is. It is what the layperson calls “pimples” or “zits”. There are different forms of acne, and all can occur at the same time, though one stage does not necessarily progress to the next. There are comedones, or blackheads and whiteheads, as they are usually called. Then there are acne spots caused by bacteria, leading to inflammation, resulting in a red possibly painful swelling called a papule. If the papule does not subside spontaneously, a pustule may form. This heals by discharging pus. A severe enough reaction may cause a lot of deep damage, leaving behind scars.
Acne medicine has different purposes. There is acne medicine to prevent acne. There is medicine to prevent infection of the acne. And there is medicine to prevent scarring from the acne. Finally, there is medicine to minimise the effects of acne scarring, should scars form.
Acne medicine can be divided into those that are applied to the skin - called topical acne medicine, and those that are taken orally - called systemic medicine.
Topical treatments come in the form of creams and lotions. There are two main types of topical acne medicine . The keratolytics , which act by peeling off the top horny outer layer of the skin, so helping to dislodge the comedones ( blackheads and whiteheads), and the antiseptics, which attempt to get rid of harmful bacterial action. Examples of keratolytic acne medicine include benzyl peroxide, Retin A, and sulphur. Examples of antispetic acne medicine include iodine ( eg Betadine), chlorhexidine, zinc salts, which are frequently incorporated into acne creams and lotions, azelaic acid.
One of the main problems with topical acne medicine is that they can be rather harsh. They can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Some, like retin A cannot be used during pregnancy. Sulphur containing acne medicines can be extremely smelly, like rotton eggs !
I can still remember the days when acne used to rule my life. I was so desperate for a cure I must have tried every over-the-counter acne medicine there was available. And there were plenty. That was the time when nobody thought acne was a serious problem. Everyone got it. Nobody had died from it. So it never occured to me that maybe I would need help.
It started with a few small spots. So I tried the standard sulphur-based acne medicine. I would apply it just over the offending spots and wait patiently till they went away. But they gradually got worse, with the number of red spots extending to different areas of my face. Soon it covered large areas of my face. I followed the instructions for how to use the acne medicine. I would cover my face with it faithfully every night, and went to bed smelling of sulphur. Even my pillows would smell of it. But I would hope and pray the medicine would do its wonderful work, and my acne would be gone. I always awoke the next day disappointed. I would wash my face, apply on a fresh layer of acne medicine and go about my day. I finally gave up when someone pointed out to me they always knew when I was coming, because the smell of the acne medicine announced my arrival !
I decided to try the benzyl peroxide-based acne medicine next. At least these did not smell of sulphur. The instructions seemed easy enough to follow. Just apply the acne medicine twice a day after washing the face and the acne would be gone within three to five days. It was again with great hope that I applied the new acne medicine. The first night, nothing happened. By the second night, my face was beginning to get a little itchy. By the third night, the side effects of the acne medicine were causing me to have a rather dry and red face. By the fourth night, my poor face was positively uncomfortable. By the fifth night, I gave up. The acne was still there. This acne medicine had not worked either.
Things just got from bad to worse. The small little red spots progressed to big spots. Big spots joined with other spots to form entire continents. There was hardly a clear space on my face. My confidence dipped to an all-time low. Acne ruled my life. It was the first thing I saw when I awoke, and the last thing I saw when I went to bed. Well meaning friends and relatives constantly commented on it and had lots of advice of what type of acne medicine would work best. I had tried everything.
Generally topical acne medicines work well for those with mild acne. A good number can be simply bought over-the-counter without the need of a doctor’s prescription. And for many, this may be the only treatment required for acne.

MenScience gives the inside scoop on myths and facts about men’s acne and acne treatments. How much do you really know about breakouts? Take our quiz and see for yourself!

1. Popping acne pimples makes them go away faster.

• True

• False

2. You should wash your face several times a day if you have acne.

• True

• False

3. Eating greasy or oily foods causes acne.

• True

• False

4. Tanning clears up acne in men’s skin.

• True

• False

5. Where you work can affect your skin and cause acne.

• True

• False

6. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for acne treatment.

• True

• False

7. Glycolic and Salicylic Acids are effective against acne.

• True

• False

8. If an acne medication causes your skin to get worse, you should stop using the acne product.

• True

• False

9. It takes 28 days for new cells to appear on the surface of men’s skin.

• True

• False

10. Acne-prone men should use noncomedogenic products.

• True

• False

11. Perspiration cleanses skin.

• True

• False

12. Teenagers (not real men) get acne.

• True

• False

13. Only men with oily skin get acne.

• True

• False

14. Acne is caused by bacteria.

• True

• False

15. Using a face scrub can control acne.

• True

• False

16. Acne is no big deal.

• True

• False

ANSWER KEY:

1. FALSE: Popping pimples may seem to reduce their size, but it can actually aggravate blemishes by spreading bacteria, causing them to take longer to heal. Not only that, but popping or picking at pimples causes scars and dark spots to form.

2. FALSE: It’s important to have a clean face, but washing your face with force several times a day can cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for the moisture being washed away. Not to mention skin will become red and irritated. Your best bet is to wash once or twice a day with a gentle liquid cleanser that contains Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree extract.

3. FALSE: Pizza, chocolate and junk food have long been labeled “acne magnets,” but there’s very little scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, men should aim to eat a balanced diet full of vitamins from fruits and vegetables, and drink a lot of water for overall well-being.

4. FALSE: When you tan, dead cells build up on your skin’s surface. This can often cause your pores to look tighter and the surface to look smoother. Tanning also masks redness caused by acne. However, once the tan disappears, you’ll be left with greater outbreaks and darker acne scars and marks. Protect skin exposed to direct sunlight by regularly applying sunscreen (especially if using a treatment containing Benzoyl Peroxide).

5. TRUE: Men who work in places that put them in constant contact with grease and oil (restaurants and garages, for example) may find themselves breaking out more because oil creates an ideal environment for bacteria to reproduce. Although there’s no simple way to rectify this, they should clean skin gently at least twice a day and try to keep their hands from their faces at all times.

6. TRUE: Benzoyl Peroxide is an antibacterial ingredient prescribed by dermatologists as the preferred topical medicine for safe treatment for acne. It clears acne-causing bacteria on the surface, absorbs excessive oils and clear pores, while promoting greater cell exfoliation and renewal. Doctors also prescribe Green Tea, Urea and Allantoin to help soothe acne-irritated skin. Because Benzoyl Peroxide has powerful antibacterial and exfoliating qualities, it may take some time for skin to get used to the treatment. Once skin has become accustomed to the treatment however, irritation, redness or dryness usually disappears. The best bet is to apply a small amount only once a day, and then increase frequency gradually over 5 – 6 days. If too much dryness occurs, decrease frequency and gradually increase again.

7. TRUE: Glycolic and Salicylic Acids work very effectively to exfoliate dead skin cells and clear pores. By reducing pore blockage, acne has less of a chance to form and breakouts are reduced. Exfoliation with gentle products that contain Glycolic and Salicylic Acids helps smooth and clean skin, while also reducing instances of ingrown hairs as well.

8. FALSE: During acne treatment, skin often seems to take a turn for the worse before it begins getting better. This is due in part to the need to become accustomed to a treatment and the exfoliating process of shedding dead skin cells. The important thing is to keep usage regular. If, however, skin remains irritated for a long period of time, stop acne treatment and consult a doctor.

9. TRUE: It takes new cells 28 days to form and move through the epidermal layer of skin to finally appear on the surface. This is why results are not always immediately apparent. Using a product with Glycolic Acid may accelerate this process and help clear away dead skin cells.

10. TRUE: Noncomedogenic means ingredients in the product do not clog pores or provoke acne. Although it’s definitely recommended for men with oily skin, you should use non-irritating, noncomedogenic products no matter what skin type you have. All MenScience products have been developed by doctors and are noncomedogenic.

11. FALSE: Perspiration helps flush toxins from the body and maintains body temperature, but it does not cleanse skin at all. In fact, leaving sweat on your body can actually cause acne breakouts. Because of this, remember to take a shower or wash your face immediately after sweating heavily with a gentle cleanser several times a day.

12. FALSE: If only this were true! While acne outbreaks are often strongest during teen years (due to hormonal imbalances and improper skincare), acne can affect men their entire lives. Good skin health needs to be regularly maintained to avoid falling prey to blemishes.

13. FALSE: Acne can affect guys with any skin type, from dry to combination and even normal. Men with oily skin might be more susceptible to outbreaks, but they are by no means alone.

14. TRUE: Bacteria (P. acnes) play a big part in the creation of acne. Once a skin pore becomes clogged, acne bacteria begin to grow, causing blemishes to form. Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective treatment for acne because it introduces oxygen into the bacteria, which kills it.

15. TRUE: Using a gentle exfoliating face scrub that contains Salicylic and Glycolic Acids can help clear pores of dirt and blockage, cutting down on the instances of acne. However, do not use a scrub if your acne is severe; it could aggravate your skin further.

16. TRUE….and FALSE: Acne is a painful, annoying condition, but it doesn’t need to negatively affect your lifestyle. While healthy skin is something we should all aim for, an occasional pimple or breakout is nothing to freak out about and can be treated with the right acne products. Remember: almost everyone is affected by acne. By using the most effective acne products and skincare techniques, there’s nothing to stop you from attaining a clear, healthy complexion.

SCORING:

13-16 Answers Correct: Acne Expert

9-12 Answers Correct: Good job! Add to your acne know-how with more tips.

5-8 Answers Correct: Knowledgeable, but check out our articles for more info.

0-4 Answers Correct: Needs work. Discover how to treat acne with our expert advice.