7 Ways To Conquer Acne

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

• Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
• Vitamin B Complex
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• L-Carnitine
• Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Proactiv® Solution
• Salicylic Acid
• Retinoids
• Antibiotics
• Oral Contraceptives
• Anti-Androgens
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving 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. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

_______________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat Acne

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

_______________________________________________

---

Acne Medications - Natural Adult Acne Treatments

Adult acne - why must we suffer aging skin AND... Read More

How the Liver Prevents Acne

The liver is responsible for detoxifying the blood as it... Read More

Frugal Home Remedies for Acne

Acne is a problem that strikes people of all ages,... Read More

Acne and Skin Problem Myths Debunked

Isn't skin a wonderful thing to have?An obvious benefit of... Read More

Acne and Adolescents

It's hard enough to be a teenager but if your... Read More

Effective Acne Treatments ? Making Your Own!

Choosing effective acne treatments from amongst the plethora of products... Read More

Eczema and Acne Herbs For a Powerful Footbath

In 1979, Maurice Messe'gue', the famous French herbalist, who practiced... Read More

Adult Acne

Acne is bad enough when it strikes with puberty. But... Read More

Acne Cure, How to Cure Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that is not restricted... Read More

5 Tips To Cure Your Acne

Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and... Read More

Acne Scar Treatment

Acne scars develop after severe cases or when the acne... Read More

New Accutane Requirements

Starting January 1, 2006 people with severe acne who need... Read More

Control Your Acne With Effective Acne Treatments

Acne is not a problem confined to adolescence; in fact,... Read More

The Kill the Bacterial and Cure the Acne Myth

All life forms strategize to survive and procreate. Weeds, worms,... Read More

The Importance of Water in Caring For Acne

The benefits of water as part of our daily lives... Read More

Acne ? A Clean Face ? First Step In A 12 Step Program

For those that need more than a special cream like... Read More

Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers

Women spend thousands of dollars to create a flawless face.... Read More

6 Steps to Clear, Acne-Free Skin

6 Steps to Clear, Acne-Free SkinHundreds of medications, treatments, cleansers... Read More

Shaving and the Adolescent Male

The most obvious way around it is to use a... Read More

Your Guide To Acne Skin Care

Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirty... Read More

Ways To Avoid Acne

In many cases acne can be avoided. There are lots... Read More

Why Adjustable Dumbells Are Part Of Any Balanced Fitness Plan

While many focus upon the biological or medicinal side of... Read More

Do these Zits Mean Anything? An Acne Treatment That Uses Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom

In 2001, after comparing over 250 studies and 150 drugs,... Read More

Why Drinking Enough Water Can Help Keep Acne Away

You probably don't know this yet but product wastes and... Read More

Treatments for Acne ? Looking After More Than Your Skin

Acne is a pernicious condition that is as damaging to... Read More

Micro Dermabrasion ? Hurting Skin to Heal it?

Acne is an upsetting condition that can be sometimes very... Read More

Finding Acne Skin Care Products That Work For You

Each one of us is different, and nowhere is this... Read More

Acne Treatment

Imagine the day when you have to cancel an important... Read More

Treating Adult Acne With Anti-aging Moisturizers

Softening the skin and relieving wrinkles with anti-aging moisturizers is... Read More

The First Step To Curing Acne

The first step to curing acne is knowing what type... Read More

How to Find the Best Acne Treatments Available

Acne, which affects the majority of teenagers, and a very... Read More

An Acne Herbal Hand and Footbath

In a book I read by William L. Fischer called... Read More

Back to School With Clear Skin

Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More