Teenage Acne: Know Your Skin Type.

Teenage Acne: Know Your Skin Type.
by Wolfdave

Using the wrong skin care product for your skin type can sometimes cause irritation, which in turn, will create more spots. Remember, there is no cure for acne, so your aim is to control it. Acne does not just affect oily teenage skin, therefore it is important to identify your skin type before choosing a skin care product.

The information in this article is a guide only, it is not medical advice, before acting on any of this information or undertaking any treatment, you are advised to seek advice from a medical professional or go and see your own doctor.

To begin the process of controlling your spots, you need to know how to look after your skin from the outside. However, what you use on your skin will be absorbed into your blood stream, so before choosing a skin care product, you can reduce the risk of making things worse by identifying your skin type. There are five main skin types: Normal, Dry and Sensitive, Oily, Combination skin, Very sensitive.

Normal Skin is a healthy and well balanced skin with no dryness or spots. It is smooth and firm to touch and has good elasticity. People with normal skin have no problems using any type of skin care products. These people are the lucky ones.

Dry and sensitive skin usually affects people with fair skin. The skin feels dry as it lacks the natural oil film that helps to retain moisture. This can lead to irritations as the skins natural defences to pollutants are reduced. Your skin may sometimes sting when using certain detergents or cosmetics. Central heating and air conditioning can also cause this type of skin to become dry.

Oily skin tends to affect men more than women and if not cared for properly, can produce blackheads and spots. On the plus side, the extra oil can help protect the skin from the ageing process. It is mainly troublesome during the teens as an increase in hormone levels triggers this excess flow of oil. If this is combined with a poor diet, then the spots will only increase. Try to avoid alcohol based skin care products or harsh soaps.

Combination skin is when part of your skin is dry and other parts are oily. Through the course of a normal day you may notice the upper parts of your face are shinier than the rest of your skin. This is a difficult skin type to choose the best skin care product, as you need one that will benefit both oily and dry skin.

Super sensitive is a skin that will probably have already suffered from acne for some time. It has probably had various treatments applied to it and is now suffering the side effects. Super sensitive is not a naturally occurring skin; it is usually a result of using harsh skin care products that have removed the protective top layer of your skin. To avoid having super sensitive skin, you should carefully consider the side affects of any medication or product you intend to use. Ask your doctor to refer you to a skin specialist if you have any doubts about prescribed or over-the-counter treatments.

So, if you suffer from acne you really need to identify your skin type before choosing any treatments or skin care products. Keeping your skin healthy is the best way to help reduce and eventually eliminate your spots. Do you know your skin type?

One of the best books on acne is called Spotless, written by Elaine Mummery. This essential guide to getting rid of spots covers everything from identifying what type of acne you have, what type of skin you have, facts and myths about why we get acne and how to get rid of them. Spotless is an easy to read book from someone who has suffered from this skin condition and found out how to cure it. Despite the fact that it is a really good book on the subject of acne, it is quite difficult to obtain a copy, but it is worth trying if you are serious about getting rid of your spots.

The last time I looked on Amazon, they did still have copies but had limited stocks. So it might be worth trying them first, I have provided you with a link to Amazon below, please click it now.

Spotless: The Essential Guide to Getting Rid of Spots and Acne

How To Treat Teenage Acne

Acne Treatments
By wolfdave

Acne is a skin condition that affects 80% of teenagers at some point in their lives, it can also affect adults. It produces spots on the face, back and shoulders. There are three levels of acne: Mild, Moderate or Severe. It will usually clear up on its own but this can take several years. Treatments are available to help clear the condition more quickly. This article explains the options for treating acne.

Your treatment options will depend on whether your condition is mild, moderate or severe. It is important to see your doctor early to reduce the risk of scarring. Mild acne is normally treated with gels or creams. Moderate cases are also treated in the same way plus, antibiotic tablets may also be used. For severe acne, a combination of topical treatments and antibiotics will usually be the first option. Prescription medications are the next option. Your doctor will also probably refer you to a dermatologist; an expert in skin conditions.

Mild or moderate forms of acne will require a six week course of treatments. Treatments may include benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids or topical antibiotics. These treatments work by reducing the excess of sebum and killing bacteria, this will help to prevent dead skin plugging up hair follicles. Once the condition is under control, you may be advised to continue using some treatments to prevent acne from returning. These treatments should be used sparingly and as instructed; too much can cause harm to your skin.

Some common side effects of acne treatments can include: Dry skin, itching or a burning sensation, peeling of the skin. These are usually quite mild and will stop once you have completed treatments. See your doctor if these side effects become uncomfortable, your dose may need to be adjusted. You should avoid exposure to UV light or sunlight, or use a sun cream.

In most cases, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. For some severe cases a course of oral antibiotics can last up to six months. An alternative antibiotic is usually prescribed to women who are pregnant. Contact your doctor or dermatologist if you think you might have become pregnant during treatment. To reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing, treatment is usually stopped after six months. Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of these antibiotics.

If whilst taking your medication for acne, you experience sudden mood changes, anxiety or depression, aggressive or violent thoughts, suicidal thoughts or, you start to act in ways that are not normal to you; contact your doctor immediately.

For most people, the outlook is generally good, over-the-counter treatments will be all they need to clear up and control their acne. Once you have your condition under control, additional treatments can be used to prevent it from returning. Some private clinics offer light and laser therapies to help get rid of your acne, the effectiveness of these treatments and the cost varies widely. Whatever treatment you decide to use, you are advised to seek professional medical advice first, visit your own doctor.

Treatments for acne can take many months before you notice any improvement. However, if you want faster results, possibly in as little as 14 days, click here

Acne: Symptoms Diagnosis & Complications

Acne: Symptoms Diagnosis & Complications
By Wolfdave

Acne affects around 80% of teenagers, it usually starts in puberty but adults can also be affected. You can help prevent it by washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleansing product. This will help to stop bacteria from multiplying. Acne is not infectious. This article will focus on the symptoms, diagnosis and complications.

Symptoms:

Acne commonly appears on the face, the back and the chest; sometimes the buttocks can also be affected. Acne causes lesions to appear on the skin, commonly referred to as spots. There are several types of spots:

Blackheads are small black bumps that develop on the skin.
Whiteheads have a similar appearance; they are firmer and have a white centre.
Papules are small red bumps; they usually feel sore or tender.
Pustules have a white tip on the spot caused by a build-up of pus.
Nodules are large hard lumps usually quite painful; these build up beneath the skin.
Cysts are the most serious of acne spots, these large lumps look like boils and are filled with pus and carry the greatest risk of scarring.

Even mild forms of acne can cause distress to the affected person, go see your doctor if you are unhappy with your condition. Also see your doctor if you develop cysts or nodules, these tend to indicate severe acne. Your doctor will discuss the options available and may refer you to dermatologist (an expert in skin conditions).

Diagnosis:

By going to see your doctor, he or she will be able to make an initial diagnosis by looking at the appearance of your skin. They will examine your face, chest and back looking for the different types of spots. They will assess the severity of your acne by the number of spots you have, how many different types of spots you have and how painful or irritated your skin is. They can then start planning your treatment, if any is needed.

Acne is classified as mild, moderate or severe depending on the number and types of spots you have:

Mild Acne, consists of mostly blackheads and whiteheads, usually only on the face.
Moderate Acne, may affect your face, shoulders and back and is a combination of blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.
Severe Acne will cover a more extensive area and will also include nodules and cysts as well as papules and pustules.

Your doctor will describe the treatment options available for your condition. Some treatments are available over-the-counter. The sooner you see your doctor the better chance you have of avoiding permanent scarring.

Complications:

Scarring can sometimes develop as a result of acne. This is caused when nodules and cysts rupture, damaging the surrounding skin. Also, if you pick or squeeze your spots, scarring can occur. There are several types of acne scarring.

Ice-Pick Scars-are small holes that look like the skin has been punctures by a sharp object.
Rolling Scars-give the skins surface a rolling and uneven appearance, caused by bands of scar tissue.
Boxcar Scars-have the appearance of small craters or depressions.

In severe cases of scarring or if scarring is causing you distress, your doctor will be able to discuss the available options of cosmetic surgery. Many private clinics offer treatments for acne scarring, prices can vary widely depending on the options required. It is important to realise that cosmetic surgery will not get rid of your scars altogether, most people however, will notice a 75% improvement.

Types of treatments for scarring include:

Dermabrasion. This involves lasers or a special brush to remove the top layer of skin.
Laser Treatments. These are normally used to treat mild or moderate cases of scarring and involve removing a small patch of skin. Or alternatively they can be used to stimulate the growth of new collagen.
Punch Techniques. Used to treat ice-pick and boxcar scars, they are a type of surgical treatment. The scar is surgically removed and the wound sealed, or if the scar is deep, the wound is plugged with skin after the scar has been removed. The skin ‘plug’ would be taken from elsewhere on your body.

Depending on the option used, it can take several weeks or months before the skin fully heals and the appearance of scarring improves. Additional treatments can sometimes be used to further improve the appearance.

Depression:

Acne spots can cause distress and feeling of anxiety. This can lead to people feeling withdrawn, depressed, and hopeless and not wanting to socialise. If you or your child have any of these feelings, it is important to seek professional medical advice, speak to your doctor.

Acne will eventually clear up on its own, but this may take several years. With treatments, you should notice improvements after a couple of months. If you want faster results, possibly in as little as 14 days, click here

Acne: Causes and Symptoms

Acne: Causes and Symptoms
By Wolfdave

Around 80% of teenagers get Acne in some form; it can also affect adults too. The condition can be mild, moderate or severe. The symptoms usually appear in puberty and there are many misconceptions and myths about the causes and treatment of Acne.
This article will help you better understand the causes and symptoms.

Acne is the most common of all skin conditions. The symptoms are spots and painful bumps on the skin. Most noticeable on the face, but they can also appear on the shoulders and back and sometimes on the buttocks. Severe cases of Acne can cause permanent scarring, so you are advised to seek prompt professional medical treatment.

Acne is mostly caused by hormonal changes which cause the skin to react. The skin contains sebaceous glands just below the surface that are attached to hair follicles. These glands naturally release a substance called sebum to lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. During puberty the glands will produce an excess of sebum, this excess mixes with dead skin cells and can form a plug in the follicle. This will occur in both boys and girls.

In teenage cases of acne it is thought that increased levels of testosterone are the trigger for the condition. Testosterone plays an important role in the development of boys and girls during puberty. This increase results in the glands producing much more sebum than is actually needed.

The plugged follicle will then bulge, creating spots. Bacteria in the area can then multiply and lead to pain and swelling beneath the blockages, resulting in the formation of papules, nodules and cysts. A plugged follicle close to the surface of the skin will bulge outwards creating a whitehead. Or the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, resulting in a blackhead.

In adults, 80% of cases occur in women. Again, this is believed to be the result of changes in hormone levels that many women experience during certain times in their life. Acne can flare-up with some women just as their period is due. Some will also experience acne symptoms during early pregnancy. Acne symptoms can also be a side effect of some medications such as Steroids or Lithium. Stress can also make the condition worse.

These are the different kinds of spots:

Whiteheads are small hard bumps and have a white centre.
Blackheads are small with blocked pores.
Nodules are under the skin, they are usually hard and painful.
Pustules are spots with visible pus.
If the skin is red and swollen (inflammation) then this needs early medical treatment to prevent scarring.

It is recommended that you do not pick or squeeze your spots as this can cause irritation of the skin and may lead to scarring. Spots will go away eventually. Any redness of the skin however, may take several weeks or months to clear. Wash your face twice a day using a mild cleaner. Scrubbing or more frequent washing can make things worse by irritating the skin. Use an oil-free moisturiser morning and night.

Eating chocolate or greasy foods does not cause acne. However, for your general health, you should try to eat as healthily as possible. There is also no evidence that wearing make-up can cause spots. You should wash your hands before applying make-up and always remove it before bedtime.

Eventually, acne will clear up on its own, but this can sometimes take several years. Treatments are available to clear the condition more quickly. For mild cases, treatments can be obtained from a pharmacist; these can take several weeks or months to work. If these don’t help, treatments are available on prescription; you will need to see your Doctor who will advise you of your options.

If you want faster results, possibly in as little as 14 days, click here.

How Do I Get Rid Of My Spots

Acne: How Do I Get Rid of My Spots
By Wolfdave

Spots or Acne is a common skin condition. Spots develop on the skin, usually on the face, chest and back. Acne can be mild, moderate or severe and affects around 80% of people at some point in their life. It can cause great distress to sufferers, affecting their confidence and self-esteem. Healthcare professionals now recognise that effective treatments for Acne are required. These treatments will not cure your condition, but will usually help to improve it.

Despite the fact that Acne is the most common of all skin conditions, it is the one which is the most misunderstood. There is a wide range of Myths and ‘Old Wives tales’ about it, most of these are just plain wrong!

For instance:
Acne is not infectious; you cannot pass the condition on to other people.
Squeezing is not the best way to get rid of blackheads, whiteheads and spots. In fact this can make the symptoms worse and may lead to permanent scarring.
Having dirty skin does not cause Acne. The biological reactions that trigger spots occur beneath the skin. Therefore, a cleaner skin will have no affect on your condition. However, you should wash your face twice a day. Washing more often than this can actually aggravate the condition.
There is no evidence that Acne is caused by a poor diet. Healthy eating is always recommended for the benefit of your heart and general health; it will not however, help to cure your Acne.

Acne usually tends to affect older children, teenagers and young adults, and is the most common skin condition in this group of people. Whilst anyone between the ages of 11 to 30 can be affected, most cases occur between 14 to 17 for girls, and 16 to 19 for boys. In a minority of cases however, it can continue to affect people past the age of 25.

Many people will have repeat ‘flare-ups’ of Acne for several years. The symptoms will gradually start to improve as they get older, and for most people, will have cleared up altogether by the time they reach 20.

There is no ‘Magic’ cure for Acne. However, with treatment the condition can usually be brought under control and the outlook is generally good. It can take two or three months for treatments to work, once they do and the Acne is under control, the results are usually quite effective.

Once you have your spots under control, additional treatments or maintenance therapy can be used to prevent your Acne from recurring. In severe cases, it is important to seek prompt professional treatment or permanent scarring can occur.

Treatments can take several months before you notice any improvement. However, if you want faster results, possibly as soon as 14 days.
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