Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 10

A Quick Guide To Acne Treatment During Pregnancy

Acne during pregnancy is caused by an increase in
hormones. While you might be desperate to stop these
outbreaks, it is important that you consult a
professional before you use a chemical treatment for your
acne–even if you have previously prescribed medicine from
a dermatologist.

Certain drugs, such as Retin A, can have harmful side
effects on pregnant women, even if they can solve your
acne problems.

However, there are some safe acne treatments you can use
during pregnancy. The key to finding the right product
for you is to be patient and careful when you are
perusing your options at the local drug store.

One known and relatively safe acne treatment for pregnant
women is topical benzoyl peroxide lotion or gel. You can
purchase this without a doctor’s prescription.

Benzoyl peroxide will kill the bacteria that causes acne,
unclog pores, and heal pimples. It is also completely safe
to use, provided you use it in small portions at a time;
however, you should double check the product you selected
to see if it contains any other chemicals that might be
harmful to your baby.

Your best bet is to find out which benzoyl peroxide
treatments your family physician approves for you during
pregnancy. She will let you know what treatment is safest
and best for you.

If you can’t find anything that is completely safe, you may
be better of waiting it out. Afterall, your baby should be
your first consideration–and your complexion a distant
second.

After you have the baby, you will want to reassess your
acne situation. For some women, pregnancy-related acne will
go away after birth. For others, it will last years if not
treated. If you are one of these women, you should consult
a dermatologist for the best solution.

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Acne Scars

Most people with mild or moderate acne will recover from the condition without serious scarring. In cases of severe acne, however, scarring is almost inevitable. But don’t give up hope — new acne treatments can minimize scarring and existing scars can be removed with a variety of techniques.

Most pimples leave behind a discolored patch of skin. This is not really a scar and will usually clear up by itself within one year. Marks or skin defects that remain longer than one year are considered to be scars and can be treated.

Preventing Scars

Acne scars can be prevented through a program of active treatment and self-control. One of the worst things you can do to pimples is to pick them. Some people try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads but this is the worst thing that you can do. Not only will the bacteria which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to permanent scarring.

Mild cases of acne can usually be self treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never be attempted at home.

Pimples form on the skin because of the presence of bacteria. The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored — this is part of the natural healing process, and the discolorment will disappear after a period of time.

This healing process can be sped up with the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so sunscreens should always be worn outside.

Above all, avoid picking scabs that may form over old acne lesions. Scabs are a necessary part of the healing process and picking them off unnecessarily exposes the skin which extends the time necessary for scars to heal.

Treating Scars

Existing scars left over from acne can be treated in a number of ways. If scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.

More severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly painful so the dermatologist may use an anesthetic to numb the pain. The healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.

Dermabrasion removes scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is formed to replace the scarring. Both dermabrasion and laser treatments can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear after several months.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 5

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 4

Acne and Skin Care

Skin care is important at any time of life but especially so if you have acne. One of the secrets for keeping acne under control is maintaining the health of the skin as much as possible. This means keeping the skin clean and protecting it from sources of damage like sunshine and harsh cosmetics.

Cleaning the Skin

Use a gentle soap or specialized skin cleaner for washing the face once or twice a day. It is important not to scrub the skin as this will further aggravate the acne. Just use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the cleanser to all areas from the hairline to the neck. Rinse the cleanser with plenty of water and pat your face drive with a soft towel.

Those with especially oily skin may need to use an astringent, but it must be used with care. Only apply it to the parts of the face which are most oily and discontinue use if your skin becomes irritated. It is best to consult with a dermatologist if you feel you need to use an astringent.

Hair care is also an important part of skin care. Shampoo your hair two or three times a week and try to keep it off your face as much as possible. Those with oily hair may need to wash their hair once a day.

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

A suntan may dry out the skin and make your acne less noticeable but this is only temporary. As your skin becomes accustomed to sun exposure the acne will flare up once again, and in the meantime you are also risking skin damage that may cause it to age prematurely or even cause skin cancer. Many of the medications used to treat acne cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunshine and more vulnerable to burning. It is always best to wear a sunscreen when outdoors.

Choose Makeup with Care

The best choice for good skin care is to wear no makeup at all, but if you feel you must wear makeup choose some that will not clog the pores. These products are labeled noncomedogenic, but they may still cause acne in some people. Above all, avoid makeup with an oil base. Read the labels carefully and use sparingly.

Shaving

Try both electric razors and safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Don’t use safety razors with dull blades — change the blade every two or three shaves. You may have to shave around blemishes to avoid cutting them, and be sure to soften the beard as much as possible with water and shaving cream. If you happen have a lot of breakouts perhaps it is best to skip shaving that day.

Avoid Touching the Skin

As tempting as it may be too squeeze and pop those pimples, don’t do it! You are only inviting more trouble because the bacteria which causes pimples will spread. Popping pimples can also lead to permanent scarring.

Try to avoid touching your face as much as possible. Many people do this unconsciously, but the hands are dirty and oily and can spread germs over greater areas of your skin.

Acne can be brought under control. Medications are a great help in clearing up the skin and combating the bacteria which causes acne, but be sure to help it along as much as possible by taking good care of your skin.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 1

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posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Mar 1

Acne Treatments Part?4?? Seeing a Dermatologist

Even though mild acne isn’t a serious condition it is a good idea to see a dermatologist if your skin breaks out. You can receive valuable information about the cause of acne as well as learning about the options for treatment. In addition, there is a condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes confused with acne, so seeing a dermatologist can determine which condition you actually have so that you are not wasting time with inappropriate treatments.

Mild conditions of acne can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases need the attention of a doctor. Acne can cause physical as well as emotional suffering and can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated. When acne is not responding to over-the-counter medications you should consult with a dermatologist for treatment.

It is a good idea to prepare for your first consultation by writing down as much information about your acne as possible. The doctor will want to know the background — how long you have had acne, what form it takes (blackheads, whiteheads, lesions etc.) and what you have done to treat it. You may also be asked if your parents or siblings had acne and how severe it was for them.

Since the acne treatment may include oral medications you should be prepared to tell the doctor if you are allergic to certain medicines. Girls may be asked to describe their menstrual period and boys may need to say how often they shave.

The dermatologist may offer a choice of treatments so knowing a bit about the various options can help you make an informed decision. Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics can be given orally or in a lotion that is applied to the skin. Severe cases may require the use of both forms.

Topical treatments include benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. These are usually prescribed in gel form and may cause dryness or reddening of the skin.

In severe cases of acne physical treatments may be recommended. These include the removal of blackheads and whiteheads and the drainage of cysts.

No matter which form of treatment you decide on it is important to follow directions given by the doctor. Don’t take more or less of a medication than prescribed. If your acne clears up, continue treatment until advised otherwise, otherwise it may come back.

Always be informed about your condition and get the information you require. Write down questions as you think of them so that you can ask your doctor at your next consultation. Common questions include:

? What kind of treatment is best for me?
? How soon will I start to see results?
? How long will the treatment last?
? Are there any side effects?
? How should I care for my skin?
? Can I use makeup?
? How can I prevent acne scars?

Treatment for severe acne may continue for some time. Each time you see your doctor take the opportunity to clear up any questions or concerns you have about acne or your treatment. Try to become as well-informed as possible so that you can participate fully in your acne treatment.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 26

Acne Treatment Part One — Over-the-Counter Topical Medications

There are many types of over-the-counter treatments for acne. Most people, when first faced with an acne condition, usually go to the local pharmacy and buy an over-the-counter medication on the basis of recommendations from their friends or perhaps even television ads. It’s always a good idea, however, to consult with a doctor before using any kind of over-the-counter medication. Even though acne is a fairly benign condition, a doctor can advise on the best course of treatment and also offers suggestions based on your particular kind of acne.

Because of the large number of products available for treating acne, it can be difficult to decide which one to try. Depending on advice from your friends is not too reliable, because what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best if you have some background knowledge about the active ingredients in various acne medications, so you can make a better informed choice about which medication to try.

One of the most popular ingredients in acne treatments is benzoyl peroxide. It is found in gels and ointments and works by combating the bacteria which causes pimples. It is also useful for removing dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. It is these dead skin cells which combine with sebum to create blackheads and whiteheads.

Benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be safe and effective in combating lesions. It can be used after acne has cleared up to keep the skin free from acne causing bacteria. The only side effect associated with this ingredient is dry skin, and this can be avoided by decreasing the frequency that it is applied on the skin. It can also bleach hair and clothing, so care must be taken when applying it.

Another popular ingredient in acne medications is salicylic acid. This prevents acne by clearing up dead skin cells which are accumulating too quickly and clogging the pores. Products which contain salicylic acid should continue to be used after the skin has cleared up to prevent future outbreaks of acne. The only side effects associated with salicylic acid are dry, irritated skin.

Other ingredients you may see in acne medications include resorcinol and sulphur. Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel — including the dead skin cells which clog the pores. It is often combined with sulphur. It is not known how sulphur affects acne conditions, but it has been used effectively for more than 50 years. Sulphur is often combined with other ingredients besides resorcinol like salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. It is not usually used by itself because of its strong, unpleasant odor.

Of all these ingredients used for combating acne, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be used in cleansing liquids or bars, as well as lotion, cream, and gels which are applied directly on the skin. The cleansing products are usually used once or twice a day, while the creams and lotions can be used as needed. They should be applied on the skin around the acne as well as the pimples themselves for most effectiveness. You must avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in the eyes, mouth or nose as it will cause irritation or inflammation.

posted by Ultimate Weight Loss Warrior on Feb 25

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