Almost everyone has suffered from acne at one time or another in his or her lives. It is primarily a disorder of the sebaceous gland (glands in the skin that secrete an oily substance) of the face, the neck and back. When the sebaceous glands become clogged with the oily substance they create, the accumulation results in pimples. There are several forms of acne, but the most common is acne vulgaris, found primarily in adolescents.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to this condition include heredity, oily skin and androgens. Additional factors include allergies, stress, the use of certain drugs, nutritional deficiencies, liver dysfunction, exposure to industrial pollutants, cosmetics and the monthly menstrual cycle.

In addition, the skin functions to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste by sweating. If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys or liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over. In fact, some doctors call the skin the 3rd kidney. As toxins escape through the skin, they can disrupt the health and integrity of the skin, creating issues.

Recommendations for Wellness

Note: Some of these recommendations may take 2-4 weeks before any results or improvements are experienced.

Apply distilled white vinegar (can be diluted if too strong) to the face and affected areas. Allow this to sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

Lemon or any citric fruit works great as a natural exfoliate, removing dead skin cells that may clog the pours. As with the white vinegar, apply the juice of a lemon (or desired citric juice) to the face. Allow it to dry for about 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. You may feel a mild sting or burn when the lemon juice is applied. If so, diluting the juice is acceptable.

Increase water consumption. Water helps flush toxin out and help transport nutrients in the body.

Eat a properly balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition. Take a high quality multiple vitamin and mineral supplement to make up for nutrients missing in today’s foods.

Echinacea or Oregon grape can be used to boost the immune system and fight acne-causing bacteria.

Dandelion, Burdock or red clover can help to keep the liver clear of toxic overload.

Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox, and BP-X can also be used to cleanse and detoxify the liver and reduce acne.

Large quantities of vitamin A have been successfully used to treat severe acne. Large amounts, however, can be toxic and should only be used when working with your health care provider.

Consider adding additional zinc to your diet. Zinc aids in the healing of tissues and assists in preventing scarring. It is also important for the body in resisting infection and inflammation.

To clear and heal the skin, try a homeopathic Acne remedy. It can help to dry up pimples & prevent future outbreaks.

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Acne is a large problem for many individuals, including both teenagers and adults. Many people believe that the presence of acne will lessen after their teen years are over but for many adults, this is simply not the case. No matter their age, anyone with acne may need to seek an effective acne treatment in order to help rid their skin of this unwelcome intruder.

Many individuals turn to an over-the-counter acne treatment and, while there is no blanket system that works for everyone, these products often provide beneficial results. In order to ensure safety during the use of any acne treatment, individuals are urged to read the instructions carefully and pay close attention to any warning labels.

During the first use of any acne treatment, whether it be in the form of a lotion or pad, consumers are urged to apply the medication to a small portion of the skin before proceeding with application to the rest of the area. In some cases, an acne treatment product may cause irritation to the skin, which may be minimized by applying the medication to a small test area. This process is not exclusive to the first use of the product and may actually be used before each application. Even if irritation does not present itself at first, it may later appear in future applications.

In an instance of a prolonged or extreme case of acne, it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist for an appropriate acne treatment. These physicians are educated toward the treatment of skin and related illnesses, which allows them the advantage of recommending a customized treatment program. If a commercial acne treatment is not helping, there may be no use in continuing to subject the skin to that specific product. Instead, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe an acne treatment that is available by prescription only.

In addition to commercial and/or prescription treatments, there are a number of home remedies that can be applied toward acne treatment. By avoiding contact or a disturbance to the acne prone area, individuals will lessen the chance of infection or added redness. In addition, washing the face both morning and night may help to ease the presence of acne. Exfoliation products may also help to rid the skin’s surface of bacteria and dead skin cells, both of which may cause acne or clogged pores. A quality exfoliation product will reveal the healthy skin cells and rid the face of the old ones.

When using any type of acne treatment product, individuals should avoid contact with eyes and are advised to wash their hands immediately after use. In order to avoid skin irritation, most acne treatment products should not be used in conjunction with any other similar product.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for acne treatment. If acne is present, individuals should consult a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

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Are you looking for acne solutions that really work? The good news is, whether you’re a teenager or an adult suffering from acne, you don’t have to live with it. Here you can find 10 super easy and effective ways to get rid of acne.

1. Do not pick, press or rub your pimples. These actions actually increase the sebum production and rupture the membranes below your skin. The infection and sebum will spread underneath your skin and cause more pimples. Also, you risk increasing the chances of leaving scars on your face.

2. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soup. It is even better if you can buy sulfur-based soap especially for acne. If your skin is too oily, use a soap with benzoyl peroxide. Do not use rough sponges, brushes, or anything similar on your face. You shouldn’t, however, over-wash your face because it will actually stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum which will increase your acne.

3. Check if it is because of the food. For many people, food allergy can cause very serious acne condition. You should avoid eating too much oily and spicy food. Recent studies have shown that acne can also be caused by milk which contains hormones as well as seafood with relatively high levels of iodine. If possible, cut down on those foods. Other foods you may consider avoiding are: sugar, dairy products, deep-fried food, meat, nut butters, etc. On the other hand, it is believed that green vegetables, vegetable fuices and foods rich in zinc can help alleviate acne condition.

4. Drink more water every day. “Eight glasses of water a day can keep acne away.” says Jennifer Thoden, a respected acne expert. The reason is that water can carry waste material out of our body and it really helps heal and prevent acne flare-ups.

5. Do not wear makeup if possible. Makeup products can clog your pores, cause more blackheads and pimples. If you have to wear makeup, make sure it is water-based. Be sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly and cleanse your skin before you sleep.

6. Do not use oily products. Avoid products such as hair pomades, intense oil-based facial moisturizers, and oily cleansers.

7. Keep your face clean. Do not rest your chin on your hands or constantly touch your face. Regular shampoo your hair and keep it off your face, especially when you sleep.

8. Exercise moderately as it helps in blood circulation and eliminataion of toxins.

9. Stay stress-free. Studies have shown that stress not only worsens acne flare-up, it also worsens the overall skin condition. Talk to your friends, listen to your favorite music, or take a walk in the park. There are many things you can do to be stree free.

10. Get Sunshine and fresh air. Sunshine stimulates vitamin D in the body, an essential vitamin for healthy skin. Fresh air and sunshine can also reduce stress (tip #9) and increase oxygen to the skin. Don’t get burnt in the sun though. Burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a layer on the skin that doesn’t exfoliate quickly enough and can lead to blocked pores.

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