How To Determine Your Skin Type

The type of skin that you have plays an important role in how acne will affect you and also in
how you should treat it. Different skin types need different types of treatments in order to
effectively handle acne. One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to acne skin care.

There are four basic types of skin, oily, normal, dry, or combination skin, a combination of two
of them. Combination skin may be normal-to-oily or normal-to-dry. For each type, a different
skin care regimen is needed. Skin types also change over time, skin that may have been
combination normal/oily may become more normal or dry as the skin ages. Changes in skin
requires adjust of skin care routines to maintain a healthful appearance.

Five Questions To Ask Yourself

First, start with some basic questions in order to determine your skin type. The answers to
these questions will help you to decide what type of skin you have.

1. How frequent are your breakouts?
2. Do you have blackheads?
3. Do you have large pores?
4. How does the skin feel after it has been washed with soap and water?
5. Are there facial lines?

The answers to these questions help determine the type of care your skin will require to look its
freshest.

Basic Descriptions of Skin Types

Each skin type is determined by several factors such as the amount of oil produced, texture,
and the frequency of acne breakouts. Skin tones often seem to coincide with certain types of
skin, but skin tone is not a determining factor in what type of skin you may have. Quite fair skin
may also be oily, while dark tones may be dry. Therefore, skin color is not a good metric to use
when determining what type of skin you may have.

People with dry skin usually have few breakouts and seldom experience blackheads. The
reason for this is that excess oil blockages are what form blackheads, and dry skin is not prone
to excess oil. This generally means that acne breakouts are rare for this skin type, although
other problems may exist. Dry skin generally has few if any visible pores, and the skin will feel
tight and/or dry after cleansing. Those with dry skin are usually fair-skinned and often develop
facial lines early in life. This skin type may sunburn very quickly.

People with normal skin and with combination skin suffer occasional breakouts, with mild-to-moderate blackheads that occur for the most part in the "t-zone." The t-zone is the area which
runs across the forehead and down the nose and mouth area, it also includes the chin. Pores
are often larger and more noticeable in the t-zone area but are usually not as large as those
that appear in oily skin. The skin may feel dry and tight immediately after cleansing but will
soon feel more lubricated. The skin tone for normal skin usually is fair to medium, and a few
early lines may appear around the eyes. This skin type usually will sunburn when first exposed
to the sun, but then will tan. Prolonged sun exposure can produce temporary dry skin
conditions.

Oily skin is characterized by more frequent breakouts and the presence of comdones or
blackheads. The pores are enlarged and visible. After washing the face quickly becomes oily,
the nose and forehead quite rapidly growing shiny due to increased oil production. The skin
tone is frequently olive or dark. Facial lines are not very prevalent with this type of skin; oily skin
tends to be resist aging longer than the other skin types. Therefore, over the long term, oily skin
stays youthful for a longer period of time than the drier types of skin. Oily skin rarely burns
when exposed to the sun and usually tans easily.

A Final Word

Determining what type of skin you have should enable you to make better choices when it
comes to skin care products. There are numerous products on the market that are designed to
improve skin quality. For improving your acne, choose products that won't cause further
problems for you by basing your choices upon the type of skin that you have. Adjust your skin
care regimen as your skin changes in order to be on top of your acne problem.

Coping With Adult Acne

For many years the skin condition, Acne, has been associated with adolescence and those
"difficult" teen years. Since most adolescents experience some degree of acne, it has long
been assumed that hormone levels directly impact acne, and goes away when a person
reaches maturity and hormone levels balance out. And it is true that hormonal activity does play
a role in the development and severity of acne. Hormones promote the manufacturing of sebum
or oil; excess oil blocks skin ducts and pores causing acne. However, many times acne
problems continue on after a person becomes an adult, and sometimes these problems
increase during adulthood and the child-bearing years. Adult acne is simply not as uncommon
as has been previously supposed.

Adult acne can be just as frustrating and embarrassing as adolescent acne, perhaps even more
so. There are many social, emotional and psychological effects of acne, which, together with
the physical symptoms, contribute to a lower self-esteem. Those who suffer from adult acne
may withdraw from social situations fearing that their condition makes them conspicuous. They
may suffer from a lack of confidence or embarrassment due to scarring and breakouts.

The Causes And Treatment Of Adult Acne

Adult acne was thought, until recently, to be a rather uncommon occurrence. This is because
fewer adults were willing to seek treatment, leading to a lower instance of reported cases. Many
adults are embarrassed that they have a condition which is usually considered an adolescent's
disease, are afraid of the opinions of others, concerned about their personal image, and are
reluctant to seek professional help as a result. Consequently, although adult acne is fairly
common, it has not received much attention up to now. There are many factors leading to the
development of adult acne, treatment should be based upon a case-by-case basis. A
dermatologist should be consulted and an individual skin care regime determined upon. Preemptive
skin care treatments can preclude harsh, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous
treatments once the flare-ups have gotten out of control. Adult acne and its symptoms are better
managed through proper, preventative acne control methods.

As more information about adult acne has become available, the instances of reported cases
have been on the rise. Attention and better information dissemination has caused more and more adult sufferers to realize that they are not isolated. Women of child-bearing age and even
into their late thirties and forties frequently suffer from acne for much the same reason as teens:
hormonal activity. This is also true for male sufferers. More recognition of this problem has led
to better treatment options for adult sufferers. There are many treatments available to relieve
adult acne, some over-the-counter and others by prescription. A dermatologist can help you to
determine what treatments are right for you.

Another aspect of adult acne that makes it difficult for adults is the scarring caused by acne.
Aging skin is thinner and not as resilient as that of an adolescent, which isn't as much of a
concern for young adults as it is for older sufferers. Prolonged acne can cause scars that are
deeper and more visible. Since adults are just as concerned about their appearance as
younger people may be, the emotional effects of acne may have a deeper impact upon adult
sufferers. Good quality moisturizers and other skin treatments can lessen the effects of acne
scarring.

Whatever the type, acne treatment is vital to the health and wellbeing of adult acne sufferers.
Treatment also has emotional benefits because it allows an adult to feel that they are taking
action to improve their situation. In some cases, a combination of therapy and treatment may
be advisable. In any event, treatments are now available that can smooth the road to recovery
for adult acne sufferers.

6 Acne Skin Care Tips

A significant number of people of all ages suffer from skin problems such as rashes, blemishes,
blackheads and acne. Commonly developing during puberty, acne usually occurs during a time
of life when the individual is the most vulnerable and socially insecure. This makes acne not
only a physical condition but sometimes an emotional and/or psychological one. Acne can
shatter an individual’s confidence. Acne breakouts are the result of excessive secretions of oil
from glands under the skin, leading to a buildup that blocks the ducts leading to the skin's
surface. Acne primarily affects the face, chest, back and upper arms. Some people continue to
suffer from acne related skin infections for many years past their adolescence, although it
usually diminishes during early adulthood. There is no definite way to determine when acne
breakouts will stop.

Acne is frustrating for many people because it is unpredictable and sometimes seems out-ofcontrol.
Breakouts have been attributed to several factors, including diet, heredity and genetics,
vitamin deficiencies and stress. Since the exact causes acne are still unknown and there isn't
any measure available to prevent it. The best defense is a good acne skin care regimen which
ameliorates and controls acne breakouts. For more severe types of acne, such as cystic acne,
a dermatologist should be consulted since medical treatments are advisable to prevent or
lessen scarring, but for milder forms of acne there are many options available.

Six General Tips For Living With Acne

1. Washing twice a day, using mild cleansers and gentle movements is the best acne skin care
regimen. Gentle cleansing removes excess oils, dirt, and pollutants which contribute to the
development of blemishes. Strong detergents, harsh scrubbing, and harsh facial scrubbers
irritate the skin and may contribute to inflammation and breakouts. Also, its best to avoid
opening the blemishes since it may spread the infection over the skin. Squeezing pimples may
also cause them to burst under the skin infecting other skin pores as a result, dermatologists
strongly advise against doing this. Shampooing regularly also helps to prevent acne by keeping
the natural oils from hair off of the skin surface.

2. Astringents may be helpful for very oily skin but should be avoided for other skin types.
Choose astringents and other topical applications carefully, if they are too strong it may cause
more oil production and irritation.

3. For men, shaving should be done carefully in order to avoid irritating or spreading acne.
Choose a safety razor that is right for you by testing out a few. Soften beards by first washing
the face and neck with mild soap and warm water; then apply a shaving cream. Use care in
selecting the shaving cream because many contain ingredients such as menthol that may
irritate your acne. Use a sharp razor and shave lightly to avoid cuts and rupturing blemishes.

4. Exposing your skin for a while to the sun may help to erase blemishes at the skin surface.
The natural vitamin D in sunlight has been shown to improve skin quality. Nevertheless, care
should be taken to avoid excess sun exposure which leads to premature aging, dryness and
sunburn, and the development of skin cancer. Some prescription medications also cause
photo-sensitivity. Discuss with your physician whether mild sun exposure may help with your
individual case.

5. Individuals with acne should use oil free cosmetic products. Many cosmetics contain fatty
acids that may be harmful to acne prone individuals. Select good quality cosmetics but be
aware that some "oil free" products may be drying to the skin. Look for organic or acne-related
skin care products to lessen the impact of cosmetics upon acne. Keep in mind that topical
applications for acne treatment, such as some Benzoyl peroxide products, may react with the
facial cosmetics.

6. It is best to consult a dermatologist before applying any acne skin care product. Particularly
for serious cases of acne infection, treatment by a dermatologist is advisable to keep acne
under control and to prevent breakouts. Observing proper acne skin care is important especially
for younger individuals. Blemishes and rashes tend to heal faster when a person is younger but
severe acne cases should be properly taken care of to prevent scarring. A healthy diet and
lifestyle will also lessen the effects of acne.

3 Popular Myths About Acne

No one likes it, but almost everyone will experience it. For some people, it is a constant source
of embarrassment and even low-self esteem. What is it? Acne!

Acne pimples appear on the face, neck, and body and are usually small red bumps although for
some people these bumps can become cysts. Acne also tends to afflict everyone, to some
degree, regardless of race or gender. Usually appearing in adolescence, it is almost an
accepted rite of passage into adulthood because it is so common among teenagers. Acne is
caused by increased hormonal activity within the skin's oil glands or the sebaceous glands. The
extra secretions of oil, combined with dead skin cells and surface dirt, leads to clogged pores
and outbreaks of lesions, which we call pimples, blemishes or acne. Acne commonly occurs in
the neck, face, back, shoulders and chest because the body's sebaceous glands are more
densely distributed here.

So What Determines The Extent and Severity Of Each Case Of Acne?

There are many factors which contribute to acne. For example, there are hereditary
components which affect the severity of an individual's acne. Simply put, if you have a parent
who has suffered from a severe case of acne, the chances that you will also have severe acne
are increased. But there are also dietary and sociological factors that contribute to the
development of acne, which if changed or eliminated, may prevent an outbreak of severe acne.
Because of the many contributing factors, acne myths have proliferated over the years.

Acne Myth Number 1

Scrubbing and washing the face often will prevent acne. While dirt may contribute to the
formation of blackheads leading to pimples, many people believe that washing your face three
or more times a day, or hard scrubbing of the face and skin can prevent acne. Face washing
should be done gently, using a mild facial scrub or exfoliant only twice a day. Frequent washing
can actually irritate acne breakouts and it strips the skin of its natural oils. This not only makes
the skin dry, but can lead to the sebaceous glands increasing oil production to protect the skin
surface. Also, scrubbing can cause inflammations. Gentle cleansing, using the lightest possible
touch, is best for all-round skin protection.

Acne Myth Number 2

Fried food, overeating, and chocolate, causes acne to develop. Diets heavy in fat do have an
effect on the body's sebaceous glands, but science has shown that moderate consumption of
fried foods will not cause acne to get worse. In fact, some oils are necessary for the healthy
maintenance of the human body and the "acid mantle" that keeps skin moist and supple. In
addition, a seeming connection between certain foods such as chocolate and acne may be due
to food allergy rather than to the food itself. The notion that any particular food always causes
acne is quite false, though.

Acne Myth Number 3

Daily stress will cause breakouts of acne. Routine, daily stress is not considered to be a cause
of acne. Severe stress has been shown to have detrimental effects upon many of the body's
systems but its connection to acne breakouts has not been clearly established. More research
is needed in this area before anything conclusive can be formulated. One caveat, though,
stress medications may have a side-effect of contributing to acne, but if so, this should be
discussed with a physician as an alternative medication may not have this effect. In general
though, stress is a normal part of life and is not regarded as a major contributor to acne.

Oral Acne Medication Options

What causes acne?

When puberty begins, young people begin to experience a wide variety of developmental
physical, physiological and emotional changes. The obvious physical changes include beard
and muscle development in young males, and young females, with the onset of menses, also
start to develop breasts and wider hips. In addition, the normal progressions toward adulthood
produce rapid hormone changes frequently causing mood swings and the often embarrassing
side effect of Acne Vulgaris.

More commonly known as just simply acne, breakouts or pimples, Acne Vulgaris is caused by
an overproduction of the natural skin oil glands. When this excess oil combines with dead skin
cells and surface dust, it forms hardened blockages in the ducts leading to the surface of the
skin-these are usually called blackheads or whiteheads. Sometimes these blockages produce a
localized infection, which manifests as pimples or Acne breakouts just under the surface of the
skin. Of course, there are other factors which contribute to the development of Acne breakouts,
including diet and genetics, but dermatologists have a great many options available to them for
its treatment.

Medical research and breakthroughs

The treatment of Acne has become a multi-million dollar industry. Although Acne may seem
very superficial and irrelevant in comparison to many other diseases, its effects on the
emotional and spiritual wellbeing of adolescents can have far reaching consequences. The
scars left by acne is one of the leading causes of low self-esteem among young adults, and has
long reaching effects even for adults. Because of this, dermatologists and medical researchers
are constantly working toward the development of better treatment options.

Unfortunately, there is no “magic bullet” in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris because there are
many different factors that contribute to its development. However, medical practitioners have
been employing several different oral medications for its treatment. Some of these have
undesirable side effects, and some cannot be used under certain conditions (such as during
pregnancy or before a specific age) but they are often effective in controlling Acne.

Examples of commonly prescribed medications and their effects

The following is a list of commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of Acne. While
these treatments have positive outcomes for many users, there are side effects which should be
considered when taking them. In addition, no one drug will work for everybody, so sometimes
an Acne sufferer may have to try several treatment options. It must be noted that this list is
neither exhaustive nor completely comprehensive but is designed as an overview of currently
available treatment options.
Antibiotic Acne Medication: Taken orally, various antibiotic medications have been employed
in the treatment of acne. Research has shown that many antibiotics ameliorate Acne and are
often prescribed for persistent, moderate-to-severe acne. As with all these medications, they
should be administered only by a qualified physician.
Cortiscosteroids: This potent antibiotic treatment should only be prescribed for very severe
cases of acne, and should only be taken for short periods of time. The metabolic side-effects of
steroids have been well-documented and if taken in large quantities, or for long periods of time,
may have long-term effects on the reproductive capabilities of young people. As a result, they
are not recommended for most cases of acne treatment.
Tetracycline: Tetracycline has been the most commonly prescribed acne treatment for many
years. It has had good results for moderate-to-severe acne. The usual dosages range from
500 to 1000 mg per day, and dosage is decreased as the skin condition improves. Tetracycline
has been associated with decreased bone development and teeth staining, and therefore it is
not appropriate for children under the age of eight. Due to its effects on bone development, it is
also not an appropriate choice for pregnant or nursing women. Other common side effects
include increased sun sensitivity, diarrhea and nausea.
Minocycline and Doxycycline: Derived from Tetracycline, research suggests that these drugs
may be more effective in the treatment of Acne. Both drugs have higher concentrations in the
tissues and have been associated with more effective and more rapid improvements in visible
Acne. Doxycycline may cause sore throats or heart burn and must be taken with large amounts
of water. Minocycline has been associated with drug induced lupus symptoms but is the least
likely of the Cycline drugs to induce photosensitivity. However, skin pigmentation problems do
occur with both these medications. The higher concentrations of both drugs in the tissues may also lead to liver reactions. Neither is appropriate for use in young children or for pregnant or
nursing women.
Erythromycin: Available in both oral and topical applications, is a safer alternative for pregnant
women and young children. It has the advantage antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment
results, reducing both the cause and the effects of acne. Its oral form is easy to use but may
cause some gastrointestinal upset. It is also a good alternative for those who are allergic to
penicillin and the cyclines.
Isotretinoin: Derived from Retinoid A, this antibiotic is a revolutionary new treatment that has
been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of severe and treatment resistant Acne.
Clinical trials have shown it to be beneficial for all forms of Acne, but there are many side affects
attributed to Isotretinoin. These include severe effects such as birth defects, excessive dryness
of mucous membranes and the skin, depression, inflammatory bowel disease and erectile
dysfunction. There are several other milder effects which should be thoroughly discussed with a
physician before this drug is prescribed. In addition, there is disagreement among medical
practitioners concerning the dosage levels needed for optimum effects and the long term effects
are still under investigation.

Acne Control The Natural Way: 8 Ways To Say Goodbye To Acne

People who want to prevent acne often spend large sums trying to do so. But, they don't have
to! There are several natural and inexpensive methods for getting rid of those embarrassing
acne breakouts. In addition, these methods can help prevent sudden outbreaks of acne from
occurring. Here's some help for those suffering from acne.

Defining Acne

In most cases, genetic predisposition determines the type and severity of acne breakouts. Acne
is caused by a combination of hormone activity and natural sebaceous activity under the surface
of the skin. Sebaceous, or oil, glands secrete sebum whose purpose is to keep the skin soft and
flexible and it is vitally important to healthy maintenance of the skin. A lack of sebum causes
dryness, rough skin and even cracks and splits. However, hormone activity combined with diet
and other factors, can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more natural oils than is
needed. This excess can block the pores of the skin, leading to blackheads and a localized
infection that we commonly call pimples. Acne breakouts normally occur on the face, neck,
back, chest and shoulders which are the most visible areas of the body and is where the sebum
glands are most densely saturated.

While individual genetics have been shown to play a significant role in the development of acne,
social factors such as daily routines and diet are also major players in causing outbreaks.
Genetics may not be subject to change but an individual suffering from acne need not feel
powerless or hopeless when it comes to treating their acne. Some simple changes in diet and
routine has an enormous impact on controlling and eliminating acne.

Simple Natural Changes to Eliminate Acne

The following is a list of several suggestions for dealing with and eliminating acne:

1. The most important thing to do is probably the easiest, drink LOTS of water. Water flushes
toxins from the body and also aids in the creation of natural skin oils and moisture. The better hydrated a person is the less need for the creation of additional skin oils by the sebaceous
glands.

2. Consume at least four to five servings of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Nutrition
science has shown that the natural amino acids in fruits and vegetables are important in the
formation and regulation of sebum. Poor nutrition, or a diet heavy in oils, dairy products and
fats, leads to more severe acne outbreaks.

3. Try rose water for facial cleansing. Using a clean cotton ball dipped in rose water, moisturize
and clean the face and other areas prone to breakouts two to three times daily. Rose water is a
natural antiseptic that doesn't strip the skin of natural oils.

4. Avoid using soaps and alcohol-containing products for cleansing. These strip the skin of its
natural oils. Harsh cleansers stimulate the skin to produce more sebum to keep the skin
moisturized, opening the door to more acne outbreaks.

5. Make-up may also cause acne outbreaks because it blocks the surface pores of the skin. In
addition, some types of make-up cause drying of the skin. This stimulates the glands to secrete
more sebum to compensate for the drying of surface oils. Choose cosmetics that are natural
and do not contain alcohol or petroleum based products. Also, use a natural moisturizer to keep
skin soft and pliable without encouraging sebum production. Contrary to popular belief, good
quality moisturizers do NOT cause acne and may actually help to lessen outbreaks.

6. At the first sign of an outbreak, apply ice to the area to lessen the appearance of redness
and irritation. Use a little rose water to cleanse the area, and pat a little cornstarch or baking
soda mixed with water over the area. This will soothe, draw out the infection and ease the
discomfort of the outbreak.

7. Cucumber is an inexpensive and effective acne control treatment when used as a mask.
Blend it with a little water in a blender until a smooth paste is formed, and pat over the face and
other affected areas. Leave it on for approximately 30 minutes and then rinse of with warm
water. Cucumber has been shown to be a good acne treatment that refreshes the skin without
damaging it.

8. Find out if you have any food allergies. Acne is sometimes the body's way of letting you
know that you are allergic to something you are eating. Mild to moderate allergies to cow's milk
and milk products, grains, gluten, chocolate and other foods considered to be a normal part of
diet can lead to acne outbreaks. A simple way to test for a food allergy is: if you suspect you
may be allergic to something, eliminate it from your diet for a few days. If your acne and your
general health begins to improve it would be a good idea to discuss the matter with your doctor.
A simple allergy test will let you know if you are sensitive to a certain food or food group.

Natural Advantages of Natural Acne treatments

The quest to cure acne has spawned a huge treatment industry. Consumer markets are flooded
with products all claiming to eliminate acne, and its often an expensive proposition when trying
to choose the best out of this sea of curatives. Unfortunately, many of the products sold to
prevent acne often make it worse instead of better. For the wise shopper, natural methods
should be the first choice but whether you have tried all the other methods or none of them, its
never too late to try the simple, natural methods mentioned in the list above. They are both time
and money saving. They will improve your overall health and vitality, and they aren't going to
cause the situation to get worse instead of better. So what are you waiting for? A natural cure
for your acne is as near as your cupboard or local grocery store!

Ways To Treat And Prevent Acne Scarring

The physical as well as the psychological effects of acne scarring are a difficult condition to deal
with for adults as well as for teenagers alike. Perhaps it is more so for teenagers than adults.
The medical fraternity are finding it very difficult to understand, more so treat, acne scarring.
Why does it have such a long lasting effect? And why is it so difficult to treat? Perhaps we will
never know - however doctors have turned to technology to remove acne scars rather than treat
it with medications.

Various kinds of acne leave different kinds of acne scars. There is good news though; acne
scars can be effectively and permanently treated. Doctors also advise a proper acne treatment
that needs to be carried out on a daily basis by the affected individual to prevent the return of
the scourge.

The first step in the treatment of acne is to understand the type of skin of the affected person,
the kind of acne that needs to be treated and the best treatment for the kind of acne being
treated. Acne scarring and the corresponding treatment varied from individual to individual,
mainly depending on the kind of skin being treated. Doctors find it difficult to understand what
skin type will be affected by acne and to what extent will the skin scar. Understanding this
condition is important for the effective treatment of any form of acne.

It is a common consensus that acne must be treated as early as possible in order to treat the
condition most effectively and prevent permanent scarring. Acne is not expected to be an
overnight procedure. Acne treatment lasts weeks and sometimes years depending on the
severity of the condition. This is shy it is important to treat the condition before it consolidates
and becomes hard to cure. Many people treat acne as and when it appears and takes
preventive measures; however some people find it hard to rid themselves of this ugly mess of
pimples and expert help is called for.

The crux of the matter is to prevent inflammation to occur if you want to prevent acne scarring.
Remember never to irritate an acne infected area; irritation will surely lead to acne scarring. If
you are prone to scarring from acne it is best to consult a skin specialist at the next outbreak of
pimples on you skin. Remember early treatment is the secret to prevent acne scarring.

Acne scars are of two types. Those scars caused by the loss of skin tissue and those caused by
formation of skin tissue. The scars that are formed by excessive tissue formation are known as
'kelloids' known as hypertrophc scars to the medical world. The term 'hypertrophy' refers to any
enlargement of growth on any tissue. This kind of scarring is caused by extra deposits of
collagen in skin tissue. This substance is produced when the skin reacts to an injury and over
production of it leads to scarring though this king of scar fades over time.

Scars formed when tissue is lost are very much like scars formed by an attack of chickenpox.
These are very common scars and equally hard or rather impossible to treat.

The best way to prevent acne scarring is to prevent the disorder itself. So seek medical help at
the earliest when you notice those infamous pinkish bumps on your skin.