Alison | Helpful Skincare Advice

Things To Consider Before Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery for Acne Scars

May 14, 2019June 12, 2012 by Alison

Severe acne breakouts can leave scars that are noticeable and since scars are not generally pleasing to look at, it may result in problems with self-esteem. Using creams and other products can help reduce their appearance, so that they become less obvious. But if the scars are too deep, there may be no other option but to go through surgical methods to completely remove them.

Cosmetic surgery for removing acne scars comes with some risks, which is why deciding on it should be a long and thorough process. You need to take time and make sure that this is really what you want and there are plenty of factors to consider and we have highlighted the main three below:

The kind of procedure you need

Remember that each person has a different skin type, which also means that each skin problem is different. There are many procedures available, but not all of these may suit your condition.

The dermatologist can do simple laser treatments or peeling effects to replace the top layer of the skin that has been damaged by acne. There is also another treatment that may require injection of dermal fillers to smoothen scars out, while deep scars may need a more complicated skin resurfacing procedure to replace and remove acne scars. New methods are being developed by experts to perfect this science.

As always, these processes may cause adverse effects, such as pain, redness or swelling, so be sure to thoroughly ask about the particulars of each procedure, as well as how to manage the after-procedure with your cosmetic surgeon. By knowing enough information, this will help you decide which one you will be most comfortable with.

Are Facials Worth the Money?

May 14, 2019June 5, 2012 by Alison

relaxing facial — Professional facials are relaxing and can improve skin by treating spots and blemishes - but are they really worth the money?

For some women, no visit to the salon is complete without a facial. Spending time in a relaxing atmosphere while a professional massages, moisturizes and clarifies can leave you feeling rested and glowing, as well as reduce unpleasant blemishes on your face. Whether you go once a week or once a year, you’ll find that facials result in better skin and a more toned face.

Those who attend regularly certainly look better as a result, but they also pay some major fees in the process. Is it really worth spending hundreds of dollars a year on facials? In truth, almost everything done at a salon can be performed at home, on your own, for a fraction of the cost. You will, however, be losing the practiced hands of an aesthetician, along with his or her knowledge and guidance when it comes to caring for your skin.

A facial usually lasts an hour, although some are as short as 15 minutes. A standard procedure involves cleansing, the removal of dead skin cells, massaging, moisturizing, blackhead extraction and finally a skin mask. The details vary depending on the salon and what your individual skin needs, and are usually determined by the aesthetician. You get the benefit of a soothing environment and a professional evaluation of what your skin needs, as well as any of the other services offered at the salon. Massage treatments and the right masks can take years off of your face, without having to resort to more intense and expensive options like Botox. But every part of a facial can be approximated as part of your routine hygiene regimen.

Herbal Remedies for Pimples

May 14, 2019June 2, 2012 by Alison

A pimple, spot or zit is a kind of acne and is usually the result of excess oil trapped in the pores. Sometimes a visit to the dermatologist for prescribed drugs is a solution preferred by many. Often, a pimple problem is not addressed until it becomes a serious situation. They are even caused by stress, exposure to the sun, menstruation, usage of abrasive soaps or hormonal upheaval. Moreover, an herbal remedy is more of a permanent cure and constantly helps in cleansing the skin.

Milk thistle cleanses the entire system including the skin. The herb detoxifies various organs including the liver and and can help in preventing the generation of a pimple.
Fruit juices when added to the diet considerably also help in acne reduction. Chocolates, Nuts, fried and fatty foods should be avoided for healthy skin.
One other effective herbal remedy is Tea tree oil which stops the acne causing bacteria from damaging skin.
Calendula herbs help to remove the acne without leaving an ugly facial mark. It helps mend the skin and takes care of the scar, the end result of a pimple cured improperly.
Inclusion of zinc as a supplement, also helps in the reduction of acne.
A mixture of lemon juice and sandalwood applied onto the face regularly day after day assists in pimple reduction adding glow to the skin.
Raw garlic juice is a strong and effective medication for pimple reduction. Application of it on affected areas regularly, reduces the chances of a new spot cropping up.
Another easy and effective cure for pimples is to apply a small amount of mixture of olive oil and a teaspoon of sugar after steaming the face for almost ten minutes. Scrub and rinse the face thoroughly after the application to see improved results within weeks.
Fenugreek is one more effective herb that could eradicate spots. The fresh leaves of fenugreek after being ground to a fine paste must be applied to the face every night prior to sleeping and should be washed out with warm water. This tremendously reduces the chances of pimples, reduces blackheads and the early appearances of wrinkles too.
An ingredient used for cooking up tasty meals, Coriander also turns out to be a perfect cure for pimples. Extract a teaspoon of coriander juice and mix it with a pinch of turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply it on the face and let it dry. Wash it off before sleeping at night and notice improved results within weeks.

Best Skincare Products for Adult Acne

May 14, 2019May 31, 2012 by Alison

Adult acne is a genuine problem for around a quarter of all men and up to half of all women. Levels of severity vary and most cases of adult acne are very mild.

Some adults do suffer from bad acne and the impact can be devastating as skin problems can cause a lack of confidence and be depressing. However there are some excellent treatments available to sufferers.

We have provided a few of the best non-prescription products, from some of the leading brands, that you can use to complement your prescribed medicines or existing skincare regime.

Benzoyl Peroxide – Benzoyl Peroxide is a core element of treating acne and can be found in many prescribed gels, creams and ointments. If you are not already using it as part of your prescribed acne treatments it is available from a number of skincare retailers. Jan Marini, gloTherapeutics and Obagi all produce products that contain Benzoyl Peroxide. It is best to seek advice from a skincare professional before using Benzoyl Peroxide.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser – A good cleanser is a key part of any skincare regime, especially if you suffer from acne. This cleanser can be used on all skin types and it is gentle compared to other acne targeted cleansers. The main ingredient is glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is very good at penetrating deep into the skin and breaking down the top levels which improves texture and ultimately reduces the appearance of blemishes such as acne damage. It is often used by skincare professionals for chemical peels but in much higher concentrations. A stronger alternative for more experienced users of glycolic acid products is NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash.

Beyond Pimple Popping, Acupuncture for Acne

May 14, 2019May 25, 2012 by Alison

Treating acne with acupuncture may sound too much like popping a pimple with a pin – but Maryland acupuncture can treat acne without ever touching afflicted area, which is usually the face.

From the smallest whitehead to the most severe – which is chronic and cystic acne that can leave scars – acne leaves its own social and emotional scars. Many sufferers feel embarrassment during flare-ups and avoid social situations, trying to hide their condition – and themselves – while their pimples heal. When one pimple heals while another one forms, there can be a cycle of acne that brings a stressful and self-conscious lifestyle.

Acne is caused by a number of aggravators. The most obvious cause is the clogging of a pore in the skin. Excess oils and skin cells clog the sebaceous gland, which becomes infected with bacteria. The hormones of puberty, as well as the hormonal changes during such events as menstruation in women, can exacerbate the inflammation.

Acupuncture won’t cure puberty or menstruation, nor would we want it to. Those bodily changes are a fact of life and the reason we, as humans, can grow and reproduce. But Maryland acupuncture can treat the effects of those hormones by encouraging the flow of the body’s energy and blood. The spleen and the liver, stimulated through acupuncture, can quicken any stagnation of internal energy and revitalize blood flow, keeping hormone levels from wreaking havoc with our skin. The foot and the ankle contain acupuncture points which coordinate with the spleen and liver. They seem unrelated to acne on the face and chest, but acupuncture treats the body as a whole. Each organ is connected to a channel that runs through the body to the skin’s surface.