Alison | Helpful Skincare Advice

The Benefits and Disadvantages of Acne Treatment Options

May 14, 2019August 24, 2012 by Alison

adult acne

Acne is the most prevalent skin condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and races. But the fact that many people in other parts of the world are also suffering from pimples provides no comfort to someone who has to deal with blackheads, whiteheads, or zits on his or her face. Aside from being unsightly, acne can have a negative impact on the academic, professional, and social aspects of a person’s life.

According to the 2008 Skin Matters survey, having pimples as an adult is more stressful than dealing with it as a teen. Survey participants also said that having acne is worse than having wrinkles or grey hair.

Throughout the years, different treatment methods have been developed to manage this dreaded disease. Before you get information about these anti-acne strategies, it pays to know more about what you are dealing with. Take a look at some basic information about acne:

Acne Facts and Myths

Acne vulgaris or simply acne is a condition that affects the oil glands of your skin. You experience an acne breakout when the follicles in your skin are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The exact cause of the problem is unknown but several contributing factors have been determined. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t get acne simply because you are not washing your face enough or due to your consumption of oily or greasy foods. However, eating a lot of processed carbohydrates and sugar may attract acne-causing bacteria and cause skin cells that are associated with acne to divide.

While dirt may contribute to acne, washing your face too much may actually make your breakouts worse. You should wash your face just two times a day with a mild facial cleanser. Avoid facial scrubs because they are more likely to make matters worse. Getting a tan to dry your face will also do you no good. Tanning will help temporarily mask your pimples but it will dry and irritate your skin, leaving your face more prone to future breakouts.

Different Acne Treatment Strategies

It’s definitely not a good idea to touch, pop, or squeeze a pimple to free a clogged pore because it will make the zit look worse and last longer, cause the spread of bacteria, and may lead to permanent scarring. But this doesn’t mean that you should let your pimples disappear on their own because there are several anti-acne methods that you can try to manage your breakouts.

How Eating Alkaline Foods Help You Get Rid of Acne

May 14, 2019August 17, 2012 by Alison

Many people these days are suffering from facial problems and one that is very common is acne. Acne usually starts to appear in the face in the teen years until adulthood and if one is not careful, it may leave annoying facial scars. Many of those who have suffered acne have undergone all sorts of treatment and one that is very effective is eating alkaline rich foods.

There are many theories on acne being related to hormones or age but this may need more convincing facts. Health is one of the biggest factors to acne problems. And the alkaline diet may just be the perfect solution to this skin problem by bringing the body back to balance.

Fast Food

The main problem exists in the balance between the acid and alkaline content in the body. Many may not be aware that the real culprit to acne problems is in the foods that one eats – acid-based foods. Acidic foods are those that contain bad elements such as saturated fats, refined sugar and processed foods, the foods that mostly contain these are cakes, burgers, meat, dairy products, chips, bread, pasta, yeast cigarettes, alcohol and even one’s lifestyle like lack of exercise can all contribute to the acid content of one’s body. These foods slowly deteriorate the cells of the body thus causing all sorts of disease and illnesses including acne problems.

Like all the normal functions of the body such as maintaining a certain temperature, the body also maintains a balance between acid and alkaline, and normally the body’s pH level that should be maintained at all times must read between 7.35 to 7.45. If this is not achieved through the foods that we eat, the body sources alkaline minerals from the different cells and organs to maintain that kind of equilibrium which is debilitating for our body . If the food that is consumed is more of the acidic types, the body reacts by neutralizing it, robbing all the minerals the body needs like calcium, potassium and magnesium from the cells and bones of the body. When acids are neutralized it usually turns into yeast thus all sorts of bacteria and microorganisms appear and accumulate in the body.

Once toxins accumulate in the body it can cause all sorts of health related problems and the worst thing is that the lymphatic nodes may get affected causing cancer cells to appear in the intestines and other parts of the body. Acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema are only minor problems that are related to the imbalance of acidity and alkalinity in one’s body.

The Five Best Post Shave Products To Watch Out For

May 14, 2019August 10, 2012 by Alison

shaving

Few men truly enjoy shaving. Most regard it as a necessary chore rather than an indulgence. Itchy skin, dryness, cuts and burns don’t make shaving a very enjoyable experience either.

With the right choice of shaving cream/foam, brush, razor and post-shave products, however, you can make shaving a little more indulgent and enjoyable.

Post shaving products are particularly important in this regard. The skin is particularly dry and itchy after a shave and requires a lot of hydration to soothe the itchiness and razor burn.

Here are Five Post-shave Products that Deserve a Spot in Every Man’s Bathroom Cabinet

1. Alum block
Simple, old-fashioned, and highly effective, the alum block has been the go-to choice of after shave salve for barbers the world over for years. Alum is a natural mineral with antiseptic and coagulating properties. Just moisten the block and rub it against your skin after a shave, and you’ll prevent infections and stop bleeding within seconds. Best of all, alum blocks are dirt cheap. A single block will last for more than an year and will cost you less than ten pounds (around 15 dollars US).

2. Burt’s Bees Bay Rum After Shave Balm
When it comes to after-shave balms, nothing can match the effectiveness and raw masculine scent of bay rum. This is the scent that pervades old-school barbershops the world over and is instinctively familiar to ever man. Bay rum soothes the skin naturally and leaves a wonderful, sweet-spicy lingering smell. Old-school bay rum based after-shave balms usually contained a lot of alcohol which dries and stretches the skin. Burt’s Bees Bay Rum After Shave Balm includes a lot of natural ingredients such as bay leaf oil, lemon peel oil, orange peel oil, clove oil, rosemary extract, etc. The end result is a highly soothing, natural balm with the signature bay rum scent any man would be proud to sport.

Using Organic Skin Treatments For Healthier Skin

May 14, 2019August 6, 2012 by Alison

organic skin care Using organic skin treatments is a useful way to deal with skin problems such as acne and aging skin, and are considered by many to be healthier than using treatments that contain man-made chemicals.

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates medications and food products, they do not oversee what is put into skin products. As a result, chemicals such as mercury, alcohol and dioxane are often found in these items.

Chemicals enter the bloodstream and can damage the body. Choosing to produce skin products from food and other items found in the home ensures that the contents are not harmful to health.

One food that can be used to improve skin health is coffee grounds. Applying damp grounds to the skin can tighten skin and diminish cellulite. Combining ground oats and honey with apple cider vinegar and applying it to the skin has proven to be an effective exfoliant. Organic soap that has been produced without the use of herbicides, fertilizers or pesticides is a healthy alternative to using soaps bought at the store, which contain dyes, fragrances and preservatives. Organic soaps are less likely to produce allergic reactions such as itchy or dry skin.

Argan oil is taken from the Argania Spinosa tree, located in Morocco, and is regarded as an anti-aging agent. Because it is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and other naturally occurring items, advocates of the use of argan oil say it repairs the skin’s water-lipid layer and increases the amount of nutrients and oxygen in the skin cell.

Organic skin products can also be purchased, both in retail stores and online. Upon finding a product that is satisfying, consumers may wish to consider buying it online if price is a consideration. Since online retailers have little or no overhead, their prices are more competitive and sometimes include free shipping. Consumers should take steps to ensure that a particular website has an excellent reputation and following to guarantee they will receive the product they want.

Body Acne: How to Help Heal & Prevent It

May 14, 2019July 31, 2012 by Alison

Editor’s Note

If you have problems applying acne treatment products to body acne – or even just struggle to apply your normal moisturizing lotions to those hard to reach areas, you might be glad to know about the “Body Buddy” which enables easy application on a non-absorbent applicator so you will not waste expensive products either! You can find out more about the Body Buddy by visiting the product page at Amazon

Too often the topic of body acne is overlooked; given how commonplace its occurrence, it is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed of. The presence of pores throughout our bodies lends itself the possibility of seeing spots anywhere – breakouts are not just limited to the face. While it is possible to let those irritated areas heal themselves by way of daily, thorough cleansing, there are options available specifically formulated to target back and chest acne.

First things first: check the ingredients of your current body wash, shampoo, conditioner and detergent. While breakouts are the result of a number of internal and external factors, more often than not they are a negative reaction to a certain product ingredient. When possible, go botanical or all-natural to ensure no chemical irritants are exacerbating skin conditions or provoking sensitivity. Always be sure to rinse off all soap residue. It seems to be completely inconsequential and common sense, but keep in mind that the smallest things make all the difference. Taking the time for this alone can make a difference in the clarity of your skin. By thoroughly cleansing the skin and (gently!) exfoliating regularly, the probability of congestion is decreased.

Sometimes this is all you need to clear body acne.

If, however, the breakouts persist, the next step is to invest in a skincare regimen that extends beyond the face. Take care of your body. You cleanse, tone and moisturize your face daily – it only makes sense to do the same everywhere else.

Skin is skin

Treat body acne as you would breakouts on your face. The same principles apply: be gentle, be kind and most importantly, be patient. The only difference is in the ingredients: products made for the chest and back are typically stronger and more highly concentrated than ones meant to help fight facial acne.

Try using your go-to acne skincare products (cleansers, spot treatments, etc.). Doing so typically works well – these products are, after all, designed to fight acne. Start gentle, and slowly work your way up in product strength.

Anything too potent will not only dry out the skin, but will also further irritate already stressed skin. Do not be tempted by the idea of instant gratification: gentle is just as effective, and is always far more rewarding in the long run. Spot treating is only effective for the occasional blemish; it takes following a regimen diligently to see lasting results.

Finding the right body wash is instrumental to the clearing process; it is, after all, the foundation of body care. Veer away from the bar soaps and look for cleansers containing fruit extracts – Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – instead. A common cause of acne is the inability of the skin to shed dead skin cells. Over time, this buildup forms a layer that traps dirt, oil and any other residues (from hair and body products) in pores and leads to acne. This is where AHAs come in: unlike your traditional exfoliants, AHAs are not grainy. These fruit extracts gently buff away dulling buildup without aggravating the skin, thus preventing future breakouts.