What Products to Use for Acne Scar Reduction
December 29, 2010 by Kevin Nelson
Filed under Health
Acne scars are the pits, pockmarks and other blemishes like hyperpigmented skin left behind when acne has healed. Most of these scars will still be clearly visible even after a year since the last acne breakout, which means that acne scars are as unwanted and unwelcome as acne itself.
Fortunately for those who have had an acne outbreak, there are now medical and natural ways to remove acne scars. The methods we look at here are intended for dealing with mild scarring, while more severe cases may require skin resurfacing or surgery.
Over-the-Counter Acne Scar Treatments
You can visit any pharmacy, drugstore, or online vendor, and you’ll see a mind boggling number of products available for treating acne scars. Some treatments are known to be very effective, but one needs to bear in mind that if you have serious scarring, going to see a doctor would be your best bet.
Health professionals also recommend using non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic moisturizers on affected areas in to keep the skin hydrated, moisturized and nourished for good skin health. This leads to better appearance regarding the acne scars.
Many doctors also advise people to use a triple antibiotic ointment in order to prevent a recurrence of bacteria while at the same time lessening the appearance of acne scars. The ointment should be applied in the evenings, left on overnight, and then rinsed off in the morning.
Oxygenated water is also beneficial for lightening the appearance of the hyper-pigmented skin. Immediately after using it, you’ll notice a difference between the natural color of the skin and the color of the affected area, but this will fade away within about 10 to 12 hours.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs and essential oils can also help in the lightening, if not complete removal, of acne scars. A doctor must be consulted before actual use of these herbs ands essential oils to preclude any allergies that can lead to acne breakouts.
Aloe vera gel has been used for centuries to bring back healthy skin. Ready-to-use topical aloe vera is available in many stores and sites.
Honey has antibacterial properties as well as the ability to soften the skin. Apply honey on the affected area, massage for a few minutes and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Olive oil is not considered the miracle oil for nothing. Its moisturizing property softens the skin’s texture and, hence, lessens the prominent look of the acne scars.
Rosehip seed oil is the most common of the essential oils used in acne scar removal with the added benefit of lessening wrinkles, rejuvenating the skin and preventing sun damage. This should be massaged into the affected are twice daily.
Tomatoes are an abundant source of Vitamin A, which is also present in its derivative forms in medications like retinol. Its main effect is in stimulating collagen production, thus, healing the skin of its scars. Just slice up a tomato and place on the scars at least 2 times a day. day.
It is possible to smooth out acne scars with the abovementioned methods. The trick then is to prevent any future breakouts to give the scars time to heal but this topic is also covered in another article.
Pregnant Women and Acne Treatment
April 25, 2010 by Ethan Vaughan
Filed under Health
Treating acne is really the right move when you have it, but not at all times. There are stages in the life of a person when you could not treat acne anytime you want to. And, this is during pregnancy. As we know, this is a delicate stage in a woman’s life and it is that phase of a woman’s life that she must show extra care for herself. When she feels the need of treating acne, she must see to it that she equips her self with the right information.
This must also be remembered by those who may also get pregnant. The following are some medications for acne that are not good for use during pregnancy for they are harmful for the fetus:
First is Hormonal therapy that may include estrogen, flutamide, and spirolactone. They are a big no. They are harmful and may lead to some problems for both the mother and the child. Better see it as a threat
Another one that would just put a pregnant woman’s life in danger is Isotretinoin. This has negative effects as well especially for pregnant women or those that are breastfeeding. This could cause severe health hazards on both mother and the fetus inside her womb. It is advised that a woman on the process of taking this must be monitored by the expert. Those who are trying to be pregnant must ignore the use of this for it may just trigger negative effects not only for you but most especially to your child.
And, also if Oral tetracyclines which could be of doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline, must not be an option at all for it would not do you any good. As tested and proven, pregnant women or those that are breastfeeding must ignore the use of this for it may just give those bad side effects that would nothing else be but a threat to your life and to your child. The topmost effect is permanent discoloration of teeth or bone disorders.
And the last one to ignore is topical retinoids such as tazarotene, adapalene and tretinoin. Just like the above-mentioned means, this could just be another hazard to you and your baby’s health. So, whether you are pregnant or not, it is not wise to use all these mentioned.
For all of you who would like to treat their acne but are pregnant, why must you risk your life and the life of your child just to have a prettier face?
There is due time for treating your acne and during your pregnancy is not one of the safest times.
Two Unbelievable Blackhead Removal Methods
April 21, 2010 by Heidi J. Benz
Filed under Health
One of the most horrible and ego deflating things to have happen to you is to get a bad case of acne, or even worse, a bad case of blackheads. While it seems that no one blackhead removal method is good enough, there are some, that when combined together, will go a long way in making your face clean and clear again.
The most important thing to remember is that even though pimples and blackheads seem to show up overnight, they essentially take a while to form, so they can take a while to get rid of. Blackheads are no exemption. So when you try the techniques described here, be sure to give them at least a week before you can expect to see any difference.
The first procedure involves creating a miniature steam bath for your face. What you do is fill the sink with hot water, and bring down your head over the top, about three or four inches away. Then cover the back of your head with a gigantic towel, so the steam is trapped in the space where your head is. If you have a secondary drain, one of those little holes at the crest of the sink, you can leave the water running. Just be watchful.
Once your face is nice and sweaty, you’re set for the next part. This is just washing your face, and using whatever beloved anti blackhead cream you have. Some folks use that soap that feels like it has sand in it. It scrubs off the dead skin. Other people like to use average enzymatic cleansers, as it can further break down the grease in your skin. Just be certain to wash your face exceptionally well after your steam bath.
Another system is to use some type of tape or wax to physically pull the blackheads off. You can do this two ways. One way is to get special tape, or sticks. You wash your skin, and apply the tape or the stick to your blackhead, and then safely pull it off. Just make sure to keep the area clean afterward. One more way to do this is to have your face waxed. It seems remarkable, but actually it’s comparatively common for people to do this.
The most vital thing to keep in mind is that because there are a number of different kinds of acne and blackheads, their are several distinct blackhead removal methods. Just keep trying, and stay constant, and before you know it, your face will be clean and clear.

