Tips For Slowing Down The Aging Process

Aging is a continuous process that when it starts it cannot be stopped. With the medicine and technology today, we are discovering that the aging process can be slowed down dramatically.

When aging starts is debatable, but a lot of professionals believe aging begins shortly after a person can reproduce. The aging process also will get worse in time, sorry to say. The longer we live, the more we can see the aging effects. One benefit of aging in today's medical world is that anti-aging medicine doubles its advancement in as little as 3 years or less.

Discussing anti-aging, there are few natural ways to keep your mind and body feeling younger than it really is!

One of the first issues you need to address is that obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Being obese comes with many health risks. Some of these health risks are type 2 diabetes, Hypertension, Osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, and gallbladder disease.

Now is the time to talk about what we put into our bodies to help us live longer and making our bodies and skin feel younger. Our bodies are made up of 70% water. It is important that each and everyday you try to intake at least 8-10 8-ounce glasses of water a day. When our bodies are dehydrated, we do not function properly and it puts stress on other parts of our body.

How we eat is beneficial to living longer. By eating the right foods, you can possibly skip some of the diseases that can kill you in an instant or chronic pain due to poor food choices. There are too many different types of diets to list that can help you out in the long run but here are some important items you should include. Consuming a lot of fruits and leafy green vegetables, a high fiber diet, grains, nuts and a high intake of good fats are important.

The main preventative disease in America is smoking. Smoking can take many years off of your life, thus not really helping out if you want to feel and look younger. Cigarette smoking is the most significant cause of lung disease, among both men and women. Along with internal damage by smoking, it also has a negative effect on the skin and makes it age faster.

Most people have been active in their childhood. Although exercising for children can mean running around for hours on end, it is still a means of exercise. When we become adults, we should keep up a regular exercise program to keep our heart working well. Exercise not only helps you fight cardiovascular disease but it can keep you fit, feeling young and exercise is great for reducing stress!

The amount of stress in your life is another factor in anti-aging. People who have stress related jobs and/or relationships are known to age faster. It is never too late to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Only you know what stress you are under and here are some ways to make life simpler.

To start, take one thing at a time. Most people like to think of many ideas at once, therefore thinking they have to take the appropriate action to make them happen. Setting goals with relevant expectations and visualizing your ideas will lower the stress of having a busy schedule.

Sleeping plays a huge role in our aging process. We need it to promote healthy brain function, to have a healthy nervous system and to also refresh our brain cells. People who do not sleep enough and are constantly on the move being busy with their stressful life will not make better decisions and makes the brain work harder and not as effective.

A good night's sleep is what we all desire, but if you want to live longer, sleep longer. Sleep, like food and nutrients, are necessary for us to stay alive and function. Each day our body tells us it is time for a break and it is time to get some rest. Not everyone has a steady sleep schedule but whenever you can, sleep in a little extra and do not be afraid to take a short nap during the day if needed.

Whether you are young and are looking to ease the aging process early on or you are getting older and are starting to feel the effects, there are some very great supplements out there to assist with living longer. Longevity supplements are designed to protect the healthy cells we have in our body and to fight off the dangerous cells. They are also used to enhance our mineral intake, leaving little to waste.

Each day that goes by, yes we do get a day older. But that does not mean we have to feel or look it! Just like aging is a process, anti-aging is a thought that should begin early on in life by making the right health and lifestyle choices.

Dry Skin: #1 Problem With Aging Skin

Although it may not be intentional, everyday we abuse our skin by partaking in daily rituals including showering, bathing, playing in the sunshine, smoking, drinking coffee, or simply enjoying the air conditioned living room. The environment that we live in takes tremendous toll on our skin and slowly it loses its natural ability to moisturize. Skin is our body’s first line of defense and protects us from infections, impacts and the environment as a whole but over time this begins to fail.

As we age our skin care needs begin to change and evolve. Dry skin is a wide spread problem however as we age this becomes much more prevalent. Contrary to popular belief the number one issue that immerges is not wrinkles or age spots, it is actually skin dryness. Ironically having healthy moisturized skin actually minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. As we age the layers of skin that we don’t see on the surface begin to thin, the oil glands become under productive, and the diminished lipid (fat) layer is no longer able to hold moisture. This all leads to dry, flaky, itchy, and sensitive skin.

Another unavoidable reason for the increase in dry skin is medications. As we age the probability that we will be on a prescribed medication increases, dry skin is the side affect of many. As well many health conditions are associated with skin dryness such Diabetes, high blood pressure, and many thyroid disorders.

To help alleviate dry skin try the following:

1. Try showering or bathing every second day when possible. Hot water strips the body of its natural oils so luke warm water is always recommended. Showers and baths should be limited to 10 minutes. Use cleansers sparingly, use them for your groin and an arm pit area, water is generally sufficient for the rest of your body. Leave your body damp and apply moisturizer to seal in the moisture.

2. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, your body must be hydrated to work efficiently. Always increase your liquid consumption when doing physical activity or in environments that sap water from your body. Reduce or avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking, these all have a diuretic effect on the body.

3. Add a humidifier to your home or work environment. Air conditioners and central heating systems pull a large amount of moisture from the air, and a humidifier will help remedy this issue. There are many on the market today so finding one that fits your budget and your needs should be relatively straight forward.

4. Above all else moisturize, even if you don’t think you need to. Being proactive is always the best solution to any problem. It is recommended that a moisturizer of some kind be applied twice a day, and at bedtime is a must.

Moisturizing on a daily basis should be part of everyone’s skin care regime; however as we age it becomes must more imperative. As a population we focus on how our skin looks but it is important to remember that our skin is the body’s biggest organ and it has many important health protecting duties. Winning the battle against dry skin not only makes us look and feel fresh but it helps maintain skin integrity which is essential to our health.

5 Tips To Avoid Premature Aging

Aging is an ongoing process. It takes place so quietly that we cannot even pursue and then suddenly the symptoms become prominent. Almost all the organs in human body, including skin, undergo aging. The effects of aging are irreversible after a certain age and individuals are bound to accept it. But Premature Aging is never welcome.

Most people know that aging will come to attack them some day, but what they do not know is that they can prevent premature aging and delay natural aging by taking few simple skincare courses. Let’s learn five basic skin care treatments that help you look younger for long, if not forever!

Avoid harmful elements:

Protect your skin from harmful elements as much as possible. Lots of compounds and elements found in the nature are harsh to our skin. To avoid direct or indirect contact with such harmful substances you need to identify them first. Once you know what are not good for your health, you can take better precautions to avoid them.

Ultraviolet radiation, soaps and shampoos with much alkalinity, chlorine, excessive makeup etc. often enhance skin aging. You should be careful while dealing with products which may expose your skin to such harmful elements. Skin that has been protected from harsh agents responses positively to any skincare or anti-aging treatment.

Routine treatments:

Human body is similar like a machine. It also needs routine treatments and care. By performing some basic and easy skincare treatments you can keep your skin lively. Right facial skin care helps you delay natural aging and prevent premature
aging of skin.

Cleansing, toning, moisturizing and anti-scaling treatments are the basic techniques need to be performed on a regular basis. Some skin experts and dermatologists suggest doing these routine treatments once or twice every day. Some professionals advise toning only for individuals with oily skin. You can consult an expert to know what type of routine treatment is good for your skin.
Specific treatments for your skin type:

Your skin may need some special treatments for its wellbeing. Different people have different skin types, hence it is important to identify the nature of your skin. Even your routine skin care may depend on your skin type. So take a skin type identification test or visit a skin specialist to know what type of skin you have. Once you know whether your skin is normal, oily, dry or combination, you can choose better facial skin care for yourself.

Treatments suitable for your age:

Skincare changes with age. Human body undergoes various physical changes with age. Though basic skin chemistry remains same, but hormonal changes, changes in metabolic rate, skin cell regeneration rate etc. should be considered while selecting your skin care. That is why the facial products you used in your twenties may not be useful in your thirties!

Special treatments for t-zone and eye area:

Specific zones on your face may have some particular features. Most people report the t-zone i.e., forehead, temples of forehead and nose to become more oily than other parts of the face. Again the skin around eyes is more sensitive to dryness and easily catches wrinkles. So it is always good to ask your skin specialist whether different areas on your face need special care.

5 Things That Do Harm To Our Skin

Most people start taking care of their skins when the signs of aging are already prominent. All skin conscious people need to understand that aging is no more reversible after a certain period. Sooner you begin thinking about your skin the better.

People often complain about premature aging. This is a real problem of the day. Even youngsters have started reporting skin problems and aging of late. It clearly indicates the staggering expansion of premature aging.

It is needless to mention that people should be careful well in advance to stop aging – natural or premature. Among all the things that help you prevent aging, protecting your skin from harmful elements is of paramount importance.

Let us discuss five factors that do a lot of harm to our skins. The objective is: once we are aware of the detrimental factors, we can better understand how to protect ourselves. A well protected skin not only evades premature aging, but delays natural aging too.

Five detrimental factors for skin:

1) Ultraviolet Rays:

Exposure to UV radiation not only leads to wrinkles, sun burn and aging, but increases the chances of skin cancer too. Individuals can be exposed to ultraviolet ray in different ways. While sun is the prime source of ultraviolet ray, some commercial appliances involve ultraviolet radiation too.

Not going out in the direct sunlight partly prevents sun damage. You need to apply some basic sun protection techniques. Sunscreen lotions and sun protection creams may be helpful to avoid sun damage due to UV radiation. You can visit online drugstores or your community store for suitable facial products and sunscreen.

2) Harmful Cleaners:

Almost everybody uses face wash, soaps, shampoo and other cleaners. What people do not know is that some of the ingredients of these products are not good for skin. Some soaps and shampoos may turn harsh to our skin based on the constituents used by the manufacturer. Most chemical based products are harsh to skin.

Soaps and cleansers which are too much alkaline in nature are harmful. Products that contain sodium sulfates and their analogs are often reported as rough for skin. On the contrary, baby products and glycerin-based moisturizing soaps and shampoos better suit our skin.

3) Chloride ion content and temperature of water:

Household water suppliers often use chlorine as disinfectant. Excessive chlorine in water may damage skins and lead to wrinkles, skin rashes and permanent discoloration through chemical reaction. The rate of chemical reaction is reported to increase with temperature. Hence, excessive hot baths, though refreshing, may be harmful for your skin. It is better to use warm water in bath tub, not hot water.

4) Excessive use of Makeup products:

Both makeup products and makeup removals contain ingredients which are harsh to skin. When a limited use of such products does not do any bad, excessive use over a long period is not at all good for health of your skin. Eye area is very much sensitive to excessive use of makeup. Puffiness around eyes and wrinkles in the eye area are the results of makeup overdoing.

5) Wrong skincare products:

You should be very careful while selecting your facial skin care. When natural skin care products are quiet soft, chemical-based products are harsher. It is good to consult dermatologist to know your skin type before purchasing your skincare products.

How To Get Rid Of Skin Blemishes

When was the last time you had a breakout? Almost everyone experiences skin blemishes from time to time. If you have had them before you know how unsightly and embarrassing they can be.

These blemishes seem to appear first and most often in adolescence, but acne can also be common and even chronic among adults. What is important to note, however, is that whether you are a teenager or an adult skin blemishes can be treated and even prevented altogether.

Most blemishes are caused by stress and/or your diet. Harmful toxins that are in your body are released through your skin and show as blemishes or acne. To get rid of blemishes you need to get your body and skin healthy.

Try to remember that whatever you put into your body shows up on your skin. Try to eat as many organic fruits and vegetables as possible. You also may need to eliminate or diminish the following as they each cause an overflow of toxins into your body:

* Processed Foods (chips, fast food, soda, etc.)
* Drugs
* Alcohol
* Smoking
* Poor air quality

Skin Blemishes Can Be Minimized

I am not saying that if you follow the above recommendations you will never get blemishes, you may still find a pimple from time to time due to stress, hormones, or an allergic reaction. However, you can significantly reduce your acne simply by changing your diet.
Exercise plays an important role as well because sweating is your bodies natural way of getting rid of the harmful toxins in your body.

What About Skin Care?

People with certain types of skin must be very careful in the care of their skin in order to avoid skin blemishes. Most of the skin care products out there are not natural and contain many harmful chemicals that will cause more blemishes than they get rid of. If you are looking for skin care products to help you with your blemishes you should try to find a natural acne cream and a way to exfoliate your skin.

You can find these creams and exfoliation methods at your local health food store or online as there are many great natural online skin care websites. You still may need to try a few different ones to find what is just right for you.

There are some chronic cases of acne or skin blemishes that require medical attention, but for most skin conditions natural products work very well, and more importantly are healthy for your skin and your body. If natural products aren't working and you have chronic skin problems you should visit your local dermatologist.

There is nothing more annoying than waking up, looking in the mirror and seeing blemishes on your face. Just remember that they can be treated and avoided by following the above recommendations.

Change your diet, exercise and practice stress reducing activities if you want your skin to shine and your whole body to be healthy. Good luck on your journey towards health and wellness!

Acne Blemish Cure-All - Fact or Fiction?

Everyone gets an occasional acne blemish now and then, but what a person does to treat acne when you get this blemish can have a significant effect on the duration a pimple sticks around, and how visible it is to other people. Normally, you will have to permit an acne blemish to run its course, but you have the ability to rush the process and keep from making the blemish any worse.

Skin Care

Just because you have acquired an acne blemish does not mean your efforts for your skin care have failed or you should discontinue your routine. A good skin care routine help to keep your skin clean without having it irritated. While the right type of skin care will help you to prevent acne breakouts in the future, do not become disheartened when the periodic blemish turns up. They are absolutely normal.

When you find an acne blemish, thinking about squeezing it should not be your first option. Squeezing a pimple at first sight, in the hopes of eradicating it prior to anyone else can seeing it, normally makes the situation worse. If a pimple has formed a head, though, then it should be squeezed and the pressure relieved so that it can heal.

Nevertheless, squeezing acne prior to it being ready is not good for your skin and is a poor method to treat acne. When it will not pop, the majority of people continue to pick and pinch, which bursts the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) just beneath the surface of the skin. This basically forms a small bruise on your face that is probably going to be very visible even after the pimple itself has eventually healed.

Dealing with a Pimple

Once you get an acne blemish, there are still options for you to treat acne, however some of them can be costly. One new type of product, called the Zeno acne-clearing device, asserts it can eliminate the majority of pimples within twenty four hours of use.
It functions by concentrating a specific amount of heat on to the pimple, which in turn destroys the bacteria inducing the blemish.

Some people contend that it works perfectly for them, while other people say it has almost no effect on their acne. As luck would have it, the company makes available a money-back guarantee if you are not happy. The sole disadvantage for people who find Zeno efficacious is that it requires throwaway tips to work, which some people say are fairly pricey depending on how many pimples there are that needs to be treated.

Acne And The Use of Light

Another type of product that is used to treat existing pimples is a pen that applies assorted frequencies of concentrated light. It has been acknowledged for a time that being exposed to sunlight helps your skin to fight acne, but scientists have concluded that the two particular frequency ranges that are most useful appear to us in the form of blue and red light.

The blue light functions to kill the bacterium that is the cause to acne, while the red light induces the healing action of your skin. Dermatologists have employed red and blue light treatment for quite sometime now, but the light pens that are presently available are entirely portable and do not call for any replacement tips. Nevertheless, like Zeno, some people report astonishing results from using a light pen while others see utterly no results at all.

Regardless, fight the desire to pop the acne blemish before it is ready. Incessantly washing or utilizing medication could only irritate the blemish even further, and the result is more of a mess than you began with. The majority of methods, such as Zeno or light pens, only stand a chance of working after the acne blemish has appeared, and even then, these methods might not work for some people. Numerous people decide that it is simply best to let nature run its course.

Tips for Clear Skin

Clear Skin is a stepping stone to success as it boosts the confidence of the person and makes them feel more motivated in anything they do. Given the former, here are some tips for clear skin which will help you to be on your way to success too.

While some people are blessed with a clear and radiant skin others might have to work towards it. The most encouraging thing is that nothing is impossible if you really want to achieve it, so start working on a beautiful clear skin and this does not mean just on the outside, you have to work at it on the inside too and follow these tips for clear skin.

Try and stay stress free and have a happy disposition most of the time. Happiness definitely makes the skin glow, so be happy and look good.

Not only creams and beauty products that are very costly are the only ones that deliver on their promises and show positive results. There are many good products in the middle and low cost range which may suit you perfectly and finally prove to be much more beneficial to you.

It makes a huge difference when you are dedicated, and are practicing a regular skin care regime. The most important thing for a clear and glowing skin is cleanliness. Keep your skin clean and make sure that you wash your face at least twice a day. Do not use any harsh soap or cleansing agents, but mild ones that will not dry out the natural oils in the skin.

Too much of washing can also dry out the skin, so if your skin is already dry then washing it once in the morning and once at bed time should suffice. Sometimes when the skin is dried out with too much of washing it encourages the sebaceous glands to produce more oil which in turn block your pores.

Once you have cleaned and toned your skin, use a moisturizer according to your skin type. To tone your skin you can get a toner over the counter or just use plain rose water which is very effective. But toning is essential as it closes the pores and prevents them from getting blocked with dirt and grime and oil.

Exfoliating your skin once a week will remove all the dead skin and cells and encourage new skin to form faster. If you do not remove all the dead skin cells, then it ends up like callous especially on the hands, elbows, feet and ankles. White heads and bumps form on the back and areas which are difficult to reach, so if you can afford a monthly rub down at a spa or beauty saloon there is nothing like it.

If not get yourself a brush with a handle to reach all the way down your back. After all you do want a smooth skin all over yourself and not just your face and neck so follow these tips for clear skin all over your body and not just on your face and neck.

Now that you feel confident of your skin and actually feel the glow, do not forget to apply a sunscreen before stepping out. Actually a mild sunscreen helps even while you are indoors as the UV rays will reach you anywhere. Let your daily mantra be to drink water in excess.

Oily Skin Care - Critical Elements You Need to Know

It appears that regardless of what you do, your skin is oily over time - you tone, you wash, and you even skip the moisturizer from time to time, however you just can't seem to get your skin to be less oily. Oily skin care can be difficult to find, however if you know where to look, you can locate excellent skin care products that will provide your skin with the best type of moisture balance.

Moisture Balance

One of the initial things that you'll need to do is to remember to moisturize on a daily basis. Numerous individuals are of the belief that skipping moisturizing when they have oily skin will cut down on their oiliness, however this only has the effect of making the skin 'think' that it needs to create more oil for its protection. The best skincare results can be gotten from a moisturizer that is only for oily skin; a facial cleanser that is formulated just for oily skin care will complement the moisturizer as well.

Another large part of what numerous individuals with oily skin are looking for so that they can manage the health of their skin would be that of the treatment of acne. In the majority of instances many people with oily skin are more prone to having breakouts, because the additional production makes it much simpler for oil and dirt to become trapped in the pores.


Another essential part of oily skin care is that of whole body care, because the pores are even larger all the body, which can result in blemishes on the chest and back as well. Hence, you'll want to obtain stronger acne medication, such as those that contain sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, so that you can minimize pores as well as keeping your skin cleaner throughout the day.

Aging Skin Care

When you are treating oily skin another avenue to take would be aging skincare. Aging skincare products are designed to maintain moisture, this is so you will not lose any of the natural oil within your skin, and you can also prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the process. If you're worried about breakouts and you wish to maintain a youthful appearance, you should try using acne treatment products during the day, and aging skincare products during the evening.

If you find that you are still not able to manage your oily skin, you can try creating a mask made from oatmeal or strawberries to give your skin a healthy glow or have a conversation with your dermatologist about the best skin care products that will reduce oil, such as certain soaps or moisturizers. You may also want to carry along some makeup blotting towels with you throughout the day to reduce oily buildup on your face, and also remember to drink plenty of fresh water to establish a moisture balance within your body.

Remedies for Treating Zits with Kitchen Products

Zits are a common problem and especially so amongst teenagers and adolescents who are going through hormonal changes. Home remedy zit treatments is something that they would benefit from more than adults.

Zits are inflammations of the skin and appear mostly on the face, neck, shoulders and chest. This is a condition that bothers the young more than the adults as it comes on because of hormonal disorders and changes and it is mainly during puberty and adolescence that this happens. At this stage of life the youngsters are very conscious about their looks and are looking for various remedies including home remedies for zits. Fortunately there are many home remedies for zits alongside over the counter drugs and medications.

Home remedies for zits are all available in our own kitchens and there is not need to look any further. Depending on where you live and whether these ingredients are available there would be the only criteria. Some of the home remedies for zits are from oriental and Asian countries while others are available quite easily everywhere. Most of the remedies have healing properties and get rid of the inflammation of the zits and pimples leaving a small scab which dries up and falls off soon.

Some of the home remedies for zits are listed below:

* A paste made with sandal wood and turmeric can be applied to the affected area several times during the day until the zit dries up and leaves a scab. This is a sign that the zit is dry.

* Cucumber paste applied on the face and left for 15 minutes clears the skin. If there are too many zits that are also heavily inflamed, a mixture of turmeric powder and lime juice along with the cucumber juice will have better effects.

* A mixture of lime juice and honey is very effective in healing zits and this can also be applied several times without fear as it they are harmless ingredients with healing properties.

* Orange peel that has been dried can be pounded or ground to a paste and applied on the affected are. Zits and pimples respond to this treatment pretty fast.

* Though the odor of raw garlic is quite oppressive its healing powers are just as strong. Rubbing a piece of raw garlic on a zit heals it. Garlic is also good for inflammations of the skin of any kind and is known as a blood purifier. Acne and boils are also treated with raw garlic and found to be very effective.

* Another home remedy and treatment for zits is either a few teaspoons of mint or coriander juice mixed with turmeric powder and applied on the face after thoroughly cleaning it at night. This clears the skin and leaves it soft and supple.

These home remedies for zits are harmless and yet very effective. However, there is no permanent cure for zits and this condition disappears on maturity.

How Do I Get Rid of Old Acne Scars?

Having acne isn't something anyone is happy with. What is even worse though is that for some individuals the signs of it linger long after it has gone away. This is in the form of acne scars. They can be very minimal or they can be very evident which will make a person self conscious most of the time.

How do Acne Scars Form?

Acne scars form after the breakouts have cleared up. Some individuals worry that they have scars right away. This is because they redness and indentions from acne can last for up to six months before they go away on their own. If the area remains that way for more than six months it should then be classified as a scar.

Sometimes too much new tissue forms around the area though and that too can result in scarring. So there has to be a balance because too much or too little of the tissue can increase your chances of scars remaining.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars are classified according to which category that your recovery fell into. Those that are caused by too much tissue are known as hypertrophic. Generally there is too much collagen being produced. Those caused by a loss of tissue are often smaller in both diameter and depth. They are often called ice pick scars due to the small indentations that they leave on the face .

Avoiding the Development of Acne Scars

It is important to remember that your face consists of live tissue. So when it is damaged due to the acne outbreaks it may not recover fully. Doing all you can to make sure it heals well is important. For example you need white blood cells for the live tissue to recover. Eating right will help you to continue to have enough of them in your body to avoid acne scars.


It is best to keep the skin clean and to pat it dry after washing it. Excessive rubbing can result in the skin becoming irritated. That can lead to the development of acne scarring as can squeezing and touching the inflamed area of skin. Do your best to treat the acne as soon as you can. The less severe that the outbreak is, the less likely you will end up with scars from it.

Tips to Remove Acne Scars

Should you find that acne scars do develop though they don't have to be permanent. There are some ways in which you can reduce the look of them or complete remove them. It will depend on your skin type, the severity of the acne scars, and how long you have had them.

Avoid the various over the counter products that tell you they will eliminate them though. Instead you will need to look towards technology to help you. The use of a laser to stimulate the skin that has been scarred seems to be very effective. However, it is also expensive and it can take many sessions before you see results.

Injections of collagen into the skin as well as microabrasion work well for ice pick scars. These methods also require several treatments over the course of time before you will see results. For more severe types of acne scars skin surgery or grafting may be necessary.

How do I Know Which Treatment is Right for Me?

Since there are many issues that have to be addressed, you should have a professional decide which treatment options will work best for you. A dermatologist who specializes in skin can do this for you. In most instances you should be able to get a free consultation about the remove of old acne scars. Make sure you get at least two different opinions though before you make a final decision.

A Guide to Acne Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Almost everyone experiences acne at some point in his or her life. Although there is no exact cause, cure or prevention, there are plenty of resources available for people to be able to choose the best treatment and prevention for themselves.

What exactly is acne?

Acne vlugaris, known by most as just plain acne, is a skin disease that happens when follicles, or pores, become blocked with oil. This causes bacteria to grow, and can result in what everyone calls zits or pimples.

According to acne.org, there are two main types of acne: Inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne is usually in the form of whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne is more visible, and is the type of acne referred to as zits or pimples.

Acne usually occurs on the face, but can also affect other areas of the body such as the shoulders, back and chest.

What causes acne?

There is no exact cause of acne. There are many different factors that can cause acne, although it is not known why some people experience more acne than others.

One factor in causing acne is overactive oil glands, or sebaceous glands, which are located beneath the skin surface. Sebaceous glands produce oil when stimulated by hormones. This is one of the reasons why teenagers are more susceptible to acne: their hormone activity is high during this stage of life.

Other causes of acne include genetics, stress, the use of anabolic steroids and certain medications.

How is acne treated?

There are many products and medications available for the treatment and prevention of acne. Some common treatments are topical, antibiotics and hormonal. The best treatment is usually a combination of different types of treatment.

Over-the-counter topical treatment can work well for mild acne.
Some topical products fight acne by drying up oil, killing bacteria, and getting rid of dead skin cells. Stronger topical treatments are available by prescription, which work by aiding in cell turnover or preventing hair follicles from plugging.

Antibiotics can be used to treat acne by killing bacteria and fighting the inflammation, but the results can take months.

Females with acne can sometimes benefit from hormonal prescriptions. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestogen have been known to clear up acne.

Cortisone is another hormonal method, which can be used to treat severe acne. If a zit is large and does not respond to other treatments, a shot can be injected into the affected area. The results are usually immediate.

Can acne be prevented?

Just like there is no exact cure, there is not surefire way to prevent acne. However, there are certain things that people can do to aid in prevention.

Because acne is caused by oil clogging the pores, there are a few ways to reduce the amount of oil on the skin.

These methods include using an astringent to remove oil, applying oil-free moisturizers to the skin and washing your face daily with sulfur-based soap. Also, it is advisable to avoid oil based skin products and oil based makeup.

Certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A, can also prevent acne and reduce oil production on the skin.

Also, just taking care of your body can help prevent acne. Exercising regularly to rid the body of toxins, drinking eight glasses of water daily, taking a multi-vitamin and practicing proper hygiene can all contribute to the prevention of acne.

People can keep acne under control by being aware of the causes and treatment methods of acne, combined with doing what they can to prevent it. There are countless resources, treatment and prevention methods out there, and finding the right combination is the key to stopping acne.

Does a Cure For Acne Exist?

Treatment methods have been around for hundreds of years, and people have always been trying to find a cure for acne. Some treatments have been more effective than others, and now with the advent of technology and medicine, more possibilities in treating acne have arisen.

A common question that an acne sufferer must answer, is whether or not they want to try and cure their acne by natural remedies, creams, or through laser therapy. Indeed, laser therapy is advisable for those who have acne that is unmanageable, but just how effective are natural remedies and those creams that we see on TV that supposedly do wonderful and miraculous things?

The answer is, most so called 'acne cure creams', do little to actually get rid of acne. Whilst cleaning ones face and applying moisturizer is important for getting rid of excess dirt and filth that can lead to further acne, cleaning oneself too much or applying too many skin-care cream can actually create a reverse effect by over irritating the skin. It's important to do everything in moderation. Whilst creams and the like do offer some minimal relief of acne, don't rely on them too much.

A common thing that people overlook are some of the natural remedies that are available for treating acne. A number of naturally growing plants and herbs can offer great relief for acne, and have been used by acne sufferers for hundreds of years.

Newer isn't necessarily better, and with acne treatment companies trying to make as much money as possible by advertising products that are a 'cure for acne', a lot of natural remedies are being overshadowed. Just because an acne product is advertised every day on TV, doesn't necessarily mean it works. Look into some of the natural remedies that nature has to offer you, you may be quite surprised how effective some of them are.

If your acne is so severe that your entire face is clothed in pimples, then you may consider booking an appointment with a dermatologist and looking at some more advanced treatment methods. Laser light therapy is an excellent treatment option for those who are serious about getting rid of their acne once and for all.

There are many other treatment options out there, much too many to list here. Face peeling masks, medication, special moisturizers, the list is endless. Finding a treatment method that suits you may be difficult, but the most important thing to remember is not to over treat yourself. Whatever treatment method you decide to use, make sure to use it in moderation, and clean your face regularly, but not excessively. Twice a day is normally enough.

There is no single cure for acne, but there are a lot of treatments out there that will help you alleviate the annoying outbreaks. Find which treatment work best for you, and use it appropriately.