How Do They Work?

Oral contraceptive pills are a combination of progestin and oestrogen. They modify the natural female reproductive cycle and hormonal patterns. Most birth control pills contain Ethinyletradiol as the oestrogen ingredient. Birth control pills reduce the amount of testosterone in the body, a high amount of testosterone in the body can lead to breakouts but when the supply of testosterone is cut off the amount of oil that the sebaceous glands produce are reduced and the pores do not become as blocked. Certain birth control pills such as one called Yasmin, contains progesterone that limits the amount of androgen hormones in the body so reducing the chances of breakouts. It is best to make sure if the type of oral contraceptive you are taking is suitable for the treatment of acne as some formulations can increase testosterone levels in the body making you more prone to acne.

How Do I Take Them?

Oral contraceptive pills are normally taken every day for three weeks. On the fourth week you do not take any pills, this is the time where the woman usually has her period (menstruation). It can take weeks and sometimes months for the pills to take effect so you should not get impatient, it is important to stick to the treatment even if it at first it appears to be worsening which can sometimes happen.

What Are The Side Effects?

The side effects that are most common while taking oral contraceptives are:

· Feeling sick or being sick

· Tender breasts

· Weight gain

· Mood swings

· Bleeding between periods

Some side effects are more serious and include:

· Blood clots

· Strokes

· Gallstones

· Headaches

· Increased blood pressure

· Depression

Mild side effects usually settle down once the body adjusts to the medication but if you experience any of the serious side effects or the side effects persist you should stop the medication immediately and consult a doctor.

What if I Can’t Or Don’t Want To Take Birth Control Pills?

Not everyone is suited to birth control pills for a variety of reasons from age to high blood pressure and not everyone is prepared to take a pill every day for the sake of trying to cure acne. In such case you could look at natural alternatives such as Clear Skin MAX.

Clear Skin MAX is a safe, convenient acne treatment that is natural with almost no known side effects and uses no pharmaceutical drugs. It can be used to suit you and your individual needs depending on how severe your acne is. It is a six step treatment program consisting of a skincare kit that is tailored to treating all the symptoms of acne and helping to prevent new breakouts from occurring.

Can I successfully treat this problem?

or

Will I ever be able to get rid of acne completely?

While acne is still considered “medically incurable”. The good news, is that there are some good natural ways of “controlling acne permanently and completely”.

In the following review we focuses on different treatment options available for those who suffer from acne.

Medical therapy

Depending on the severity and type of acne you may be prescribed a medicine to be applied topically, taken orally, or both. Some of these medicines commonly include:

1. Topical retinoids for treating comedones (blackheads). However, these have limited benefit for inflammatory lesions such as pustules or cysts.
2. Topical antimicrobials (Benzoyl peroxide) help to reduce skin bacteria and provide good results in mild acne (pustules/pimples) but can be irritating to the skin.
3. Antibiotic therapy is generally done in moderate to severe cases of acne. Topical antibiotics (e.g. Cleocin-T, Benzamycin) are often helpful for mild cases of acne. Oral antibiotics (tetracycline, erythromycin) have been used for years but have various side effects.

OTC or non-prescription medications

For mild acne, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments before turning to your doctor for help. OTCs are usually milder than prescription-strength products and are readily accessible. OTC acne treatments can include medicated cleansers and topical creams and gels.

Surgery

If you suffer from acne scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal acne lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several sessions are often needed.

Natural acne Treatment systems

Some advanced “home based” treatment options for acne has recently arrived in the form of natural and herbal products. These anti-acne kits actually comprise of a “system” consisting of several treatments that all work together to address various issues related with your acne simultaneously.

Clear Skin Max is one of such natural and herbal remedies that consists of a skin mask, lotion, tea tree cleansing oil, anti acne tea and various other extracts and essences. The best part is that, to date, no side effects have been reported even after regular and continuous use of Clear Skin Max.

Can more serious forms of acne be treated this way?

For more serious forms of acne that do not respond to OTCs or natural treatments, you should always work with your doctor to find the best treatment.

To conclude, while it is true that there is no “medical cure” available for acne to date, various other options are rapidly emerging in the market with promising results. If you want to try one of such options, you must do your own research to find what will suit you the best. Our Acne Treatment Reviews can also help you in your search.

Zinc is an antioxidant. This is the primary reason why it is so helpful against acne. Antioxidants help to clear the body of harmful toxins and free radicals. These toxins can cause various various health problems and can also lead to pimples and acne breakouts. Keeping your skin, the largest organ in the body, clear is important, as a acne prone skin can be cause of embarrassment . Zinc helps to keep the skin clear and healthy and prevent the build-up of these toxins and free radicals, therefore helping prevent acne breakouts.

Zinc is also proactive in the way that it regulates the oil glands. While the exact causes of pimples is not clear, it is known that the sebum excreted from the oil glands plays a big part in the formation of pimples. Proper oil regulation can lead to fewer and smaller pimples and helps to prevent them from spreading once they do occur. The advantage here is clear and shows why Zinc can help to stop acne before it starts.

Once acne has occurred, Zinc is extremely important due to it being involved in healing tissue and preventing scarring. Those nasty acne scars that result from acne can be healed and prevented with a proper amount of Zinc in the body. Zinc also helps to heal the numerous damages that acne causes and keeps the skin scarring to a minimal level.

Zinc also promotes a healthy immune system and helps in the healing of wounds, which also lends a hand in preventing acne. This is just icing on the cake for those who decide to take Zinc to help with their acne since taking Zinc will also makes your immune system that much healthier.

As can be seen, the advantages of Zinc are many, both in how it is necessary to fight and prevent acne and maintaining a healthy immune system. A Zinc deficiency can be a leading cause of acne and therefore it is necessary for anyone looking to prevent future acne breakouts to look to consume an adequate amount of Zinc daily.

Some of the natural herbal treatments for acne:

Natural treatments can be in the form of lotions, creams, home made products or even herbal formulations.  Below listed are some ingredients, which can be procured from a herbalist and made to use for treating acne.

Echinacea and tea tree oil are very common natural herbal remedies used for treating acne and are widely available.  Echinacea and Oregon grape can help in increasing the immune system of the body.  While tea tree oil consists of terpenoids, which is known for its anti fungal and antiseptic property.

Green tea is used as defense against bacteria that lower the hormonal activity, thus helping control acne. Almond oil is very good in removing acne scars.

Apricot and citrus juices alleviate the presence of cysts and act as a natural exfoliate, that help in getting rid of the dead skin cells and  making the skin pores free from clogs.

Distilled white vinegar can be applied as a topical solution on the affected area to cleanse the pores.

Honey mask helps in the healing process of the skin affected by acne due to its anti bacterial quality.

Green tea, chamomile and oatmeal are excellent herbs for treating inflammation due to their anti-inflammatory properties. They help to soothe the affected part and aids in the release of heat and help heal the skin properly.  When the affected part is washed with oatmeal, the itching sensation is reduced.

Ginger helps to reduce redness and inflammation and can be taken in any form.

Licorice is another important herb used in the treatment of acne since the Middle Ages. Licorice increases mucous secretion, stimulates the adrenal gland function making the natural defense system of the body  remove bacteria and germs responsible for acne and pus.

As you know women go through many hormonal changes during a lifetime. If you are suffering from a recent acne outbreak, it may be because of some hormonal change going on in your body. Especially if the body has a high androgen level, the hormone known as testosterone, it can cause acne outbreaks in the female body.

Let us look at some treatment options that you have. Do remember to consult your healthcare provider before attempting any treatment.

For the mild cases, a number of over-the-counter products are available. These products often use benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or a combination of both. These act as an antibacterial cleansing agent and can be effective for less severe cases of adult female acne.

For more severe or prolonged hormone imbalances, you may consider talking to a physician about hormone treatments. If hormonal imbalance is the cause of your acne, only a doctor can help identify and diagnose the problems. Hormone treatments can be effective against even the most severe cases of acne found in women. The treatment inhibits the androgens from stimulating the oil glands, thus cutting down on excessive oil that can cause clogged pores and hair follicles. A blood test and often a prescription for oral medication are required for hormone treatments, so it is only advisable to go through a qualified doctor. They can be very effective treatments, even to the point of stopping the acne before it even occurs.

Another option could be the humble birth control pills. Hormonal pills are standard prescriptions that often help prevent acne outbreaks. They are not always totally effective in clearing up blemishes and at times must be used in combination with other forms of treatment. Again, a physician is the best person to consult with in helping to determine what the best options may be. When taking any kind of hormonal birth control pills, women must remember to follow health restrictions that come with use of the pill, such as not smoking cigarettes.

To conclude, whatever level of acne a woman has can be treated and helped. The first step in acne prevention is to consult a doctor or dermatologist. If you are ready for beautiful skin, it is very attainable with some effort and proper care.

Well, it is important to remember that your skin is the largest organ in your body. Although the outer layer may be just dead cells, the skin itself is still a living, growing, replenishing organ that requires nutrients and case just like any other organ in the body needs vitamins to stay healthy. A lack of these nutrients can cause problems, including the most bothersome one of them, acne.

Acne, as you know is a major concern of the young and in some cases even the adults. What with an emphasis on external appearance, given the growth of the media and the advertisements that glorify perfect skin. In such an atmosphere an acne breakout can be denting to the self esteem of any young person.

The prevalence of this problem can be seen from the surfeit of products promoted to fight or cure acne. Aside from these OTC treatments and traditional methods, there are a few options you should also consider, such as the role of vitamins.

But before we go into treatments, it is wise to have a look at the basics of acne causes. While the basic cause of a pimple is largely unknown, there are a few facts about it that we can learn. For start,
they are caused by the pore collapsing on itself and preventing the sebum (the oil) from escaping. Causes of acne can range from hormones, diet, genetics, vitamin deficiency, and stress. Most often the causes involve a combination of these factors.

Since we cannot target the exact cause of pimples and acne it is wise to deal with the other factors that can lead to acne. Obviously, medication can’t help factors such as genetics, hormones, and stress. However, diet and vitamin deficiency are two important factors that should be considered when looking to combat acne.

Whenever a person considers taking steps to fight his or her acne, they should look to changing their diet.Increasing their consumption of certain vitamins should be at the top of their list to battle acne.

While there are many vitamins that can contribute to the vitamin deficiency that can be a factor in causing acne, the main ones are Vitamins A, B, C, E, Chromium, and Zinc.

The simple fact is that most people are deficient of vitamins and minerals, due to dietary habits. In fact, it is estimated that only 10-20% of Americans actually consume the recommended amount of their daily vitamins and minerals. Due to this, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies lead to many problems, including acne.

But we must remember that no vitamin is a miracle cure that will wipe acne out of your life forever as some sort of a savior. However, using vitamins in combination with other methods of acne prevention and cleansing, can help to flush out the skin and actually promote the defense against acne.

Many of the vitamins mentioned are antioxidants and will help to flush toxins and free radicals from the body, including the skin. Other vitamins have antibacterial effects and actually help to fight acne before it starts. Both of these are extremely important factors in fighting and preventing acne.

An important point to bear in mind here is that any vitamin taken too much in excess is toxic and can lead to many negative and dangerous effects. So remember, vitamins aren’t miracle cures.

Fighting acne is not a quick process, it takes time, and taking too many vitamins not only won’t clear up the acne any quicker but it also will can cause illness and other problems. Be patient and smart about any vitamins you decide to take. And if your condition persists do go to a dermatologist, he is your best friend to fight acne.

Therefore, for acne that occurs for the first time during adulthood the underlying causes could be totally different and are worth a serious look.

Acne that appears after the age of 25 to 30 years, is believed to  be due to one of the following reasons:

1.    Recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence

2.   Flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet. For example, during pregnancy

3.   Acne that appears for the first time in a person who has never previously had acne.

Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined by a dermatologist who can investigate the underlying cause.

Some causes of adult acne are:

Medication: Some medications that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic medications, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium and iodine-containing medications.

Chronic physical pressure on the skin: Chafing from the straps of a backpack or tucking a violin between the jaw and chin can cause chronic physical pressure on the skin and may induce a condition known as acne mechanica.

Chlorinated industrial chemicals: These may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne.

Metabolic conditions: Changes in the hormonal balance, such as those brought about by pregnancy, menstruation or hormonal abnormalities can often induce acne.

It is also important to know that some lesions which appear to be acne are not acne at all. One skin condition that resembles acne is folliculitis, which occurs when the hair follicles become infected and inflamed. Folliculitis requires a totally different treatment than acne.

Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.

Since adult acne may be difficult to treat, acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.

Myth: Eating too much chocolate will cause acne
Reality: Chocolate does not cause acne or make it worse. Even the most renowned doctors will acknowledge that there is no direct link between chocolate and acne. However, given that there is no direct link between the two, still you must still adhere to a healthy lifestyle that decreases the amount of sweets, salts and fat from your diet. Also, ensure you consume nutrient rich foods, especially those containing vitamin A.

Myth: Dirt will cause acne
Reality:  This is a commonly held myth that is widely prevalent. While it is certainly important to keep the skin clean because oil and dirt can block pores, dirt does NOT by itself bring about the clumping together of skin cells against the follicle wall. This phenomenon occurs very deep in the skin where surface cleaning does not reach.

Myth: Acne has something to do with sex
Reality: Some adolescents actually believe that once they’re married or give birth to their first child, their acne will disappear. A variation of this myth is the opposite, that is an active sex life causes acne. This link was made only because adolescence is that period in a person’s life when sex is of great concern. This particular myth became less popular in the 1940’s when the medical community finally declared that sexual activity and acne are not related.

Myth: Hot climate causes acne
Reality: Some people think that people who live in cold climates are less prone acne, while those who live in the tropics are more likely to get it. But there is no link between where one lives and the incidence of acne. Nor is the color of one’s skin a precursor of acne, although it has been observed that dark-skinned people tend to have less severe acne compared to light-skinned individuals. Larger glands and more defined pores are common characteristics of dark skin, and these two attributes are known to protect against acne. Note though that hyper-pigmentation tends to occur more frequently with dark skin after acne is cured, so care must be taken to not irritate dark skin after a bout with acne.

Myth:  First time shavers will get acne
Reality: When a boy reaches the age of puberty, one of the first signs is hair on the face, especially above the lip and on the chin. The hairs are at first sparse but over time, a beard and a mustache appear, making boys want to shave them. After the initial shave, the hair grows back, this time thicker. As the hair grows back after each shave, it grows thicker and is denser resulting in repetitive shaving. Frequent shaving can cause the skin to dry out, because as more hair grows, the shaving becomes more frequent and more forceful. Some of these hairs could turn inward and grow internally which can cause acne. The inside growth, combined with the production of oil in the sebaceous glands can result in frequent skin breakouts. While the idea that first time shavers will get acne is definitely a myth, it is true that shaving too often and too close to the hair follicles may contribute to the growth of acne.

Now that you have some common myths cleared, you should have a better idea how to tackle your acne breakout and to prevent future acne episodes. For help you could use treatments such as Acnezine, Clear Pores or Clear Skin Max , which we have reviewed and found to be pretty effective.

Acne is the most common among skin diseases. Men and women of any age and race can get acne although it is generally believed to be a teenage ailment, as it is most common among teenagers rather than adults. It is estimated that as much as 80% of the population aged between the age of 11 and 30 experience some form of acne.
Even those in the older age group, even those as old as in their fifties (though less prone) can suffer from acne.
The cause of acne has not bee established yet, though there are many theories. To clear up one misconception, diet definitely does not cause acne, although many people believe this to be true. Whether you eat a lot of fatty foods or a lot of chocolate and crisps plays no part in causing acne. But eating healthy food can help keep your complexion clear. So be clear acne (in the first instance) is not caused by what you eat.

Doctors and dermatologists believe it could be down to the increase of hormones in puberty which can cause the oil glands to clog and plug up. Older women can get acne due to the hormonal changes when they get pregnant. Those who take oral contraceptive pill can also suffer acne as a side effect.
If any of your immediate family members suffered from acne, there is a very good chance you will too as it is hereditary and has genetic roots. Some medications, particularly certain antibiotics can cause spots. Also using particularly greasy oil-based cosmetics can sometimes trigger acne.

Acne can be treated by OTC  (Over the counter) topical face washes or creams or in severe cases, by a course of antibiotics and/or steroids over a certain period of time. The treatment prescribed depends on the kind of acne you have and the severity. The quicker the acne is treated the lesser the chances of scarring. For moderate forms of natural acne treatments such as Clear Skin Max and Clearpores do help.

But for persistent cases your doctor will be better able to advise or refer you to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) who can work with you so you get the best possible treatment.

Pores are an important part of the skin. They provide it with natural oil keeping your skin moistened, so it remains soft, supple and youthful looking. Pores only become a problem when they become inflamed or blocked with dirt and bacteria. This makes them enlarge more than normal, resulting in noticeable pores. If you prone to very oily thick skin, your pores will be likely be more conspicuous.

Pores can never really be shrunk per sé, but they can be made a lot less prominent. Age, too much exposure to the sun and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity can cause the pores to dilate. When your skin thickens, tiny cells collect around the edge of the pores which gives them an enlarged appearance.

Blackheads promote large pores, such as when the pores become blocked with dirt and bacteria; oil within the pore starts to collect which makes the width of the pore enlarge.

There are no permanent methods of shrinking large pores but you can reduce their visibility greatly by cleansing the pores of all the excess dirt, debris and bacteria.

Below you can find some excellent, natural home treatments for large pores that anyone can try to reduce the appearance of open pores.

• Apply tomato juice onto the skin regularly with a cotton wool ball, leave for about 20 minutes. This effectively helps to reduce the size of the pores by shrinking them. Tomato juice mixed with calamine powder or sandalwood powder helps to tone up the skin thereby helping reducing the size of the pores. It will also help to reduce the production of sebum resulting in smaller pores.
• Whipped egg white mixed with a little lemon juice when applied as a face pack is excellent for improving skin tone, complexion and helps in reducing pore size.

• Mashed papaya applied on the skin helps in toning the pores. You can directly apply mashed papaya on your skin or you can put it on cotton wool and gently cleanse the skin. When you are ready to remove the papaya simply rinse your face with luke warm water.

• Honey is very medicinal and has many health giving properties and is excellent for the skin. Honey reduces oiliness on the skin and also helps to tone up the pores. It can either be used as part of a face mask with a little lemon and sugar added to it or applied straight to the skin and massaged gently before rinsing off after a few minutes.

• A quick and fuss free way to minimize pores, especially If you are going out and do not have much time is to rub an ice cube wrapped in a cloth over the offending area. This quickly shrinks the pore and reduces the production of oil temporarily for a few hours.

If you want more than just a quick fix, you could try the Clear Skin Max Program for a longer term solution.