Anti-Acne Benefits of Green Tea

What is Tea?

Green Tea and Acne

Tea is the common name for the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the agricultural product of the leaves, leaf buds, and internodes (the portion of a plant stem between nodes) of the plant that are prepared and cured by various methods. “Tea” also refers to the aromatic beverage prepared from the cured leaves by combination with hot or boiling water.

Tea is known for its stimulant qualities largely attributed to caffeine. Today, herbal teas are known to have many health benefits, preventing a variety of conditions, from heart disease and cancer, to gum disease, skin aging and weight loss. The major types of tea include black, green, oolong and white, differing by the method of harvesting and processing.

The beneficial properties of tea are attributed to polyphenols. The polyphenols found in tea mainly belong to the subtype called catechins. Polyphenols or catechins are better known as antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are damaging to skin and body by attacking healthy cells. Green tea has more catechins than black tea; white tea is almost as rich in catechins as green tea but is different in composition and less well studied.

So How Is Green Tea Good For My Skin?

There have been number studies of skin benefits of green tea. One of these studies show protection from skin cancer by demonstrating topical green tea formulations can reduce sun damage.(1) Another fascinating study in 2003 was conducted by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology. His findings determined green tea was able to rejuvenate old skin cells at the end of their life cycle.

A quote from Dr. Hsu’s paper explained, “…we report here for the first time, that at certain concentrations, EGCG or a mixture of the major green tea polyphenols stimulated aged keratinocytes to generate biological energy and to synthesize DNA, possibly for renewed cell division.

Therefore, green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea, and actinic keratoses.” (2) Dr. Hsu went on to comment he was “so surprised” to discover EGCG actually reactivated cells that had migrated toward the surface of the skin to ‘die’.

Green tea appears to manipulate sun damage protection by fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation rather than by blocking UV rays. Therefore, green tea enhances sun protection when used in addition to a sunscreen. To boost sun protection, apply a green tea formula under your sunscreen to elevate the level of sun protection. It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

Topical green tea is also very beneficial for sensitive skin types by reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin. Wrinkles, skin sag and other signs of aging have been shown to benefit from Green tea. The tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols slow down signs of premature of aging

Green Tea and Pimples

A green tea and pimples study suggests it to be as good as benzoyl peroxide cream in treating acne conditions with fewer side effects. Scientific research has shown that green tea fights bacteria, inflammation and reduces stress. Perhaps it would be an excellent candidate for treating acne?

In the study, conducted by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong from the Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines, 108 participants were divided into two groups. One applied benzoyl peroxide cream and the other green tea extract cream twice daily for 12 weeks. Subjects were examined and photographed each week by dermatologists. The researchers noted the green tea cream seemed to lighten patients’ skin color and improve the overall appearance of their complexion.

The preliminary data suggests that green tea cream causes fewer side effects than benzoyl peroxide. Patients in the green tea group reported fewer cases of dry skin, itching and allergic responses.

Use green tea at home to boost your skins health, appearance and reduce signs of aging by freezing freshly brewed green tea as ice cubes and use them as a toner. Let them start thawing first before applying directly to the face to avoid irritation. You can also drink green tea or take green tea extract in capsules to benefit from the anti oxidant properties. The polyphenols will reach your skin via the bloodstream in sufficient amounts.

Using green tea in your skincare routine has definite proven benefits to slow skin aging, reduce acne and protect your skin from cancer among many others. Just be aware of the products you choose. Like most antioxidants, green tea polyphenols are oxidized and can lose their active constituents when exposed to air.

By Tiffany Oney and Rachelle Dupree

References:

(1) Green Tea Polyphenol Treatment to Human Skin Prevents Formation of Ultraviolet Light B-induced Pyrimidine Dimers in DNA (2000). Santosh K. Katiyar, Anaibelith Perez and Hasan Mukhtar. Clinical Cancer Research Vol. 6, 3864-3869, October 2000.

(2) Green Tea Polyphenols Induce Differentiation and Proliferation in Epidermal Keratinocytes (2003). Stephen Hsu, Wendy B. Bollag, Jill Lewis, Qin Huang,

Baldev Singh, Mohamed Sharawy, Tetsuya Yamamoto, and George Schuster. Journal of Pharmacology And Experimental Therapeutics. First published on March 27, 2003; DOI: 10.1124/jpet.103.049734

Types of Acne Scars and Causes

What is Acne Scarring?

Acne Does Damage, Twice. Acne is a difficult and unsightly problem. First it harms us by making our skin less than perfect, then adds insult to injury by leaving acne scars in its wake to remind us forever of our problem skin.

Our Body’s Response Results in Scarring

Severe Acne Vulgaris

The problem begins within our skin as it naturally produces oil in our sebaceous gland. Acne-causing bacteria metabolize this oil and that metabolized oil is irritating to our skin. As the skin becomes increasingly irritated by this oil our hair follicles will become plugged, thereby collecting debris. This debris then erupts down into the deeper layer of our skin, the dermis. This debris is an intruder in the dermis, a foreign body, which doesn’t belong there. As a result our body attempts to get rid of this foreign body with an inflammatory response.

As our body struggles to remove this foreign debris with this inflammatory response, a wound in our skin is the result, and we end up with a scar. Acne scarring, like any other scarring, are the result of a wound in the skin, which then heals, leaving too much collagen behind.

There are four types of acne scars which are the most common:

Ice Pick Scars
Rolling Scars
Boxcar Scars
Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars

Ice pick scars are deep, narrow scars which form pits in the skin. They are among the most common.

Rolling Scars
Rolling scars create a wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface due to their wide and shallow depth.

Boxcar Scars
As one might expect from their name, boxcar scars have angular, well-defined edges usually on the temples or cheeks. Their appearance is similar to chickenpox scars.

Hypertrophic / Keloid Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which stay within the boundary of the original wound and can reduce in size with the passage of time. Keloid scars, on the other hand, are overgrowths of tissue which expand beyond the original wound site. The scar is rubbery and firm and may itch. Often they form to be much larger than the original wound.

How are Acne Scars different then other scars?

Acne scars are bound down and depressed. As with other scars, acne scars are the result of a wound in our skin healing, resulting in too much collagen in that particular spot. Unlike other scars, however, acne scars are bound down and depressed within our skin. Since the wound occurs within the dermis from the original inflammation brought on by acne, the scar is often within our skin, rather than on its surface. This makes acne scarring very difficult to improve.

Modern science has, however, developed some highly effective technologies for treating and removing acne scars. Lasers can be very effective at improving the look and texture of acne scarring.

Scarring Prevention

The best way to prevent any acne scars from forming is to prevent more acne in the first place. Visit a dermatologist so they may evaluate your active acne and develop a course of treatment to prevent further outbreaks.

Acne Causes and Best Skin Treatments

Acne is a problem but not an insurmountable one. Today, there are fast, safe and effective acne treatments available online. The most effective ones are natural treatments.

What Is Acne?

There’s a reason it’s called “common acne” — nearly everyone suffers from outbreaks of pimples at some point in life.

It starts when greasy secretions from the skin’s sebaceous glands plug the tiny openings for hair follicles (plugged pores). If the openings are large, the clogs take the form of blackheads: small, flat spots with centers darkened by exposure to air. If the openings stay small, the clogs take the form of whiteheads: small, closed, flesh-colored bumps. Both types of plugged pores can develop into swollen, tender inflammations or pimples or deeper lumps or nodules. Cysts associated with severe cases of acne (cystic acne) are firm swellings below the skin’s surface that become inflamed and sometimes infected.

Although acne remains largely a curse of adolescence, about 20% of all cases occur in adults. Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually
lasts for five to 10 years, normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases.

Women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms into their 30s and beyond.  Acne lesions are most common on the face, but they can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, scalp, and upper arms.  Acne isn’t caused by a harmful diet, poor hygiene, or an uncontrolled sex drive. The simple truth is that heredity and hormones are behind most forms of acne. Swearing off chocolate or scrubbing your face 10 times a day won’t change your predisposition to this unsightly, sometimes painful, and often embarrassing skin problem.

What Causes Acne?

The cause of acne is not fully understood. Though stress can aggravate acne,  it clearly does not cause it.  Hormones. Common acne in teenagers starts with an increase in hormone production. During puberty, both boys and girls produce high levels of  androgens, the male sex hormones that include testosterone. Testosterone signals the body to make more sebum, a waxy substance that helps the skin retain moisture.

Bacteria. Excess sebum clogs the openings to hair follicles — especially those on the face, neck, chest, and back. Bacteria grow in these clogged follicles. This makes blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin’s surface — a condition called non-inflammatory acne. Sometimes the follicle wall breaks under the pressure of this buildup. When this happens, sebum leaks into nearby tissues and forms a pustule — this is called inflammatory acne. This can create cysts.

Ruptured cysts can leave temporary or permanent scars.  Depending on the type of pill, oral contraceptives may trigger acne in some women but suppress it in others. Steroids taken by some bodybuilders and other athletes can also lead to severe outbreaks.

Acne has many subtypes. Acne neonatorum and acne infantum occasionally affect newborns and infants, usually boys. A pimply rash appears on the face but usually clears within weeks with no lasting effect. People who escaped their teen years almost pimple free may develop persistent adult-onset acne as they get older. Despite the normal increase in androgen levels during puberty, some doctors believe that flare-ups of acne have less to do with androgen levels than with how a person’s skin responds to an increase in sebum production. The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis occur naturally in healthy hair follicles. If too many of them accumulate in plugged follicles, they may secrete enzymes that break down sebum and cause inflammation. Some people are simply more sensitive than others to this reaction. Sebum levels that might cause a pimple or two in one person may result in widespread outbreaks — or even acute cystic acne — in another person.

What causes acne?

No one factor causes acne. Acne happens when oil (sebaceous) glands come to life around puberty stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Oil is a natural substance which lubricates and protects the skin, and under certain circumstances, cells that are close to the surface block the openings of sebaceous glands and cause a buildup of oil underneath. This oil stimulates bacteria, (which live in everyone’s skin and generally cause no problems), to multiply and cause surrounding tissues to become inflamed.

If the inflammation is right near the surface, you get a pustule; if it’s deeper, a papule (pimple); deeper still and it’s a cyst. If the oil breaks though to the surface, the result is a “whitehead.” If the oil becomes oxidized (that is, acted on by oxygen in the air), the oil changes from white to black, and the result is a “blackhead.”

Some factors that don’t usually cause acne, at least by themselves are:

* Heredity: With the exception of very severe acne, most people do not have the problem exactly as their parents did. Almost everyone has some acne at some point in their life.
* Food: All over the world, parents tell teens to avoid pizza, chocolate, greasy and fried foods, and junk food. While these foods may not be good for overall health, they don’t cause acne or make it worse.
* Dirt: Some individuals have more “oily” skin than others (as mentioned above, “Blackheads” are oxidized oil, not dirt). Sweat does not cause acne, therefore, it is not necessary to shower instantly after exercise for fear that sweat will clog pores. On the other hand, excessive washing can dry and irritate the skin.
* Stress: Some people get so upset by their pimples that they pick at them and make them last longer. Stress, however, does not play much of a direct role in causing acne.
* Hormones: Some women break out cyclically, but most women (and men) don’t. Some oral contraceptive pills may help relieve acne, but unless a woman has abnormal menstrual periods and excessive hair growth, it’s unlikely that hormones play much of a role in causing acne.
* Cosmetics: Most cosmetic and skin care products are not pore-clogging (“comedogenic.”) Of the many available brands, those which are listed as “water-based” or “oil-free” are generally a better choice.

In occasional patients, contributing factors may be:

* Pressure: In some patients, pressure from helmets, chinstraps, collars, and the like can aggravate acne.
* Drugs: Some medications may cause or worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (either the medically prescribed prednisone or the steroids bodybuilders or athletes take.) Most cases of acne, however, are not drug-related.
* Occupations: In some jobs, exposure to industrial products like cutting oils may produce acne.

Natural anti-acne treatments can include topical tropical treatments, such as cleansers, creams and facial masks. Facial masks can be used once or twice a week. Anti-acne masks will contain natural ingredients with astringent properties like rosemary, tea tree or lavender and can control excess sebum and inflammation. Look for a product that is close to natural or herbal as possible.

Anti-acne masks will reduce the amount of inflammation and pimples and help prevent future outbreaks. Simply find the mask that is best for your skin type, apply it in a thin layer to cover the face and neck area – wait the allotted amount of time – 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

Dry skin recommendations

Dry skin recommendations and supplements that can help your skin

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dry skin responds best to climates with high humidity and hates cold, dry and windy climates. Indoor heating and air-conditioning can also be drying to skin. If you live in a dry climate, try to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. There are many affordable varieties available on the market or for re-sale today.
Don’t steam facials because steaming is actually more drying than hydrating. Likewise, avoid steam rooms, swimming pools, chlorinated hot tubs and overly hot baths. Avoid those old-fashioned recommendations to put your face under a towel over a pot of boiling water. Not only will this lead to excessive drying, it can also cause broken capillaries or blood veins along the fragile skin of the cheeks and nose.

If your skin tends to be dry, and tight or wrinkled and sun spotted, avoid excessive sun, exposure or hot wax facial treatments, hair sprays and hair dyes that can dry your skin and provoke inflammation leading to dark spots.

Hormone replacement therapy can help to lessen skin dryness after Menopause though it will increase age spots due to new hormones stimulating pigment production. It may help prevent the wrinkles that quickly occur after menopause Consult with your doctor with your family health history to make an informed decision on HRT.

Zinc Oxide Skin Care Reduces Acne Breakouts

You may have first seen zinc on a summer day at the beach or your local swimming pool. Lifeguards traditionally use the thick, white cream to cover their nose and cheeks to prevent sunburn. You may have learned then, that it was the strongest sunblock available – it just wasn’t very attractive.

In the eighties, zinc sun protection got a makeover, with bight neon colors. Applying wacky colors all over your face was fun and it blocked out the sun’s rays. Almost completely, and it stayed on – almost too well.

Today, thankfully, formulations have improved and zinc is no longer the eyesore it once was. It does, however, still protect your skin from sun damage and wrinkles and recent findings have shown zinc offers anti-microbial benefits that also reduce acne and breakouts.

So, what exactly is zinc and how does it work?

Zinc is a natural mineral, minced and refined to a fluffy white powder. Zinc becomes Zinc Oxide after the mineral is oxidized. Oxidation allows the mineral to be slightly changed giving it new properties. Zinc Oxide is used widely in cosmetics and natural skin care products and is quickly replacing the use of Titanium Oxide in sunscreens.

Because zinc is completely natural, it is an excellent ingredient to use in natural skin care products and beauty treatments. Before many of its

beneficial properties were known, Zinc Oxide was initially used in cosmetics as a whitening agent to moisturizing lotions, facial creams and most sunscreens.

Zinc Oxide has been the ingredient of choice for sunscreens, sun protection and cosmetics. Zinc Oxide is categorized as a physical sunscreen, therefore SPF labels are not given to the mineral. SPF or sun protected factor only relates to chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens such as PABA and Oxybenzone absorb the suns rays; where as Zinc Oxide actually blocks the rays. While some chemically-based sun protection products include zinc, they can not claim zinc as their primary component and must be labeled as such.

How does Zinc Actually “block” the Sun’s Rays?

Zinc Oxide works much like a diamond to bend (or refract) light. It is the only known element that can block both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). Zinc Oxide has been approved and labeled by the FDA as safe for the skin as sun protection. It is important to note that Zinc Oxide is not an organic compound as it has undergone oxidation. Zinc Oxide should be 20 to 25 percent of ingredient in cosmetic or sunscreen to properly inhibit sun damage to the skin and prevent wrinkles from forming. As we all should know by now, one of the primary causes of aging skin and wrinkles, is the sun.

If blocking sun rays, preventing wrinkles and aging skin weren’t enough, pure zinc has also been found to be very effective in the treatment and care of acne prone skin. Zinc regulates production of oil glands and hormone levels, two main triggers of acne. Zinc also helps absorb Vitamin A which promotes healing and fights bacteria. As with any acne treatment results may vary depending on diet and other environmental factors. It is always important to consult a dermatologist prior to any acne treatment. Zinc is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash, minor scrapes and burns, dry scalp and irritated skin.

In addition to the benefits on the skin zinc helps maintain many healthy body functions. Zinc plays a role in strengthening the immune system by assisting white blood cell development, protecting the body form infection. Lack of zinc to the body can result in a week immune system. As zinc plays a vital role in the immune system it is imperative to acquire the proper amount of zinc while pregnant. Zinc helps reduce inflammation and infection. Proper amounts of zinc in a diet have shown to contribute to proper growth, strength, and endurance. Zinc is also involved in stimulating many enzymes which play an essential role in metabolism. Zinc has been found to benefit the inside and outside health of our bodies and can be found in many topical creams, like Vivoderm’s zinc repairing cream, as well as in many nutrient rich foods.

According to the American Zinc Association, zinc seals and protects the skin. “Zinc is essential for healthy skin. As a drying agent and astringent, zinc oxide has been used for generations to soothe diaper rash and relieve itching. And zinc is a natural sun screen, protecting chapped lips and skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Zinc sulfate is effective in treating some cases of acne. And in a water-based solution, zinc sulfate helps remedy cold sores. Zinc also improves healing of wounds, like surgical incisions, burns and other skin irritations. Used as an anti-inflammatory, zinc soothes skin and skin tissue. Poison ivy, sunburn, blisters and gum disease are all improved when treated with zinc. It is even a natural insect repellent. And zinc stimulates the transport of Vitamin A from the liver to the skin, helping to protect body tissue from damage.”

So, remember, if you are interested in protecting your skin from the sun, preventing wrinkles and aging skin and reducing your acne breakouts – zinc might just be the all in one treatment for you. Look on the back of cosmetic and food labels to see if you are getting the benefits of zinc in your diet and beauty routine

Know Your Acne – Forms of Acne and Proper Treatment

There are many different forms of acne ranging from mild to severe, it is important to understand what form of acne you have in order to treat it properly. Acne is initiated when excess oil and dead skin cells combine to plug the pore of a hair follicle; behind the plugged pore, bacteria grow and multiply, triggering inflammation and swelling. Acne can range in severity in conjunction with external factors and hormones. Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne. Mild to moderate Acne Vulgaris consists of blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. While severe Acne Vulgaris is characterized by mild to moderate Acne Vulgaris along with nodules and cysts.

Acne Vulgaris (mild to moderate) includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules.

Blackheads are pores clogged with debris such as oil, dirt and dead skin, the black color is due to the bacteria being exposed to the air.

Blackheads are opened lesions and can be cleared by an esthetician or dermatologist. To treat and prevent blackheads cleanse the skin properly and use a facial exfoliate to clear dead skin cells off the surface of the skin. Dead cleansing masks like ash or clay masks may be used to extract surface blackheads form the pore.

When a pore is completely blocked, with trapped sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells, it will cause a white appearance on the surface resulting in what is known as whitehead. These types of lesions should not be extracted and usually clear rather quickly. Whites can be avoided by controlling surface oils and using a cleansing product that contains benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These act as antiseptics under the skin, killing bacteria.

Papules are inflamed, red, tender bumps with no head. Papules are caused by debris mostly dead skin cells being trapped in the follicle or pore. The most common way to treat and prevent papules is to exfoliate regularly. Do not try to extract papules as they may become infected and worsen. Instead be patient and exfoliate regularly, and much like whites use a cleanser with benzyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Pustules can be confused with whiteheads; however pustules are inflamed pores that contain bacteria. These lesions can be very sore and the

bacteria are considered a strain of staphylococcus, and thus can spread on your skin rapidly. This is why it is important to only allow a dermatologist to extract pustules. Cleansers and acne treatments with a form of antiseptic is best on these types of lesion. Exfoliation should be mild and gentle and an anti-inflammatory can be taken to decrease pain and redness.

Severe Acne Vulgaris is distinguished by the above lesions along with nodules and cysts.

Nodules and Cystic acne look very similar; both are large and painful and are inflamed clogged pores or multiple areas that contain bacteria. Nodules and Cysts rarely come to the surface and can take months to clear. These types of lesions are usually hormonal and caused by bacteria under the skin. These lesions should be monitored closely by a dermatologist and extracted by a doctor, however scaring is likely, so it is best to consult a dermatologist and let the nodule or cysts run its course.

Determine Your Skin Type

Determining your skin type is easy, and the information will help you when buying moisturizers, cosmetics and facial cleansers.

Step One
Wash your face with a skin cleanser, then rinse and pat dry.

Step Two
Wait one hour.

Step Three
Note whether your skin feels “tight.”

Step Four
Press a separate piece of tissue onto each area of your face: chin, center of cheeks, outer cheeks, center of forehead, outer forehead and nose.

Step Five
Examine each tissue and look for oily residue or flaky skin residue.

Step Six
Interpret the results. Oil on each tissue indicates an oily skin type, while oil on only some tissues (specifically those on the T-zone, which is the center of forehead, nose, chin and center of cheeks) indicates a combination skin type. Flaky skin residue on all tissues – without oily residue – or a tight feeling in the skin indicates a dry skin type. No oil and no flaky residue on any parts of the tissue indicates a normal skin type.

Tips & Warnings
Pore size is another indication of skin type; small pores generally indicate dry skin, while large pores mean oily skin. Remember that there are many factors that affect your skin type, such as weather, emotions, hormones and stress, and this will cause your skin type to be in a constant state of fluctuation.
“Combination skin” products that claim to serve different functions on different parts of the face are suspicious. You’re better off using different products on different areas.

Overall Things You’ll Need
Hand or Wash Towels
Mild Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Facial Cleansers
Oil-free Moisturizers

Topical and Prescription Treatments for Acne

Acne is most commonly due to an increased production of oil within pores and the presence of Propionibacterium acnes, causing pores of the skin to become occluded or infected. During the process, an inflammatory response occurs and produces the characteristic red, swollen and pustular appearance. There are various types of treatments for acne, which vary depending on the severity of the acne; some include topical treatments for mild to moderate acne, antibiotics and Accutane for severe cases.Examples of topical treatments include, but are not limited to, Proactive, which uses Benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient, Retin-A

or retinoic acid, and Differin or adapalene. All of these products use different mechanisms of action to treat acne, but all have similar side effects associated with their use. The most common side effects associated with the use of topical acne treatments include: redness, burning, scaling and dryness. Less common side effects are sunburn due to an increased sensitivity to sunlight and desquamation, which is the shedding or peeling of the outer layers of the skin.

Antibiotics are another source of treatment for patients with acne that have not been controlled with topical acne treatments. Propionibacterium acnes is a common bacteria found on the skin and obtains its nutrients from oil produced in pores. Therefore, people that produce large quantities of oil have an overgrowth of bacteria within the pore and have an increased susceptibility to acne. Antibiotics decrease the amount of bacteria and inflammatory response produced within the follicles improving the amount and appearance of acne.

The most common antibiotic treatments for acne include Minocycline, Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin and Clindamycin, all of which are associated with mild to severe side effects. Antibiotics are not selective to bacteria they eradicate, and can decrease healthy bacteria necessary for proper balance within the body. The digestive system is most commonly affected; severe imbalances of normal bacterial required for proper digestion can occur, resulting in diarrhea, indigestion as well as yeast infections. Other side effects include: birth defects, sensitivity to sun exposure, tooth discoloration and liver toxicity. Less severe side effects are nausea and vomiting.

Accutane is a potent treatment used in patients with severe acne that have not responded to other topical or antibiotic treatments. Accutane is

a form of Vitamin A. In high doses, it has been found to decrease the production of oil from glands. Although the use of Accutane can result in the resolution of acne, it is associated with a long list of serious adverse effects. In some instances, symptoms have been reported to persist after Accutane was discontinued. Many physicians do not recommend Accutane and many patients are not willing to take the risk of serious Side effects associated with this medication. Birth defects are the number one major side effect associated with patients using Accutane and pregnancy is contraindicated for women during its use. There has also been cases of serious birth defects in children of women who had stopped taking Accutane. Other commonly associated major side effects include depression with suicidal ideation. All patients should be screened and counseled prior to starting treatment.

Psoriasis 101 Information on Skin Disease

Top Five Psoriasis Myths

1. Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.

Fact: Psoriasis is not contagious. It is a life-long, immune mediated skin disease.

2. Myth: Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene.

Fact: There is no link between hygiene and psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease that no amount of washing or scrubbing can remove the scaly areas, or ensure they don’t come back.

3. Myth: Psoriasis is just an annoying skin rash.

Fact: Once thought to be a skin condition, research has shown that psoriasis is actually a disease of the immune system that causes abnormal growth in skin cells.

4. Myth: Psoriasis can be cured.

Fact: Psoriasis is a chronic disease for which there is currently no cure. Once symptoms appear, patients have psoriasis for life.

5. Myth: Psoriasis only affects patients physically.

Fact: There is a significant emotional impact experienced by psoriasis sufferers including feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, anger, frustration and even depression.

Several factors are thought to aggravate psoriasis. These include stress and excessive alcohol consumption. Individuals with psoriasis may also suffer from depression and loss of self-esteem. As such, quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of the disease. There are many treatments available but because of its chronic recurrent nature psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

Plaque Psoriasis

About 80% of people living with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which also is called “psoriasis vulgaris.” “Vulgaris” means “common.”

How to recognize Plaque Psoriasis:

1. Raised and thickened patches of reddish skin, called “plaques,” which are covered by silvery-white scales.

2. Plaques most often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back. However, they can appear anywhere on the body, including the genitals.

3. Plaques vary in size and can appear as distinct patches or join together to cover a large area.

In the early stages, the psoriasis may be unnoticeable. The skin may itch and/or a burning sensation may be present.

Plaque psoriasis usually first appears as small red bumps. Bumps gradually enlarge, and scales form. While the top scales flake off easily and often, scales below the surface stick together. The small red bumps develop into plaques (reddish areas of raised and thickened skin).

Now that you know abit more about psoriasis, we urge you to find out more about this!

About the author: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition and CAN be cured! We urge you to find out more about Psoriasis at http://Psoriasis.eask.info

Psoriasis by Camry James

Why Natural Acne Skin Treatments are Best for You

Our skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the rest of our organs from outside elements and harm. We have all been taught to take care of our skin not only to look good, but also to be healthy.

The benefits of eating natural, whole foods have been getting a lot of press in recent years. If you want beautiful skin, a healthy inside will reflect a healthy outside. Today, natural and organic skin care is the fastest growing area in the skin care and beauty industry.  That holds true for acne treatments as well.

Why natural, anti acne treatments?  Beauty products have been known to contain many chemicals such as parabens, to preserve their shelf life. Parabens are actually harmful to the skin, and overall health. Natural, anti acne skin care products and facial masks are all natural and do not contain any chemicals or preservatives. The key ingredients used to make these products contain few if any toxins or chemicals.

You may then ask, “Do natural  acne treatments expire more quickly than others?” The answer is no. In order to extend the product’s shelf life, manufacturers recommend you use something sanitary–such as a spatula–to remove products from containers and always close containers directly after use. It is widely agreed upon that once skin care products of any kind are opened and exposed to air, they should be used or thrown out after 6 months.

When natural or organic skin care products are used to treat skin disorders such as eczema and acne, they are much less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin. Choosing natural anti acne masks are a beneficial and safe way to take care of your skin and overall health. Today there are many natural anti acne skin care treatments and products to choose from, including cleansers, toners, moisturizers, make-up and even anti-aging serums.

Some natural products you may already have at home are: essential oils like ginger and tea tree, natural anti aging plant oils such as grape seed and almond oil, and herbs such as lavender and green tea. You can use these in your bath or make fabulous natural facial treatments. The internet or your local library has hundreds of great recipes to choose.

Natural, fruit extracts such as papaya, apples, citrus and cucumbers are proven to have a healthy effect on the skin, due to the absence of toxic pesticides. As you can imagine, there are many great natural anti aging skin care lines available for retail, if you’re not interested in making your own home remedies. However, “natural, anti aging” doesn’t always mean organic or pure and labels can be deceiving; do some research on ingredients that seem skeptical.

The intent of this article is to help you be aware what you are putting on your skin and what harmful ingredients may be looming in your favorite skin care products. Now that you know more about natural, anti acne face masks follow the below home recipe for a great glow!

Make sure that your at home ingredients are certified organic or all natural.

FOR NORMAL / COMBINATION SKIN / ACNE

Why buy acne products when you use strawberries? Strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid which is found in most over-the-counter acne medicines.

Ingredients:

* 1/4 cup strawberries (fresh, not frozen please)
* 1/4 cup sour cream or non-flavored yogurt

Preparation:
Mash together the strawberries and yogurt or sour cream. Spread on face and wash after 10-15 minutes.

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