Glycolic Acid and Acne

Acne for many teenagers and young adults is like a dreaded curse. It affects many individuals self esteem as they feel that they look disgusting with the acne spread across their face. There have been many different products and procedures that have arisen throughout the years as it relates to the treatment of acne. Some have been very successful in the treatment of this problem, Glycolic Acid being one of them. This article will examine the overall use of glycolic acid, as it relates to the treatment of acne.

Glycolic acid is a popular alpha hydroxy acid and it has a reputation for being very effective for the reduction and treatment of acne and acne scars. Many different skin care creams, list this product as an active ingredient. Part of the reason for its popularity is based on its effectiveness, as it relates to destroying bacteria. It has been noted that using the acid over a consistent period of time has resulted in the reduction of comedones, papules, and pustules. The makeup of the acid makes it very good for the skin as there are very few side effects that are associated with its use.

Aside from being effective at fighting acne, glycolic acid can also be used to help fight scarring that is associated with this skin condition. Usually scars associated with acne arise when the pimples destroy the skin tissue, leaving unsightly red or dark blotches. In using the acid, you will likely see these scars being reduced. Some people have claimed to have their scars completely removed, by using glycolic acid products. This will depend on the amount of time it is used for. Generally people have seen results in 3 months, but it is safe to say results can be seen between 6 months to 1 year after daily use.

Glycolic acid can be purchased in a wide range of gels, lotions, scrubs and face masks, all with the treatment of acne in mind. A precaution that should be taken when using this product is the fact that glycolic acid can make the skin very sensitive. This means that it can be very easy for individuals to get sun burned. It should be noted, that if you do plan to go out in the sun, you should have ample sunscreen.

In closing, Glycolic acid is very effective for the treatment of people who suffer from acne and acne scars. It being a very safe alpha hydroxy acid allows you to use high concentrations with very little side effects. For people who use this to treat their skin condition, you should expect 6 months to 1 year before results are seen.

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Can Peptide Creams Improve Acne Scarring & Wrinkles

Peptides are one of the latest entrants into the world of cosmetic ingredients icons. But, do peptides work to correct skin imperfections like wrinkles and acne scars or do they just inflate the price of cosmeceuticals? To address this question, its important to understand the causes of skin damage and the effects of peptides on the skin.

Today, to talk skin damage is to talk collagen and peptides. Collagen holds a central role in the overall look and health of the skin. Collagen and moisture loss typically accompany skin damage, like wrinkles and acne scars. Moreover, as the skin ages, the skin's cells make less collagen and the collagen that is available is broken down faster.

The rate at which collagen is made is regulated by a network of hormones and numerous biological factors, including peptides.

Peptides have generated interest in the arena of removing acne scarring and wrinkles because of the way specific peptides influence the skin. One such peptide is called "transforming growth factor-β" (TGF-β). In laboratory study, skin cells treated with TGF-β produced two to three times more collagen than cells not treated with TGF-β.

How Do Peptide Affect the Skin

Taking a more practical look at peptides' effect on the skin, in 2003 researchers tested a skin care product containing a combination of growth factor peptides on the skin of 14 study participants. The findings were released in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.

At the study's conclusion, skin biopsies revealed new collagen formation and an increase in thickening of the epidermis by 27%. Eight of 14 patients saw wrinkles improvements and 12 of 14 experienced improvements in their skin texture.

Researchers have even examined the peptide containing cosmetics that you are most likely to find at your local drug store.

Popular Versions of Peptide Creams at Local Drug Stores

With a quick browse through the cosmetic aisle, flip over the box of an anti-aging or skin correcting product and you may find "pentapeptide-3" (marketed under the trade name Matrixyl) in the ingredients list. Companies sale pentapeptide-3 as an anti-wrinkle product based on its ability to promote collagen growth.

In addition to pentapeptide-3, you can also find products with "Argireline", or acetyl hexapeptide-3, as it will appear on the ingredients panel. Argireline is a synthetic peptide manufacturers acclaim as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin injections.

As a wrinkle reducer, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is based on the concept of wrinkles receptor blocking. Acetyl hexapeptide-3 mimics the actions of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical that transmits messages between the nerves. As such, acetylcholine has the ability to influence muscle relaxation. In theory, acetyl hexapeptide-3 blocks the sodium pathway to muscles.

The presence of sodium can cause muscles tension. Once the sodium is blocked by the copy cat peptide acetyl hexapeptide-3, the muscle can remain relaxed without the presence of tension induced wrinkles.

And finally, while skin care shopping, you may see products that contain marine collagen. The theory here is that collagen begets more collagen, and thus increasing the skin's thickness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Comparing Peptide Creams to Botox

The hottest tagline for these peptide and collagen based cosmetics is "Better Than Botox". Botox is the trade name for botulinum toxin type A, an FDA approved drug designed to correct wrinkles. A study recently published in Dermatologic Surgery pitted Botox, against a placebo saline injection, and three different cosmetic products, that claimed superiority to Botox.

One product contained Pentapeptide-3, the next Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and the third product contained marine collagen that utilized a patented skin delivery method.

In all, 77 women divided into groups of five participated in the study. An outside investigator measured wrinkle improvements in the skin using the Facial Wrinkle Scar scale, at weeks 4, 8 and 12 after the treatments. The independent examiner noted the most improvement with the patients treated with Botox. The examiner found a minimal difference between the placebo injection of saline and the other three wrinkle creams.

In short the effectiveness of peptide based cosmetics depends on several items, the percentage of the peptide used in the product and the effectiveness of the peptide delivery method. A present, most studies of the efficacy of peptides are done by the product manufactures themselves. More studies are needed to quantify the effectiveness of peptides to correct wrinkles and acne scarring. In the meantime, peptides containing cosmetics still remain a hot item.

Nevertheless, if you are set on purchasing peptide based cosmetics, there are at least two things you should do to get the most out of your product and your money. Use the cream at least twice daily (unless directed otherwise) and deeply cleanse your face with a gentle but thorough agent such as witch hazel prior to applying the peptide. This extra step will help maximize abortion of the skin care product because the witch hazel removes excess oils and dead skin cells from the upper layers of the skin.

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Get Rid of Acne the Natural Way - Acne Vs Mother Nature

Getting rid of acne is a process that takes time and lot of patience. Homemade acne remedies include the use of herbal and other natural skin treatments that help clearing the skin making it healthier. A natural way for acne treatment is the use of the following homemade acne tips:

Diet

1. Drink lot of water. Remember that 2/3 of your body is water.

2. Avoid refined sugars

3. Avoid refined fats

4. Consume good fats rich in Omega-3, Fish Oil and Flax Oil

5. Consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.

Herbs

1. Aloe Vera - It is an excellent herb for the skin. It speed up the healing process 10 times faster. It is better if you use it 100% natural. Grow it around your house to make sure you have it on hand.

2. Tea Tree Oil - It is a fantastic antibacterial and antiviral substance to use as a topical herbal acne treatment. It is more desirable than benzyl peroxide. Use 14% tea tree oil that is diluted. 100% tea tree oil is extremely strong, and can dry the skin out when used frequently. If you cannot find diluted tea tree oil, you can dilute it yourself by mixing it with water or apple cider vinegar.

3. Neem - Helps to balance the effects of refined sugars, and is also said to make the skin cells more resistant to viruses. Neem is an ingredient in special facial soaps. The most effective way to use this herb to make an infusion tea out of it.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar - It is one of the most effective and best herbs for acne. If you could only pick one herb or treatment, this would be a top choice. You can use it internally or externally. For external use, make a solution of 30-50% apple cider vinegar, and the other 50-70% of pure water. Apply this liquid to your skin, and rub it in. If your skin starts to get dry because of this, you can apply some aloe vera gel to soothe and moisten it. For internal consumption take 1-2 oz and mix it in a cup of water, and add a bit of raw honey for taste. Drink this mixture 1-3 times per day. After drinking the vinegar, quickly rinse your mouth out with water to wash the acetic acid, which is the natural acid in vinegar, off your teeth.

5. Jojoba Oil - It is a fantastic natural moisturizer, and it can help to counter excessive sebum production. The white pus-like substance that comes out when you pop a pimple comes from sebum. Sebum production is part of maintaining healthy skin, but an excess amount results in acne. You can purchase jojoba oil at most health food stores. NOW is an excellent brand to look for when buying jojoba oil.

6. Burdock Root Tea - good detoxifiers, thus they are useful herbal remedies for acne. Helps to purge the toxins trapped in between, or near the layers of the skin. This makes it another one of the good herbal remedies for acne relief.

7. Mint - Peppermint contains menthol which is a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Take a handful of mint leaves and crush them thoroughly with a mortar and pestle. Rub the leaves and juice on affected skin and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Repeat as often as desired to alleviate pain and inflammation.

8. Nettle Tea - Though fresh stalks cause skin irritation and inflammation, the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming fluids also helps to flush the system of toxins. Nettle may cause stomach irritation in some people. Nettle is also a diuretic and should not be taken by nursing women.

9. Lemon juice and rose water - It is a natural astringent and mild antibacterial agent. Rose petals, from which rose water is made, also have antibacterial properties. It is a also a skin toner and helps to mitigate the rather harsh, acidic quality of straight lemon juice. Mix equal parts lemon juice and rose water. Apply directly to skin. You might feel an initial sting from the lemon juice. Rinse after 15-30 minutes. Be careful of exposing your skin to direct sunlight if you have been using lemon juice on your face. Also, though a strong reaction is unlikely, do not continue this treatment if it irritates your skin.

10. Oatmeal - The oatmeal cleanses pores by absorbing oil and exfoliating the skin. Honey eases application and serves as a skin toner. Cook a single plain oatmeal as you would for eating. add approximately 1/4 cup honey and mix thoroughly. Allow to cool and then apply to face, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 10-20 minutes. Do not leave it on too long or it will become difficult to remove.

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Hi. I am Arlene co-founder and editor of luukit.com [www.luukit.com] Our mission is to provide information about acne and how to get rid of it. Acne is a very common condition mostly seen in the teenage years. In fact, it could become a serious psychological problem since it occurs mostly when self-image is in the process of being shaped.

Today we have effective topical agents and oral medications that effectively control the effect of raging hormones that result in acne. It is very important to understand that acne is part of the growing up process and it is a good practice not to pick at your face, keep it clean and visit your dermatologist once the first acne symptom shows up. As everything in life it is better to fix a small problem from the begining than try to fix it when it is out of control. Prevention is the name of the game. The early the condition is diagnosed, more chance you have to avoid acne lesions.

6 Great Home Remedies for Acne Scars to Finally Get Rid of It!

Many teenagers will be suffering from acne at some time in life. Usually this occurs inside the course of adolescence and will eventually resolve itself. But often with severe instances, the results can be equally devastating in the sort of scars left behind.

Here are a few home remedies on how to get rid of acne scars to try prior to resorting to the much more pricey and often agonizing remedies.

1) Apply ice on a cloth for ten to fifteen minutes daily for the impacted areas. This approach aids to get rid of scars by decreasing the inflammation and swelling, helping the appearance.

2) Aloe Vera gel applied directly towards the scars will assist decrease their appearance through its healing properties.

3) Rose hip seed oil is utilized in items that minimize scars from acne and sun damage. And it also works as a possible anti-aging agent and to decrease wrinkles.

4) Apply slices of tomato to your acne once a day. Tomato has vitamin a and antioxidants and will assist stop the production of sebum the agent responsible for acne.

5) Massage essential olive oil onto the affected patch of your skin. It's going to help soften the look of the skin.

6) Another approach is by using Lavender oil. It aids in rejuvenating the skin.

These are several choices you are able to try as home remedies for acne scars, however if these aren't working you may possibly need to ultimately resort to more aggressive methods. These would include laser skin treatment which is expensive, dermabrasion which could be unpleasant and take time to heal, chemical peels, "Punch Technique" employed for more pitted acne scar removal, and augmentation which utilizes a technique to fill the pitted areas. The majority of these strategies are expensive, and frequently unpleasant and possess lengthy recovery times. Nonetheless in the end they may function as the ultimate treatment to completely get rid of your scars.

As you can see their are many treatment options for acne. homeremediesforacne.org/home-remedies-for-acne-scars Home remedies for acne scars can be a good start and might solve your problem at a fraction of the cost of other treatment solutions to homeremediesforacne.org/how-to-get-rid-of-acne-scars how to get rid of acne scars quickly.

I Can Now Say Good Bye to Scarring - Natural Acne Scar Treatment to Get Rid of Acne Blemishes Fast!

Acne always left behind on many people's face some scars that need to be dealt with. As a result of that, we are going to learn some natural acne scar treatment to use. Acne is mostly caused by the sebaceous glands at the underside of the fur follicles of the skin secreting a lot of sebum - an oily substance released from the pores to keep the skin healthy and greased. The moment a lot of sebum is gets clogged or formed, it can form hard plugs that block the pores and produce pimples.

Let's consider these acne home scar treatment

-One well-liked remedy for acne scar removal which a lot of folks find effective is to apply a mixture of tomato and cucumber juice to your face. Tomatoes are known for their antioxidant qualities, and can help prevent the skin being damaged at the cellular levels. It as well helps strengthen the immune system and improve the skin tone. Tomato and cucumber are very good at tightening up the pores of your skin and a great natural acne scar treatment.

-One more great best way to fade acne marks is by using of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is very much acidic, and will re-acidify the skin. The skin's natural surface is acidic, and the moment that delicate acid mantle is disrupted, it can cause the skin's cells to not function as it should. This can lead to a delay in the skin's cells turnover, and can cause acne blemishes to remain on the skin longer than they would if the skin was working at its best. Applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can assist repair the acid mantle on the skin. Soak a cotton pad with apple cider vinegar, and apply it liberally to the face. Let it dry completely. Apple cider vinegar could be used both orally and topically on skin.

-Aloe Vera is well-known for its healing properties. The pulp of the Aloe shoot can be used on the acne affected region and washed off after a short of time. However, this is not a quick way out if you are looking at clearing up the scars quickly.

Natural acne scar treatment to fade acne marks

-Wash your face like normal with a natural soap. Endeavor to get one that is 100 percent natural. Skin is very sensitive and will react to harsh chemicals and artificial perfumes. Just lather it up and rinse it off. You should not scrub it.

-Now, create a paste by combining about two tablespoons of baking soda with a drizzle of water. Gently rub this paste all over your face and try using little circles. Baking soda has a remarkable power to fade those acne marks very fast. After about twenty to thirty seconds then rinse with neat water.

-Pat your face dry with a very neat towel. Just follow these steps two times a day, morning and night, and your skin will be clear and smooth again.

If a quick way for natural acne scar treatment is needed, you can first make use of treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc. which are easy on the skin and at the same time produce quick results but be aware of the side effects for those chemicals.

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Acne Scarring Treatments

There are many different acne scarring treatments available now, and it is very important to speak with a dermatologist about what treatment is best for you. Since there are different types of acne scars and some treatments work better for certain kinds of scars, your doctor is the most qualified to come up with a treatment plan. Here are some of the most common ways to treat acne scars.

Fillers

Fillers can be injected to raise up the skin and make the scar appear smoother as the filler plumps it up. This technique works well for round, shallow scars. It is important to realize that fillers are not permanent, so you would have to repeat the injections when the fillers disintegrate. This can be an expensive way to treat acne scars because fillers are expensive in the first place, and then you have get them repeatedly. Acne scarring treatments are not usually covered by insurance, so fillers may not be a practical option for most people.

Punch Excision

A punch excision is a surgical procedure where a punch biopsy tool excises the scar and the walls around the scar. The edges of the skin around the excision are then sutured together, which creates a new, smaller scar. This new scar can fade, or it can be treated with laser skin resurfacing to diminish its appearance.

Punch Elevation

Punch elevation is similar to a punch excision except the bottom of the scar is elevated to the surface of the skin and reattached to the skin with sutures or glue. This method can be used for deep boxcar scars.

Subcision

To treat rolling scars, subcision involves going into the skin with a special needle to break up the fibrous bands of scar tissue that are tethered the skin to the subcutaneous tissue. New collagen can also be stimulated, which improves the appearance of the scar.

Skin Resurfacing Techniques

Skin resurfacing treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Microdermabrasion can be used to treat icepick scars. Laser skin resurfacing techniques are popular acne scarring treatments now. The laser basically burns off the top layer of the skin and then new skin replaces is it when it heals. New collagen also forms, and this tightens up the skin and diminishes the appearance of scars.

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Acne Scar Removal Surgery - A Brief Study On Scar Removal Treatments

Mild Acne scars disappear over a period of time. But at times, severe scars resulting from acne cysts and nodules can leave a permanent impression on the skin. To treat severe scars, Acne surgery can be resorted to.

A lot of factors need to be considered before resorting to get an acne scar removal surgery done. It has to be done by a well experienced surgeon who has handled such surgeries before. It would also help if you were referred by someone who has experienced good success in treating scars with the help of the surgeon.

Depending on the type and severity of scarring, appropriate scar treatment surgery method could be employed. Some of the widely used treatment surgery methods are discussed below:

1. Punch Excision:

Punch Excision involves surgically removing the portion of the scarred portion of the skin. The skin can then be sutured and left to heal by itself. It is used to treat Ice pick scars that do not cover a huge surface area of the skin. The face would be bandaged after the surgery and hospitalization would be a necessity. This Surgery is usually carried out on a local anaesthetic.

2. Skin Grafting with Punch Excision:

At times when the scarred skin covers a large surface area of the skin, punch excision needs to be coupled with skin grafting. Punch excision could be performed as discussed above to scrape out the scarred portion of the skin. Since, the scarred skin surface area is large, a skin graft needs to be performed by taking a portion of skin from the body, usually from the back of the ear and replacing the scraped out pit on the skin caused by the excision of the scar.

3. Fat Transfer for Scar Pits:

This method is used to treat huge pits left by acne scars. Fat taken from the body is injected under the pit. This can cover the depressions left by the acne scar. However, fat needs to be injected from time to time as the skin has the tendency to absorb the fat into its layers.

Precaution needs to be taken before resorting to acne scar removal surgeries as it opens out the possibility of infections as a result of open wounds. It needs to be done with the hands of an experienced surgeon.

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