Professional Health Blog

Many people suffer with the skin condition known as acne or Zits; but there are now many treatments available which can help the condition so it is more bearable. It is one of those areas where research has continued to make advancements; the result of this effort is new, more effective, treatments are becoming available. Although there may seem like a huge range of acne skin care products, they can be broken down into three broad categories:

* Preventative: Creams, lotions etc. to help cleanse and tone the skin

* Those available at a drugstore or over-the-counter

* Prescription: Dermatologist or Doctor, specialist cream or ointment

Those that fall into the preventative category are based around general skin conditioning to help stop acne from forming; for example, special toners and skin cleansers. In the real sense, these products are just those that should be part of your daily routine; there use is not just confined to individuals who are suffer with the complaint. Other acne skin care products, like skin cleansers for instance, are more specific about their job; they ensure the facial pores (and other areas) remain free of oil. These types of products are reducing the chance of oil staying in the pores and aiding the growth of harmful bacteria which assists the formation of the skin condition.

Other skin care treatments can help exfoliate the skin; there is now a variety of this type of product available over the counter. Dead skin cells and other atmospheric pollutants are removed cleaning the pores which reduce the chance of any bacterial growth. There are specialized acne skin care products available over-the-counter, they do not require the need of a prescription. A bacterium that aids the formation of acne is stopped by creams and cleansers that contain benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid; these include products which extract the unwanted oil from the skin.

It is often a good idea to start with a product that has lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 5 percent) to see how the skin responds; if a reaction occurs, a cleaner or cream containing alpha hydroxy acid should be safe. It might just be a case of trial and error to find an acne skin care product that works; if finding something that works is proving difficult, your dermatologist should be able to help. If you do need to see your doctor or skin care specialist then he may give you a prescription for antibiotics or special ointments.

Under certain circumstances, having the infected material removed from the pores under a local anesthetic may be suggested by your dermatologist; although this is a minor procedure, if it were performed by the person themselves it could result in skin damage. Your doctor may even suggest a course of hormone therapy as a skin care treatment; hormone changes are known to be one cause of acne. Positive research means that a sufferer does not have to put up with this condition anymore.

Cleaning and feeding nutrition to the skin and being able to remove dead skin effectively, allows acne sufferers to develop a healthier complexion. Diet change is also a very effective way of banishing acne alongside an overall healthy lifestyle.

One area that does not very often get addressed when dealing with the causes of acne is the physiological level. Often these physical eruptions are the boy’s way of expressing unexpressed emotions - such as anger, frustration and a general lack of self confidence.

When these are taken into account and deal with positively, many have found that the facial condition subsides markedly.

One of the greatest gifts that anyone who is suffering from acne can give themselves is to recognize this side of it and address it positively with out blaming themselves or anyone else.

So with natural skin care and positive action to deal with one’s emotional make-up, banishment is nigh.

The author, Jonathan Trapman is a writer, health and well being advisor, and yoga teacher. He has been a yoga and life coach facilitator for over 23 years. Natural health and wellness can be found at www.diamond-tree.com Yoga Body Mind information and products can be sourced at www.yoga-ez.com