Acne and Skin Care.

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to diminish by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease.

I remember when I used to get acne myself. Was that annoying. And it sure ruined my social life, that’s for sure. There is nothing more embarrasing than going out in public with acne all over your face. You know people are staring at you. You know they don’t want to get near you because of those ugly marks on your face. I think they think it’s contagious, which is not true at all. It’s a good way to lose friends quickly.

So, how did I get rid of my acne ? Well, before you can clear up your skin, you should know exactly who the enemy is and what you’re up against. Here’s a summary for you and some real honest to goodness solutions. It worked for me and it will work for you too.

What is Acne?

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it). Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither does stress.

How Is Acne Treated?

You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Over-the-counter(OTC) Medicines

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

Prescription Topical Medicines

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid.
Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin.

Prescription Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

Other treatments

There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the counter medications, but often with less side effects.

How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?

*Clean Skin Gently with a mild cleanser 3 or 4 times a day.

*Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin.

*Shave Carefully.

*Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan.

*Use Non-Oily Cosmetics.

In summary, there are many treatments out there for acne skin problems. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure what to do. Try some of the suggestions mentioned here. In no time at all, you’ll look better, feel better, and you’ll be back out there enjoying your social life, your friends, and your family much more.

Ken Black
Skin Care Information & Product Reviews
http://www.skin-care-reviews.com

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Dairy consumption has been positively linked to acne for many teenagers and adults. There have been numerous studies proving this association, including a portion of the landmark Nurses Health Study involving 47,355 women in 1998. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this milk-acne connection are much less concrete.

Regardless, the facts are that thousands of people have given up dairy foods only to have their acne magically disappear. The results these people have seen speak for themselves and they need no particular explanation. For those of you who are still hesitant on the trial and error method, here are a few different theories behind their success:

• Milk Allergies - Like eczema, acne is an inflammatory skin condition, and can be a byproduct of food allergies. In fact, it is believed that food allergies, particularly dairy and gluten, are the top aggravator of acne. Since acne does take time to come and go, and many food allergy reactions are delayed, about two weeks off of a suspect food is typically required to begin noticing results.
• Hormones - Of course, the teenager with raging hormones and raging zits, it is an all to common site. Hormones are a well-accepted reason for acne within the dermatologic community. It has been estimated that 75% to 90% of milk and milk products on our shelves comes from pregnant cows due to the milking process. This milk contains progesterone and other hormones that are known precursors to DHT, the primary acne-producing hormone in humans. These hormones are carried primarily in the butterfat, and are known to make frequent appearances in milk, cheese, and butter. You mean pizza may be back on the acne list? Dermatologists are split on this issue, but past research shows a strong likelihood.
• Nutrients - Back in the 1960’s, Dr. Jerome K. Fisher conducted a clinical study on the cause and effect relationship of milk and acne for a presentation to the American Dermatological Association. His research looked at over 1000 teenage acne patients over a 10-year period. He quickly noted that the severity of their acne and whether it worsened was directly correlated to their milk consumption. Along with the hormones in milk, Dr. Fisher hypothesized that milk sugar (lactose) and butterfat could be acne triggers. It has also been found that milk can contain excessive quantities of iodine (may vary by herd), a well-known pore irritator and aggravator of acne.

Most dermatologists recognize the crucial role that diet plays in skin conditions, and many site milk products as the top food culprit of acne. Dairy elimination may not be the solution for everyone, but something so simple to get rid of acne is definitely worth a shot!

© Go Dairy Free (2005) - http://www.godairyfree.org/facts/conditions/acne.aspx

Our Mission
To enhance the lives of millions of people
To offer real world strategies and guides for living dairy free
To educate the population on the benefits of a dairy-free diet
To promote dairy free alternatives
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GoDairyFree.org was written and published by Superstar Life, Inc., a company centered on life management, growth, and enhancement. If you have any questions, or would like to submit a testimonial, recipes, or useful information, please email info@godairyfree.org

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As Jonathon of the hit new series Blowout says your hair will make you or break you. No where is this more true then on the red carpet. Sport a great dress or outfit and hair and you will be on the cover of nearly every magazine. Sport a bad hairstyle and be on People’s magazine list of worst dressed and red carpet tragedies. This is why most celebrities have celebrity hairstylists and pay thousands for a cut and style. Some even fly their stylist with them everywhere they go as part of their entourage. A great hairstyle and beauty treatment has become as important, if not more so than the elegant and very expensive designer dresses and outfits. The question is what are the current hot hairstyle and beauty trends being sported on the red carpet? Some are old time favorites, and others are quite surprising.

1) The summer classic up-do is a hot item as it shows off sexy necks and jewelry (like necklaces and earrings) well. Demi Moore wore it well in the hit movie An officer and a Gentleman. Gweneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz are almost always seen with this hairstyle. It is classy and elegant when done right. It works best with normal, medium length hair and light makeup and jewelry. Heavy, big jewelry is out, sheek, pure elegance and beauty are in with this style.

2) The shaggy and layered hairstyle. According to Allure magazine, this is the one hairstyle and fashion trend that can make anyone look good and it will work on just about everyone, regardless of face shape. Basically this hairstyle will add volume to your hair and creates a frame for your face. Heidi Klum wore it well during an episode of her hit show Runway. Several stars like Drew Barrymore and Kate Winslet have been seen sporting this do. This is yet another low makeup and easy maintenance hairstyle. Simplicity is key here so light jewelry works best. A simple leather strap necklace and pendant will work wonders. This hairstyle has been also referred to as sexy bed head, or the after sex do.

3) Long, sexy waves. Perms are out, but the secret fashion trend in the hottest salons is salt spraying. Don’t wash the hair everyday as dirty hair is easier to manage. Get the hair damp and use salt water in a spray to bring out the wavy curls. According to the salons, everyone’s hair has some natural waves and patterns and this will bring this out and magnify it. Don’t think its hot, just look at the sexiest vixens of the red carpet like Jessica Alba and Shakira. They wear this style very well. Again, simplicity is key, no heavy makeup and light jewelry work best. Again a simple black or brown leather strap necklace with a simple locket or amulet adds mystery and will make it that much hotter. So skip the perm and first try spritzing sea salt on damp hair, scrunching hair & letting air dry. Since most hair has some sort of natural wave, the sea salt will bring it out.

4) The bullet. This is the latest fashion trend transformed offspring of the 80’s mullet and fullet with a dominant and forceful business touch. It’s the short female business do and is popular with very dominant women. It’s a short hairstyle that shows the world you are a female and are in control. You will find it on Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Ellen Degeneres, and Rosie O’Donnell. It is believed to have been first worn by Prince back in the early 80’s on his Purple Rain tour.

These hairstyles fashion trends are all easy do’s and don’t require heavy makeup or jewelry. Simplicity is key and heavy or big gaudy jewelry is out. A simple leather strap on a sexy, thin neck like Jessica Alba is all that is needed with these fashion trends. These hairstyles and fashion trends will remain big for the rest of 2006 and into 2007.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. For more information on great haircare, beauty and anti-aging products and tips please visit http://www.bestskinpeel.com

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