My Experiences Searching for a Solution to Clear Up Acne

Clear Up Acne: 10 Lifestyle Changes To Help Your Complexion

Written by Kelsey Palmer on August 23, 2011 — Leave a Comment

In a recent article on WebMD, solutions to acne were focused on 10 simple lifestyle changes. See if these work for you:

Fight acne by getting your sleep

#1: Get More Sleep
According to a study in Sleep, the risk of psychological stress increases by 14% for every hour of sleep you lose a night. So what does this have to do with acne? “Stress increases glucocorticoid production, which can lead to abnormalities in skin structure and function, exacerbating conditions like acne,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a dermatologist in Danville, Calif.

#2: Go Easy on the Sugar
A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found that people who consumed a low-glycemic diet, which included more whole grains, beans, and vegetables, and limited white pasta, rice, bread, and sugar, had fewer breakouts.

#3: Hit the Gym
Exercise not only whittles the waistline, but it also reduces stress (which has been found to contribute to the production of acne lesions), regulates your hormone levels, increases circulation that delivers more oxygen to skin cells and carries cellular wastes away, and boosts your immune system. But there’s a fine line –  sweat from exercise can also lead to breakouts via skin irritation. It is very important to remove any perspiration-trapping garments like sports bras, and to shower immediately after working out.

#4: Sip H2O
Upping your water intake is a great way to flush out internal toxins and hydrate your skin from the inside out. Your body needs to neutralize and get rid of waste materials produced during metabolism. When the immune system weakens, the body finds itself unable to fight toxic substances alone. This raises the levels of toxins and ultimately, the inner detoxification system gets weak, and you have more breakouts.

# 5:  Use SPF
It’s important to wear SPF each and every time you’re in the sun. Read the ingredients list on the back of your sunscreen, and if you’re acne-prone, look for the lighter, non-occlusive chemical ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, methoxycinnamate, or octocylene. Physical sunblocks containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide tend to be thicker and sometimes more likely to block pores and aggravate acne-prone skin.
Skin-Saving Change

#6: Ramp Up on Omega-3 Fatty Acids
To reap the benefits of the complexion-perfecting nutrient, pop a daily omega-3 supplement, or add foods like walnuts, avocados, flaxseed oil, and salmon into your diet.

#7: Cleanse Twice a Day
The face has more oil-producing glands than any other parts of the body, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a Chicago-based dermatologist. Top that with a day’s worth of makeup, sweat, smog, dust, and dirt, and you’re left with a pore-clogging concoction that, if not washed away regularly, will seep into and clog pores, resulting in blackheads and pimples. Even if you don’t shower twice a day, it’s important to cleanse your face in the morning and at night. Look for cleansers that say “noncomedogenic” on the bottle and wash your face thoroughly — and gently — every a.m. and p.m.

#8: Exfoliate
Sure, overzealous oil glands can lead to breakouts, but so can under-performing oil glands. Dry skin has tiny cracks in which bacteria can breed, plus excessive flaking can lead to clogged pores. The fix: Gently exfoliate skin a few times a week with a scrub designed for the face, and follow up with a noncomedogenic (there’s that word again) moisturizer.

#9: De-Germ Your Cell Phone
To keep the germs from landing on your face, wipe the surface of your phone with a little hand sanitizer each day.

#10: Style Your Hair Carefully
Pomade acne is a common condition characterized by breakouts that are caused by hair-care products including conditioner, shampoo, gel, and hairspray. This form of acne occurs when the oils from styling products seep into skin, usually around the hairline, and trap acne-causing bacteria in pores. To combat, apply the hair products before you wash your face so that any pimple-producing residue can be washed away.

Want an all-natural solution to clear up acne? Go here now…

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Clear Up Acne: Cosmo Says “Get Rid of Zits by Calming Down”

Written by Kelsey Palmer on August 18, 2011 — Leave a Comment

Skin flare-ups can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know the cause. More often than not, you can blame it on that “catch all” for just about anything bad: stress. In a recent article of “Cosmopolitan” magazine, you’ll find a couple of ways to calm down and de-stress. So read on…

clear up acne

Clear up acne by working out

When under pressure, your body ramps up hormone productions and they wreck your skin. That’s because cells lose water and become dry, and your immune system weakens, letting zits and rashes take hold. Fortunately, psychodermatologists (derms who look at the psychological root of skin ailments) have smart solutions. Here, how to calm yourself and your skin.

You’ve heard this more than once, but a good workout pays off, particularly when your complexion is involved. “The endorphins released when you exercise act as a natural anti-inflammatory and de-stressor,” says Amy Wechsler, a psychodermatologist in New York.  Freaking out about your zits creates a vicious cycle. “Anger is a common response to acne, and it stems from feel ing helpless to correct the situation,” says psychodermatologist Richard Fried, PhD, author of Healing Adult Acne. “Since rage aggravates stress and breakouts, it’s key to regain a sense of control.” Decluttering your space at home and work helps you feel more relaxed. And carve out time to hop in the sack. “Sex is a tension reliever that can improve your looks and mood,” says Dr. Fried.

You can bring down the intensity of the redness and shrink zits by applying a thin layer of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on spots once or twice a day for two days. In addition, wash with a cleanser or use a cream containing salicylic acid twice daily to kill bacteria, unclog follicles, and slough off dead cells. “Stress increases your skin’s sensitivity, so choose gentle formulas with such key words as suitable for sensitive skin or mild on the packaging,” notes Dr. Wechsler. Also look for calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, suggests LA dermatologist Howard Murad. If breakouts persist, ask your derm about prescription options.

—>Looking for an all-natural solution to clear up acne? Click here

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Clear Up Acne: How To Zap A Zit Fast

Written by Kelsey Palmer on April 28, 2011 — Leave a Comment

A recent story from “Glamour” magazine provides some valuable tips in their health and beauty section. See if these can help you…

—>Looking for an all natural way to clear up acne?

clear up acne, get rid of zitsIf you suffer from regular eruptions on your face, talk to your dermatologist. He or she should be able to prescribe medication to treat the underlying cause. For the odd spot, however, there are easy ways to clear things up.

Be strong. When you feel a pimple forming, resist the urge to squeeze. All you’re doing is traumatizing the area and causing an inflammatory reaction that will result in further swelling, a longer healing time, and most likely a scar. (I know it’s tempting to take care of a whitehead yourself, but those explode inward as well as out, which can worsen the infection.)

Focus your efforts. If the pimple feels huge, gently press an ice cube on the spot for a few minutes to reduce inflammation. Use a salicylic acid cleanser, which unclogs the pores; then apply a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria and dries out the area. (The Neutrogena and Bioré acne-treatment lines both make products with these ingredients that are excellent.) After a few minutes, dot on some oil-free concealer. It’s fine to use your finger, though a brush might give you better coverage. Don’t worry—makeup won’t make things worse, and not even a dermatologist would expect you to walk around with blotches on your face.

Make an appointment. If you have an important event and desperately need that pimple to disappear, a dermatologist can inject it with cortisone, which will shrink a blemish within 24 hours. I wouldn’t get a facial if you need to look your best right afterward; they can inflame skin.

Fade away. If the pimple leaves a pink mark, apply cortisone cream a few times a day for no more than a week to fade the spot, or see your dermatologist; she can prescribe something that will lighten the mark more quickly. And be vigilant about wearing sunscreen—any kind of skin discoloration will get even darker if you go out in the sun unprotected.

To find an all-natural solution to getting rid of acne, go here.
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Clear Up Acne: What Oprah’s Beauty Director Says About Acne

Written by Kelsey Palmer on April 13, 2011 — Leave a Comment

Val Monroe is the beauty director for “O” or Oprah Magazine. She recently weighed in on adult acne in women. Here’s a question she answered from a subscriber about how to clear up acne:

Clear Up Acne

Smiling about your skin isn't always easy

Q: I’m in my 30s, and I’ve suddenly developed acne. Nothing seems to help.

A: Of the hundreds of e-mails I get in response to this page every month, the ones from people suffering from acne are among the most desperate and sad. What I always want to tell you is that there’s hope; with that in mind, I called Rhoda Narins, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and director of the Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center in New York City.

She had plenty of good advice, since she says she sees many people developing acne in their 20s and 30s. At that age, it’s often due to a reaction to products you’re using on your face or, especially if you use oils, your hair. So the first thing to do is switch to oil-free or noncomedogenic products. Avoid anything that contains lanolin, mineral oil, or petrolatum. Don’t use pressed powders or pancake or powder foundation, because they contain oil. And never cleanse with harsh soaps that will dry out your skin, because they don’t help clear up the acne, and you wind up using too much moisturizer to counteract the dryness.

Try over-the-counter acne products containing sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, all of which can help; but again, don’t overuse them, because they’ll dry you out. If your face doesn’t clear up in two to three months, see a dermatologist. For severe acne, Narins puts patients on Accutane, the only cure. (You cannot take it if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant; side effects, including depression, have been a recent concern.) Changing your diet won’t affect acne at all, Narins says, though it can be made worse by stress, heat, and humidity.

Bottom line: A couple of changes in your product regimen may be all it takes to eliminate breakouts, but it could be two to three months before you see a difference in your skin.

Want to cure acne naturally, go here.

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Clear Up Acne: 50% of Adult Women Get Acne – Why and What To Do?

Written by Kelsey Palmer on August 25, 2010 — Leave a Comment

These figures appear to be climbing. One thing is for certain: the psychological, social and physical effects of acne do not lessen as you age.

Trying to figure out why this is happening is not easy.

A 1999 study found that the mean age of patients who see a dermatologist to clear up acne had increased significantly during 10 years of research.

Average age went from 20.5 years to 26.5 years. This means of one of two things:  Either more adults are getting acne,  or more adults are seeking treatment for their acne.

While some recent studies have suggested that incidences of adult acne are increasing, others suggest that adults  (particularly women) are simply more concerned about their skin than they used to be.

Plain and simple, adult acne is one of the most widespread medical conditions in the world.
We’re talking billions of people, not just you (even though it can feel that way).

Talk to any dermatologist and you’ll learn that more physicians are viewing acne as a condition for all ages – not just for teens. So as you can see, you’re not alone.

The reality is your skin is unique and that means your susceptibility to acne is unique as well. Many of the reasons you get acne are beyond your control.

As with many conditions, your family genetics play a large part. So unless you’re doing something extreme like never washing your face, adult acne is not your fault.

What you eat, how much you exercise, and how often you wash your face and body have very little influence, believe it or not. That said, there are five main cause of adult acne. They are briefly listed here.

Cause #1: Hormones

Cause #2: Extra sebum

Cause #3: Follicle fallout

Cause #4: Bacteria

Cause #5: Inflammation

The best weapon you have to clear up acne as an adult is knowledge. So work with doctor and find out what works best for you. The fact is, adult acne is not curable, but it is highly treatable.

Learn what combination factors work best for you. Want to cure acne naturally? Visit our sister website here.

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Clear Up Acne: Famous NYC Dermatologist’s Advice On Skin

Written by Kelsey Palmer on August 19, 2010 — Leave a Comment

This article appeared in the May 2010 issue of “Marie Claire” magazine. It is a simple interview with Dr. David Colbert, a well known dermatologist and author of the “The High School Reunion Diet,” he recently helped actress Rachel Weisz with her complexion. Find out more about a holistic solution to clear up acne.

Here’s what Dr. Colbert had to say about some interesting topics regarding skin.

Clear up acne solution?

1. What’s your take on sun exposure and absorbing vitamin D? Is it wise to spend a little time in the sun without SPF?
A little exposure is okay with SPF — we all need some sun in small doses for vitamin D. That doesn’t mean to sunbathe, but rather a few rays that you get while you’re wearing SPF 15 or higher. They key is to never burn — and remember, tanning is the number-one ager of the skin!

2. What’s the food cure for dry skin, adult acne, oily skin?
Dry skin: Use olive oil in all your cooking.
Adult acne: Spinach and more foods with vitamin A.
Oily skin: Eat foods with vitamin A and avoid trans fats and concentrated sugars.

3. Does every sip of caffeine damage our skin? How much is okay?
Coffee is okay in moderation — it has great antioxidants. (Coffeeberry is in the new Colbert MD skincare line.) Drinking 2 to 3 cups a day is great for metabolism and our brains.

Want to cure acne naturally? Go to our sister site.

4. How bad is diet soda for our skin?
Diet soda is ALWAYS bad. It toys with our insulin levels and causes blood-sugar swings as well as bloating and sometimes acne.

5. Most surprising bad food for your skin?
Corn — in the form of high-fructose corn syrup. It’s in most prepared foods.

6. Most surprising good food for your skin?
Kale, Greek yogurt, almonds.

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Clear Up Acne: Exercise To Fight Acne? Yes It Works.

Written by Kelsey Palmer on August 8, 2010 — Leave a Comment
clear up acne by exercising

Want To Clear Up Acne?

Exercise is great for both your body and your skin. In fact, it gets your internal system working at peak power. Which, indeed, does actually help in your battle to clear up acne.

But if you find your acne becomes aggravated when you exercise, it isn’t the work out.
It is something you most likely put on your body.

Here are some great tips for avoiding acne without avoiding exercise:

1) Makeup: When exercising try to wear as little makeup as possible, or not at all. Even the oil-free stuff can clog your pores if worn during heavy workouts.

2) Sunscreen: Wearing sunscreen while working out in the outdoors (like jogging) is a great idea. Vitamin D that comes from the sun does wonders for your system. However, research shows that long sun exposure can lead to clogged pores and sun damage.  The answer: find oil-free sunscreen products that provide at least an SPF 15 protection
level from UVA and UVB rays.

3) Clothing: Avoid garments made of 100% lycra or nylon like the plague. Synthetic fabrics of any type can trap heat and moisture against your skin, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Always wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton or other natural fabrics (wool, hemp, etc.)

4) Equipment: Equipment actually isn’t the issue here; it’s how much friction it creates when you wear or use it. For example, if you wear a helmet,  make sure it fits snugly, not allowing for loose movement than can create friction. And regardless of what equipment you do use,
always make sure it’s clean and dry before putting it away. You may be done exercising, but bacteria has just started.

5) Moisture: Sweat is not your friend when it comes to acne. When you remove sweat off your body/face always blot. Never wipe as this can cause aggravation.  Make sure to use a clean towel.

6) Showering: As a rule, it’s best to wash immediately after you exercise with a medicated exfoliating cleanser. At the very least, take a shower. Remember to be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing harder does nothing but cause problems, including potentially more acne breakouts.

Want to cure acne naturally? Here’s my 3-day all natural clear up acne solution/

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Clear Up Acne: What To Eat and What To Avoid?

Written by Kelsey Palmer on July 31, 2010 — Leave a Comment

Does Diet Clear Up Acne?

As mentioned here before, acne comes about when androgens increase and overproduce keratin and sebum, resulting in clogged pores and skin infections.

A deficiency in Vitamin A also causes too much keratin while a diet rich in fried foods and saturated fat can lead to blocked pores.

So what do nutritionists recommend when trying to clear up acne? They suggest:

  • Vitamin A, zinc and vitamin C to fight infection,
  • Vitamin E to heal the wounds and prevent scarring,
  • Vitamin B3 (niacin) to flush unwanted toxins from the skin.

In order to keep skin soft, nutritionists recommend the so-called “essential fatty foods,” which also dissolves fatty deposits that block pores and repairs damaged skin. You may want to try blue-green algae, which provides chlorophyll that aids in cleansing the blood and delivers oxygen, which is critical because some bacteria cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Other important nutrients include vitamin B Complex, chromium, acidophilus and selenium.

Here are 5 other nutrition tips to fight acne:

1) A diet high in fiber keeps the colon clean and reduces toxicity

2) Vegetables and fruits are essential to any healthy diet

3) Zinc-rich foods like soybeans, pumpkin seeds and certain nuts are beneficial to the skin.

4) Drinking lots of water (1.5 liters daily, at least) leads to healthy skin. Drinking lots of alcohol, coffee, soft drinks and sugar-rich drinks leads to unhealthy skin.

5) Too much iodine (fish and table salt) can make acne worse. The same can be said for eating too many dairy products such as eggs, cheese, milk and the like.

Want to cure acne naturally?

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Clear Up Acne: Can You Ever Feel Good About Acne?

Written by Kelsey Palmer on July 22, 2010 — Leave a Comment
Hate looking in the mirror?

Looking for a solution to clear up acne?

My short answer is: maybe. You gotta understand that most skin problems are harmless. But some are, well, less than easy to deal with. You didn’t pick your parents…or your DNA. Yet those cards have been dealt.

The reality is that skin problems can really affect your inner thoughts. How can you fake confidence and strong self-esteem when you’re looking at a pimple here or a couple of blackheads there? According to discoveryhealth.com, this can become a much bigger problem that leads to worrying and stress and outright depression. This is no laughing matter.

Needless to say, your social and romantic life can be less than desirable. If your face or body has blemishes or zits and you feel really down and out, it might be a good idea to see your doctor or a dermatologist and talk about ways to cure acne naturally.

They will tell you that acne affects the majority of people sometime in their lives. You just have to find a way to feel not good, but okay with it.

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Clear Up Acne: 5 Things Your Skin Needs Every Day

Written by Kelsey Palmer on July 16, 2010 — Leave a Comment
Looking to clear up acne?

Looking for a clear up acne solution?

Take good care of your skin and you’ll find yourself smiling a whole lot more when you look in the mirror. That would be nice wouldn’t it? Okay so to clear up acne,  here’s what your skin needs every day according to a recent article at DiscoveryHealth.com to make sure that smile is on your face.

1) Cleansing…use a soap-free facial cleanser. Typical soap products are just too harsh for the sensitive skin on your face. Check with your doctor if you’re not sure. And massage your cleanser into your face for at least 20 seconds so it has a chance to do its job morning and night.

2) Water…we lose lots of water every day through breathing and sweating. To keep skin nice and hydrated, drink at least half a gallon of water a day (6-8 8-oz glasses).

3) Essential fatty acids…they keep your skin looking great. These are primarily omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in foods such as poultry, grains, cooking oils as well as cold-water fish, flaxseed, walnuts and spinach.

4) Sun protection…always use sunscreen when you’re outdoors…most “aged skin” is the result of sun-damaged skin…use an SPF greater than 15 and apply it 20 minutes prior to heading out. Reapply if you swim or sweat for any period of time.

5) Antioxidants…they fight “free-radical molecules” which can destroy skin cells. So load up on the two biggest antioxidants, vitamin C (whole grains, apples, citrus fruits) and Vitamin E (wheat germ oil, almonds and peanut butter).

Last but not least, keep on smiling. An acne free face is not that far ways.

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What Is Clear Up Acne Site?

For women, acne is one of the most psychologically depressing issues we face.

I personally have dealt with it as a teenager, young adult and now as a career woman.

The purpose of the Clear Up Acne Site is simple: to give women hope about finding a cure for their acne and to cut through all the BS and hype that surrounds it.

You will find current and timely information that answer your questions about whether diet and hormones play a role in your blemishes...

...do foods contribute to pimples and blackheads...what are triggering causes for an outbreak...and do any of
the natural and holistic cures really work.

Check back often as I will provide you with updated information from the most respected health care resources and blogs on the internet.

Here's to getting the clear, clean beautiful skin you deserve.

Also check out our sister site for more information:
See Site Now

 

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