Continues research is resulting in dermatologists knowing more about acne every day. However, a number of myths is still out there. Clearing up these myths, separating misunderstandings from facts, is the aim of this post.
Myth #1: Acne is not a serious problem, as it only affects appearance.
Acne, on the surface, seems to only affect the appearance. However, the fact is that it can also cause deep psychological distress. In young adults, going through the tough time of puberty, a severe case can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of depression. Severe acne leading to social withdrawal is more than common.
Myth #2: People suffering form acne is themselves at fault, since it is caused by poor hygiene.
Lack of cleanliness is not what causes acne outbreaks. It is the combination of oil and dead cells which provokes the condition, since this is located beneath the skin’s surface, it is impossible to clean. In fact, too much hygiene can worsen the situation, since scrubbing might irritate the skin. Instead, gentle cleansing with soap and water once or twice daily, is recommended, as it will keep your skin as healthy as possible.
Myth #3: Specific foods cause acne.
Studies, generally, show no scientific evidence that this persistent myth is true. Some studies indicate that milk and foods high in iodine, such as seafood, can aggravate, but by no means cause, the condition. This is a far cry from the chocolate, potato chips, and fast food, that people typically avoid to prevent pimples.
Myth #4: There is no cure for acne, it simply needs to run its course.
This is far from true. A number of acne treatments exist, both over-the-counter and stronger medicines from a dermatologist, depending on the severity of your condition. For more, read the posts on Removing Acne and Acne Remedies.
Myth #5: To treat acne, take as much medication as possible!
It is a common mistake, to believe worsening acne should be treated just by using more medicine. This is horrible idea, for a number of reasons. Acne medication can be dangerous in large quantities, it might cause resistance, making treatment even more difficult, and, finally, excess use of acne ointments might further irritate the skin.
Myth #6: Getting a tan is good for acne.
Since exposure to the sun dries out excess oils, it can improve acne in the short-term. However, long-term, the skin adapts, neutralizing the beneficial effects. Now, only the negative side-effects remain, such as damage to the skin and increased risk of skin cancer.
Myth #7: Using makeup causes acne.
Using the wrong makeup products can clog the pores, which is bad for your skin. Look for cosmetics labeled “noncomedogenic” or “nonacnegenic”, these should be safe to use. Some brands contain ingredients that actually treats acne.
Myth #8: Acne affects only teenagers.
While most teens have acne, many adults do as well. Typically, acne clears up in the early 20s. But it is not unheard of to experience severe acne as late as in the 40s. Some people endure acne flare-ups their entire lives.
Myth #9: Acne and sex is related.
There is no evidence that either celibacy or too much sex cause pimples. A link between sexual activity and hormone production does exist, but the relationship between sex and the production the oily substance, which combines with dead skin cells causes acne, is not known.
Myth #10: To get rid of pimples, you should pop them.
This is bad advice. Popping pimples can spread the bacteria causing it, and can also lead to scarring, leaving an unfortunate permanent reminder of your acne.
Hopefully, this post cleared up a few misunderstandings regarding this frustrating, but treatable condition.
Tags: Acne, Acne Myths, Acne Remedies, Acne Treatment
Excessive sweating can cause a number of serious problems for those who suffer from it, which is why finding effective treatment is paramount. What are these problems? Besides the uncomfortable feeling of moist and the stale smell, it can cause embarrassment, even making the sufferer retreat from social activities. Luckily, a number of effective treatments are available.
Before you read further in this article on how to stop excessive sweating, you should know that the treatments listed here are intended for people suffering from very severe sweating. A medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. If your case is milder, it is recommended first to try the advice on how to sweat less and how to stop armpit sweat.
Hyperhidrosis Treatment
First of all, let’s make it clear that hyperhidrosis is a medical condition, entailing that you should consult your doctor about the problem. Finding information yourself is always a good idea, but it can in no way replace the experience and qualifications provided by a trained professional.
The treatment your doctor will recommend, depends on how severe your condition is and whether it is located in specific areas.
Mild to Severe Cases
A mild and generally safe treatment, that can be done at home, is iontophoresis. Trouble areas, such as hands, feet, or armpits, are submerged under water, where a battery-powered device delivers mild electrical currents. The treatment last about half an hour and should, at first, be performed daily for a couple of weeks, thereafter followed by less frequent maintenance treatments. The desired result is temporarily blocking the sweat glands.
For mild to severe cases, you might be prescribed aluminum chloride, also known as prescription antiperspirant. It should be applied at night to the areas of your body that are most problematic. Keep in mind that this is not a regular, relatively harmless, deodorant, but rather strong solutions that can possibly cause itchy, irritated, red, and swollen skin. In an attempt to prevent these side effects, wash off the medication in the morning.
If your sweating problems are not located in one specific area, but cover your entire body, prescription antiperspirant treatment is obviously not practical. In this case you might be prescribed anticholinergic drugs, such as Rubinul or Robinul Forte. Anticholinergic drugs block the actions of a chemical messenger, known as acetylcholine, that stimulates the sweat glands. Improvement in your condition is typically noticeable after about two weeks. Be aware, however, that these drugs can have a number of side effects. These include mild ones, such as dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, urinary retention, loss of taste, dizziness, and confusion. If you experience serious side effects, such as trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, diarrhea, or rash/hives, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Severe to Very Severe Cases
Severe cases of hyperhidrosis are sometimes treated with botox injections. These injections, mostly known for their ability to smooth out skin, can also block the nerves that trigger sweating. It is, however, not a solution without its problems. First of all, the effect of the injections only lasts about four months. Secondly, it can require multiple injections, and, importantly, these injections can be quite painful.
Finally, for very severe and rare cases, surgery is performed to stop hyperhidrosis. If the sweating is concentrated in one area, removing the sweat glands may get rid of the problem. This solution is usually chosen for very severe cases of armpit sweat. If you suffer from excessively sweaty hands, a procedure, consisting of cutting the nerves that carries the messages to the sweat glands, might cure the condition. While it is a delicate procedure, it only requires one day in the hospital and produce minimal scarring. Again, there are problems with this procedure as well. As with all surgery, there is a risk of complications, while it might be small, it should not be forgotten. Secondly, sometimes the procedure might increase sweating in other areas of your body, often on your back or the back of your legs.
The First Step: Consult Your Doctor
Remember that the first step towards a life less plagued by sweat, is to consult your doctor. It is the most important thing to know about how to stop excessive sweating. Your doctor will access your situation, provide treatment, and, finally, evaluate the result, possibly suggesting additional treatment.
Tags: Excessive Sweating Treatment, How to Stop Excessive Sweating, Hyperhidrosis
Hard and fast rules in today’s fashion world are hard to come by. Velvet is no longer a fabric only to be worn at special, dressy occasions; while a velvet skirt might be at its most useful during colder months, if done right, it can be worn all year.
Dark, Rich Colors
The most popular colors are black or, daringly, rich colors such as deep cherry and chocolaty brown. When wearing the skirt, pair it with a contrasting color.
Most colors will go well with a black skirt, just don’t wear head to toe black. For a skirt in a rich color, it will be more challenging to find a match, you might be forced to experiment a little until you find something that fits. As a starting point, try something in off-white.
Pair with Light Fabrics
Since velvet is a heavy fabric, try to pair it with something light to keep things looking young and avoid a “mumsy”-look. Silk, chiffon, and light cottons, are all fabrics that could work. The top could be layered, frilly, and/or have puffy lace sleeves. Finally, if you need something to keep warm, wear a short, fashionable cardigan.
What to Wear for a Casual Look
If you are going for a casual look, try to combine your skirt with denim and leather items. For example, for a somewhat unorthodox look, wear a leather bomber jacket and a light top with your velvet skirt. Cute!
Avoid Wearing Solely Velvet
Most importantly, avoid wearing nothing but velvet. I imagine few would actually do this, but felt it should be mentioned just in case. If you feel you need to match the skirt with another velvet item, do it through a small discrete detail, an example could be a velvet trimmed purse or shoes. Generally, you will want to wear relatively toned down accessories with a velvet skirt. It adds, by itself, quite a bit of pizazz, so no more is needed!
Finally, I leave you with a few links for inspiration:
Olive velvet skirt, loose cream top.
Velvet skirt, green blouse with lace, and velvet shoes.
Dark velvet skirt, v-neck, beret!
I hope you found this useful. Cheers!
Tags: Skirts, Velvet skirt
Mild cases of acne can often be controlled by simple acne remedies, such as skin care, natural alternative treatments, and self help techniques. For more severe cases requiring treatment, see the article on removing acne.
Basic Skin Care as an Acne Remedy
Use a gentle cleanser when washing areas of your skin with acne. A common mistake is to use products that are too harsh, these will tend to irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Stay away from facial scrubs, astringents, and masks. Don’t overdo washing and scrubbing your skin, this might seem counterintuitive, but you need to let your skin rest. It should be kept clean, but “rested”.
If you have problems with acne on your forehead or around your hairline, make sure your hair is not greasy. Shampoo it often. In the case of acne on the forehead, some find it beneficial to cut the bangs shorter.
You can find relatively mild over the counter topical acne creams, if basic skin care doesn’t do the trick, these will help you dry excess oil in the skin and speed up skin peeling.
Try to avoid overly greasy products getting in contact with your skin. When choosing cosmetics, hair products, sunscreens, etc., look for products marked “water-based”.
Natural and Alternative Acne Remedies
Natural acne remedies include tea tree oil, zinc, guggul, and brewer’s yeast.
Tea tree oil can be found as an active ingredient in over the counter creams. It is generally a mild remedy, but can cause some skin irritation. Zinc, guggul, and brewer’s yeast can be found as supplements. These remedies might help, but should be used in combination with the general advice; they are unlikely to do much by themselves, except in the mildest of cases.
Remember that because a substance is natural, does not mean it can’t have side effects. Before taking supplements and alternative medicine, be sure you consult your doctor.
Be Careful with what Touches Your Face and Your Skin
Sweat, oil, and dirt on your skin will make acne worse. Keep your hair short and clean and try to break the habit of letting your face rest on your hands.
Tight clothes or clothes made of materials that won’t let your skin breathe, will make you sweat. In general try to follow advice that will make you sweat less and prevent armpit sweat.
Don’t Squeeze your Pimples
Picking and squeezing your pimples will irritate the skin, making the condition worse. It can also cause infection and make acne scarring worse.
When Acne Remedies aren’t Enough
In some cases acne remedies are not sufficient to get the acne under control. If this is the case, make sure you consult your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. Effective acne treatment is available for all cases of acne.
Tags: Acne Remedies, Acne Skin Care, Removing Acne
Enormous strides have been taken in acne treatment during the last decade; it is now possible to find an appropriate way to get rid of acne no matter the severity of the condition. Here, the different options will be explained, but let’s make it very clear, the best start you can get, when it comes to removing acne, is to consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Appropriate Treatment Depends on Severity
The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Often the optimal treatment is a combination of the medications mentioned. In order of severity, the most common acne treatments are:
- Over the counter topical acne creams (very mild cases)
- Prescription topical acne creams (mild to severe cases)
- Oral antibiotic acne treatment (mild to severe cases)
- Accutane treatment (very severe cases)
Over the Counter Acne Treatments
For mild acne an appropriate treatment might be over the counter creams. A number of these exist; generally, they work by drying up oil in the skin, killing bacteria, and speeding up the process of discarding dead skin cells. In addition to treating cases of mild acne, the creams are sometimes used in combination with more evasive treatments.
When you start out using the creams you might experience side effects, including dry skin and general irritation of the skin. In the majority of cases, these adverse effects subside after about a month of treatment.
Prescription Acne Creams
If the case of acne is more severe, your doctor or dermatologist might prescribe a stronger topical cream. Typically, the cream prescribed will be one with the active ingredient derived from vitamin A. Additionally, topical antibiotic creams are available. Sometimes these two variations of prescription acne creams are used in combination.
Vitamin A creams work by unplugging hair follicles and speeding up skin cell turnover. Antibiotic creams work by killing bacteria.
The possible side effects of prescription creams are similar to those of over the counter creams, but are more severe. You might start to feel your skin stinging and/or burning, severe redness and sensitivity to touching has been reported, and even skin peeling. To reduce the adverse side effects it is often recommended to slowly increase the dose, for example by washing off the cream a while after application, and slowly increase how long the cream stays on.
Antibiotics as an Acne Treatment
When removing acne by cream alone is not possible, your doctor might prescribe a temporary antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics combat inflammation and bacteria. However, prolonged use can result in antibiotics resistance. When your condition starts to improve, your doctor will, therefore, start reducing the dose. Oral antibiotic treatment is most effective in combination with topical creams.
Possible side effects include upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and discoloration of your skin. When using oral antibiotics, you should be careful with exposure to the sun, as your skin will be more sensitive.
Accutane Treatment for Very Severe Acne Cases
The surest and most effective way to remove acne is by accutane treatment. It is, however, a very powerful drug with severe side effects. Therefore, it is reserved for extreme cases of acne that remains non-responsive to the treatments mentioned above.
During accutane treatment the patient remains under close supervision by the dermatologist. The patient will be subject to frequent blood tests to make sure no damage is done to the liver or other organs. The treatment is also suspected of causing emotional problems, if you feel especially sad or depressed during the treatment, immediately tell your dermatologist.
Common side effects of accutane treatment include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, and skin. The drug can also cause itching, nosebleeds, muscle aches, and increased sun-sensitivity. Rare side effects include an increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood, triglyceride levels, and liver enzyme levels.
Treatment can not take place during pregnancy, alcohol consumption should be kept to a minimum, and care should be taken when exposed to sun light.
Removing Acne is a Gradual Process
Unfortunately, getting rid of acne is not done overnight. When suffering from this frustrating condition it is crucial to arm yourself with patience; effective treatment is available, but it will usually, depending on the severity, take a couple of months to see significant results.
Consult your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible, and you will see that removing acne is, indeed, possible.
Tags: Acne Creams, Acne Treatment, Removing Acne