Surprising predictions part 4

 Acne: things you didn't know

Acne isn’t something anyone wants to deal with, but it happens to almost everyone at some point in their lives. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t just grow out of it; adult acne actually affects 40 million people in the US alone and can start as early as your late teens or early 20s. So before you go into battle against the breakouts, check out these acne facts that may surprise you. You might be surprised by what you learn!

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Acne usually appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. When the plug forms, a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) starts to grow. This can cause inflammation and redness. It also causes acne pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and papules. 

A treatment plan will depend on the severity of your acne. Mild acne might just need some benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid while more severe cases might need oral antibiotics or isotretinoin pills. You should always see a dermatologist for diagnosis before starting any treatment regimen as it may be something other than acne that needs attention! For example, if you have lots of small bumps on your forehead, they might not be acne at all. They could be seborrheic dermatitis which is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the pores. It can happen anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles, but often appears on the scalp, eyebrows, behind ears, folds of the nose and around mouth. Treatment includes antifungal creams like ketoconazole or terbinafine. Oral antihistamines are used to relieve itching and reduce swelling. More severe cases may require prescription medication such as metronidazole tablets which come in 500mg doses every 12 hours for 7-14 days followed by 250mg doses every 12 hours for 4-6 weeks. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and loss of appetite. But this type of treatment only works for people who don't have stomach ulcers or liver disease. There are many factors to consider when deciding how to treat acne including age (children should use non-toxic products), pregnancy status (should avoid oral treatments), health conditions such as diabetes and asthma (should use milder products), whether you want pregnant women using the same product that you're using or not having a woman who's breastfeeding applying topicals on her breast area. 

It's important to consult your doctor before using any product containing clindamycin because it's been known to weaken bones in children under 18 years old. Retinoids, the most common form of acne treatment, work to unclog pores and stop cell growth. These are topical agents that you apply to your skin and should never be taken orally. Other topical agents for acne include sulfur, resorcinol, and salicylic acid. Dapsone lotion or gel is another option for those who suffer from moderate to severe acne that has not responded well to other treatments. One of the more controversial methods of fighting acne is Accutane (isotretinoin). This drug comes with a long list of potential side effects including birth defects so it must be taken only under close supervision from a dermatologist. Accutane is available by prescription and is usually reserved for severe cases of acne that have not responded to other treatment options. It's very effective in treating the skin condition, with more than 80% of patients experiencing a significant reduction in their acne after two months of treatment. The success rate drops significantly as time goes on, with about a third of patients who take it after six months still seeing good results. 

A dermatologist might also prescribe Accutane to be taken in conjunction with antibiotic therapy or isotretinoin pills. While Accutane can be expensive, sometimes insurance will cover part or all of the cost which is helpful if you don't have great coverage or if your acne doesn't respond to cheaper medications such as oral antibiotics or retinoids. Of course, there are other treatment options besides Accutane that might be less expensive. Some of these include azelaic acid, a natural cream that can be purchased without a prescription, and doxycycline pills which is used to help clear up the red spots associated with rosacea. Another possible treatment for rosacea is tetracycline pills. Topical antibiotics such as erythromycin ointment or lymecycline ointment are sometimes prescribed by dermatologists in order to fight acne in sensitive areas. If you have dry skin, you should use gentle cleansers and avoid harsh scrubs. For oily skin, you may want to try astringents that contain alcohol since they act as a drying agent and tightens pores. There are many OTC products available to treat acne at your local pharmacy but some require prescriptions. Prescription products often come with more serious warnings but they can provide better results and many people find them easier to tolerate. For example, benzoyl peroxide is one of the strongest topical treatments for acne and can cause irritation but it's useful in difficult-to-treat cases where other remedies fail. Acne may seem like an unsightly problem but most people find relief once they start taking care of their skin properly! Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Always wash your face twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Keep hair off your face, wear makeup that won't clog pores, and stay out of the sun. Consider consulting a dermatologist for professional advice!

The causes of acne

Acne is caused by a variety of factors, including hormones, stress, genetics, and inflammation. And while there are a number of myths out there about what does and doesn't cause acne, the truth is that it's still not entirely understood. However, we do know that excess oil production, clogged pores, and bacteria all play a role in the development of acne. Additionally, research has shown an association between stress levels and breakouts as well as diet-related acne. That said, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which foods are causing your skin problems because it can take weeks for an immune response to manifest as an inflammatory response on your skin. That means if you eat something with gluten today, you might not see any breakouts until two weeks later when the gluten starts wreaking havoc on your gut lining. So how do you tell which foods are causing your breakouts? Well, start by eliminating them from your diet one at a time. A food diary can help you keep track of everything you're eating so that it's easier to identify triggers when they're reintroduced into your routine. You should also try taking some probiotics or other digestive enzymes every day to restore balance in the gut and make sure you're getting enough water throughout the day so that toxins don't build up in your system. Lastly, be mindful of your skin care regimen. Picking, popping, or scratching pimples can lead to scarring and damage to healthy tissue - meaning you'll have more blemishes than ever before! Use gentle products designed for sensitive skin like derma e® Probiotic Cleansing Gel - Fragrance Free. It contains green tea extract (antioxidant), aloe vera (soothing), soy proteins (conditioning) plus Lactobacillus GG (probiotic). These ingredients help calm redness and dryness while preventing bacterial growth which could lead to future breakouts. Derma e's gentle cleanser will leave your skin feeling hydrated and ready to combat acne flare ups. For further protection, use our natural SPF moisturizer, containing sunscreen and soothing organic herbal extracts such as lavender. Not only will this product protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but it also helps minimize potential breakouts due to its calming properties. To treat existing acne and reduce irritation, apply our natural gel topically twice daily on problem areas. The gel is made with anti-inflammatory plant oils such as calendula which naturally soothe irritated skin cells and fight off infection without using harsh chemicals. Plus, it smells amazing! One thing to note is that while these topical treatments can help, it's important to be aware of your diet and lifestyle habits. If you're still having trouble with breakouts, talk to your dermatologist about prescription-strength options. 

It's easy to blame acne on the foods you're eating. But in reality, there are a lot of factors that go into the development of acne. All of these elements come together to create a perfect storm for breakouts so it can be tough to figure out which ones are causing your skin issues. 

That said, there are ways you can figure it out through trial and error and by talking with your dermatologist if necessary. When trying to figure out which foods are causing your breakouts, first eliminate the offending item from your diet and then work to reintroduce it. Record in a food diary which foods you've eaten so that you can determine which are triggering acne when you start adding them back into your diet. You can also take a probiotic or other digestive enzyme daily to help regulate the gut, drink plenty of water so that toxins don't build up in your body, and stay on top of your skin care regimen by avoiding picking or popping acne and always washing hands after touching breakouts. In the meantime, there are natural topical treatments such as our natural gel to help alleviate current breakouts as well as prevent new ones from occurring. Our ingredients include organic aloe vera leaf juice, organic arnica flower extract, chamomile flower extract, shea butter extract and vitamin E. These ingredients will not only get rid of existing pimples but will also provide protection against future breakouts by soothing irritated skin, moisturizing dry patches and regulating sebum production. And with the addition of witch hazel extract, we have created an oil-free product that is gentle enough for all skin types!

Breakouts affect everyone differently; some people just have better luck than others while others struggle more. With knowledge and diligence, however, breakouts can be manageable and even avoided altogether! For those who are curious about what may be causing their skin woes, here are some potential causes of acne.

1) Acne bacteria - While this bacteria isn't typically found on human skin, certain cosmetics and face washes can carry it onto the surface. More often than not, though, they travel up to the face from pores that were already harboring bacteria or follicles clogged with dead cells or dirt. Once they reach the surface they cause inflammation and swelling which can lead to redness and pus formation. 2) Excess sebum - Sebum is a naturally produced substance designed to protect our hair follicles and keep them moist so that hair growth doesn't stagnate. However, too much sebum can leave the skin feeling oily and make it easier for the acne bacteria to thrive. A buildup of excess sebum occurs when the gland producing the substance enlarges, slows down, becomes blocked or changes hormone levels.

3) Hormones - Hormones are another factor that play a role in the development of acne. People with high levels of testosterone tend to produce more male hormones called androgens which stimulates increased oil production and leads to breakouts. Women are less likely to experience this issue because their hormone levels fluctuate much less drastically over time. The most common culprits behind hormonal breakouts are birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, thyroid problems and adrenal problems like Cushing's syndrome.

The negative effects of acne

Acne can cause a lot more than just physical scars. The emotional and mental scars of acne can be just as bad, if not worse. Acne can cause low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It can make people feel isolated and alone. Acne can even lead to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with acne, please get help. There are many resources available to support you. You don't have to go through this alone. Whether it's your doctor, family members, friends, or even strangers on the internet; there are plenty of people who want to help you overcome this. You don't have to suffer any longer; there is hope! You don't have to suffer any longer; there is hope!

For years I've been dealing with what some would call mystery acne. My skin seemed perfect one day and then the next day, I had breakouts. Nothing I tried helped. I felt so hopeless when my pimples never went away. Finally after months of no change in my skin, I decided to visit a dermatologist for help and that decision has changed my life forever for the better. After testing my skin for signs of bacteria and inflammation, she prescribed me an antibiotic cream that would stop breakouts in their tracks while preventing future ones from occurring by keeping my pores clean. Since then, my skin has never looked better because all those nasty blemishes are gone at last! Even my sister noticed how much happier I was without acne, which made her start getting treatment too. Today we both share our experience with anyone who will listen so they can find out about the treatment that has given us both our lives back. We're living proof that you don't have to live with horrible acne anymore. We know how difficult it is but now you can end your suffering too and finally find relief like we did! So if you need more information, we'll be glad to answer any questions you may have. All you need to do is ask! My dermatologist told me that since I'm allergic to dairy, sugar, gluten, eggs, and nuts (and the list goes on), anything containing these ingredients will likely trigger an acne breakout. Luckily these days a lot of grocery stores sell pre-packaged food items labeled as dairy free, gluten free, egg free, etc., which makes finding foods without these ingredients really easy. These labels also come in handy when ordering food at restaurants. Most chain restaurants offer menu options with meals that are either dairy free, gluten free, or vegan. However, there are always healthy food choices on every menu so it shouldn't be hard to find something good for you. Just remember - some times you'll have to substitute certain ingredients in order to make them work for your diet restrictions. For example, instead of butter use coconut oil in baked goods and replace milk with almond milk or another non-dairy milk alternative such as soy milk. Remember: Substituting one ingredient doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or texture! It just means adjusting the recipe slightly so it works best for your needs. There are a few ways to know for sure that you have acne. One way is to notice changes in your skin, like bumps or redness, and you might be breaking out more often. Another way is to notice changes in your hair; it could be greasy or thick with product build-up. You might also notice that you're shedding a lot of hair or experiencing abnormal hair loss. This can happen as a result of hormonal changes due to puberty, periods, medications, stress, and the immune system attacking its own cells by mistake. Unfortunately there are a variety of reasons why we lose hair but these are just some potential causes. 

It is important to stay positive when battling acne because it can affect your mood and outlook on life. A negative attitude can be the difference between success and failure. Staying upbeat can actually have a positive effect on your skin. The same is true for self-care. You are worth it! When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, it's easier to think positively and get rid of that acne once and for all. This blog post has everything you need to know about acne so please read on!

How to treat it naturally

There are a few things you can do to help clear your skin and prevent breakouts. These include washing your face twice daily, using a gentle cleanser, and avoiding harsh chemicals. You can also try some natural home remedies, such as applying apple cider vinegar or green tea to your skin. If you're struggling with severe acne, you may need to seesee a dermatologist for treatment options. The most common treatments are oral medications or topical medication creams. Topical medication is applied directly to the affected area, while oral medications act on the entire body and treat both bacteria on the skin and inflammation of the sebaceous glands inside the hair follicles that produce oil. The type of treatment prescribed will depend on what's causing your acne (such as hormones) and how bad it is (does it cover more than half of your face). Treatment options may include antibiotics, steroids, isotretinoin (which works by reducing the production of skin cells), retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and laser therapy. Acne scars usually result from damage to the deeper layers of skin caused by inflammation and swelling. Dermatologists often recommend microdermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers, laser resurfacing or surgery in order to reduce the appearance of these scarsscars. Surgery is only considered if the patient has enough money and time to recover from surgery. Some people may not want any surgical procedure because they are scared of having scars or feeling self-conscious about their new look. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce these scars naturally without going under the knife. One way is by taking care of your skin through maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, moisturizing regularly and limiting sun exposure. It's also important to get good sleep habits so you don't have dark circles under your eyes which can be mistaken for acne marks when they aren't actually there. Other ways include avoiding picking at pimples, always wearing sunscreen when outdoors, and exfoliating regularly with an acne-fighting scrub. You should also avoid touching your face too much, getting rid of all makeup once you leave the house for the day, and never sleeping with makeup on. Finally, make sure to wash your hands before touching your face or picking at blemishes because this will lessen how much dirt and oils accumulate on your skin throughout the day. That being said, the best thing you can do to keep your skin healthy and clear is to use sun protection every single day. Not just during the summer, but every day of the year. UVA and UVB rays can cause serious skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. UVA rays are the main culprits behind your sunburns and premature aging (wrinkles, etc.), while UVB rays are the ones responsible for your burns. Whenever you go outside, wear a broad spectrum SPF of 30 or higher. You should also use one with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Applying sunscreen 20 minutes before heading out into the sun is best so it has a chance to fully soak into your skin. This is especially important for those with acne prone skin because it prevents you from damaging sensitive areas of your face (like around the nose). This will also help protect you against wrinkles! And don't forget to apply a moisturizer with SPF afterwards. Sunscreen should be applied to your face every day, rain or shine. A great moisturizer with SPF is Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sun Shield - Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, available at Target. It protects against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, plus it contains aloe vera and vitamins C and E for hydration and antioxidant benefits. You can also use a tinted moisturizer with SPF - like Ole Henriksen ’Sheer Transformation’ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 15, sold at Sephora - for less coverage on your skin but still protecting you from the sun. Nowadays, there are a lot of options for acne treatment and prevention available. However, it's important to remember that there is no perfect solution. Everyone has different skin and needs. For example, the best product for someone with oily skin might be very different from what would work for someone with dry skin. This is why talking to a dermatologist or pharmacist before you start using anything on your face is so important. They can give you personalized advice on what treatment would work best for your specific needs and skin type, or provide information on over-the-counter products that might be able to help as well.

How to identify the right treatment

If you're struggling with acne, you're not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. The good news is that there are a variety of treatments available that can help. But with so many options, how do you know which one is right for you? Here's a quick guide to help you identify the best acne treatment for your individual needs. The first step in identifying the best acne treatment for you is to determine what type of acne you have. There are four different types: blackheads, whiteheads, papules and pustules. You should also take note if it appears on your back or chest or both! Blackheads and whiteheads tend to appear on areas where you may naturally produce more oil such as the nose or forehead and may be more stubborn than other types of acne because they occur deeper in the pores where oils cannot reach them easily. Blackheads and whiteheads can be treated by deep cleansing with salicylic acid containing products followed by gentle exfoliation twice a week. For the less common case of cystic acne, consult your dermatologist immediately. Papules and pustules often result from bacterial infection caused by improper hygiene and usually respond well to topical medications like erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide. The final thing to consider when deciding on an acne treatment is whether or not you want it applied topically (to treat existing blemishes) or systemically (to clear skin from future breakouts). Systemic treatments are typically taken orally either once a day or every few days depending on severity and may include antibiotics like tetracycline, isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), spironolactone, etc.

Ways to prevent future breakouts

1. Keep your face clean. This seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Washing your face twice a day can help prevent breakouts.

2. Don't pick at your skin. It's tempting to pick at pimples, but resist the urge! Picking can cause scars and make breakouts worse.

3. Use an acne-fighting product. Look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can help prevent breakouts.

4. Be gentle with your skin. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard, as this can irritate your skin and make breakouts worse.

5. Keep your hair off your face. If you have long hair, keep it away from your face. Or wear a hat if necessary. Hair near the face can clog pores and lead to acne breakouts. 6. Consider shaving less often. If shaving is causing your breakouts, try cutting back on how often you shave your beard or armpits (and other body parts). Shaving might also be making existing acne worse by irritating the skin. 7. Get enough sleep every night (around 8 hours). Lack of sleep has been linked to higher levels of stress hormones in our bodies, which in turn have been linked to increased levels of acne breakouts.

8. Cut back on sugar consumption? Research suggests that eating a lot of sugar may play a role in worsening acne. 9. Stick to oil-free cosmetics. Read labels before buying makeup or skincare products, since some products contain oils that may worsen acne. 10) Reduce your intake of dairy foods. Dairy foods such as milk and cheese are high in fat content, which can increase inflammation - leading to more breakouts. 11) Talk to your doctor about prescriptions. Some people find prescription medications useful for preventing acne breakouts. A dermatologist can advise you on the best treatment options. 

12) Watch what you eat/drink (no caffeine!) 

13) Increase water intake; Drink plenty of water each day, which helps flush toxins out of your system and reduce skin irritation. 

14) Try not to touch your face so much; Acne usually occurs when people rub their faces too much, spreading bacteria around their faces without realizing it 

15) Limit contact with others who have acne; When they touch each other's faces, they're transferring bacteria that causes acne.