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Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup for Acne Prone Skin : Part II

This is part II of the article about what ingredients to avoid if you have acne prone skin that is already oily and needs no help introducing dirt and bacteria to the pores and causing yet more breakouts and flare ups to occur.

Have you ever heard of isopropyl myristate? If you haven’t heard of it commit it to memory now. This is a harsh chemical used in make up of many kinds and is another ingredient bad for acne. Several chemicals related to this one include myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, putty stearate, and octyl palmitate.

You want to avoid these in your acne cleansers and other topical products you use on your face to help beautify your skin. This is why I recommend natural acne cleansers. Chemicals like this can actually make blackheads worse and can really make your skin redder and more irritated, which is what you want to reverse when you have acne prone skin.

These are pore clogging and penetrating chemicals that can really aggravate acne. They are used to help the make up apply more smoothly. Very thoughtful of them to want our acne to be covered up nice and smooth!

Mineral oil is another ingredient you want to be careful with. Whether it’s an ingredient in your make up or you’re using it by itself it can be pore clogging as well. Mineral oil is tricky due to the fact it makes your skin feel smooth thus you believe your skin is hydrated.

In fact, mineral oil actually forms a layer over your skin trapping moisture in and works well for some people, those who aren’t prone to acne. People who are prone to acne though may find it aggravates it as it does not let any air get to your skin to dry out the acne.  You want anti inflammatory products for your skin, not products that cause back up and inflammation in the pores.

So if you are prone to acne, mineral oil by itself and as an ingredient is something you want to stay away from. Remember just because it smooth does not necessarily mean it’s hydrating.

These are some of the most common ingredients bad for acne that are found in cosmetics and skin care products. There are many more ingredients out there that are actually pore clogging and may aggravate your acne but these are your top ones.

Remember, stop looking for certain phrases as mentioned above and pay attention to the products you by and what their ingredients are instead. You may find certain ingredients work better for you than others. I then suggest making a list of the bad ingredients and adding to it as you discover more that may be specific to you.

You can take this list any time you go shopping or plan on picking up any skin care products. By avoiding these ingredients you should see a clearer smoother complexion!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hey all Acnemag readers! Happy Valentines Day!  Hopefully you have some fun plans with your main squeeze that involves good food, good times and maybe even a cocktail or two along with some romance. Or heck, if your single, a pint of Ben and Jerrys and a great movie sounds just as good as well!

It’s that day again. Some people complain that it’s just a Hallmark holiday, but I actually don’t mind this one.  The one I do think is pointless is Sweetest Day. That one comes and goes and my husband don’t even realize it because we pretty much completely ignore it. What with birthdays and the other holidays, who has time to keep up with it all and comemorate each holiday as it should be?

Not me!  So, I wanted to thank you all, and tell you that you are all MY Valentines. I appreciate each and every one of you and I hope you’ll continue to share your stories, comments and readership with me in the ensuing years in this great year 2012. 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!

Makeup Ingredients to Avoid for Acne Prone Skin : Part I

This is part one of a two part article that I wanted to share on something that is very important to those of us that have acne prone skin and pores that are especially prone to getting clogged with acne causing bacteria and other debris that causes the pores to inflame and acne to flare up.

There are a lot of ingredients in makeup that we should avoid. You may be used to looking for terms such as “oil free” and “hypoallergenic” in your make up products but I’m here to tell you the key is in the ingredients.  You may also be interested in our post on the teen whose acne makeup application video went viral quickly as well.

There are several ingredients bad for acne and we are going to examine some of the ones found most commonly in cosmetics. When buying make up or cosmetics of any kind stop looking for key phrases and start examining the ingredients. This is the only way to ensure you’re not buying products that have ingredients bad for acne.

One of the top ingredients bad for acne are some types of lanolins. Lanolin is simply oil from sheep’s wool and in it’s natural form is alright to use. You will find lanolin in many cosmetics but what you want to avoid are the lanolins that aren’t pure.

If the ingredients read etoxylated lanolin or acetylated lanolin you want to avoid it. These can clog your pores and aggravate acne because they are so sticky and thick in consistency, not allowing the skin to breathe, and ultimately causing potential problems with plugged pores.

Synthetic lanolins can be even more pore clogging as well. So essentially if you see these types of lanolins listed as some of the main ingredients in the cosmetics avoid it!

You may be surprised to learn that red dyes have actually been shown to aggravate acne. That of course is going to include most of your blushes and rouges. You should try to avoid red dyes if you can and instead look for the ingredient carmine. This is can give your blush or rouge the red or pink color you desire without aggravating your acne.

More to come on bad ingredients for acne prone skin and what you should avoid like the plague when it comes to your makeup collection – and skin care collection for acne products like acne skin cleansers, lotions, moisturizers, foundations and more.

Specific Vitamins for Skin Health and Clarity

There are several vitamins that can help you achieve lasting clarity and prevent acne breakouts.  They should of course be consumed in the foods in your diet that are skin friendly instead of in a pill where possible, but it never hurts to supplement with these vitamins to be sure you are getting enough in your daily intake.  Especially if, like vitamin C, they are water soluble and do not build up in the system or become toxic.

Vitamin C is bought the most in order to assist in the prevention of skin damage caused by overexposure to the sun. This is especially true in the summer season as people tend to be outside in the sun more often than any other time of the year.

Vitamin C can build a barrier between the sun’s dangerous rays and the skin which other wise could lead to skin cancer when taken orally, but it is also a fabulous skin healer when used topically.  Skin cancer does not discriminate against any age group.  Therefore, people are finding that there are other methods in order to improve skin health vitamins that are also on the market.

Along with the super antioxidant skin vitamin C being used to protect the skin from being damaged there is vitamin A that can be taken to repair the skin’s tissue. Though vitamin C helps to prevent skin damage if there is any type of damage that was done by the sun having vitamin A in your system will increase the amount of time your body will take to rejuvenate the skin cells.

It is important to remember that even though there are vitamins on the market to improve skin health each person should still take precautions to not over expose their skin to the sun. Most people do try to protect their skin year-round from the sun’s rays. However, since it is not always possible to avoid the sun completely there are vitamins that also assist in improving skin health.

There is vitamin B that is a great resource not only for the rejuvenation of skin, but it also improves hair and nails. Vitamin B is additionally known to help the body relieve stress, which affects the growth of everything in the body.

One of the best vitamins taken that people who have been over exposed to the sun and as a result have blemishes is vitamin D. This vitamin is helpful in maintaining clear the skin and making it appear brighter.  It is primarily made by the body by getting sun exposure, so it is wise to at least get some sun or supplement with this vitamin every day, without over exposing yourself of course, using natural sunscreen where possible instead of the chemical loaded stuff.

Herbs to Help You Get Clear Skin

There are so many different herbs out there that can get you beautiful clear skin, but you have a choice in how those herbs are delivered to your skin – whether transdermally (using topical skin care products), or orally (using supplements). These herbs can be found various types of creams, or even like I mentioned before, supplements that help clear acne.

Herbs for clear skin include turmeric which is really good for getting rid of the bacteria that makes blemishes form in the first place. It provides your skin with an antiseptic and antibiotic as well. It helps to eliminate redness, soreness, and pimples.

Another herbal remedy that you can try for clear skin is red clover. It helps to reform hormonal imbalances in the body that may be causing your breakouts in the first place. It also helps to promote a much healthier looking complexion so that a person can feel a lot better about their face and skin.

Sarsaparilla is yet another herb that promotes clear skin. This is not only good for acne, but a variety of different skin conditions. It can be purchased in both topical and oral solutions, which ever you prefer. This is a product that is also known for getting your liver clean and clearing up skin issues.

When it comes to finding herbs, you just need to make sure that do enough of your own research to see which one you may want to try. Most of these herbs work at different levels and some take more time than others to actually start producing any results. Your body is going to have to get used to them. You can also try burdock, because this special herb works in getting your blood purified, and creates a way to detoxify the body. One of the results that you will achieve from this herb is the prevention that skin blemishes would form.

You may also want to consider trying tea tree. This is mostly used in the oil format, so you will have to apply it to your skin and blemishes as directed on the bottle. This is a very powerful astrignent for those who are suffering from major skin issues or acne problems.

Tea tree oil has healing/antiseptic purposes to help keep any bacteria at its lowest and this is one of my favorite ingredients in natural acne skin cleansers and soaps. These herbs can be found at various health and vitamin stores if you are interested in trying them out.

Types of Lasers Used for Acne and Scarring

Hey folks, this is round two of our “types of lasers used for acne and scarring”.  We’re going over a couple of the types of lasers that are commonly used to both help treat acne itself, and to help clean up after the war zone of scars that acne inevitably often leaves behind. 

What really sucks about having acne and acne scarring is that you are never rid of it even after the initial flare up is over.  Many people cope by hiding and wearing long sleeves, or wearing a pound of makeup.  You can go and talk to your doctor today about acne laser scarring removal – consultations are usually free.

Maybe you are someone who wishes you only had acne scars to deal with, and you no longer have to worry about adult acne either – this is the perfect time to ask about laser scar removal since there is no more “active acne” on your skin.  We talked about fraxel lasers and er YAG lasers last time.  Now we talk about pulsed dye lasers.

With the wide array of acne laser treatments that can help treat or reduce it or acne laser removal if it is just too overwhelming for you, and your ready to get rid of it you have many options.  As discussed previously there are various types of lasers for acne, and only your doctor will know what is best for you but you do want to have an idea of what you are looking for.  Some are a little more invasive than you may want, if you think treating it is the right route you will want to look into more on acne laser treatments.

These acne laser treatments can even help prevent further acne, so that way you do not have to worry about a zit popping up on that special occasion you have coming up. If you do not have extremely bad acne but acne that is still quite obnoxious and gets in the way than the acne laser treatment is probably what is best for you.

However, if you are someone who deals with sever acne that causes you great emotional distress or maybe just makes you so self conscious that you do not like to go out that much than it is probably time to look into acne laser removal.

This can be a painful process but it will probably be best so that way you can be done with it. Now this can take more than one time depending on how bad your acne is, and as with any other product results do vary on the individual.

Another type of laser that was tested was the pulsed-dye laser, which was shown to have great results compared to other lasers. These are primarily used for scarring that is hard to get rid of using any other kind of treatment.

It is often used in treating keloid (raised) types of scars as well, and can even reduce post-surgical scarring.  It has also been used to help patients with rosacea and acne rosacea to lessen the redness that occurs from enlarged and inflamed vessels in the face.

Types of Lasers Used for Acne and Scarring Part I

Acne is something that is supposed to be something you deal with adolescence and then it goes away. However, for many people that is not the case, they deal with it in adult hood, and it is not just unattractive but in many cases it can be quite painful, depending on the severity.

Several years ago you probably did not have many options, however, now there are many different types of treatment the most popular and successful is acne laser treatments. You even have different types of lasers for acne depending on the type of acne.

You no longer have to live in shame or pain; you have the freedom of a pain free life with acne laser removal. Now you need to know what type of acne you have so that you can find the right treatment for you.

If you dealt with bad acne as an adolescent and now just have scars you want to look into acne laser scarring removal, this is the best way to safely remove the scars. Acne laser scarring removal can be a bit of an enduring process.  Some people may have to go back a few times while others may only need to go once depending on the depth of the damage the acne or acne scarring has caused and on the person’s skin type. 

There are different types of lasers for acne and you will need to speak to your doctor about what is best for you, a laser that goes by the name of  Er:YAG (erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) is said to have a more mild set of side effects than the CO2 laser treatment. Another type of up and coming laser that is used to both  fight acne and reduce the appearance of acne scarring is the fractional laser. 

The fractional laser is a great way to get sections of the face done without the extensive down time that can result from other more penetrating lasers.  It may produce less impressive results than the Er: YAG, but also may reduce the pain and trauma that go with lasers that go much deeper beneath the surface of the layers of skin that comprise your face.

Acne laser scarring removal may seem daunting now but it is a great way to be free from something you have struggled with your whole life if you have deep acne scars and have some money to spend on getting them to be as invisible as possible.

Jeans Named After Acne?

So I was doing an internet search recently and came across this company that is named Acne that apparently makes jeans.  Interesting, I’m sitting here wondering if they intentionally named it that, or if it is a foreign-domiciled company that perhaps pronounces the word differently.

It just looks funny if you’re an American and you see jeans that are named after one of the most dreaded and pervasive skin conditions in the world.  I could imagine it may be pronounced say “Ac-Nay” or something like that. Does anyone know anything about this clothing company?

I’m having a strange obsession with this for some reason!  I looked at the jeans and they look to be higher end and more on the edgy level too – lots of skinny jeans and stuff you’d see real hipsters wearing. 

Interesting!

Types of Acne Cysts : Part II

Here is part II of our special series on the types of acne cysts and general kinds of acne that can invade one’s skin, no matter what age you are.  We started with a generally large description of the acne skin condition in general, as well as mild acne, which is typically just a light scatter of bumps on the chin and forehead. Now let’s get into a little more depth on the topic.

Hormonal Acne

Teenagers usually experience this type of condition although increasingly more adults are as well – this is not exclusive to men or women, both can get it at any age and typically it is exacerbated by stress and diet.  It can be contributed to the increased production of hormones and usually is also mild. During puberty the oil glands activate from hormonal stimulation. Dead skin cells clog the pores, blocking the skin openings. Clogged pores cause a build- up of oil under the skin.

Bacteria feed off the oil and multiply causing the surrounding tissue to inflame. A papule of inflammation then forms on the skin. Severe cases of hormonal skin conditions it may be necessary to seek treatment from a dermatologist. Treatment for severe cases can include oral antibiotics.

Severe Acne Vulgaris

Severe Vulgaris is a condition caused by over-active oil glands. This condition can occur in teenagers or young adults. The overproduced oil gathers under the skin. This oil can cause inflammations throughout several layers of skin. Treatment by a dermatologist is necessary and can include oral and/or topical medications. Dermabrasion is the removal of scar tissue by laser and chemical peels are also a typical treatment.

Cystic

Cystic types of inflammation occur when the oil duct becomes clogged or infected by bacteria. Cystic inflammations are most common in teenagers. Steroids or antibiotics may be necessary for the worst cases. Extreme cases of cystic skin inflammations are also known to cause permanent scarring.

Boils

Boils are caused by clogged sweat glands that become infected. Boils start as red, tender areas and become firm or hard. The center softens as the boil is filled with pus. The pus forms a head and will eventually spontaneously drain.

Boils should be treated as soon as possible by applying a heat compress to the infected area. For smaller boils treatment can be done at home. Larger boils are extremely painful and lancing, or surgically opening and draining is usually necessary.

Types of Acne Cysts : 2 Parter

Hey guys, this is going to be a two parter, because it simply cannot fit all in one without boring the reader (or maybe it’s just me that has the attention span of a gnat).  At any rate, I wanted to share with your this educational piece about the various types of acne cysts and generally, the types of acne that can occur on the skin.

It is likely that you may have experienced one or all of them if you are reading this blog, so it should be good reading material if not to reinforce what you already know, then to educate you a little more on WHY these types of acne typically occur in so many people today.

Let’s start with the foundation of what all acne is for a general overview of what acne stems from in general. 

Acne – A General Overview

Acne is a disease of the hair follicles, usually located on the face, chest and back. Congested pores also known as a whitehead or a blackhead, tender red bumps known as pimples or zits, pustules and occasionally cysts or boils appear. Whitehead and blackhead are also known as comedos. A whitehead is an open comedo.

The hair follicle dilates with skin debris, oil and bacteria and has an obstructed opening to the skin. A whitehead may rupture and cause a low-grade skin inflammatory reaction. A blackhead, like a whitehead is a dilated hair follicle full of skin debris, oil and bacteria. A blackhead has a wider opening to the skin and has been capped with a blackened mass of skin debris.

After an inflammation forms the body sends white blood cells to fight the infection. The liquid combination of oil, skin debris, bacteria and infection fighting white blood cells become pus. A papule is a small, solid round bump rising from the skin and is basically a pimple or zit before the pus forms.

A pustule is a papule that has a collection of pus in the center of infected area and is on the top layer or two of the skin. A pimple is an infected papule that is deeper than two dermal layers. Several types of inflammation can occur and are the result of different types of conditions.

Mild Acne

The most common form of these types of breakouts is mild and appears in most males and females. Mild breakouts are usually in the form of pustules, papules and comedos and can be hormonal. Treatment includes using an over the counter topical cream. It is not usually necessary to seek medical treatment. Further breakouts can be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene, cleaning the face and hands often with antibacterial soap and avoiding pore clogging skin irritants like cosmetics.