Saturday, July 24, 2010
Discover more acne tips, tricks and secrets
Lemon for Acne
A lot more people are using lemon for acne and this can actually help in most cases. Before you try any type of treatment you should consult a doctor and please disregard any treatments that contain ingredients you may be allergic to.
To use this you simply cut a lemon in half and then squeeze some of the juice into a cup or bowl and dilute with a little water. This can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you do not dilute it then it may cause a burning sensation or irritation. If you have diluted it and this occurs then you should rinse your face and dilute more. If the burning or irritation continues or worsens then you should discontinue use and see a doctor.
Lemon for acne is a natural cleanser and can help to kill the bacteria then causes acne. You can also leave this on your face and simply wash and then reapply as well. There is no limit to the time in which this may be used and it may help prevent acne as well.
Lemon for acne can be used as a daily treatment and may be used in combination with other treatments or cleansers as well. This mixtures should never be used the eyes or nears cuts as this may cause severe burning and irritation. If it does come into contact with these areas then flush with water immediately and see a doctor if you feel it is needed.
Keep in mind that pure lemon juice may be used but this is not recommended for those with sensitive skin. Instead, dilute the lemon juice with water until the you can tolerate it.
Please use these instructions for applying lemon for acne.
1. Clean your skin to remove oils, dirt and makeup.
2. Squeeze a small amount of lemon juice into a bowl. Don't squeeze too much at first. You can always squeeze some more if you run out. Don't dilute the lemon juice unless you find it uncomfortable, and then dilute it with water if necessary.
3. Dip a folded paper towel or a cotton ball into the lemon juice.
4. Apply the lemon juice liberally to to the areas you wish to treat, directly on pimples, whiteheads and blackheads.
5. If possible, leave the lemon juice on your skin. Apply makeup over it. You may wash the lemon juice off after ten minutes with cold water if you find it irritating or uncomfortable.
6. Repeat treatment daily for a period of two weeks and you should begin to see improvements.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Soda Acne
Did you know you can use a baking soda acne treatment for your skin? When combined with water it can open clogged pores and exfoliate your skin. it may also reduce redness and acne scars because it has a bleaching effect. Finally it may balance the pH levels of your skin. Best of all, you can find baking soda in your local grocery and it is cheap.
Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical name for baking soda. It is a salt. It is a white solid substance, but you are likely familiar with the granular powder found in most grocery stores. In fact, you probably have a box of it in your cupboard. It is used in cooking because it reacts and releases carbon dioxide. It is sometimes used in breads and confections like peanut brittle. The carbon dioxide bubbles cause the corn syrup mixture in peanut brittle to rise, making the substance break easily. Baking soda readily absorbs odors and is often used a deodorizer, especially in the refrigerators.
Baking Soda is a curious compound in that it is amphoteric. This means it neutralizes the pH levels of other substances. When mixed into a acidic solution, it behaves as base and reduces the acidity. Conversely, when added to basic solution, it behaves as a acid and balances the pH. This curious behavior is of particular importance when using a baking soda acne treatment. It will likely alter the pH of your skin. In some cases this may be helpful has a different pH may harm the acne bacteria. However, it could also cause the bacteria to flourish. Each persons skin and pH are unique, and therefore it is difficult to know if it is right for you.
A baking soda acne treatment consist of one part sodium bicarbonate combined with two parts water into a paste. The area to be treated is cleaned and washed. Then the paste is applied as a mask, gently rubbing the mixture into the skin for 20 seconds. Depending on personal taste, the mask can be left on for 2 to 20 minutes. It should never be applied for longer than 20 minutes. Last, wash the paste off the skin.
Unfortunately, the baking soda acne treatment may have a few side effects. One, it is gritty and difficult to wash off entirely. It may leave a gritty residue on your skin. Two, some people find it stings and irritatjavascript:void(0)es the skin. Three, the paste may create a mess when applied. Four, it may alter the pH of your skin.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Salicylic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide
Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective treatments for acne. Which one should you use? How do you decide to use salicylic acid vs benzoyl peroxide.
First, we must understand what causes acne. Acne results from a clogged pore, with a pore being a combined hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Poorly exfoliated dead skin cells are often the initial source of the clogging. A clog pore often becomes a fertile spot for bacteria, especially the propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The pore becomes filled with sebum from the gland. A completely clogged pore results in a whitehead where the light colored fluid can be seen just beneath the surface of the skin. A partially clog pore also contains sebum, but it comes in contact with the air, resulting in a dark color or blackheads. Eventually the immune system sends white blood cells to the source of the bacteria, and the result is called a pimple or a zit.
Which is better for treating your acne? Benzoyl peroxide treats acne by drying and exfoliating the surface of the skin, thus resulting in fewer clogged pores. This gives less refuge for the acne bacteria. In addition benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial and will kill acne bacteria outright.
Salicylic acids are able to penetrate into clogged pores, dislodging any dead skins cells and destroying the bacteria within. Salicylic acids have also been shown to shrink pores, thus reducing the likelihood of further breakouts. In addition, it can dry the skin and help exfoliate the dead skin cells.
Discover if either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is the correct treatment for your acne. Choosing the proper treatment for your condition is first step toward a new you.
First, we must understand what causes acne. Acne results from a clogged pore, with a pore being a combined hair follicle and sebaceous gland. Poorly exfoliated dead skin cells are often the initial source of the clogging. A clog pore often becomes a fertile spot for bacteria, especially the propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The pore becomes filled with sebum from the gland. A completely clogged pore results in a whitehead where the light colored fluid can be seen just beneath the surface of the skin. A partially clog pore also contains sebum, but it comes in contact with the air, resulting in a dark color or blackheads. Eventually the immune system sends white blood cells to the source of the bacteria, and the result is called a pimple or a zit.
Which is better for treating your acne? Benzoyl peroxide treats acne by drying and exfoliating the surface of the skin, thus resulting in fewer clogged pores. This gives less refuge for the acne bacteria. In addition benzoyl peroxide is an antimicrobial and will kill acne bacteria outright.
Salicylic acids are able to penetrate into clogged pores, dislodging any dead skins cells and destroying the bacteria within. Salicylic acids have also been shown to shrink pores, thus reducing the likelihood of further breakouts. In addition, it can dry the skin and help exfoliate the dead skin cells.
Discover if either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is the correct treatment for your acne. Choosing the proper treatment for your condition is first step toward a new you.
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