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"It requires wisdom to understand wisdom: the music is nothing if the audience is deaf."

Walter Lippmann








 




 
Featured Acne Articles

Ihd - Beautiful Skin 101
Most women shy away from being called "too sensitive." But when the subject is kin, they're all too willing to wear the scarlet S. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, at least 40% of women believe they have sensitive skin, although most ...

Taking the pimples out of PMS
"Dammit!" shrieks Shelly. Gazing into the morning mirror, Shelly sizing up the latest addition to her face, an anticipated, though uninvited pimple loitering on her chin. "It's like freaking clockwork."Ironically, these pimples do arrive like clockwork ...

Top 10 Tips for Avoiding Acne
You're Not Alone. More than 80% of us will have acne at some point in our lives. Many people will continue to have acne as adults. There are several factors that play a role in acne such as genetics, hormones, stress and using synthetic skin care ...




Over-the-Counter Topical Medications For Acne
 
In the early stage of the ongoing war with acne, most people go to a pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter medication. There are so many treatments available for acne, that it can be a complicated decision. Advice from friends is not a reliable method for making a choice, because what worked for 1 person may not work for another. And advertising advice? Who trusts that?
You can make a more informed choice about which product to try just by knowing about the active ingredients in the various acne medications.
Benzoyl Peroxide
1 of the most popular ingredients in acne medications, benzoyl peroxide is available in gels and ointments. It kills the bacteria that causes pimples and helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells, when combined with sebum (oil), create blackheads and whiteheads. Dry skin is the only side effect, which can be minimized with less frequent application. It has a bleaching effect, so avoid hair and clothing when applying it.
Salicylic Acid
This is a popular acne ingredient which clears up dead skin cells that clog the pores. Continued use even after the skin has cleared up is necessary to avoid future acne outbreaks. Again, the side effect is dry, irritated skin.
Resorcinol
Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel, which removes the dead skin cells that clog pores. It is often combined with sulphur.
Sulphur
Because of a strong, unpleasant odor, sulphur is usually combined with other ingredients. How it works is unknown, but it's been used effectively for decades. Sulphur is often combined with salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. Products
Of all these ingredients, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be made into cleansing liquids, bars, gels, lotions and cream, all of which are applied directly to the skin. Cleansing products are usually used once or twice daily, with creams and lotions applied as needed. They are most effective when rubbed on the area surrounding the acne, as well as on the pimples themselves.
It's always a good idea to discuss acne with a doctor before self-treating with any of these medications. Even though acne is a fairly harmless condition, a doctor can often offer better suggestions and explain the best way to handle your condition based on your particular kind of acne.

About the Author
Visit Best Natural Acne Treatments to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, see Website
Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.



Acne News


More older women being afflicted with acne
TheNewsTribune.com
“I've got uneven skin that's also oily with constant blackheads and cystic acne bumps on my chin,” Wolter said. Her once-simple regimen now involves a complicated product list: face brush, acne cover-up, face mask, cortisone shots and prescription acne ...


Ask Dr. K: Identifying rosacea triggers helps lessen its impact
Greenville Daily Reflector
Dear Dr. K: I read your column on adult acne with great interest. For years, I thought I had adult acne, but when I finally saw a doctor, she diagnosed me with rosacea. I'd like to learn more about this condition. Dear Reader: Rosacea is a long-lasting ...
Ask ShahnazThe Hindu
Ask Dr. K: Knowing rosacea triggers lessens impactGoErie.com

all 3 news articles »

Seaweed-based face wash 'could banish bugs that trigger acne'
Newstrack India
Washington, May 20 (ANI): Seaweed-based face wash could be an effective cure for acne as researchers have claimed that that an active ingredient from brown seaweed can cut spots by nearly two thirds. A new clinical trial of treatments containing the ...


New York Times

When 'Younger' Skin Is Not a Blessing
New York Times
“I've got uneven skin that's also oily with constant blackheads and cystic acne bumps on my chin,” Ms. Wolter said. And her once-simple regimen now involves a complicated product list: face brush, acne cover-up, face mask, cortisone shots and ...

and more »

Daily Mail

How almost HALF of US women suffer from adult acne (but the good news is that ...
Daily Mail
By Kristie Lau Almost half of US woman aged between 21 and 30 suffer from clinical acne, a new study has showed. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that 45per cent of women in their 20s are seriously affected by pimples.

and more »