Up until the last century mankind only used natural bath and body products and it is only after the nineteenth century began that bath and beauty products that contain unnatural and synthetic ingredients have become so popular and are also being bought in big numbers. That is not to say however that these artificial bath and body products are in any way superior to natural bath and body products; however, they are cheaper and seem to, on the face of it, provide faster results. Read more

Quick Acne Tips 1: Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin; however, they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

Quick Acne Tips 2: If a non-electric razor is your choice, a single-edged blade is actually better. Why? Because double- and triple-edged blades grab hair follicles and pull them out from below the epidermis. And in the process, your skin “heals itself” by closing over these holes, making it difficult for future hair follicles to grow outward – creating inflammation in the tight areas.

Quick Acne Tips 3: Thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or soaked up into your pores.

Quick Acne Tips 4: Cosmetics – To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

Quick Acne Tips 5: More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.

Quick Acne Tips 6: Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during workouts; especially watch hair gels and mousses so that they don’t cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing fragrance and scented cosmetics, too, and opt for “hypo-allergenic” or “fragrance-free” versions where possible to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an ear is recommended).

If you are searching for solutions for your acne scars for a long time, dermabrasion is the perfect answer for removing your acne scars. Dermabrasion is an ablative surgery procedure, which physically abrades the epidermis and dermis of your skin in a controlled fashion using a fine wire brush or a diamond fraise.

Besides using the dermabrasion technique for your scars you can also go for it for removing your facial rhytids and for treating various other skin conditions troubling you. The ablation in a dermabrasion rejuvenates the skin by stimulating the production of new layers of skin.

As a surgery procedure dernabrasion needs a lot of care before and after. Preparing for dermabrasion surgery is as important as the actual surgery itself.

Preparing the skin before the procedure

Preparation for dermabrasion includes the application of ointments such as Retin-A to be applied to the area every night before going to bed.
In case you are prone to cold sores, the doctor may prescribe you a course of antiviral pills a few days before the dermabrasion surgery. You should not be taking Accutane for the past eighteen months, if you have so you will not be considered for the procedure. Similarly, dermabrasion cannot be performed for a minimum of 6 months, preferably up to 1 year, after taking oral isotretinoin. Its use needs to be stopped well before the surgery.

You need to tell your cosmetic surgeon about any herbal supplements that you may be taking as some of these supplements may interfere with anesthesia and cause problems during the surgery because of their blood thinning properties.
Even some over-the-counter vitamins can be hazardous to you, for example vitamin E, which reduces your body’s ability to clot blood. Similarly, you may have to discontinue the use of anti-depressants.

Just before the dermabrasion is performed for acne scars under anesthesia, your skin will be pretreated with an ice pack for 20 to 30 minutes and sprayed with the a liquid refrigerant. Most dermabrasion procedures for scar treatment are performed using local anesthesia with or without the sedative. Your cosmetic surgeon may also give you some medication.
As great care needs to be taken for dermabrasion before and after, a great degree of care is also needed while moving the diamond fraises or wire brushes and controlling the depth of the ablation.

Care after dermabrasion

Wrapping your skin with the bandage after the dermabrasion is an absolute priority. The dressing may need to be changed and sterile bandages and tape should be used every time. Your skin may start re-epithelializing after 5–7 days of proper post-operative dressings and care. Some residual erythema for up to 4 weeks is common which gradually subsides.

Risk and complication after the surgery can be avoided completely if you comply with pre- and post-operative medicines and meticulous wound care. A scab or crust forms over the treated area as it begins to heal. You face may itch as new skin starts to grow from beneath.

1.) Can you get (catch) acne from other people?

Answer: While certain types of acne do contain a bacterium, it is located in the hair follicles under your skin and can not be transmitted through contact. So no, touching or kissing someone with acne will not cause you to develop acne.

2.) If both my parents had acne does that mean I will develop acne?

Answer: Studies show that heredity does play an important role in determining who develops acne. So children of parents who had or have acne are at a grater risk then others. It should be noted that as with any disease just because you have a family history, does not guarantee you will get it; only that you have a much great chance then someone with no family history.

3.) Does eating or drinking certain foods cause acne?

Answer: Over the years studies have suggested everything from chocolate, candy, fried foods, sugar, drinking water, orange juice to milk can cause you to develop acne or make existing acne worse. However their is no scientific evidence to support any such results. There are so many factors effecting acne development that it is very difficult to isolate any one cause. So whether or not to avoid certain foods or drinks is really just an individual preference. If you find your skin reacts negatively to certain foods, then just don’t eat or drink it.

4.) Does dirt on my skin cause acne?

Answer: Having proper hygiene will help with healthy skin. However dirty skin will not cause acne, but anybody with acne should be extra vigilant in having a good cleansing routine. Over washing can irritate your skin and make it more vulnerable to infection. Washing with a gentle cleanser will help reduce skin cell build up and keep your skin looking at its best. So find a balance and try not to over wash.

5.) Does stress cause acne?

Answer: Stress has been shown to make acne worse, not directly cause it. So if you suffer from acne you should be aware of how you react under stress and develop ways to help manage and keep it under control. This will not only help with controlling your acne but also benefit your over all health.

6.) Can you develop acne once you are out of your teens?

Answer: The simple answer is yes. In fact many people who never experienced acne as a teen can develop it in their 30, 40, and 50’s.

7.) Does make up or sunscreen make acne worse?

Answer: Certain products that are overly greasy and thick can plug the skins follicles leading to the development of acne. Not all products affect everyone the same way, so while you many develop acne using one product someone else may not. If you are prone to acne you will need to be extra careful with what you put on your skin. Try to always use oil free products and also test a small amount on a patch of skin for a few days before using it all over.

8.) Will exercising affect my acne?

Answer: While it is still unclear why this happens, vigorous exercising that causes your body to heat up and sweat does seem to cause acne to get worse for certain people. One theory is that exercise increases the production of sebum, the oil that when to much is produced can lead to acne.

9.) Can a facial help with acne?

Answer: There is no easy way to answer this question. The term facial is used to describe everything from an over the counter product you buy from a drug store and do it yourself to something done at an expensive spa for hundreds of dollars. The bottom line is anything that might irritate your skin can make your acne worse.

10.) Why does my acne stop responding to my current treatment?

Answer: Acne medication, like all medications can become less effective over time as your body builds a resistance to them. It might be necessary to use acne treatment regiments on a rotational basis for optimum effectiveness.

Over the Counter Drugs
Q: I’ve tried a million over the counter products for acne and they work for a while and then they stop. I’ve tried oil-free cleansers, gels, cover-ups, and makeup – all of which claim they help acne-prone skin. But they’re not; what am I doing wrong?

A: You’re not doing anything wrong except wasting your money. The products you’re buying don’t work. Even though they are labeled oil-free, they really aren’t oil-free. All products with the exception of water, are oil-based. Just like in the foods you eat, there are good oils and bad oils. The products that you have been using are full of bad oils and are producing new acne, not helping it. Over the counter eye shadows and lipsticks are fine, but when it comes to make-up and cleansers, the stuff you’ve been buying just isn’t helping.

Q: What about all the acne soaps and astringents I use? I wash and scrub my face constantly, but I still break out. Why?

A: You can scrub all you want but it won’t make a difference. Acne forms inside your hair follicles which are below the surface. The same thing goes for drying-out your skin with alcohol or astringents. All this does is clean the top layer of your skin, but it doesn’t go inside the clogged hair follicles to clean them out. It’s important to realize that your pimples are forming beneath the top layers of your skin and that over the counter products can’t help you there. The Acne Treatment Clinic offers topical medications which go deep into the clogged hair follicles to clean them out and prevent new pimples from forming. Whether you suffer from severe acne or occasional breakouts, our products work quickly giving you positive results.

Q: I’ve tried just about everything for my skin. What do you put in your products that make
them so different?

A: It’s not what we put in them, it’s what we don’t put in them. Our products are formulated without adding oils to interfere with their effectiveness. The Acne Treatment Clinic has a safe, effective, and inexpensive skin care program that works. There are no side-effects, no sun-sensitivity, no pills, and no gimmicks.

Q: I’m very skeptical about new products, especially since everything I’ve used up till now hasn’t worked. What is your success rate? How long have you been in business and most of all, do you have any idea how I feel!?

A: I know these products work because I suffered from acne for 25 years. It destroyed my self-confidence, made me feel unattractive and was just plain ruining my life! After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley, I did some research, hired a chemist, and opened the Acne Treatment Clinic. We have been in Northern California for over ten years and have successfully treated over 5,000 men and women of all ages. When many of our graduating high school seniors went off to college, we started sending their products to them by mail. Word spread on campuses all across the state and country and soon we opened our mail order division. Now with the Internet, we are able to send our products all over the world. I must have the most rewarding job in the world, because I know exactly how it feels to have acne and know exactly how great it is to clear it up!

Q: Do all your clients use the same products?

A: No. Everyone’s skin is different. That’s why the Acne Treatment Clinic offers a variety of products, all formulated for specific skin types and problems. Many factors determine your treatment which is customized for you. That’s why we ask you to please fill out the questionnaire on the How to Order page so we can personally help you.

Q: Are chocolate and greasy foods really bad for my skin?

A: No! How could anyone live without chocolate or French fries?

Food
Q: Is there a connection between what I eat and my acne?

A: Yes, it helps to eat a well balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals with plenty of water. This is paramount to having a healthy body and a good complexion. Splurging on bad food once in awhile is no big thing, as long as you eat well most of the time. However, some people have that backwards. The stress you put on your body if you mistreat it by not eating right, smoking, doing drugs, over-doing the alcohol or caffeine is enough to aggravate even the most mild acne case.

Prescription Drugs
Q: Why don’t antibiotics work for acne?

A: Antibiotics work for getting rid of an infection, like strep throat. When it comes to treating acne, all topical and oral drugs are doing is temporarily killing the bacteria, which eventually become resistant to the antibiotic. A common practice is to prescribe the topical ointment, Retin-A® in conjunction with antibiotics. Unfortunately, many people experience redness and irritation which actually cause more pimples and blackheads to form. Because Retin-A® and antibiotics make your skin very sun-sensitive they are not practical for many acne sufferers. Another drug often prescribed for acne is Accutane®. This is just a temporary solution to your acne, but it’s not a long term and safe alternative to controlling your breakouts. And if not helping acne isn’t enough, some antibiotics also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Check with your doctor.

Q: What should I expect to see after using your products for a couple of months?

A:You will definitely look better. Your pimples will be smaller, go away faster, and you should have fewer of them. Our products will prevent new pimples from forming and will reduce the swelling and irritation on your skin from your breakouts. We stand behind our products, and if for any reason you are not happy with them we will refund your money. They get to the root of the problem and work. At the Acne Treatment Clinic our products are specially formulated for problem skin. That’s all we do – is treat your type of skin. We are specialists in acne and only acne.

Sun
Q: If the sun is so damaging to my skin, then why does it seem to clear up my acne?

A: It’s not helping clear up your acne at all. The “tan” look is just a temporary coloring that appears to hide your pimples. But when the tan goes away, the zits stay. Worse yet, the sun tans your scars darker and sets you up for a whole new crop of pimples! Sun damages your skin and that’s all there is to it.
True, you might look better and feel better with a tan, but what you’re doing is creating new pimples for three or four months down the road – that’s how long it takes for a pimple to form. It’s not a fluke that your skin looks worse in October when your summer time tan catches up with you. That’s why it is important to wear one of our specially formulated sunscreens to help prevent future breakouts.

Q: I try to remember and wear sunscreen, but every time I wear it my skin breaks out worse. What’s the story?

A: Good sunscreen is good, but bad sunscreen is bad. If you’re wearing acne aggravating sunscreen, then you’re not helping the situation. Most of the over the counter sunscreens you’ve probably been using are loaded with oils which clog your skin. This produces acne. The Acne Treatment Clinic only has non-acne aggravating sunscreens, that not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but don’t cause acne.
Remember that a sunscreen is JUST that: screen. You need to apply your sunscreen at least a half hour before sun exposure and re-apply it at least every two hours to receive the maximum protection. Also, it never hurts to wear a wide-brimmed hat or sit under a tree. Acne or not, the sun harms your skin.

Men Only
Q: I work out and sweat a lot. I always have pimples on my back but rarely on my face. How can I avoid them altogether?

A:Sweat aggravates acne, however, there are a few things you can do to minimize your breakouts. First of all, avoid sport drinks at all costs! Most sport drinks contain high amounts of iodine which has been shown to flare-up pimples when excreted through the skin in the form of sweat. Drinking lots of water during exercise helps minimize this problem. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing during your workout because believe it or not, friction makes pimples bigger. Last, but not the least, you must try to shower at least 1/2 hour after exercise using one of our cleansers for acne prone areas.

Q: After working out and showering, it feels like the soap didn’t cut the oil and sweat on my skin – especially on my back. Any suggestions?

A: The Acne Treatment Clinic’s medicated cleansers are perfect for the job. They are adequate for both the face and body and thoroughly clean your skin without leaving behind any slimy residue. Best of all, they’re not very expensive, last a long time, lather-up great, and really work.

Q:My skin seems to break out only where I shave.
Why, and what can I do to stop this?

A: If you are using a double edged razor, then STOP! Double edged blades cut the hair beneath the surface and cause trauma and subsequent breakouts. Try using a single-edged razor and shave in the direction of your hair growth. Also, you need to stop using your current shaving cream because it’s probably aggravating your skin. We’ve seen the best results when men switch to one of our foaming facial cleansers and use it as their shaving cream. Never put cologne or aftershave on areas where you frequently break out because these products contain oils which will aggravate your acne. It is also advisable to use topical medications on a daily basis to prevent future breakouts as well. The products we sell at the Acne Treatment Clinic can be worn during the day so you are treating your acne around the clock without anybody knowing it but you.

Q: I’m 34 years old, have 2 kids, 1 house, 1.3 dogs and 800 zits! I was always looking forward to trading in my pimples for wrinkles, but it’s starting to look like I’ll be stuck with both. Why?

A:Acne is a genetic skin problem and aging won’t get you out of this one. While it’s true that the older you get the flare-ups usually become less severe, they’re still unwanted and often embarrassing. Most acne sufferers go between times of flare-ups and clear skin their whole lives. Fortunately, the Acne Treatment Clinic has a safe, long-term treatment for controlling your acne. Sorry, we can’t do anything about controlling your kids!

Women
Q: Can anyone tell when I’m wearing your products?

A:No. All our products, with the exception of the masks, are invisible on your skin. We don’t expect you to stop your life so you can go home and treat your pimples.

Q: Why do I always break out about a week before my period? My pimples are large and hurt and seem to be located around my mouth and chin. Also, sometimes they pop up on my neck.

A: Hormones, hormones, hormones. It is very common to breakout along the lower half of your face and neck because of hormones. Regular periods and regular break-outs go hand in hand, however, if you’re having irregular periods, the imbalance of hormones could make your skin worse. Also, where acne is concerned, some birth control pills are less acne aggravating than others. The good news is that you can effectively control most premenstrual breakouts using Acne Treatment Clinic products. Diligent use of the topical medications 30 days every month, insures your skin stays clear every day of the month — even when you have your period.

Stress and Emotions
Q: When I’m stressed or burned out, my acne gets worse.
What does one thing have to do with the other?

A: Whether it’s from relationship problems, an unbalanced diet, lack of sleep, your job, or school pressures, stress aggravates acne. You may be able to control some stress, but unfortunately stress is a part of life. That’s why it’s important to have a skin care program that’s easy to use and helps to fight off stress-induced pimples.
Acne Treatment Clinic products are specially formulated to prevent pimples. So whether you’re stressed out or not, you are able to successfully control breakouts using our daily treatment plan.
Sleeping 8 hours a night, eating a well balanced diet, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water can immediately help reduce your stress level.
Getting close is simply out of the question when you feel bad about your skin.
We’ve all been there – we’re too embarrassed by our skin to want to leave the house – let alone have someone touch it. Now there is a way to control your breakouts so your breakouts don’t control you. The Acne Treatment Clinic was founded to help you get your confidence and your life back.
Nobody should feel bad about their skin and we are here to help you, regardless of your age, gender, or national origin. We offer a safe, affordable, long term solution for controlling your breakouts. And because we know the emotional roller coaster you’ve been on for years trying to find a solution, our products are fully guaranteed. For over 15 years we have successfully treated thousands and thousands of acne sufferers just like you.

Acne is basically a blockage in the pore which causes bacteria to be trapped and form either a whitehead or a blackhead. While there are many myths that point to diet as a cause of acne, these are unfounded. Junk foods and chocolate are not associated with acne. The reason people get acne is because of overactive oil glands or blockage of pores. Acne is a condition that afflicts both children and adults. It is, however, more prevalent in teenagers when hormones are at their most active. Heredity also plays a large part in who gets acne and how severe it may be. Those who are genetically inclined to acne will often get more severe cases than people who are simply going through a stress induced or hormone induced acne phase. They also may have a more difficult time clearing up blemishes. The blemish that occurs on the skin can be unsightly and embarrassing so prevention and treatment should be the focus.

The best form of treatment for acne is prevention as it is with any affliction. You should try to keep your hands away from your face because dirt and oils can contaminate pores. Proper health is also important. This means proper diet, exercise and sleep to reduce stress. Keeping your face clean using mild soap is also a good preventative. If you have an outbreak, there are home remedies, over the counter medications and prescription medications that can help. There are several topical creams and soaps that are used in the treatment of acne. These can be found in pharmacies and in the cosmetics department of grocery stores. Benzoyl peroxide creams, vitamin A and zinc are all used to help treat acne. For more severe cases a prescription oral antibiotic may be prescribed along with a topical cream that is stronger than the over the counter medications.

If you suffer from acne, then you are not alone. Every day, people try new acne medicine in the hopes that it will prove to be successful in ridding them of the redness, swelling and discomfort that goes along with the ailment.

The best way to correct this skin problem is to select an acne medicine that carries little or no side effects. Today, many conventional medicines carry side effects that are often worse than the ailment itself. When searching for an acne medicine, whether it be over the counter or prescription, make sure that you understand any potential side effects that may result from it’s use. It may be difficult to reason with an acne medicine designed to rid you of the discomfort and embarrassment of acne when it, itself, carries a possible side effect of irritation and/or a rash.

The best types of acne medicine will be those that are gentle to the skin and perhaps are even designed for sensitive skin. Always look for a product that is simple to use and understand. It should not promise instant results because, quite simply, there is no miracle cure for acne. There are, however, medications that are designed to treat the ailment. As is the case with any treatment, results will take time. When searching for the right acne medicine, look for one that promises realistic results in a realistic timeframe.

If you are seeing a dermatologist and are receiving prescriptions, make sure that your physician/dermatologist is aware of any current or past medical conditions. Certain illnesses, either past or present, may prevent you from being able to safely use some acne medicines. For instance, women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, children and the elderly must be very careful about the medications that they are prescribed or use via over the counter purchases.

A final thought to consider with acne medicine is, in some cases, the offer of a guarantee. This symbolizes a company’s belief in their product, which goes a long way in consumer trust. When you do use a product, make sure to use as directed and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines exactly.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding the use of acne medicine. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor or dermatologist for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.