A blackhead (medically known as an open comedo - Medical dictionary - definition of blackhead/open comedo , plural comedones ) is a yellowish or blackish bump or plug on the skin.

A disease of turkeys caused by the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis. Also called histomoniasis or infectious enterohepatitis.

Toothpaste is good also (for some people). Put only a little bit before you good to sleep. Some people use this as a mask but don’t do it! It can change your skin tone and make your face discolored. Aloe vera helps scars lighten and less noticeable. Use the gel or the real thing. Try to buy a cleanser that works for you, and when you wash your face, open your pores with hot water (not to hot, or it will dry out your skin) and massage it gently into your skin. the use cold water at the end to close you pores. The smaller your pores are, the less likely you’re prone to pimples.

Cleanse your face with unboiled milk, gently rub a coarse cloth dipped in milk to remove the blackheads. Steam your face with herbs like lavender, lemon peel and mint leaves added to the water and let the skin soak up its goodness.

Cut back on your sugar intake. It will cause breaks outs. Don’t drink to many cola’s or eat too many sweets. Also cut back on your intake of fat. Like in chips and so forth.

Try pore strips - they work well for some people - use right after shower or bath so pores are open. Uuse a clean washcloth, scrub, or just your fingers to wash face every time. Eat a ‘clean’ diet - lean protein, low fat dairy, whole grain cereal and bread, lots of fruit and vegetables. No fried, fast, or junk food - even diet junk food. Drink 1/2 gallon of water a day.

Use creams containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids) like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells and “expose” the blackhead. Use the AHA’s every 3 days or so.

Exfoliate the blackhead prone area 3-4 times a week using facial exfoliators and scrubs. Avoid washing the face with soaps more than twice a day. Instead wash your face often with plain water splashes. Use a good exfoliant then while your face is still warm , take an extractor and get them all out. After that just besure to wash your face everynight before you go to bed and you should be 100% black head free!

A paste made out of cornstarch and water is great–it dries out zits and the very slight graininess of the starch will exfoliate your skin when you wash it off. Use it as a mask–apply and keep on until it turns completely white.

Best treatment is to cleanse and tone. Don’t scrub your fash but wash with exfoliating cream/soap. Don’t use hot water - but warm water. Blackheads caused by dirt/oil getting into pores.

Cut papaya in 1 inch chunks. Blend/mash 2 or 3 chunks and store the wrest in the freezer. Apply the blended/mashed papaya and leave on face for 10-20 min. Use 2 or 3x a week. The papaya may tingle but that just means that the papaya is working and it is breaking down dead skin cells to give that lovely glow and since it breaks down the dead skin it clears out the pores and in turn they shrink.

Follow these steps then you will see that you're years back younger.

1. Smile Often
Do away with frowning, it is not only pointless but it also causes ugly frown lines.

2. Opt for Tea
There a lot of tea variants that offers various health benefits. Chamomile for example has natural soothing properties that help relieve tension and stress. Best taken at bed time.

3. Use Sunscreen
Make it a habit to wear sun protection factor (SPF) cream or moisturizer and all exposed areas of your body. Long exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can speed up aging.

4. Cut Down on Alcohol
Too much alcohol can dry up your skin and make you look haggard and old. It causes wrinkles too.

5. Eat Right
Load up on vegetables and fruits, beef, chicken, eggs, and milk. These contain natural vitamins that make your skin healthy and give you a youthful glow.

6. Quit Smoking
Smoking is bad for the heart and lungs. It also causes pucker marks around the mouth and squint lines around the eyes that grow deeper with age.

7. Get Enough sleep
Damages on your skin cells are repaired at night when you are asleep. An adult needs about eight hours of sleep everyday. It is also advisable to sleep on your back to avoid getting sleep lines on your face.

8. Practice a Skincare Routine
Cleansing, moisturizing, and toning are basic skin regimen that every woman should practice. They may just be simple skincare routines but the benefits to your skin are countless.

Half the problem of getting the right style and preventing damage is the type of hairbrush you use. Most damage happens when the hair is wet, and if you detangle with a steel comb, you are probably making most of the damage yourself. Do you have curly hair and no matter how your straighten it, you always have a wave?

Here are some Hair-Brush Solutions:

* When combing wet hair use a big tooth come and detangle your hair from end to root. Try not to touch the root at all.

* For short hair use a Paddington brush with soft protective bristles as you shape and blow dry your hair to your sought after look.

* If you need to tease your hair for a little height, use a pick.

* For medium length straight hair, use a Paddle Brush with soft protective bristles to help you comb out and blow dry your hair.

* For medium length wavy bobs use extra large round brush to blow out the kinks and curls.

* For longhair past your shoulders use a thick, loose toothed brushed or a big round ceramic brush to help you blow dry you long hair straight. Flip the ends out if you want to be a little sassy with the same brush, creating two looks.

Look good, feel better!

Like a good many people I have been the victim of acne vulgaris (what an appropriate name) the medical term for pimples. It has made me aggravated, made me cry, and made me angry. Thousands of people each year are afflicted by it, and it makes recluses out of a good many teenagers.

It is caused when your pores get clogged and the fatty material made by the sebaceous gland accumulates, and a "bump" appears under the skin-or perhaps a whitehead or a blackhead (a comedone). Blackheads are not caused by dirt but by the discoloring effect of air on the fatty material in the clogged pore. If this substance becomes infected a pimple results.

As anyone can tell you the worst thing to do is to push or "pop" a pimple. Because this will not only cause more, but can result in life long scars. No matter what you see on TV or a friend tells you, don't pop a pimple. I know, I made the mistake and I'm still regretting it.

But not too long ago I discovered a way to lessen the intensity of my outbreaks, although it stops short of completely curing them.

I totally avoid grain products, most especially bread, corn, cereal, and other pastries, (also potatoes) and to still get all my vitamins I add wheat germ and brewer's yeast to yogurt or milk and fruit. Brewer's yeast does take time to acquire a taste to however, and can be found at most if not all Health food stores.

Regardless how much we try to hide it from the world, our skin always will show exactly what type of life that we live. It will show our habits, how often we exercise, the foods we eat, and whether or not we sleep enough. Eventually, everything that we do will be disclosed in the condition of your skin. While these effects may not show in your early youth, at some point you are going to have to stop ignoring them and start living a healthier life. Here are some basic steps to follow to keep your skin young and firm.

Moisturize your face daily – No matter what you have going on, take the time to add moisture to your skin. This twice daily habit is usually done first thing in the morning as well as right before bed. Do not stop just at moisturizing cream. Make sure that you drink at least 64 oz of water every day. Many people think that they are done moisturizing their skin once they apply their cream. This is not the case. You must drink plenty of water each day to ensure your skin has the appropriate moisture content it needs to remain healthy and firm.

Use spf – Many of us like to look tan and spend time out at the pool. Taking care of you face does not mean that has to end. It does, however, mean that you have to take precautions. You may be aware that 15 minutes of sun every day provides you with a healthy portion of Vitamin D, which is fantastic for your skin. But limiting your skin to only 15 minutes is the part that most of us struggle with. That is where protection comes in. SPF allows you to avoid the damaging UV rays and still get that glow of tanned skin. Most of us use sunscreen in an attempt to avoid dangerous skin conditions, but rarely are concerned about the rapid acceleration of the aging process also caused by UV rays.

Exercise daily – Regular workouts are an essential part of keeping yourself healthy. By increasing your blood flow you are also giving your face and neck the necessary oxygen to keep your skin looking young and refreshed. Aside from the increased energy you will feel in all aspects of your life, this healthy regement will give your skin the elasticity it had during your youth.

Try a contrasting shower – This rarely known approach is fantastic for stimulating skin elasticity. This is how you do it. When you are in the shower, before you get out, begin to alternate hot and cold rinses. Rinse yourself under only cold water for 5 minutes and then under hot water for 5 minutes. Repeat. By doing this you are causing your skin to expand and contract, therefore stimulating elasticity.

Dieting and nutrition – This is a very difficult aspect of many people to maintain in control of. The binge dieters out there, you are making it very difficult for your skin to remain healthy. While you are dieting to ultimately enhance your appearance, you are putting your skin through a harmful experience. Avoid rapid weight loss. Your skin will not shrink as quickly as you might think, and therefore you may leave yourself with loose skin, which without proper nutrients will cause wrinkles. On the opposite end of the spectrum, watch your refined carbohydrates and fats. If you prefer fast food to a home cooked meal, be sure to enhance your diet with the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your skin looking healthy. Better yet, try to cook at home more often if you schedule permits.

These basic tips will help you reduce the damage you are putting your skin through on a regular basis. By eliminating self inflicted damage and being more aware of the repercussions caused by our actions, we stand to benefit tremendously. Remember, your face is a direct reflection of the life you live. If you have lived at all like me, now sounds like a pretty good time to start taking care of it.

Each one of us is different, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the acne skin care products that work for each of us. Acne can be an upsetting condition, and finding a product that makes a real difference to the quality of our skin can be a slow process of trial and error. But while each of us will react differently to different acne skin care products, experiencing different levels of improvement in our skin, it can be heartening to hear of acne products that have worked for others. So if you are drowning in an overwhelming sea of different choices, here are some suggestions to get you started from some of the top acne products rated by real acne sufferers.

There are two main types of acne product - oral medication, such as Accutane, or the contraceptive pill that tackle the problem from the inside, and topical solutions that work on the surface of your skin, such as various facial cleanser products. The latter are usually your first line of defence with acne, and there are many great acne products around that can make a real difference to the quality of your skin. Some of the products available can be overly astringent, which can dry your skin excessively, in turn causing the production of more of the sebum that causes spots, so using a milder product is wise, at least to start with. Many of the top acne products contain either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which can be very effective in the treatment of acne, so look for acne skin care products that contain one of these ingredients.

Acne sufferers who have experienced dramatic improvement in their skin recommend the use of a good facial cleanser product as the first step in their skin care routine. Sufferers found improvement when using products such as Avon's O2 cleanser, Clinique's acne skin care range, Paula's Choice products, Aveeno and Mary Kay's Timewise or Velocity ranges. Individual blemishes respond well to topical solutions that can be used after facial cleansers, such as blemish sticks. Some sufferers also suggest the use of facemasks or peels, which can help remove impurities from your skin.

The wide variety of acne skin care products available today can be your tool in the fight against acne. You don't have to suffer anymore - you just have to find the one that works for you.

The best way I can answer this question is by giving my own first hand account. Like many teenagers I developed acne during puberty. Between the ages of 16 and 17 it was at its all time worst. I had blemishes on my face, chest, shoulders, and lower back. During my early twenties the acne on my face subsided, but I was still very embarrassed to take my shirt off.

The first acne treatment I tried were some of the popular over the counter products: Clearasil and Neutrogena. After they failed I went to a dermatologist. She prescribed Differin and Tetracycline. Differin is a cream you put on your blemishes and Tetracycline is a pill that supposed to fight your acne internally.

Six months later neither helped and in fact I think they made my acne worse. Not to mention the awful side effects that came with Differin. It tried my skin out to the point where it constantly itched.

Sometime later I saw the Proactiv Solution infomercial on TV. At first, I was skeptical about ordering it. I had tried a couple of infomercial products in the past and was disappointed with the results, but I had tried everything else so I gave it a go.

Seven months later I was virtually acne free. Proactiv does work and it doesn't come with all those side effects associated with many prescription medications.

Acne's not a big issue health wise, but psychologically it can be devastating. At one point I became embarrassed to go out in public and as a result became antisocial. If your acne makes you feel self conscious, give Proactiv a try. The self-confidence you get back easily pays for the cost many times over.

Mental Attitude

Acne is an expression of toxins in the body that are not being released through normal channels of elimination, so they come out through the skin. Since mental attitude and thoughts cannot be separate from the body, thoughts and feelings are also being expressed as acne.

Negative thoughts and feelings produce chemicals that are toxic acids. Just like toxic acids created in the colon, the toxic thoughts need to be eliminated through the 5 elimination channels

Acne can be an expression suppressed past traumatic experiences. As a child, when you were exposed to experiences that overwhelm you - constant mental, physical, or sexually abuse, you suppress them. So now as an adult, as your defense system weakens, you're not able to completely suppress this information, so it becomes expressed as acne or other skin disorders. Of course, these suppressed experiences can be expressed as other diseases.

Acne can also be related to the emotion of fear or anxiety. It can also be an expression of holding onto old junkie or unpleasant memories. It's a way of holding on to and burying the junkie or toxic memory into your face. It is these memories that are trying to surface and, in an usual way, asking you to face them. Many times, you and other people may not want to remember them or deal with them.

To deal with them requires a lot of strength and help from a psychotherapist.

Stomach Acid

Your stomach uses Hydrochloric acid (HCl) to break down protein. It also has many other functions,

* Kills pathogens and microbes and prevents them from getting into the colon and blood
* Controls the adsorption of B12
* Controls the adsorption of iron calcium zinc, copper, magnesium and most B-complex vitamins
* Controls the adsorption of vitamin C
* Created indigestion
* Prevents constipation

When you have low levels of HCl chances are that you will be susceptible to getting acne. HCl can be increased by using a digestive enzyme that contains HCl.

Pancreatic Digestive Enzymes

When the food you eat passes the stomach and enters the small intestine, the pancreas releases digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to help complete the digestive process.

The bicarbonate helps to reduce the acid strength in the food coming from the stomach. The digestive enzymes digest carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

When the pancreas loses its efficiency and starts to release less digestive enzymes, less food is properly digested. This results in more undigested food reaching the colon. When this happens, the undigested food, if it stays to long in the colon, becomes a source for rotting matter and toxic material. This toxic material can get into your blood and cause skin disruption such as acne.

A healthy pancreas, which provides the necessary digestive juices to digest the food you eat, is needed for healthy skin and for eliminating acne and other skin sores and eruptions.

When you have acne or other skin diseases, they are created when there is an in-balance in your body and that includes many different organs and body processes and systems - your thoughts, digestion, liver, kidney, lymphatic system, lungs, and pancreas.

Eating and drinking vegetables is necessary for good health and for keeping your skin free from acne. Most people don't eat enough vegetables and seldom drink their juices. Here is a list of vegetables and their juices that you need to eat and drink daily to help eliminate your acne.

Vegetable juices

Vegetable juices are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream. As a result, your cells are quickly provided with nutrients that feed them and that wash away waste. Vegetable juices give you the opportunity to get quick relief from various body conditions such as acne, skin disorders, and constipation.

Eating and drinking vegetables provide you with minerals and nutrients that build your blood, tissue, bones, and cells. It is minerals that build every part of your body. It is minerals that keep your body's pH at the required level. It is minerals that keep your body alkaline by neutralizing body acids. Concentrate on putting minerals into your body by eating and drinking plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Carrot apple juice

Drink carrot juice every day. I like drinking carrot juice mixed with apple juice. My stomach can handle this combination better.

Carrot juice contains many vitamins and minerals. It is high in beta-carotene. Carrot juice will enhance your skins health and help you eliminate acne.

Carrot, spinach, and apple juice

A combination of carrot, spinach and apple juice is a powerful drink for cleaning the colon, relieving constipation and improving your skin conditions.

To make this drink, juice 3-4 carrots and a bunch of spinach. Then add juiced apples to make this drink more drinkable.

Vegetables

The word phytochemicals is used frequent here. Phytochemicals are all of the chemicals that exist in vegetables and fruits. There are so many phytochemicals that scientists have yet to investigate and learn about all of them.

Here are the vegetables that you should be eating the most of, so you can support the cleansing of your face and eliminating acne.

* Carrots - contain a rich source of vitamin A-like carotenoids. These phytochemicals have been shown to enhance the health of skin and repair it when it is damaged.

* Cabbage - helps to detoxify the body of harmful chemicals from the air and food additives.

* Celery - helps to reduce nervous tension. It contains many minerals that help to neutralize body acid waste and is high in fiber

* Cucumber - helps to reduce acne problems because it is high in silicon and sulfur. It is also a diuretic which helps flow more water through the kidney to clean out your blood

* Broccoli - is rich in beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which is good for the skin

* Garlic - is a natural antibiotic and will help relieve skin bacterial infections

* Green pepper - The nutrients in green peppers are good for liver health and constipation. Its minerals are good for neutralizing acid waste.

* Radishes - help to digest your food. Good digestion is necessary to avoid constipation and to keep the liver and pancreas strongSprouts - provide plenty of vitamins and minerals, which help to reduce body acids

* Watercress - helps to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies at the skin surface. It provides Vitamin A, B1, B2, C, iron, manganese, copper, and calcium.

Look this list of vegetable over, make a list of them, and head for your favorite store, or farmers market. Concentrate in eating and drinking these natural products and you will see results in your health and a decrease in your skin disorders.

Acne scars can often be the final reminder of a bad time in the life of a person's skin. Though acne is one of the most common skin disorders, most former patients feel no need to display their scars like war wounds from a hard won battle, and once sufferers have achieved the clear skin they have longed for so long, they move swiftly into a new fight - how to remove, or at least lessen, their acne scars.

Just as there are different types of acne, there are also different types of acne scar. While the painful cyst type acne usually leaves scarring of some kind, some former patients find themselves with minimal damage after suffering with this type of the condition, while others who have had more superficial blemishes find that they scar badly. Scars are caused by both the build-up of excess tissue and by the loss of tissue due to acne, and the type of treatment that is appropriate will vary from patient to patient. But medical advances have led to a number of new developments, which means that there is even an effective treatment for deep acne scars available.

Most types of the skin condition leave indented acne scars, which are difficult to conceal using makeup. Thankfully, there are available treatments for these deep acne scars, which can even out the appearance of the skin. Chemical peels can be used for shallower acne scars, while dermabrasion can penetrate the skin at a deeper level. One of the most recent developments in this field is the use of laser treatment for acne scars, which uses the energy of a laser to penetrate the skin and improve its appearance. Different types of laser have different healing properties - a consultation with a dermatologist will help determine which laser treatment for acne scars will have the best effects on your skin.

Scars, particularly acne facial scars, can be a daily reminder of a time you are very glad to see the back of, but thankfully there are treatments available to help you achieve the skin you deserve. Make an appointment with a dermatologist and find out how you can say good bye to those acne scars for good.

Each of us has got a dream to have beautiful white teeth and wants to know how to whiten them. Not all of us feel a sudden urge to visit the dentist immediately. There are some rules for whitening your teeth that can be followed at home and condition of your teeth will improve.

Although the color of our teeth is genetically-induced the stains may appear as a result of several factors, smoking, drinking tea or coffee. The best option is to visit the specialist but there are also several ideas you can implement at home.

1. Whitening toothpaste - they manage to remove the outer layer of your discoloration, they won’t help for permanent stains.

2. Whitening straps - they are used for around a week, the results last for around a month. All you have to do is to apply the straps with a gel into your teeth.

3. Or the cheapest method - strawberries combined with baking soda manage to whiten stains from coffee, red wine, smoking or dark drinks.

You don't have to spend a fortune on supplements when food provides all the nutrients you need to have clear skin. Herbs and supplements that provide support for clean skin typically offer the following benefits:

Boost the immune system
Enhance stress management
Cleanse the blood and liver, and
Aid in skin repair

A well-chosen diet can prove just as advantageous as supplements and herbs.

*Foods that boost the immune system

-Vitamin C
Oranges, grapefruits, papaya, green peppers, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli

-Vitamin E
Almonds, sunflowers seeds

-Zinc
Wheat germ, black-eyed peas, lean beef, crab, oysters

*Foods that enhance stress management

-Vitamin B6
Legumes, whole grains, chicken, pork, bananas

*Foods that cleanse the blood and liver

-Garlic, onions, turmeric, cayenne pepper, aloe vera juice, watermelon

-Bulk-producing foods
Oatmeal, apples, oranges, bran cereals

*Foods that aid in skin repair

-Protein
Nonfat dairy, beans, meat, poultry, fish, nuts

-Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Sardines, herring, salmon, tuna, walnuts

-Selenium
Onion, garlic

Although herbs and dietary supplements offer a broad spectrum of benefits to the skin, it's no fun looking fabulous if you can't afford to go anywhere. So, save some cash and eat you way to clear skin.

1. Cleaning

Wash your face and hands even eight times a day, use a gentle soap. That will remove bacteria from your skin and prevent skin pores from being blocked. Keep your hands far from your face and don’t try to squeeze the pimples, dirty nails will worsen the situation.

2. Exercising

Take some cotton gym equipment and go for some sweating. Lycra clothes tend to keep bacteria close to your skin so loose clothes will certainly be better. Exercising improves blood circulation, your skin will look brighter and healthier.

3. Healthy diet

Drink plenty of water, all the stars do it. Tom Cruise claims he drinks 5 liters of water every day, and it isn’t dictated by his scientology religion, believe me. Your skin will look fresh and smooth for sure. Nourishment is essential, too. Make sure you eat good food, reduce fats and sweets from your diet. Vitamins are responsible for your skin condition, so eat foods full of vitamin A, E, C and B complex. Zinc and L-Carnitine are proven to enhance your skin condition.

4. Cosmetics

Use oil-free, alcohol-free delicate lotions and creams. Exfoliate your face to remove dead cells and clean skin pores. There are plenty of cosmetics on the market that are supposed to combat acne. Remember that cosmetics are only one part of acne treatment, healthy lifestyle is important as well. If you go to the dermatologist he can prescribe salicylic acid, antibiotics or oral contraceptives.

5. De-stressing

Stress triggers chemical reactions of your body that may result in pimples and spots, so try to relax and calm yourself down. Read books, listen to music, take a walk or go to the gym. You’ll regain your self-esteem and fight acne with much more vigour.

As fall begins and the temperature starts to drop, many people may also notice a change in their complexions.

Many people develop drier skin during the colder months. Cold temperatures, low humidity, winds and indoor heat can lead to skin that is dry, flaky, scaly, cracked or irritated. People may attempt to relieve their dry skin by applying more moisturizer or washing their face less often. However, this may lead to additional skin problems.

According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), alterations in skin care routines and additional moisturizing can lead to an increase in breakouts and redness during the transition into the colder months.

To help people avoid an increase in acne this fall, and keep the skin looking healthy year-round, the ASDS recommends the following tips:

* Follow all directions for prescribed medications. Laser treatments and oral medications that fight bacteria and lighten excessive oil production are a few ways to phase out blemishes. Maintaining an appropriate skin regimen helps them be effective. This includes following directions and schedules prescribed by your doctor. Be patient—it may be six to eight weeks before you see improvements with prescription or over-the-counter remedies.

* Eat a balanced diet. Research shows there is no direct link between eating greasy or sugary foods (including chocolate) and breakouts. However, food allergies may trigger acne for certain people. For these people, avoiding such foods may help to reduce pimples. Healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, exercise and stress management will really help your skin.

* Relax. The hormone that the body produces in response to stress is a known acne trigger and can cause a flare up. Try to develop techniques to help manage stress and avoid last minute deadlines.

* Choose oil-free cosmetics. When choosing cosmetics it's important to find the right kind for your specific skin type. Look for the words "non-comedogenic" on the label, choosing products that are oil-free and won't clog pores will help prevent future problems. Some concealers even contain benzoyl peroxide, which helps to fight acne while also disguising it.

* Don't fight acne alone. If you have tried to get rid of acne on your own and you're just not getting the job done, get help. A dermasurgeon can help to get you on the road to clearer skin.
Don't scrub. Many people associate acne with a dirty face, so they scrub their face with harsh soaps that sometimes contain irritating detergents that can increase breakouts. Wash your face twice a day using a mild soap and water and pat dry.

* Don't pop pimples. Popping a pimple increases the chance of further infection. Squeezing pimples actually pushes bacteria further into pores, which causes redness and swelling and may cause permanent scarring.

* Don't let scars get you down. Acne scarring can be emotionally devastating. Fortunately, treatment options continue to evolve.

Do you ever find yourself wishing your acne would just go away!

We wish for a lot of things that just never seem to happen. I wish I were independently wealthy. I wish I could lose some weight. I wish I had a better job. These are common refrains that end in frustration for many.

Well, as far as acne goes unfortunately it just does not go away by itself, no matter how hard you wish. In the case of acne care treatment, like most things in life, you have to be proactive. Whether it’s eating a healthy diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, staying away from junky sugary foods, drinking lots of alkaline water, exercising or using a quality skin care product line… you have to be doing something. Of course you know these things are important but are they enough to battle this stubborn condition? To a degree yes, but what more can you do?

Believe it or not the answer may be light. Recent discoveries in the area of phototherapy have been applied to the problem of acne skin care with astonishing results. Photo or light therapy has been growing in popularity for various skin care issues and it has been found to be very effective in restoring skin to a more youthful state. Those using light therapy with acne have seen some great results even though the particular devices used were not specifically made to handle acne. They worked because they strengthened the underlying integrity of the skin. Now however, there are LED based devices that utilize the latest discoveries in this field and have been able to target acne blemishes by incorporating a very particular kind of light. As far as acne treatment products go, the right type of light is essential. This particular light is in the blue area of the light spectrum. These blue lights are lethal to acne causing bacteria. Once these bacteria are addressed the body no longer has to produce an immune response (red bumps) in the skin, allowing it to heal. To long time acne sufferers this is an absolute miracle since most have tried every lotion and potion to no avail. This new acne skin care treatment shows great promise and gives hope to millions.

So what do you have to do to take care of your acne? The answer may be simply… light.

What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the hair follicle pores become blocked. The oil called sebum builds up inside the pore and becomes infected with bacteria. When the infection remains under the skin surface, it develops into a whitehead. When the infection partly reaches the surface and changes color, it develops into a blackhead.

Shouldn't I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?
No. When it isn't blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.

Why does acne usually start at puberty?
No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.

Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?
This redness is caused by the body's inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn't always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.

If my skin turns red, does that mean that I'm going to have scars?
Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage.