Acne Treatment Blog

We understand that skin problems effect almost everyone growing up, but the fact that some of us experience acne in our mid-to-late 20's, 30's, 40's and even 50's or perhaps never fully outgrow acne breakouts, is hard to accept. It is estimated that over 30% of women and more than 20% of men ages 20 to 60 (and beyond) are troubled by acne. Over 60 million people suffer from acne in the USA alone, and another 70 million experience acne related breakouts in Canada and Europe.

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne vulgaris.  Acne in general develops due to overactive sebaceous glands.  At the base of each hair follicle is a gland called the sebaceous gland, which makes sebum. Sebum is an oily substance, which under normal circumstances travels along the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. Sebaceous glands are most numerous on the face, chest, back, neck and scalp; consequently, these are the most common sites of acne.  A number of factors can cause an increase in sebaceous gland secretions.  A primary culprit are the androgen hormones (analogs of testosterone) DHT(dehydrotestotsterone) DHEAS (dihydroepiandrosterone).  Elevated levels of these androgens cause an increase secretion of sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and the start of the acne cascade.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This cancer is also considered one of the most preventable cancers, so heed the advice on how to protect yourself!

 

The changes provoked by chronic UVA and UVB exposure that age the skin is called photo-aging. A New York Times Health Report showed that "Overall, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight (radiation referred to as UVA or UVB) accounts for about 90% of the symptoms of premature skin aging."

Summer is just about here!  Is Your Skin Ready?

Memorial Day weekend is approaching, and with the summer comes fun.  Graduations, weddings, parties, barbecues, beach days - who wants to worry about what their skin looks like? You just want to have fun, enjoy yourself and look your best!  

We're here to help you do just that with our new program.

Our new AcnEase Premier™ membership is for those who are fed up with trying to get rid of their acne, and want a proven way to effectively eliminate and prevent acne.  

As the summer approaches, so does the temptation to look "sun kissed." While we don't recommend that you put extra product on your skin, we also understand that you will! You need to be aware of how the use of sunless tanning products may present a risk of irritating your skin and amplifying the existing skin problems, so here are our tips to stay safe and reduce the risk of flareup's.

New and Improved AcnEase® Botanical Acne Treatment Has Increased Bio-Availability and is Easier to Consume

 

Between the USA and EU, there are 120 million acne sufferers.  

 

Adult acne is on the rise, and the average age of an acne sufferer has increased over the past 10 years from 20.5 years to to 26.5 years of age. Many individuals are unable to resolve their acne problem for years, and then they become a chronic acne sufferer.

 

We're sure many of you can relate!

The bad sunlight (UVA rays) forces the skin to put up defenses by activating an immune reaction in the form of inflammation that is visible as sunburn. When you increase your body's immune system capabilities, combined with using natural sunscreens and/or protective clothing, you protect your skin from sun damage much more effectively.

So, your sun-protection has to involve both a topical and internal approach...with FOOD!

Sun is actually very important for our health. When your skin is exposed to natural sunlight (UV rays), your body produces an essentail nutrient, Vitamin D. Having the right level of Vitamin D in your body enables better bone health, psychological balance and even has the potential to assist in decreasing the risk of certain diseases.

On the other hand, sun radiation (UV rays) also damages the DNA of your skin and may result in the most serious form of skin cancer (melanoma) as well as cause dry or discolored skin, premature aging, brown spots and interference with acne treatment.

So how do you find a balance, and protect yourself against sun damage, especially when you have acne?

You put everyone else first.  Now, it's your turn.

Order by 12 Midnight PST TONIGHT, and Receive a FREE* Bottle of AcnEase®

 (a $35 Value)!

Become acne-free naturally, and pamper yourself, Mom, Aunt, friend or family member with this special offer.  

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness month, and throughout the month, we will be providing information on skin cancer and acne. Dr. Gilligan, one of our medical advisors and Company directors, joins me to today in helping you learn more about potential issues and prevention.

 

This time of year, the sun gets brighter, our schedule is lighter and we're outside much more. It is so important to realize the importance of having to protect yourself and your skin from the problems that loom with increased sunlight (UV radiation) exposure. By taking some simple precautions, you drastically reduce the probability of dealing with this serious issue.

Over 17 million Americans are believed to suffer from Rosacea. It also affects 25 times more men than women, and usually occurs in individuals over 30 with a light complexion.
The symptoms of Rosacea may vary from heat and alcohol sensitivity to facial redness, pimples, teary and itchy eyes and even GI reflux. The medical world is not sure what really causes this chronic inflammatory skin condition, and there is no treatment for it. However, there are some important and efficient ways to control the symptoms, especially during the spring and summer, including our natural balancing botanical therapeutic® product that can help to control all of the symptoms of Rosacea without any adverse side effects.

Acne is not just a skin disease - it is often a "soul" disease as well. The psychological and social impact of acne is a growing and serious concern that can have severe short and long-term emotional side effects - but the good news is that these symptoms can be controlled!

 

Acne affects adolescents at a time when they are developing their personalities. A growing number of adults are suffering from acne (the average age of an acne sufferer increased during the last ten years from 20.5 to 26.5 years old). Adults with acne have a larger probability to get chronic acne, which forces them to deal with this issue for a long time, and address it together with all the other adult challenges he or she faces.

 

Dramatically Improve Your Skin Condition While Celebrating  Earth Day!

The most precious resource on Earth that is essential for our life is NOT gold, platinum, uranium, diamonds or even crude oil. It is WATER.

There is no life without water.  Up to over 60% of our body is composed of water, 70% of our brain is composed of water and 44% of our skin is composed of water.

Every day we must replace 2.4 litres of water (over 2.5 quarts or 81.15 fluid oz.); some through drinking and the rest from the foods we eat. So, on this Earth Day, use this precious resource RESPONSIBLY.

Men, because of the dominant male hormone, testosterone, have thicker skin. So they - especially younger men - are more likely to have excessively oily skin. When this happens, acne incidents are usually more prevailing, more persistent and difficult to get rid of.

 

Based on subscribed stereotypes, many men chose a regimen that may actually be harming their skin instead of helping it.  Here's how to tell if you're one of those people, and how to steer clear of the #1 skincare mistake that men make that may make their breakouts worse.    

Our Friday Favorites are designed to provide you with a round-up of some of the behind the scenes topics we discussed this week with acne sufferers, and also our top finds across the web which will help you live an acne-free lifestyle.  Living a healthier lifestyle helps AcnEase® do its job by rebalancing your sebaceous glands to produce a normal amount of oil...giving you an acne-free complexion long-term!

Moisturizing:   Lighten-up on your moisturizer 

 

During the winter, our skin gets dryer - and dry skin is not healthy skin. A normal response to help dry skin symptoms is to use products that contain oils.  Doing this may produce a serious problem for acne prone skin - clogged pores and an entire inflammatory cycle of "producing" the pimples or cysts.

Over-dry skin may also be a manifestation of invisible inflammation in deeper layers of the skin. So, instead of one problem you may actually have two if you allow your skin to get too dry due to environmental factors like wind, cold, indoor heating, hot showers etc. or because of prolonged use of certain ingredients in your skincare products such as salicylic acid or alcohol.

PLEASE NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, over-drying oily skin to deal with acne is not an efficient way to treat acne.

There is reason to believe that for most skin types, with the exception of dry and sensitive skin, some level of exfoliation may be beneficial. It can help to remove dead skin cells, helping to unclog pores, remove dry, dark, and flaky skin resulting from photo-aging, and stimulate collagen production to help skin regeneration.  

As with many things that are "in" at the time, we seem to go overboard. Too frequent and strong chemical peels may lead to sensitized, irritated and over-dry skin. And too vigorous and frequent abrasive exfoliation can lead to skin inflammation. The COST of the procedures can take a toll on you too! 

 

So your skin is FINALLY clear and your pimples, cysts, blackheads and whiteheads have diminished.  And you couldn't be happier! 

But wait, can they come back? How do you decrease the probability of seeing those pesky zits again?  And if they show up, how do you "terminate" them quickly?

Since acne is a manifestation of an internal imbalance that leads to overproduction of sebum (skin oil) by the sebaceous glands, the factors that were responsible for this overproduction of sebum may return.  But you are not helpless!

A message from Dr. Agnes:

 

Hey guys.  It's no secret that male acne is difficult to treat.  But while you're working on treating your acne with AcnEase®, there are ways to make it look better, and have people focus on you instead of your zits.

 

Maybe you've thought about applying makeup before or maybe the thought never crossed your mind.  Either way, know this.  These days, makeup isn't just for women.  An enormous amount of men actually apply makeup to their faces daily, and you wouldn't even know!  

 

So muster up the courage, and take your buddy or partner with you to the cosmetics counter if you're feeling like you need a little cover-up - you'll be glad you did (especially when those holiday photos begin to surface!). 

The holidays always arrive with lots of party invites. And who doesn't love a party? But if you're feeling self-conscious about your skin and aren't sure how to go from everyday makeup to festive glam, it can all seem overwhelming. But putting on the glitz is easier than you think, even if your everyday routine consists of mainly lip balm. The following 7 steps will ensure you're party-ready for every invite you receive.

A message from Dr. Agnes:

Treating acne takes time, dedication and perseverance, as there is no miracle cure that will allow you to regain clear skin overnight. While we are waging our war with pimples and cysts however, we still want to look and feel good about ourselves. So let's talk about make-up that does not spoil your results (or your progress with AcnEase®), but will make you feel secure without using products and techniques that may slow the healing process or actually accentuate your blemishes.

For those with acne prone skin - especially with chronic acne (acne lasting 3 or more years, or re-occurrs over the years), what you put on your skin repeatedly and long term is very important.

 

There are two chemical substances that can be found in most topical acne products that need to be used with caution - especially while used longer term to try to control chronic acne: Salicylic Acid and Alcohol.

Spring is almost here, and before you know it, summer will be upon us. Don't wait to take your shirt off to get rid of your body acne. If you start now, by then, you will have made some clear skin to show off! Here are our top tips on how to say "goodbye!" to body acne.

Cause of Body Acne
Women and men that have active physical lifestyles tend to suffer more with body acne primarily due to androgens that are the main stimulator of sebaceous glands. Acne results from the over secretion of sebum by the sebaceous glands and inflammation that follows too much sebum clogging the pores and mixing with acne bacteria that will cause inflammation known as pimples, cysts, lesions, etc. More acne occurs where the skin surface has a greater concentration of sebaceous glands, and where perspiration is more prevailing. The most common sites for acne are, therefore, the face, back and chest.

What is Male Hormonal Acne?

Teenagers aren't the only ones who get acne - it can can effect adult men of all ages.  The average age of the acne sufferer in the US increased during the last decade from 20.5 to 26.5 years old.

Are You a Statistic?

Acne is a manifestation of internal imbalance that leads to overproduction of sebum (skin oil) by sebaceous glands. This extra sebum together with dead cells and dirt creates an ideal condition for bacteria what in turn will cause an inflammation that presents itself as ACNE (pimples, cysts, blackheads, whiteheads etc).

 

AcnEase's 3-step "smart-system" is available for use on AcnEase.com, and affords acne-sufferers a personalized approach to finding the appropriate AcnEase® all-botanical acne treatment regimen that is right for them, in seconds.

It seems that two practical beliefs about possible connections between food and acne gained some new research supported legitimacy Studies conducted by Jennifer Burris, MS, RD, of the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University confirmed that eating foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) like sugars and simple carbohydrates and drinking milk not only aggravates acne but in some cases may even trigger it too. According to a 2007 Australian study, young males who were put on a strict low GI diet noticed a significant improvement in the severity of their acne. Since it is expected that eating High GI foods cause a spike in hormone levels including insulin, which is thought to instigate sebum production, the results were not so surprising.

Although there are many factors that can contribute to acne, little do many know that where you live not only contributes to skin problems, but it requires a personalized skincare regimen.

Depending on where you live, there are some important steps that you can take to greatly improve your skin's health.  But in general, no matter where you live, it is imperative to learn how to really clean acne prone skin without chemicals and how to moisturize acne prone skin if you want clear skin for good.

Unfortunately, cystic acne can affect anyone. Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. Deep, inflamed breakouts develop on the face and/or other areas of the body. The blemishes themselves can become large; some may measure up to several centimeters across. Although many people use the term "cystic" to describe any type of severely inflamed acne, only those who develop cysts truly have cystic acne. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin's surface. Cysts can be painful as they originate deeper in the skin than typical pimples and may also commonly produce scarring.

Contrary to common belief, squeezing an acne cyst can cause an even deeper infection and more painful inflammation spreading under the surface of the skin which can last much longer and lead to the development of additional cysts.

The term “hormonal acne” may be a misnomer since most acne can be traced back to fluctuations in hormone levels.  A common misunderstanding is that men have testosterone and women have estrogen and
progesterone; in reality, both genders have a balance of all 3.  The primary culprit in the formation of acne relates to fluctuations in androgens (male hormones) and in particular testosterone, DHEAS (dihyroepiandrosterone sulfate) and DHT (dehydrotestosterone).  

The answer to this question is unequivocally YES.

 

If your skin is plagued by acne, blackheads or whiteheads, ranges from dry to oily, part of your daily skincare routine MUST include an appropriate moisturizer 2 TIMES daily - in the morning and in the evening - in order to help the skin stay hydrated and supple.