Acne Bacteria and The Acne Environment

Contrary to popular belief, acne bacteria do not cause acne. Life long acne researcher exposes the true connection between acne bacteria and acne formation. Discover why acne is not a problem with your skin.

Propionibacterium acnes, or p acne bacteria, the bacteria we all have on our skin is an essential life form. Like all life forms it fights to survive and sustain their lives. Surprisingly, these microscopic creatures that conventional medicine taught us to believe are the cause of acne, are actually a small part of the acne puzzle and a vital player in sustaining our inner balance and the health of our skin.

Acne bacteria are not contagious and everyone has acne bacteria on their skin, regardless if the individual suffers from acne or not. Streptococcus bacteria, for example, exist in everyone's throat, but it doesn’t always cause a strep throat or tonsillitis. The reason is that similar to the acne bacteria these bacteria will not trigger the formation of a strep throat (or acne in the case of the acne bacteria) unless the specific condition or the right “environment” is created.

It is important to know that as long as the acne bacteria stays in balance with your internal system, acne bacteria will “mind their own business” and will defend the body from colonization of harmful bacteria. Acne bacteria feed themselves from the secretions of our sweat and sebaceous glands, and in a balanced biological state, sustains the flexibility of our skin.

Acne is an environment that forms only when the production of sebum on the skin is excessive. This excessive production of oil is triggered mainly by hormonal imbalance.

When blood toxins (usually blood toxins that are expelled through your skin) are mixed with this over production of oil, the p.acne invades the hair follicles and starts to multiply. The P. acne multiplies by feeding themselves of the oil using enzymes. As part of this feeding process, acne bacteria produces free fatty acids that irritate the skin. The body calls the white and red blood cells to defend itself. The red and white blood cells often cause an inflammatory response, that results in the familiar symptoms of acne: swelling, pus, whiteheads, nodules and pustules.

Killing the acne bacteria using antibiotics is a fruitless and destructive approach. Taking antibiotic is destructive because it upsets the natural balance of the P.acne in our body, eradicates the good probiotic bacteria and enables the intrusion of harmful bacteria to skin. Taking antibiotics is fruitless because constant intake of antibiotics will eventually cause the p.acne to become resistant to antibiotics. It is a fruitless approach also because it doesn’t stop the environment that caused the P.acne to multiply.

The only way to stop acne permanently is to neutralize the acne environment (when the bacteria multiplies and feeds on blood toxins and excessive production of oil). To stop acne, you must balance oil secretion and discharge your body from accumulated toxins and control the nutritional, hormonal, psychological and environmental triggers.

The secret for permanent clear skin is therefore, neutralizing all the factors that form the acne environment while keeping the p. acne bacteria at an optimal balance.

Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:

http://bit.ly/fxN1wo

Hints on concealing your acne with makeup.

Using your Makeup Creatively to Conceal Acne

Did you say that you had an important meeting to attend tomorrow and you needed your skin cleared up by then?  Well, your acne may not clear itself that quickly, but there are some tips you can use in order to look your best.

Using makeup creatively will enable you to conceal your acne temporarily but you must adhere to a few basic rules.  Do keep in mind that this is only a cover-up, not a cure.
 
Your most important acne cover-up tools will be concealer, foundation, and powder.  Buy only brand name, trusted products from reputable stores.  Choose oil-free, hypoallergenic products matching your skin color. 

Read the product labels thoroughly to ensure that you aren’t buying products loaded with oil that will halt your acne treatment in its tracks.  If you decide to try a new brand, test it out before using it by dabbing a little bit under your jaw line.  If your skin is going to react negatively, it will do so within the hour.

Before you start the acne cover-up process, gently wash your face and neck with your usual cleansing product and then pat dry.

Now you can start the cover-up process.  Dab small amounts of concealer directly on the red or darkened splotches of your face and neck that were caused by acne blemishes.  Use a throwaway makeup sponge to blend the concealer into your skin. 

Don’t overdo this step because too much concealer will look awful once it dries.  Apply it very lightly.

Now, dab small amounts of foundation on your skin, blending with the sponge.  Reapply to areas that seem to need a little more coverage but, again, don’t overdo, because too much makeup will draw attention to your acne-scarred skin.

Your final step is to apply a very light layer of powder, using a soft makeup brush.  Always use oil-free powder with the softest brush you can find to avoid irritating your acne-troubled skin.  The powder will absorb any shine left behind by your makeup and will also give your face that “finished” appearance.

Be certain to dispose of the makeup sponges you used during your cover-up.  They will retain oil from your face and should be thrown out to avoid transferring that same oil to your face tomorrow. 

Always wash your face before going to bed each night.  Your skin needs that time to breathe and your acne must not have makeup coating it, because additional blemishes may result.

Natural Remedies for Acne that may help.

Have a drink of water.

This is simple in the extreme. The idea is, that if you drink, say, 7-8 glasses of water a day, then your body will be cleansed of  the elements of toxicity that contribute to the development of acne.


Hot and cold compresses.

This is a natural remedy often recommended. Hot and cold wet towel compresses will help to reduce the swelling and eliminate clogged pores - a major culprit in the production of acne.

Oils and Juices.                                                                            

The benefits of using natural substances like almond oil, (which can help with the removal of acne scars), cannot be ignored. Apricot juice can also help to alleviate the presence of cysts by cutting through them.

Citric fruit juices, such as lemon juice, can serve as a natural exfoliate, removing the dead skin cells that may clog the pores.  Allow the juice to dry on the skin for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing it away with cool water.

Accutane Side Effects Exposed: Side Effects of the Miracle Drug and the Alternative to Accutane

If you suffer from severe case of acne that has failed to respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics, then your dermatologist may recommend the use of the popular Accutane or Isotretinoin. Accutane is a potent oral drug from Hoffman-LaRoche that has been proven highly effective for reducing acne symptoms dramatically after only one course of 15-20 weeks.

With its undoubting success at battling even the toughest cases of acne and ever-growing popularity among teens as a miracle drug, why is Accutane still considered the most controversial pharmaceutical on the market? The answer: a documented list of severe and sometimes permanent side effects.

Although some of the side effects associated with the use of Isotretinoin are mild and tolerable (dry lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds, extremely dry skin, increased sensitivity to the sun and thinning hair) there is in fact a long list of serious side effects that have been reported due to the use of Accuttane which persisted even after the drug therapy was stopped. Among those are: Severe aches and pains in the lower back and large joints, severe allergy reactions that include moderate rashes and difficulty to breath, vision problems, hearing loss, permanent liver damage, persistent migraines and headaches and skeletal hyperostosis which is an excessive bone growth that occurs along the sides of the spine.

But perhaps, the two most bothersome of all Accutane side effects are its potential to cause severe birth defects if taken by pregnant women or women that became pregnant while taking the drug and the suggested link between the intake of Accutane and the changes in mood, severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Since, Isotretinoin can be harmful to the fetus, it should not be used during pregnancy and women should avoid pregnancy for at least a month after the use of Accutane. Additionally, because of its severe side effects, nursing mothers must avoid the drug completely.

Although researchers still argue whether Isotretinoin causes depression or not, Roche the manufacturer of Accutane, openly shares information claiming that Accutane and its generic, isotretinoin, can alter mood: "Synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, can negatively impact brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin."

The FDA website warns: "All patients treated with isotretinoin should be observed closely for symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, such as sad mood, irritability, acting on dangerous impulses, anger, loss of pleasure ... mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression."

Moreover, statistics show that between 1989 and 2003, there were 216 reported drug-linked suicides among U.S. teens younger than 18. Of these, 72 suicides were linked to Accutane (isotretinoin). The next highest number of suicides in that time period -- 55 -- involved Prozac (fluoxetine).

Accutane works by reducing the size and output of the sebaceous glands and thus stops excess oil production. The problem is that Accutane damages your skins sebum glands and liver function in the process. By the time you stop taking the drug, your skin oil glands will return to function but your liver will not be able to properly balance your hormones and prevent the over production of sebum.

Isotrteinoin also normalizes your keratinization (the shedding of dead skin cells), improves fat metabolism and reduces inflammation. But all of these benefits can be easily achieved using all natural dietary, supplementation and skin care alternatives and without the side effects. For example: Foods that are rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene can help reduce the secretion of oil by the sebaceous glands. Simple home made peels made of Papaya can easily replace the peeling action of Isotrerinoin and sleep optimization, and regular exercising including vitamin, C, E, Zinc and Colostrum can boost the immune abilities of the body and thus reduce inflammation.

Accutane is not the solution to acne. Not only does it treat the symptoms of the disease and not the internal cause, stopping your skin's natural oil production, can in most cases, result in extra dryness combined with the acceleration of the skin's aging process (yes! your skin will look older). Moreover, Accutane severely damages your liver function among other side effects, which in turn destroys your delicate inner balance and your natural healing abilities. Hence, it is doing the opposite of curing.

A long-term acne solution should address the internal cause of acne by tackling all acne contributing factors and neutralizing the acne environment - the only, safe, natural and effective way you could ever achieve lasting acne freedom.

Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:

http://bit.ly/fxN1wo

Some of the myths surrounding acne.

Some common "Acne Myths"

People continue to believe old wives’ tales about the causes of acne, even though experts have now disproved many of the myths.  We will attempt to reveal the truth about some of those die-hard myths and set your mind at ease so that you can move forward in your quest for clear, acne-free, beautiful skin.


Myth: Only dirty people have acne.

Fact:  Acne is not caused by poor hygiene but by hormonal changes taking place within the body.  Sometimes the sebaceous glands (responsible for moistening our skin) become overrun with oil and block nearby follicles.  This causes clogged pores, which turns into acne characterized by pimples, zits, pustules, and even cysts. 
The truth is that consistent scrubbing and washing the skin can make your acne problem much worse.  The proper skin care routine involves washing your skin gently and patting it dry (not rubbing it).


Myth:  People with acne are not eating the correct foods.
 
Fact:  Experts now know that there is no connection between the foods you eat and the development of acne. 
The myths claiming that chocolate and other fattening foods cause acne are completely erroneous.  On the other hand, you do need to practice proper nutrition so that your overall health will be great.


Myth:  Stress causes acne
 
Fact:  Stress itself does not cause acne, although it can develop as a side effect when taking medications prescribed to help you cope with stress.  If you take this type of medication and are noticing acne symptoms, such as pimples, zits, or pustules, consult with your physician to determine if the medication might be contributing to your skin condition.  One word of caution: although stress will not cause acne, it can make the condition worse if you already have it.


Myth:  Acne is purely cosmetic 

Fact:  Acne does change your looks but it can also pose a threat to your mental health.  Serious acne problems, often characterized by cystic nodules and persistent eruptions, can lead to severe acne, causing permanent scars to form.
This sometimes affects people psychologically by altering the image they have of themselves.  Many people develop problems with their self-esteem and become frustrated and depressed. 


Myth:  Acne is incurable

Fact:  Acne can be completely cleared up by using the many products available and finding the correct treatment specific to your needs.
Your dermatologist can help you find the best method to treat your acne and will be able to determine which type of acne you have, whether it is acne vulgaris, cystic acne, nodular acne, or even rosacea.  There are good, effective treatments and medications available (including Accutane, Retin-A, & many others) to help clear up even the most persistent problems.  Before you know it, you will reveal the beautiful skin you were always meant to have.

Hints to help with Acne Prevention

Don't over-wash.


Yes, you need to keep yourself clean, but cut down the times you wash. It is suggested that twice a day should be the limit for someone with a normal lifestyle. Anymore, and you risk increasing the breakouts you have.
Obviously, if you have a "dirty" job then this  may not apply.


Wash after exercising.

But you just said . . . Yes, but there is a reason for the seeming contradiction. You need to hit the shower after exercising  for the following  reason. The friction and moisture caused by clothing rubbing against the skin can create the perfect conditions for acne.


Choose any skin products carefully.


Don't get harsh or abrasive scrubs that can tear the skin and further aggravate the acne. Also, avoid products, if they contain heavy concentrations of isopropyl alcohol like toners. The can do more damage than good.

Find a regime and stick with it.

Pick your medication and treatment method and stick with it. Do not deviate from it until you achieve measurable results, or find that the condition is worsening.


Stop picking it!


Try to avoid touching or picking at your face and, or, body. This is obvious as it can cause bacteria to enter the pores and create even more acne infestation.

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Quick Acne Treatments Exposed: The Truth Behind Miracle Acne Cures

Quick Acne Treatments Exposed: The Truth Behind Miracle Acne Cures

Can acne be cured quickly and without effort? Is there really a revolutionary acne treatment overlooked by the medical establishment that wipes off acne in days?

The recent proliferation of quick fix acne treatments, miracle cures, and instant acne formulas, has caused consumers to wonder if these alternatives are actually worth their hopes and hard earned cash. Can there be an overwhelmingly easy to follow and quick acne treatments that produce results in days?

The difference between simple and easy

If someone has mild to moderate acne that is uncommonly triggered by allergy to certain foods, then they can often begin to clear their acne very quickly and easily, relative to their previous disappointing results. All they have to do is improve their nutrition by eliminating these acne-aggravating foods and a quantum leap can often be made.

With that distinction made, let me state unequivocally that achieving permanent clear skin is never really “easy”. There is always effort and discipline involved, as there is with any worthwhile achievement. Endlessly searching for an easier way, a fairy tale quick fix, a miracle cure, a holy grail, is a misguided quest and it will lead you nowhere.

Curing acne is very simple, but for most people it is not easy. There's a big difference between simple and easy: "Simple" means the process is not complicated - if you do x and y you'll get the desired result. "Easy" implies that something can be done with little or no effort. Anyone who tells you they've discovered an “easy” or "very quick" way to clear acne is simply and boldly lying.

You can only reap what you sow

Achieving lasting clear skin requires two things:

1) You must be willing to put some effort

2) You must be patient

The problem with many people is that they are terrified from anything that appears to involve some work. They’re always looking for short cuts. As soon as they see something that promises to cure their acne "quickly," "easily," "effortlessly," "while they sleep," and so on, they whip out their wallets and take the bait.

Make no mistake; people who are prone to acne and have beautiful clear skin, especially celebrities and famous models, have worked very hard to get where they are. Many famous people with acne prone skin who now have flawless complexions have made a sacrifice to get there.

It's an absolute law of the universe that you can't get something for nothing. Your acne will fade away and your skin will become clear and glowing in direct proportion to the amount of effort you put in. You can only reap what you sow.

The 5 crucial components to an effective clear skin plan

An effective clear skin program must have five crucial components:

1. Internal and external cleansing

2. Internal strengthening and rejuvenating

3. Hormonal balancing

4. Lifestyle optimization

5. Goal setting and motivation

Except for those with acne triggered by allergies to food, it‘s extremely difficult (if not impossible) for most people to achieve permanent clear skin in days and without effort.

So there you have it. You have a solution. It's simple (just follow the steps) but it's not always easy. From here you decide what to do with your acne and your health. Like everything, in the end, it all comes down to your choices.

Mike Walden is a certified nutritionist, independent medical researcher, natural health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Acne No More- Open The Door To An Acne Free Life." Mike has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide. For information on Mike's Holistic Clear Skin program, visit:

http://bit.ly/fxN1wo