Toner products for acne treatment

Toner products are lotions or washes that clean the skin and shrink pores. Toner is usually used on the face, although it can be used on the body as well. Toner is often used to treat acne because of its pore shrinking ability. When pores shrink, they prevent acne causing dirt and bacteria from getting inside.

Types of Toners

Skin bracers/fresheners are the gentlest type of toners. Skin bracers and fresheners contain humectants such as glycerine, very little alcohol (0 to 10%), and water. Humectants help the skin retain moisture by preventing evaporation. Rosewater is a popular skin bracer/freshener. Floral waters, such as rosewater, help control the skin's oil secretion which aids it in balancing natural pH levels.

Skin Tonics are more potent than skin bracers/fresheners and contain a higher level of alcohol, up to 20%. It also has water and a humectant. Examples are marigold tonic, hollyhock tonic, elder flower water, vinegar tonic, cucumber tonic, orange flower water, lemon tonic, and apple tree bark tonic. Skin tonics can be homemade or can be bought where cosmetics are sold. Skin tonics help heal the skin's natural proactive mantle.

Astringents are the most potent form of toner (20-60% alcohol) and contain water, humectants, and additionally contain antiseptic ingredients (cleansing, antibacterial agents). Astringents are used on extremely oily skin because they are most effective in drying. Examples are witch hazel astringent, rosemary astringent, lemon astringent, camphor astringent, honey water astringent, orange astringent, elder flower astringent, and lemon astringent. Note that when an astringent is used on oily skin, the skin sometimes secretes even more oil to compensate for the drying effect of the astringent.

Best Toner for Acne treatment

For skin with acne, try a toner with a rosewater base. Try adding geranium, ylang-ylang, or chamomile for increased effectiveness against acne.

Additionally, many popular acne treatment brands have toners available such as Neutrogena, Nivea, Proactiv, and Murad. Proactiv's solution contains glycolic acid, which is derived from sugarcane, and is an excellent exfoliator. Glycolic acid is slightly stronger than salicylic acid.

How to Apply Toner

To apply toner in the gentlest way possible, rub it into your skin with a damp cotton wool.

[ ... ]

Treat acne with aspirin

A great way to treat acne is popping up in several acne treatment blogs and acne treatment sites - using aspirin as a facial mask.

Why does it work? The reason treating acne with aspirin works is because aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid, which is salicylic acid (sodium salicylate) combined with acetyl chloride. Recall that salicylic acid is effective in treating acne, so why not aspirin? The answer is, it is!

How to use aspirin to treat acne

In order to prepare the aspirin mask, you will need to get an aspirin tablet. The uncoated tablets work the best because they dissolve much faster than the coated tablets. With a teaspoon of water, crush the aspirin until it is dissolved into a gritty paste. With your paste ready, simply apply the aspirin to the acne affected areas. You can mix the crushed aspirin with honey or aloe vera (both great for the skin) to act as a binder so that the aspirin will not flake off of the skin when you apply it. Leave the aspirin on for five minutes, or longer depending on the severity of the acne.

What will the aspirin do?

The aspirin, when applied to acne or blemishes, helps to reduce swelling and redness. It also closes your pores so they are less susceptible to getting dirt and bacteria in them. It also helps remove dead skin that harbors acne causing bacteria. The effects are similar to those of salicylic acid, but with the added benefit of being an anti-inflammatory.

Other tips

To treat your acne, you can also use BC powder. BC powder is basically powdered aspirin mixed with caffeine. Caffeine, when applied to the skin, is known to remove toxins. The BC powder will dissolve much faster than the aspirin tablet - so it is a great product to use when making an aspirin mask to treat acne.

[ ... ]

Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to treat acne

Treating acne can be a frustrating and expensive task. You may be wanting to save money on acne treatments and avoiding visiting a dermatologist. However, traditional, gentle methods of acne treatment such as avoiding oily foods, face washing, and reducing stress just aren't working. Where do you turn if you are still reluctant to see the dermatologist? There are a couple of over the counter treatments that are more effective at acne treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is available over the counter in the form of face washes, soaps, topical creams, and gels - creams and gels being the most common. Benzoyl Peroxide is used directly on the affected areas. It acts as a peeling agent-increasing the rate of skin replacement and cleaning pores. Faster skin turnover and cleaner pores means fewer bacteria in and on the skin, lessening bacteria caused acne.

It should be noted that Benzoyl Peroxide can cause dryness and irritation. To reduce the chances of irritation, use a cream or gel that uses 2.5% concentration because studies show that a 2.5% concentration is not significantly less effective than 5 or 10% concentrations. Your skin will become more tolerant to Benzoyl Peroxide over time and if you feel that you can move to a higher concentration without adverse effects, feel free to do so.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is most commonly found in pads, shampoos, washes, and gels. Like Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid is a shedding agent. Releasing skin cells also releases bacterias that they harbor. Salicylic Acid also reduces pore diameter, allowing new cells to grow around the pores - preventing the pores from becoming clogged again. Finally, Salicylic Acid is a mild antibiotic, so it is effective in fighting bacterias that are common causes of acne.

Salicylic Acid should be avoided in zinc deficient individuals as it could cause hearing loss. Also, on individuals under 19 years of age, Salicylic Acid should not be used to treat acne if the person is also experiencing fever due to illness. There is data to suggest that Salicylic Acid in this scenario could lead to the development of Reye's Syndrome.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid are two very effective ways to treat acne if more gentle approaches are simply not effective. Of course, see a dermatologist if they do not work or of they produce undesired results.

[ ... ]

5 ways to fight acne without medication

Acne is a common skin problem that can occur in men and women of different ages. Many who have severe cases of acne turn to medicines to cure the condition, however, there are several natural and simple ways to eliminate or at least dramatically reduce the symptoms of acne. Follow these simple rules for a healthy body - and healthy skin will follow.

Water, water, water (and more water)

Avoiding acne can begin by drinking at least two liters of water per day. Staying hydrated is vital in order to prevent pores from becoming blocked and allowing the body to shed dead cells properly. Since the human body consists of about 60% water, water intake is essential for keeping the body's systems balanced and regulated. Skin, being your body's largest organ, is no exception.

Maintain a healthy diet

It's no secret that eating oily foods high in saturated and trans fats is going to make your skin oily and in turn cause you to develop acne. Avoid eating these foods in excess. Also, some acne sufferers are affected by iodine - which occurs in most table salt and foods with salt in them. Avoid salty foods if you are trying to control your acne. Also, you should avoid foods high in sugar. Although acne is caused primarily by hormonal imbalances, eating considerable amounts of sugar raises your blood sugar level quickly, which your body responds to by releasing hormones - specifically insulin and other androgenic hormones. If your liver cannot respond to these hormones quickly enough, it will result in a breakout of acne due to the hormone imbalance.
Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can also contribute to acne by manipulating hormone levels, so caffeine should be avoided in order to help clear up acne.

Only use natural products on your face and body

There is a multitude of beauty products on the market that promise smooth, healthy skin. However, some of them contain chemicals that you may think twice about rubbing into your skin, such as phthalates and parabens. Choose products which contain only natural ingredients such as oatmeal, green tea, cocoa butter, etc.
Be aware that you should check all of the products that come into contact with your skin. Make sure that your shampoo, detergent, fabric softener, deodorant, etc. do not have unnatural chemicals in them. Otherwise, you could irritate your skin and worsen your acne.

Get rid of stress in your life

Going back to hormonal imbalances causing acne, stress is another factor that can contribute to these imbalances. Generally, the less stressed you are, the healthier you are. Acne is no exception. Depression, hair loss, heart disease, obesity, and ulcers are other common stress related conditions, so you will really be doing yourself a favor by eliminating stress.

Stop touching your face

Touching your face spreads dirt from your hands (which came from who-knows-where) to your skin's pores. This dirt can also contain bacteria and viruses, which have high potential to cause acne. Break the habit of touching your face, resting your chin on your fist, etc. Also, wash your hands frequently throughout the day and also wash your face occasionally with a gentle soap.

Follow these tips to help eliminate your acne, and you may be able to avoid turning to expensive, and sometimes harsh, acne medications.

[ ... ]

My teen has acne: how to deal with the emotional aspect

8F2DRZB5HQP4

As many of us are aware, acne can cause emotional burdens. Glaring red bumps on the face can be cured by various acne creams and acne solution, however, the emotional scars left by acne can't be cured so easily. Unfortunately, this is a problem which no doctor or expert dermatologist can provide the best answer.

Statistically, acne is most common during the teenage years. For teens, it is often quite difficult to face the social impact of acne. With the physical marks come marks of shame, depression and low self-esteem. As a parent of a teenager who encounters this problem, you can be their greatest ally. There are several ways you can comfort your teen.

Remind your teen that acne is temporary

As a guardian, you need to be there and give encouragement to your child. You will probably see him or her emotionally beat up because of criticisms from his or her peers. Explain that the negative reaction of their peers is insignificant in the large scheme of things and that their acne is a temporary condition.

Take your teen to a respectable dermatologist

Do not wait for your teen’s acne problem to worsen before you see a dermatologist. The earlier the better. Seeing a dermatologist while symptoms are lesser could mean reducing the amount of permanent scarring that your teen experiences. Find a dermatologist that deserves your trust. Accompany your teen during visits to the dermatologist. Also, help your teen follow the reminders and instructions of the dermatologist.

Lead your teen to form good habits - and avoid bad ones

There are many bad habits that your teen can develop while they have acne. It is important to guide your teen to avoid these habits. There are also good habits that your teen must follow in order to hasten the healing process of their acne. Encourage your teen to adhere to these good habits. A dermatologist can explain and provide literature on good and bad habits while suffering from acne.

Boost your teen’s self-esteem

Self-esteem erodes when teasing arises. Your goal is to counteract the social pressures and be there to boost self-esteem. Try to focus your teen's energy away from their condition and toward a talent or hobby - anything that will lift to his or her morale and take his or her mind off of the acne.

As a parent, you can help your teen through the blunders of society toward people with acne. Be there and support your teen like no one else can.

[ ... ]