Thank you for visiting my site. I hope that you will find it interesting and informative. I will be building this site and adding more information over the next few weeks, so I hope you will return frequently. As a life long sufferer of Acne, I know what it means to have this problem and I am always looking for new information and new treatments that will help me deal with this ongoing condition.



If you are experiencing an occasional blackhead, whitehead or zit, you will only need to know the basics. How to care for your skin on a daily basis; how to get rid of the occasional blackhead; and what types of makeup will be best for you during periods of outbreaks; or how to shave to minimize further irritation to your skin. For most it will be a transient problem that will resolve with time. But for some of us it is a lifelong problem and one we need help in learning to deal with.



If you have more than an occasional breakout and also have multiple eruptions of sebaceous cysts, then you must try to seek professional help . As your acne is less likely to be transient. The earlier you seek help with this condition the less likely you are to experience permanent scarring, so an absolute must is to find a good dermatologist who understands this condition and is interested in helping you with this problem. This is most important if you are a young adolescent just beginning to experience a problem with acne. I urge parents of adolescents to seek help for their children at an early age. It is critical for them to feel good about themselves at a time when they must also develop their social skills. Appearances are important in our glamour driven society and you must not underestimate the toll a blotchy skin is taking on your adolescent.



Today, we are lucky as we have many treatment methods available. My goal is to help you find in one place some interesting and informative articles to help you deal with your acne. Be aware that many of the articles you will find on the web are factually incorrect and filled with potentially harmful advice so you must consider all of them carefully before you take their advice unless it is given by a professional. So always consider the source.

How it Works
Salicylic acid works as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin cells. It is able to penetrate the follicle and encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin.

Typical Use
With strengths ranging from .5% to 2%, The typical use consists of a once-daily application of the products. As with all over the counter products, follow all directions printed on the package. Begin by using either salicylic acid pads or a salicylic acid lotion, cream, or gel. Do not use more than one type at a time. Using several salicylic acid products will excessively dry the skin, and will not clear acne any faster. Once the skin is sufficiently clear, a salicylic acid wash or scrub can be periodically used in place of gels or pads to maintain clear skin.

Using the product only as a spot treatment on visible breakouts is ineffective. It must be applied over the entire affected area so the medication can prevent pore blockages and help clear tiny blemishes too small to see.

As with any anti-acne treatment program, continuous use of a salicylic acid product is necessary to obtain and maintain positive results. If you stop using your treatment product, the pores will again clog with excess oil and dead cells, and acne can return.

Possible Side Effects
Salicylic acid can cause stinging, burning, and skin irritation. You may also experience dryness, peeling, and flaking of the skin. These side effects can usually be effectively controlled with daily use of an oil-free moisturizer.

If irritation or dryness is bothersome, try scaling back use to every other day. Using salicylic acid in conjunction with other acne treatment products such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide can increase dryness, peeling, or stinging. As always, stop using salicylic acid if you experience undue irritation and tell your doctor.

Pregnant or nursing women should always discuss the use of any product such as salicylic acid, before using it, especially if using the product over a large area of the body.

Oral contraceptives, what many people call “the Pill,” can effectively be used as a treatment for acne in women. If you are using — or considering — an oral contraceptive to treat acne, there are a few things you should know about oral contraceptives and acne:

* Several Brands are Effective.
Several brands of oral contraceptives have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating acne in women because they are effective. You and your doctor need to review the best options for you in terms of effectiveness and as the best choice of birth control for you.

* For Best Results: Use with Other Acne Treatments.
Oral contraceptives are effective because they target one of the four key causes of acne — excess sebum. Sebum, a natural oil that protects the skin against moisture loss, can clog pores when the body produces too much.

Because oral contraceptives are effective in dealing with only one of the primary causes of acne, it is generally not the only treatment used to clear acne.The first line of treatment for Acne are benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. Depending on the type and severity of the acne, oral antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan as well. Dermatologists do not generally prescribe oral contraceptives until other acne medications have proven ineffective.

*Taking Other Medication? Tell Your Dermatologist
Your oral contraceptive should be prescribed for you in consultation with your Internist or your Gynecologist. Long term maintenance of oral contraceptives must be reviewed periodically.

It is imperative that you discuss all the medications you are taking, both prescribed and over the counter with your physician(s). Always review with all your doctors what herbal supplements you are also taking as some may impact the effectiveness of your prescribed medications. Medications can interact with each other — in some case producing undesirable side effects. Sometimes one medication can reduce the effectiveness of another medication.

*Oral contraceptives are not for every Woman. If you have any other medical conditions, oral contraceptives may be contraindicated. While they can safely and effectively treat acne long term, this medication is not appropriate for every woman. Due to potential side effects, oral contraceptives are usually prescribed to women who:

• Are 35 years of age or younger
• Do not smoke
• Do not have a history of migraines
• Have normal blood pressure

It is recommend that women who take oral contraceptives examine their breasts regularly and see a gynecologist for regular examinations.

*Clearing of your skin does not happen overnight, it takes time
Patients can expect to see results about three months after beginning treatment with an oral contraceptive. Some women’s acne worsens during the early phase of treatment. If acne flares, continue to take the oral contraceptive as prescribed. Maintenance of a specific hormone level is essential for effectiveness both as a treatment of acne and for contraceptive purposes. Repeatedly missing doses decreases effectiveness.

While taking an oral contraceptive for acne treatment, it is important to follow your dermatologist’s entire acne treatment plan. Remember that an oral contraceptive targets only one cause of acne — excess sebum.

Determining if this treatment is right for you. is between you and your physician Take the time to discuss your options and your concerns if this is an appropriate treatment option for you.

“Acne is a common skin disease that causes pimples. Pimples form when hair follicles under your skin clog up. Most pimples form on the face, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Anyone can get acne, but it is common in teenagers and young adults. It is not serious, but it can cause scars.

No one knows exactly what causes acne. Hormone changes, such as those during the teenage years and pregnancy, probably play a role. There are many myths about what causes acne. Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; however, blackheads and pimples are not caused by dirt. Stress doesn’t cause acne, but stress can make it worse.

If you have acne

* Clean your skin gently
* Try not to touch your skin
* Avoid the sun

Treatments for acne include medicines and creams.” This definition is from medllineplus.com and for more information about Acne please click here medllineplus.com

When one has ACNE, it definitely causes an effect. Feeling that one does not live up to societal expectations can lead to problems in how one relates to themselves and to the world. Some of the problems include:

When one considers the consequences, we must take Acne seriously. It is important to seek help.
There are 3 key points to consider in seeking how to solve your acne problems:
Solutions take time, so do not believe promises for immediate solutions. Your acne will not be healed over night! You need patience and dedication and the willingness to keep trying until you find the right solution for your skin. You need patience to wait for lesions to heal.

You need dedication to persist in continuing one’s regimen for treatment even when early results are disappointing. Not all methods will work for everyone. Often it is a matter of trial and error to find the one right for you. Each of us has a unique skin type so do not rule out any option until you have found the right treatment program for you.

You may need a dermatologist’s advice. Do not experiment this time. Acne is a sensitive skin problem. Seek the expert’s help when it is clear your efforts to control the problem are not working. Seek professional help if you are overwhelmed with feelings of depression, poor self esteem and find that your acne is interfering with your having a normal social life.

For parents of adolescents it is important to not minimize your adolescent’s problems with acne or the consequent emotional issues related to this skin problem Seek help for your adolescent.

Society favors those who look good. We do not have to look perfect in order to meet that standard. But we do have to have confidence and feel comfortable with his or her self. This is more easily achieved when you have healthy skin with minimal eruptions and scarring.