Acne Facts

ACNE FACTS

Do you eat potato chips or chocolate when you feel stress and then break out? It may be the stress causing you to break out — not the food.
Stress increases the inflammation that leads to acne.Today, virtually every case of acne can be resolved
Acne develops when one or more of the following occurs: excess sebum production, rapid production of P. acnes, skin cells shed too quickly and/or release of inflammatory substances.

 For treatment to work it must interfere with what is causing the acne. Today’s acne treatments do one or more of the following:
• Decrease sebum production
 • Reduce P. acnes (bacteria)
• Normalize skin shedding
• Eliminate inflammation

Tanning can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Tanning should not be used to clear acne
.Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, are often prescribed for acne.
Taking antibiotics as directed will help your acne clear and may reduce the risk of bacterial resistance - a condition that makes the antibiotic ineffective.
Research shows that acne is not caused by certain foods.
Eating chocolate, fries, and pizza does not cause acne.
 However, some say that eating certain foods makes their acne worse.
 If you notice that your acne worsens after you eat certain foods, then stop eating those foods and see what happens.Compliance is the key to getting results.
Be sure to follow your dermatologist's directions and use medications as prescribed.
Acne does not clear overnight.
 On average, 6 to 8 weeks are needed to see initial results.
 Don't give up on a therapy before then
.Once acne significantly improves or clears, continued treatment is needed to keep acne from re-appearing
.Moisturizers can play a key role in acne treatment.
If your dermatologist recommends a moisturizer, choose one labeled “noncomedogenic.” Moisturizers used during the day also should contain sunscreen.
Almost everyone has a pimple or two sometime in their life.
Research shows even mild acne can pack an emotional punch.
Vigorous washing and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
Dermatologists recommend gently washing the affected areas twice a day with mild soap and warm water.

TIPS FOR DAD TO BE

When I asked my husband about an article for dads, I wanted to know what a dad might like to read. His suggestion was to give some tips for dads to make mom more comfortable. I've included some of his tips and some others, but I did have to remind him to practice what he preaches! So here are some ideas for dads to help mom feel more comfortable in pregnancy:

Rub her feet. Doing a hand or foot massage can help relieve a lot of tension and give you some quiet time to talk. I prefer using a mint lotion on my feet to help invigorate myself. Ask her what he preference is for lotion.

Clean the bathroom. This might sound like something that is very low priority but who wants to throw up in a dirty toilet? This is one of the best things my husband does for me!

Show interest. Yes, you're discussing baby names for the umpteenth time, but it's important to her and ultimately you. Go to appointments when you can, if you have trouble getting away be sure to make it to the big ones like the first heartbeat and the ultrasounds.

Take her out to dinner. Don't forget date night! Sometimes it seems like your fetus has taken over your life months before it gets here. Remember to spend time as a couple.



Take childbirth classes. Don't worry about turning green or looking silly. These classes will help you tremendously once she's in labor. A good class should prepare you for anything along the way. It also gives you a chance to ask questions.

Fill the gas tank. Sounds silly, but the fumes can make her feel ill and aren't good for her or your baby. This small act of kindness will go along way.
Read a book. It doesn't have to be a high tech serious book, but showing her you have interests on your own about the pregnancy can ease her fears. Not to mention reading can give you an edge up and provide you with some talking points for future conversations. There are also many websites designed for dads.

Let her nap! If mom  is exhausted an hour nap  Then she comes home can make a world of difference, as could sleeping in on the weekend. You might even take it one step further and provide breakfast in bed.
Feel the baby. You've heard it more than once, "Just put your hand right here…" All of sudden she reports that the baby has stopped moving now. Try resting your hand on her belly during TV time or while you're laying in bed. (Ask first!) Chances are the longer you leave it there the more likely you are to be rewarded with the thumps and flutters she so longs for you to feel.

Keep things running smoothly. This can a variety of things from helping to pay the bills, without complaining, to arranging childcare for an afternoon off. Allow her some alone time where she can relax and do what she wants, shop, read, nap, swim, etc. By helping to ensure small things don't fall by the wayside you will make the household a happier one.

My personal recommendation for a good book for the men to read would be The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears.

acne

Microdermabrasion Acne Treatment

Microdermabrasion treatments work by polishing away impurities and dead skin cells. This progressive skin re-surfacing technique can be used to target wrinkles, lines, superficial scarring, stretch marks, acne, and sun damage.

Microdermabrasion is much less harsh than the dermabrasion technique that it replaces. Dermabrasion involves scraping off the outer skin layer with an abrasive, metal attachment. While this is highly effective in treating severe scarring, it also requires anaesthesia to counteract the pain and a relatively lengthy recovery time.

Microdermabrasion is a safe and equally effective alternative to many surgical and laser skin-enhancing procedures. Microdermabrasion activates circulation, deeply exfoliates the skin's surface, and effectively cleans the pores of trapped oil deposits and other contaminants while diminishing acne scars. The removal of the oil and dead skin cells makes it much less likely for the acne to reoccur.
Microdermabrasion peels avoid the use of harsh chemicals and utilize the power of debris leeching micro-crystals. Microdermabrasion peels are not painful and can be performed as a hospital outpatient, at a health spa, or even at home. Skin treatment regimens usually consist of a series of 4 - 6 peels spaced at one to two week intervals followed by maintenance peels every six weeks or as necessary.
Microdermabrasion acne treatments involve a mechanical exfoliating effect together with mild and soothing cleansers, which combine to clear the skin of debris without aggravating sensitive skin. These Microdermabrasion acne treatments can be used daily to clear the skin of impurities, leaving it refreshed and revitalised, allowing acne to heal and preventing new outbreaks from occurring.
Microdermabrasion is much less harsh than chemical peels. The skin is gently polished and renewed with the aid of micro-crystals which are circulated onto the skin with a hand-held cleaning device that extracts debris, unclogs pores and leaves a fresh skin surface that is supple and free of dead skin cells and other contaminants. It also stimulates blood flow and rejuvenation of skin cells through its therapeutic tissue massage. The amazing thing about micro-crystal creams is how effectively they polish the skin while being so gentle and non-damaging.
Microdermabrasion equipment ranges from expensive machines used in medical surgeries and salons to inexpensive do-it-yourself packages that can be used safely in your own home. This acne treatment is certainly much more convenient than surgical procedures, laser therapy and harsh chemical treatments, and presents far fewer risks.
Major distributors of home Microdermabrasion kits are Neutrogena, Mary Kay and Loreal.
Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Systems are designed for professional level results at home. They offer a 3-component treatment package that includes a 2-speed System Applicator, Soft Foam Sponge Head and a Micro-Oxide Crystalline Cream. The method is simple:
• Ensure that your face is clean and pat-dried
• Dab a small amount of cream onto the applicator's sponge head
• Apply to your target acne areas
• Massage the skin's surface for 1 - 2 minutes
• Rinse the crystal residue with warm water
• Marvel at the new layer of velvety, healthy skin that emerges.

Mary Kay's TimeWise Microdermabrasion set is a two-step process that provides the exfoliating, micro-crystal Refine Cream and a Replenishing Serum.
• No re-surfacing tool is required just your finger tips!
• Massage your skin in a circular motion with the Refine Cream,
• Cleanse with warm water and pat dry
• Apply the vitamin and antioxidant rich Replenish Serum
• Your new skin is now protected and nurtured

Loreal Microdermabrasion consists of the Gentle Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator and the Post- Treatment SPF 15 Sunscreen Moisturizer. This system is simple, just;
• Massage the exfoliating micro-crystal cream into target areas
• Rinse and pat dry
• Hydrate the fresh skin surface with the Post-Treatment Moisturizer.
• Notice the brighter, fresher skin tone
• Enables flawless makeup application.

ALSO SEE
American Academy of Dermatology. New Oral Acne Medications Poised to Benefit Patients. News release issued August 4, 2007. Last accessed August 30, 2007 at

www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/New_Oral_Acne_Medications_Poised_to_Benefit_Patien/.
American Academy of Dermatology. Millions of Women Facing Adult Acne. News release issued July 30, 2004. Last accessed August 30, 2007 at www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/Millions_of_Women_Facing_Adult_Acne/.
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/

http://www.webmd.com/video/acne-emotion
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_skin_problems/article_em.htm

http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/acne.html