Every time you go to the store and look for a treatment for your Acne, do you feel frustrated because of the price tags? If you really want to treat your acne in a cheap and effective means, use an oil removal masks. Usually you wouldn’t find such masks in any drug or department store. But don’t be discouraged, this article will teach you how to make your own facial mask for controlling acne and facial oils.

Believe it or not, you can find everything you need to make this oil removal mask in your kitchen. Kitchen? Yes, you heard right. Oatmeal is one of the additional wonders and aids in controlling, treating and preventing acne outbreaks. We all know that one of the famous wonders of oatmeal is being a medical treatment for our heart. Is there any connection from the heart to your skin in terms of benefits of the oatmeal? Using your oatmeal you bought from the grocery can help you make a mask and see the benefits in treating your acne disease. Here is a simple step-by-step procedure in making an oil removal masks from oatmeal.

First, mix your favorite ¾ cup oatmeal through half a cup of water, and then boil it for three to five minutes just like cooking your instant noodles. Remove from heat. When the boiled oatmeal is already cool, mix it with a quarter cup of honey and stir well. Is it simple? You’ve been produce an instant oatmeal mask against your acne in just 8 minutes or less.

With the oatmeal is your primary ingredient for oil-removal and mixture purpose. When you apply it to your skin, excess oil will immersed from your pores. It also helps to remove your dead skin cells and somehow exfoliates the skin roughness. As of this moment, you are wondering the purpose of the honey you mixed a while ago. Honey can only added in your oil removal oatmeal masks to make it pasty. The stickiness of the honey will help the mask to paste into your skin.

Upon applying your homemade oatmeal mask, you must pay attention and apply with care away into your eyes. You will experience upon applying an eye irritation. How to prevent it? You can still use a used clean tea bag. Put them into the eyelids upon applying the oatmeal mask to your facial skin. The tea bag had a big responsibility to protect your eyes against irritation and redness while on the process.

After completely applied the oatmeal mask against your acne, you must leave it there pasted for about 15 to 20 minutes. As of this moment, you will feel sticky and uncomfortable but don’t worry about that, think of it the benefits the oatmeal had made for your Acne treatment. After your desired minutes, wash your face gently. Don’t forget not to leave the mask pasted in your face for more than 20 minutes because it is had and very sticky against your skin when completely dried up. Imagine how sticky to remove the oatmeal mask away from your facial skin, truly unbearable.

When you try this very simple and an effective home remedy for your excess oil removal as well as your Acne treatment is actually a big step in fighting skin problems.

So you thought dry skin would save you from the perils of getting acne at any point in your life. When you think about it, it makes sense because dry skin means no oil to clog up your pores, right? Wrong! You see, underneath that dry surface there are still sebaceous glands and bacteria, and you still shed dead skin cells everyday. These are the main ingredients that make up acne, whatever type of skin you have. Having dry skin alone is uncomfortable enough since it makes your skin flake, itch and easily get irritated, and the formation of acne definitely just makes it worse especially during winter when the air is dry. However, it’s not totally hopeless. There are dry skin acne treatments that can lessen the discomfort of acne breakouts. It’s not always easy to change your environment, but there are several ways to make acne and dry skin more bearable whatever the season:

Keep yourself hydrated. We’ve always been told to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and there’s more than just one reason for that. Dehydration has been pinpointed as one of the reasons for having dry skin since the skin is not getting enough moisture to keep it healthy and supple. If you haven’t made it a habit to drink plenty of fluids, start doing so now. Water not only helps in moisturizing your skin from the inside, it also aids in cleansing by flushing the toxins out of your body and lessens your chances of having clogged pores.

Minimize contact with water. No, this is not a contradiction to the previous step made to confuse you. If you think that a faster way to hydrate your skin would be to apply water on it as much as possible, think again. Water may be moisturizing your skin while it’s still wet, but once it dries up, it also strips away the natural oils and leaves you even drier than before. This can lead to more skin flaking off, accumulating in the pores and leading to more breakouts.

Cleanse your skin. Remove dirt, oil, makeup and other irritants that may have made their way to your skin throughout the day. Try using oil-free toners or hypoallergenic skin cleansers. Always remember to clean your face before bedtime, otherwise you’ll only be allowing more bacteria to accumulate and more pores to get clogged.

Moisturize constantly. Moisturizers might not be the first thing that will come to your mind when thinking about treating acne or at least preventing further breakouts, but when the acne is appearing on dry skin, applying the right moisturizer can help alleviate the irritation and won’t worsen your acne. There are already different types of moisturizers to choose from: creams, gels, water-based, oil-free, and more. Once you’ve found the one that suits you best and does not worsen your skin condition, apply it everyday right after showering since it is at this time when it’s easiest for the skin to absorb the moisturizer.

Reconsider your acne treatment. Have you been using the same medication for your acne for a long time now? If you find your acne and your dry skin getting better throughout this time, well and good. However, if you’ve found that some of your conditions are getting worse, it might not just be the changes in temperature and season that are causing it. Perhaps it’s time to set another appointment with your dermatologist and have him check if your current treatment is still working as effectively as you expect it to.

The main purpose of dry skin acne treatments is to keep your skin free from irritation and aggravation to prevent it from flaking, cracking, and becoming more painful than it already is. Just make your own effective regimen to clean and moisturize the skin and follow it religiously. Sooner or later, you’ll find that your winters won’t be as cold and drying as it used to be anymore.

It is a proven fact that how we look on the outside entirely affects how we feel on the inside. More so, it is a cycle of feedback that allows us to gain that personal well-being in order to perform well wherever we are at whatever endeavour we are to partake in. It is for this matter that we take extra effort into caring for our skin. It is a must that we glow amidst our surroundings in order to feel good about ourselves and this can only be done by avoiding or removing all sorts of marks that can affect the integrity of our skin. Acne scars are very common especially when there is constant pricking, pinching, and squeezing. Each of us is guilty of this act for the sake of being able to remove this acne. In the process, we are left off with scars that affect us inside and out.

But never for in this world of so many resources there are a lot of natural and technological ways in order to ward off those nasty scars. Here are some tricks off your sleeves that you can pull off. For your first magical and natural act all you need is a fresh juice of lemon and cotton ball. Dip the cotton ball on your fresh lemon juice and gently pat it on your face.

Then you may let it air dry for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards rinse your face with clean water. Do this on a regular basis for at least four times weekly for the desired change on your skin integrity. Another routine that you can perform is by preparing a mixture of 2-4 drops of lime juice with a combined paste of sandalwood powder and rose water. Gently put this on your face and neck area and let it dry naturally.

Then rinse the areas with clean water. Remember to do this on a regular basis to come up with good outcomes.

Next on the list for your daily strategy to remove those scars is the application of cucumber juice with the use of cotton wool. The cucumber juice has a cooling effect on the skin which leads to tightening of the pores. This will also leave your skin with a glowing and refreshing experience. Last but not the least for your home remedy for those acne blemishes is a combination of apple and honey. Create a paste with your apple and then add 4-6 drops of your honey. This is to be used as an application mask on your face. Rinse the mask after about 15 minutes. You will then see lighter complexion just make sure that the procedure is done on a regular basis.

Technology can also do its part to contribute in your quest to wave goodbyes on those acne scars but make it a point to check with you trust-worthy dermatologist on which procedure that is most fit for your beloved skin. Dermabrasion is one technique to consider. It is a method used to remove layers on a deeper and further basis as compared to micro-dermabrasion. After the procedure, it will take some weeks for you to recover. Scabbing occurs after which you can have a fresh experience through your smooth and glowing skin.

Next in line is laser resurfacing which is a method for cleaning pimples as well as ridding away the scars left behind. The top layer of the skin wherein damage has occurred is removed in the process. Topical ointments can be used with your doctor’s prescription in order to hasten recovery time. Augmentation comes as the last trick. Fillers usually in the form of collagen are injected beneath the skin which results into the smoothening of the affected area. An alternative for collagen is to take fat from other body areas. Augmentation offers faster time of recovery.

It is always to be clean both inside and out. Remember not to let external marks such as acne scars weigh you down. Keep your spirits high and roll with the punches.

Acne is one of the banes of existence that you can never really get away from, no matter what. Most of us usually get it during adolescent years, when hormones are raging, bodies are changing, and peer pressure and stress are becoming part of daily life. It’s tough when you have to handle project deadlines and deal with acne at the same time.

It’s something we’d rather get rid of as soon as possible rather than wait for the adolescent years to pass and see if it disappears on its own. Thankfully, there are a lot of remedies available that can clear your acne or at least prevent more from showing up. And the best thing is that you don’t always have to run to the nearest drugstore for these; you can simply raid your kitchen cupboards to get great homemade acne remedies such as these:

Get a honey mask. Honey has been known to possess antibacterial properties and is an effective acne remedy on its own. Simply slather it on the affected areas or on your whole face like a mask, let sit for ten minutes, and rinse. Just be careful since the honey might drip after some time. You might also want to try mixing in some nutmeg, cinnamon powder or lemon juice for a more effective treatment.

Use baking soda. Make a thick paste using baking soda and some warm water, then apply the mixture on your face. Using your fingers, scrub gently to remove dead skin cells and clear up pores. Rinse immediately after scrubbing.

Another great remedy that has gained popularity is toothpaste. It works well on pimples and can make them disappear in a matter of days. Simply take some toothpaste (the paste kind, not the gel) and apply it on the zits. If your acne is only very light, let it sit for about half an hour only. If not, you can leave it on overnight. Remember to wash it off afterward. Take note, though, that this will definitely sting but that’s how you can feel it’s working.

Oatmeal is not just for cookies or a healthy breakfast. It’s also a good way to treat acne because of its absorbent property that can help remove excess oil. Just cook some oatmeal according to package instructions and let cool. Apply on the acne-infected area and wait until it becomes dry and crusty, then wash off thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Lemon juice is another great way to remove those zits. The citric acid it contains scrubs off dead skin cells and kills bacteria, greatly reducing acne and preventing more from flaring up. To apply the lemon juice, dip a cotton ball in the lemon juice and dab on acne spots. Pure juice might sting too much, though, so try diluting with water until the sting is bearable. Leaving it on overnight will produce the best results but if it hurts too much to keep it on that long, just rinse it off with cold water before going to bed.

If there are no lemons lying around the house, check if there’s vinegar. Any vinegar will do well as a substitute for lemon juice, although many prefer the apple cider kind. Just apply the vinegar in the same way as lemon juice. Diluting it is also recommended if the acid burns too much.

Been wondering what to do with those egg whites left over from a recipe that called for egg yolks only? Don’t throw them away just yet! Egg whites are protein-rich and make a good face mask that helps heal the skin, and can also be used as a great alternative to store-bought pore strips to remove those nasty blackheads. To use as a mask, simply beat the egg whites and apply in all areas of your face like you would with a mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes, and then rinse off. To use as pore strips, cut up some toilet paper or paper table napkins into your desired size and dip them in the egg whites. Make sure the egg whites are enough so they will stick properly. Apply the strips to your nose and other areas affected with blackheads and let them sit until they have dried up. Then, slowly pull the strips away from your skin to gently remove the blackheads. Rinse with cold water to close your pores and prevent other irritants from getting in.

In order to make these treatments really effective, keep in mind to always cleanse your face before every application. Warm water does a great job at opening your pores and making it easier for blackheads, oil and dead skin cells to be removed. Another important thing to remember is that different skins react to treatments in different ways.

What removes some people’s acne might not have results on others’ or might even aggravate the acne. If this happens, the treatment should be discontinued. It might take a little bit of experimentation to find out which of these homemade acne remedies are right for you, but a little more perseverance is always an affordable price to pay for better-looking, acne-free skin.

Here’s a video with 12 remedies you can do at home that might work for you:

That acne is an exclusive teenage dilemma is a common misconception. Some people think that having acne attacks in the adolescent years automatically disqualifies them from developing adult acne. Similarly, those who did not have acne before are thinking they’ve skipped the acne stage. Wrong. Acne can recur or strike in adulthood. Statistics says that 20% of the adult population suffers from acne. Specifically, acne affects 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men. Some have them in their 20’s or 30’s. Others experience adult acne way later in life, usually in their 40’s.

Adults face the same trouble as teenagers do. Their self-esteem is as badly slighted. They get the same sideward glances. They equally get bothered with one new zit. Though it is not a fraction as serious as other health problems, adult acne can be hugely bothersome. Suddenly, socializing has become more of a task and fronting the mirror is an avoided experience. As if that’s not enough, they have to put up with acne scars, which, most of the time, stick around for life.

What went wrong?
Acne develops when the skin follicles are blocked by sebum—the oil produced by the sebaceous glands—dead skin cells, and bacteria. A blocked follicle is usually triggered by using bad cosmetics, birth control pills, and some medicines. Heredity, hormonal imbalances, and allergic reactions can also lead to acne breakouts, although unlike the others, these factors are specifically out of the sufferer’s control.

The face is the most commonly affected, but acne can also appear in other areas where units of follicles and sebaceous glands (pilosebaceous units) are most numerous. Examples are back, chest, arms, neck, and shoulders.

Adult acne treatment
Though most of the acne treatments today are specifically created for teens, there have been a lot of treatments for adult acne available in the market. Thirty percent of them are purchased over the counter. Very popular today are the products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which usually come as topical treatments like soaps, lotions, gels, and creams. Over-the-counter treatments, however, are typically limited to treating mild acne cases. Medications with strong effects, on the other hand, are available only with prescription. Experts usually advise against treatment combination as it may dry up the skin and cause irritation.

Oral medications are also administered to address certain conditions that lead up to acne. Women with hormonal imbalance, for instance, should take spironolactone and undergo hormone replacement therapy.

Acne treatments are as unique as the individual sufferers; no treatment is a cure-all. In other words, a treatment that went good with one person may not necessarily do as well with someone else. Which is why seeking the attention of a dermatologist is highly recommended, especially in serious acne cases, to determine the proper treatment based on the severity of the case, cause of acne, type of skin, and age.

Avoiding adult acne
In the case of an existing acne flare-up, treatment comes as top priority. However, there is something to be said about preventing a breakout. And prevention usually requires deliberate change of practices.

For one, hands should be kept off the face, as they can expedite the growth of bacteria. Acne thrives in a pool of bacteria, and a second of mindlessly touching the face can produce a zit in only a matter of days. Squeezing and picking pimples are also a no-no since they can push the bacteria back into the skin and cause more inflammation.

Use noncomedogenic and oil-free cosmetics and other skin products. These properties can prevent blocked pores and consequently future skin flare-ups. Some, however, may find these same products to be causing more aggravation. Therefore, it is important to be more critical of skin products and use only those that are necessary.

Finally, take extra care of the skin to prevent adult acne breakouts. Wash the skin with mild products twice or thrice a day, starting from under the jaw to the hairline. Don’t rub the skin too hard to avoid inflammation. The key here is not to over wash, as it may do more harm than good to the skin.

Part 2 in our series regarding Acne.

Puberty is that stage in life when you are commonly hit by various life conflicts and in order to better equip yourself and overcome these conflicts you must understand how such problems arise. One common aspect that has to be dealt with is the physical change that occurs during this stage. Being a greenhorn when it comes to these changes you sometimes become very terrified and stressed. Having a better understanding of what’s happening can be your greatest ally in each scenario. Acne is one of the most feared physiological effects of puberty which actually worsens when adolescence is reached. So with this let’s find out what brings about such condition.

Acne or pimples can be seen in common areas of the body such as the face, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms. So where does these pesky critters come from? The problem starts when clogging happens. Skin pores are being clogged by bacteria, wasted or dead skin cells, and of course trapped oil. There are glands called sebaceous glands which are just beneath the skin’s surface. These glands are responsible for the secretion of sebum which acts by keeping the skin’s moisture level up to par. Now what happens during puberty is that there is a greater activity of male hormones known as androgens triggering these glands to have overproduction of sebum. Whiteheads and blackheads then enter the scene. This villainous pair is collectively identified as comedones which normally progresses during mild acne cases. Their formation blocks skin pores due to the mixing of excess sebum, wasted skin cells, dirt, and bacteria.

Now for moderate and severe inflammatory acne cases, things become very down and dirty. There are sebaceous follicles within your skin wherein sebaceous glands and hair follicles come together. When these so-called follicles get pretty clogged, Propioni-bacterium acnes do their worst and take advantage. These are bacteria harboring on the skin. Pimple or acne formation is brought about by the weakening of the compromised follicle. Due to its weakening, it bursts leading to the secretion of sebum, white blood cells, and bacteria on nearby tissues. Afterwards, new skins cells come into the picture to kick out dead and damaged cell. Unfortunately this brings about scarring. Superficially inflamed pimples are called papules while those found deep beneath the skin’s surface are known as pustules. Acnes enclosed in sac-like formations are called cysts while nodules come in hard swellings. These two are the most severe forms of acnes.

There is no definite cause found to be associated with acne formation although there are a bunch of risk factors commonly tagged along. As mentioned earlier, it is during puberty that acne begins to strike. This is because of the hormonal variations in this stage. Boys have more tendency than girls due to greater levels of androgen. Hormonal diseases and disorders can also contribute. Family history can also be noted as having a greater effect on the chances of having acne. Conditions such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can heighten up chances of acne formation.

Physical care and hygiene is also another factor. Pricking and pinching of pimples can worsen the condition. Allergies to different cosmetic products and frequent exposure to dust, dirt, and pollution can also be considered. Finally the most common culprit of this case is stress.
Upon knowing these acne basics you can now face these critters anytime, anywhere.

The onset of adolescence

High school is that awkward stage when teenagers start dealing with physical changes beyond their imagination. Some enjoy growth spurts which put them at the back of the line during flag ceremonies; some simply gain weight at an unstoppable rate. Some start having red lesions on their faces which adds to the awkwardness that comes with being a young adult. These lesions appear conspicuously on ones cheeks and are exacerbated by the excretion of excessive oil from facial pores that a normal teenager suffers from. The inflamed appearance of these spots does not necessarily spell disaster in a teenager’s entire life, but it does leave scars, and can always make one wonder why finding a date is such a herculean task. Welcome to the ‘world of acne’.

Up close and ‘too’ personal

Acne is a skin disease that affects mostly the face, but is not exclusively confined to it. Other parts of a person’s body are prone to having acne, such as the shoulders and back. One of the most common skin diseases known to the world of dermatology, it is basically a chronic inflammation of the skin. It varies from one case to another but is usually manifested by pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. Contrary to how ordinary it may sound, acne can have lasting damages to a person’s skin. Severe cases of acne can leave scars on an otherwise porcelain face. The redness may disappear after sometime but the unappealing spots remain noticeable.

All is fair in love and uhm… acne

And although teenagers are most susceptible to this disease, nobody is totally spared. Even a dermatologist can have an occasional pimple or two. However, owing to the hormonal changes that adolescents in high school go through, it is in this age bracket that ‘zits’ start coming out like there’s no tomorrow. It does not mean, though, that beyond this age, pimples are already unheard of. Adults can have them late in their twenties or even thirties. One’s sex, likewise, does not offer a conclusive explanation as to who is predisposed to having acne. Both sexes can experience varying forms of acne, although women are more likely to endure a regular bout with intermittent pimples due to their monthly cycle which causes an imbalance of the hormones.

Vanity knows no price

Despite the apparent downside of having acne at any point in one’s life, there is still no reason to panic. The advancement of today’s technology can make the trace of even the ugliest pimple disappear forever. A quick trip to the nearest dermatological clinic can work wonders not only in removing acne marks but also to prevent the possible outburst of other facial problems. From facial hair treatment to warts removal, these clinics offer an array of remedies for clients who are willing to pay. Those with acne problems, however, normally stick to the basics, which includes an initial assessment plus a series of follow-through treatments. These treatments don’t come cheap and require very specific brands of facial wash, cleanser, and moisturizer — the entire lot, really. But the promise of a ‘glowing’ and ‘blemish-free’ skin is enough to completely ignore how pricey it really is.

The Little Prince

One does not need to be acquainted with the likes of Belo and Calayan, otherwise known as ‘doctors to the stars’ to understand what acne is and how it can be countered. Educational materials abound in magazines, the internet and in those lifestyle channels on the tube. If dealing with acne is too expensive for comfort, one can always turn to Saint Antoine de Exupery who said: “Real beauty is invisible to the naked eye.”

Dealing with acne is hardly a pleasant experience. It may probably be found scribbled in the topmost list of ‘most embarrassing moment’ in a teenager’s high school diary. For some people, it is a burden too irritating to carry. How does one really solve an acne breakout? Is there a fool-proof set of things-to-do that would shield one from being victimized by this skin disease? For those who are currently left clueless with this dilemma, read on the following random tips. Apparently, all it takes is developing a healthy lifestyle that factors in one’s dietary intake, hygiene, and daily activities.

You are what you eat

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is always great. For an even healthier twist, include a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade or a tall glass of orange juice in the menu. And instead of the usual sugar or gum syrup for a sweeter taste, add maple instead.

It is not always advisable to skip lunch, even for those who are in a diet. But for the figure conscious ones, having fruits instead of bread or salad during lunchtime would make a big difference. An apple, a selection of berries or any other seasonal fruits available in the nearest grocery would do. If there is an organic version available, that would even be a better choice.

For dinner, enjoying a simple home-made salad is best. Dressing need not be too complicated or gourmet style to make the salad palatable. A combination of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt is a perfect match for those healthy greens.

Hygiene, exercise and lifestyle

There’s a good reason why the World Health Organization advises people to always wash their hands before eating. The most widely used rationale for this is that it avoids the transfer and ingestion of unhealthy organisms into the body. But the truth is, doing so not only ensures safety for the stomach, but also for the face. Unwashed hands carry harmful organisms and bacteria that could cause irritation to the facial skin, thereby resulting to redness and infection.

As sleep is part of an essential regimen in keeping one’s youthful looks, it should be done so religiously. But sleeping on dirty pillow covers defeats the purpose altogether. Pillow covers should ideally be changed every night to avoid irritation of the face. Make sure also that only hypoallergenic laundry materials are used to wash the covers so as to avoid having allergic reactions to them.

Regular exercise keeps the body healthy and aids in the process of detoxification and metabolism. In today’s fast-paced world, experts of various forms of exercise offer tutorial and even video manuals on how to survive an hour-long work out without the fuss of enrolling in a gym class. Yoga, one of the best used exercises these days, can be done within the comforts of a home.

The common perception about massage is that it provides comfort to sore muscles and aching joints. Truth is, massage also offers a soothing effect on the skin, especially when done gently on the face. A regular but gentle massage done on the face aids in cleansing it and offers an alternative way of firming up those unwanted lines and wrinkles. An alternate of upward and circular strokes on the face can help put off that daunting trip to the plastic surgeon for some time.

Peace is still the best kept beauty secret

This may not always be true, but no amount of treatment or routine can substitute to what inner peace can bring in a person’s life. Peace gives a priceless glow that no sum of money could buy. The cliché must be true. Acne or not, beauty always springs from within.