Acne Treatment Blog

What is Male Hormonal Acne?

Teenagers aren't the only ones who get acne - it can can effect adult men of all ages.  The average age of the acne sufferer in the US increased during the last decade from 20.5 to 26.5 years old.

Are You a Statistic?

Acne is a manifestation of internal imbalance that leads to overproduction of sebum (skin oil) by sebaceous glands. This extra sebum together with dead cells and dirt creates an ideal condition for bacteria what in turn will cause an inflammation that presents itself as ACNE (pimples, cysts, blackheads, whiteheads etc).

 

AcnEase's 3-step "smart-system" is available for use on AcnEase.com, and affords acne-sufferers a personalized approach to finding the appropriate AcnEase® all-botanical acne treatment regimen that is right for them, in seconds.

It seems that two practical beliefs about possible connections between food and acne gained some new research supported legitimacy Studies conducted by Jennifer Burris, MS, RD, of the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, New York University confirmed that eating foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) like sugars and simple carbohydrates and drinking milk not only aggravates acne but in some cases may even trigger it too. According to a 2007 Australian study, young males who were put on a strict low GI diet noticed a significant improvement in the severity of their acne. Since it is expected that eating High GI foods cause a spike in hormone levels including insulin, which is thought to instigate sebum production, the results were not so surprising.

Although there are many factors that can contribute to acne, little do many know that where you live not only contributes to skin problems, but it requires a personalized skincare regimen.

Depending on where you live, there are some important steps that you can take to greatly improve your skin's health.  But in general, no matter where you live, it is imperative to learn how to really clean acne prone skin without chemicals and how to moisturize acne prone skin if you want clear skin for good.

Unfortunately, cystic acne can affect anyone. Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is the most severe form of acne vulgaris. Deep, inflamed breakouts develop on the face and/or other areas of the body. The blemishes themselves can become large; some may measure up to several centimeters across. Although many people use the term "cystic" to describe any type of severely inflamed acne, only those who develop cysts truly have cystic acne. They feel like soft, fluid-filled lumps under the skin's surface. Cysts can be painful as they originate deeper in the skin than typical pimples and may also commonly produce scarring.

Contrary to common belief, squeezing an acne cyst can cause an even deeper infection and more painful inflammation spreading under the surface of the skin which can last much longer and lead to the development of additional cysts.

The term “hormonal acne” may be a misnomer since most acne can be traced back to fluctuations in hormone levels.  A common misunderstanding is that men have testosterone and women have estrogen and
progesterone; in reality, both genders have a balance of all 3.  The primary culprit in the formation of acne relates to fluctuations in androgens (male hormones) and in particular testosterone, DHEAS (dihyroepiandrosterone sulfate) and DHT (dehydrotestosterone).  

The answer to this question is unequivocally YES.

 

If your skin is plagued by acne, blackheads or whiteheads, ranges from dry to oily, part of your daily skincare routine MUST include an appropriate moisturizer 2 TIMES daily - in the morning and in the evening - in order to help the skin stay hydrated and supple.

One of the most prevailing and potentially disadvantageous myths about cleaning acne prone skin is a belief that you need to use salicylic acid or alcohol based products to do it, and in addition, scrape the skin during vigorous exfoliation.

As the intentions behind this belief are good (killing bacteria that thrive in clogged pores), and some may even experience a temporary decrease in pimples, long term effects are certainly not worth it. A few of the adverse effects you may expect from this type of cleaning is dry, irritated, prematurely aged, sun sensitive skin, and an actual increase in inflammation due to skin abrasion.

Little do many know that sex has many beauty and health benefits, including making your skin very happy! Those engaged in regular sexual activities look and behave younger, sleep better (orgasm produces endorphins and oxytocin - associated with bonding) and burn calories. Having an active sex life also increases your DHEA level; and this hormone is credited with anti-aging effects. 

STAY TUNED BELOW FOR RECIPES THAT ARE SURE TO "WOW" ON VALENTINE'S DAY!

In our society, a simple 3-letter word "fat" grew to become a notorious villain. The fact is, however, that to live a healthy life and to show off a beautiful complexion, we need to recognize the "good" from the "bad" fats.

Valentine's Day is both eagerly awaited and profoundly feared. One of the trepidations many of us feel is how to make sure that we look and feel most confident and attractive on this day. So if you see a zit popping out on your face just before V-day, it can be highly stressful.

 

Dr. Agnes helps you to alleviate those fears with her top 5 at-home quick fix acne care remedies.

 

Have all of these ingredients handy before you start so you don't scramble before you need to get ready for your night out.

More than 60 million adults in the US are diagnosed with acne, over 50% of adult women and 25% of adult men having this skin disease. The average age of an individual with acne problem is now, 26.5, while just 10 years ago it was 20.5.

So what other myths prevent men from having clear skin?

Acne is only for teens. If you toughen up and wait until those uncomfortable years are gone- acne problem will go away too.

Wrong!

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the unpleasant and sometimes painful skin breakouts of acne can affect 40 to 50 million Americans. Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can affect people regardless of age.  Hormonal acne is practically acne caused by hormonal fluctuations. Acne can flare at any time, but people are particularly susceptible to it during certain phases of life, including, and perhaps most famously, during puberty and adolescence in general.

 

There are too many factors to list that can derail your good intentions. Not to mention that according to statistics, by February, the percentage of people who stick with their new year's goals drops by 65%!   

 

We're here to help you not be one of those people!

 

Our 5 Fool Proof Ways on How to Stick with Your Resolution to Become Acne-Free for GOOD

Assessing what type of acne you have can be a difficult task. You want to make sure you get it right so the treatment actually does the trick!

So how do you do this? You must be realistic and honest with yourself. It's not easy to admit that your problem is actually severe; on the other hand - when you're tired of breakouts, you can be overly harsh assessing your condition as severe when it really is mild or moderate.

As a general rule, women's hormones tend to fluctuate more than men's, which helps explain why acne in women tends to be less constant and more erratic than acne in men. More than half of all adult women experience at least occasional breakouts. Approximately 60-70% of women battle with acne experience premenstrual flare-ups. Acne can occur throughout a woman's adult life: in early adulthood, in the late twenties and thirties, during pregnancy, and during menopause. While female adult acne can be frustrating to deal with, it can be prevented and effectively treated.

If you have adult acne and have fat around the middle i.e.: a large waist line or a big stomach, it could mean that you have a high insulin level — a symptom of pre-diabetes. Patients who have diabetes and acne often have difficulty getting their acne under control and in some cases, a bad case of acne can be one of the first visible signs of developing diabetes. Because the high blood sugar levels found in diabetes also have been implicated in acne formation, many clinicians are not surprised that the two could be related.

Sometimes people tend to confuse acne with cold sores. However, these are two different skin disorders. Even though, both skin conditions share certain common symptoms they have absolutely no similarity when it comes to causes and treatments.  By closely observing the symptoms, you will be able to distinguish between the two conditions. However, when doubt remains, a visit to your dermatologist can lead to a proper diagnosis and a recommendation for appropriate treatment. Cold sores and acne require different treatments, and improper treatment can slow down healing.

During the winter, people typically experience drier skin due to a number of factors, including cold and windy weather and central heating. The exposure to drastic temperature changes tends to dry out the skin.   In some cases, these factors may trigger the production of dry skin cells, which clog pores and lead to breakouts. People who struggle with acne may experience breakouts more frequently. Sufferers of eczema or rosacea may experience more intense symptoms in dry and cold weather.

While acne is prevalent among teenagers, adult men of all ages can also be plagued by this skin disorder as well. Hormones appear to be the primary culprit in adult male acne, which can be tough to treat. Hormonal imbalance is the main factor that leads to acne. Hormonal acne affects 50% to women and 25% to men. Hormonal acne in men can occur at any stage of life whether it is a teenager stage or adult stage. However, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests that dermatologists can clear almost any case of acne, even in an adult male, with the treatments now available.

The preteen period marks the transition from child to teenager. Acne is which is normally prevalent among teenagers is now affecting preteens as well. Acne in the preteen years would once have been considered distinctly unusual and a cause for concern. In fact, about 8 in 10 preteens and teens have acne, along with many adults. However, the reduction over the past 50 years in the average age at which puberty occur meaning that preteen acne is becoming increasingly common.

Hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain are all common symptoms of menopause.  Acne can also occur among menopausal women as well.  No matter what age you are, when you go through a hormonal change, the hormonal imbalance will result in acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, women in menopause are most likely to spot acne blemishes near their chin, jaw, and mouth, but pimples can also appear on the chest and back.   

Wondering what to do next week with your pumpkins after Halloween is over? Save some for your face!

 

This pumpkin face mask is especially useful for those with sensitive and irritated skin.

Ever feel like this?  Loaded question, I know!  

But little do many know that if stress is balanced with relaxation, then its negative effects may be diminished and a balance can be achieved. Really! 

And if a balance is not achieved, stress affects our skin in a variety of ways.

The holidays are a time where many indulge in sugary things. From the holiday parties to intimate gatherings, there is so much temptation that it can sometimes be hard to avoid. But do know this! Sugar REALLY is bad for your skin and may exacerbate acne as well. Many people wonder why they can't break the cycle of acne - and this is one major cause.

 

Sugar is not just a part of cookies, candies, cakes or sodas, but it also can be found in almost every food in your refrigerator from mayo to Canadian bacon. The ingredient may not say "sugar", and be disguised as corn syrup (or a word that ends with "syrup"), fructose, lactose (or a word that ends in "ose"), fruit juice concentrate, sorbitol or xylitol. When you combine their rather overwhelming presence with foods that easily and rapidly convert into sugar like potatoes, pasta, crackers and potato chips, your skin can continually have issues.  Remember - sugarplums should dance in the Nutcracker, not on your table!

In this journey we've set out on to help you get clear skin for the holidays, it's important to focus on the basics first, and to learn not just what to do, but also what not to do. 

 

1.  Do NOT squeeze, pop, rub (vigorous exfoliation) the pimples - and do not let anyone do it for you! 

 

A very important role of skin is PROTECTION. When you break or injure this barrier, bacteria will hop in and create even more serious inflammation and infection. In addition, this is how acne scars and marks are made!

There are a number of herbs that are good for your skin. But when you suffer from acne, good is not enough! You need SUPER herbs and skilled preparation to get a true natural medicine that actually works.

 

To exemplify how complex the science of herbs is:

 

As wine grapes yield a different quality and taste depending on where and how they are harvested, the similar rule applies, and is even magnified, with herbs. Different parts of the same herbs (leaves, root or stem) processed under different temperatures, and the method of extraction, may provide for totally different properties of a final product.

This is the 4th article in our Summer Series, so stay tuned for many more summer tips to keep your skin clear! Join us on Twitter and Facebook to keep the conversation going! As an acne sufferer, you know that many medications have sun restrictions. But avoiding the sun in the summer is like waving a big delicious candy bar in front of a child's (or, let's admit, an adult's) face and telling them they can't eat it. Being on an acne medication during the summer with this type of restriction can cause sunburn/sun damage (sometimes irreversible), irritation and dryness; all of which can make your acne problem worse. If your product is listed here, my recommendation to you is to consult with your doctor about taking these medications during the summer in order to reduce the harmful effects. ...

Cassandra Bankson, the teen whose makeup routine to cover up her acne-plagued skin made her into a YouTube sensation, started the next chapter of her life, landing a spot on the runway during New York Fashion Week. A confident Bankson walked the runway at the Stacey Igel's "Boy Meets Girl" show in New York City Wednesday night, proudly putting a past of being bullied for her acne-ridden skin behind her. "I'm a small town girl who sits in her living room and films videos all day and now...I'm in New YorkFashion Week," Bankson said backstage. "It's still a dream. I am so thankful." The 19-year-old first achieved Internet stardom after posting makeup tutorials on YouTube with her concealing tips, revealing how she covered her acne-ridden skin before heading out to face the world. In the videos, Bankson talks to her 45 million viewers, first in full makeup, ...

The first step in getting rid of acne scars and marks is to let the skin heal itself while new breakouts are prevented. Acne marks and scars are a result of deep lesions and repeated breakouts and can be prevented if acne symptoms are eliminated.

What to do about those persistent acne scars?

Persistent cysts and lesions that effect adult acne sufferers often leave behind long lasting marks in the form of acne scars, which represent post-inflammatory changes in the skin that are not easily reversed. Depending on the method you choose, acne scar treatment can be quite costly and occasionally even discomforting or painful. 

The big challenge for Fall skin is to off-set the sun and wind exposure from the summer, and the stress of the changed life pace brought by the end of the vacation season, return to school and work and picking up old and new responsibilities. Here's a quick and easy all natural skin fixer that will help "abused" skin achieve a healthy glow.

Oats and oatmeal (not instant or sweetened, but whole grain, steel-cut oats!) are credited with many things. They are an excellent source of fiber, ...

Must-do for those with skin issues!

As I mentioned yesterday in Part I of this end-of-summer treatment, your skin has had sun and wind overload for the past 2-3 months, so it really needs some extra TLC now, ...