Saturday, December 6, 2008

Beware of Some Skin Care Treatments

The market for treatments regarding skin care and skin disorders is huge, and there are many new "remedies" that have recently become available and are quite safe when used correctly. In the past on this blog, we have warned readers about the dangers of many cosmetic and personal skin care products that contain toxic chemicals. Today's post covers ELOS (Electrical Light Optical Synergy) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) machines, and a recent case in New Zealand involving injury to a woman undergoing such treatments.

Apparently the training and certification given to operators of these machines varies greatly, as does the quality and safety of the equipment itself. The article also points out that certain medications can negatively affect ELOS treatments as well.

The skin is particularly vulnerable, as whatever substances are applied to this organ can go directly into the bloodstream and are quickly dispersed throughout the body. Newer procedures such as ELOS and IPL are usually safe and effective when properly administered; however, care must be taken when choosing this type of therapy. When dealing with any type of skin care, it is critical to research and make sure that the company offering the treatment has properly certified technicians and uses quality equipment. We must also remember that some people's skin is more sensitive because of diet, sun exposure, medications, cosmetics, etc. Thus, not everyone will react in the same manner nor should they all be treated alike. Before any type of skin treatment/therapy make sure that you tell the technician everything about your skin and be certain that you are getting treated by a reputable company. Ask for references. Also, if the pricing seems too good to be true, then check out other companies that are offering the same technique. Skincare therapy is really not a good place to "pinch" pennies.


Call for tight controls after scar therapy goes wrong
4:00AM Wednesday Nov 19, 2008
By Martin Johnston

The beauty therapy industry is calling for tighter controls after a woman who was treated for acne scars ended up with worse damage on her face.

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rae Lamb yesterday made public her brief report on the case, in which she said the therapist breached the code of patients' rights on standard of care and informed consent.

The woman had asked the clinic about laser treatments for acne scars and a skin pigmentation disorder which had left dark patches on her cheeks.

She was treated with an ELOS machine (electrical light optical synergy). The next morning she found blisters and swelling where she had been treated.

She sought help from another beauty therapist and a doctor. The clinic apologised, refunded her fee and offered free treatments. She needed further assessment and treatment from a skin specialist.

The therapist had been trained in the use of the machine. She assessed the woman's skin type as highest risk for treatment with ELOS or the related intense pulsed light (IPL) machine.

The woman signed her consent to the therapy, but was "clearly unaware of the risks", Ms Lamb
said.

The consultation form listed medications that could cause problems with ELOS. The woman's acne was concurrently being treated with an antibiotic, but it did not appear the use of this medication was "satisfactorily explored".

Ms Lamb said the Association of Beauty Therapists had no guidelines on therapists' use of ELOS and IPL machines and the industry relied on the machines' distributors for training. The association's policy on IPL focused more on workplace safety than managing risks to clients.

"It appears that there is a need for adequate guidelines/standards regarding the use of ELOS and IPL equipment across the whole sector."

Association president Judy West said yesterday: "We have been really concerned. We are certainly looking into trying to make this more safe for the public." The established distributors provided good training, but many machines were obtained through the internet "and that's creating massive problems".

Russell Smith, owner of InTouch Medical, the distributor of a British IPL machine, said British and US machines cost $50,000 to $100,000. Chinese-made machines could be imported for $7000, but some were so poorly designed that patients could inadvertently be burned.

THE MACHINE
* Electrical light optical synergy (ELOS).
* Uses an adjustable combination of pulsed light and radio frequencies.
* A development of intense pulsed light (IPL), which uses only light.
* It is estimated there are up to 300 machines in use in New Zealand, mainly by beauty therapists.
* They are different from laser therapy.
* IPL can be used to remove hair, freckles and spider veins. ELOS can also treat acne.
* Beauty therapists, unlike nurses and doctors, are not regulated by statute.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Acne Treatment and Skin Care

The Acne Health Guide

The Acne Health Guide - Importance of Acne Information

Learning about acne is very important and have relevant information, especially if you or someone you know is suffers from acne. It can not only be uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it can even be extremely painful and can also change the way you live your life. It makes you not want to go out and be seen, and you often get to the point where you feel as though there is nothing that is going to be able to help you. Acne has also been known to trigger depression due to people being afraid of being seen by others and simply stay inside or hide in seclusion.

What Acne is

Acne ResultsWhat is perhaps the most critical information is to learn what acne really is. Acne is a skin problem that affects people from 10 all the way through 40, and acne can appear in many forms such as whiteheads, congested pores, pimples, cysts, pustules or blackheads

Causes of Acne

Other important acne information is in regards to what the causes are, and there are actually quite a few. Basically acne happens when oil glands come to life around puberty, which are stimulated by male hormones from the adrenal glands of both boys and girls. Although oil is a natural substance and usually does not do any harm, when there is a buildup of it, it can be problematic.

Acne TreatmentFood is considered as being a major cause of acne, so you want to steer clear of those foods that are going to cause or aggravate it, such as fatty, deep-fried and sugary foods. Stress is another culprit here, as a lot of time when people find themselves going through stress their hormones start to act up, intensifying the production of acne.

Treatment of Acne

Perhaps the most important piece of acne information of all involves treatment of the problem. Basically the specific type of acne that you have and the severity of it is what is going to determine which type of treatment you should use, and before you go along with any treatment you want to make sure that you read up and learn about all the acne information possible, so that you can understand the treatment before you start using it.

This will not only help you to feel more comfortable with it but as well will give you more effective results because you will be informed and understand the proper way to use it.

Acne ProductsAcne is a very serious condition, not only physically but emotionally as well because it can really put a dent in your self-confidence and self-esteem. Just remember that there are plenty of options out there when it comes to treatment and so you will be able to get help for your acne and get back to feeling like your old self again.

Myth and Facts

There are many stated reasons for Ance being prevalent, however it is important to know which of these are fact and what are myths which have been spread around from untrained people. Knowing the difference will help you understand what needs to be done and what shouldn't be done to prevent or treat Acne.

Read more Articles and Guides all about Acne.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Hormonal Acne in Women

For Acne in women, most used are standard therapies such as antibiotics,topical solutions or Roaccutane,but about 60 percent of these women either do not respond to treatment or build up a tolerance over the time.

In most women acne cases,breakouts are caused by an excess of male hormones-androgen . Androgen is guilty for growth of hair on the body or face, irregular menstrual cycles,premenstrual acne flares, and irregular blood levels of certain androgens.

Acne treatment for hormonal acne in women are antiandrogens and oral contraceptives.

Hormonal treatments and oral contraceptives, have long been recognized by dermatologists to be an effective treatment option for women who have acne, no matter how severe.

Antiandrogen treatment of acne are limited to women.It offers a great results when main cause of Acne is hormonal imbalance.This condition affects about 8% of women in their reproductive years. Clinical blood testing can be performed to diagnose this disorder.

Side effects of antiandrogen drugs may include headaches,irregular menstruation, tender breasts, and fatigue.

The doctor may prescribe one of several drugs to treat women with this type of acne:

Oral Contraceptives and Antiandrogens


Oral contraceptives help suppress the androgen produced by the ovaries.Oral contraceptives contain progestins and estrogen (female hormone), and it directly affects androgen production.

Androgens that causing acne are:
5-dihydrodrotestosterone (DHT)
testosterone (T)
androstenedione (A)
dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S)

Oral contraceptives decreases production of Testosterone and Androstenedione and inhibite the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which leads to a reduction of DHT levels.

Available Oral Contraceptives:

Diane-35®
Tri-Cyclen®
Alesse®
Yasmin®


They contain progestins with mild anti-androgenic function.
Side effects with oral contraceptives are very rare(irregular menstrual cycles,breast tenderness, headache, and nausea).

Studies in acne women sufferers treated with Tricyclen show that acne were reduced by about 50% over a 5-6 months of use. Improvement may be greater with Diane-35 as patients generally considered Diane-35â to be more effective for treating hormonal acne than other products.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Treatment of Acne scars

If acne scars affect you, your doctor will determine the specific dermatological procedure to reduce possible scars, based on the following things:

· Your age, general state of health and medical history.

· The severity of scars.

· Type of scars.

· Your tolerance to certain medicines, procedures or therapies.

· Your opinion or preference.

Acne is frequently a chronic condition, but although it is only suffered during the adolescence,it can leave scars for all life. Acne scars have the typical appearance of scars with form of hole or crater. Although the suitable treatment for acne can reduce appearance of scars, several dermatological procedures help that they be less noticeable, including the following ones:

· Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion can be used to reduce small scars, smaller irregularities in the surface of the skin, surgical scars and scars by mild acne. As its name suggests, it consists of eliminating the superior layers of the skin by means of an electrical apparatus that “scrapes” the skin. When the skin is cured, the surface has a fresher and smoother appearance.

· Chemical exfoliation
The chemical exfoliation is frequently used to treat the skin damaged by the sun, with irregular pigmentation and scars. It consists of eliminating the superior layer of the skin by means of the application of a chemical agent. When retiring the superior layer, the skin regenerates; in general, the appearance of the skin improves.

· An injection of collagen
A type of collagen, that is derived from the bovine collagen (of the cow) purified, is injected under the skin to replace lot natural collagen of the body. The bovine collagen is used generally as a treatment against the face wrinkles, scars and lines.

· Reaffirmation with laser beams
In this treatment light of high energy is used to destroy the damaged skin burning it. It can be used to reduce the wrinkles and thin scars.

· Punch grafts
Punch grafts are small grafts of the normal skin, used to replace the skin with scars. Punch grafts are used in the treatment of deep acne scars.

· Autologous Fat transfer
In Autologous Fat transfer the originating fat of another part of the body is used to inject it in the skin. The fat is injected under the surface of the skin in order to elevate the scars. This method is used to correct the deep defects caused by the scars of the nodulocystic acne. Since the fat can be reabsorbed in the skin after some months, it is possible that it is necessary to repeat the procedure

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Last Acne Solution - My Experience


In 21st century world, we are able to choose a lot of different solutions of options to treat acne. Thanks to TV, most average informed people only know about big name acne solutions and products, or they just go to the pharmacy without any knowledge and buy some topical solution or medicine. I was doing the same thing a long time ago. Back in the days i didn't have internet access and i was not informed. My mother wanted to help me and she used to buy for me commercial acne products. No dermatologist did not know to explain to me my problem and find the solution for me. I was in the point in my life where i already tried all acne solutions and products. And nothing helped at all. I was desperate and seriously depressed. My social life was ruined.

I can say that i cured my acne problem by myself. And i am not doctor, not dermatologist.
I am sharing my experience and information with other acne sufferers all over the planet. I always thought in myself that if i ever fix the problem i am gonna share that information.

What's the Secret of Acne?

First of all, the people need to change the way they look at the problem. First fact and start point in finding acne solution is that every single person is different, with unique body characteristics and character. Acne is not caused by one factor, acne is caused by lot of interconnected factors. The most notable and basic causes are: hormonal imbalance, toxins and immune system. There is number of cofactors which work together with these basic factors. That's Stress, bad diet, weak intestines and/or liver, lifestyle, environment etc.

Since all this factors are interconnected and causing acne, that means that your body is working like a machine, and all bad waste caused by all this factors are coming to your skin. But, wait, there is other people with hormonal imbalance, improper diet, people who deal with everyday stress - and they do not develop acne? Yes, there is one more last and most important factor: Genetic. Your skin is prone to acne breakouts due to inherited characteristics. Little bit is known about this, but basically there is a some keratization and cell level problem in the pores of the acne prone people. You cannot do much about genetic, so i will not go into details about it here.
It seems to be very complicated, but actually it's not. Just follow the text.

So how to cure acne?

All these factors causing acne are working together and they are extremely interconnected. Think of your body like a machine. If one part fail, all other parts suffer. Do you know that such a simple thing like a Vitamin C or Zinc deficiency can be root problem of acne? People are buying and waste money on expensive acne products without knowing this single facts.
To cure acne you need to follow your own path of trial and error. But there is some order in it.
These are the general guidelines and path you should follow to find the solution for your acne problem.

The First things you should look for:

Vitamin and mineral deficiency. (every MORNING take good multivitamin with all vitamins and minerals in it - it's very important not to use one vitamin alone as all vitamins and minerals are also interconnected and work together)
More every-day sport activities.
Improving diet and eating variety of healthy food with lot of fruits and vegetables.
Do you drink enough Water to eliminate toxins?
Do you getting enough sleep? 8 hours per day at least?
Are you stressed? Try Meditation and calming, breathing exercises. Eliminate Stress.

In the same time you should try some of the acne products containing small amount of benzoyl peroxide (usually 2.5%). It's chemical known to heal acne in lot of people and is main ingredient in most of the famous acne solutions. The most prominent is Pro Activ. You can try Pro Activ and see if it's working for you. 60% of acne sufferers who used Pro Active reported that they are satisfied with the product. Anyway, if you are not the lucky one you can always take advantage of their 60 days money back guarantee.
Second very effective topical treatment is chemical azelaic acid and most notable product containing this chemical is Skinoren. Azelaic acid kill the bacteria, same like Pro Activ, and also making skin less oily and skin environment less prone to acne. From my experience, azelaic acid is more effective and easier to use than benzoil peroxide.
Remember that all treatments need at least three or four week to be effective.

Only after you completed all this things together and after month or two, you are sure that your acne problem is still the same and there is no improvement, you need to go further in looking for acne solution. Things you should consider in this stage are:

What's the condition of your intestines organs? Do you have a upset stomach problems? This can be behind your acne. Make sure you eliminate food which your stomach "dont like" and supplement yourself with probiotics and stomach enzymes for better food breakdown.
What's the condition of your liver? You should try drink herbal liver supplement: Milk Thistle. This herb help the liver to become stronger and eliminate toxins and extra hormones.

Some doctors are prescribing antibiotics for acne, but from my experience they do more harm then good. Antibiotics are doing damage to your stomach and intestines and later this can also agrreviate acne, so antibiotics can have oposite effect. However, if you are trying antibiotics make sure to supplement yourself with probiotics in same time.

You spent few years in searching for acne solution, you tried all of this above, and your acne are still present? You are in the same, desperate condition as i was a years ago?
The name of last acne solution is Accutane or Roaccutane. I've been on one 6 months course of Roaccutane 3 years ago. Today i am 25 and since Roaccutane i don't have acne problems. There is some mild-acne breakouts from time to time, but i am keeping them clear with Skinoren(Azelaic Acid), good diet and good quality multivitamin every morning.

Roaccutan worked for me. But why it is last solution?

Because of serious side effects. Roaccutane is a very serious medicine which can be toxic if not used properly. Person needs to be supervised by the doctor or dermatologist, to check the blood every few weeks. This medicine can do harm to other organs, such is liver, stomach and eyes. But i was lucky and did not have serious side effects.

That was my path of searching for acne solution. I hope i helped you in your efforts. If you have any questions you can contact me in the chat box at the right side of the blog. Good Luck!