Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Vitamins Used To Treat Acne


Due to the incredibly unhealthy diets that have become the norm in modern day America, it is no wonder that vitamin deficiencies are so rampant. Only about 10-20% of Americans consume the recommended amount of the important vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. This vitamin deficiency has led to many problems in the bodies of Americans, and obviously the skin, the largest organ of the body, is affected by this deficiency as well.

There are many vitamins that can all contribute to fighting and preventing the formation of acne on the skin. Different vitamins have different uses ranging from antioxidants (clearing the skin of harmful toxins) to antibacterial (fighting bacteria which can cause acne, helping to prevent it from forming) and more. This article will help to point out and explain which vitamins can be used to help against acne and what it is that they do.

The main vitamins that help to combat acne are Vitamin A, the B Vitamins, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Chromium and Zinc. Each of these vitamins helps to fight acne in a different way and when used in conjunction they can help greatly to reduce the affects of acne and even prevent its breakout altogether. If you decide to use these vitamins, most likely through form of supplements since trying to consume the right amounts through dieting can be difficult, it is extremely important to follow the dosage instructions and to never take too much of any vitamin. Taking too much of many vitamins can be toxic and can lead to illness and worse problems, so always be careful and patient.

Vitamins A and E are strong antioxidants and help to promote healthy skin. Zinc is also an antioxidant but more importantly it helps to regulate the production of oil in the oil glands. Chromium aids in reducing the infections in the skin which can prevent acne from spreading. The B Complex vitamins and Vitamin C are more like super-vitamins. Both of these have countless functions in maintaining a healthy body and involving these in your daily diet is only too important.

The main reason that each of these vitamins is so important is not only their assistance to fighting and preventing acne but also the simple fact that a deficiency in any single one of these vitamins can lead to acne breakouts. Because of this, the importance of consuming the correct amounts of these vitamins every day through either diet, which can be very difficult, or in supplement form is simply undeniable. By being knowledgeable of these vitamins and by attempting to meet the recommended amounts each day, a person can combat acne much more effectively and help to prevent it from occurring altogether.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

What You Need to Know About Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the most common ingredients found in acne treatment medications is benzoyl peroxide. It is known for its acne fighting properties. It is a chemical found in organic peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is called an active ingredient in products because it causes a chemical change upon contact with the skin. It produces a chemical compound of benzoic acid and oxygen that peels the top layer of dead cells off the skin surface. This peeling effect cleans the pores more deeply than a normal application of soap and water. Benzoyl peroxide is found in a wide variety of products because it is known for its mildness on the skin. Another of the most common ingredients found with benzoyl peroxide is salicylic acid. A combination of these two active ingredients is found in popular acne treatment brands like Oxy-10 and Clearasil. While both have been tested for their acne fighting properties, they have not been proven to be any more effective combined. Salicylic acid can be harmful for women who are pregnant, causing birth defects. This has been proven in cases where the salicylic acid is ingested orally. It has not been totally proven in cases where the salicylic acid is applied topically, but if you抮e a mother, do you really want to run that risk. The best idea is to stay away from the salicylic acid completely. There are many products out there that are effective that have no salicylic acid in them. One of the most popular acne treatments sold today is Proactiv solution, a product that is endorsed by many high profile celebrities including Jessica Simpson, Puff Daddy, and Lindsay Lohan. Proactiv has been tested and proven to be effective using a combination of ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and sulfur. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients such as aloe vera that help the skin stay moisturized. Clean, moist skin is one of the most important factors in maintaining and preventing further acne. Of course, there are cases where benzoyl peroxide has been reported to irritate and dry out the skin. Dry and irritated skin and hair follicles have the highest susceptibility to new acne, so it is important to have the correct dosage of benzoyl peroxide for your own personal needs. http//:crescatsententia.org has a fairly low level of benzoyl at 2.5%, which helps keep skin irritation to a minimal. There are several products out on the market today, such as NeoBenz Micro that contains higher concentrations of up to 8.5%. Because of this high dose NeoBenz is only available with a prescription.