FEMALE HORMONAL ACNE TREATMENT & TREATMENT OF ACNE DUE TO MENOPAUSE

Female Hormonal Acne Treatment

Perimenopausal Acne – How to Treat Acne Due to Menopause

I understand that when entering menopause, I may have to deal with these unwanted hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and even bone loss, but acne?? You have got to be kidding!

Unfortunately it’s not a joke, the changes in estrogen and progesterone levels are responsible for many of the symptoms associated with menopause, and are also often culprits in causing women to experience acne break outs during this changing phase.Visit our site for more details at

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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. Average age of an individual with acne problem is 26.5 years old.

How Hormones Affect Acne

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 estrogen and progesterone; when in reality both sexes have a balance of all 3. The primary culprit in the formation of acne relates to fluctuations in androgens (males hormones) and in particular testosterone, DHEAS (dihyroepiandrosterone sulfate) and DHT (dehydrotestosterone). Elevation in these hormones can lead to over secretion by the sebaceous glands and the onset of acne formation.
The most common period of life when the adrenal glands start to produce these hormones is at the onset of puberty. This helps explain why oily skin and acne are so prevalent among teenagers. Naturally, since boys have more "male" hormones, teen acne tends to be more severe in males. This also helps explain why males that use performance enhancing anabolic steroids, which belong to the androgen class of hormones experience frequent acne on their face and torso.

Hormonal Acne in Women

This may help to explain why teenage males have acne but what about women and in particular adult women. In many instances there is a temporal relationship to the mid-cycle of the menstrual cycle which is often associated with the highest level of estrogen and androgens. After ovulation progesterone levels increase which can also stimulate sebaceous gland secretions. Hormones are also thought to be responsible for acne in a significant percentage of pregnant women during the third trimester when the sebaceous glands go into high gear, causing oily skin and frequent breakouts. Some women even experience acne after menopause, when estrogen levels begin to taper off and testosterone becomes the dominant hormone.

Signs that your acne may be hormonally induced include:

• Adult onset acne, breakouts that appear for the first time in adults
• Acne flare-ups preceding or coincident with your menstrual cycle
• A history of irregular menstrual cycles (indicating hormonal fluctuations)
• Increased facial oiliness (sebaceous gland over secretion)
• Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair, or hair in unusual places which is known to be induced by androgens)
• Elevated levels of certain androgens in the blood stream

The common denominator physiologically speaking for all of these conditions is an increase in sebaceous gland activity mediated by hormonal fluctuations. The increase in sebaceous gland activity results in the over production of sebum (oil) which eventually leads to clogged pores and the formation of pimples.

 

Treatment Options for Women

One approach for women with hormonal acne is to use oral contraceptives (OC) to modulate the endogenous levels of both female and male hormones to the extent that their effect on sebaceous gland secretions is minimized. The use of OC is not an option for men with either adult onset acne or teenagers. For women with "androgen" induced acne an alternative approach is the use of Spironolactone (Aldactone^®) which is routinely used as a potassium sparing diuretic by inhibiting water resorption in the kidneys. It happens that Spironolactone also inhibits aldosterone secretion by the adrenal gland and is reported to have anti-androgen effects. Aldactone will only be effective if your acne is androgen induced.

A BETTER WAY: AcnEase the unique natural and clinically tested Acne Treatment and Prevention

AcnEase is an all natural herbal medicine that specifically inhibits the impact of fluctuating hormone levels on sebaceous gland secretions. AcnEase does not affect hormone levels per se but rather modulates their effect on sebaceous gland secretions. This mechanism of action helps explain why AcnEase is equally effective in treating adolescent and adult acne. Likewise, AcnEase can be used by both men and women. Cystic acne in women is often associated with increased levels of androgens. AcnEase has proven to be extremely effective in the treatment of women with cystic acne further supporting the products ability to inhibit hormonal influence on sebaceous gland excess production of sebum. AcnEase is the safe alternative for women that stop taking OC in order to start their families and experience acne flare-ups. Similarly for women that have recently had children and are experiencing changes in their skin with periodic acne.
Most importantly AcnEase is safe and by addressing the causes of acne it will prevent the future outbursts letting your skin to clear and to began a healing process for skin scars and acne marks.

BODY WRAP: THE SECRET OF TOXINS FREE SKIN AND SOFTEN SKIN

BODY WRAP: THE SECRET OF TOXINS FREE SKIN AND SOFTEN SKIN 

Body wraps were originally a treatment where Ace bandages or plastic wrap was tightly wrapped around the body to cause quick weight loss through vasodilation. You can still find these types of "slimming" body wraps, which result in the temporary loss of weight and inches, at some spas.
But today a body wrap in a spa is more likely to be treatment where you’re slathered with a body mask made of algae, seaweed, mud, clay, lotion or cream, then wrapped for 20 minutes to keep you warm.

Later the product is rinsed off. The body wrap usually ends with an application of lotion (technically not a massage). This body wrap treatment is sometimes called a body

concoon or body mask.
What are the Benefits of a Body Wrap?
Body wraps that use algae, seaweed, mud or clay are detox treatments that help rid the body of toxins through metabolic stimulation.
Body wraps using shea butter and rich lotions are hydrating treatments geared towards softening the skin.
What Happens During A Body Wrap?
Often a body wrap begins with exfoliation through dry brushing or a salt scrub. You lie down on whatever you will eventually be wrapped in – often plastic or mylar, but sometimes towels or sheets.
I think it’s best when a massage therapist does the body wrap, because they naturally incorporate massage techniques as they apply the product. An esthetician, on the other hand, is not trained in massage. She is simply applying product to the skin.
Once the product is on, you’re wrapped to stay warm, usually for 20 minutes. Oftentimes the therapist leaves the room, but sometimes they stay and give you a scalp massage (much better, in my opinion!)
When the time is up, you’re unwrapped and the body mask has to come off. This is why they often take place in wet rooms, equipped with a shower, wet table, or Vichy shower. You might either jump in a shower or the therapist will rinse you off with a handheld shower or a special Vichy shower that feels absolutely fabulous.

It’s like taking a shower lying down. Then you dry off, and there’s usually an application of lotion to moisturize your skin.

Things To Watch Out For With a Body Wrap
* Don’t expect a body wrap to be a massage. You can get both treatments – body wrap and massage -- or look for signature treatments that include scrub, body wrap and massage.
* If you have claustrophobia, this may not be the right treatment for you.
* You might be left alone during the treatment. If that bothers you, ask before you book the service.

13 UNUSUAL SKIN CARE INGREDIENTS THAT WORK PERFECTLY

13 Unusual Skin Care Ingredients That Work

The adage warned that “beauty is pain,” but it didn’t say anything about it being absurd. Perhaps that’s

because some of the most peculiar ingredients in skin care today are wildly beneficial and not really as ridiculous as they seem. Check out 13 of the most shocking things you can find in common products, and embrace the weirdness along with the benefits.

1. Bone Marrow, aka Glucosamine: Flush with beneficial acids and anti-inflammatory properties, the oil found in bone marrow penetrates skin easily and forms a protective barrier that keeps nourishing moisture in. Chicken bones contain the marrow of choice for face creams and moisturizers, though glucosamine can be derived from other sources as well.
2. Bee Venom, aka Melittin: While you probably associate bee venom with teeth-gnashing pain, but it’s the nonpainful effects that are behind its use as an ingredient in eye creams, lip plumpers and skin-firming moisturizers. As venom-related swelling plumps wrinkles away, the accompanying rush of blood stimulates production of elastin and collagen—completely sting- and agony-free.
3. Snail Mucus, aka Mucin: That slime snails leave behind in trails on the sidewalk? It’s actually a protein-rich, antioxidant-filled secretion that protects their little bodies and is chock-full of elastin and glycolic acid—everything a skin care product needs to slough off dead skin cells, reduce the effects of photoaging, smooth out scars and stimulate collagen. Gross? Maybe. Effective? You bet.
4. Charcoal, aka Carbon: Long used to absorb poisons from the body before they can enter the bloodstream (think of it as a clever alternative to stomach pumping), charcoal is enjoying a renaissance as a toxin-absorbing, oil-napping, dirt-grabbing ingredient in an array of face masks and cleansers. By drawing out impurities and gripping them like a magnet until they’re washed away in the rinse, charcoal clears and brightens oily and acne-prone skin beautifully.
5. Cochineal Beetles, aka Carmine/Carminic Acid: If you’re a fan of red lipstick or pink-tinged body lotion, you’ve almost certainly smoothed some powdered beetle remains somewhere across your person—and that’s not a bad thing. Carminic acid, derived from the crushed, dried bodies of cochineal beetles, is the key ingredient in one of the most popular red dyes in the world and comes with the excellent benefit of being chemical-free.
6. Dynamite, aka Diatomaceous Earth/Diatornite: While there are no actual explosives masquerading as eye cream, diatomaceous earth (DE) is one of the two primary components of dynamite; however, the food-grade version makes for a safe, natural additive to skin products. The substance’s inherent absorbency allows it to attract oil and trap bacteria when added to face masks, and its gentle granular quality makes it a desirable component of facial scrubs and cleansers.
7. Fish Scales, aka Guanine: The pearlescent effect of many a coveted lip gloss and nail polish comes courtesy of crushed fish scales. (Yes, fish scales.) Readily available and completely natural and nontoxic, the scales inherently reflect light from multiple angles for a sheen that has now become popular in face creams and shimmery body lotions.
8. Pepper Spray, aka Oleoresin Capsicum/Capsaicin: The chemical derived from chilies that gives pepper spray its burn also has the benefit of increasing blood flow to the skin—an effect that promotes healthy skin and pouty lips when delivered through face creams and lip-plumping treatments and glosses.
9. Placenta, aka Placental Extract: As the source of hyaluronic acid as well as estrogen and progesterone production, placentas are packed with hormones related to tissue development and smooth, beautiful skin. Topical creams and serums containing placental extract are being used to diminish wrinkles and stimulate collagen production, with mammalian sources ranging from sheep to humans.
10. Sheep Sebum, aka Lanolin: If the term “sebum” conjures images of oily skin and acne, you should know that the sheep version is what lubricates and waterproofs lambskin. A top ingredient in body lotions, balms, butters and creams, lanolin is associated with soft, moisturized skin—and the fact that it’s derived naturally is a definite plus.
11. Caffeine, aka Caffeine Anhydrous: Absorbing caffeine rather than drinking it? Absolutely. This antioxidant-filled natural diuretic is a top ingredient in anti-cellulite cream because it is said to dehydrate fat cells to create a temporarily smoother look. It’s also believed to constrict blood vessels, making it a vital component in products designed to reduce dermal redness and under-eye puffiness.
12. Urea, aka Hydroxyethyl/Hydrovance: This ingredient sounds a lot scarier than it actually is. Created in a laboratory (rather than a urinary tract), product-grade urea composed of ammonia and carbon dioxide serves as both a powerful humectant and a gentle exfoliant. It can also increase the penetrability of other skin care ingredients, earning it the title of a performance-enhancing compound in cleansers, creams, lotions and more.
13. Yeast, aka Yeast Extract/Beta Glucan: Best known for making bread rise, yeast also happens to be an excellent source of fibroblasts, the same type of cells that generate collagen. Add to that yeast’s inherent richness of antioxidants, B vitamins, proteins and minerals, and you’ve got an ingredient that does everything from firming skin to correcting hyperpigmentation.

SALICYLIC ACID: TREATING ACNE WITH SALICYLIC ACID AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Salicylic Acid

Treating Acne with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid commonly used to treat comedonal or non-inflamed acne. It is a popular ingredient in many over-the-counter products. Salicylic acid is found in lotions and creams, cleansers, medicated treatment pads, solutions or "toners."

How it Works

Salicylic acid helps correct the abnormal desquamation process that occurs in acne-prone skin. It works as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin cells.Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockages and breakouts on the skin.

Common Directions

Over-the-counter salicylic acid products are found in strengths ranging from .5% to 2%. Typical use consists of a once-daily application. Of course, follow all directions printed on the package.Depending on your preference, begin by using either salicylic acid pads or a salicylic acid lotion, cream, or gel. Do not use both. Using several salicylic acid products will excessively dry the skin, and will not clear acne any faster. After the skin is sufficiently clear, a salicylic acid wash or scrub can often be used in place of gels or pads to maintain clear skin.
As with most topical treatment medications, salicylic acid must be applied over the entire face or affected body area. Using the product only as a spot treatment on visible breakouts is ineffective. Apply over the entire affected area so the medication can prevent pore blockages and help clear microcomedones (tiny blemishes too small yet to see.)
Continuous use of a salicylic acid product is necessary to obtain and maintain positive results. If you stop using your treatment product, the pores will again clog with excess oil and dead cells, and acne can return.
Some common products containing salicylic acid include:

• Oxy products
• Noxzema Anti-Acne Gel
• Noxzema Anti-Acne Pads
• Stridex products
• Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel

Possible Side Effects

Salicylic acid can cause stinging, burning, and skin irritation. You may also experience dryness, peeling, and flaking of the skin. These side effects can usually be effectively controlled with daily use of an oil-free moisturizer.If irritation or dryness is bothersome, try scaling back use to every other day.

Using salicylic acid in conjunction with other acne treatment products such as retinoids (Retin A, Differin) or benzoyl peroxide can increase dryness, peeling, or stinging. As always, stop using salicylic acid if you experience undue irritation and tell your doctor.

Pregnant or nursing women should talk to their doctor before using salicylic acid, especially if using the product over a large area of the body (as with body acne).

Will Medicated Makeup Clear My Acne?

Question: Will Medicated Makeup Clear My Acne?
I use makeup that contains salicylic acid. Will it clear my acne?
Answer:
Many makeup brands on the market today contain salicylic acid. This common acne-fighting ingredient works by keeping the pores clear of excess oil and skin cells. By reducing these pore blockages, or comedones, salicylic acid helps improve acne.
Salicylic acid is found in many products made for acne-prone skin, including makeup foundation and concealer. Many people love these medicated makeup lines, and for some they are a great makeup choice. But makeup alone isn't going to do enough to clear a stubborn case of acne, even if it is medicated.
In fact, if you are using acne medications like Retin-A, BenzaClin, or Differin, you may want to avoid medicated makeup altogether.

The additional salicylic acid in the makeup can add to dryness and exacerbate peeling, flaking skin.

Medicated makeup is most helpful for those who struggle with blackheads, or get a few pimples now and then. Medicated makeup may be for you if:

• you have mild, non-inflamed blackheads or the occasional pimple
• you have oily skin that is prone to pore blockages (comedones)
• non-medicated makeup seems to make you break out more
• you are currently using an acne treatment medication, but aren't experiencing undue dryness or irritation

But medicated makeup will not clear more persistent cases of acne, severe or cystic acne. For that, you'll need a separate acne treatment medication. But you don't necessarily have to give up your favorite medicated makeup. You may be able to use it in conjunction with your acne treatments, to help avoid acne cosmetica. You'll want to use medicated makeup with care, though, if you're also on an acne medication.
Discontinue use of medicated makeup if:

• you're already experiencing excessive dryness or irritation caused by your current acne treatment medication
• using medicated makeup causes dryness or irritation
• your doctor tells you to avoid medicated makeup

HOW TO TREAT TEEN ACNE EFFECTIVELY

Teen Acne Treatments

How To Treat Teen Acne Effectively

Finding treatments that work for teen acne can be frustrating. Almost every teen gets pimples, and nearly as many spend loads of time and money trying to get them to go away. It seems everyone has advice for you: scrub your face until it shines, stay away from chocolate and french fries, never touch your face because dirty hands cause breakouts. But you can have an ultra-healthy diet and squeaky-clean skin, and still have teen acne.
Does this mean you have to wait for acne to go away on its own? Luckily, no! There are teen acne treatment options available that will give you real results.
 

Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments

When you start noticing breakouts, the first place you may run is the skin care aisle at your local drug store.

There are plenty of over-the-counter acne products to choose from. Maybe even too many. With all those choices, is it any wonder you're overwhelmed?

First, look for an acne treatment cleanser. The brand name isn't too important, as long as it contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both of these are proven acne-fighting ingredients that help keep pores clear and stop breakouts before they start.
As long as the cleanser isn't making your skin too dry, you can also add medicated pads or lotion to your skin care routine. Again, make sure these products contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
What about body acne? Breakouts on the body can be treated with a body wash containing (you guessed it!) benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Also, be sure to shower as soon as you can after you've exercised because sweat can irritate body acne. Friction from tight clothing, backpack straps, and athletic pads and equipment can also trigger a form of acne called acne mechanica.
 

Prescription Acne Treatments

If your acne is more persistent, or if you get very deep, inflamed nodules or painful cysts, you'll need a prescription treatment. If OTC products aren't working, don't bounce from product to product looking for a solution. You'll save yourself a lot of money and frustration by seeing a doctor.Some topical prescription medications that are often prescribed to treat teen acne include:

• retinoids such as Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Differin, and Tazorac

• topical antibiotics
• combination treatments like BenzaClin, Benzamycin, or Ziana

Sometimes systemic medications are needed to effectively treat acne.

They are often used along with topical treatments. Systemic medications for acne include Accutane (isotretinoin) and oral antibiotics. You, your parents, and your doctor will decide if these treatments are right for you.

Like all medications, these treatments do have side effects. Make sure you fully understand these side effects are before you start taking your medication.
If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor! No question is too silly, and your doctor will be glad to know you're taking your treatment seriously.
 

Clear Skin Takes Time

It may take a few tries to find the right treatment that is most effective for your skin. This can be frustrating, but try not to let it discourage you. Just remember that each medication you try will ultimately bring you closer to clear skin.Also, don't get disappointed if you're still noticing new breakouts forming even after you've begun treatment. Pimples won't immediately stop appearing and your acne may get a little bit worse before the medicine starts to take full effect. What you'll most likely find is that over time your breakouts will become smaller, less red, and will heal more quickly. It is a gradual process, not overnight clearing. Although it doesn't seem fair, some acne treatments actually make breakouts worse before getting better.
And as tempting as it, don't buy in to those advertisements that promise clear skin in just days. If you're expecting results that quickly, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. It takes time for your skin to heal. Give it at least eight weeks before expecting significant results.
Above all else, be patient! No matter what product or medication you use, it takes time to work. You won't get clear skin overnight, but with consistent treatment and a little time, you will get the results you're looking for.

HOW YOUR HORMONES AFFECT YOUR SKIN AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Hormones and Acne

How Hormones Affect Your Skin and What You Can Do About It

When you’re breaking out, people often say, “It’s your hormones.”
Sure, that sounds good, but what exactly does that mean?  How do hormones affect acne?

Hormones stimulate your oil glands.

The main players here are androgen hormones.  Basically, androgens are sex hormones that are released by the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes.
The androgen you’re probably most familiar with is testosterone.  And it’s testosterone that plays the biggest role in acne development.  Although it’s typically thought of as a male hormones, ladies have testosterone too, just in lower levels than men.
Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, making them produce more skin oil, or sebum.  This excess sebum clogs the pores, and also makes good food for acne-causing bacteria.

Voila, you have a perfect environment for pimples to thrive. 

Hormones cause teen acne to first appear.

If you think way back to junior high health class, you’ll remember that acne is often the first sign that puberty has begun.
Up until this point, the sebaceous glands have just been hanging out, not doing much of anything.  During early puberty, the sebaceous glands ramp up and start pumping out oil.  Suddenly, the skin becomes much more oily and prone to breakouts.

Hormones can trigger adult breakouts too.

There’s a reason why most adult acne sufferers are women.  Women have more hormonal variances throughout the month.
Most of us, even if we don’t have consistent acne, can identify with “PMS pimples.”  Many women find they break out a week or so before their period. 
Pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause are other times when acne commonly flares up because of the hormonal shifts within the body.
But adult acne isn’t limited to women.  Men can find themselves battling acne breakouts, either as a holdover from their teen years or for the first time as adults.

Acne itself doesn’t mean you have a hormonal imbalance.

Most adults have hormone levels in the normal range.
Hormones within the body are never stagnant; they are constantly changing and that’s normal.  So, just having acne in itself doesn’t mean that your hormones are out of whack.  They are most likely in the normal range.
It's when you start noticing other issues as well that clue you in to a larger hormonal problems.  For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can stimulate testosterone production, and cause acne.

  Excessive hair growth, weight gain, irregular periods along with acne are all symptoms of PCOS.

Medications, including steroids and certain birth control drugs, can also interfere with hormonal production and trigger breakouts.

Also, if you develop severe acne very suddenly, you may want to have your hormones checked.

Hormones aren’t the only causes of acne.

Obviously, everyone experiences hormonal changes during the teen years, and throughout adulthood.  But not everyone gets acne.
Hormones aren’t the only cause.  There are many factors that contribute to acne development, hormones being just one.
There is a big genetic component too.  If everyone in your family has had acne, you’re more likely to get it too.
Even though it may sometimes feel like your body and skin are working against you, you can really see some great improvement of your acne with the right treatments.