Say Goodbye to Acne

Acne affects millions of people each year. There are many types of acne, but the most common type is called Acne Vulgaris. Mild to moderate types of Acne Vulgaris include whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and papules. Serious forms of Acne Vulgaris include nodules and cysts.

Whiteheads

Whiteheads are pimples that have a white head or tip to them. The whitehead forms on the face when a pore is completely blocked with sebum (oil), cellular material and P. acnes bacteria.

Blackheads

Blackheads are similar to whiteheads, except that the pimple is only partially blocked. The black material is not dirt as some believe, but melanin (pigment of the skin). Blackheads may last a long time on the face, because they take time to drain.

Pustules

Pustules are commonly referred to as zits. They have a white head in the middle and red enflamed skin surrounding it. Pustules are usually infected with bacteria and can also be yellow or green at the head.

Papules

Papules are skin lesions or pimples that do not have a head. They are simply red in color. Be careful with papules, as squeezing them can cause scarring.

Nodules

Nodules are usually referred to as severe forms of Acne Vulgaris. A nodule is a thick lesion that is usually underneath the skin’s surface. They can cause scarring and be extremely uncomfortable. Many times nodules can take several months to heal. You should never try to pop a nodule. If you notice nodules under your skin, you should seek the advice and treatment from a dermatologist.

Cysts

Cysts are similar to a nodule, but are filled with infected pus. Cysts are usually 5mm or more in size and can sometimes be painful. You should never squeeze a cyst, since you can cause and internal infection. If you notice you have a cyst, you should consult with your dermatologist.

By: Kevin Chang

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There are many commercial products to use on your acne but you can save money and treat it just as well with what you already have at home.

The most important thing you can do for your acne is to cleanse your face regularly. Commercial face washes are effective but your kitchen is full of things that work just as well. You’ve heard of oatmeal baths to soothe dry and itchy skin but did you know it’s also great for treating your acne? Mixing oatmeal into a paste with plain yogurt will not only cleanse your skin, it will gently exfoliate it and leave your complexion soft and healthy.

Another cleanser that you probably have in your kitchen is apple cider vinegar. The natural acids in the vinegar will strip away excess oil without upsetting your pH balance. Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial when you apply it to your face before bedtime and leave it overnight. After washing it off with warm water in the morning, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your acne!

Plain yogurt is also a good cleanser when mixed with kiwi fruit and honey in the blender. You can also apply the mixture to your face and leave it for about thirty minutes, using it as a mask. The moisturizing qualities of the mask will not only soothe irritated skin, it will fool your oil glands into thinking they need not produce more oil for awhile.

If you’d like to get rid of a pimple quickly, don’t pop it! This will serve to spread bacteria over your face and cause further breakouts. By dabbing a little Neosporin (or the generic equivalent) on the blemish a few times a day you’ll see improvement sometimes overnight. Remember, you have pimples because the pore is infected and there’s no better treatment for an infection than an antibiotic.

Another excellent remedy for pimples is to make a paste of ground nutmeg and unboiled milk. Apply it to the pimple overnight and prepare to be surprised in the morning. You’ll be astonished at how quickly and effectively this treatment works. Equal parts lemon juice and cinnamon work nearly as well but is not for sensitive skin. A paste of yeast and lemon juice is also a good way to get rid of a pimple. Leave on the site of the infection until it is dry then wash it off with warm water. Toothpaste also works well but tends to dry out the skin and increase oil production.

As you can see, your kitchen is an excellent “pharmacy” for treating your acne. Natural remedies are the best treatment and will leave you with healthy skin as well as banishing your pimples.

By: Trevor Mulholland

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