Treatments for removing acne scars include the chemical peels, microdermabrasion and the Fraxel laser. You may have also pondered using the readily available and affordable supplement vitamin E to removing acne scarring.
For decades people have relied on vitamin E to speed wounds healing and reverse the natural aging of the skin. Yet, is this extra slathering of vitamin E justified, or is your time and money better spent on proven scar removal technologies?
Topical vitamin E for healing scars
To answer this question, researchers have tested the efficacy of vitamin E at removing scars. Surprisingly, an investigation in Dermatologic Surgery found that applying vitamin E to healing wounds could in fact encumber the skin's repair process. In this study, researchers gave 15 patients who underwent skin cancer removal surgeries two types of post-wound ointments. One ointment (A) contained just commons moisturizing agents, and the other ointment (B) contained the same ingredients as item A but with the addition of vitamin E.
Each patient applied cream A to one-half of their wound and cream B to the other half of their wound twice a day for four weeks. Both the scar patients and physicians observed the cosmetic changes in the scars at week one, four and twelve after the start of the study.
Contrary to popular belief, in this study, for 90% of the patients, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened the cosmetic appearance of scars. Also, 33% of the study volunteers developed a contact dermatitis to the vitamin E. Based on these results, the investigators discouraged the use of topical vitamin E for treating scars.
Consuming vitamin E to heal scars
While applying vitamin E to the skin in an effort speed the skin's repair process may not work, enjoying a diet rich in vitamin could. For example, a report in International Journal of Experimental Pathology found that in mice, low levels of antioxidants, like vitamin E, delayed wound healing.
To make vitamin E a team player in your acne scar repair process, you need to consume sufficient amounts of this fat-soluble nutrient. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin E is 30 International Units (IU) per day.
The tolerable upper intake level of vitamin E is 1,500 IU per day for adults. Food sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seed kernels, sunflower oil wheat germ oil, and hazelnuts.
If your diet lacks vitamin E, supplements are an option. Health stores sale vitamin E supplements as alpha-tocopheryl acetate, a form of alpha-tocopherol that protects its ability to serve as an antioxidant.
You will find the synthetic form labeled "D, L" and the natural form labeled "D". But, keep in mind that according to the National Institutes of Health, the synthetic form of vitamin E is only half as active as the natural form.
In short, in addition to buying a vitamin E cream to heal your scars faster, you can also enjoy vitamin E rich meals.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement fact sheet: Vitamin E. January 23, 2007.
Rasik, Anamika M & Arti Shukla. Antioxidant status in delayed healing type of wounds. International Journal of Experimental Pathology; August 2000, vol 81, no 4, pp. 257-263.
Baumann LS & Md JS. The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars Dermatologic Surgery; April 1999, vol 25, no 4, pp 311-315.
Copyright (c) 2007 Naweko Nicole Dial
By: Naweko Nicole Dial
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
The First Step To Curing Acne
The first step to curing acne is knowing what type of acne you have. This information gives you precious insight to what may have actually triggered the acne outset. Once you know your acne trigger, you are one step closer to removing the acne activator and living acne free.
There are numerous types of acne, which could explain why it is so cumbersome if not seemingly impossible for the acne sufferer to find a cure. Looking at the list below, you may be surprised discover that you acne is not caused by stress, but your new bottle of designer perfume.
·Adult Acne Sudden onset, or continuation of acne, during adulthood. The cause may be hormone imbalances, stress, pollution or medications. Studies have shown a direct link between hormone imbalances and the onset of acne in women ages 30 to 40 years old.
Acne cosmetic This form may be rare but is triggered by use of cosmetics with acne aggravating ingredients such as lanolins, isopropyl mysristate and some pigments.
Acne conglobata Severe hereditary acne that can cause scarring on the face and back.
Acne detergens Acne resulting from abrasive cleansers.
Acne excoriée (Mirror Addict Acne)- Psychosomatic disease caused by constant picking of the face and/or body.
Acne fulminans (Too Much Testosterone Acne) Acute and severe form of acne accompanied by symptoms like fever and joint pain. This acne is common among males. Traits include: abrupt onset of acne, inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne on the chest and back, severe acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, loss of appetite or weight, and high white blood cell count. This acne is caused by use of testosterone, used legally or illegally to enhance muscle growth. Over the counter treatments or not effective. If you don’t need the extra testosterone for your health, don’t take it.
Acne keloidalis This acne occurs with people of African descent. It is characterized by firm papules and pustules at the nape of the neck.
Acne mallorca Acne caused by sunbathing.
Acne mechanica Acne provoked by mechanical irritation such as tight, restricting cloths or straps.
Acne medicamentosa (Drug Induced Acne) Acne brought on by medications. Common culprits include phenytoin (Dilantin), isoniazid, lithium, bromides, iodides, androgens and corticosteroids. Lithium worsens acne vulgaris and can bring on acne in persons who have never experienced acne.
Oral contraceptives containing norgestrel or norethindrone may also induce or worsen acne.
Over the counter drugs containing potassium iodide, bromide (cold remedies) and chlorine (chloral hydrate) may cause acne with very small pustules.
Acne neonatorum Infant acne triggered by hormones from the mother transferred to the newborn. This acne usually disappears without treatment.
Acne pomade Acne occurring with persons who use pomades or thick oils daily on their hair. This oil travels from the hair to the forehead where it clogs pores and creates acne lesions. Avoiding touching the face with oiled hands and limiting use of synthetic oils on the hairs usually remedies pomade acne.
Chloracne Acne created by constant exposure to hydrocarbons in motor oil and insecticides.
Imaginary acne Imagining acne when there is actually no acne.
Pitch acne Lesions created by coal tars or dandruff tar shampoos.
Premenstrual acne Acne provoked by hormonal changes prior to menstruation.
Steroid acne Inflammation of hair follicles caused by internal steroids or from topical corticosteroids on the face. Steroid induced acne appears as red papules and pustules concentrated in the area where the steroid was applied. Steroids thin the outer layer of the skin and make the hair follicles more susceptible to rupture. Lesions usually leave after steroid use ends.
Tropical acne Acne experienced by some World War II soldiers in the tropics who developed severe acne with horrible scarring.
About the author:
Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com
by: Naweko San-Joyz
There are numerous types of acne, which could explain why it is so cumbersome if not seemingly impossible for the acne sufferer to find a cure. Looking at the list below, you may be surprised discover that you acne is not caused by stress, but your new bottle of designer perfume.
·Adult Acne Sudden onset, or continuation of acne, during adulthood. The cause may be hormone imbalances, stress, pollution or medications. Studies have shown a direct link between hormone imbalances and the onset of acne in women ages 30 to 40 years old.
Acne cosmetic This form may be rare but is triggered by use of cosmetics with acne aggravating ingredients such as lanolins, isopropyl mysristate and some pigments.
Acne conglobata Severe hereditary acne that can cause scarring on the face and back.
Acne detergens Acne resulting from abrasive cleansers.
Acne excoriée (Mirror Addict Acne)- Psychosomatic disease caused by constant picking of the face and/or body.
Acne fulminans (Too Much Testosterone Acne) Acute and severe form of acne accompanied by symptoms like fever and joint pain. This acne is common among males. Traits include: abrupt onset of acne, inflammatory and ulcerated nodular acne on the chest and back, severe acne scarring, fluctuating fever, painful joints, loss of appetite or weight, and high white blood cell count. This acne is caused by use of testosterone, used legally or illegally to enhance muscle growth. Over the counter treatments or not effective. If you don’t need the extra testosterone for your health, don’t take it.
Acne keloidalis This acne occurs with people of African descent. It is characterized by firm papules and pustules at the nape of the neck.
Acne mallorca Acne caused by sunbathing.
Acne mechanica Acne provoked by mechanical irritation such as tight, restricting cloths or straps.
Acne medicamentosa (Drug Induced Acne) Acne brought on by medications. Common culprits include phenytoin (Dilantin), isoniazid, lithium, bromides, iodides, androgens and corticosteroids. Lithium worsens acne vulgaris and can bring on acne in persons who have never experienced acne.
Oral contraceptives containing norgestrel or norethindrone may also induce or worsen acne.
Over the counter drugs containing potassium iodide, bromide (cold remedies) and chlorine (chloral hydrate) may cause acne with very small pustules.
Acne neonatorum Infant acne triggered by hormones from the mother transferred to the newborn. This acne usually disappears without treatment.
Acne pomade Acne occurring with persons who use pomades or thick oils daily on their hair. This oil travels from the hair to the forehead where it clogs pores and creates acne lesions. Avoiding touching the face with oiled hands and limiting use of synthetic oils on the hairs usually remedies pomade acne.
Chloracne Acne created by constant exposure to hydrocarbons in motor oil and insecticides.
Imaginary acne Imagining acne when there is actually no acne.
Pitch acne Lesions created by coal tars or dandruff tar shampoos.
Premenstrual acne Acne provoked by hormonal changes prior to menstruation.
Steroid acne Inflammation of hair follicles caused by internal steroids or from topical corticosteroids on the face. Steroid induced acne appears as red papules and pustules concentrated in the area where the steroid was applied. Steroids thin the outer layer of the skin and make the hair follicles more susceptible to rupture. Lesions usually leave after steroid use ends.
Tropical acne Acne experienced by some World War II soldiers in the tropics who developed severe acne with horrible scarring.
About the author:
Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include “Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne” (ISBN: 0974912204) and the upcoming work “Skinny Fat Chicks, Why we’re still not getting this dieting thing” (ISBN: 0974912212) for release in June of 2005. For useful acne self-help articles visit http://www.Noixia.com
by: Naweko San-Joyz
3 Easy Ways to Treat Body Acne!
Are you suffering from Body acne? or Zits below the neckline? Don't worry. You are not alone! Lot's of teen get body acne. It is common in the winter months, when you are wearing piles of heavy clothing.
Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.
Ø To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.
Ø Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.
Ø At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.
Ø If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.
by: Venkata Ramana
Sweat can clog skin pores and lead to breakouts all over. Other things that can cause body acne are tight fitting clothing ( It traps sweat against the skin, leading to clogged pores and blemishes) stress and hormones. Body acne commonly pops up on the chest and back.
Ø To zap body acne and prevent it from coming back, you can wash your body daily with a salicylic acid based cleanser. Look for this ingredient on product labels.
Ø Shower daily and be sure to shower as soon as possible anytime you have been sweating - such as after playing sports, working outside or just being in the sun. After your shower, you can follow up by a body moisturizer that contains Alfa Hydroxy acid. This will exfoliate skin and help prevent breakouts, without drying skin out.
Ø At Nighttime you can treat body acne just like facial acne, by applying an acne zapping gel or cream at the effected parts.
Ø If your body acne is particularly bad and wont respond to this treatment after about a month, you will probably need to see a dermatologist.
by: Venkata Ramana
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