I’m sure you have had one or two sleepless nights and found yourself watching some late night and early morning infomercials were Jessica Simpson and Sean “Diddy” Combs talk about getting rid of acne. Apparently if someone famous like a celebrity trusts a product, then you and everyone else should too. The promises made by some of these infomercial products sound so surreal.  For some it’s just the cure they’re looking for, but like many these products are not for everybody.

Acne Breakouts

My dermatologist prescribed a cream and some oral medication. Following the instructions for both items very closely helped clear my acne breakouts within a couple of weeks. Although it was the right solution in my case, it may not be the right solution for you. As we all know, acne is a widespread problem that many teenagers face. It’s such an extremely embarrassing period of our lives, so here are 5 tips for getting rid of acne that may help you.

• Oily Skin – a medicated acne product or one in gel form is best for this skin type
• Dry Skin – an acne cream form and medicated products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salycic acid are best when it comes to this type of skin
• Combination (Oily and Dry) Skin – for combination skin look for gels and acne creams to apply to different areas of your body according to the skin condition there
• Sensitive Skin – you will less intense concentrations of either dry, oily, or combined-type treatments
• Acne Induced Skin Pain – definitely seek the help of a dermatologist if you suffer from this condition

Embarrassing Acne No More

Many people struggle with acne breakouts on a regular basis. Considering that science has advanced to the point where we can put a man on the moon, you would think we could find a solution for all of our acne problems. However, Mother Nature is a tough nut to crack and acne breakouts continue to destroy the confidence of many teenagers and adults too.

Regardless of your age those unsightly acne breakouts will, in most cases, go away in time and with a little tender loving care. Don’t stress too much and if life with embarrassing acne gets you down, then seek out a dermatologist or try one of our 5 tips for getting rid of acne that matches your skin type and start using it today!

Anyone who has suffered from acne already knows that there’s a variety of products on the market that all claim to cure pimples and zits fast and effectively. Unfortunately, there’s just not one miracle product out there that cures all forms of acne. More often than not, a person suffering from acne tries a variety of products before finding one that really works for them. It many cases it’s a long and frustrating road to travel down. However, for women there is an alternate treatment not available to their male counterparts. Women have the option of taking birth control pills for acne.

Cause of Acne

There really are a number of factors when it comes to determining the cause of acne. Cleanliness of skin is one important factor, but not the main cause of acne. When experiencing acne attacks, a clean, well-moisturized face is essential to help prevent further attacks. Having a completely clean face does not guarantee one will be acne free at all times. Diet, another widely ignored cause of acne, is important when it comes to a clear complexion. Often the foods and drinks consumed by an individual have a direct affect on what is secreted through the skin. If your diet is high in fat, sugars, and preservatives, there’s a greater chance of experiencing acne attacks.

Another major factor in the cause of acne is an imbalance of hormones in the body. Hormonal imbalances cause acne primarily because the body produces too much or too little sebum; a substance produced by the body and found in the sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect the skin from the environment. When the body over or under produces sebum, the pores and hair follicles can become dry and irritated, leading to acne breakouts.

For women, acne problems also occur when there is either an over production of androgens or their body is overly sensitive to their natural levels of androgens. Additionally, some women produce low levels of estrogen, a chemical that counteracts androgens, which can also cause an imbalance of hormones and affect acne.

Birth Control Pills For Acne

Birth control pills contain two chemicals- estrogen and progestin, known agents in maintaining a normal hormonal balance that can help in the fight against acne. The synthetic version of the hormone progesterone is called progestin. In pill format it is both helpful and harmful when it comes to fighting acne. It’s beneficial aspects are that it bonds with progesterone to maintain normal sebum production. However, it is also known to cause the body to retain water, which can lead to bloating, along with blocked pores and hair follicles.

Birth control pills help prevent excess androgen formation by reducing the amount found in the bloodstream, thereby blocking it from receptors and sebaceous glands. These side effects are a major reason why birth control pills are so effective in helping to prevent acne in women.

Just like acne products, there are a number of birth control pills that are produced and manufactured for women. In order to get on birth control pills, a woman must consult a physician and determine what the best pill is for her personal needs. Pills come in a variety of brand names and ingredients and range in a number of strengths. A physician will be helpful in determining the appropriate type of birth control pill to use.

If you are a woman who is suffering from acne, you may benefit from looking into taking birth control pills for acne breakouts. As with all medications there are both positive and negative side effects, so work closely with a dermatologist or physician when taking birth controls pills for acne. Only a limited number of birth control pills have been approved by the FDA for off label usage as a method for treating acne.