05.01.10 / Acne / Author: admin / Comments: (0)
Tags: Acne, acne treatments, adult acne, oily skin, pimples
Although many sources would say that acne origins are not very well known, today it become clear that several related factors are responsible for causing acne inflammation.
- Male hormone’s overproduction in our body (related to sensitivity to some food ingredients, teen age, stress, fluctuations of hormones during natural menstrual cycle or hormonal disbalance such as polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Sensitivity of oil glands / and other skin cells to active form of testosterone DHT (male hormone) that triggers skin inflammation and flare ups
- External factors such as overexposure to sun, skin care products that work against your skin normal functioning (harsh cleansers, skin treatments that cause mechanical or chemical damage that left untreated, skin care ingredients that contribute to pore clogging)
There are so many acne sufferers that got their acne because of different reasons and their different combinations. That’s why one treatment or method or ingredient that is very effective for one person could bring absolutely no result for another or even worsen skin condition.
There many different treatments (internal and external) that clear acne very well. To find right one you should first understand the underlying reason that caused acne.
If you got your acne because of wrong skin care regimen/or products – you are very lucky and there is great chance to return your skin into shape using only external beauty products.
But if there is underlying hormonal problem that need regulation or skin sensitivity to DHT, you will need broader approach, different treatment methods/ingredients and more control over your diet.
There are very many excellent skin care product out there, however you have through many trials to find good one that will work for you. We instead offer skin diagnostic that will identify ingredients that will work for YOUR skin only and then incorporate them into skin products that are suitable for your skin type. We offer online consultations as well.
You can check your skin condition with our online diagnostic tool on www.individualformula.com to see what ingredients your skin will benefit from.
If you want to become a tester of Individual Formula skincare program, leave here your comment.
08.10.09 / Acne, Beauty / Author: admin / Comments: (0)
Tags: Acne
Did you know that in order to reduce acne zits and blackheads you should drink a few cups of green tea daily? Why?
Before we thought that it because green tea is one of power antioxidants, and when you consume it it purifies your body, removing acne zits. But actually there is another scientific and simple explanation for it. Male hormone’s overproduction in our body (related to teen age, or hormonal disbalance) and/or sensitivity of oil glands to active form of testosterone (male hormone) are main reasons for acne. Active form of testosterone (or DHT, Dihydrotestosterone) is causing oil glands in your skin produce more oil and also triggers extra growth of cells that are covering oil gland walls – this is called hyperkeratosis. Hyperkeratosis together with increased sebum production affect sebum oil viscosity, making it more thick and therefore more prone to blocking or clogging the skin pores. With other different factor involved (bacteria, skin protective mantle pH change, stress, sun exposure etc) blocked skin pores will later turn to painful and swollen pimples.
The enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that converts inactive testosterone to a its active form, dihydrotestosterone was found to be more active in the skin of individuals affected by acne. Therefore substances that can inhibit the activity of this enzyme play very important role in successful acne treatments. Green tea contains a potent polyphenol antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which inhibits 5 alpha reductase. The same effect is expected from hormonal acne therapies such as orally taken contraceptive pills (Diane 35).
If you see blackheads on your face – it’s time to start drinking green tea. In order to control your acne you should drink 2-3 cups of freshly made green tea per day, or take a a green tea extract as a food supplement. Green Tea with Honeysuckle is known as ‘Pimple Tea’ in China. It also aids digestion and helps to detoxify your system when drunk after a meal and getting rid of the toxins.
Zinc supplement taken orally produces the same effect – inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase. It was found that zinc, vitamin B6 and azelaic acid will reduce 5-alpha-reductase by 90%. Besides Zinc is very popular for its healing properties and as a booster for your immune system.
Best forms of zinc supplement are: zinc picolinate, zinc citrate, zinc acetate and zinc monomethionine. Signs of zinc toxicity include: stomach upets, diarrhea, vomitting, kidney problems. Fiber binds with zinc and so reduces the amount your body will be able to use, so take the zinc supplement at a different time to a high fiber meal. Zinc supplements taken long term may cause a copper deficiency, so its best to take a copper supplement as well, 1 to 3 mg per day. Take any antibiotics 2 hours away from a zinc supplement.