acne

The 5 Best Acne Treatments

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:00:10 +0000

Acne can affect anyone, at any stage of his or her life. Acne usually appears on the face, and is also commonly found on the body, such as on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Blemishes, blackheads, and enlarged pores can be embarrassing, frustrating issues to deal with. Fortunately, there are acne treatments available to help combat these common problems.

What Is Acne Treatment?

Acne treatment, or acne medication, is designed to fight acne, prevent future breakouts, and may even help with acne scarring. There are different acne treatments available, depending on your skin type, acne severity, and several other factors. Most treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or some combination of the two. These over-the-counter products can be used on their own, or in combination with other acne medications and a healthier lifestyle.

Top 5 Acne Treatments

AcneFree Clear Skin System

If you’re tired of waiting for results with other acne treatments, then the fast-acting AcneFree Clear Skin System is the perfect solution for you. The new advanced formula kills 99% of active bacteria and promises to provide results in only one to three days. It uses advanced micro-benzoyl peroxide to continuously treat all stages of acne 24 hours a day. The non-irritating acne clearing system contains a purifying cleanser, renewing toner, and repair lotion to thoroughly treat your skin.

When used regularly, the system can balance your skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, and keep pores clean and acne free. The dermatologist-preferred three-step system is ideal for all skin types and should be used twice a day, everyday, even after your acne has cleared.

As the #1 new release in facial skin care sets and kits and America’s bestselling acne treatment in stores, AcneFree Clear Skin System, 3-Step Kit has offered visible results for users in no time. It is used and trusted by millions of people and has convincing online reviews. While Proactiv is one of the most popular acne treatments on the market, AcneFree has been proven to provide better results, in less time, based on a double-blind clinical study. In fact, Consumer Reports agrees that AcneFree performs better than Proactiv, at a fraction of the cost.

Currently $13.96 on Amazon

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar duo action treatment features several blemish fighters, which work together to quickly, effectively reduce the appearance of pimples in only three days. This 5.5% benzoyl peroxide acne medication is fast absorbing, will leave your skin soft and smooth, and has minimal irritation. The nondrying, non-comedogenic, oil-free, fragrance-free treatment is suitable for all skin types and can quickly fight pimples, no matter how severe your acne may be. Micronized benzoyl peroxide works quickly to penetrate clogged pores, clear blackheads and whiteheads, and kill bacteria. Lipo-hydroxy acid exfoliates the dead skin cells, which can lead to acne.

This dermatologist favorite is frequently featured in magazines and publications, and has rave online reviews from users. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment received the Allure Breakthrough Award in 2011 and has continued to gain popularity ever since. Daily Makeover also chose this as one of the best acne skin care products because it actually works the way it promises to.

Currently $25.37 on Amazon

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment

Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment is a cult classic. It is a favorite with celebrities, makeup artists, and consumers alike. It is also one of the highest rated items on TotalBeauty. It is very strong and can clear up large pimples in a matter of days and dramatically reduce acne swelling overnight. If you are feeling self-conscious about a pimple, simply apply a drop of this acne treatment using a cotton swab at night and by the next morning, the pimple will be gone or easy to conceal.

Using sulfur to dry out any blemishes, the specially formulated solution can effectively heal acne, reduce associated redness, and prevent future breakouts in no time. The on-the-spot treatment is very drying, so it’s important to wear a hydrating moisturizer the day after using this. It only needs to be applied to the actual blemish itself, so only the spot will be dried out, rather than your whole face (which is a common problem with other acne treatments).

While this is more expensive than most acne treatments, it has been shown to provide better results than the competition and many people suffering from acne call this their miracle product. In fact, it can even provide drastic results for people with sensitive skin or severe cystic acne.

Currently $24.00 on Amazon

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment

Neutrogena All-in-1 Acne Control Treatment is an effective salicylic acid treatment that can continuously clear and hydrate your skin by attacking acne at all three phases of a breakout. The multi-tasking treatment (which comes in a pack of three) fades the appearance of acne scars, clears acne, and helps prevent future breakouts all at once. It uses a powerful blend of ingredients, including naturally derived soy and pure vitamin A, to leave skin clearer and smoother than ever. It can be applied up to three times daily to clean, dry skin. If you feel a pimple or breakout coming on, then you can even use this treatment to stop acne in its tracks, before it ever makes its way to the skin’s surface.

TotalBeauty selected the Acne Stress Control line as one of the best drugstore acne products available, so you can’t go wrong with the Neutrogena Acne Control and Acne Stress Control lines. Neutrogena offers face washes, daily scrubs, toners, moisturizers, treatments, cleansing pads, and more to fight acne and prevent future breakouts, which is why they are some of the most popular drug store choices.

Currently $44.00 on Amazon

THE BEST Dead Sea Mud Mask

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial masks, this Dead Sea Mud Mask can produce noticeable results on both the face and body. The mask is rich in natural minerals and nourishing oils that are known to treat, detoxify, cleanse, and hydrate the skin. After each use, the mask can minimize pores and blackheads, reduce wrinkles, fight acne, remove dead skin cells, stimulate circulation, absorb excess oil and toxins, and moisturize the skin. Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and cleaner than ever, with a more even texture and tone. The premium spa quality mask can even help reduce the appearance of acne scarring on the face, as well as cellulite on the body. It can also treat other conditions of the skin, besides acne and acne scarring, and can even provide incredible anti-aging benefits.

Once the mask is dry, it will draw the toxins out of your skin. It can also remove dead skin cells, stimulate blood circulation, and thoroughly cleanse the skin. It will leave your skin soft and smooth, while making it appear tighter, brighter, and more youthful. It will also blur the appearance of acne, fine lines, wrinkles, blackheads, and enlarged pores. Because this can be used on both face and body acne, and for a number of other conditions, this is a great buy that can last you a long time. It is also a great natural exfoliator, so you will have a reduction in redness and acne scars as well. It is backed by unmatched online reviews and a risk-free money back lifetime guarantee.

Dead sea mud masks are one of the best treatments for acne because they can achieve significant results for teens and adults who suffer from acne, both immediately and over time. You will achieve spa quality results at home, for only a fraction of the cost. This can be used on its own, or in combination with other acne treatments for even faster, more noticeable results. You can use this mask once per week by simply applying a thin layer to clean skin and leaving it for about 10-15 minutes until dry. Then, gently remove the mask using warm water and soft circular motions, and pat dry with a soft cloth. It can also be applied to the body to combat body acne. It should not dry out your skin, but it's always a good idea to use plenty of moisturizer after using a mask.

Currently $14.95 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best acne treatments. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Face Washes

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 09:00:30 +0000

We all know it’s important to wash your face twice a day, but you may not realize just how important your cleanser really is. Your cleanser can actually help improve the health and appearance of your skin, both immediately and over time. There are face washes designed specifically for each skin type and condition, so it may take some time to find the perfect one for your skin.

What Is Face Wash?

Face wash, or facial cleanser, is a product designed to clean your skin and remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other harmful pollutants from the skin’s surface. Along with cleansing your skin, they can also help to unclog pores, prevent acne, and leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed. It is important to use a quality face wash every morning and night, as a part of your daily skin care regimen.

Top 5 Face Washes

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is an Amazon bestseller and is also one of the “Most Wished For” items because this fan favorite has received rave reviews from both beauty experts and consumers alike. Developed with dermatologists, the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser helps repair the skin’s protective skin barrier and is perfect for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, because it is gentle, free of fragrances, and is formulated with highly beneficial ingredients. It will remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup, including stubborn eye makeup. It will repair and restore the skin barrier, reduce skin redness, and help produce more natural ceramides in the skin.

This non-comedogenic, non-drying, non-irritating foaming facial cleanser won’t dry out your skin, but instead will leave it feeling soft and smooth. It feels like you are washing with a lotion and your skin will feel hydrated immediately after each use. This can be used twice per day, everyday, because it won’t disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier.

TotalBeauty selected this as one of the best facial cleansers and it is backed by unmatched online reviews. You can’t go wrong with CeraVe’s scent-free products. In fact, their hydrating cleanser and moisturizers also top the list of best skin care items for Amazon and several independent review sites. If you need something more hydrating or have sensitive skin, ConsumerSearch, Real Simple, and TotalBeauty recommends the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

Currently $14.50 on Amazon

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is ideal for all skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, and softens as it cleans. The mild, non-irritating, soap-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula gently cleanses the skin and removes dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup). There are no harmful chemicals, perfumes, or ingredients in Cetaphil products, so it is gentle on the skin and helps skin retain its moisture.

The creamy cleanser was originally formulated for dermatologists and is commonly recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians because the baby-mild product won’t damage or irritate even the most sensitive skin. It is even gentle enough for use on skin with conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, acne, eczema, diaper rash, and severe dryness. The gentle formula rinses easily and will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth, like you washed with a lotion. In fact, the daily cleanser can be used with or without water. It can also be used on the hands and body, or on a baby’s delicate skin.

This highly effective cleanser was chosen as one of the best facial washes by Elle Magazine and Good Housekeeping. This drugstore must-have needs to be tried to be believed. You can also pair this with the award-winning Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for optimal results.

Currently $15.89 on Amazon

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser is an award-winning fragrance-free daily cleanser formulated to gently cleanse, tone, and hydrate the skin. It is ideal for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin, and offers a one-step process to simplify your morning routine. It can thoroughly remove any dirt, oil, and makeup (even stubborn eye makeup), while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and moisturized. The natural oil extracts help condition the skin, so you will feel like you washed with a lotion. The gently-scented cleanser can be used twice a day, everyday, and will continue to provide great results over time.

This creamy natural cleanser tops the list for the best facial cleansers for About.com, is a Readers Choice Winner for Allure, and is one of the most popular cleansers on Amazon and Sephora. There are a number of award-winning Philosophy facial cleansers to choose from, so you can find the one that best suits your skin. In fact, the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash has also topped the list of facial cleansers for several independent review sites, including ConsumerSearch.

Currently $33.33 on Amazon

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

Coming from the same brand that makes the wildly popular Biore blackhead strips, this Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub can penetrate deep where blemishes start to help treat current breakout and prevent future problems from forming. It can diminish pores and leave your skin feeling clean and soft, after the very first use. It also contains salicylic acid to help fight acne blemishes and blackheads. The spherical beads can gently scrub away impurities, leaving you with softer, smoother skin after every use. It is gentle enough to use daily and is ideal for all skin types, particularly acne-prone skin.

Chosen as one of the best drugstore acne products by TotalBeauty, this oil-free scrub will deep clean your skin to remove every bit of dirt, oil, makeup, and sunblock. Biore offers a number of products to help keep skin clear and healthy, such as the warming anti-blackhead cleanser, charcoal cleanser, and heating one-minute mask. Using these products together can help you create your most beautiful skin.

Currently $4.74 on Amazon

Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in facial cleansing washes, the dermatologist tested, oil-free, non-comedogenic Neutrogena Men Invigorating Face Wash is more than just a great face wash for men; it is the best face wash for men. Not many cleansers target men, which makes this specially designed face wash even more unique. The affordable cleanser for men can deep clean pores and invigorate the skin without over-drying. The cooling lather penetrates deep into the skin to remove excess oil and dirt and can refresh the skin early in the morning. It also has an invigorating scent to leave your skin smelling fresh.

This affordable cleanser is backed by outstanding reviews online and comes from the trusted Neutrogena brand. Consider the Neutrogena Men’s Skin Clearing Acne Wash if you have combination or acne prone skin.

Currently $4.79 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best face washes. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Beauty Aids Science Says Really Work

Camilla Cheung — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 17:00:06 +0000

The beauty world is constantly introducing new and trendy beauty treatments, from argan oil to bee venom, in hopes of capturing smooth, flawless, and ageless skin. In reality though, there are only a few beauty aids that are scientifically proven to work. Although it can be fun to jump on the bandwagon of the latest trendy ingredient (and I’m no stranger to them myself), the following beauty aids will give you the most dependably consistent, clinically proven results.

1. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. This powerhouse nutrient does it all, from acne treatment to anti-aging. There is strong evidence that niacinamide is effective as a treatment against acne, rosacea, and inflammation and that niacinamide is effective in reducing melasma, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, redness, and sallowness. Use of niacinamide also boosts the level of ceramides and lipids at the surface of your skin, helping to keep it moisturized and strengthening your natural skin barrier.

The best part is that niacinamide is a relatively gentle skincare ingredient that is well-tolerated by most people without the drying and irritating effects of many other beauty treatments.

Check out Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($19.15), Laneige Bright Renew Original Serum ($45), EltaMD PM Therapy Moisturizer ($23.38), and Cerave Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM ($7.69), all of which contain niacinamide quite high in the ingredients list.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another proven skincare active that shows real results. This antioxidant protects skin from sun damage, lightens hyperpigmentation, improves collagen synthesis in the skin, and reduces inflammation.

Personally, since I incorporated a vitamin C serum into my routine about a year ago, I’ve seen drastically improved skin tone and texture. My skin is more even, less blotchy, much smoother, and I haven’t had a breakout in a year!

The most effective form of vitamin C, but also potentially the most irritating, is L-ascorbic acid (L-AA). Look for serums with at least 10%-15% L-AA. The addition of ferulic acid and vitamin E boosts the effectiveness of vitamin C. Other derivatives of vitamin C exist (such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, and others) which are less irritating, but will not work as quickly as L-AA.

The most well-known vitamin C serum out there is the pricey Skinceuticals CE Ferulic ($104.98), but more affordable effective solutions include Cosmetic Skin Solutions C+E Ferulic ($39.95) and Paula’s Choice C15 Booster ($47.20), and on the even more affordable end, Nufountain C20 + Ferulic ($21.99). Inexpensive serums containing vitamin C derivatives are also easily found, such as Mad Hippie ($27.19), and Instanaturals ($16.97).

3. Retinoids

Along with vitamin C and niacinamide, retinoids form part of the "Holy Trinity" of anti-aging. Retinoids, forms of vitamin A, are clinically proven to be pretty much the best beauty treatments for stimulating collagen production in the skin, erasing wrinkles, increasing cell turnover, reversing sun damage, and promoting younger-looking skin. They also treat acne and lighten hyperpigmentation.

Retinoids should not be used if you are pregnant (please consult your doctor). Also, retinoids increase photosensitivity, so make sure you’re using sunscreen daily and at least a week after stopping retinoid use.

The most potent retinoids are available by prescription only. However, they also have the most potential for irritation and are best introduced slowly, following the advice of a dermatologist. Prescription retinoids may be covered by your health plan (especially if used to treat severe acne), or you may wish to check out PocketDerm for an affordable out-of-pocket alternative.

Retinol is a gentler form of vitamin A and is available in over-the-counter products. Although you may not see as dramatic results, retinol products are less likely to irritate your skin. If you’ve never used a retinoid before, it may be a good idea to start with an over-the-counter product such as: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($14.09), Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM ($41.79), RoC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream ($13.80), Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment ($39.22), and Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment ($22.98).

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in the interconnective matrix between our skin cells. Hyaluronic acid can attract and hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, and is thus one of the most potent humectants we know of. Hyaluronic acid’s tried-and-true qualities as a moisturizing agent will plump up your skin, making your skin healthier and younger-looking.

Hyaluronic acid draws water both from the air and from deeper layers of skin to your outer layers of skin. I have found that it works best if applied on damp skin, in a moist bathroom after a shower. Some products containing hyaluronic acid include Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($15.50), Hada Labo Tokyo Replenishing Hydrator ($12.45), Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream ($14.43), and Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Acid Complex ($39.94).

5. Ceramides

Ceramides are waxy lipids that are naturally produced by your skin. They maintain the skin’s barrier function and help retain moisture. People who suffer from eczema have been shown to have lower levels of ceramides in their skin, and the ceramides in your skin decline as you age. Using a ceramide-containing cream can help to increase moisture levels and give you hydrated, healthy skin. For best results, use the cream immediately after a shower to seal in the moisture.

Some products containing ceramides include: Cerave Moisturizing Cream ($15.50), Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Liquid ($28.86), SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream ($34.90), Elizabeth Arden Advanced/Extreme Time Complex Capsules ($34.36), and Mario Badescu Ceramide Herbal Eye Cream ($18).

6. AHAs and BHAs

Alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHAs) are among the most useful over-the-counter actives you can use to improve the appearance of your skin. They are exfoliants, which help slough off dead skin, revealing brighter, smoother skin.

AHAs include glycolic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, and lactic acid. AHAs are commonly used to lighten hyperpigmentation, to smooth fine lines, and to treat acne. You can use a lower-concentration AHA liquid or cream quite regularly. Some people also like to do an AHA "peel" —- a higher-concentration AHA liquid that exfoliates the top layer of skin more quickly.

BHAs usually refer to salicylic acid. Like AHAs, BHAs exfoliate the surface of skin, but they are also able to penetrate the skin’s oils and exfoliate inside the pore, helping to treat whiteheads, blackheads, and acne. Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and irritation. You shouldn’t use salicylic acid if you are pregnant, or if you’re allergic to aspirin.

AHAs and BHAs can cause photosensitivity, so a good sunscreen is a must. Be very careful not to over-exfoliate. These acids can irritate your skin and break down your skin’s natural barrier function, leaving you vulnerable to dryness, flaking, and infection. Start with a low concentration and use it every few days before increasing the frequency of use. A good moisturizing routine is also essential when using acids.

Products to try include Neostrata Ultra Smoothing Cream AHA10 ($29.10), Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel ($26.00), Silk Naturals 8% AHA Toner ($9.96), Garden of Wisdom Mandelic Acid 5% ($18.90), Stridex BHA Daily Use Pads ($7.77), Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel (10 treatments) ($21.83), and Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment (2% BHA) ($4.72).

With any new skincare product, it’s a good idea to test it on a small area for a few days before slathering it all over your face. Some of these beauty aids, or as I like to call them, actives, are quite gentle — niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid — though be sure to introduce them slowly in case of a reaction.

Vitamin C, retinoids, and AHA/BHA acids can be irritating to your skin — do not introduce them all at once, and when using them, start by using them every few days and gradually increasing the frequency. Dryness, tightness, or itching are a sign of irritation and a signal that you should back off and baby your skin a little with basic mild cleansers and moisturizers.

Which of these ingredients do you incorporate into your daily skincare routine?

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This article is from Camilla Cheung of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

15 Frugal and Natural Ways to Fight Acne

Megan Brame — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:24:41 +0000

Your body is amazing. It's in a constant state of adaptation and will change and react to its surroundings and environment. That's the good news. The bad news is that the constant state of change and the battle with the environment around you means that the body is always trying to flush unwanted dirt and toxins from itself. Which usually ends up as acne. The promise of beautiful skin after puberty with minimal work seems to be a pipe dream for many. Here are some tips on how to achieve a better looking complexion and get rid of acne without harsh chemicals. (See also: Skin Care Tips for People on a Budget)

Ingredients to Look For

Whether you're choosing to buy natural skin care products, or are deciding to make them yourself at home, look for these ingredients, which are natural, cleansing, and proven over many years of use.

Activated Charcoal

Soaps and cleansers that use charcoal work very well on acne-prone skin, as the charcoal helps to remove toxins and impurities from the skin.

Witch Hazel

Found in any drug store, this liquid distillate has cleansing and antibacterial properties. If your skin is on the sensitive side, cut witch hazel with water to help lessen the effects. (See also: 15 Uses for Witch Hazel)

Lime

Good for all skin types, lime essential oil and lime extract have the same properties as witch hazel, but they are less harsh and have a better smell.

Lemon

Lemon has the same constituents as lime but is better for those who are lighter-skinned. (See also: 25 Alternative Ways to Use Lemon)

Tea Tree

Tea tree is one of the most powerful natural ingredients for combating acne. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help fight acne and prevent new breakouts. It's an incredibly potent oil and should never be used "neat" (aka undiluted). A good rule of thumb is to dilute oil at a rate of five parts carrier, like olive oil, to one part essential oil) as it can cause sun sensitivity.

Lavender

Besides the soothing effects on the mind that lavender is famous for, it's also a powerful anti-inflammatory oil and is one of the very few oils that can be applied "neat."

Oil

Yes, it sounds counterintuitive, but if your acne is due to oily skin, nothing can remove oil as well as oil does. Stick to lighter oils, like grapeseed, extra virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil. Dab on to a cotton swab and rub over your face, then wipe away.

Ingredients to Avoid

Acne breakouts can be caused by many reasons, including sensitivity to ingredients. If your face becomes inflamed after using certain products, check the ingredients list. One of these culprits may be behind your breakout.

Sulfates

Ingredients in cleansers with "sulfates" can be harsh on sensitive skin, causing more breakouts. Sulfates are detergent-based ingredients that cause a bubbling or foaming reaction in water (which is why they're often in shampoos). If your skin is sensitive, avoiding sulfates can help skin from becoming inflamed.

Parabens

Parabens are preservative-based ingredients that have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and are used in water-based products. There is conflicting evidence on whether or not parabens are linked to cancer, but again, if your skin is on the sensitive side it's better to avoid these and to look for gentler preservative systems.

Lifestyle

The best way to prevent breakouts on the skin is to keep a healthy routine. Becoming a creature of habit and incorporating these tips can help you avoid stress-related acne breakouts. (See also: 20 Really Cheap Ways to Relieve Stress)

Good Hygiene

It goes without saying that keeping the skin clean means a better complexion. Make sure to regularly wash the face after a day wearing makeup, or out in the city where dirt and toxins come into contact with the face on a regular basis.

Destress

Stress sends your body into a state of agitation, and it will begin to work in overdrive mode. Stress can send the skin into this, as well, and it may begin to overproduce oil to lubricate the skin, which can then lead to acne. Removing stress from your life has hundreds of benefits on your life, and one of them is better skin!

Drink Water

Water helps the body flush toxins and can help the skin stay nourished. Dehydrated skin has fewer nutrients and isn't as effective at cleansing itself as well-hydrated skin

Get More Sleep

By giving the body time to recharge, you also allow your hormones to adjust and balance, which can be a major benefit to an unstable complexion. (See also: Foods That Can Help You Sleep)

Go Outside

Getting some sun can be beneficial for your skin, just don't overdo it. The vitamin D from sunlight is amazing and has many benefits on the body, like immune system strength and even helps with sleep! All of these together help the skin balance its own oil and sebum production.

Clean Eating

The fewer toxins in the body, the less showing on the skin. Keeping a clean-eating lifestyle helps the body in many ways, which shows on the epidermis, too.

How do you fight acne naturally?

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This article is from Megan Brame of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Getting Rid of Acne

Andrea Karim — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 08:39:35 +0000

Acne is more than just a mild annoyance - it can be downright painful, affect self-esteem and social life, and cost hundreds of dollars in search for a viable cure.

I rarely had acne as a teenager. I don't know why I was spared this one humiliation, since everything else about me was awkward and unfortunate at that age. Anyway, I guess the ordeal didn't pass me by so much as take its sweet time getting there, because I started breaking out like crazy about 6 years ago. Around my chin and mouth, I had big, ugly red bumps that were unpoppable and hurt my face. My cheeks were covered with smaller bumps with no discernible head or core - just small white bumps that were only more obvious with makeup applied on top.

Because acne usually shows up on your face, and your face is... well, what you face the world with, experiencing acne can affect your self-esteem and social life. I spent months refusing to go out (other than to work) because of my embarrassment surrounding my pimples. They were so big that I couldn't cover them with makeup, and they didn't respond to the obvious solutions. I've never been much of a socialite, but I had never been a complete shut-in for reasons of appearance before. I visited every department store, every high-end skin care boutique, hoping to find a serum or cleanser that could wash away those painful and ugly bumps.

The truth is, no one skin care regimen or treatment is going to fix everyone's acne problems. You'd never know this if you headed into a skin care section at a department store - plenty of well-meaning but ignorant Clinique saleswomen were intent on convincing me that a bar of soap and some "moisture gel" would fix my face up in a jiffy. Watching TV late one night, I was inspired to try Pro Activ, which caused me to break out in a dry, flaky rash that covered my face, neck, and scalp.

It cost me hundreds of dollars and many hours of wasted time to figure out how to eliminate my zits. Here's what I learned during my search for a solution to my acne issues. First, though, a note about what this article does NOT contain: lists of acne treatments (salicylic acid, sulfur, blah blah blah you can look that up elsewhere), an endorsement of a particular skincare line (you have to find that one for yourself), advice on how to pop a pustule (don't), or admonitions to avoid chocolate (do not avoid chocolate). This is not a complete list of ways to fix problem zits, but rather a few tips that I've picked up along my acne journey that surprised me.

There are many different kinds of acne.

There is no one solution for acne, because there are many kinds of acne. There are surface pimples that respond really well to treatments like benzol peroxide, and there are deep pimples that may require antibiotics or steroid injections. Acne rosacea appears more as a rash across cheeks and noses, and can lead to a build-up of thick skin. Nodule and cystic pimples begin far under the skin's surface, but appear as big red zits on the surface of the skin and don't generally respond to topical applications (mine did, however - read on).

When my breakouts started in my mid-twenties, I was actually suffering from three different kinds of acne: acne rosacea (which is genetic, and tends to strike people with fair skin) just below my eyes, cystic acne around my mouth and chin, and smaller, bumpy pimples on my cheeks next to my ears. It seems easy to think of all acne as simple variations of the same problem, but they really are very different, and thus require different treatments. So, if you aren't getting the results that you want from your acne treatments, you might want to consider the possibility that you are treating the wrong kind of acne.

Just because you have acne doesn't mean you have oily skin.

Surface pimples are primarily caused by clogged pores. Dirt or dead skin particles can block a pore or hair follicle, and normal skin secretions back up behind the pore, and the whole mess is then infected with bacteria. Voila! Pimples. However, a breakout of acne doesn't necessarily mean that you have insanely oily skin, even though everyone and their mother will probably start advising you to start treating your acne with harsh toners.

When I had my terrible break-outs a few years ago, I had incredibly dry skin, but because I had acne, everyone told me that I had "combination" skin. Using all the typical acne treatments only made things worse, because many pimple ointments are designed to parch your skin like the desert air. Irritated, dry skin didn't prevent pimples from forming - it made the skin around the pimples look that much worse and didn't stop my pores from clogging.

If you do have oily skin, using harsh astringents and soaps may dry your skin out (or it may make it worse as your body tries to compensate for your dry skin by increasing oil production), but it doesn't necessarily eliminate pimples. If you find that Pro Activ (very drying) works well for you, that's great, but if it doesn't, you need to consider another option.

'Natural' or holistic skin care isn't necessarily better or more effective.

Although it sounds like a great idea, a skin care line billing itself as 'natural' isn't necessarily going to give you better results than any other line of face products. Here's an example: I have thin, sensitive skin that flushes easily, so I frequently look feverish (or drunk) when I'm totally healthy (and sober). I was delighted to hear about Dr. Weil's Plantidote line of Mega-Mushroom skin care from Origins. From the Origins web site:

[Dr. Weil] believes that one of the most vexing issues facing skin’s healthy appearance is “the fire within” – a key cause of dryness, redness, hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles.

This is a really nice idea, but it's also a load of hooey. Logically, I understand the holistic idea behind this, but if some kind of internal imbalance with my liver or stomach is causing my skin to appear stressed, then slapping some mushroom serum on my face isn't really going to fix that. However, the idea of having radiant skin was so seductive; I spent a bundle of money on the entire package, and... well, nothing. My skin is still incredibly thin and sensitive, prone to flushing whenever I'm too hot, too cold, or enjoying a glass of red wine (this is actually a part of acne rosacea, and nothing Dr. Weil has created can even begin to address this problem).

After failing with the mushroom juice, I ventured into a holistic pharmacy, where a nice lady explained that the reason my face was breaking out was that I needed MORE oil on my face, and convinced me to try Dr. Hauschka's skin care line, which involved dousing my skin with oils in a misguided attempt to fool my skin into thinking that it didn't need to produce any more oil. There's nothing wrong with the Dr. Hauschka line, but it did absolutely nothing to solve my acne problems.

My skepticism regarding holistic and natural remedies doesn't only apply only to expensive treatments - I've had a number of friends and readers try to convince me that lavender, eucalyptus, and geranium oils are effective as spot treatment for acne, but I have yet to see any evidence of this on my face. I tried egg white masks and homemade oatmeal scrubs - nothing seemed to have any effect on my angry skin.

Chocolate is not the culprit.

It's possible that chocolate is causing your skin to be red and bumpy, but it's not likely that chocolate is to blame for any acne you might be experiencing. Food allergies can cause skin rashes, but actual acne is rarely caused by food. You can certainly be more prone to breakouts because of stress, as your skin may be more prone to bacterial infections if your immune systems is too stressed by other factors to respond to small things like a clogged pore. Acne rosacea will flare up and become more obvious when the sufferer is drinking alcohol, but rosacea is not caused by alcohol per se. So, unless you experience obvious and immediate reactions to chocolate, you can feel free to indulge as you see fit.

Don't pop that!

Yeah, yeah, trust me, I know it's hard. I'm a consummate popper - no, really, it borders on some kind of obsession for me. I know how difficult it is to keep your fingers from scratching or picking at a massive pustule on your face; hell, I have trouble not popping OTHER people's pimples. I'll see some kid at Target with massive, pulsating pustules on the bridge of his nose and it takes every ounce of my self control not to lunge across the room and start lancing the hell out of his face.

But really - the only thing you should extract from your skin are blackheads, and even then, it should be done with utmost care, clean hands, and no fingernails. Bullying your skin will only cause further damage to the skin's matrix, and that won't help cure acne in the long run.

Don't be ashamed to ask for medical help.

I didn't want to go to a dermatologist at first, because I was afraid that I would immediately be given an oral antibiotic that would be extremely harsh on my stomach (the most commonly-prescribed antibiotics just about eat a hole through my stomach lining). Frankly, I also feared having to admit that, at the age of 25, I was having trouble with acne. It seemed like such a teenager-ish problem. Having large and obvious acne was awful in and of itself, but for some reason, asking a doctor to help me fix it made me feel like I had failed to do an adequate job of taking care of myself. In addition, I felt like spending good money on seeing a doctor for someone as superficial as acne was irresponsible, especially since my insurance at the time didn't cover such non-essential visits.

The office visit and prescribed medication cost me just over $300. And it was worth EVERY BLOODY PENNY. If only I had spent that money on the dermatologist up front, I would have saved myself another thousand dollars in pricey skincare expenditures. The topical antibiotic foam that my doctor prescribed helped to control the cystic breakouts, and the prescried gel (called Metrogel, don't ask me why) obliterated the bumps covering the sides of my face. As a very last resort, I eliminated several non-essential medications one by one, and finally discovered the culprit f my cystic acne - birth control pills. I haven't taken hormonal birth control in six years, and the cystic acne problem has almost completely vanished. Hormones are a very well-known culprit in teenage acne breakouts, but for some reason, it didn't occur to me that all the extra estrogen might be contributing to my zits.

If you can afford to see a specialist about your acne, see one. If you nip this problem in the bud now, you can avoid years of problems down the road. If you don't see an improvement in your acne after a couple of months of medicating, ask your doctor to try something else. Be persistent in your requests, and don't let insecurities about the vanity of it all stop you. Having acne doesn't make you a failure, or dirty, or speak volumes about your personality. It's just a problem with your dermis, and there's no shame in that.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Beauty Secrets that Cost Almost Nothing

Andrea Karim — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Open the pages of almost any magazine, or turn on the TV, and you're bombarded with ads that claim (if indirectly) that their products will make your life fuller, more rewarding, and all-around better. The message is pretty simple: spend, and you'll be so much better.

There are, however, a few beauty methods that are nearly guaranteed to make you look and feel like a million bucks, and you don't have to smash your piggy bank to get them. It's tired to talk about how beauty comes from within, so rather than worrying about the purity of your soul, here are a few ways to bring out an inner glow that don't involve liposuction or deep contemplation.

1. Get Laid

There's something about regular sex that makes people beautiful. I don't know if teenagers still talk about this stuff today, but back in my high school days, we believed that sex cleared up acne. It was probably an excuse to start having as much teenage sex as possible, but although there doesn't appear to be any direct correlation between sexual activity and zits, people who have regular, satisfying sex tend to have a glow about them.

It's not just about love, although people who are in the throes of a new, passionate relationship frequently have that shining, happy face that everyone comments on. But even if you aren't falling head over heels in love, you can still get off, be it with a partner or alone. Not only are orgasms like little happy pills, but self-exploration is good practice for when you are no longer flying solo.

Sex gets your blood flowing. Orgasms reduce stress and increase pain tolerance due to a natural boost in oxytocin and endorphin levels. Sexual satisfaction also helps you sleep better at night, and who couldn't use a good night's sleep? In short, orgasms are good for your brain, and when your brain is happy, the rest of your body will respond in kind.

2. Get Some Exercise

Something about that bordering-on-Zen feeling that follows a vigorous workout is really lovely. Wrinkles get smoothed out, endorphins flow, skin is lightly flushed and smooth. Sweating clears out your pores and helps to avoid acne. Even though I personally regard the gym as a chamber of torture, I find that I look like a million bucks about an hour after huffing and puffing through a weight routine, or 30 minutes of tripping over the elliptical machine.

But it's not like you have to push yourself to the limit to get benefits from exercise. A short routine of yoga will get your blood pumping, as will a long, meandering walk around a park or city street.

Being healthy isn't necessarily about being thin. One of the prettiest women I know is plus size, but she practically leaps through the city of San Francisco with her boundless enthusiasm and energy. Men always look twice as she goes skipping past them with a big grin on her face.

3.Laugh Until You Cry

You'd never know it from the popular media, but smiling is such a simple way to immediately look better. We spend so much of our days grimacing at the computer screen, or glowering at the line in the post office, that it can be tough to bring ourselves to smile in a genuine, open manner.

When was the last time you doubled over in laughter? Laughter, like orgasms and exercise, releases hormones that reduce stress and lower blood pressure. In fact, just anticipating a good laugh can help to reduce your overall stress levels. Both hot tempered anger and laughter cause blood to flow to the cheeks, which is probably where the whole "You're so beautiful when you're angry" saying came from.

Some people avoid smiling because they don't like their teeth, but even a genuine close-lipped smile on a normal face is more attractive than a blank stare or a glaring model with perfect features. Think about how wonderful a face that is shining with laughter looks. It doesn't matter if you laugh like a hyena or snort like a pug (like me), laughter enhances your beauty. Rent your favorite movies or watch comedy clips online. Hang out with your goofy friends. Stick duct tape on the bottom of your cat's paws and giggle at his antics. Whatever it takes. Laughter is infectious, and it is gorgeous.

4. Get Some Sun

No, I'm not talking about baking on the beach, because I'm an advocate of avoiding skin cancer whenever possible. But a daily dose of sunlight helps regulate your vitamin D levels, prevents depression, and UV light can kill acne-causing bacteria. As we all know, too much sun can damage your skin and lead to loss of elasticity, but even a leathery old woman with a happy countenance is better than a grumpy one with perfectly dewy skin.

5. Have a Glass of Wine

Assuming you're not allergic to alcohol or prone to rosacea, having a glass of wine not only gives your cheeks a healthy glow, but can give you a good dose of resveratol, a polyphenol with antioxidant properties. Sure, I might be looking for an excuse to have a glass of champagne with lunch, but as long as I'm not driving around or performing open-heart surgery after a lunchtime aperitif, what's the harm?

If you're not much of a drinker, you can get the same health benefits by enjoying fresh fruits and veggies, but you won't be nearly as fun to be around.

6. Stay Hydrated

I don't believe in drinking great quantities of water if you don't want to, and it's probably not necessary to take in the 8 daily glasses that were randomly recommended to the general public for no reason. But drinking a little extra filtered water helps keep your kidneys happy, your skin cleansed (again, the sweating helps here) and plumped, and the toxins flushed out of your system.

7. Go Easy on the Medication

It can be so easy these days to pop a pill for every little ache and pain, or to take meds when conditions start to trend in the wrong direction. As someone who has to deal with a multitude of incredibly boring conditions, I usually trust my doctors to do what's right for my health. Sometimes, though, doctors seem too busy to deal with the source of your problems and are more than happy to push a prescription across the counter at you. A couple of years ago, I counted the number of daily medications that I was taking, and they numbered eight, five of which were either unnecessary, redundant, or causing MORE problems that required other medications to combat. Overnight, I switched from a regimen of 8 medications to 3, and found myself feeling better, looking better, and experiencing none of the previous side effects that I had been plagued with.

Obviously, you should consult your doctor before changing your diet or medications, but don't be afraid to push your doctor to help you find ways around taking more medicine; on the flip side, be sure to listen to what your doctor tells you. If s/he tells you to lose weight or change your diet to avoid taking cholesterol medication, you had better take the advice seriously rather than to simply continue on as always.

So, you might be asking, I'll be better looking if I stop taking so much Ibuprofen, drink more water, and laugh uproariously while drinking champagne and having sex in the sunshine?

Well...yes. But don't quote me on the outdoor sex part.

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This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: