How A Dermatologist Can Help With Acne Problems

While a mild case of acne isn't necessarily a serious problem, it's still a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can give you helpful information about what could be causing your acne as well as the best treatments.

Plus, there is another skin condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes mistaken for acne and a dermatologist can tell you if that is what you're dealing with, saving you the time and hassles of using the wrong treatment.

It's a good idea to prepare for your visit with the dermatologist by making notes about your acne - as much as possible. They will ask you about your background - things like how long you've had acne, how you've treated it and what form it has taken (lesions, whiteheads, blackheads, etc.) They might also ask if there is a history of acne problems in your family.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medications. Females might be asked about their menstrual cycle and males might need to tell the doctor how often they shave.

You might be given a choice of treatments so it helps to know a little about the options before you make your choice.

Antibiotics are one treatment - they're used to kill the bacteria that leads to acne. They can be taken orally or as a lotion or ointment that gets applied directly to the skin. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use both forms.

Topical treatments include things like benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. They usually come in the form of a gel and can sometimes cause redness and dry skin.

In more severe cases of acne, the dermatologist may recommend a physical treatment. This could include removal of whiteheads and blackheads and possibly drainage of cysts.

Whatever type of treatment you end up choosing, it's critical that you follow the doctor's directions. Take the recommended dosage - no more or no less. And even if your acne clears up, you need to continue to take the medication for as long as the doctor tells you to or the acne may reappear.

Some of the questions you should keep in mind to ask the doctor include:

- What kind of treatment would work best for my acne?
- How long will it take before I see results?
- What is the best way to care for my skin?
- What can I do to prevent scarring?
- Is it okay for me to use makeup?
- Does this treatment have any side effects?
- How long will I need to take this medication?

As acne treatments can go on for some time, make sure you ask any questions you have each time to see your doctor. Being as informed as possible will make your treatment much easier to deal with.

John Lenaghan writes about acne remedies and other acne related topics on the Acne Squad website. For more information visit http://www.acnesquad.com

Anti Aging Skin Care and Treatments Dermatologists Use and Recommend

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's fairest of them all" might have been the uttering of one of the most hated characters we have come across, but this concern for outward good looks is too deep-rooted in the human psyche. The basic concept of beauty has been and remains to be soft, flawless, glowing skin. Advancing age, however, takes its toll and the skin becomes blotchy, rough and dull. Seen from this angle, the topic 'anti aging skin care and treatments' calls for sincere reflection. The sagging and sinking skins have had enough of natural beauty tips that do really well unless scars and wrinkles steal appearances and the once healthy skin falls an easy prey to advancing age. It is time now that they get some insight into the steps being taken in anti aging skin care and treatments.

A number of aesthetic or cosmetic plastic surgery like face-lifts, thread lifts, fat transfer and a host of non-surgical skin refinishing treatments are now available to fight back the impacts of aging and the harsh treatments meted out to skin. Given the wide selection of skin-rejuvenating treatments, it is preferable that a reliable dermatologist be entrusted with the responsibility of working out the ideal anti aging skin care treatment to eliminate and soften the effects of aging.

The recommended skin care regimen prescribed by the skin specialist may be a singular or a combination cure, depending on the seriousness of the condition, age and other health related issues. The surgical part of the treatment is handled by the skin specialists but the follow-up skin care program necessitates total patient involvement.

The following section elaborates some of the anti aging skin care treatments, which can be used at home:

Glycolic Acid - Glycolic or 'fruity acid' treatments are good for pigmented aging skin. The bleaching-cum-moisturizing action of this anti aging skin care treatment removes the skin blotches and smoothens the rough, sun-damaged skin, reviving its natural freshness. Available in two forms (cream and face wash), Glycolic Acid should be applied to the face twice daily or as recommended by the skin specialist. There are no serious medical problems associated with the usage of glycolic acids other than causing temporary skin irritation and redness sometimes. It is regarded as a safe anti-aging skin treatment. Caring for the rejuvenated skin involves use of sun block creams too.

TCA Skin Peels - The TCA skin peels are the most sought after anti-aging skin care treatments, because these medium strength peels are perfectly safe and essentially effective. They fight back the ravages of advancing years by removing facial lines and wrinkles and give back the skin its lost elasticity, suppleness.

The best thing about this easy-to-apply, home-based anti-aging skin care treatment is that its effect lasts up to a year or so. Twice a year application of TCA peels will certainly benefit the skin and are now available for at home use (see the link below).

Adding some natural skin care tips like hydrating the body inside out, going for a balanced diet (containing anti-oxidants), a little meditation and other health tips summarize a full-fledged anti aging skin care program.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

Dermatologist Acne Treatments for a Guaranteed Flawless Complexion

Lead a blemish-free life and that includes your face too. Banish the bane termed as acne forever. However, acne treatment is not a quick fix solution. Go in for an acne treatment that guarantees not only relief for the time being but also deters a relapse.

Acne is caused by accumulation of dead skin cells, overactive oil glands or an attack by the P. acnes bacteria. Acne treatment involves striking at any one-root cause or taking a multi-pronged approach. However, the best acne treatment is to be decided only by the dermatologist and it may be that the nature and severity of the acne problem, the patient's age, lifestyle and medication routine may merit an individualized treatment.

Generally, acne treatment is categorized into three broad spectrums. The most common, however, an instant but temporary cure is by killing the bacteria that are caused by the blocked follicles. This is done either by the intake of antibiotics like tetracycline, or by treating the affected areas externally with bactericidal substances like benzoyl peroxide. As one can guess, it does nothing to control the oil secretion that is the root of all blocked follicles and henceforth, acnes, return successfully after the treatment is successfully over.

The second method is by reducing the secretion of oils from the glands. This is done by a daily intake of Vitamin A derivates like isotretinoin over a period of a few months. The drug has a much longer effect than anti-bacterial treatments and often cures acne for good. The treatment requires close medical examination by a dermatologist since the drug has many known side effects.

The third, popular, acne treatment involves exfoliating the skin. This process encourages the peeling of the top layer of skin to prevent a build-up of dead skin cells which combine with skin oil to block pores. It also helps to unblock clogged pores.

Severely sore cysts require the injection of interlesional corticosteroid, which acts by melting the cyst within 3-5 days and prevents scars. Isotretinoin is an effective acne scar treatment. It works by reducing the activity of the oil glands and is widely regarded as the most effective drug to fight cystic acne. However, this pill has serious side-effects on liver and the nervous system and as such should not be used during pregnancy.

Oral contraceptives like norgestimate, ethynodiol and norethindrone acetate work against acne by decreasing the activity of the oil glands.

For people sensitive to some acne drugs, sodium sulfacetamide is an effective alternative treatment.

Laser therapy, which scrapes away the top layer of the skin, thereby removing the dead cells, is an effective acne treatment with enduring effects. This peeling of the skin is also achieved by the increasingly popular TCA peels. Easy to use, these peels reach deep into the skin coming up with results that last up to a year. Not only do they remove the acne, but also prevent its recurrence. They are now available for home use (see the link below). TCA peels are the most cost effective acne treatment and should be a part of any acne or skin care regimen.

The acne treatment may sound easy but you should never indulge in self-medication. Some acne drugs are quite powerful and any misuse may trigger irreversible side effects. Nor should acne be treated by pricking the pimples. This causes scarring that even an extensive acne scar treatment cannot reverse. Catch them young is the motto of every dermatologist treating acne. So do not neglect even the tiniest blackhead.

Acne treatment is safe as long as you are in the right hands.

David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com

How Real Dermatologists And Plastic Surgeons Cure And Treat Fine Lines, Wrinkles, And Acne

Fine lines and wrinkles are a fact of aging. They make everyone look older as the skin loses its elasticity and starts to sag. Frowning and facial expressions over time can also result in the same loss of elasticity. There are thousands of various products we see hawked on TV by leading actresses and assorted hollywood stars from Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Anniston, etc... We even see them on Oprah as some of her recent Oprah's favorite things giveaways. The problem is that 99.9% of them do not work at all or minimally at best! We asked thousands of dermatologists and surgeons what the best remedies were other than plastic surgery. The answer was unanimous - a routine of TCA skin peels, mild cleansers - no harsh soaps, stay out of the sun, use sunscreen, and take vitamin E and fish oil pills. Not one of them mentioned any of the thousands of products we see on TV and in magazines that claim to cure or ease these fine lines and wrinkles.

TCA stands for trichloroacetic acid. TCA peels have long been used in doctors offices and medispas for treatment of many skin problems like sun damage, liver spots, acne, acne scarring, wrinkles, fine lines, freckles, pregnancy mask, etc... TCA peels are not cheap, but they are the most effective product or treatment available for fine line and wrinkles. They increase your skins rate of repair and they also increase collagen production. They are the most prescribed chemical peel and are, hands down, the most effective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles - and also acne! They can now be purchased for home use.

Mild cleansers are inportant as they will clean, but not overdry or aggravate your face. Cetaphil and the Target generic brand are great. They will gently emulsify dirt and oil and remove it with out overdrying your face. Products with benzoyl peroxide, like Proactive, should be avoided as they will overdry and aggravate oily skin and acne. Harsh soaps will have the same effect as benzoyl peroxide products.

The sun is your enemy. It will age your skin and does result in wrinkles and other skin problems like melanoma - the worst type of skin cancer. Use sunscreens with high SPF's like 30 - 40. You need to cover up when going out in the sun. And I can't stress it enough wear sunscreen - If youdon't think you will get cancer from being out in the sun, goto your local hospital oncology department. Most of those people didn't think they could get it either.

Vitamin E and fish oil pills will increase the hydration of your skin. They will increase the elasticity of your skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It can take a few months to see the results and they won't be as dramatic as with the TCA peels mentioned earlier, but they have been clinically proven to be effective.

There you have it - how to treat and cure fine line and wrinkles from real dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Real treatments that really work. For more information on TCA peels please see the link below.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental skin care interests. He can be reached at http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

The Hottest Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatment Used By Dermatologists - TCA Skin Peels

Aging skin is something we all either have or will have. Its a fact of life. The skin starts to lose its elasticity, sun damage takes a toll, wrinkles and lines develop. Cuts and scratches don't heal as fast and scar easily. The skin is dry and can even become brittle. It literally thins out.

This is because we have not cared for it. I heard on the radio today that 90% of Americans know more about their car engine and take better care of their car then themself. We take our cars for oil changes every 3-4,000 miles, rotate tires, buy better gas and use gas additives, high tech waxes, etc... Then we eat junk, fatty foods, don't drink enough water, don't eat regular balanced meals, forget our vitamins, etc... It's no wonder that Our skin ages amongst other things. We have the careless attitude that if it isn't broke don't fix it. We procrastinate with our bodies until they start to fail.

What we don't realize is that our skin is an organ just like our heart, lungs, etc... the skin takes in oxygen, vitamin D, protects against bacteria, accidents, etc... In the old days people were tarred and feathered as punishment. This tarring sealed the skin and if the affected individual didn't have the tar removed in a few hours they would die - why? Because their skin couldn't breathe and they overheated and died. So the skin helps us regulate our body temperature like a radiator.

Well, just like a radiator, we must care for our skin to get optimum protection and use from it. We must hydrate ourselves properly. Thats not just having a little water here and there. 90% of all Americans are improperly hydrated. An easy way to tell is to pinch and pull the skin between the thumb and forefinger. Does it go right back and feel supple or does it hold , feel dry, and very slowly go back (improper hydration). It is now known that we must drink 8-12 glasses of water a day and abstain from too much alcohol as it will further dry us out.

We must take multivitamins and eat proper, well balanced meals for healthy skin. The skin, just like finger nails is a early warning system. Problems with your skin and fingernails can foreshadow or warn of future or iminent problems and diseases, many of which can be avoided. There are whole books on this inate ability to hint of heart ailments, blood ailmaents, etc... We must eat right, hydrate right and take proper vitamins to keep our skin from aging. It is highly recommended to eat plenty of antioxidants to ward off the aging process. Eat blue berries, black berries, and have a glass of red wine daily. They are rich with antioxidants. Also omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils have been proven to retard skin aging (they have also been proven to increase brain function over 50% in all areas - ever had deep strange dreams after eating salmon? Salmon is very rich in omega 3's)

We can also help our skin along. Skin peels have been proven to increase our skins ability to regenerate, create higher levels of collagen, and increase hydration and pliability in our skin. They can basically reverse a lot of the effects of the aging process. Of these skin peels glycolic, lactic, salicylic and the 'fruit' peels are minor and will help, but need to be reapplied more often and will not help with deep wrinkles, lines, age spots, etc... The number one treatment plastic surgeons and dermatologists use to reverse the aging process outside of a face lift is the TCA peel. Tca peels are a medium strength peel and have been proven to efectively treat more skin problems than any other treatment. It is also the safest, easiest to apply, and, by far, the most effective of all the skin peels. TCA peels can turn back the clock 10 years or more. TCA peels can treat and cure acne, wrinkles, lines, scars, etc... The results last up to 1 year so you only need to have it done once or twice a year. And the best part is they are now available for home use.

So, to keep your skin younger and healthier, drink plenty of water, eat right, take omega 3 supplements (fish oil pills are great for this as is salmon) and use proven science (TCA peels) to better care for your skin. Copper peptide creams (around $60) do show an increase in the skins ability to heal itself, but so does Neosporin for $3. In double blind tests there was no difference between the two in healingand scar repair. Remember your skin does a lot and is very important so take good care of it. To find TCA peels contact the author below or look it up on the internet.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: http://www.bestskinpeel.com or by visiting or http://www.mdwholesale.com.

Dermatologist: The Most Qualified Physician for Skin Problems

The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the body. It reflects the health of the body and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. Sadly, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease that only a skin doctor can absolutely give the scientific explanation for those skin problems. Dermatologist is a medical doctor specializing on the study of the skin, diseases of the skin and the relationship of cutaneous lesions to systemic disease. Dermatologist is a medical doctor trained to usually combine several activities like seeing patients in public hospitals and/or in private practices, acting as consultants to other specialists, teaching and delving into clinical or basic research.

The dermatologist must have expertise in basic sciences including pathology, biochemistry, physics, physiology, microbiology and endocrinology. Because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions, dermatologist must also be familiar with all the other medical specialties because of their consultant work. Dermatologist likewise perform skin surgery in several situations like preventing or providing early control of disease such as skin cancer; improve skins appearance by removing growths, discolorations or damage caused by ageing; and to establish a definite diagnosis.

There are several responsibilities that dermatologist has including examining patients, performing biopsies and other diagnostic techniques of dermatology, interpreting test results and evaluating examination findings before prescribing treatments, including x-ray therapy, physical therapy and medication. Dermatological services are as well managed by dermatologist like formulating plans and procedures for dermatological services, scheduling operation of diagnostic and treatment facilities, and assigning nurses, physical therapists, x-ray therapists and other medical technicians. The dermatologist advises on the types and quantity of dermatological supplies and equipment, coordinate dermatological services with other medical activities.

There are however several types of health care providers who can take care of your skin conditions aside from dermatologist. The first thing that you need to know about picking a skin specialist is the probability that you are really badly in need to see a specialist as sometimes your condition may not need the specialist. Therefore, it is important that you know when you really need to see a dermatologist. Some conditions are exclusively treated by a dermatologist especially with severe forms of common diseases such as acne, rosacea and atopic dermatitis. Most skin cancers are treated by dermatologist, sometimes in conjunction with a surgeon. There is also the dermatologist who utilizes various specialized laboratory procedures to diagnose disorders characterized by defective responses of the bodys immune system.

Getting a referral from your physician is a great help and of high importance in finding the right dermatologist who will be working with you. It is important that you are assured that the dermatologist has the right credentials for the medical procedure(s) that your skin demands. You may have to do some preliminary check that will enable you to be prepared and educated prior to your consultation. Such steps are critical as it will help you achieve a successful outcome. You have to have a give-and-take dialogue assuring that you and your dermatologist have the same vision of what you want the end result to be as well as your expectations are realistic. The communication between you and the skin doctor is of most importance as you are considering things about your skin or associated problems.

Michael Sanford

For more infoormation on acne skin care please visit http://www.no-more-acne.org