How to Deal with Pressure, Stress and the Effects on Acne

Who wants to deal with pressure or stress? I bet no one is raising his or her hand right now. We’re all subject to it at higher or lower degree at different times in our lives. Whatever the reason is – job, family, kids, money, health or personal concerns - unfortunately; this can take a toll on you physically—including your skin!

Here’s a look at the science behind stress and what it means for your acne. Additionally, we’ll take a look at physical pressure and the damage it can do to your skin as well, which is something many people tend to overlook in discussions like these.

A Helpful Guide to Getting Rid of Bacne (Back Acne)

Whether you want to go shirtless on the beach or want to wear a backless dress for a night out, bacne (back acne) can seriously put a damper on your confidence level. What’s worse, once it begins, it can be difficult to get your breakouts under control—bacne is one of the most stubborn types of acne!

If you’ve struggled with breakouts on your back for a short or long time, this guide will walk you through the breaking the cycle of this tricky condition. We’ll help you regain your confidence and provide you with some safe and effective tips that will put you on the path to becoming back acne-free TODAY.

Discover the Truth Behind Food’s Connection to Acne

As there are many "fake" diets and myths about how to stay slim and trim, the same applies to the relationship between food and acne. These days, food is not just a source of nutrition but also a source of comfort, a means to socialize, a status symbol, and the subject of vigorous and lengthy discussions, and we would like to add our own two cents to this subject from an acne standpoint.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your odds in the battle against acne, making some dietary changes might be the answer you need. We’ll examine the connection between food and breakouts, what you should consider eliminating from your diet, and what foods should be more abundant in your diet.

4 Acne Skin Care Rules You’ll Want to Follow Today

A good daily skincare regimen is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the fight against acne. However, finding something that works can be challenging. Here are four tips for developing a skincare regimen that will help your skin to become healthy, clear and radiant.

Regardless of the specifics of your cleansing and treatment regimen, it’s necessary that you are consistent! In order to see the results you want, make sure you follow your rou-tine both in the morning and at night. Also remember that seasonal changes and new product updates are a vital part of the normal and needed evolution of your regimen. When you change your skincare products every few days or jump on a new treatment every week, it won’t help your skin and it may actually be detrimental.

Which astringents are best for my acne-prone skin?

We hear this question quite often. Astringents are substances (both made by nature and by chemical synthesis) that have a special property of shrinking or constricting the tissue. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they are used in the beauty industry to shrink pores and smooth the skin.

For the same reason, many popular acne products also contain astringents. The problem begins when they contain powerful chemicals that have a tendency to “overdo” what you would expect an astringent to do. In some cases, the wrong astringent or the wrong use/application of an astringent may have an adverse impact on your skin’s health. Some potentially harmful ingredients found in astringents include salicylic acid, peroxide and glycolic acid.

3 Reasons Why You're Still Struggling with Acne

June is acne awareness month, and it's important to celebrate those acne sufferers who have made significant strides in their fight with breakouts. However, there are still many out there who struggle to keep their acne under control. This article is dedicated to them!

If this sounds like your experience, please remember that you are not alone-there are many people out there who have put a significant amount of effort and perseverance towards beating acne for good. While everyone's situation is a little bit different, there are some common reasons why you're not seeing the results you want. Below, we take a look at three factors that may be holding you back in your fight against acne.

Don't Let Body Acne Get in the Way of Having a Great Summer!

For anyone who's dealt with breakouts on the neck, back, arms, or chest, you know that body acne is much more difficult to get rid of than pimples or blackheads on the face. Even with proper treatment, it can be stubborn and hard to control. The reason behind the fact that body acne is more difficult to treat is that there are more hair follicles and more pores to be clogged on the back. A proper hygiene and skincare routine is also less freque for the body. These types of breakouts can have a major impact on your self esteem, especially during the summer months when swimsuits and other light clothing make body acne more visible.

3 Simple Ways to Make Your Skin Glow from the Inside-Out

If you've struggled with acne for years, it may seem like you'll never have the clear complexion you want. However, if you're smart and take the right steps, this couldn't be further from the truth! Keeping your skin healthy and acne-free requires a holistic approach-it's an issue that must be addressed from multiple angles, from both the inside and outside.

We've developed a three-pronged approach for treating your skin right that will have youcelebrating your radiant complexion in no time. In order to achieve the acne-free look you're wishing for, you need to address the underlying causes of your skin problems, learn how diet can affect acne, and find a cleansing routine that works for you.

Women's Guide to Having an Acne-Free Summer

Summer is a fun time for a lot of reasons -barbecues, vacations, beach time and plenty of time outdoors. However, summer is not always the easiest on your skin, and if you're dealing with acne problems, this time of year presents some challenges. Thankfully, all is not lost - you don't have to stay cooped up indoors to save your skin! We've compiled this guide of helpful tips to help you and every women like you enjoy a fun, acne-free summer.

Rinse off after enjoying the pool. This may sound counterintuitive at first - if you've just spent time in the water, what's the point of rinsing off? However, your typical pool is filled with much more than just water, and common pool chemicals like chlorine, which can dry and sensitize your skin while possible left over bacteria may cause some inflammation in already irritated spots such as pimples or cysts. So rinse it off to keep it off (breakouts that is!).

Men's Guide to Acne-Free Skin this Summer

Summer is almost here, and for guys that typically means they can spend more time outdoors. From cookouts, to camping trips, it seems like there's always a good excuse to get out of the house (or man cave) this time of year.

Unfortunately, all this extra time outdoors can be damaging to your skin's health and may even lead to breakouts that are worse than usual. No fears though-you're in luck! We've compiled a guide just for men to help you stay acne free. Here are our best tips for healthy, clear skin that won't have you missing out on any summer fun.

5 Adult Acne Myths that You Need to Know About

Acne is something no adult wants to deal with. For reasons that are still being researched, people are struggling with acne well into there 40's and beyond. Acne can take a toll on us emotionally and physically, affecting so many different areas of our lives. Because of this, some people are desperate for any product or any information that can help them eliminate the problem quickly.

The difficulty with this approach is that there is a disappointing amount of myths and misinformation about the subject available online. AcnEase users come to us with a multitude of questions about these myths, so in the spirit of setting the record straight, here is a look at five adult acne myths that don't withstand scrutiny.

5 Acne Treatment Myths That Can Make Acne Worse

When you're living with acne, it seems like everyone you meet wants to tell you about some magical cure they know of that can stop your breakouts. Unfortunately, most of these "cures" are not worth a second of your time...and some may even make your skin worse. While some are so bizarre (banana peels on your face?) that they're rejected outright, others seem logical enough that they start to get passed around as legitimate options, despite having no evidence for their effectiveness.

Here is a look at five such myths. While they may be tempting to try, in the long run they're only preventing you from finding a treatment that will actually work (and don't forget they can make your skin worse by irritating it and/or increasing the danger of skin cancer).

Does Sex Affect Acne in Women?

While the topic of sex may be considered bedroom talk to some, experts and acne sufferers are having open and honest conversations about its impact on skin health and condition.

If you've ever been curious about the link between the two, you're in luck! Here we'll explain how some intimate fun can keep your skin healthy and clear. Additionally, we'll take a look at the role of sex hormones in the development of women's acne and what you can do to prevent acne.

Guys, how do you think sex affects your skin?

Sex. If you're dealing with acne, it's one of those issues that might not leave you feeling so sexy. However, think again.  While it might seem unusual, there is a definite connection between sex and making your breakouts less prevailing and large, and with the right information, you can keep your skin clear and have a little fun in the process. Here is a look at just how sex (and sex hormones) can affect the quality of your skin.

The Skincare Benefits of Sex

Let's be honest-most men don't need any motivation to have sex outside of the act itself. However, getting intimate with your partner can have some unexpected benefits in your fight against breakouts:

Try this tonight if you want to help your acne go away!

Reduce Oil, Shrink Pores, Get an Even Skin Tone, Brighten Skin

Spring has sprung (sort of!) and with that renewal, our skin also needs some assistance as it begins to get used to the different climate. New issues may arise or not, however, adding a new revitalizing mask to your skincare regimen can be a simple and effective way to help you in your journey to treat acne. Please note that this mask WILL NOT TREAT your acne (you need a TREATMENT to do this) so do not use it as a replacement for a treatment. It will however provide you with another highly effective skincare tip as you're on your way to an acne-free life.

Do's and Don'ts to Fighting Acne with Spa Treatments

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't enjoy a relaxing day at the spa, and because of this, these facilities are more prevalent than ever. While spa treatments are a great way to get away from it all, they may also be able to help in your fight against acne - as many promote healthy, clear skin. However, finding a treatment that works for you is not as simple as choosing the first thing you see. If you play it smart, though, you may just find something that works as a good supplement to your normal acne-fighting routine. Just remember however, these treatments DO NOT treat acne - they assist an acne treatment.

4 Powerful Antioxidants That Can Reduce the Effects of Acne

Antioxidants hold a position of privilege among health conscious individuals. These powerful substances have the ability to locate and destroy free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can lead to illness and aging. Antioxidants are essential for overall health and wellness, but in particular they can promote clear skin and reduce the effects of acne. Here is a look at four particular ones that do just that.

Keep in mind that antioxidants do not treat the underlying causes of acne, and therefore cannot eliminate your problems entirely. However, they are indeed powerful enough to help you along your quest for healthy skin.

[Quiz] What are you doing wrong to get rid of your acne?

How much do you really know about dealing with breakouts? While most of us like to think that we're experts on the subject of skincare, there are some common misconceptions that can confuse even the savviest of people. That's why we've created this quiz asking questions about the right (and wrong) ways to deal with acne. No one likes homework, but this is one quiz that can keep your skin healthy and acne-free!

How to Control Oily Skin to Reduce Breakouts

Sebaceous glands are present throughout the skin on our body with the exception of our palms and the bottoms of our feet.  These glands produce skin oil known as sebum which keeps our skin, soft, protected, and elastic. Without sebum, our skin would look like alligator skin...scaly and overly dry. But sometimes these glands produce too much skin oil and our skin becomes too oily.  Our face, and sometimes our body, shines in all the wrong places leading to melting make-up and an unhealthy appearance. But very often, too much oil also leads to dreaded breakouts and unsightly pimples.

Indeed oily skin is known to be a precursor to acne and even though some individuals with dry skin also get acne, the majority of acne sufferers have oily skin.  So, if you want to prevent an acne breakout and get rid of your oily complexion, you need to control the excess oil being produced by your sebaceous glands.  But, how?  Read on.

The Smartest Way to Conquer Acne this Holiday Season

The holidays are officially upon us, and with them come lots of festivities and fun gatherings. During this social time of the year, you may be taking extra steps to ensure that you always look your best, and healthy, clear skin is probably pretty high on your list of priorities. Unfortunately, acne isn't very cooperative, and you may find yourself with breakouts at the most inopportune times. When this happens, it can be very tempting to turn to products offering a quick fix for your skin problems. However, relying on an endless string of supposedly fast-acting products can actually be doing more harm than good - and more importantly, first, you need to address those acne warning signs that are too serious to ignore. 

If you find yourself constantly reaching for the latest miracle cream or treatment, read this before you buy anything else.

Acne Warning Signs Too Serious to Ignore
While there's no denying that acne is a big concern and a very tough emotional experience for many, you can breath a sigh of relief knowing that it's not a major health issue. There are options available for treating it, albeit some are better than others, and it can be very difficult to choose an option that is right for you.  However, there are some signs that your breakouts may not be typical or that are so severe that may lead to permanent skin damage. In these cases, it's important that you not ignore the signs your body is giving you. Here is a look at just a few instances where this is the case. 

Many people assume that acne is limited to the face, but it can actually occur on all parts of the body that have sebaceous glands and hair follicles that are EVERYWHERE (with the exception of the palms and feet). As it is not common to have acne over all your body, having outbreaks in areas others than the face -most commonly on the neck, back, chest, and shoulders - has become more and more prevailing.
Can Essential Oils Help Fight Acne?

Essential oils - the fragrant essences extracted from plants - have long been a staple of aromatherapy, but is it possible that they could help improve your acne as well? As you'll see, the answer to this question is not so clean-cut. It's true that they can be an effective supplement for your skincare routine, but there are also a few precautions to keep in mind when using them.

The Potential Benefits of Essential Oils for Acne Treatment

Many of the commonly used essential oils have powerful antibacterial properties - including tea tree oil, lavender oil, and bergamot oil. Since breakouts partially occur because acne-causing bacteria become trapped inside our pores, you can see why these might be useful. Additionally, many other oils also have a drying effect on the skin, which is perfect for those who are constantly battling oily skin. Some popular choices for this include rosemary oil, geranium oil, and rose oil.

3 Trends in Acne Skincare to Watch Out For
There have never been more ways pretending to treat breakouts than right now. While these abundance of choices may look great for acne sufferers at least at first glance, not all of them are effective or even safe. Here are three increasingly popular trends that are making their mark in the world of skincare that we need to take a closer look at as for their real impact on treating acne (or their efficacy) and their safety profile.

The Diet Approach

For a long time, acne treatment was all about addressing the problem from the outside with things like creams and cleansers. While topical acne treatments are no doubt still popular, many people are beginning to see that what we put into our bodies is just as important as what we put on them. Take sugar, for example. Studies have shown that frequently eating high-sugar foods can cause skin inflammation that makes you more prone to acne breakouts. For this reason, dietary approaches to preventing breakouts have become increasingly important in the world of skincare.

How to Save Your Skin by Reducing Your Sugar Consumption

For those who have food allergies, know someone with them and/or don't want to give out candy this year:  paint a pumpkin teal, and put it on your doorstep this Halloween.  Why?  The Teal Pumpkin Project is a public awareness campaign designed by FoodAllergy.org to raise awareness of food allergies by providing non-food treats for trick-or-treaters. 

Halloween time is here, and in addition to fun costumes and scary movies, it means lots and lots of candy! While there's nothing wrong with getting in the holiday spirit and indulging in a few sweet treats, lots of excess sugar can be a real terror on your skin. So, before you reach for a handful of candy corn or another mini candy bar, take a look at some of the facts on sugar and how you can keep your Halloween sweet but acne free.

4 Fall Foods to Nourish Your Acne-Prone Skin This Season

Please note while reading, that we recommend when possible to purchase organic and non GMO food. 

Fall is here, and that means it's time to enjoy some of our favorite seasonal foods again. While dietary choices may not be a primary cause of acne, studies have shown that the things we eat do play at least somewhat of a role in our skin's health. For that reason, it's important to make healthy choices this fall season-especially since sugary, high-calorie treats lurk around every corner. Here's a look at four autumn-inspired foods that will help keep your skin glowing and acne-free over the coming months.

5 Step Fall Skincare Routine for Acne Prone Skin
Even though we still have some time before moving our clocks back (on November 2!) for the Fall, we want to help make sure you don't fall short on your skincare regimen.

After a Summer spent in the sun sweating and applying lots of sunscreen, our pores get clogged more than usual, our skin can look dull and dry, hyperpigmentation is more profound, and pimples, blackheads and whiteheads may become more aggressive. In addition, the change in our daily routine with back-to-school and back-to-work stress makes acne breakouts even less tolerable while often more frequent. 

Warning on Benzoyl Peroxide & Salicylic Acid

The FDA recently issued a warning regarding topical acne products that may have dangerous side effects (copy and paste this URL into your browser to see the announcement: 
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/topical-acne-products-can-cause-dangerous-side-effects).
We wanted to provide you with a place where you could get the facts in an easy to understand way. 

When it comes

to our health, wellness or beauty, we deal with a significant number

of choices regarding products that claim to be able to help us, or perhaps

help us meet our personal goals.

Can Probiotics Really Help YOUR Acne?
Probiotics have come to the forefront of being an essential tool to helping maintain a healthy digestive and immune system.  Despite this popularity, many people aren't entirely sure of what they are or what they can do. Here's a look at just a few of their great benefits-including a discussion of how they may be able to help you in your fight against acne.

What are probiotics?

You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't heard of probiotics and their numerous health benefits, but what exactly are they? The term "probiotic" refers to a wide range of microorganisms which can be found in certain foods, drinks, and supplements that help regulate everything from digestion to allergies. Most of these microorganisms are bacteria, and while chowing down on something commonly found in a petri dish may not sound appetizing, you might be surprised to learn that your gastrointestinal tract is already teeming with them!

5 Back to School Acne Skincare Tips that Will Transform Your Look
Going back to school means a lot of things-seeing old friends, making new ones, and unfortunately, homework. However, one thing that it shouldn't mean is a fear of acne breakouts. Thankfully, if you're smart and proactive about your skincare, there's no need to worry about pesky problems like that. Here are five tips to help ensure that your new school year is filled with clear skin and self-confidence.
The Experts All Agree: There's No Quick Fix for Acne

There's no denying that waiting around for great things to happen is no fun. It would be much more gratifying if we could get the things we want at the moment we want them, but unfortunately that's just not how the world works.

Treating acne is no different. People are constantly looking for "a miracle cure" that can give them clear skin overnight, but eventually they all learn that a product like that doesn't exist.

Instead, the trick to beating acne once and for all isn't in a magic cream or potion -it comes down to having some good old fashioned patience and perseverance.

What Can Aloe Vera Really do for Acne?

The association between aloe vera and skincare is nothing new-people have been using it to treat everything from sunburns to eczema for centuries now. However, is this plant extract also a good addition for acne prone skin? The answer is a bit of a mixed bag.

First and foremost, it's important to remember that aloe vera cannot really cure your acne on its own. The only solution for permanently stopping breakouts is addressing the problem at its root. However, that being said, aloe can work as a wonderful supplemental product for certain acne-related issues.  In its pure form, it's a non-comedogenic moisturizer with anti- inflammatory properties.

5 Tips for Resisting the Urge to Pop Your Pimples [...And Why You Shouldn't Pop!]
Large and small pimples are only one of acne's physical symptoms, but they are easily the most noticeable, discussed, and most hated. Because of this, people are normally willing to do whatever it takes to get rid of them as soon as possible without considering the long-term impact on their skin and without understanding that the superficial removal of a pimple is very far from treating acne. Short term, you may get rid of this ugly white head sticking out from your skin, but popping pimples can increase your risk of getting new and more severe pimples or cysts in the future as it actually opens "a window" for infection and may spread bacteria throughout your skin too. Furthermore popping pimples damages the skin tissue, and if this damage is deep enough it will lead to acne scars and marks.