Author: Cindy Heller
Aerobics exercise today is considered is absolute necessity to a healthy living. It is also suitable for someone who is trying to lose weight or tone their muscles. The simplicity of an aerobics exercise program lies in its flexibility. It can be done almost anywhere, indoors or outdoors, and almost anytime.
Aerobics exercise is also completely versatile in skill and intensity level. This is why it is suitable for the newbie who has never participated in a regular exercise program and also for sports fanatic who participates in sports everyday.
To get the most out of your aerobics exercise routines, you should know how to choose the right aerobics clothes o that you will be comfortable throughout your workout. Here are some important facts you should remember:
1) Wear aerobics clothes that are loose and not ill-fitting
2) Avoid plastic or rubberized clothing
3) Wear many light layers of clothing instead of having one heavy cloth layer
4) Wear light color clothing during the summertime
It is hard to exercise if you are not comfortable especially if you are a beginner and new to aerobics exercise. The continuous movements of up and down in aerobics can put a toll on your body if you do not wear the right type of clothing. Finding the perfect aerobics clothing may take some time.
The best way to choose aerobics clothing is by touching the material to know how it feels to you. This is not to say that online purchases are not good, but feeling the material will let you know if it is worth the money you are spending for it. Complicated designs can cause problems for you if your routines are demanding. If you like flexibility, it may be useful to invest in soft clothing for your aerobics exercise.
You must always remember to choose aerobics clothing that are loose fitting to provide you with sufficient amounts of free air flow. This is because then you will have a feeling of being comfortably attired. Aerobics clothes that are too tight would result in restricted body movements and making the exercise routine useless.
Another point you should take note of regarding aerobics clothes is that you should preferably wear light color clothing during the summertime exercises because it is better capable of absorbing heat and besides would give a cooling feeling that can help beat the scorching heat.
Use of plastic or rubberized clothing for aerobics exercise is not recommended due to the fact that these clothes may cause the body temperature to rise which is harmful to your health.
When performing aerobics exercise, it is also preferable to wear many light layers of clothing instead of having one heavy cloth layer. The clothing layer that touches the skin must be able to absorb moisture. T-shirts and sweatshirts that are worn with tights or drawstring pants are most suitable for aerobic workouts. Proper aerobics clothing will definitely help you enjoy your workout sessions.
If you are a woman who is fashion conscious, there are women's aerobics clothes that are specially designed for wearing in the gym environment. These aerobics clothes include sports tops and aerobics bottoms. Most of these aerobics outfits can help intensify the workout experience.
Needless to say, by having pleasant aerobic clothes it will help to lift your spirit when starting a lengthy workout. It also helps motivate the wearer into getting started with their exercise programs. Good aerobics clothes provide functionality besides a pleasing appearance.
Balance Between Cost And Comfort Of Aerobics Clothes
If you exercise in stylish but uncomfortable material, it will make your routine very hard to continue. Finding a balance between affordable and comforting aerobics clothing is the best option. You can ask a gym instructor of his or her preferences regarding the initial cost of aerobics clothing. You can then look for something that fit your budget.
The higher price you may have to pay for better quality material will outlast the benefits of comfort you will receive while completing your aerobics routine. The in good quality material will help make your exercising experience more memorable because you will be focused on your efforts instead of on the discomforting feelings of lower cost aerobics clothes. Finding a balance between comfort and cost is best for most people choosing clothes for their aerobics routines.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
What I Like About Water Aerobics
Author: Cindy Heller
The swimming pool is no longer the sole preserve of swimmers. Water aerobics are active in improving the cardiovascular fitness and also result in better stamina through use of muscles that gain in strength.
People of all age groups and all fitness levels can perform water aerobics because only 10 to 15 percent of the body weight is not supported by water buoyancy. It leads to less tension being placed on the joints during aquatic activities, when compared with exercising on the land.
As a result of the buoyancy that water gives as well as the support that a body receives from water there are less worries about putting muscle, bone or joint injuries. Primarily because water aerobics are usually performed in chest-high water both swimmers and non-swimmers get attracted to it.
Water is a perfect choice not only for healthy people but also for those who may have a medical state like people suffering from arthritis, neck and back troubles as well as strokes and overweight people. The water aerobics exercises will force a body to expend more energy and on an average, 450 to 700 calories get burned during one hour of water aerobics.
Water Aerobic Shoes
There are many benefits that can be gained through water aerobic exercises and for this end one needs appropriate water aerobic shoes that will help to provide added traction that result in greater stability in the water.
The water aerobic shoes also protect the feet from getting any slight cuts or scrapes in case the pool has a rough surface. Water aerobic shoes are usually available in all departmental stores as well as sporting goods stores.
Utilize Water Aerobic Weights
Water aerobic weights are quite different from the metal and plastic weights you can find in the gym. Instead of coming in a different weight, the water aerobic weights come in selections of resistance. People who are not capable to perform other types of aerobic activities due to problems such as arthritis are able to do water aerobics activities.
Water Aerobics Equipment
The water aerobics equipment is very useful in eliminating the pain as well as impact from the exercise routine. When the deepness of water is higher than chest level certain flotation devices have to be used in deep water area and there are also other tools such as kick boards, and hand buoys that are used.
No matter that one is looking for to just have better fitness levels or want to simply shed some excess weight or even perform better at a sport the water aerobics equipment provides an outstanding solution in accomplishing these and other goals such as recover from injuries, limiting arthritis as well as other kinds of medicinal ailments.
Dangers In Water Aerobics Routine
Be properly outfitted before starting your routine. Water aerobics routines are a cool and fun way of aerobics exercise in the hot weather and the water aerobics routine helps ease the drudgery from other routine exercise regimes.
One should try out water aerobics routines in moderate temperature swimming pools and in addition, the water aerobics routine should also be adjusted to satisfy individual requirements, limitations as well as levels of fitness. With the resistance that water offers to the exerciser in all directions it is much more appropriate than other land based exercises where one only works against gravity.
Water Aerobics Benefits
A water aerobics workout is advantageous for many people who should not participate in a normal aerobic program. Do you have a desire for aerobic exercise, but cannot handle the high impact diversity that many classes offer? Why not try a water aerobics workout for smallest impact but maximum aerobic benefit.
The standard of a water aerobics workout is the same as other aerobic activities, you want to raise your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 20 minutes. The instructor will normally use music and choreography as in other aerobics classes, and you might also work with tools such as kickboards or wrist weights.
Water Aerobic Classes
Water aerobic classes have plentiful benefits for new comers and also older participants. With this kind of new health breakthroughs, more and more instructors are developing new movements to help the body.
For example, you can learn how to build heart strength in comparison running through water aerobic classes. It does not matter when you go to a class because you will experience solid work, fun exercises, and know new people in your classes.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
The swimming pool is no longer the sole preserve of swimmers. Water aerobics are active in improving the cardiovascular fitness and also result in better stamina through use of muscles that gain in strength.
People of all age groups and all fitness levels can perform water aerobics because only 10 to 15 percent of the body weight is not supported by water buoyancy. It leads to less tension being placed on the joints during aquatic activities, when compared with exercising on the land.
As a result of the buoyancy that water gives as well as the support that a body receives from water there are less worries about putting muscle, bone or joint injuries. Primarily because water aerobics are usually performed in chest-high water both swimmers and non-swimmers get attracted to it.
Water is a perfect choice not only for healthy people but also for those who may have a medical state like people suffering from arthritis, neck and back troubles as well as strokes and overweight people. The water aerobics exercises will force a body to expend more energy and on an average, 450 to 700 calories get burned during one hour of water aerobics.
Water Aerobic Shoes
There are many benefits that can be gained through water aerobic exercises and for this end one needs appropriate water aerobic shoes that will help to provide added traction that result in greater stability in the water.
The water aerobic shoes also protect the feet from getting any slight cuts or scrapes in case the pool has a rough surface. Water aerobic shoes are usually available in all departmental stores as well as sporting goods stores.
Utilize Water Aerobic Weights
Water aerobic weights are quite different from the metal and plastic weights you can find in the gym. Instead of coming in a different weight, the water aerobic weights come in selections of resistance. People who are not capable to perform other types of aerobic activities due to problems such as arthritis are able to do water aerobics activities.
Water Aerobics Equipment
The water aerobics equipment is very useful in eliminating the pain as well as impact from the exercise routine. When the deepness of water is higher than chest level certain flotation devices have to be used in deep water area and there are also other tools such as kick boards, and hand buoys that are used.
No matter that one is looking for to just have better fitness levels or want to simply shed some excess weight or even perform better at a sport the water aerobics equipment provides an outstanding solution in accomplishing these and other goals such as recover from injuries, limiting arthritis as well as other kinds of medicinal ailments.
Dangers In Water Aerobics Routine
Be properly outfitted before starting your routine. Water aerobics routines are a cool and fun way of aerobics exercise in the hot weather and the water aerobics routine helps ease the drudgery from other routine exercise regimes.
One should try out water aerobics routines in moderate temperature swimming pools and in addition, the water aerobics routine should also be adjusted to satisfy individual requirements, limitations as well as levels of fitness. With the resistance that water offers to the exerciser in all directions it is much more appropriate than other land based exercises where one only works against gravity.
Water Aerobics Benefits
A water aerobics workout is advantageous for many people who should not participate in a normal aerobic program. Do you have a desire for aerobic exercise, but cannot handle the high impact diversity that many classes offer? Why not try a water aerobics workout for smallest impact but maximum aerobic benefit.
The standard of a water aerobics workout is the same as other aerobic activities, you want to raise your heart rate up and keep it up for at least 20 minutes. The instructor will normally use music and choreography as in other aerobics classes, and you might also work with tools such as kickboards or wrist weights.
Water Aerobic Classes
Water aerobic classes have plentiful benefits for new comers and also older participants. With this kind of new health breakthroughs, more and more instructors are developing new movements to help the body.
For example, you can learn how to build heart strength in comparison running through water aerobic classes. It does not matter when you go to a class because you will experience solid work, fun exercises, and know new people in your classes.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com
Salma Hayek Hairstyles
However, Hayek was seen last weekend at a soccer game in the French city of Rennes with her ex-fiance, French billionaire Francois Henri Pinault. The couple, who reportedly broke off their engagement in July, attended a match at the Stade Rennais between local team Rennes FC and rival Sochaux. Pinault owns Rennes FC, the same club where US National Team captain Carlos Bocanegra plays.
Why Is Aerobics Exercise So Popular?
Author: Cindy Heller
Since 1970, the aerobics exercise has become increasingly popular. Hundreds of aerobics exercise videos were sold. There are many different kind of aerobics exercise being performed all over the world.
Aerobics exercise is a special type of exercise which generally involves rapid stepping patterns. These steps are performed usually to accompanying music and lead by an instructor who provides the necessary cues. After the 1970 publication The New Aerobics book written by Cooper, aerobics stated to grow in popularity and peaked in the 1980s. A lot of celebrities like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons began to create their own videos and shows to promote aerobics exercises.
There are two most popular types of group aerobics exercise which are Freestyle aerobics and Pre-choreographed aerobics. Freestyle aerobics incorporate a style of aerobic exercises that include choreography and dance movements. It is mainly practiced to improve suppleness and most of the participants of this aerobics type are women.
However, in spite of its popularity, many people still excuses to not take up any form of exercise. People often claim that they do not have enough time to go to the gym or that gym membership is much too expensive. No matter what excuse is given, aerobics can actually be done in the comfort of the home.
There have been many similar videos since Jane Fonda's video on exercises came out, so there are hundreds of these aerobics exercise videos to choose from. These videos include low-impact and as high-impact aerobics exercises. There are also specialist videos that cater to pregnant women in and the elderly.
Aerobics actually means with oxygen and this type of exercise uses large muscle groups over a period of time. It is also performed in a rhythm. Oxygen is used to sustain the activity over lengthy periods of time. Aerobics exercises require the muscles to work in great part so as to raise the heart rate to 60 percent to 80 percent of its maximum rate. It should also be continuously performed for at least a quarter of an hour to an hour.
Aerobic exercise can help you maintain a higher heart rate while the oxygen is used to burn the fats. At the beginning of an aerobic exercises session, glycogen is broken down to produce glucose. If there is not enough glucose available, it would result in fat beginning to decompose. When our body starts to use fat as a fuel, it causes a condition which marathon runners describe as hitting the wall.
Lose Weight With Aerobics Exercise
Losing weight is not very easy for most people. Most people don't really know how to lose weight healthily. This is one reason why obesity has increased tremendously in most parts of the world. Losing weight not only takes time but also discipline. However, that is what most people don't have. They don't have the patience which is required to lose weight.
In our society today, we want everything instantly at this moment. When things take too much time we tend to give up. That is the main reason why most diets and exercise programs fail. However you should know that losing weight should not have to be so exhausting. It can also be fun to lose weight with aerobics exercise.
To lose weight effectively with aerobics, the workout should raise your heartbeat for an extended period of time. You should continue the aerobics workout for at least twenty minutes at a time. This is because this is the point where your body starts to use excess fat for energy.
However, aerobics workouts don't have to be boring and don't have to be the same thing day after day. The best way to continue your aerobics workout is to find several workouts that you can combine throughout the week or month. That way, your workout never becomes dull and you won't get easily burned out.
Another factor that you must remember is to never lose your motivation. Most often, the reason people fail to lose weight is because their motivation wanes after a few days or weeks. Healthily losing weight takes time. It can be weeks or even months before you reach the weight you desire. If you want to lose weight healthily, you should only lose about a pound or two a week. This is too slow for most people.
However, you should remember that it took even more time to pile the pounds on so that is why it is going to take time to get them off. Most people don't realize is that it takes twice as long to lose the weight as it does to gain it. So, the most important thing to remember is to never lose your motivation and continue with your aerobics workouts to lose weight.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
Since 1970, the aerobics exercise has become increasingly popular. Hundreds of aerobics exercise videos were sold. There are many different kind of aerobics exercise being performed all over the world.
Aerobics exercise is a special type of exercise which generally involves rapid stepping patterns. These steps are performed usually to accompanying music and lead by an instructor who provides the necessary cues. After the 1970 publication The New Aerobics book written by Cooper, aerobics stated to grow in popularity and peaked in the 1980s. A lot of celebrities like Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons began to create their own videos and shows to promote aerobics exercises.
There are two most popular types of group aerobics exercise which are Freestyle aerobics and Pre-choreographed aerobics. Freestyle aerobics incorporate a style of aerobic exercises that include choreography and dance movements. It is mainly practiced to improve suppleness and most of the participants of this aerobics type are women.
However, in spite of its popularity, many people still excuses to not take up any form of exercise. People often claim that they do not have enough time to go to the gym or that gym membership is much too expensive. No matter what excuse is given, aerobics can actually be done in the comfort of the home.
There have been many similar videos since Jane Fonda's video on exercises came out, so there are hundreds of these aerobics exercise videos to choose from. These videos include low-impact and as high-impact aerobics exercises. There are also specialist videos that cater to pregnant women in and the elderly.
Aerobics actually means with oxygen and this type of exercise uses large muscle groups over a period of time. It is also performed in a rhythm. Oxygen is used to sustain the activity over lengthy periods of time. Aerobics exercises require the muscles to work in great part so as to raise the heart rate to 60 percent to 80 percent of its maximum rate. It should also be continuously performed for at least a quarter of an hour to an hour.
Aerobic exercise can help you maintain a higher heart rate while the oxygen is used to burn the fats. At the beginning of an aerobic exercises session, glycogen is broken down to produce glucose. If there is not enough glucose available, it would result in fat beginning to decompose. When our body starts to use fat as a fuel, it causes a condition which marathon runners describe as hitting the wall.
Lose Weight With Aerobics Exercise
Losing weight is not very easy for most people. Most people don't really know how to lose weight healthily. This is one reason why obesity has increased tremendously in most parts of the world. Losing weight not only takes time but also discipline. However, that is what most people don't have. They don't have the patience which is required to lose weight.
In our society today, we want everything instantly at this moment. When things take too much time we tend to give up. That is the main reason why most diets and exercise programs fail. However you should know that losing weight should not have to be so exhausting. It can also be fun to lose weight with aerobics exercise.
To lose weight effectively with aerobics, the workout should raise your heartbeat for an extended period of time. You should continue the aerobics workout for at least twenty minutes at a time. This is because this is the point where your body starts to use excess fat for energy.
However, aerobics workouts don't have to be boring and don't have to be the same thing day after day. The best way to continue your aerobics workout is to find several workouts that you can combine throughout the week or month. That way, your workout never becomes dull and you won't get easily burned out.
Another factor that you must remember is to never lose your motivation. Most often, the reason people fail to lose weight is because their motivation wanes after a few days or weeks. Healthily losing weight takes time. It can be weeks or even months before you reach the weight you desire. If you want to lose weight healthily, you should only lose about a pound or two a week. This is too slow for most people.
However, you should remember that it took even more time to pile the pounds on so that is why it is going to take time to get them off. Most people don't realize is that it takes twice as long to lose the weight as it does to gain it. So, the most important thing to remember is to never lose your motivation and continue with your aerobics workouts to lose weight.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
Alicia Machado Hairstyles - Acne Vulgaris, the 8 Stages of Acne, Skin Care, Adult Acne, and Scar Removal Options.
by: Stephen M. Seabrook
What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn't mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.
Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.
Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn't sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.
The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.
All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.
Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.
Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.
Acne: The 8 Stages:
Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn't usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem...like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.
Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself....eventually. And, it usually does but not always.
Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.
Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren't a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn't a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.
Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.
Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.
Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it's time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.
Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.
Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.
Acne Skin Care:
As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.
When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.
Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.
The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don't try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse...not better.
However, there are things that you can do that really will help.
The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don't ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.
Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.
If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.
Adult Acne:
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don't have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well....not exactly.
The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne...hormonal changes.
A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.
Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don't normally have to deal with. Adults don't want pimples; but, they don't want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.
There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.
A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.
Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.
Acne Scar Removal Options:
Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it...sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.
You're right, life doesn't seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn't free or cheap!
There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.
The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.
The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.
Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don't be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.
Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, consult a qualified medical professional before deciding on a course of action.
What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn't mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.
Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.
Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn't sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.
The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.
All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.
Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.
Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.
Acne: The 8 Stages:
Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn't usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem...like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.
Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself....eventually. And, it usually does but not always.
Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.
Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren't a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn't a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.
Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:
Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.
Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.
Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it's time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.
Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.
Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.
Acne Skin Care:
As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.
When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.
Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.
The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don't try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse...not better.
However, there are things that you can do that really will help.
The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don't ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.
Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.
If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.
Adult Acne:
Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don't have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well....not exactly.
The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne...hormonal changes.
A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.
Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don't normally have to deal with. Adults don't want pimples; but, they don't want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.
There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.
A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.
Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.
Acne Scar Removal Options:
Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it...sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.
You're right, life doesn't seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn't free or cheap!
There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.
Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.
The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.
The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.
Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don't be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.
Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, consult a qualified medical professional before deciding on a course of action.
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