The Clarisonic Face Brush Gets a Big Thumbs Up!

April 7th, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Prevention Tips, Acne Questions and How-To's, Adult Acne, All Natural, Body Acne, cystic acne, Effective Prevention Techniques, Natural and Holistic, Pregnancy and Acne, Uncategorized No Comments »



List Price: $195.00 USD
New From: $167.00 In Stock
Release date May 20, 2011.

Let there be no doubt about it but that the Clarisonic Face Brush is a great product, even if it is a bit over priced. Think about it for a moment. You can now buy a good quality DVD player, which is a far more complex piece of electronics, for less than $100.

The irony is that the adds for this product seem to for the most target women removing makeup. Of course this would be a great market niche but for me, I see a lot more people using it.

What about restaurant workers for instance. It seems to me that anyone who works in this type of environment that can wreak havoc one ones complexion could make good use of a deep cleaner machine like this.

What many people don't realize is that standard hand scrubbing can actually force grime and bacteria down into skin pores. On the other hand, the ultra-sonic cleaning action of the Clarisonic Face Brush actually vibrates dirt and contaminants up and out.

So this would definitely be a great tool for the person with a skin condition who wears makeup. It would allow them to wear their makeup during the day and then completely remove it when they get home, before it has time to clog pores.

I can also see this tool being used to clean anything that's delicate, yet needs a thorough cleaning. Watches, jewelry, delicate electronics and machinery and the list just goes on and on in my mind.

You see the brushes don't spin like in a standard mechanical brush cleaner. Rather, they vibrate at a rate of 300 times per second, so you don't have the “abrasive effects” that you tend to get with a standard spinning scrubber.

Read More Reviews on the Clarisonic Face Brush

The benefits of this product can be seen immediately. You will experience softer, smoother skin after the first use and your face will really look and feel squeaky clean. My pimples don't last as long (sometimes disappear in less than 24 hours which never happened before), and my expensive skin care products are more effective. The real reason for the purchase was a bunch of blackheads on my chin and they are diminishing in quantity. Also they are more brown now than black which I could see after using a Biore strip. Hopefully they will eventually disappear. I recommend this product.
Posted by: Jillian R

This product is one of the best things I've ever bought for myself... It does exactly what it says: cleans your skin better than you ever thought you could, mildly exfoliates, and just makes your skin look fabulous. I can also tell it is softening my fine lines on my forehead (which are just starting). Once you use a clarisonic, you'll never go back to washing your face the regular way. I really like the Pro better than the one my friend bought awhile ago, b/c I changed it to a two minute timer b/c I have very oily skin, and I also like to be able to customize the speed (high after the gym, normal on a regular day). A FANTASTIC buy... a must for anyone who is looking for a boost to their facial skin. Plus, if you buy the spot attachment, you can use it on rough places like your upper chest, elbows, and knees (it has a special speed built in for body areas).
Postes by: Jim S

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The Trichloracidic or TCA Chemical Peel: Understand the Facts

April 6th, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Questions and How-To's, Acne Scars, Acne Scars, Adult Acne, Body Acne, Research and News No Comments »




Not only are there far more skin care and treatment products available today but the marketers who sell them have also become far more sophisticated. Take the TCA chemical peel.

Add after add for this product in the search engines tout it as being able to dissolve away acne scarring. Well now! Wouldn't that be nice? Simply brush some acid on your face to remove scars.

Ironically, the real fact is that TCA or trichloracidic acid in untrained hands is perhaps one of the best ways to end up with scars to last a lifetime.

Even in the hands of trained plastic surgeons, TCA is a risky prospect and this is why far milder and more controllable face peels like Blue Peel are now a more popular choice.

Then there are the adds that list the before and after photos of TCA chemical peels, along with the prices they paid. Hey, they paid $500 dollars and got fantastic results! Why not just it yourself at home for only $50?

Sure! Why not!? Hey, while you're at it why not pick up a dental drill and give yourself a root canal or two? Just think of all the money you can save there too?

Take my advice. When it comes to a home chemical peel, time is definitely on your side. Make the smart decision to use a mild peel that you can apply a few times over the course of a week or so.

The big clue you shouldn't miss, is the TCA home kits that come complete with a tube of (antibiotic salve). Now think about it for a minute. Do you really want an acid peel that is going to eat away so much skin that you end up with open wounds that need an antibiotic salve??

Read More Reviews on the TCA Chemical Peel

11/10/09 - I have to say that i have had better luck with the 20% salicylic acid peel in fading dark spots as that actually makes my skin peel and with each layer that peels off my darks spots get lighter. I will defintely not repurchase this product and have discontinued using it.
Posted by: John R

Very good peel. It works just like a professional peel. I would highly recommend this product for people like me with hyper-pigmentation! I used it on my face, neck and hands. Really liked the results!
Posted by: Annalee G

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Get the Facts on Glycolic Acid Gel for Home Skin Treatment

April 6th, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Questions and How-To's, Acne Skin Care Tips, Acne Treament Gel, Body Acne, cystic acne, Effective Prevention Techniques, Natural and Holistic, Research and News No Comments »



List Price: $34.95 USD
New From: $16.00 In Stock

In decades past, people in general really didn't pay much attention to what was contained in skin care products. They simply read what the maker promised and then hoped for the best.

However; in recent years shoppers have become far more savvy and aware. They are now reading the labels carefully and researching what each substance is and does.

As a result, many people and you may be one of them have come to the conclusion that they can simply buy the main active ingredients and do without all the fillers, stabilizers, high prices and hype.

So then what about glycolic acid gel? Time and again you may have seen it listed on ingredient labels and for good reason. It's a very effective exfoliator.

Be aware as you consider using it though, that it is a relatively strong acid. Don't be deluded by the fact that it's derived from sugar cane either because it can leave you scarred for life.

My advise, if you're thinking of experimenting with do it yourself exfoliators, is to look around at some of the various products that come in kit form.

Avon for instance, markets a two part exfoliating system for around $18 that includes an acid neutralizer to “stop the acid reaction” in and on your skin.

Really, it doesn't take a very powerful acid reaction to get the job done on your face and considering that glycolic acid gel is commonly used in heavy industry to strip metals of rust, I personally believe that it's just too dangerous to be used on ones face in a concentrated form.

Read More Reviews on Glycolic Acid Gel

I never had much luck with the hydroxy acids that were too harsh for my skin (I'm 23), but this glycolic peel was amazing! There was a tingling sensation, but it didn't hurt, and 5 minutes later I rinsed it off and felt immediate results. Even my husband noticed that my skin texture felt softer. The next morning I woke up, and my skin was glowing... the acne scars had started to dissolve away and I literally had new skin. The bottle says that I can use this twice a week, and with such great results from my first use, I will definitely continue.
Posted by: Robin W

I never had much luck with the hydroxy acids that were too harsh for my skin (I'm 23), but this glycolic peel was amazing! There was a tingling sensation, but it didn't hurt, and 5 minutes later I rinsed it off and felt immediate results. Even my husband noticed that my skin texture felt softer. The next morning I woke up, and my skin was glowing... the acne scars had started to dissolve away and I literally had new skin. The bottle says that I can use this twice a week, and with such great results from my first use, I will definitely continue.
Posted by: James C

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Spotlight on AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System

April 6th, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Scars, Adult Acne, Body Acne, cystic acne, Over-The-Counter, Treating Adult Acne, Treatment No Comments »



List Price: $29.99 USD
New From: $20.95 In Stock
Release date November 12, 2006.

This product, in my opinion, is unquestionably the best multi-stage treatment for severe acne currently on the market. However; before I go into the reasons why, I would like to elaborate on a few things.

The first thing I would like to make clear, is that if you suffer from sever acne, you should in no way be deluded into thinking that a simple kit will cure it.

There “is a root cause” for your acne and your true cure lies in determining and treating that root cause. For starters, I would suggest for instance exploring the concept that food allergies may be at the very least, a contributing factor.

Even so, this kit can be the final nail in your acne's coffin if you are truly serious about attacking it from more than one direction. This is because it's main active ingredient is benzoil peroxide. The strongest over the counter acne medicine you can buy.

Now the fourth stage is tube of cream that contains retinol. It's basically a night time treatment course for addressing the scarring caused by acne.

However; be aware of this. Retinol is not water soluble and any part that it plays in scar prevention is questionable. However; none the less, it is proven to be important for healthy skin.

The deal is though, that because it's not water soluble most of the studies that have involved retinol's effects on the skins healing process, have involved retinol that's ingested orally.

So all things considered, if you want to use retinol as part of your regimen, you would be much better off buying and using a retinol suppliment that's in pill form.

Ok back to the other three stages of this four stage kit. The first stage is a powerful cleanser that also contains benzoil peroxide. Be careful when you use it because benzoil peroxide is a powerful bleach.

Anything that it gets on will be left with a bleach stain. This includes towels, your clothing and even your hair if it dangles down in the way. So rinse well before moving on to the the second stage.

This would be the toner. Its function is to sooth the skin and counteract some of the negative effects of the benzoil peroxide. Make sure that you do a thorough job and don't worry of you run out.

This is because if you find yourself running short of toner, you can use witch-hazel in it's place. Use a cotton ball or a piece of cotton gauze to apply the toner. The toner also functions to close pores.

The third stage is a specially formulated lotion. It's blended specifically to be used by people with sever acne. Don't try to supplement it with a standard lotion or you could be in for serious trouble.

The lotion also contains a high concentration of benzoil peroxide, so be careful with it because it too will bleach your clothes and hair. Also make sure that you only apply a very thin layer.

Never use the retinol cream and the lotion together. They will simply counteract each other if you do and all you'll be left with is the negative side effects. The lotion is for the daytime and the retinol cream is a night-time treatment.

At $25 per kit, the Acnefree Severe Acne Treatment System is not one of the best deals in the acne treatment market. Rather it is the #1 “best deal”. It comes out to be roughly $6 per container.

Find a better deal than that and I'll eat your hat! Also consider finding and using a good chemical exfoliant in conjunction with this product. A moisturizer might help too, if you're experiencing dryness.

Read More Reviews on AcneFree Severe Acne Treatment System

This has worked really well for me. I can't use it every day because it makes my skin a bit dry - but it's very effective at clearing up breakouts. I didn't have severe acne to begin with, but enough that I'd tried a couple different prescriptions from a dermatologist. This worked just as well, if not better.
Posted by: Bob A

AcneFree was reviewed in Allure magazine, with good results, so I thought I would try it. After two months, AcneFree didn't work and left my face extremely dry, unlike the magazine said.
Posted by: Janet E

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La Roche Posay Effaclar K: What You Get for Your Money

April 6th, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Treament Gel, Adult Acne, Over-The-Counter, Treatment No Comments »



List Price: $23.90 USD
New From: $14.13 In Stock
Release date September 21, 2006.

When you examine the list of ingredients on the vast majority of skin care products, what you will inevitably find, is that most of them have absolutely nothing to do with the problem you're seeking treatment for.

Rather, the majority of them are things like stabilizers and preservatives. Stuff to keep everything from separating and decomposing. So what I like to do is focus solely on what's in a product to treat a condition. Acne, dry skin, etc.

Understand this. At $20 per ounce, La Roche Posay Effaclar K is 60% water. So then, let's see what the other 40% is made up of and what it will do for your skin.

It does contain salicylic acid, which is one of the milder exfoliants. When I say milder, I do mean gentle on your skin. Salicylic acid is becoming increasingly popular because most of the stronger exfoliants tend to irritate.

This product also contains propylene glycol, which is a very effective emollient. (Moisturizer). So between the salicylic acid and the propylene glycol, it will effectively strip your skin of dead skin cells and infuse it with moisture.

La Roche Posay Effaclar K contains nothing that will actually “kill” acne causing bacteria. So if you're considering buying it to treat acne, you should seriously consider using it in conjunction with a product that contains say, benzoil peroxide.

In my opinion, this is no wonder treatment by any means. However; as stated above, it will exfoliate and help to moisten your skin. Also it appears to be a treatment product that is very unlikely to cause any irritation, if used as directed.

Read More Reviews on La Roche Posay Effaclar K

I had minimal acne all through high school but in my first year of college it really started to become noticeable. I tried different topical ointments from the dermatologist (such as differin), as well as oral antibiotics. Nothing made much of an impact and I disliked using all of them. Then I bought this because of all the positive reviews, and let me tell you, they're right! It's really gentle on my skin, smells nice, and in just the two days I've been using it I already notice a difference. I'm sure glad I got this instead of the more difficult and harsh kits that are also available online, though keep in mind my acne wasn't severe.
Posted by: Andrew S

This product is a waste of money. After reading some of the positive reviews, I decided to waste $20+ on it to see if it will help. I used it on my mild acne for over a month and I didn't notice the smallest change or effectiveness. Don't buy this product. Waste of money and time.
Posted by: Mark O

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Philosophy Hope in a Bottle – Better Living Through Modern Chemistry

April 5th, 2010 admin Posted in Adult Acne, Effective Prevention Techniques, Research and News, Treatment No Comments »

After researching this product thoroughly, I was left with the feeling that they have given it the wrong name. You see if you have skin moisture problems, this would be more aptly named “sure thing in a bottle”.

The reason is simple and that is that when they were formulating this product with four powerful synthesized moisturizers and even a good sealant, they seemed to have thrown the whole chemical war chest in the vat.

They are dicaprate, glyceryl stearate, propylene glycol and dimethicone and you don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that none of this is in any way natural or organic.

So with so many chemicals at work to plump up your skin, it's really no wonder that they ended up using one of the more milder exfolaints that are available. Salicylic acid. You don't want your skin exfoliated too much with this powerful concoction.

So if you're looking for something natural or organic, just keep on looking because they included not so much as even one herbal derivative or extract. It's called better living through modern chemistry. Pure and simple.

Also another nice thing about Philosophy Hope in a Bottle, is that considering that it definitely does work, it really doesn't cost that much. Granted at around $40 for a two ounce bottle, it isn't cheap. All the same, it's cheaper than a lot of products out there that don't even work.

Read More Reviews on Philosophy Hope in a Bottle

unnoticeable. The smell is very medicine-y so I only use it at night. It also makes my I spend a lot of time in the sun, so of course I had been trying a moisturizer with SPF. But the SPF was tearing my skin apart, I was breaking out real bad, which is unusual for me. I stopped using the SPF moisturizer and within a few days the breakouts stopped, but they weren't going away. The Hope in a Bottle made a noticeable difference. Within just a few days my breakouts were almost skin feel greasy after I go out in the sun/heat, another reason I only use it at night. But, it works great and I think it was money well spent.
Posted by Mark S

I got this for christmas a year ago and it lasted almost the full year. You do not need to use too much and works great. I immediately bought another bottle when it ran out!
Posted by Lisa M

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Winning Back Acne Treatments: Proven Battle Tactics

January 23rd, 2010 admin Posted in Body Acne, cystic acne, Effective Prevention Techniques, Treating Adult Acne No Comments »

There are a few core reasons why truly effective back acne treatment strategies tend to be different from regular acne treatment methods. The first one is the obvious and that's that your back is not your face. Obviously with your face, issues like redness and drying can be causes for concern on a different level than they are on your back.

Also because the skin of the back is so much thicker back, acne in general tends to be more stubborn to treat. This is the very reason why so often an acne sufferer can experience results with a treatment on their face, yet come up empty handed when the same product is applied to their back, chest or butt.

Use stronger measures on thicker skin

A good chemical exfolaint can be the first step in a winning back acne treatment regimen. Always remember that the more powerful an exfoliant is, the less often you'll be able to use it. Consider a weaker or even a natural home made exfoliant that can be used every three days or so in the shower.

The skin on the back tends to have more oil glands per square inch then the skin on your face. Also once again back skin is much thicker as well. Both these factors mean that a topical treatment with a higher concentration of benzoil peroxide can be used and far more easily tolerated. Consider going with a full 10%.

Enhanced light and laser therapies do produce results. Thicker skin with more oil glands mean that back acne treatments of this type should always be a top consideration. These types of treatments work by zapping oil glands, which in turn lessens their ability to produce the excess oil that's causing the acne.

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Spotlight on Microdermabrasion Treatments: Make an Informed Decision

January 23rd, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Prevention Tips, Acne Scars, Acne Skin Care Tips, Best Natural Acne Treatment, Research and News, Treatment No Comments »

Microderm or microdermabrasion treatments, as they are more often referred to, is a category of procedures that are quite popular in today's cosmetic dermatologists offices and day spas. With these procedures the top most outer layer of non living skin cells is removed by way of abrasion.

This procedure is noted for being quite painless and thus requires no anesthetic. However; in some instances a mild topical anesthetic can be applied, if it is requested. Also, although it's commonly believed so, there is no evidence that a topical non invasive procedure of this type in any way stimulates collagen production.

On the other hand, it has been demonstrated in controlled studies that microdermabrasion can have a positive effect on acne infection but it must be performed regularly to do so. However; this treatment should never be done on a person with acne who has taken the acne drug Accutane within the previous year.

Various Methods of Performing the Procedure

A woman undergoes microdermabrasion treatments


While the end results are the same, there are none the less several ways of accomplishing them procedurally. For instance, one type of system involves “sandblasting” the skin with jets of fine aluminum oxide crystals or zinc oxide powder. This is not done out in the open. Rather, its restricted an enclosed casing on the end of a hand held device that's used.

Then there are other systems that use a direct contact surface to physically sand away the dead skin cells that have built up on the outer surface of the skin. New systems that use a wand with an abrasive surface that are none the less, still controllable and safe enough such that they can be performed without anesthesia in a non medical setting.

With so many new systems and machines available there is no one set standard in the industry to go by regarding their use and the results they deliver. This is why it's always in ones best interest to have any microdermabrasion treatments performed by a qualified aestheticism. As it stands right now, crystal microdermabrasion is the most popular method being requested and performed.

Chemical Peel or Microdermabrasion Treatments?

There's a good handful of reasons why people in general consider having the top layer of dead skin cells removed from their face or other body area. As indicated above, doing so can in many cases can lead to a reduction in the severity of an acne condition. Also with dead skin cells removed, the skin becomes brighter in tone as wrinkles are also greatly diminished.

Because chemical peels also deliver the same results, the decision has to be made between chemical peel and microdermabrasion treatments. So what's the difference, aside from the obvious procedural differences? The following a list of both pros and cons that highlight some important points that set them apart.

To begin with, chemical peels come in different strengths. In a non clinical setting you would be dealing with the mildest because there are regulations in place that dictate that stronger peels must be done by a doctor. In fact you can even now buy very affordable peel kits that can be used in your own home.

Another thing to consider, is that there will be some level of pain involved with even the mildest chemical peels, while the worst discomfort you'll experience with microdermabrasion treatments is a mild tingling. Also there's more recovery time with a chemical peel. Redness that can last as long as 1-2 weeks with even the mildest peels.

On the other hand, chemical peels tend to deliver much more immediate results than microderm treatments' that can take up to 6-12 sessions to deliver maximum results. Also microdermabrasion requires periodic upkeep treatments on a more frequent basis than chemical peels. Even so, one important benefit that microdermabrasion has over chemical peels is that chemical peels can't be done on skin that's close to the eyes.

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How to Get Rid of Pimples By Changing 3 Things in Your Life

January 23rd, 2010 admin Posted in Effective Prevention Techniques, Research and News, Treating Adult Acne, Treatment No Comments »

The fact is that there are three important areas that must be addressed if you're really serious about learning how to get rid of pimples. These areas are #1, the area between your ears. That would be your thought processes. #2, Your stomach area. That is what you eat and #3, the surface area of your skin. Topical treatments.

Understand that acne remedy manufacturers are never going to talk about anything but a one point treatment plan. They want you to buy their products and talking about anything other than that might lead you to a permanent solution. Now what good is that to them? They have to sell products and they're counting on you buying them for a while.

Learn to Alleviate Stress in Your Life to Curb Breakouts

Stress is a big contributor to acne and in some people it can be a more significant contributor than in in others. The problem with stress, as it relates to acne, is that it often becomes a vicious cycle. Stress helps to cause breakouts and breakouts cause more stress. Addressing stress issues must be an integral part of a successful acne treatment regimen.

Learn How to Get Rid of Pimples By Adjusting Your Diet

What you eat may be contributing to your acne condition. In fact, did you know that in many acne sufferers a dairy product allergy is the sole source of the problem? If these people want to learn how to get rid of pimples, they need to learn how to get rid of milk and all other dairy products from their diet. Wheat products are another common source of food allergies.

New Multi-Stage Treatment Systems Do Work

The third area is your skin. If you suffer from acne, then you're going to have to learn how to treat your skin differently than the way other people treat theirs. Hey, does your skin look normal? Of course not! Then stop treating it like it's normal. Find one of the better multi-stage acne treatment systems like Proactiv or Obagi Nu-Derm and use it.

Now all this may seem like a plateful. However; in the balance, you really have no choice but to declare all out war and finally learn how to permanently get rid of pimples. It's not just your skin that's suffering. Your social life and even your professionally life are also taking hits while your life is ticking by. Get serious and you will begin to see results.

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The Best Treatment for Acne Explored: Information & Treatments

January 22nd, 2010 admin Posted in Acne Prevention Tips, Acne Skin Care Tips, Acne Treatments, cystic acne, Effective Prevention Techniques, Natural and Holistic, Prescription No Comments »

It was bad enough ten years ago but today it seems as through there are simply too many acne treatments on the market to count. The sad part about it, is that far too many don't even work. They're just slick promotions and glossy packaging, all designed to part desperate people from their money. People who who really need help.

Multi-Stage Topical Treatments

Proactiv is perhaps the most most popular best treatment for acne of this type. No it's not a wonder treatment that relies on some new discovery. Rather it's simply a powerful benzoil peroxide treatment system that's taken a different approach to treating the actual skin of the acne suffer rather then just the acne.

Benzoil Peroxide - The Best Treatment for Acne Available Over the Counter

Yes it works and the catch is that it uses one of the more concentrated benzoil peroxide formulas available, yet it's one of the more gentle of acne treatments. This is a three stage treatment system that attacks acne causing bacteria with the first stage, delivers immediate skin relief with second and all day protection with the third.

Light & Laser Treatments Zap Oil Glands

Several new advanced light and laser therapies for acne are now also delivering results. The benefit of these types of treatments is that they require that no chemicals or drugs be put on your skin or in your mouth. So how do they work? They deliver results by zapping oil glands in the skin and thus lowering sebum production levels.

Acutane for Severe and Cystic Acne

Right now the best treatment for acne that is available by prescription is a drug called Acutane. Never purchase and self prescribe this drug over the Internet because it should only be used under close medical supervision. It's used to treat severe cases only, including cystic acne and can cause birth defects and liver damage.

Tea Tree Oil is Clinically Proven

Natural acne treatments have garnered a lot of attention recently. One of the most effective of these is tea tree oil. The tea tree is native to Australia and is not to be confused with the type of tea that you drink. The oil of the tea tree must be diluted to a 5% solution in plain water, shaken and simply patted on the skin.

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