Acne is a skin disorder that results when excess oils and dead skin cells create a blockage in the hair follicles. Although acne is generally associated with teens, many adults also suffer from the ravages of this beast. Many times adult male acne has a few added components that exacerbate the situation. Here's a few acne treatment for men options that you might consider trying in order to improve your complexions. ACNE AND SHAVING Acne and shaving can be the worst combination, as if you didn't already know. If at all possible, use an electric shaver instead of a razor and you will instantly improve your situation. However, if you are set on using a razor then you will want to insure that you at least implement proper shaving techniques so you don't subject your pimples to injury by whacking off the tops. This not only causes unnecessary pain, but continually doing so can lead to scarring. To give your face a fighting chance, you might consider investing in a shaving cream that is designed for men with acne. Also, be sure to use a sharp blade and take as few strokes as possible. Lastly, men can tend toward being a bit careless by shaving too fast, so slow down. ACNE TREATMENT FOR MEN USING STEROIDS If you're experiencing adult male acne, which results from the use of any performance-enhancing drugs (anabolic steroids), clearing up your acne is going to be extremely challenging. The acne that occurs resulting from steroids is very resistant to traditional acne treatment regimens. In order to get your skin headed in the clear direction, you will probably need to enlist the assistance of a dermatologist. However, the good news is that down the road if you decide to stop the steroids, your skin will begin the respond to acne treatments and eventually begin to clear up. ACNE TREATMENT FOR MEN VIA DERMATOLOGISTS If you feel like you're at your rope's end and have yet to rid yourself of acne, perhaps it's time to bring in the big guns and see a dermatologist. They have lots of wonderful options in their arsenal to jump-start Operation Clear Skin. Corticosteroid - For example, they might determine you need an anti-inflammatory medication, which is known as a corticosteroid in order to start eradicating those inflamed pustules (pimples with pus) or cysts. To bring acne under control, the doctor will inject the medicine directly into the cyst. This will help to not only quickly reduce the size of the offending zit, but will also lessen the chance of a scar developing. Oral Retinoid - Another thing that might be prescribed is a retinoid like Tretinoin or Tazarotene, which are both a Vitamin A derivative. This medication must be taken for about 4 to 5 months, after which time severe acne generally resolves. However, these are very strong medications and might not be the proper course of treatment for some men. The side effects are pretty hefty and can affect liver function and cholesterol levels, not to mention suicidal thoughts, diarrhea, nausea, and diminished hearing and vision, just to name a few. Chemical Peel - A deep chemical peel is a procedure in which an acid solution is applied to the face and allowed to penetrate several layers of the skin. The skin will initially blister and peel off. This process ultimately removes several layers of skin, thus revealing fresh new skin. You will find that acne scars and blemishes are diminished and the skin feels smoother and is less pigmented. Diode Laser Therapy - Another thing you might want to consider is having a diode laser therapy or a blue light laser acne treatment. There's been great success in this arena when other methods have failed to eradicate adult male acne. Generally speaking, these therapy options will go deep into the layers of the skin, but won't cause harm to the surface. Another benefit with these procedures is that they improve the skin's texture, lessen the appearance of scars, and eradicate the acne. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6484235

health and fitness |

Taking a nice shower before going to bed has become a habit for a lot of people. It makes us feel nice and clean, helps us relax, and puts us in a good mood for sleep. For some people though, nighttime showers may be the cause of nasty pimple breakouts. Can showering at night really cause acne?

There are many components to a simple shower - the type of water, the soap or cleansers used to clean the skin, and the use of exfoliates or scrubs. Hard water can be more harsh on skin because it has more undissolved minerals like zinc, magnesium and calcium that can break down the skin's proteins and dry out the skin. When the skin becomes dry and irritated, it can become even more prone to acne. Check your water supply if your water is treated or not. Having your water treated can make a difference for clearer, healthier skin.

The temperature of your shower can also make a difference to your skin's health. Indulging in a long hot shower before bed will actually do more harm than good for your skin. This is because the extreme heat can strip your skin off of the protective layer of fats and oil that keeps it smooth and hydrated. This makes it more prone to drying out. When the skin compensates by producing excess oil, this could lead to even more acne breakouts.

If you do get the urge to take a nighttime bath, it is best to indulge in a warm (not hot!) shower. Besides being gentler on the skin, the warm water helps expand the pores so that accumulated dirt and bacteria become easier to clean. A nice warm shower can also help soothe tense muscles and relax your body - a perfect preparation to a good night's sleep.

To make the most of your shower, try using a medicated cleanser or soap that suits your acne type. This is especially helpful if you have back and body acne as the nightly cleansing ritual will help speed up the healing process. If you have mild whiteheads or small pimples, use a salicylic-acid based cleanser and use a scrub or loofah twice a week to help with your acne. For bigger pustules and zits, use a benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser on your back and other affected areas (not on the entire body!). Be careful not to over-scrub or exfoliate the skin as this can lead to dryness, irritation and damage. Gently scrub the affected area, wash with warm water, and pat dry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6482944