What can I do about large pores?

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While genetics does play a part in whether or not you are going to have large pores, you can minimize their appearance by first and foremost, keeping your skin clean. Several at home tips that can be used include steaming, a tightening mask, pore minimizing lotions and creams and gentle exfoliation of the skin. Professional options include Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, topical vitamin A treatments and deep poor cleansing. All of these will help to minimize their appearance, but will not prevent them from permanently reappearing.

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How can I prevent acne on my scalp?

There are a number of methods that can be used to prevent acne on the scalp. First and foremost, use a mild shampoo. Harsh shampoos can cause breakouts. Use conditioner sparingly if at all and make sure to completely rinse it out. And only use conditioner every couple of days if you wash your hair on a daily basis. If you get frequent breakouts, try using a vinegar rinse before washing your hair with a mild or baby shampoo. Another tip to dry out existing breakouts is to occasionally use cold soda water after you have shampooed. Massage this into your scalp and then rinse well with warm water to help dry out existing breakouts.

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What are some acne treatments that work?

There are a wide variety of over the counter products that are specifically designed to treat acne. The most successful of these will contain benzoyl peroxide. Other OTC treatments include creams, lotions and masks that contain salicylic acid and sulfur. One of the most important things you can do is to keep your skin clean and making sure to drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated also helps. Aloe Vera gel also is very effective as it has anti bacterial properties and is very soothing on irritated skin.

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How can I cure pimples?

You cannot actually cure pimples, but there are a wide variety of things you can do to prevent an outbreak. Reducing the amount of fat, butter and sweets in your diet will help reduce outbreaks. Keeping the affected area clean and avoiding make up also helps. Increasing your intake of certain vitamins and minerals will help reduce the amount of pimples that appear, such as Zinc, vitamin A and Vitamin E.

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What are some good homemade acne treatments?

Keeping the affected area clean is the basis for any homemade acne treatment. A cotton ball lightly dipped in alcohol works well for killing bacteria. An oatmeal mask helps to treat oily skin because it soaks up the excess oil in your skin. It can also be used as a scrub. Rinsing your skin with a green tea bathe is also said to help with acne outbreaks. A honey and rosewater mask or a one make of tomato pulp applied for twenty minutes will also help. One great place to find new (and sometimes wacky) homemade acne treatments is Earth Clinic’s section on acne.

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What is cystic (or “blind”) acne and how can I treat/prevent it?

Cystic or blind acne is actually a pimple that forms like any other but does not form a head. You need to treat cystic or blind acne differently from regular pimples or acne to avoid causing an infection. Do not squeeze or try and prick the pimple, this will only increase the irritation and pain and may lead to infection or scarring. Your best bet is to apply a hot compress to possibly open up the pores. The best way to prevent cystic or blind acne is to maintain your skin by washing daily with a mild soap, and eating a healthy diet.

Another thing you can do for cystic acne is zap it with a Zeno HOT SPOT. Officially the company says it doesn’t work on this, but I have often used this with good luck, as soon as I feel the first tenderness of the cyst coming on. It doesn’t stop the cyst altogether of course, but it does seem to shorten the length of the breakout.

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What is a blue light treatment for acne?

Blue light treatment is a physician based topical treatment regimen that has minimal adverse side effects or patient discomfort. Treatments are generally spaced a week a part and are performed in conjunction with a topical solution. Results generally become noticeable within two to four weeks of treatment and can result in the reduction outbreaks. This spectrum of light helps to activate the skin’s natural ability to destroy bacteria. Blue light therapy is generally 10-15 minutes long twice a week. The results can last up to 3-4 months.

If you’re interested in investing the money for a blue-light treatment at home, TrophySkin offers one on Amazon.

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What should you do about pregnancy acne?

Pregnancy acne is neither predictable nor preventable. It is caused by the rising hormone levels especially during the first trimester. And many OTC treatments and some herbal treatments can prove harmful to the unborn baby. Always consult a dermatologist before using any OTC or herbal treatments. Your best bet is to just make sure the skin stays clean and dry but do not over wash. Use a fragrance free soap and an oil free moisturizer. Increase your water intake to help dilute the rising hormone levels.

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What are the different antibiotics used for acne?

One of the most common antibiotics used for the treatment of acne is tetracycline. Erythromycin is also widely used and has the added advantage of having anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used to treat pregnancy acne. Minocyline is a derivative of tetracycline and has a good success rate with pustular type acne. Doxycycline and Clindamcyin are also used but not as widely and have more side effects that the ones mentioned above. You would need to see your dermatologist to start these treatments.

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How to Get Rid of a Zit Fast

Everyone gets them– here are some great ways to dry up a big pimple overnight. I think I have tried almost everything, and each one of these has worked.

1. Put some toothpaste on it. Traditional, benzoyl-peroxide based acne remedies dry up my face too much, so sometimes after I wash my face for the night, I put a dollop (meaning, just enough to cover the big zit) of toothpaste on it. Allow this to dry, of course, before you actually lie down to go to sleep, just to avoid getting toothpaste on your pillow.

2. Heat it up. I use the ZENO HOT SPOT for this. I start zapping the area as soon as I feel the pimple coming on, then keeping zapping it every 4 hours until it goes away.

3. Dry it with the pink stuff. I love that Mario Bedascu drying lotion– the one that you have to apply with a Q-tip.

4. Take Airborne. What if you treated a big zit like a cold, and took Airborne when you felt a breakout coming on? I already take 2,000 mg of Vitamin C every day, but I do throw in an Airborne tablet when I see a zit coming. Head it off at the pass!

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