Archive for October, 2008


30
Oct
0

Toothpaste on Acne

by Admin

Toothpaste on acne. Okay, this is a new one for me. But, it was recommended on a Yahoo blog to someone who was desperate for some relief. Yep, just put a dab on that blemish, and presto! From the posted response, apparently it worked. Since I’m a nurse, and I’ve had acne most of my life, I’d sure like to know why in the world toothpaste on acne works. So, I did a little research, which started in my bathroom cupboard.

A quick review of the scary contents of my toothpaste tube revealed the likely culprit of relief: calcium peroxide. Since the peroxide family is so prevalent in skin care products, particularly those aimed at treating acne, the calcium peroxide in the toothpaste is most likely the reason for the improvement. Of course, the drying effect of the propylene glycol (alcohol) probably has something to do with it as well. However, I’m not saying that the drying effect of alcohol is a good thing for anyone’s sensitive skin.

Another possibility is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a common ingredient in many skin care products. According to Dr. Helen Torok, medical director of Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery in Medina, Ohio, “Tea tree oil is a topical herbal remedy that can be used for acne, because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.”1 It’s also a common ingredient in natural toothpastes. There’s the answer to the blemish resolution if you’re using natural toothpaste for that miracle cure.

Overall, let me just say that there’s nothing in the research to support the use of toothpaste on acne blemishes. Maybe it’s just me, but I always think it’s a good idea to try to figure out why something works well. It’s nice to know that what I think is a positive result isn’t actually an unknown toxic side effect that will later be published as a direct cause of some incurable disease.

I mean, come on. Toothpaste on acne? Let me just list the rest of the nasty ingredients on my toothpaste label: Sodium monofluorophosphate, glycerin, hydrated silica, water (okay, I can handle that one), sodium bicarbonate, pentasodium triphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate, flavor (that’s not so bad, either), sodium saccharin, carrageenan, cellulose gum, and titanium dioxide.

Even if the good stuff in there works for a good reason, who knows what the rest of that mess will do to my skin? Forget my acne. I may never brush my teeth again.

1http://dermatologytimes.modernmedicine.com/dermatologytimes/Special+Report%3A+Dermatitis/Herbal-topicals-Natural-products-can-be-useful-but/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/500925?searchString=tea%20tree%20oil. Retrieved April 13, 2008

29
Oct
0

Five Ways to Overcome Social Problems While Dealing with Acne

by Admin

Those suffering from acne have a hard time forming relationships and keeping jobs. They feel isolated from the rest of the world and stay indoors while everyone else is out living their lives. Self confidence is shattered and depression starts kicking in. The social world as you know it no longer exists. Life sucks and you’re spending another Saturday night playing x-box or watching re-runs of Friends. Unless you get a new perspective of the problem that’s occurring in your life, then I suggest seeking counseling. I say this because stressing or being depressed over your acne is only causing more acne and other health problems. It’s time to start taking control and living your life. Years down the road you don’t want to say, “I wish I would have done this” or “I wish I would have done that” but your acne stopped you. What can you do? Read on…

1. Love Yourself

There is nobody in this world quite like you, and that makes you unique. Once you start accepting yourself for who you are, then your self-esteem will rise and others will want to be around you. After all, people flock to the ones who are confident and happy. People tend to stay away from those who are depressed and always in a bad mood.

2. Take Risks

Stop being afraid of what other people think of your acne. Be yourself! If someone doesn’t like you, who cares? Go out and meet new people and eventually you will find someone who likes you for you and not your skin.

3. Join a Support Group

Meeting other people that suffer from the same problem you’re facing can help you feel better about the situation. It’s nice to know that you’re not alone. Helps others by offering your support and they will do the same.

4. Be Positive

Don’t allow others to make you feel like a nobody. They can only do so if you allow them. Focus on your good qualities and strengths. Always say positive things about yourself and your future.

5. Be Thankful for What You Have

Sometimes people have a lack of confidence because they don’t have something that they want. In this case: clear skin. Acknowledge all the things you DO have. Once you find your inner peace you will be satisfied and a much happier person.

Once you incorporate these changes into your life, you will be on the road to a better social life, better future, and most of all a better you.

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