Acne is a disease that always shows up at the wrong time! Acne can appear during the teenage years, before the prom, on your wedding day, before menstrual periods, during final exam week, or when life’s stresses peak. Acne can even show up during our thirties and forties long after we should have grown out of it! There is no question that the sebaceous glands living along our hair follicles are meant to moisturize our skin with a light coat of soothing and protective sebaceous material. However, if the pore gets plugged or the gland gets inflamed, infected or packed with bacteria, ruptured or enlarged acne forms. When the pores are completely blocked white heads show up. When the top is open and the glandular material meets the air, blackheads develop. Certain drugs can also induce acne as well as exposure to the sun. When we look too close in the mirror and squeeze zits, red bumps or pimples to try to get rid of them it almost always makes the spot redder and sorer.

There are several products in a variety of forms that help the condition acne. Always make sure your acne is diagnosed properly by your dermatologist. Below are some effective ways to help fight acne.

• Cleansers – Cleansers are an effective way to wash away old surface cells, too much oil, and the accumulated dirt that occurs in the normal course of living. It also helps remove cosmetics and makeup from the day. Skin Dimensions SB Blue Cleanser is one of our favorites as it is fragrance free and non-drying. Another excellent cleanser for Acne prone skin is the Skin Dimensions SB GlySal 2%/2% Foaming Cleanser  which combines two powerful acne fighting ingredients glycolic acid and salicylic acid.
• Glycolic Moisturizer –  Moisturizers that contain glycolic acid help to hydrate the cells and gently softens the texture and the feel of our skin. Skin Dimensions SB Glycolic Facial Cream comes in three levels of glycolic acid - 10%, 15% and 20%. 
• Astringent – These work great for the red bumps and pus pimples, zits, and other familiarly recognized acne spots. 
• Bleaching Cream – For those who have darker complexions acne pimples often heal with increased pigment. Skin Dimensions SB Skin Bleaching Cream with 2% Hydroquinone helps to fade darkened skin caused by acne.
• Sunscreen – Although sunshine may well help acne in the summer months, too much sun too fast can actually inflame some pores. Recommended sunscreen for basic skin care during the acne years includes Skin Dimensions SB Green Tea Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 45, Total Block Clear SPF 65 and for those with oily skin, we recommend Skin Dimensions SB Oil-Free Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 .
• Zeno – New spots tend to pop up at the most unwanted times.  The Zeno Acne Clearing Device Pro helps diminish their appearance and growth.  Zeno works best when you first see the signs of a new pimple.
• Acne Mask – For those stubborn areas and enlarging spots,  the Skin Dimensions SB Clay Mint mask is very popular.  This mask works deep in the skin to clear up blackheads.  Glytone Acne Treatment Masque is another possible solution that helps to absorb excess facial oil and works to control acne blemishes.
• Shaving - Skin Dimensions SB Shave Cream with 2 1/2% Benzoyl Peroxide is an effective treatment for acne prone skin. Benzoyl Peroxide works to clear blemishes on the skin by increasing cell turnover and clearing pores. 

Acne Kit- The Skin Dimensions SB Acne Kit includes:

• Skin Dimensions SB Blue Cleanser
• Skin Dimensions Light Textured Moisturizer
• Skin Dimensions SB Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide 10% is also available)

Other treatments for acne include not complicating a treatment plan with other remedies, being careful to avoid blackhead forming makeup, shaving techniques, don’t pick or squeeze, be sensible about the sun, use your treatment plan regularly, and ultimately contact a dermatologist.

 For further information about acne vulgaris or to schedule an appointment go to www.skinnews.com.