Woody Harrelson became a vegan to clear up his acne.

The No Country for Old Men actor – who hasn’t eaten meat since his 20s and now only eats raw food – says his decision to avoid meat and dairy products has nothing to do with animal rights and actually started when a stranger told him it would improve his complexion.

He told Maxim magazine: “It’s been at least 20 years. I used to eat burgers and steak, and I would just be knocked out afterward. I had to give it up.

“The first thing was dairy. I was about 24 years old and I had tons of acne and mucus. I met some random girl on a bus who told me to quit dairy and all those symptoms would go away three days later. By God she was right.”

The 48-year-old star is not the only celebrity who has credited veganism – which also prohibits the use of products made from animals, such as leather – with improving their appearance.

BANG Showbiz

Many people feel nervous about trying hypnosis for themselves. At least as many think it’s all ‘bunkum’ and wouldn’t try it if you paid them. Neither group can be blamed for their attitude. But such misplaced fears and skepticism mean that they exclude themselves from the benefits that hypnosis can bring them. And the potential benefits available to those who learn how to utilize hypnosis are many.

When you listen to First Time Hypnosis you will broaden your knowledge and understanding of how hypnosis works and how you yourself can begin to use it. You will quickly learn how to relax yourself deeply and activate the powers of your imagination. First Time Hypnosis addresses all the questions that arise in the mind of the first time hypnotee and sets your mind at rest.

These audio tracks have been recorded by Certified Hypnotherapists.

Do not operate anything that requires concentration such as driving while listening to these powerful Self-Hypnosis tracks.

Audio Track 1. About Self-Hypnosis and how to get the best out of it

Audio Track 2. Instant Stress Relief With Self-Hypnosis

Hypnosis can trigger your natural relaxation response, causing wonderful waves of good hormones and feelings of tranquility to wash through your mind and body.

Imagine having relief on tap - something you could experience whenever you need it that would remove all the stress from your body and return the sparkle your mind.

Relieve stress and tension is 15 minutes of pure refreshing, rejuvenating hypnotic experience that will leave you feeling recharged and back on form.

Breathing Exercises to Reduce Stress

Proper breathing can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Learn about breathing and stress and breathing techniques to help you relax.

The primary role of breathing is gas exchange: our cells need oxygen and their waste product, carbon dioxide, needs to be expelled. Breathing is an automatic body function, controlled by the respiratory center of the brain. However, we can also deliberately change our rate of breathing.

Different healing systems, from different cultures, have long realized the healing benefits of the breath, including Yoga, Tai Chi and some forms of meditation. Many holistic practitioners believe that the breath is the link between the physical body and the ethereal mind, and that spiritual insight is possible through conscious breathing.

A range of disorders
The use of controlled breathing as a means of promoting relaxation can help manage a range of disorders, including:

• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic pain
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Some skin conditions, such as eczema
• Stress.

How we breathe
To stay inflated, the lungs rely on a vacuum inside the chest. The diaphragm is a sheet of muscle slung underneath the lungs. When we breathe, the diaphragm contracts and relaxes. This change in pressure means that air is ’sucked’ into the lungs on inhalation and ‘pushed’ out of the lungs on exhalation.

The intercostal muscles between the ribs help to change the internal pressure by lifting and relaxing the ribcage in rhythm with the diaphragm. Flexing the diaphragm requires the use of the lower abdominals. If your abdomen gently moves in and out while you breathe, then you are breathing correctly.

Breathing and stress
The brain sets the breathing rate according to carbon dioxide levels, rather than oxygen levels. When a person is under stress, their breathing pattern changes. Typically, an anxious person takes small, shallow breaths, using their shoulders rather than their diaphragm to move air in and out of their lungs. This style of breathing empties too much carbon dioxide out of the blood and upsets the body’s balance of gases. Shallow over-breathing – or hyperventilation – can prolong feelings of anxiety by exacerbating physical symptoms of stress, including:

• Chest tightness
• Constant fatigue
• Faintness and lightheadedness
• Feelings of panic
• Headaches
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Muscular aches, twitches or stiffness
• Tingling, numb and cold hands and face.

The relaxation response
When a person is relaxed, their breathing is nasal, slow, even and gentle. Deliberately mimicking a relaxed breathing pattern seems to calm the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary bodily functions. Physiological changes can include:

• Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
• Reduced amounts of stress hormones
• Reduced lactic acid build-up in muscle tissue
• Balanced levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood
• Improved immune system functioning
• Increased physical energy
• Feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Abdominal breathing

There are different breathing techniques to bring about relaxation. In essence, the general aim is to shift from upper chest breathing to abdominal breathing. You will need a quiet, relaxed environment where you won’t be disturbed for 10 to 20 minutes. Set an alarm if you don’t want to lose track of time.

Sit comfortably and raise your ribcage to expand your chest. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Take notice of how your upper chest and abdomen are moving while you breath. Concentrate on your breath and try to breathe in and out gently through the nose. Your upper chest and stomach should be still, allowing the diaphragm to work more efficiently with your abdomen and less with your chest.

With each breath, allow any tension in your body to slip away. Once you are breathing slowly and with your abdominals, sit quietly and enjoy the sensation of physical relaxation.

Special considerations
Some people find that concentrating on their breath actually provokes panic and hyperventilation. If this is the case, look for another way to relax.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Stress management specialist, such as psychologist
• Things To Remember

• Shallow, upper chest breathing is part of the typical stress response.
• The stress response can be switched off by consciously breathing with the diaphragm.
• Abdominal breathing plugs into the autonomic nervous system and encourages it to relax, bringing about a range of health benefits.

Though getting pimples or blemishes is a part of growing up, a Norwegian study suggests vegetables and a low-glycemic diet may protect your teen from acne.

Researchers interviewed just under 4,000 adolescents to examine the relationship between acne, diet and mental health. The 18- and 19-year-olds participating were given questionnaires to monitor their diets, mental condition and lifestyle. Each participant reported his or her own acne conditions.

Study results show a significant link between girls with acne and a diet low in vegetables. Researchers say this indicates a low-glycemic diet — or a diet low in “fast” carbohydrates like white bread and high in “slow” carbohydrates like fresh vegetables — may play a protective role in acne development.

“Our study shows a possible link between diet and acne,” Jon Anders Halvorsen, a researcher at the University of Oslo, was quoted as saying. “However, when we introduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in our statistical model, the role of diet became less clear. On the other hand, the association between acne and mental health problems was still strong when diet was introduced. This underscores mental health problems as an important aspect of young people’s acne.”

SOURCE: BMC Public Health

Green tea for acne is something to consider because it contains anti-bacterial substances, which are necessary for bacteria elimination in the fight against acne. Antioxidants are plentiful in green tea. Maintain a diet rich in antioxidants which will help in the fight against free radicals. Cell and tissue damage can be caused by free radicals, so antioxidants are needed to help in the fight agains cell and tissue damage.

Green tea in your diet and in products that you apply to your skin is one way to use green tea for acne.

In 2003, Dr. Gan-Wong reported to the American Academy of Dermatology that that using a green tea for acne product with 3% green tea provided the same results as using a 4% benzoyl peroxide product. Why green tea is effective in the fight against acne is because when green tea leaves are plucked they are steamed which protects the nutrients and fighting properties of green tea. We want to keep as many fighting properties in tact so using green tea for acne is a perfect solution.

At home you can try this idea for using green tea for acne. Carefully wipe your face with the green tea bag after drinking the green.Sooth your face with green tea. Make a mask, or cream using green tea and apply to acne areas.

Cleanse the body by drinking green tea and fight your acne at the same time. Green tea topical products help to eliminate bacteria and the spread of bacteria. We want to fight free radicals and in to do that we can drink green tea and put on a topical treatment, containing green tea. Giving your body a double dose of antioxidants and fighting free radicals is what we want to do.

A wonderful natural treatment is green tea for acne. Green tea benefits both your skin and body. Green tea will help with detoxification and acts like an antihistamine. Reducing inflammation in the body can be accomplished by detoxification and natural antihistamines leading to clear skin and a healthy body

Pimples should never be squeezed or picked open by you. This is a job for a doctor and to be performed only if he deems it necessary. The main reason is that a pimple that has been squeezed or picked open is practically an invitation to every bacteria around to enter your body and cause an infection through the tiny opening in your skin. If you think the danger is negligible, you’re wrong.

At the very least your action is a sure way of causing future pimples to emerge in the same spot. Most likely, by tampering with your pimples in less than sterile conditions will result in permanent scarring, as the damaged skin closes around the gaping hole formerly known as a pimple. While I may seem to joke about it, let me assure you that this issue is very important. I know that it’s very hard to resist the temptation to squeeze your pimples in an attempt to eliminate at least the worst of them, but you should try as hard as you can to resists.

Believe me, you don’t want to spend the rest of your life with the scars of past acne flare-ups crisscrossing your face. This is why it’s very important to deal with acne in a decisive manner and prevent the emergence of pimples. The best way of taking care of your problem is to use an acne treatment that can really help your body put an end to basic cause of acne: widespread clogging of pores.

A Review of Acne Scar Treatments

Acne scars are the marks left behind by lesions that had not healed or had become inflamed. Their size, frequency and type depend on various genetic factors, which are particular to every person. Some persons are more likely to see scars forming on their skin, due to their heritage and skin colour. This is why many people want to make sure their lesions will heal properly.

There are only two types of acne scars. The simplest scar is nothing more than a spot of skin bearing a brown, pink or purple colour, testimony to the fact that a pimple had been there. The second type is called the ice pick scar and it is a small hole in the skin where the lesion used to be. Scars are usually left behind only by inflamed lesions, such as pustules, nodules or cysts. However, squeezing open a comedo could result in an inflamed lesion and a scar.

Pigmented scars are the result of the skin’s own process of rebuilding the natural colour in the healing tissue. The concentration of pigment can be lowered with various types of treatments, such as bleaching creams, lotions or laser surgery. The choice of over-the-counter products should depend on the type and severity of your acne. If you are not sure what to choose, talk to a dermatologist.

Mild acne scars take up to six weeks to vanish. If the over-the-counter products don’t work, talk to your doctor again and he or she will recommend you a stronger treatment for scars, possibly even creams based on retinoids. This is done to prevent acne flare-ups and to promote the shedding of skin cells in and around the scars.

The next level in acne scar treatment is the chemical peeling of your skin. lycolic, salicylic or lactic acid is used to peel away the damaged top layer of the skin and trigger the formation of a new and smoother layer. This procedure can be beneficial even for active acne. Peels are usually performed over a period of weeks or months and are mostly effective against pigmented scars.

The second type of acne scars is more commonly treated with dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Dermabrasion means that the top layer of the skin is removed with the help of a high-speed rotary wire brush or diamond-coated stone. This procedure requires more than one session for each scar and has the downside of not removing the scar at all. It simply makes it less visible.

A better treatment for scars is the laser resurfacing of the skin. Similar to the effect of sun exposure, doctors use the concentrated light of the laser beam to burn off a smaller or bigger part of the top layer of the skin. Many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons recommend this procedure over dermabrasion

Q: Why do some wines cause a flushing or redness on the face and neck?

A: There are many reasons that a wine could cause facial flushing, ranging from alcohol or sulfite content to a medical condition known as rosacea. The most common reason for a glass of wine to make someone’s face turn red is what is known as alcohol flush reaction.

People who have alcohol flush reaction do not have enough of the enzyme that metabolizes alcohol in their bodies. As a result, when they drink alcohol, they get an excess accumulation of acetaldehyde, a component of alcohol, which is responsible for flushing or swelling of the skin accompanied by itching or irritation, headaches and/or light-headedness.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that taking heartburn medication such as Zantac or Pepcid prior to consuming alcohol may alleviate these symptoms, but always consult your doctor before taking any medication in conjunction with alcohol.

Sulfites used in the winemaking process are another cause of facial flushing, though their effects tend to be overestimated in most cases. Sulfites are naturally present in many things we consume, including wine.

Most winemakers add additional sulfites to wine for protection against oxidation and bacterial spoilage.

However, for those allergic to sulfites, their presence can cause skin irritation and headaches as well. Any wine having sulfites in excess of 10 parts per million is legally required to bear the label “contains sulfites.” Some organic and biodynamic wines have lower sulfite counts.

Finally, rosacea, a medical condition that affects the skin of the face, neck and occasionally chest, is also aggravated by alcohol consumption. Rosacea outbreaks are typically brought on by exposure to heat, stress and consumption of alcohol, but aside from that rosy glow, is typically harmless.

As always, it’s best to consult your physician or dermatologist to find out which of these causes is the most likely culprit.

Easy Home Recipes for Beautiful Skin for Every Day of the Week

1. You will need one egg, a heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise and a tablespoon of honey. Mix this together thoroughly with a fork and apply sparingly to the skin. Allow this to dry and then wipe off with a warm washcloth.
2. You will need 1 tbsp. yeast, 1 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tbsp. water. Mix together ingredients and apply on face allowing it to sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water.
3. You will need 1 tbsp. of gram flour, 1/4 tsp. orange peel powder, 1 tbsp. beaten yogurt, 1 tsp. olive oil. Mix ingredients well and apply paste on your face and neck allowing it to dry. Rinse with warm water first then cold water.
4. Slices of cucumbers applied to the eyes refresh and relieve puffiness and they are great cleansers when sliced and rubbed over your face. The same holds true for slices of fresh tomatoes.
5. You will need one-fourth tsp. of limejuice stir to mix with one tsp. of milk and cucumber juice. Apply on the face and neck and wash off after 14 minutes. This cleanses and purifies pores of skin.
6. Make a paste by mixing papaya, honey, milk and milk powder. Apply on the face and let sit for a few minutes then wash off.
7. You will need 1/2 tsp of rose water mixed with 1 tsp of honey. Gently apply to the face. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes, then wash off with tepid water. Honey moisturizes and soothes dry skin, and is gentle enough for daily use.

Really, you do not need to blow your savings just to have a beautiful skin. Next time you long for a facial open your fridge and treat yourself to an inexpensive, all natural, at home salon. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Lifestyle Management

While you treat the visible symptoms of rosacea and flushing it is vitally important to treat the cause. As we have mentioned earlier in this site, it is important to keep a ‘Rosacea/Flushing’ diary to log the possible causes that trigger these out breaks or flare-ups.

This will enable you to plan and modify your lifestyle to avoid these causes which will both prevent you developing rosacea or significantly speed up the healing process if you already have it.

Lifestyle management will include changing your diet and avoiding or protecting yourself from the environmental factors that trigger this skin disorder.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PDF ROSACEA DIARY (38439)

Control stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety often cause flushing.  Learning methods of managing and controlling stress and anxiety can considerably reduce the problem, or even eliminate it completely. However, we recommend that you consult your Physician if you feel that you are suffering from stress and anxiety.

Visit our reduce stress page by listening to our Self-Hynosis audio tracks and practising the relaxtion breathing techniques >

Avoid or limit stimulants

Vascular dilators including coffee, tea, cigarettes, and excessive sugar from sweets and soft drinks should be avoided or substantially reduced where possible. Research has shown that soft drinks that contain Aspartame or NutraSweet cause flushing and redness in about 30% of rosacea sufferers.

Stimulants such as caffeine that is found in tea and coffee excites the nervous system, which results in blood vessel dilatation and redness. In addition, stress and anxiety symptoms are also increased.

Avoid or limit alcohol

It is best to avoid alcohol or reduce consumption.

Avoid hot baths and showers or very cold water

To prevent vascular dilation hot and very cold water should be avoided. Instead water below body temperature of 37 degrees centigrade (97 degrees Fahrenheit) should be used.

Diet revision

Foods and drinks that cause facial redness and vascular dilation, should be avoided. Foods types that cause these allergic flare-ups vary from individual to individual and the exact reasons for these food allergies are still unknown.

However, it is thought that foods high in calories and carbohydrates (sugars, breads, pastas), that give high burn and energy rates, dilate blood vessels and cause the red complexion.

It has also been suggested that foods high in histidine such as tomatoes and red peppers raise anti-histamine levels in the body. Anti-histamine is produced by an automated process to help fight allergic reactions, but unfortunately this can also cause flushing to those prone to rosacea.

Rosacea sufferers have noted allergic reactions to: vinegars, hot spices, citrus fruits, red plums, raisins, figs, pasta, cheese, and chocolates as being among the worst offenders. Vascular dilators such as hot drinks and hot foods should be allowed to cool before consuming.

The list of food allergies varies from individual to individual. However, you can devise and plan your own diet by recording the foods which cause your facial flushing and allergic reactions.

Use sun block

The sun is a major cause of rosacea flare-ups and skin irritation which affects 61% of rosacea sufferers. To protect against this, ensure a sun block with a high SPF factor of 30+ is applied especially to the face and other area before exposure to the sun.

Avoid astringent soaps and cleansing agents

Astringent soaps, and cleansing agents that contain alcohol only dry and irritate the skin by stripping the protective sebum oil coating. To rosacea prone people this skin irritation may lead to a rosacea flare-up/outbreak.

Alcohol based cleansing agents also shrink pores which can trap oil causing swelling, and as result lead to acne symptoms or cysts

Only a soothing moisturising cleaning solution that heals and nourishes the skin should be used, such as the skin treaments products for acne and rosacea recommended on this site.

It is often wrongly perceived that blushing and a permanent red complexion is one of the same and should be treated as such. In order to clarify this misconception, I have written two articles. The first of which tackles blushing ( flushing – as it is known by its medical term), and how it can be treated and what causes it.

The second article will be about permanent facial redness, what it is, how it is caused, and the treatments available to reduce or even eliminate the annoying red complexion.

Emotional and Psychological Impact of Flushing

As a former veteran flusher and rosacea sufferer, I am fully aware of the psychological effect that creates a lack of self-confidence and self-esteem. As a result these inhibitions can prevent the personality from blossoming in a normal and positive way.

My road was a long and painful one before I eventually found my solution, which was a combination of cognitive therapy, prescribed anti-depressive medication and a topical rosacea treatment that successfully worked.

The cognitive therapy and the prescribed medication could have been avoided, if I had known what I know today. However, sometimes the psychological symptoms are so extreme, as in social phobia, that prescribed medication and therapy are necessary.

Now let me explain about the symptoms, causes and possible treatments.

Flushing – A Natural Response

‘ Fight of Flight’ is a natural automated self-defense mechanism that prepares the body for facing or avoiding an oncoming danger. This process is handled by the sympathetic nervous system. Which dilates the blood vessels to ensure that sufficient blood will reach the parts of the body needed to deal with danger, such as the muscles. This increased blood flow becomes visible in the areas where the blood vessels are closer to the surface of the skin, such as the chest, neck and facial regions.

Flushing Triggers

Hot drinks, hot or spicy foods, hot baths and hot temperatures cause the body’s natural thermostat to dilate blood vessels allowing a greater flow of blood to the surface, which helps aid the cooling process.

Stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol or food and drinks with a high sugar content, are vascular dilators that may cause flushing and perspiration

Healthy Flushing

During strenuous activity, there is an increase in blood flow through the dilated blood vessels which becomes visible. This type of flushing is a totally natural process and a positive sign of good health.
Exercise is an effective method of alleviating stress and anxiety and the importance of this method to help reduce flushing flare-ups, should never be underestimated.

Unhealthy Flushing

People who have an over active sympathetic nervous system experience frequent flushing flare-ups. The reason being that innocent situations such as social occasions are wrongly interpreted as dangerous and the automated defense system is activated and flushing occurs

These constant flushing episodes may eventually lead to a reduction in self-confidence and self-belief, which ultimately can have an impact on relationships, work.and general happiness.

The Two Most Common Questions Asked By People Who Flush Frequently

Question: Does everybody flush?

Answer: Yes

Question: Then if they do, why doesn’t it show in everyone?

Answer: Because, in some people the blood vessels and capillaries are closer to the skin surface which increases the redness visibility.

How can I stop Flushing?

Firstly, you have to acknowledge the fact that some types of flushing cannot be reduced or prevented, notably flushing that prevails after and during exercise. This is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about, ask any sportsman, sportswoman or athlete that either experience facial redness or not.

Secondly, acceptance is the key. You must accept the fact that you flush easily and stop trying to hide it – this is covered shortly

Treat The Root Cause And Avoid The Triggers

Visit this page for a ‘How To’ guide to avoid your tiggers >>

The only long term treatment of flushing is by treating the root cause; which is the over active sympathetic nervous system including the psychological problems that may have been caused. Lifestyle changes to avoid or limit the triggers that cause your flushing must be applied.

Laser Treatment, Topical Treatment and Natural Oral Supplements

Laser cannot be used as treatment because healthy blood vessels that supply the blood to skin cells cannot obviously be removed.

The Natural Oral supplements that help are the ones that contain active ingredients that relieve stress, anxiety or depression. And also the ones that contain ingredients which protect and nourish the skin from the daily hazards such as from the infamous free-radicals that damage cells.

Clinically proven topical creams or lotions aimed at treating rosacea contain natural anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to reduce the immediate flushing symptoms. The main importance of using only reputable topical treatments is that they also contain active ingredients that strengthen skin cell walls. This in the long term, can prevent capillary damage caused by the constant unhealthy flushing periods that may lead to a permanent red complexion or even rosacea.

Acceptance, Mental Relaxation And Re-Training Your Way of Thinking

We have written a step by step guide that illustrates the powerful techniques and methods that automatically keep you calm and relaxed in those situations that normally caused you to become anxious and flush. This anti-blushing program involves the following steps.

1. Blushing Acceptance – A video demonstrating examples of how to accept and announce that you blush, instead of trying to hide it, which only makes blushing worse.

2. Breathing Technique – This method once mastered will automatically focus your attention on your breathing and away from your self-conscious feelings.

3. Stop Blushing NLP Audio Tracks – NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) is an advanced form of self-hypnosis that retrains mind eliminating the blushing thoughts

4.Self-Hypnosis Audio Tracks To prevent Blushing – These tracks train the sub-conscious mind to remain calm, relaxed and self-confident in those situations that you once feared.

The Self-Hypnosis and NLP audio tracks are of the highest quality and have been recorded by leading Certified Hypnotherapists. You can listen to these on our site via our audio player.

To experience our FREE control blushing guide including; techniques, methods, video demonstration and FREE self-hypnosis / NLP audio stop blushing tracks, visit>>

Prescribed Treatments For Extreme Cases

Sometimes the emotional problems caused by excessive flushing have become so extensive that prescribed medical treatment and therapy maybe required.

Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and share the parent substance’s effects of reducing the secretion of oil from the glands located in the skin. This primary effect is what makes retinoids so effective against acne. The long-term (4-6 months) decrease in oil secretion means that hair follicles are less likely to clog and turn into pimples and, in most cases, acne is gone for good by the end of the treatment period. However, about one quarter of the patients who used Accutane or other drugs based on isotretinoin may relapse and require additional treatment.

But the biggest drawback of retinoids is the long list of side effects, which sometimes makes retinoids look like a disease rather than a cure. Retinoids are used only under the close supervision of a dermatologist precisely because of these side effects. If a patient needs more than one treatment, the doctor will always insist on letting a few months pass between the treatments in order to give the body a chance to recover.

The most common side effects are dry skin and nosebleeds. Many patients have also reported liver problems, while a few complained of depression. However, the scientific community is still split on the issue of depression. More seriously, isotretinoin is known to cause birth defects, which is why female patients have to use two separate forms of birth control or vow abstinence during the treatment. Pregnant women are not allowed to use anything but the mildest treatments.

The bottom line is that retinoids are a good idea if one can cope with the side effects. This begs the question: why not use something just as effective, but without the side effects. Acne treatment systems, such as the leading ones on this site, are also popular because of their success in dealing with the condition, but lack the extreme side that makes retinoids a pain to use. The choice between these treatments is yours.

The classic antibiotics and creams have been supplemented by hormonal treatments, phototherapy and laser surgery. Others are trying to develop still more types of cures, such as diets built to avoid the consumption of dairy products, the use of chromium and zinc supplements and home made cures from various sorts of spices. Many of them haven’t been scientifically proven yet.

Laser surgery is the latest technique developed by doctors to reduce the scars left behind by acne. Doctors use laser beams to burn out scar tissue, which allows the skin to generate new, healthy tissue instead. This technique is still in the early, primitive stages since it is used after follicles had turned to pimples and pimples were reduced to scars.

Still, new research shows that laser surgery could be used in the future to prevent acne from even happening, instead of just dealing with the consequences. Medical grade laser may soon be used to burn away the follicle sac where the hair grows or to burn the sebaceous gland in those parts of the skin that were subject to acne outbreaks again and again.

Another approach currently being studied is the use of laser to induce the formation of oxygen in the bacteria in order to kill them. However, at this time, laser is still too dangerous for acne prevention since the extreme heat is known to cause long-term dryness of the skin and even spots.

Other research efforts focus on whole-genome DNA sequencing as a tool for identifying the genetic reasons why some people do not suffer from acne or develop only light forms of this condition. However, gene sequencing is still one of those techniques that belong to the future and are unlikely to become available soon

They call it ‘Dracula Therapy’, and if that isn’t enough to freak you out, it involves having your face injected with your own blood. But S3 Therapy is the hottest news in anti-ageing right now.

The name is short for Stimulated Self Serum skin therapy, and has been introduced to the UK by the innovative London-based French cosmetic doctor, Daniel Sister.

Read more >>

You can listen to this audio interview below.

Innovative That Effectively Combats Rosacea And Facial Redness

• Soothes and calms skin by controlling and alleviating signs of redness
• Incorporates active ingredients to address all redness issues including excessive circulation to blood vessels (flushing), inflammation, free radicals, irritated skin and impure tap water
• Removes heavy metals and impurities from the skin that cause chronic redness
• Acts as a water softener by removing Calcium * Ideal for use post-laser or for any other stress to the skin
• [Read more about MD's Redness Serum on our review site...]

Medik8’s advanced Red Alert® treatment contains an 8% professional strength of vitamin K that reduces redness, rosacea and removes visible spider and thread veins from the face and other parts of the body.

Red Alert is among the most advanced spider vein creams available for managing skin redness, it also aids the healing of brusing

Powerful active ingredients help to target skin redness. They act by promoting anti-oxidation, vein-wall strengthening and enhanced coagulation (blood clotting at site of capiliary damage).

The powerful active ingredients promote anti-oxidation, vein wall strengthening, and enhanced coagulation. There is not a more powerful formula for managing the removal of visible spider/thread veins and broken blood vessels. [Read more on our review site...]

NEW! On the 7th July 2009 Azap Skin Care announced the launch of a new, more effective acne treatment product for both oily or normal skin.

Our Assessment

‘Unique’ is a generally overused term aimed at describing products thought to be different to its competitors – which in most cases they are not.

However, we have decided to use this term to describe the Azap Skin Care acne product range; not because of the ingredients (which are not totally unique); but, because of its remarkable  extensive line of acne products . We cannot think of another system that comprises of so many different acne treatment elements targeting different symptoms;  everything from acne hair wash right through to acne skin rejuvenation products. [Read more about the Azap acne treatment series...]

Acne Complex kit is a maximum strength regimen that delivers rapid results without dryness or irritation. Murad Acne products are both effective and gentle because they are formulated with pharmaceutical grade ingredients and enriched with hydrators, anti-inflammatories and antioxidants according to Dr. Murad’s recipe for skin health. 90% of Acne Complex users experienced a reduction in blemishes in just 4 weeks!

Cleanse | Tone – Clarifying Cleanser

Prevent breakouts with this maximum strength cleansing gel. Triclosan eliminates 99.9% of irritating surface bacteria while Salicylic Acid heals blemishes and prevents future breakouts.

[Read more about the Murad Acne Complex kit on our review site...]

The Zenmed Derma Cleanse System is endorsed by doctors and recommended by customers. The herbal supplements fight the acne at its source, supported the acne gel and maintained with our cleanser. We hear the success stories and see the results. Because there are so many choices available when it comes to treating acne, we have worked hard to create a system that is far better than anything available.
Why is it more effective than other products?

The Zenmed Derma Cleanse System cleans, heals and sustains healthy skin like no curative system. For the first time acne’s complex origins are addressed and treated comprehensively.

In just three easy steps, The Zenmed Derma Cleanse System arrests the causes of acne at the source, instead of just concealing the symptoms. ZENMED therapies are developed using the most advanced techniques in skin care. [Read more about Derma Cleanse on our review site...]

This breakthrough formula soothes and helps repair sensitive, irritated and reddened rosacea type skin.  The preparation blends easily to cosmetically neutralize and reduce the appearance of redness and blotchiness.  Anti-inflammatory bisobolol helps to restore smoothness while calming and cooling skin.  An innovative solution!

What The B.Kamins Rosacea Start Contains

B. Kamins is the authority on rosacea, and the Rosacea Starter Kit is perfect way to find out exactly what B. Kamins can do for you. Also ideal for travel. Kit contains 1 each: Booster Blue Rosacea Cleanser (2fl.oz) – gently removes impurities without irritation Booster Blue Rosacea Treatment (0.5fl.oz) – cosmetically neutralizes redness in the skin Booster Blue Rosacea Masque (4oz) – calms and soothes irritable skin Sunbar Sunscreen SPF 30 Fragrance Free (1fl.oz) – gentle sunblock protects against UVA and UVB sun rays

Excellent on all Skin Types

All skin types. Particularly formulated for the reddened skin associated with rosace

[Read more about the B Kamins Rosacea Treatment  on our review site...]

It works by stimulating the dermis to produce collagen or increasing absorption of active ingredients with the use of hundreds of very thin needles.

The Derma Roller is specifically designed to create small openings in the top layer of the skin which create pathways for product applied to the skin to absorb into the deeper layers of the skin. The pores then close up again after about an hour.

The various Derma Roller manufacturers claim their products give  similar results to those of Laser, Chemical Peels and Dermabrasion treatments at a fraction of the cost; and without the trauma and soreness to the skin afterwards.

[Read more of the Derma Roller review...]

Now there’s hope for those who’ve tried medications to no avail, the Isolaz treatment. Using gentle suction combined with laser therapy, the Isolaz treatment clears pores without pain and kills the acne causing bacteria. According to the manufacturer, Aesthera, it is the only painless laser acne treatment as well as the only system that truly deep cleans the pores from the inside out. In addition, it has received approval from the FDA for the treatment of both comedonal and postular acne.

The vacuum treatment is able to pull the pores closer to the light source so that the patient receives a truly targeted treatment. Patients see an immediate improvement with pimples visibly reduced within just one to two days. Also, the amount of oil produced by the skin is reduced after just one treatment.

The cost and number of treatments needed varies greatly depending on the area being treated, the kind of acne, and the severity of the acne issues. Isolaz has been found to be effective on people who’ve tried other treatments with no luck and can be used on all skin types.

Before treatment, the skin is hydrated. The provider then places the treatment tip on the skin and the patient will feel a warm sensation as it is being used. It is fast with only about 20 minutes needed for treatment. 100% of patients report no pain and liken the sensation to a warm massage.

Isolaz has been featured on “The Doctors” and “The Today Show,” as well as in several popular magazines around the world including “New Beauty” and “O: The Oprah Magazine

Source: www.americanhealthandbeauty.com

Vilantae The Safe Alternative To Istretinoin ( generic: Accutane / Roaccutane)

Vilantae is an oral acne treatment that comes in both pill and powder form and is based upon Vitamin B5; which claims to be the safer alternative to the controversial prescription Isotretinoin acne-drugs, such as Accutane / Roaccutane

Both the Vilantae (Vitamin B5) and Istretinoin(Accutane) treatments work in similar ways by reducing or shutting down the Sebum (skin oil) production respectively.

[Read more of the Vilantae review...]

In addition to exposing the emotional and social impacts of rosacea, the survey results underscored the need for education among people with and without the condition. Nearly half of the respondents with rosacea reported they experienced symptoms for a year or more prior to receiving a diagnosis by a healthcare provider. In the general population without rosacea, more than a quarter of respondents did not know what rosacea was, despite its prevalence, and only 14 percent were familiar or very familiar with its symptoms.

The discovery should pave the way to faster diagnosis and more streamlined treatments for the disorder.

Rosacea affects around three per cent of the population and manifests as red, inflamed skin which, in severe cases, can affect a patient’s confidence, explained researcher Dr Kevin Kavanagh, a senior lecturer in biology at NUI Maynooth.

The cause of the condition has been unclear, but tiny Demodex mites in facial skin pores have been suspects. “On average, an adult without rosacea will have one mite per square centimetre, but in people with rosacea, that increases up to 20 per square centimetre,” said Dr Kavanagh.

Meanwhile, antibiotics can lessen symptoms, but no-one has known why, he added. “So we started to ask a few years ago why anti-bacterials work when there was no apparent role for bacteria.”

Working with the Mater hospital, the researchers previously identified a Bacillus bacterium inside Demodex mites. The bacteria release two proteins that trigger an inflammation in patients with facial rosacea.

The NUIM researchers then teamed up with US doctor Scheffer Tseng and found a similar link between the bacteria and ocular rosacea, which occurs around the eyes. Immune tests on 30 patients found that 80 per cent had been exposed to large amounts of the two bacterial proteins, said Dr Kavanagh of the study, which is to be published in Ophthalmology later this year.

“Now that we know it’s primarily probably a bacterial disease, we know the proper way to treat it is with antibiotics at a low level over a long period of time,” Dr Kavanagh said, noting that washing the skin with dilute tea tree oil also killed the bacteria.

“The other implication is that we could do a simple blood test to say whether a patient has rosacea or not. That’s something we will investigate in the future.”

News Source : By CLAIRE O’CONNELL  IRISHTIMES.COM

Zenmed has formulated an Acne Scar and Hyperpigmentation removal system that competes with expensive Salon Dermabrasion and Chemical skin peel sessions, at a fraction of the cost.

It can be applied in the comfort of your own home and within minutes you will see visible results after only the first application.

Apart from reducing visible scars and wrinkles, this treatment also fades Hyperpigmentation flaws such as dark spots, uneven skin tone and even unwanted freckling.

The Zenmed Scar Treatment kit works by a simple skin peel process that brings your old-dead skin cells to the surface more rapidly than usual. These dead skin cells are then slough off leaving your skin with a bright new fresh clear complexion

[Read full review and ratings on our treatment review site...]

Zenmed’s Rosacea Support System internationally acclaimed formula set a precedent for other topical rosacea and facial redness treatments to try to follow.

The rosacea support system has been proven to be one of the best topical alternatives to expensive laser treatment in reducing and controlling the visible signs of rosacea.

As you already probably know, rosacea can not be cured. However, it can be significantly controlled and reduced. The rosacea support system’s formula successfully battles against rosacea with its scientifically proven natural ingredients, which work as follows.

[Read full review and rating on our review site...]

First let us cut through all the hype and take a good look at the Mario Badescu Acne Repair to see if it does live up to the advertised expectations.

The Acne Repair kit consists of a 3-step system; the renowned Drying Lotion that clears up whiteheads overnight; the Drying Cream which conceals the blemishes and acne while it heals them; and finally the Buffering Lotion that fights the large areas of deep eruptions helping to prevent the acne breakouts before they start.

[Read full review and ratings on our treatment review site...]

Zeno is a hand-held battery operated device that delivers a precisely calculated impulse of heat to the zit, spot or pimple. This is achieved by Zeno’s microprocessor(computer ship) that controls and adjusts this precise amount of heat to be applied to your own particular skin-type.

This precisely delivered impulse of heat painlessly destroys the bacteria within the lesion, spot or zit, which causes 90% of all acne.

As the acne bacteria are immediately destroyed, the inflammation will reduce within 24-48 hrs as your skin returns to a natural and zit free and wonderfully healthy state

[ Read full review and ratings on our treatment review site...]

“These products are medicines,” says Andrea Leonard-Segal, M.D., Director of FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Clinical Evaluation in the agency’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Just because they are not in pill form and do not require a doctor’s prescription, does not mean that they cannot cause harm if they’re overused or misused.”

Dr. Segal says that consumers should carefully read and follow the directions for all OTC products, including topical ones. Topical products are those that are applied to certain areas of the skin.

“The medication in creams and ointments can sometimes penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream,” she says. “It is important to be aware that the medicines in these topical products may cause problems if they are not used as directed.” Segal adds, “Sometimes the ingredients in these products can even interact with other medicines you are taking.”

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Methyl Salicylate

Many athletes use muscle ache creams that contain methyl salicylate. Also known as oil of wintergreen, methyl salicylate is an aspirin-type ingredient of many topical creams that relieves pain. Used correctly, creams containing methyl salicylate can provide temporary relief from minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains.

As with all medications, misuse of these products can cause harm.

Segal warns that products with methyl salicylate should not be used for more than seven days and should not be applied to wounds or damaged skin. They should not be used under a tight bandage, and contact with eyes should be avoided.

FDA requires the labeling of any drug containing more than 5% methyl salicylate to include warnings that cover such precautions as keeping the product out of children’s reach and using the product as directed.

“Always remember to read the Drug Facts Label and any information that is provided inside the package of an over-the-counter product,” says Segal. “Keep the labeling so you can refer back to it at a future time. The information provided with the medication tells how to use it properly and what to do if a problem occurs while you are using it.”

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Compounded Creams

FDA is also concerned about some compounded products offered as creams and ointments.

Traditional pharmacy compounding is a practice in which pharmacists combine, mix, or alter ingredients to create unique medications to meet specific medical needs of individual patients in accordance with prescriptions issued by patients’ doctors.

Compounded drugs are not reviewed by FDA for safety and effectiveness, and are not FDA-approved. They can expose patients to unnecessary risks when they are used without proper medical supervision.

FDA normally permits traditional pharmacy compounding. By contrast, some pharmacies behave like drug manufacturers, not traditional compounding pharmacies, because they produce standardized versions of products for general distribution.

In December 2006, FDA warned five firms to stop compounding and distributing topical anesthetic creams that were being marketed for general distribution rather than responding to the unique medical needs of individual patients.

Compounded topical anesthetic creams are often used to lessen pain in procedures such as laser hair removal, tattoos, and skin treatments. They are sometimes dispensed by clinics and spas that provide these procedures, or by pharmacies and doctors’ offices.

The compounded topical anesthetics that FDA warned about contain high doses of local anesthetics, including lidocaine, tetracaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine. FDA has warned that when different anesthetics are combined into one product, each anesthetic’s potential for harm is increased.

This potential harm may also increase if the product is left on the body for long periods of time or applied to broad areas of the body, particularly if an area is then covered by a bandage, plastic, or other dressing.

Source: http://www.fda.gov/

“Many see their acne go away by the time they reach their 30s,” says Jane Liedtka, a medical officer at the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). “But for some, acne persists into their 40s and 50s.”

Spurred by inflammation of skin glands and of tiny, narrow canals in the skin known as hair follicles, acne is marked by pimples and other lesions. It commonly appears on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Acne is not usually a serious health condition. “But it can cause significant emotional distress, as well as permanent scarring of skin tissue,” says Liedtka, who has 15 years of clinical experience treating acne. She now works in CDER’s Division of Dermatology and Dental Products.

A Disease of the PSUs

Clinically, acne is described as a disease of features known as pilosebaceous units (PSUs). Found just under the skin, PSUs are numerous on the face, upper back, and chest, and contain sebaceous glands that are connected to hair follicles. The sebaceous glands produce sebum, an oily substance that empties onto the skin via the hair follicle.

Liedtka explains, “it is known that acne is partly the result of the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands and the hair follicles,” she says. “The earliest lesion of acne is a plugging of the pores of the skin.”

Factors believed to be related to acne formation include

• increases in sex hormones called androgens that occur in both boys and girls during puberty. Androgens cause sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum in hair follicles
• hormonal changes related to pregnancy or to starting or stopping use of birth control pills
• genetics

Beware of Myths

“There are many misconceptions out there about how acne forms, as well as on how to treat the condition,” says Liedtka.

Here are some facts about acne:

• There is no known way to prevent the development of acne.
• Acne is not caused by poor hygiene, sweating, or not washing. “These factors do not cause the clogged pores that contribute to acne development,” says Liedtka. While medicated washes containing benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are one form of treatment for acne, simple soap and water does not treat the condition, she adds.
• Acne is not caused by diet. No scientific connection has been found between diet and acne. No food—not chocolate, fries, pizza, or any other food—has been shown to cause acne.
• Acne does not need to be allowed to run its course. “The condition can be treated,” says Liedtka. “There are prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products for it. If products you have tried haven’t worked, consider seeing a dermatologist.”

Types of Acne

Every mark on the skin produced by acne is a type of lesion. The mildest cases of acne produce blackheads and whiteheads. (The color of these is determined by whether the plugged follicle remains open or closed. If it is closed, it is a whitehead.)

More troublesome acne lesions include

• papules – inflamed lesions that usually appear as small, pink bumps on the skin and can be tender to the touch
• pustules (pimples) – white or yellow pus-filled lesions that may be red at the base
• nodules – large, painful, solid lesions lodged deep within the skin
• cysts – deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring

Treatments

The type of treatment people with acne get depends on the severity of the outbreak. “There are OTC products for mild cases, while a visit to a health care professional such as a dermatologist may be in order for the more stubborn cases,” says Liedtka.

Acne treatments are regulated by FDA under the same provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act covering prescription and non-prescription (or OTC) products.

Topical OTC medicines are applied to the skin and come in many forms, including gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and pads. Typical OTC treatments for mild acne include benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur.

“It is best to read the labels or talk to your health care professional before you use any of these products, so that you know which is right for you, what if any side effects may occur, and when you can expect to see results,” says Liedtka.

Types of prescription topical medicines used to treat acne include antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, dapsone, and vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids.

People with moderate to severe inflammatory acne may be treated with prescription topical or oral medicines, alone or in combination. And people with nodules or cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

Caution with Isotretinoin

Patients with severe nodular acne that does not improve with the use of other treatments may be prescribed isotretinoin, which is sold under the brand names Accutane, Sotret, Claravis, and Amnesteem.

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that is taken orally once or twice a day with food for 15 to 20 weeks. It reduces the size of the oil glands so that less oil is produced.

Although effective, isotretinoin is associated with serious side effects, especially for pregnant women. According to the medication guides for these products, isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects in the developing fetus of a pregnant woman. It is vital that women of childbearing age are not pregnant and do not get pregnant while they take isotretinoin, or for 30 days after completion of treatment.

Because isotretinoin can cause birth defects, it is only for patients who can understand and agree to carry out all of the instructions in iPLEDGE, a mandatory distribution program intended to prevent the use of the drug during pregnancy due to the high risk of birth defects.

Products containing isotretinoin may cause serious mental health problems in persons taking the drug. Other side effects include dry eyes, mouth, lips, nose, or skin; itching; nosebleeds; muscle aches; sensitivity to the sun; poor night vision; changes in the blood, such as an increase in fats in the blood; and changes in liver function.

Keeping Acne in Check

• Meanwhile, it helps to know what can cause or worsen an outbreak. According to the National Institutes of Health, these factors can make acne worse:
  changes in hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts
  oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats)
  pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms
  environmental irritants, such as pollution and high humidity
  squeezing or picking at blemishes
  hard scrubbing of the skin
  stress

Source: http://www.fda.gov/

PARENTS living with teenagers may not be surprised by the latest insight into their offspring’s hygiene habits.

In fact one in three teenagers prefer a blast of deodorant to taking a daily shower, survey analysts Mintel say.

Today’s 11 to 19-year-olds are more likely to use perfume or even mascara every day than they are to pick up the shower gel.

Mintel’s insight into the youngsters’ grooming habits is revealed in its latest report called Teens’ And Tweens’ Beauty And Personal Care.

Teenagers worried about body odour problems tend to rely on perfumes and deodorants instead of good old-fashioned soap and water.

“Perhaps because they want to mask the fact they haven’t showered, smell is a key motivator for eight out of 10 teens when deciding which products they want to buy or use,” a Mintel spokeswoman said.

Meanwhile the stereotypical spotty teenager still exists, despite a raft of products designed to clear up problem skin.

Around half of teenagers suffer from spots or acne but just a quarter use facial washes or wipes every day.

Boys are more in the dark than girls when it comes to skin care education, mainly because they do not scour glossy magazines for beauty tips as avidly as teenage girls, though hair-styling products such as gels and creams are of interest.

Meanwhile, girls are far more likely to use self-tanning products than boys as they try to imitate the year-round glowing skin achieved by TV celebrities and film stars.

Source URL:  Daily Express  UK

On the 17th August 2009, the Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising and Communications (DDMAC) of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to Mr E.I. Pyott Chairman and CEO of Allergan Inc, for false and misleading advertising of its Aczone (Dapsone) Gel 5% acne product.

The FDA informed Mr Pyott that the Journal Advertisement overstated the efficacy of Aczone and it omitted important risk information associated with its use. As a result it violates the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Actual Results Shows Aczone Fails To Work As Claimed

Allergen stated in their Journal Ad that Aczone works fast by reducing inflammatory lesions by 24% within 2 weeks. The FDA stated that this was a complete misrepresentation of the true results; which showed that patients using a placebo experienced a 22% inflammatory reduction within 2 weeks.

This insignificant 2% margin shows that Aczone is no better at reducing inflammatory lesions than using nothing at all.

Omission of Risk Information

The FDA also informed Mr Pyott, that Allergan Inc. had omitted the risk information in their Ad, that using Aczone Gel followed by benzoyl peroxide can cause a temporary yellow or orange discoloration of the skin and hair.

Immediate Action Demands the FDA

The DDMAC informed Allergan that this is a serious matter and they must immediately cease with their advertising and promotional materials that violate the FDA Drug And Cosmetic Act.

Allergan were also requested for an immediate reply to the FDA informing them of what actions have been taken to resolve this serious situation. And a comprehensive plan on how they shall inform the public of the true results. This they must comply to by the 28^th August 2009.

The Rosacea Acne Times was able to obtain a copy of this 5 page warning fax sent from the FDA to Mr Pyott, that details the complete facts and the actual research study results.

VIEW THE WARNING FAX SENT BY FDA TO ALLERGAN INC (1353)

The survey, of 592 12- to 17-year-olds from across the U.S., found that 20 percent admitted to having lent a prescription drug to a friend, while a similar percentage said they had done the borrowing.

The most commonly shared prescriptions were allergy drugs and narcotic pain relievers like Oxycontin and Darvocet, followed by antibiotics, acne medications like Accutane, and mood drugs such antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.

What’s more, the study found, three-quarters of prescription “borrowers” said they did so instead of seeing a doctor. Some eventually did make a trip to the doctor, but, in 40 percent of cases, failed to mention the borrowed medication.

The findings, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, also point to the potential safety risks teens face when they share prescriptions.

Less than half said their borrowed medication came with written instructions on how to use it safely. And more than one-third of teens who borrowed prescriptions said they had suffered an allergic reaction or other side effect.

Teenagers are not alone in the practice of prescription sharing. Previous research has suggested that almost 40 percent of U.S. adults have lent or borrowed a prescription to a family member or friend.

“However, prior to our study, no one had asked adolescents how often they shared prescription medications, which meds they shared and what some of the outcomes were,” lead researcher Dr. Richard Goldsworthy, of Academic Edge, Inc., in Bloomington, Indiana, noted in a written statement. The findings, he and his colleagues conclude, suggest that doctors need to talk to teenage patients about the risks of using other people’s prescriptions.

Given the high rate of prescription sharing among adults, many parents likely need the same advice, the researchers note. Wider efforts — like public health campaigns or warnings about medication sharing on product packaging — might also be worthwhile.

SOURCE: Journal of Adolescent Health, online August 3, 2009.

This book is not meant to replace an actual diagnosis by a qualified dermatalogist, but to help put your mind at rest that you are not alone with your problems, and effective treatments are available.

A Video That Shows How Acne is Caused

You can download,  ‘A Practical Understanding Of Rosacea’ ebook for free. It explains all there is to know about rosacea, causes symptoms according to recent research. The book also contains a  guide into the available treatments and what you can do.

A Brief Insight into Rosacea by Dr Bacelieri – Dermatologist

The Acne Resource Center is broken into two main sections: Acne Information and How To Get Rid of Acne. Combined, these sections add up to over 20 pages of acne knowledge and acne treatment experience from Mario Badescu Skin Care, a leader in the industry and manufacturer of the celebrity cult favorite acne spot-treatment product, their pink Drying Lotion.

The Acne Information section of the resource center contains information about what acne is, what causes acne, and the different types of acne, as well as engaging articles about common acne myths and the link between acne and diet.

The How To Get Rid of Acne section, on the other hand, takes an in-depth look at Mario Badescu’s approach to acne treatment. The skin care company believes that personalized regimens are the only way to approach acne treatment. It lays out three detailed acne treatment regimens for different skin types (dry, oily, and combination) using Mario Badescu products, and also features helpful hints, mistakes to avoid, videos about each product, and printable regimen checklists to help customers follow their regimens.

“Here at Mario Badescu we have a wide range of effective acne products and customized skin care regimens for all skin types. We have been helping people clear up their skin for over 40 years, and we are very confident that we can help all people treat their acne, regardless of gender, skin type, or age,” said Kelly Barrett, the Assistant Manager and Skin Specialist at Mario Badescu’s NYC Salon. “That said, we are also compelled to try to educate our customers by teaching them about acne and the factors that cause it in order to help them prevent acne breakouts in the first place. This Acne Resource Center is our way of doing just that.”

Visit MARIO BADESCU’S New Online Acne Resource Center >>

Source: New York, NY (PRWEB) August 17, 2009

But in real life, Welch suffers from acne which is a reason he is promoting the new acne product Aczone.

In a hilarious new interview with Buzznet, Welch discusses his participation in Aczone: The Musical, a campaign to promote clear skin among the nation’s teens.

“Aczone: The Musical is a viral campaign designed to get teenagers aware of an amazing new acne treatment. We do this through song, dance, and story. I am the MC of this musical number,” explains Welch. “High school is tough enough. You don’t need terrible acne problems on top of everything else. It’s pretty ironic that we go through our ‘awkward’ phase during the time in our lives when impressing our peers is so immensely important to us.

Why can’t we go through our awkward phase when we’re 80? Nobody would care! Is grandma NOT gonna get into the Bingo hall if she’s got one too many zits on her T-zone? Is Ethel’s eczema gonna prevent her from getting a seat at the Wednesday night Bridge table? I don’t think so!”

But since life is inherently unfair, Welch is doing what he can to level the playing field a little for teenagers through the power of song, dance, and pimple eradication.

“Only you have the power to determine your own happiness or misery,” Welch advises. “You get one shot at this life and I just want you to have the tools to walk with the confidence you deserve to own. If controlling your acne can help you get there, that’s all that matters.”

Spread the word, good sir. And the pimple cream.

Source: Celebuzz.com

90210

AnnaLynne introduced a new website AcneHeroes.com which provides truths and myths about acne, tips for clearer skin, and 3 week action plan.

AnnaLynne has been battling acne breakouts even while playing Naomi Clark, the very beautiful and very popular rich girl on ‘90210′. It’s hard to imagine that behind that image is a girl who like many teenagers has skin imperfections.

AnnaLynne sees her dermatologist on basis, makes sure to get 8 hours of sleep, and drink plenty of water. She also uses BenzaClin to treat breakouts. It seems to work because up close and personal her skin looks flawless!

Then, just few days later on the 7th July 2009, Ranbaxy Laboratories who have the largest US market share with 30 percent, announced that they were also withdrawing their Isotretinoin based product, Sotret from the US market.

*For the remainder of this article I will refer to Isotretinoin drugs as Accutane for simplicity and because Isotretinoin is such a mouthful to say.

A Highly Controversial 27-Year History

Roche introduced its patented anti-acne drug Accutane in 1982. And since then more than 13 million people have been treated with it. However, during this period Roche has been hit with more than 5,000 personal injury claims, with many still pending.

On the 22nd of April 2008, $10,5million was awarded by a New Jersey Jury to a woman who developed a serious inflammatory bowel disease caused by taking Accutane.

What is Accutane?

Accutane was discovered in 1979 and was released as an oral drug in pill form. It is only prescribed to severe acne cases that did not respond to other acne treatments. Patients undergoing Accutane treatment are closely supervised by a physician and frequent blood tests are taken. The maximum time of the treatment is restricted to 6-months.

The results were dramatic and amazing to say the least. In 95 per cent of the severe acne cases, a permanent clearing of acne symptoms was seen over a 3 – 5 month period. However, in 25 percent of these, the acne did return after about a year, and a further 6-month course of Accutane had to be endured.

How Does Accutane Cure Acne?

• Accutane reduces the size of the skin’s oil glands by up to 58 per cent. As a result the skin’s oil (Sebum) production is reduced by up to 80 per cent.
• This extreme reduction in skin oil dramatically reduces the amount of skin acne bacteria (p.Acnes), which live in this skin oil.
• Accutane slows down the skin cell re-newel process, which in turn reduces the amount of dead skin cells being shed. This is the key to success, as acne is caused by dead skin cells getting trapped in excessively oily pores, which then become clogged entrapping the bacteria within. The bacteria would then infect the clogged pore and it would become swollen and inflamed, resulting in a newly formed pimple or a spot or zit as it is known in colloguial terms.
• Accutane also has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Other Alarming Serious Side Affects Caused By Accutane

The list of side effects caused by this drug is almost endless, with the most serious being; suicidal thoughts, birth defects, depression, psychosis, gastrointestinal disease, bone muscle and visionary problems.

Where Does This Leave Severe Acne Sufferers If Removed?

As Accutane is the last resort in acne treatment, what hope is there for severe sufferers if it is removed?

Roche Holding AG, said that it was only pulling Accutane from the US market, and it is still available in other countries. Furthermore, there are still other generic versions (trade names) of Accutane available, such as Claravis and Amnesteem in the US – for the time being?

Is There A Safe Alternative To Accutane?

Yes there is, Vitamin B5, which is a safe and natural ingredient that qualifies to take over the Throne vacated by Accutane. In clinical tests only minor side effects such as diarrhea have been noted in some cases.

Vitamin B5 is known by its scientific name as (d-Calcium Pantothenate) and was discovered in 1997 by Dr Lit-Hung Leung, who presented his research on how it cures and prevents acne.

These remarkable results astonished the global scientific fraternity. But, the US medical profession has been slow to acknowledge its amazing potential of this very safe and effective acne cure, and to date it has still not been approved by the FDA.

[Read more about Vliantae Vitamin B5 Acne treatment review...]

Accutane type drugs are slightly more effective than Vitamin B5, because the active ingredient Isotretinoin shuts down skin oil production totally, whereas natural Vitamin B5 only prevents excess oil from being produced.

What  We Believe

We believe that the withdrawal of Accutane and Sotret by Roche and Ranbaxy respectively, is the beginning of the end for Isotretinoin anti-acne drugs worldwide. The risk factor is too high when weighed against the benefits, and of course the law suits are becoming too expensive.

We believe that Roche could not have removed its product globally, as this would have been an admission of guilt that its product is not safe. In turn this would have weakened their defense against pending law suits.

Is This The Future of Acne Treatment?

In your pursuit for the best acne treatment, you may have come across the electronic devices such as MyZeno that zaps zits with an impulse of heat. It all sounds very science fiction, I agree. When I first saw the MyZeno gadget it reminded me more of a prop out of Star Trek than a serious solution for acne.

However, it does actually have clinically proven results and is also endorsed by medical professionals. But, the million dollar question is; how effective is this as a long term acne treatment?

The point I’m trying to put across is, that I don’t of dispute the clinical results or its effectiveness. However, I don’t believe this is a long term solution as it fails to treat the root cause. Furthermore, the cost of using MyZeno if very high.

Cost of Treatment

Let’s the put the spotlight (sorry about the unintentional pun ) on the cost.

MyZeno claims that it takes 1-2 counts (thermal impulses) to treat a single spot, pimple or zit over a 24 hour period. A 90-count tip costs $35. This means that each spot, pimple or zit will cost around $0.3 to remove, plus of course the initial $100 dollar for the electronic device.

Not only is the cost extensive, but so is the time needed to treat each individual spot, pimple or zit, which MyZeno claims to be two and a half minutes.

Short Term Treatment Only

MyZeno or other electronic devices of this type can only treat existing spots. However, they cannot prevent further outbreaks as they fail to treat the root cause. This means that the sufferer will be hit with constant rising acne treatment costs.

Our Opinion

MyZeno is ideal for those who need to rid get the odd pimple here and there very quickly. However, if you want to try and treat mild acne with this. I recommend that this is used in conjunction with a topical treatment that helps to prevent acne outbreaks. This of course will help to limit some of the substantial costs.

These high quality audio tracks have been recorded by a Certified NLP And Hypnotherapist.

***Never operate anything that requires concentration  such as driving, while listening to these powerful hypnosis tracks***

Audio Track 1. About Blushing and how to control it using the NLP and Self-Hypnosis audio tracks

When you listen to First Time Hypnosis you will broaden your knowledge and understanding of how hypnosis works and how you yourself can begin to use it. You will quickly learn how to relax yourself deeply and activate the powers of your imagination. First Time Hypnosis addresses all the questions that arise in the mind of the first time hypnotee and sets your mind at rest.

Audio Track 2. Stop Blushing NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

NLP is method of re-patterning the negative way of thinking to a positive one in order to eliminate those thinking traps that cause the problems that trigger your blushing..

Audio Track 3. Stop Blushing Self-Hypnosis

This track trains the subconscious to automatically keep you calm and relaxed in those situations that normally caused you to blush.

Makers of the revolutionary new chocolate, which is set to hit Australian shelves, claim that pimple-plagued sufferers will experience dramatic results within just two weeks of eating the chocolate.

Developed by US-based Frutels, the chocolate-coated treatment is believed to be the first of its kind and supports the body’s defences and clarifies the skin from within.

Frutels recommend consumers eat between two and five chocolates a day for the fastest results, reports News.com.au.

A company spokesman said: “This product takes beauty foods to another level by not only tackling acne care in an ingestible form, but by using a food that has been associated with causing acne to make these claims.

“Chocolate has long been taboo for acne sufferers.” However, to date there is still no medical evidence that supports claims that chocolate causes acne – it is one of those myths.

We will be following the development of this this story with keen interest to see if this product achieves what it claims – What will come next, restaurants that specialize in acne treating menus?

This is achieved by using a combination of quality skin strengthening and anti-inflammatory products that target facial redness. Together with powerful techniques that provide you with the tools to remain calm, comfortable and relaxed in any given situation.

Firstly, Understanding Why We Blush

Blushing is a natural automated bodily response to situations that are considered to be of danger. The increased blood flow prepares the person to either fight or flee from the dangerous situation.

For people that blush easily, for example through embarrassment, the mind wrongly imagines an innocent social situation to be threatening or intimidating. Which of course will start the automated fight or flight response. Eventually, this can develop into what is known as a thinking trap, an emotional cycle that needs to be broken.

For example, now close your eyes and imagine vividly that you are walking into a crowded room. You don’t know anyone. Everybody is staring at you, the room has suddenly gone quiet. They are waiting for you to say something. You panic, you don’t know what to say. Your heart is racing you feel your cheeks burning andyou can hear the blood rushing through the ears. You look down, afraid to make eye contact. The room feels hot, you have to get out…

If you started feeling the signs of anxiety of actually being in that situation, you can see the how powerful, the imagination is. By learning the following powerful techniques you will be able to break these negative thinking traps, allowing you to remain calm and relaxed in these situations. Which of course will help to reduce, control or even prevent blushing.

It is a fact that you cannot be embarrassed/anxious and calm and relaxed at the same time.

Secondly, Everyone Blushes

Yes, this is absolutely true. However, in some people it is not visible at all, and in others various degrees of redness are seen.

The reason that blushing is visible in some people, is that their blood capillaries are closer to the skin surface or their capillaries may be damaged or even weakened by, for example, from over exposure to the sun.

However, blushing through physical activity is healthy a response and should be encouraged. This will lead to reduced stress and anxiety as well as a healthy circulation and stronger capillaries.

The Negative Psychological Consequences of Using Redness Cover-Up Creams

You may be already using one of the green tinted creams that aim to cover up redness. These creams are quite effective at reducing the appearance of redness, but ensure you use a quality product that is kind on sensitive cream – you don’t want to make the redness worse.

However, an emotional dependency and total reliance to these creams can develop. As a result will have a profound impact on daily life – maybe you are experiencing some or all of the following.

• You avoid physical activities as you are worried sweat may wash away the cover-up cream.
• You never leave your home without it, and panic when you forget it.
• Emotional stress of concealing your blushing to new acquaintances.
• Constantly paranoid that people can see that you are wearing a green tinted cover-up cream.
• Hate the sun, humidity, rain, swimming, holidays or anything that can remove the cover-up.

We are not suggesting don’t use these as we know they can provide some comfort, especially to those who have a permanent bright red skin. On the other hand, we firmly believe that it is best to accept and tackle the root problems of blushing than trying to conceal it.

Easier said than done, I know But at least you won’t have to suffer the above emotional consequences of having to rely on temporary measures.

A Step by Step Guide To Control And Reduce Blushing Periods

Before we start, I must add that there is no skin care cream or oral supplement that can prevent or control blushing.

However, it is important to use a clinically proven topical cream/lotion that reduces inflammation, soothes, strengthens and nourishes the skins cells and capillary walls. As a result the skin becomes less sensitive to environmental factors that trigger blushing and the redness intensity becomes significantly less. All the information for these clinically proven topical treatments are found here.

If these creams are used in combination with the following techniques, you will have the most powerful tools to control blushing.

Step 1. Acceptance, Announce it – Don’t Try And Hide It

Accept that you blush. Don’t try and conceal it when it happens, that only makes the blushing worse. For example, you could say when it happens, “Dammit, it’s happening again, my annoying red cheeks are flaring up for no reason.”

[See post to watch Flash video]

This way it is out in the open to you and all around, eliminating the stress of trying to look away or conceal it. I know this is easier said than done, but once you have said it, you have made a giant step towards controlling it.

Hypothetically speaking, if there happened to be a stage around and a blusher had the guts to climb upon it and shout out to the audience, “I’m a blusher.” he or she would probably never blush again!

Step 2. Practice This Calming Breathing Technique

This simple method focuses your mind onto your breathing and away from the fixation of your outward appearance and the expectation of blushing. This is not easy at the beginning but, with practice it will become natural and it will help to calm any embarrassing or anxious feelings that usually triggers blushing. Try practicing this breathing exercise in private to master it.

• Breathe in deeply to a silent count of four.
• Hold your breath to a silent count of four.
• Exhale to a silent count of four (expel all the air from lungs).
• Repeat this process until the anxiety subsides.

Steps 3 & 4. The Powerful Techniques of Self-Hypnosis And NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming)

This is a very powerful technique for re-training the mind to be relaxed and comfortable in situations you normally blush in. Self -hypnosis is an effective method of building self-confidence, self-esteem other self-development and improvement needs and every imaginable phobia.

Self-hypnosis is a relaxed state of focused awareness that opens the subconscious mind. Once opened, the negative thoughts can be over written with fresh new positive ones, leading to a better way of thinking. Self-hypnosis is now considered to be an effective clinically proven treatment, that is now endorsed by the medical profession.

VISIT HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR HIGH QUALITY SELF-HYPNOSIS AND NLP AUDIO TRACKS >>

**(Caution do not operate anything that involves concentration whilst listening – such as driving)

Step 5. Congratulations, Start Enjoying The Situations That Once Caused You To Blush

If you have applied the above techniques you are well on your way to personal contentment or more aptly quoted by the Hypnotherapy company Uncommon Knowledge Ltd.

“Just think when you feel unembarrassed and relaxed your whole life will expand and be enriched.”

There is nothing wrong with extracting factual information from authoritative sites and re-creating a wholly new article to suit the marketing needs of your own product. However, to mislead a sufferer who is looking for an honest solution, by manipulating the factual information creating a fantasy of expected results, is plainly unkind.

During my quest and intensely desperate search for a working treatment, I encountered this vast array of  rosacea products, some claiming such amazing results, that they appeared to be miracle cures of almost biblical proportions.

The True Facts of Rosacea Are

• It cannot be cured. Rosacea symptoms can be managed and significantly reduced with the right treatment.
• Rosacea can be prevented if treated early and the appropriate lifestyle changes taken avoiding the causes that trigger these Rosacea outbreaks and flare-ups

Rosacea treatments that are applied in the comfort of your own home can be divided into two categories: prescription and non-prescription.

Rosacea Prescription Treatments

As the name suggests, these can only be obtained via a certified medical practitioner’s prescription. However, I have found that there are disreputable online pharmacies who sell these without a prescription. There is a reason why these treatments require a medical prescription: the side effects can be severe. Notably the recent tragic death of a Welsh teenager that hit the headlines, who was using a prescribed acne treatment.

An Abundance of Non-Prescription Rosacea Treatments

This group is by far the largest, most of which fall into the sub-category ‘ All-Natural Botanical Rosacea Products.’  These natural products often contain essences or extracts from flowers, herbs, fruits  and a plethora of other exotic natural  ingredients.

So before you contemplate buying one of these All-Natural rosacea products ensure that it has been  endorsed by the medical profession. It has proven clinical results. And it has a gained seal of approval from a Governmental Authority such as the U.S. Food And Drug Administration(FDA)  or equivalent authorities in your appropriate country.

Your Final Choice

Your final selection procedure is to select products that come with satisfaction money back guarantees; the longer the better. The reason being that it usually takes more than a month before you see any visible results. So it is usual that companies that guarantee their products offer 60 days or more.

Now you have shortlisted your selection you need to make a final choice. Lowest rice we do not believe should be the deciding factor. We consider customer reviews from an independent review site should be the key to making your decision.

Do Not Become Disillusioned If Your Choice Fails

Get your money back and try something new such as your second choice. Each person is unique so what works on one person may not work on you.

*We always suggest if you are suffering from a skin disorder you should seek a professional diagnosis from a  Doctor or Dermatologist. This advice on this site is not aimed to replace that.

My first article ‘Flushing, Blushing, Facial Redness Misconceptions and Treatments’  dealt with flushing, which is usually a natural automated, psychological or allergic response to environmental changes.

Furthermore, the first article highlighted, that these responses can be reduced, controlled and prevented using a combination of methods and treatments. These include relaxation, physical exercise, lifestyle changes,  topical treatments and natural supplements; or in extreme cases prescribed medication and therapy maybe necessary.

Permanent facial redness is a physical condition whereby the blood vessels and capillaries have become damaged as a consequence of:

• Over exposure to the sun.
• Long term and frequent unhealthy flushing (not physical exercise flushing).
• Toxins caused by long term high alcohol consumption.
• Hereditary condition.
• Symptoms of rosacea.
• Free radicals that damage skin. Example, from smoking.

Damaged blood vessels or thread veins are often referred to as broken. This does not imply they are leaking, it means they have become permanently dilated. As a result the blood constantly remains visible. If rosacea symptoms are present, lumps, bumps, and thickened red skin may accompany the visible capillaries.

How is Permanent Facial Redness Treated?

Facial redness and damaged capillaries can be treated by using either topical creams or IPL (Intense Pulse Light Therapy) and Laser treatment. The aim of topical treatments is to shrink damaged blood vessels and capillaries and strengthen skin cell walls against future damage. Laser & IPL treatments target and destroy damaged blood vessels and capillaries.

The most commonly asked question by people experiencing facial redness and rosacea is; which type of treatment is best? Let’s now let’s take a look at each.

Laser and IPL Treatments

Laser Treatment can only be applied by certified medical professionals. It works by emitting an intense narrow beam of light heats and destroys the damaged capillary. There is a slight risk of scar ring with laser treatment.

IPL Treatment can be applied by non certified people such as beauty salon assistants.  IPL flashes light, which matches the color of blood in the vessel. The IPL light energy is absorbed by the blood in the vessel, the blood is heated and the vessel is damaged and removed, but all other tissues around the blood vessel are not affected. IPL is more popular for this type of treatment as it is faster, supposedly gives less after effects and there is no risk of scarring.

Instant results.

Truths

It takes around 5 treatments over a 6 month period  for best results.

Pros

• High success rate.
• Visible results in just a few treatments.

• Painful with swelling sometimes experienced afterwards that can last a few days.
• Possible side effects; hyperpigmentation, nausea and swelling
• High cost, up to $1500 for 5 treatments.
• The risk of getting a poor quality treatment by unprofessional IPL operators.
• No Money Back Guarantee

Clinically Endorsed Topical Treatments

Quality topical treatments endorsed by the medical profession contain natural active ingredients that aim to reduce inflammation, promote healing as well as nourishing and strengthening the skin.
Other topical creams that contain Vitamin K specifically target visible broken blood vessels by aiding the coagulation of the blood as a result eliminating the blood vessel. These Vitamin K creams are used by plastic surgeons to aid and speed up the healing process as well as limiting scarring

The philosophy behind topical treatments is that they target the root cause and not just the immediate symptoms.

Misconceptions

Fast results

Truths

Like laser and IPL treatments, they take a few months before effective results are seen.

Pros

• It costs a fraction of laser/IPL at around $150 for a 6 month treatment.
• No side effects
• Long term
• Money Back Guarantee

Cons

• Lower success rate than Laser/IPL
• Visible results take longer than with Laser/IPL.

There is no 100% guarantee that either solution will work, or that the redness symptoms or damaged capillaries will return. However, the reputable topical products come with a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee.

From this you can deduce that the best course of action is to start with a reputable topical products. If that fails to give results, then of course you will get your money back and can start saving for the laser or IPL treatment and hope that it works.

Research has shown that 75% of rosacea and acne sufferers have reported psychological effects such as lowered self-esteem and self-confidence that lead to a reduced quality of life.

As a former rosacea sufferer for 27 years, I can deeply relate to this statistic which has led me to write this article from personal experience. I also stress the importance of seeking medical advice if you feel your are suffering from psychological effects that you feel you can not manage.

My rosacea symptoms started at the beginning of the 1980’s when I was in my late teens. It began with a light redness in the cheeks that became more intense as the day progressed. At first I thought I had contracted some sort of viral infection and tried to forget about it.

However, after several weeks I continued to suffer from frequent flushing, which then lead to a permanent red complexion. At that time little was known about rosacea and the symptoms were considered to be a form of acne and were treated as such with sulfur based remedies.

My doctor even recommended hot baths to relieve the symptoms; little did they know that these remedies actually made the condition worse, After a while I became very self-conscious of my appearance and had to endure the daily jokes such as: “Don’t stand on street corners you might stop the traffic” or “Are you sun burnt again?”

Even social occasions or nights down the pub with my friends became a challenging event, as I continually found myself searching for the darkest corners to hide my flushed face. Back in the 80’s there was no Internet so the only source of trying to find a suitable remedy was through books in the local library, a quest that proved to be hopeless.

The years passed by and my condition neither worsened or improved, but thread like blood vessels were now visible on my cheeks – which people wrongly presumed to be a result of heavy drinking. Then in 1999 I experienced Internet for the first time, and to my delight through AltaVista, I discovered a rosacea remedy based on vitamin k. This was apparently used by plastic surgeons to quicken the healing process of plastic surgery. I eagerly applied the créme as per the instructions and checked my face at least 20 times per day, every day to see if there was any sign of improvement.

After about 8 weeks my redness had not subsided but to my delight, I did notice that some of the blood vessels had disappeared. However, my excitement quickly turned to misery when blisters started appearing on my cheeks which was a side effect of this créme on sensitive skin; so I had to stop this treatment. I once again scoured Internet for other suitable remedies and tried most of them which cost a lot of time and money; but none of them worked. My disillusionment grew and my self confidence diminished as the depression caused by my rosacea condition began to take hold. I could no longer hold eye contact with people feeling inadequate, especially at social occasions – little did I know that I was developing symptoms of social phobia.

The Rosacea Treatment Had Worked But I Failed To Notice

A few years ago through a skin problem forum, I eventually found a rosacea solution which was recommended by one of the forum users. I purchased and applied this treatment expecting the same ineffectual results as with the others I had tried. After several weeks my pessimism was confirmed when I could see no difference to my red complexion in the mirror.

My social phobia symptoms had now reached their peak, I was suffering from deep anxiety as well as frequent panic attacks. My doctor recommended that I seek psychological advice treatment and cognitive therapy at my local hospital, which I did. I was prescribed an anti-depressive drug to alleviate the psychological symptoms of anxiety. My cognitive therapist looked at me skeptically as I described my skin problems and the emotional impact they had on my life caused me to end up here.

My cognitive therapist then used the symptoms of Anorexia as a reverse analogy. At first I did not have a clue what she was going on about, but then the light suddenly switched on and the reason for this analogy became clear. My long term rosacea condition had caused such deep rooted emotional scars that it prevented me from seeing that my facial redness was actually no longer very prominent.

Within a short while after my first therapy session, I could finally see that she was right – my face was in reality no longer flushed, the rosacea treatment had unbelievably worked. My self-confidence and self-esteem grew quickly as my social phobia symptoms quickly diminished – ‘A Feel Good Factor’ had returned a feeling that I thought I would never feel again.

Though their treatments are far from cheap, a growing number of us are signing up for novel therapies, particularly Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), or Photo Rejuvenation, as it’s more commonly known. Developed in hospitals where treatment was originally given under the guidance of physicians, independent salons registered with the Healthcare Commission (England’s healthcare watchdog) are now able to charge between £50-£200 a session, delivering intense bursts of red or blue light directly to the skin.

IPL promises a panoply of benefits: from hair removal to the eradication of rosacea and the blitzing of spider veins, from improved skin texture and pigmentation to the banishing of fine lines and wrinkles; even an end to acne and a reversal of some of the signs of sun damage. Several treatments are usually recommended, so IPL could represent quite a significant investment, but despite the credit crunch there appears to be no shortage of customers.

I decided to give it a go. The promise of regained youth was not high on my agenda. Instead, my aim was to get rid of some small broken veins on my face and chest.

Descriptions of the IPL process and its possible side-effects are fairly standard across all practitioners. Typically, we are told that it feels like a mild “pinging” on the skin and that there may be “warm tingling sensations”. Which all sounds rather lovely. Generally, we are told that it can feel like an elastic band snapped on the skin, but that discomfort is “momentary” and occasional small bruises will vanish with the application of arnica cream. More to the point, “downtime” is brushed aside: most claim that IPL can be undertaken in a lunch hour, and that your colleagues will be none the wiser.

Let me take the rose-tinted specs from your eyes. My hour-long process to fix a handful of spider-veins was as painful as childbirth. Rather than “mild warmth” I felt I was descending into the seventh circle of hell and, afterwards, as if I had gone sunbathing on Bondi Beach with a bottle of baby oil. The burning sensation lasted a good 12 hours, mitigated only by endless packs of frozen peas. But it’s not just a question of pain thresholds. Who knows? Perhaps mine is lower than average.

More to the point, my face swelled to almost twice its size and stayed that way for the best part of a week, despite doses of antihistamine.

The last of several livid purple bruises faded two weeks later. Most irritating of all, despite having exactly the kind of fair skin that apparently responds best to the treatment, no one I know can see any improvement at all. It seems that I might as well have chucked 200 quid down the gurgler.

Now, I’ve talked to women who swear they found IPL painless, and to others who loathed it (one said she cried throughout each of her hour-long sessions) but who are evangelical about the results. They go back time after time. Equally, it is not hard to find others who would ”rather be tortured by the Gestapo” than endure it again and who, like me, were unconvinced.

Whether or not my experience was extreme, we should remember that practitioners require no medical qualifications and that the Healthcare Commission relies on clinic self-assessment, inspecting on average only once every five years. Reactions to IPL will vary according to skin type, but the majority of providers – when asking for your “informed consent” – play down both the discomfort and the potentially debilitating side-effects. Ask for a patch-test before embarking on the treatment. Either that, or plan to live in a cupboard for up to a week post-consultation, just in case.

Light therapy looks set to be a long-term trend, though the jury is still out on whether this is a miracle cure or a waste of cash. It’s certainly not for me. In fact, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: there is such a thing as a deal of pain for absolutely no gain at all.

By Kate Colquhoun

23 Mar 2009 Telegraph.co.uk