The glycemic index plays a major role when it comes to acne according to many sources around the web. If you don't know what the glycemic index is, it measures the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels.
The higher a food is in the glycemic index, the more likely of a chance that it will cause acne.
Christmas is over and I figured it would be a good time to go ahead and throw up a poll. If you enjoy this poll, I am putting up many others at Does it Cause Acne dot Com.
In terms of food Christmas can mean fattening, greasy, too much, and unhealthy foods. Candy. Christmas can also mean candy.
So what do you guys think? Did Christmas make your acne worse?
Hey everyone. Sorry it's been a while since my last post, but it is the holiday seasons and I have been quite busy with family and other things. I hope you all had a great holiday season as I know that I did, but now it's time to get back on track.
When it comes a Proactiv, many people end up making the same mistakes. I have to say this because Proactiv really does work if you know how to use and follow the program.
Today, I wanted to discuss some common mistakes and misunderstandings that people often have while using Proactive solutions.
Why people aren't successful with Proactiv
1. Consistency many people use proactive do not actually use it consistently. That's her main issue they use it for a month or two and they wonder why it's not working. Well here's the deal, like any other regimen you must be consistent as can be for it to work.
If you use Proactiv seven days straight and then you skip a week and then you use it three days out of seven days during the next week, you are not going to receive the results you desire.
For Proactiv to work up to its full potential you must use it every single day.
2. Too many times a day This is the exact opposite of the above problem. Many people have this issue when they really can't wait to get rid of their acne. When this occurs, these people tend to use or shall I say overuse Proactiv or their acne product.Overusing an acne product will actually make your skin dry and more than likely, worse than it was before.
To be successful with Proactiv, you need to find a balance. Using it once or using it twice today is good enough for Proactiv to work its magic.
3. Scrubbing this is probably the third and final most common mistake that the lack of users actually make. These users usually believe that the harder they scrub the clear their skin will become. In reality, the opposite will occur.
These users will usually receive dry and red skin and then complain that Proactiv isn't working and instead, it's making their skin worse.
Being successful Proactiv
If you want to be successful with Proactiv, make sure that you are as gentle as can be. Also make sure that you don't overuse the product or make any of the above mistakes that I've walked you through today. See how to use Proactiv correctly.
I was doing Yahoo Answers a little earlier today and I saw the question: "Is Proactiv Solution a Scam?" Here's the deal, Proactiv Solution is not a scam.
I am a huge Proactiv lover for it's the first thing that I have used that's really cleared my skin.
The picture on the left is me before Proactiv. As you can see, I had acne all over my chin. I also had it pretty badly on my forehead, nose, and around my eyebrows.
Proactiv doesn't work.
For some, this may be true. I don't want to sit here and say that one product works for everyone. So maybe Proactiv won't work for you. I can't really say.
However, I can say this: The people that fail to clear their skin with Proactiv usually also fail to follow the instructions. They also usually fail to be consistent. See how to use Proactiv correctly.
If you want Proactiv to work for you, you have to follow the instructions and you have to be consistent. If Proactiv doesn't work after that, I will understand your complaint.
Does Proactiv Work?
The picture doesn't lie. My videos especially do not lie. Proactiv does work if you use it correctly. Proactiv Solution is not a scam.
You will then vote on whether or not you believe "it" has caused you acne. You will also be able to leave comments on the videos, the polls, and the blog post itself to support your theory.
This site is going to rock so be sure to check it out and be sure to tell all of your friends about it.
The other day I wrote about how I believe popcorn causes acne. Today I want to talk a little bit about McDonalds. Frankly, I don't care what any of those acne companies say. The food you eat directly relates to acne flareups.
Remeber the post I wrote titled, "Does Soda cause Acne?" This directly relates to what we're talking about here because since we determined that soda is an indirect cause of acne, I think we can also say that other foods can also be of influence with our acne flareups.
Does McDonalds cause acne?
Their food is greasy and filled with chemicals. I don't have any proven tests that McDonalds causes or influenences an increase in acne, but let me leave it to you guys. Does McDonals make you breakout?
I know what you're thinking. You're thinking you can't go without your popcorn.
However, you may want to because I don't know if you've noticed this, but I have. Every time I eat popcorn my face becomes or feels really greasy and I always seem to have a small acne breakout hours after consuming the popcorn.
This post is based from personal experience, but am I not the only one who gets this feeling?
Popcorn Causes Breakouts
So does anybody know if it's true? Can popcorn really cause acne breakouts? While we're on the topic, somebody asked me the other day: "Does Soda Cause Acne?" Be sure to learn what I think about clicking the link above.
I was talking to my girlfriend on the phone last night when I began to think, "Does using the phone cause acne?"
I continued to theorize and came up with a conclusion. By touching my face or hair to the phone and then by using my phone again, I will be more susceptible to oils which supposedly make acne worse. To me, this makes sense. We're not supposed to touch our face so why should talking on the phone be any different? (image credit: flickr)
Oils Phone Acne
Let me restate what I am trying to point out. Talking on the phone doesn't cause acne. Talking on the phone doesn't make acne worse.
However, pressing your face up against the phone will likely cause more acne. And again, anything that causes more acne makes it harder to get rid of acne.
As you all have probably noticed, I have taken a few days off from blogging. Even entrepreneurs need their rest. During my time off I thought of some great topics to write about. Cold weather and how it effects acne seemed like a good topic for this time of year.
Winter Acne Breakouts
If you're on this page, you're probably experiencing what I like to call seasonal acne. It's very common to have clear skin in the summer and then have a breakout in the winter.
Acne Worsens in the Winter because...
For many people, and for me alike, acne gets worse in the winter because of the fact that winter weather can become so extreme.
Cold Weather
Windy Weather
Dry Cold Weather
Are all reasons for acne worsening in the winter. Finally, compared to summer time, winter provides little sunlight. Sunlight is good for acne in moderation.
Prevent skin dryness in cool conditions
If you want to prevent skin dryness you'll need to use a little less acne medication and a little more moisturizer. I also recommend taking shorter and fewer showers and washing your face a little less than you normally would.
I recently had someone message me via email the other day.
"Hey Taylor. I found your blog through Youtube Videos and it's simply awesome. However, I have been having some problems with Proactiv. It just doesn't seem to be working for me. My skin doesn't become dry or anything like that, the product just doesn't seem to be working."
As you could probably imagine, my first thought was, "How often are you using the product?" So I asked him. He stated
"Well, I have been using the product basically everyday. Sometimes I skip days, but you know how that goes. You know, I sometimes forget to put it on before I go to sleep. Other days I am at my friends a lot so it's hard to apply Proactiv regularly."
I sent him back a message stating that if he wanted to be successful with Proactiv, he must begin to be consistent with the program. This goes for any acne program that you're trying. If you want your acne to clear, you must be consistent with the program in which you're using.
I have compiled a list of what I believe to me the most common acne mistakes out there. Again, if you're trying to get rid of acne, make sure you're not making any of these common mistakes.
Common Acne Mistakes - Facial Washing
Not washing your face - If you're not washing your face at all, how do you expect your acne to go away? It's common sense. Start washing your face.
Washing your face too much - Many people think that the more they wash their face, the clear their skin will become. This is not true. In reality, you should only really be washing your face once or twice a day. Any more than that will likely strip your skin of it's natural oils causing it to dry out. In turn, this causes you to get more breakouts.
Using a product that isn't strong enough - Maybe 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide is too weak for you. Try a product with a higher concentration. But remember, the higher the concentration, the more likely of a chance that your skin will become irritated.
Using a product that is too strong - On the the other hand, if you're using a product that is too strong, then you should try a similar product with a lighter concentration of the main acne fighting ingredient.
Not using moisturizer - If you're fighting your acne with anything that "may cause dryness," then you need to use a moisturizer. Otherwise, your skin will become dry, itchy, red, and irritated. I recommend Proactiv's Green Tea Moisturizer.
Not using the right kind of moisturizer - Back in the day I was using Lubriderm lotion to keep my face moist. The problem: Lubriderm lotion is way to thick and oily for the face. Again, Proactiv makes a great moisturizer that I greatly recommend.
Giving up on a product too early - This is another common mistake. Many people think that because a product doesn't work within 3 days that it's not going to work at all. In reality, products can take up to one or two months to work. Some products may even make your acne worse before making it better.
Not being gentle with your skin - Don't scrub your skin. It will irritate and dry it out. This is especially true if you have the "beaded stuff" in your acne treatment. With that being said, gently and lightly brush your acne medicine - medication over your face.
Adding other products - If you're using Proactiv, don't use Neutrogena also. Stick with one product. Don't mix products together. The only thing that I would allow you to mix is your acne treatment with a different brand of moisturizer. That should be fine.
Not reading and or following the instructions - So many people think that I am a genius when it comes to using Proactiv correctly. The truth is, I simply read the instructions. If you follow the instructions, you will be that much more likely to be sucessful in getting rid of your acne.
Common Acne Mistakes - Diet
Believing diet doesn't play a role in acne - Your diet does play a role in your acne. Simple Equation: If soda causes dehydration and dehydration is a cause of acne then soda would be an indirect cause of acne. Thus, soda can cause acne and last time I checked, what we drink is also considered being part of our diet. Thus, our diet contributes to our acne.
Drinking Soda - This is a definite no no. Instead of drinking that garbage, drink a glass of water. To be exact, drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Not drinking enough water - Like I said above, drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Drinking too much Milk - Now, I don't know for a fact that this is true. However, I have heard rumors that if you drink too much milk, your acne will worsen. But for me, I always drink milk and I am just fine.
Not following a balanced diet - Remember, too much of anything is never a good thing. Be sure to follow a healthy diet and keep a food log of what you eat in contrast to when you flare up.
Common Acne Mistakes - Environment
Touching your face - For me, this hasn't really hurt my acne too much. However, it's definitely not helping it either. With that said, don't touch your face if you don't have to.
Taking Long Showers - Taking long showers can dry out your skin. If you absolutely have to take a long shower, always be sure to moisturize your face afterward.
Wearing hats or helmets - This is usually a major cause of forehead acne. Try to cut back on wearing your hat as much as you can. Obviously you should still wear your helmet for safety purposes, but try to keep it as clean as possible.
Not washing your pillow - I have actually heard of people who decided to start washing their pillow cases once a week. In result, their skin became clearer. With that being said, you may want to begin to wash those pillow cases before they make your acne worse.
Working around Chemicals - I read about this a long time ago, but I apparently, working around harmful chemicals can make your acne worse. However, I am not completely sure about that. That's just what I read.
Understand these Common Acne Mistakes
Please understand these common acne mistakes. Again, the most common mistake is probably washing the face too much or too often. If you can understand these common acne mistakes and follow a good acne regimen, you will begin to get rid of acne.
Many people have been asking me: What is the best way to get rid of acne? I always tell them two simple words, "Benzoyl Peroxide." Benzoyl Peroxide actually goes through and kills acne and makes an environment in which acne can't thrive.
Other than changing your diet to get rid of acne, Benzoyl Peroxide is the next best way to do it. Benzoyl Peroxide is in a lot of acne products these days.
Some companies that contain Benzoyl Peroxide to get rid of acne:
Proactiv
Acne dot Org
Neutrogena Skin ID
Those are the only ones that I know of, but I am almost 100% sure that there are many more companies that also contain Benzoyl Peroxide as the main ingredient in their acne fighting medications.
Recommended products that get rid of acne...
Out of the two products below, I have tried Proactiv. I still use it to this day and it works quite well. On the other hand, many people have had much success with Acne dot Org so I definitely recommend checking them out also.
Proactiv
Acne dot Org
Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Please be well aware of the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide for it can cause dry, red, and flaky skin. With that being said, be sure that you're using a good moisturizer. I personally like the Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer.
You can get rid of your acne!
You just have to stick with whatever regimen you decide to use. Also, make sure that you stick with it long enough so you can actually see if it works.
As you are all probably well aware of, it's the winter time. With that said, you are also probably aware of the fact that it's quite cold outside. As that is true, your skin my begin to redden and dry.
Combating redness and dryness can be a pain especially in this time of year, but it is definitely possible to combat with the right products and tips.
Tips to combating skin redness.
Skin redness can be combated in a few different ways.
Using less of your acne product.
Washing your face less than you normally would.
Spending less time in the shower.
Using moisturizer or more moisturizer than normal.
Product to combat skin redness / patches
I personally like using Proactiv's Green Tea Moisturizer. I apply it twice a day and right when I get out of the shower. For me, this works quite well when it comes to getting rid of my skin redness.
Skin dryness, redness, patches can be prevented.
By following the tips above, you should be able to combat skin redness, dryness, and patches. Doing so will give your skin the glow you've always wanted it to have.
You're probably sick of your forehead acne and I really don't blame you. Actually, I decided to write this post mainly because my friend brought it up. But honestly, why do people have forehead acne? What's the main cause of forehead acne?
If you simply eliminate these two elements, then your forehead acne will begin to go away.
Can't eliminate the causes of forehead acne?
Here's the true deal: If you really want to get rid of acne, you need to begin to make some sacrifices. That means that you may have to cut your hair or stop wearing your favorite hat.
If worst comes to worst and you can't eliminate these items because of a sporting even or for some other reason, then you should do the best you can to get on a good acne fighting regimen to get rid of acne.
I don't know whether or not you're familiar with Benzoyl Peroxide, but it's an active ingredient in some of the most successful and some of the most popular acne products out there. Branded acne companies such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, and many more all use Benzoyl Peroxide in their acne medications to help you get rid of acne.
The thought behnind Benzoyl Peroxide is simple:
You apply the B.P. to your face.
Then your face drys out.
Your first layer of skin and sheds it off.
You have no more acne after a few weeks.
From my understanding, this is how it works and it obviously makes sense. The problem with Benzoyl Peroxide is, as of late, it's been receiving a bad rap. Many people actually believe that Benzoyl Peroxide causes cancer. Could this be true? If so, how will acne companies redeem themselves? Benzoyl Peroxide is practically an acne cure.
Could the end of Benzoyl Peroxide based products be coming?
I am actually beginning to realize how basic Get Rid of Acne Online is. I talk about using Proactiv, I talk about some face washing techniques, and I talk about some foods to eat and some foods not to eat. All of this combined will help you clear your acne.
Here's the deal. Getting rid of acne is not a difficult task... Once you know how to do it.
Drinking water is one great way to get rid of acne and many people actually miss out on the amazing things that water can actually do for their skin.
Simply by drinking 8 glasses of water a day you'll notice
Hydrated skin.
and clearer skin.
Seriously. Give it a try and I almost promise you that it will help you get rid of your acne.
I was reading an interesting article on the internet yesterday and it actually stated that Benzoyl Peroxide can actually make you more prone to skin cancer. If you didn't already know, Benzoyl Peroxide is an active ingredient in many popular acne products on the market.
These popular companies all use Benzoyl Peroxide
Proactiv
Acne.ORG
Skin ID
Neutrogena
There are probably many more that I can't currently think of, but you get the idea.
Benzoyl Peroxide linked to cancer tumors
I continued doing more and more research around the net. Most of the articles are the same. I read this article titled, Can Proactiv cause Cancer and it basically discussed how Benzoyl peroxide was a "tumor promoter" and also a "tumor progression agent" in a number of animal studies.
This is pretty messed up. I want to keep my skin clear, but is this seriously worth it? It may be time to look for more natural methods.
Proactiv advanced blemish spot treatment is simply awesome. What a long name huh? I don't know if that's exactly what it's called, but it really works. I wasn't very consistent with Proactiv last week so in return, I got a pimple.
I applied some of this Practiv Advanced Blemish Spot Treatment and my pimple was basically gone the next morning.
Now I know, you're thinking, "That's not possible. You're full of it." But really, this stuff works and it works well. The main reason it works is because of the stronger 6% Benzoyl Peroxide instead of the weaker 2%. With that being said you may want to make a note not to apply this stuff over your entire face. Otherwise, your skin will likely become really dry which is never fun.
This is definitely a recommend product! Cleared my pimple overnight!
This was actually based upon a simple request. One of my readers wanted me to point this out to the rest of my readers. That is, dirty pillow cases can worsen your acne.
This is a pretty straight forward post and there really isn't too much to talk about in it. I just wanted to let you guys know that it does you no good to wash your face at night, if you're just going to got and lay your face on a dirty pillow case.
With that being said,
Try to wash your pillow case at least once a week.
And try not to smash your face into your pillow when you sleep.
Why are dirty pillow cases bad for acne
Well, because they're dirty. They're full of oils from your hair. These oils are said to make acne worse. So just be sure to keep your pillow cases clean for clear skin.
Does toothpaste clear acne? I have actually already answered this question in another one of my posts, but many people are still asking me whether or not toothpaste will clear their acne. Here's the deal, in my opinion, toothpaste will not get rid of acne.
I have actually tried using this little toothpaste acne trick, technique, or whatever you want to call it many times and all it did for me was make me smell a little minty and make my skin a little dry and irriated.
So can toothpaste get rid of acne? No. Toothpaste will not clear your acne.
Simply browsing the internet can teach you so much sometimes. I have been getting a lot of comments on Youtube as of late, and a lot of people are telling me that their skin cleared when they eliminated milk and other dairy products from their diet.
Now I have to be straight, I am never going to give up milk or dairy products. Seriously, they're all too good. However, are some people seriously having acne success by simply giving up dairy products?
Reduce milk intake and acne will clear...
I began to do some research on the internet like I usually do and I found that if you actually reduce your intake of or stop drinking milk altogether, your skin will actually become clearer.
Why is milk suspected to cause acne?
Well, just as I guessed, it has something to do with the hormones derived in cow's milk. Now, I must admit that I am not expert in this area so I would definitely recommend searching Google a little on the subject.
