The Role Of Vitamin A In Acne Treatments

Currently, there are plenty of vitamin A-based medications used in treating mild to severe kinds of acne. These vitamin A-based medications or retinoids can be divided into three generations:

• First Generation This category includes tretinoin, retinol, isotretinoin, alitretinoin, and retinal.

• Second Generation Acitretin and etretinate are some examples of vitamin A-based medicines belonging in this category.

• Third Generation Bexarotene and tazarotene are examples of this kind of retinoid.

All of these medications are either natural or synthetic versions of vitamin A and they are popular among dermatologists because of their effectiveness as acne treatments. Retinoids come in different concentrations and forms. It can be bought as gels, creams, or oral pills.

But when did this nutrient's reputation as a potent acne treatment began? According to experts, vitamin A was discovered between 1912 and 1914 by M. Davis and Elmer V. McCollum. Several decades later, experts were able to synthesize a version of vitamin A. However, this nutrient's role in the advancement of acne medications gained popularity during the sixties, with its synthetic versions developed during the following decades. As of today, retinoids are still used by many dermatologists in treating breakouts.

This organic substance is good for your eyes, bones, skin, and immune system. As a treatment for zits, this potent nutrient can help regulate the shedding of your skin cells. One factor behind breakouts is the production of excess skin cells that can clog your pores and trap in excess oils, creating a breeding ground for the pimple-causing bacteria. These clogged pores can then turn into zits or pimples, signaling the presence of acne.

Aside from the skin cell-regulating ability of this natural substance, it can also help reduce swelling, making it a popular choice when dealing with inflammatory kinds of acne.

However, some kinds of retinoids are still a topic of debate among some experts since most of them are not meant to be used while the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding because of the serious health risks. An example is isotretinoin, commercially known as accutane. According to clinical studies, this drug might actually cause congenital defects. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient but if it is used in excess amounts or synthetic versions are used, it becomes toxic and harmful to a growing fetus.

Other drawbacks of vitamin A-based acne medicines include irritation, redness, flaking, a stinging or burning sensation, and psychological problems such as depression, although the last one is only linked to accutane. These are the reasons why some don't bother to use retinoids when treating their breakouts.

The discovery of this nutrient's role in the production of skin cells was an important event in the history of acne treatments. Until today, some severe kinds of acne that have not responded to other medications can only be treated through isotretinoin.

Because vitamin A-based acne medicines pose serious health risks, always consult an expert first before using such treatments. For more information on the risks and benefits of retinoids and other potent acne medicines, visit http://www.acnerecovery.com

Kat Daez is a writer for Intelligraph Corporation, specializing in skincare and acne treatments. For more information about using vitamin-a and other antioxidants to treat acne, visit http://www.acnerecovery.com

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Natural Home Remedy for Acne

Are you self conscious about your skin? Have you struggled with acne for years and never found a long term cure? Have you seen multiple dermatologists who prescribe topical creams and oral antibiotics that only offer temporary fixes?

I have been there. I have used every cream, soap, and peel imaginable to get rid of acne breakouts. I have visited dermatologists and filled prescriptions and never found anything that worked for longer than a few days. I have however found a solution.

If you are tired of trying endless topical creams and oral antibiotics, read on for 7 natural home remedies for acne. You can have clear skin without all of those harsh chemicals and without taking a pill for the rest of your life.

1. Make sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Fresh fruits and veggies are great for your skin because they provide you with many essential vitamins and minerals. Try making a smoothie or just adding an extra serving of vegetables at one of your meals. Snaking on nuts can also be good for your skin. Especial Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds because they are a good source of selenium and zinc. These minerals are essential for getting rid of pimples and blemishes!

2. Drink lots of water!

Drinking water is a must for clear skin. When skin becomes dehydrated, dead skin cells are not shed fast enough. This clogs pores and leads to breakouts.

3. Start consuming probiotics.

Antibiotics can be harmful to your skin. Antibiotics try to rid your body of harmful substances from the inside out. Sometimes these substances (mostly bacteria) can get caught in your skin and cause pimples and clogged pores. By making sure you are getting Probiotics, which can be found in honey, onions, artichokes, and bananas, to restore the good bacteria that your body produces naturally.

4. Try to use only natural products on your skin.

Many cosmetics and facial soaps contain harmful ingredients, such as animal bi-products and mineral oil, which clog pores. By using natural products you can be sure that the products you are using to treat your skin are not causing your skin harm. Tea tree oil is great because of its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

5. Reduce stress

Stress is a major cause of acne breakouts! Stress causes a hormonal imbalance which leads to an increase in sebum. Sebum is a greasy substance that clogs pores and causes breakouts. Try exercising. This gets rid of stress and increases blood flow to the skin.

6. Reduce sugar and refined carbs (white breads, pastas, and rice)

Foods high in sugar and refined carbs lead to an increase in insulin in your body. This causes an increase in male hormones, which also causes an increase in sebum production. Once again causing bacteria in the skin cells that leads to pimples.

7. Last, but not least, increase exposure to sunshine and fresh air!

Exposure to sun stimulates vitamin D production in the body. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for clear skin. Also, fresh air helps to reduce stress and increase oxygen to the skin. Just make sure not to burn! Sunburned or heavily tanned skin creates a thick layer of skin cells which can cause dead skin cells to become trapped and cause breakouts. Fresh air can increase circulation to the skin which will help your skin be able to reproduce new skin cells faster.

Jennifer is a full time teacher by profession, but has spent years searching for a way to get clear skin. If you want to start the journey to clear skin today, visit http://www.we-review-for-you.com/skincarereview.html for more information on natural remedies for acne

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