My Quest to Lose Weight Without Surgery

Hello again everyone. Tonight was a painful experience. I went out for my run, and did what so many people do - I started out way too quickly. One thing that all runners should do is pick, and stick to, a good pace. If you start out going too quickly you will burn out very fast. By the end of lap two, I was spent. I ended up having to walk 1/4 lap on the 3rd and 4th laps.

I will remember tomorrow night to start out with my regular pace and quit trying to super-man my way through my runs. Whoever said 'slow and steady wins the race' was right.

I started adding free weights to my workout today. I have a 5lb, 10 lb and 25 lb hand weights. I saw an Oprah show years ago where this mother of eight still had a stellar figure due to her weight regiment. They say that you should lift a light weight many times. The secret is doing a lot of reps with the light weight. I do three sets of ten lifts (per arm) with the 5lb weight. I follow that up with 2 sets of ten with the 10lb weight, and crush out 2 sets of 5 reps with the 25 lb weight.

Doing it this way, I know I will see definition with a week. I have also experienced definite results within two weeks when I do several different abdominal exercises daily. (I have yet to add those but I think I might start tomorrow.)

I am still monitoring what I am eating. This morning it was scrambled eggs for breakfast, grilled chicken & avocado for lunch, 2 strips of bacon and several cups of coffee for dinner, and loads of water. I had a snack of 2tbsp of peanut butter today and will most-likely have some sugar free jello before I go to bed.

I also took my daughter out for a twenty minute walk after my run. She has been saying she never gets to spend alone time with me, so I took her for a late night walk. She thought it was pretty cool! Don't be afraid to incorporate your children into your workouts, children love hanging out with their parents and the extra exercise is SO good for them. Luckily, my daughter is not overweight, but the cardio is great for her circulatory system. We 'race' sometimes and she absolutely LOVES to jog with me. She obviously can't jog very far, as she is only seven years old, but we lightly jog to the end of the street together. It makes her feel so strong and important to be able to 'keep up' with her mom.

I did some lunges tonight too, after my run, so I have a feeling I will be moaning and groaning about being sore tomorrow! I have read for years that lunges are the most important and effective exercise for women, as it tones the legs, hips and buttocks more effectively than any other exercise. I believe it. It has produced excellent results for me in the past. Just be sure to look up the PROPER form for doing a CORRECT lung. Otherwise, you are just wasting your time and could be injuring your muscles. Only an exercise done correctly will produce results!

Wicked Autumn Apple Sangria

Enchilada Sloppy Joe Recipe

 

2015 Weight Loss New Years Resolutions - What Worked and Did Not Work

With only a month left in 2015, let`s look at my New Years resolutions I made back in January. Guess what? Unlike most people, I lost weight. I will show you what techniques worked and did not work to get me fit. Including some helpful tips if you expect on adding weight loss to this year resolution list. But my goal of loosing weight was just a petty dream that would never come true, or at least I believed.

Today most people will ask me "Did you have a specific routine?" No, because keeping the same routine becomes boring and annoying. So what I did was workout for exactly one hour and a half every day to limit myself and still enjoy life. The things I did though changed daily so I could be surprised to know what I am randomly going to do next. Some activities would include walking, running, climbing, swimming, playing the extravagant Wii Fit, etc. For example, one day I would walk 1 mile on a trail, the next I would swim 50 laps at my local pool or the beach. Other days I would go rock climbing or a 1/2 mile walk up a mountain path. I always managed to track my calories with a calorie counting watch that can be found in the exercise section at your local department store. I would burn any where from 300 to 800 calories a day. It is said that there is 3500 calories in every pound, so every couple of days I managed to loose a pound. After gaining momentum from running I decided to join a running club which led me to successfully completing a 5K one month later. One thing that didn`t work for me was over doing it or in other words working out to much. It did not work because it left me super tired and out of energy to go on throughout my day. My new saying is that if you exercise daily you can live a healthy happy life. This rained true because it Lead me to my grand total of loosing 53 lbs.

Now with every great weight loss, comes a special and nutritious diet. For me I had to first cut out all sweet snacks because of the processed ingredients that lead to fat build up from excess sugar. I consumed Quaker bars, fruit pops, Jello, and fruit for snacks that would quickly digest instead of turning into pure fat. Also, I had to make sure I was restoring my nutrients after workouts so I made little ham sandwiches with whole wheat bread or have a lite snack never more than 200 calories. For primary meals, I retreated from fried or greasy foods that cause harm like clogged arteries. Instead, I would enjoy turkey burgers, grilled chicken, eggs, and other healthy substances. (Mainly Jenny O products). Another key for me was to eat slowly so my own body would tell me when I was full. This can keep yourself from feeling over indulged and over eating. As your day goes on make sure to keep a log that has the daily percentages of what you have consumed. This is important to do so you know you had you recommended daily amount of vitamins and other nutrients. Also remember your daily value of calories should not be over 2000. Starvation is one thing that really did not work overall because it might have made me loose the pounds but it sucked up all my energy making me malnourished which resulted in illness. (NOTE: This can cause death!)

Now has come the time to tell you about the top 3 worst "bumps in the road" I encountered since starting my weight loss journey.

1) The Sweets
These little treats may be tasty but don`t be fooled they are calorie packed sugar bombs adding fat to you in every bite. It is very hard to avoid these for instance while I was still on my diet and weight loss training I went to the beach one day not knowing that a brand new ice cream bar opened. So I checked it out and it ended with me buying a 900 calorie ice cream cone. This is an example of giving in. But what I did to over come this was buying healthy Weight Watchers ice cream bars. What I am trying to say is that there is always a healthy version of every bad food item.

2) Vacation
Fast food is an almost irresistible because it is cheap and everywhere but just because your hungry does not mean you have to eat a million calories. So what I did to over come this was pre-packing before going on a trip with foods such as healthy sandwiches and granola bars.

3) Work Without The Workout
Working is the number one cause why most people can`t loose any weight because it takes time away from you to get in your routine. Which can automatically result in you actually gaining weight. The way I avoided this was waking up early in the morning before work and taking a short walk or vise versa if you get off from work late.

So ultimately if you work out every day you can get in shape just with in a year of your resolutions. So if you have not started your mission to be fit add weight loss to your 2011 list. As for me I am doing amazing with the weight I lost.

A Weight Loss Journey

March 1, 2014, I remember the day very clearly. This is the day I had a change in the way I thought about losing weight, and from there my journey on losing 100 lbs. began.

I'm not sure what was different about that day, only that I had a "shift" in my mindset, a new way of thinking. I guess I really believed in myself and that I could really lose the weight once and for all. Making life style changes and losing weight not only changes you on the outside, but it changes you most on the inside. You become a new person, almost like a butterfly freeing itself from a cocoon. The cocoon I had allowed to engulf my life, to keep me enclosed from all that life had to offer, and all I had to offer life.

The weight loss, well that is the easy part, the hard part is making up your mind that you can do it, that you have what it takes, that you won't give up on yourself, that you mean enough to yourself to get healthy first for yourself and second for those who love you. I started exercising every morning, a little at first and then progressed from there. I learned about healthy foods and I learned to eat in moderation. I incorporated more fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods and foods high in fiber into my diet. One day built on another and soon it started to feel right. It became a habit, a good habit. I have more energy throughout my day. I feel great on the inside and out.

I never drempt when I started on my weight loss journey the responses I would get from others. It is sad to say, but people really respond to you differently when you lose weight. You get noticed more, people tend to look at you in a different way. I feel the reason is not with the other people but within yourself. You carry yourself with more confidence, you have more pep in your step, you look people in the eye more. It's almost like your confidence demands other's attention.

Most people who are overweight use food as a means of pushing down feelings, numbing yourself. Im not saying all people do, but this has been my experience. We used food almost like an alcoholic uses alcohol to numb feelings. But now I have learned to look at food as a means of nourishing my body. Of course I still enjoy food, I just make healthier food choices, and eating foods in moderation.

It seems from my experience that people around you get "used" to the old you and change is hard, not only for the person losing weight but for those around you. Don't get me wrong, some people are very supportive, but not everyone will be happy for you, not everyone will rejoice in your accomplishment, and may even try to sabbotage your weight loss. I just had to realize that is their issue, not mine and keep on with my journey. Let's face it, cahnge is hard for people. It's easier to focus on other's people's problems then to be accountable for your own areas you need to clean up.

All in all, this weight loss journey has been all worth it. I would never go back to the old person I was. Life is so much more enjoyable. It's easier to move throughout life when you're healthy. It's not about fitting into a certain size, it weighing a certain number on the scale, for me it's about doing each day what it takes to make my body strong, healthy, moving my body everyday and continue on this journey.

Losing Weight Isn't a Mystery

We live in a society where weight loss has become such a huge industry because of poor diet and inactivity. There are popular television shows like the Biggest Loser and entire networks dedicated to fitness. Late night television infomercials try to provide a quick fix for the overweight. All of this is unnecessary because fitness is extremely easy to learn. I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year because I realized that I had to learn how to exercise and eat to improve my health and overall lifestyle.

The first thing I did was start exercising. This is the most vital step toward weight loss. It is natural for the body to crave food in times of plenty, but it is also natural for the body to be in a statement of movement to burn calories. Sedentary lifestyles do not fit in with our evolutionarily designed bodies. Our ancestors were busy chasing their dinner, not sitting at a desk.

Any kind of exercise is beneficial. Ideally a work-out regimen should consist of weight lifting, cardio, and an overall active lifestyle. Weight lifting actually tears muscles slightly. And while it sounds bad, the body is in a constant state of repair and growth, so weightlifting fits into that natural process. Muscle uses more calories than fat, and weight lifting will increase metabolic rate in the 24-hour recovery period after exercise. Cardio is also essential for a strong heart and to burn calories quickly. And simply moving around in day to day life can burn 700 calories more for a 180 pound male and 500 calories more for a 140 pound female.

Diet is also essential to losing weight. Fast food chains and packaged meals are terrible for health and not conducive to weight loss. An ideal natural weight loss diet will not look much different than the food pyramid that you learned in high school. Lean meats are essential for protein that will fill you up and help you repair your muscles and cells from working out. Whole grains and rices will provide energy from natural carbohydrates. Finally fruits and vegetables are great ways to get vitamins and minerals for an extra burst of energy. Don't be afraid to have an occasional cheeseburger or candy bar as long as you're working out hard and it's eaten in moderation.

Weight loss isn't that different from what you learned from your high school health and physical education teachers. It isn't a complicated thing; in fact it's natural to our bodies. Using gimmicks, weight-loss shakes, fancy workout machines, and diet pills won't make you thin, but they will leave your wallet thin and they can affect your health. So just follow some easy steps. Be active, find some motivation to get healthy, and eat natural, unprocessed food. The weight will start coming off and you'll be happier and healthier.

Acne Causes, Types and Treatments

Testosterone often induces acne to come out in athletes who use performance enhancing drugs. Acne fulminansis is caused by testosterone and can have diverse affects on the body that wouldn't ordinarily be imparted to acne. Symptoms may include:

Severe pocking

Sore joints

Rising and falling fever

Diminished appetite

Weight loss

Speedy attack of acne

Pocking is often found with people who have suffered from acne fulminansis. This comes from collagen that's formed to cure the cells that have been injured by acne. This oftentimes leads to excessive scarring.

Testosterone comes from cholesterol and is developed in the testicles of the man. Women produce small amounts of testosterone in ovaries. Testosterone courses through the body and then bonds to the androgen receptors. Both men and women have androgen receptors but the two sexes react to them otherwise. Testosterone isn't only the cause of acne in athletes and it doesn't have to be performance-enhancing. Testosterone is often the cause of formation of acne at pubescence. It can also affect women later in life too. At pubescence, the testosterone levels increase and drives the body to increase its sebum output and increases the oiliness of skin and hair, inducing eruptions.

Body acne is another condition that is endured by many people and it just goes to show that acne is not confined to the face. Body acne impacts both teenagers and adults. It may come out on their back, neck and shoulders. It can also come out on the chest and buttocks. There are various factors that can cause this acne to happen including:

Tight fitting clothing

Perspiration

Clothing that can't "breathe"

People who are physically active are often prone to body acne. This is particularly true if they wear clothing such as spandex. Spandex traps fluids against the skin and induces it to block the hair follicles and pores.

Body acne can be like facial acne, but it can surface in some awkward places. Skin that is situated on the body is often denser and more susceptible to friction that is caused by clothing that fits tightly and rubs on the skin.

There are various classes of acne that can range from modest to dangerous. It can be found on several parts of the body. Mild acne can be self-treated, but severe cases are best cared for by a dermatologist or health care provider. The most common type of acne includes your typical blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, cysts and nodules. 

Blackheads, or comedones, occur in pores that are partly blocked off. Sebum, dead cells and bacteria will slowly drain to the sking surface and then the black color is caused by the skin pigment being open to air. These often takes a long time to clear up.

Whiteheads are comedones also, but they are slightly different than blackheads. These are caused by pores that are entirely blocked off and deposited under the surface of the skin.

Papules are small reddened bumps on your skin. These incline to be very tender and induce discomfort. These may cause pocking, so try not to touch or squeeze these.

Pustules are red bumps are what we know as pimples or zits. These pustules appear as a red circle with a white or yellow center.

Nodules are much bigger than other kinds of acne. These are severe lumps that come out below the surface of the skin, which can be really irritating and endure for a great deal of time. This kind of acne is very vulnerable to pocking and it is advisable to have them cared for by a skin doctor.

Cysts are very similar to nodules, except that they are satiated with pus. These are often irritating and may pock if left untreated. These should also be treated by a skin doctor.

Acne Conglobata is a relatively uncommon class of acne vulgaris. It can be defacing and cause serious distress both psychologically and physically. These are often very large lesions that form on your face, chest, buttocks, back, upper arms and thighs. It is also followed by blackheads. This often causes damage and lasting pocking. This is often a condition that comes out more in men than in women. This condition is known to endure for several years.

Acne Fulminans is frequently the sudden appearance of Acne Conglobata and is followed by a fever and aching joints. This is commonly cared for with oral steroids.

Gram-Negative Folliculitis condition can be caused by long-term treatment of acne with antibiotic drug* and is a bacterial infection, which causes cysts and pustules.

Pyoderma Facia is a kind of acne that impacts females between the ages of 20 and 40. This can induce very irritating pustules, nodules and cysts. They come out on the face and leave a permanent pocking. This often occurs in women who have never had acne before and often clears up in about a year.

Baby acne often evidences itself as white bumps that come out on the baby's torso. This is really nothing to worry about and it is very natural. Baby acne is traced back to the hormones that infiltrate the placenta to the baby. The condition may also develop several days or weeks after birth. When the baby experiences the surge of hormones right before birth, they often acquire baby acne. This condition can be soothed with a mild soap and lukewarm water once per day. Do not use lotions or oils as it may exacerbate the skin. You also want to avoid excessive cleansing and scrubbing. Baby acne is not caused by dirt or debris so scouring doesn't help.

Acne Dysmorphiais not technically a physical condition induced by acne, but it is a mental condition. This can be a very draining illness that may come out with someone who has a preoccupation with deformity. In this case the person is totally obsessed with acne. They believe that their acne is horrible, when in actuality it may not be all that bad. They are often obsessed by checking themselves in a mirror and obsessively checking on their skin flaws.

Billions of people have acne eruptions, but these people are unable to get rid of acne. In fact, this disorder has nothing to do with acne. This disorder is related to anorexia nervosa. In acne dysmorphia, acne is a trigger; in anorexia, weight is a trigger; These people are obsessed with their skin and it is not unusual for this type of person to incessantly look in the mirror and obsess about their skin.

Acne dysmorphia has been successfully treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors as well as hypnosis. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a psychological treatment for depression related disorders. Group therapy sessions with people who suffer from similar troubles have allowed people to relieve themselves from the obsession that they suffer from. People with this condition have also been treated with antidepressants and other medications.

Scalp folliculitis is when the pores on your scalp become clogged. This condition has a diversity of names, but it is simply scalp acne. Scalp acne can impact anyone of any age. This type of acne is not restricted to just the scalp.

In fact, it can show up anywhere hair follicles are located including:
Armpits
Arms
Leg
Face

These are small pustules that are of a whitish-yellow color. Hair will often rise directly through these pustules. When you pluck at them, they may ooze with sebum and bloodstained pus. The hair may also grow right next to the area, but the pustule is still in the hair follicle. This condition tends to be fairly itchy and people find it difficult not to touch them. The pustules can be situated anywhere on the scalp, but often only impacts a small area. This problem is formed the same way that acne is formed. This acne involves a bacterium that becomes ensnared in the hair follicle. P. acnes is often the perpetrator in this problem. Staphylococcus bacterium is also known to cause this condition. Staphylococcus bacterium is known to induce additional problems such as eye and nose infections.

Some people may acquire scalp folliculitis when they sit in hot baths or other warm and moist locations that are not chlorinated. The temperature softens the scalp and lets the hair follicles be more susceptible to bacteria and infection. Ingrown hairs also cause it, as they are the perfect breeding ground for this bacterium.

Other causes include:
Diabetes
Excessive perspiration
Tight clothing
Unhealthful conditions
Exposure to both heat and humidity
Dermatitis
Eczema
Influenza and common cold*

Scalp folliculitis is contagious and can be passed from one individual to another. People need to be sure to use clean towels. Don't share items such as:
Towels
Brushes
Combs
Hair Accessories
Pillow cases

If scalp folliculitis is a persistent problem, be sure to visit a doctor. They will help you to determine if the infection is caused by a bacteria or fungus, which is another factor that can cause this condition. They will help you find an suitable treatment plan as well. Many doctors will prescribe an nonprescription cream that is applied to the area daily. These treatments may be Bacitracin, Neomycin and Mycitracin. These are applied three to four times per day.

Treat Baby Acne with Basic Baby Care

When Dealing with baby acne, there really isn't a whole lot a parent can do outside of the basic baby caring duties. Studies show that approximately 20% of newborn babies suffer from acne starting when they're around three or four weeks old and generally shows up more in male babies. Baby acne usually shows up as red, pimple like bumps along with whiteheads on the cheeks, forehead and chin. Although this condition can be very worrisome for parents, there is nothing serious to worry about since baby acne typically goes away around the 4 month old mark. Here is how your can treat baby acne with basic baby care.

Make Sure It's Acne
Identify that your are dealing with baby acne and not some other skin condition before you start treatment. The skin of newborn babies is extremely sensitive and can be irritated from a number of things. Acne in babies usually consist of red bumps in the chin cheek and forehead area along with whiteheads.

Get Rid of Excess Oil
Throughout the day, gently dab excess oil from your baby's skin. This can be done with a clean cloth by gently dabbing the areas that are oily. While doing this, make sure you don't rub the skin otherwise you may cause more skin irritation.

Wash With A Gently Baby Wash
This is something you should already be doing since babies skin is so sensitive. Use a gentle baby wash to cleanse your babies face once a day. Washing more than once a day can dry out the skin and may cause baby acne to get worse.

Keep Bedding Clean
Everything that touches your babies skin should be clean. This includes pillows, blankets, sheets, etc. Doing this will reduce the chance of causing more skin irritation to your baby's skin and help baby acne go away sooner. You should also make sure you and anyone else who holds your baby keep their clothing away from your baby's skin by using a clean blanket as an underlay.

As a parent you need to remember that baby acne is a temporary condition. It's important for you not to get frustrated while dealing with it. It's okay to do all the things that you would normally do with your newborn baby such as going shopping, taking pictures, etc. Before you know it, your babies skin condition will be gone and you'll forget they even had it.

10 Ways for You to Lose Weight for Good

With obesity as a growing problem, many people are flocking to the internet to find a cure. The problem is that there are too many people that are just doing it wrong. I will show you 10 different ways to lose weight and keep it off forever.

1. Eat right
Remember this... diet is everything! You can go to the gym every day but if you're not eating right, then you're going to see minimal results. Your diet should be high in protein and stay away from trans fats.

2. Stay active
Staying active is important. The best way to exercise is by doing something you like. Join a basketball league or take up scuba diving. If you plan on sitting at home on the computer all day, then plan on only eating about 1,000 calories a day to lose weight... not gonna happen!

3. Eat more, lose more weight
Healthy foods that is. Replace your daily junk with greens and high protein foods. Watch how much of a difference it can make in your first couple of weeks.

4. Take a walk
Don't want to run or go to the gym? Then take a walk. Walking a couple of miles a day is great exercise. Need motivation? Need a walking buddy? Get a dog!

5. Tell your friends
Be open about your honest attempt at weight loss. Tell your friends and family that you are going to lose 50 pounds before the summer starts. This is a great motivator.

6. Take a multivitamin
Vitamins can aid weight loss. Your body needs vitamins to function properly. If you want your weight loss to be 100% effective than your body has to be working at 100% too. Too many people harm their bodies when trying to lose weight.

7. Portion your meals
A lot of people have trouble giving up their favorite foods and desserts. If losing that extra 50 pounds is worth it then you'll stop completely. But for the average person, just portion your meals. If you eat 3 scoops of ice cream every night before bed, change it to one scoop. By the end of the week, you would have skipped 14 scoops of ice cream. Do you think that'll make a difference?

8. Don't be lazy
From now on, if you need to go to the store that is half a mile away, don't drive. Walk there. It takes your mind off the exercise part and can be quite relaxing. Trade your power lawn mower for a push mower. Take the stairs, not the elevator. Park in the back of the parking lot.

9. Drink a lot of water
They tell us to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. I know, drinking 8-10 glasses of water is the last thing on our mind everyday. Try to get at least 5 and remember to keep yourself hydrated. This goes back to step 6 where I said if you want to lose weight with effectiveness you've got to keep your body effective.

10. Motivate yourself mentally
Put pictures of supermodels on your computer background. Look up images of people walking beautiful island beaches in two piece bikinis. Read other motivational weight loss stories. Be creative.
Overall, you have to be mentally up for the challenge. Just think of how many people think that you can't do it. Prove them wrong. Live a long healthy life. Don't eat uncontrollably, have self-control.

7 Healthy No-Nonsense Weight Loss Tips

Nowadays few people look in the mirror and like what they see. Most folks would like to shed a few (or many) pounds. The challenge for people interested in weight loss tips is in finding those tips that are a healthy way to lose weight

Many diet plans offer fast weight loss. Exciting as it may be to see those pounds come off fast, though, rapid weight loss has its downside - formation of wrinkles, nutritional depletion, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and possibly the formation of gallstones. Other side effects of rapid weight loss include: fatigue, hair loss, headaches, and irritability.

Choose Your Words Carefully
The first weight loss tip is to reorient the mind toward the idea of weight reduction - notice the use of the word 'reduction' instead of 'loss.' When folks think of a loss, their minds and bodies immediately react with an urge to hold onto what they might lose. Thus if they refer to weight 'loss,' people subconsciously program their minds to grab whatever they are losing back, in this instance weight.

Bring More Love into Your Life
The second weight 'reduction' tip involves people figuring out why they are holding onto excess weight. Many people use food to compensate for love they feel they did not get in childhood or are currently not getting. If they see themselves as unlovable because they are overweight, they may even be blocking the love they could receive. Figuring out how to replace the love they perceive as lost or not available can go a long way toward negating the need for excess food.

One of the easiest yet most difficult ways for people to get more love into their lives is to learn to love themselves. Because each person is his own harshest critic, learning to love themselves can be a daunting task for most people. Yet it is also an easy task - multiple daily repetitions of the following phrases can work miracles in a person's ability to love himself or herself within just two weeks.
Record the following sentences and then play them back several times each day:

I love myself just the way I am. I am loveable in every possible way. I acknowledge my flaws and I love myself as a flawed person. I love my body. I am perfect in my imperfection. I love my ability to change. I love myself as I change and incorporate a healthy lifestyle into my life. I love myself when I eat healthy foods. I love myself when I eat healthy portions of food.

Foods to Avoid
Eating healthy means avoiding junk foods, diet sodas, eating between meals, and snacking in front of the television as they all promote weight gain.

Foods to Choose
Opt for low carbohydrate, high protein meals as they have been shown to increase weight reduction. Also eat lots of veggies, and include foods that researchers have determined help fight obesity such as blueberries (potent anthrocyanins), red grapes (resveratrol in their skins), green tea and foods seasoned with curcumin.

Supplement Your Nutritional Needs
Find out what your nutritional deficiencies are and correct them. This allows the body to better heal physical problems including excess weight.

Consider Taking Vitamin D Supplements
Vitamin D supplements have been shown to promote weight loss in persons who are Vitamin D deficient (and most people are).

Get a Good Night's Sleep
Lastly, get a good night's sleep. Research has determined that being sleep deprived can cause weight gain by increasing appetite and decreasing metabolism.
Once people have implemented some of these weight 'loss' (reduction) strategies, the next time they look in the mirror they are much more apt to like what they see.

5 Easy Steps for Abdominal Weight Loss

If one of your goals is to lose fat in your abdominal area, I have a few quick and easy tips for you. As a matter of fact, you will be able to burn a few inches from the waist in around 4 weeks. The results are fast, and they get better in a shorter amount of time.

1) Start by eating more. Your body needs calories, and if it doesn't receive them, your metabolism will act upon it, and your calories will be hidden away. Passing up breakfast in the morning is a very bad idea. Truth is, those who skip breakfast have an increased chance to be fat. Sad, but true. Balance your diet and eat properly. Also, try not to skip meals. Your body needs as much nutrients as it can handle, so be generous and eat properly.

2) Losing weight fast is your goal, and jogging isn't something you want to look into if you want to lose weight fast. Instead, go very fast for about 20 seconds, and then lighten up and go a bit slower. This will cause sort of like a burn after affect and your body will be in fat-burning mode after you exercise.

3) Do not drink sodas or liquids with a lot of sugar in them. Calories infest fruit juices and soft drinks, as well as caffeinated drinks. It would help to study the nutritional facts label. However, remember to stick with water. Regular water, and lots of it. This is a crucial step in weight loss of the abdominal area.

4) Limit your eating. If you are at a restaurant, remove a quarter of the food you get. The portions you get at fast food places and restaurants is quite large, so practice this habit, and watch your eating levels.

5) Stay motivated and have a set of goals! Make sure to put one hundred percent into whatever you're doing. Keep your eye on what you want to achieve, and you will get your results in no time.

6) Sign up at a fitness center. Make use of all the machines and don't let people get you down. When you have that flat stomach you always wanted, your quality of life will increase drastically. You gain a lot of confident and with confidence, you will be able to achieve more in life. It's hard managing all of these steps, but if you pull through, you will be glad you did.

Understanding Acne and Choosing the Most Suitable Treatment Product

At one time or the other we have all struggled with acne. In some of us it may be severe and persistent. In others it may be mild and recurring. We are always on the look out for what would rid us of this problem once and for all. A large number of skin care and acne treatment products are available on the market. Not knowing what would work best for you can mean aggravating your problem or wasting money on ineffective treatment. Here is a guide on understanding acne and choosing the best treatment product available to you. After all healthy, clear skin makes you look and feel beautiful.

What causes acne and how to get rid of acne
Acne may be caused due to a number of reasons. Contrary to popular perception they are not always related to poor hygiene. Here are the most common causes of acne.

1) Hormonal imbalance
Starting or stopping birth control pills, stress at home or work, pregnancy, onset of puberty, imbalanced diet - all these cause hormonal imbalances. In many cases these are one time imbalances which the body sets right. At other times these may be recurring imbalances which cause acne often.

2) Oiliness
Oil is secreted by glands in one of the layers of the skin to protect it, make it water proof and to get rid of dead skin cells. However excessive oiliness can cause acne.

3) Bacteria
The presence of a certain kind of bacteria causes swelling and reddening on spots, which leads to acne. These bacteria affect the red blood cells causing them to secrete an enzyme which in turn causes this chain reaction

4) Genes
The thickness and oiliness of our skin and some of our hormone levels are hereditary. If our parents struggled with acne it is likely that we will too.

5) Unsafe beauty products
With the myriad options of skin care and beauty products on the market. We don't always make an informed decision. Unsafe products irritate the skin and cause acne or aggravate an existing problem. Using a strong soap or washing the face too often irritates the skin and makes it dry. The oil glands go on an overdrive to balance the pH of the skin. This makes acne worse.

6) Touching the skin too often
Our fingers pick up germs from everything we touch and easily transfer them to the delicate skin on our face. This is a leading cause for acne. Pinching and squeezing facial skin only makes the problem worse.

7) Exposure to the sun
Exposure to the hot sun even for over 15 minutes causes skin damage and excess oil secretion. This also causes acne.

Looking at the causes for acne outlined above, here are some general steps we need to take to care for our skin

1) Follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep and try to avoid prolonged periods of stress. Fruits and vegetables and plenty of water in your diet will immediately clear your skin and add a shine to your hair too.
2) Select skin care and beauty products with a lot of care.
3) Use a mild soap and warm water for washing the face, not more than twice or thrice a day
4) Make a conscious attempt to not touch, pinch or squeeze the skin unnecessarily and protect the skin from exposure to the sun.

If your acne is not severe or persistent, there are some simple home remedies which you can use to clear your skin. Try these gentle and natural treatments before subjecting your skin to harsh chemicals

1) Facial masks
If your skin is very oily, try using a mask made of oatmeal. Apply and allow it to dry for five minutes. It soaks up oil and scrubs the dead skin from your face when you wash it out. Do not use any kind of facial mask more than once a week.

Honey is also a great astringent. Mix some honey with grated apple, apply on face and wash off with warm water after five minutes

Always wash your face with cool water after a warm wash to close the pores and prevent dirt from re entering the skin.

2) Herbs
Drinking green tea regularly cleanses your system and results in clear skin. This is just one among many health benefits of green tea Try it once a day or even once in two days and see if it works for you.

Herbs like holy basil, turmeric, dandelion seeds and red clover, all help in treating acne. They can be taken internally or applied on the skin. Many herbal remedy resources are available on line. Use a dependable source and try what looks suitable for you. Even if you find they are not effective, you can be sure that they wont cause any harm to your skin. Herbs also have other benefits like providing relaxation and purifying the blood.

Acne Treatment Products
A number of treatment products are available in many forms. Here are some tips on how to chose what is good for you.

1) Oily skin- You can use products which have an alcohol base. High oiliness is aggravated by lotions and creams. Alcohol provides better coverage, evaporates quickly and does not add moisture to your skin. It may cause some irritation on normal or dry skin.

2) normal to oily skin - Creams, foams or gels can be used for this skin type. Creams add a moderate amount of moisture to the skin and are absorbed quickly. Gels and foams only add a low amount of moisture. Foams cover a large area but are expensive. Creams and gels cover smaller areas and are less expensive. If your skin needs more moisture, chose a gel which contains glycerin.

3) Normal to dry - Ointment based products are best for drier skin. Ointments are more greasy, they add more moisture to the skin and don't cause irritation in most cases.

4) General - Lotions may be suitable for most skin types. They cover a large area, they are easily absorbed, and they may add high moisture to the skin.

5) Watch for allergic side effects - Once you have selected an acne treatment product, try it on a small patch of skin on the neck and check for inflammation or redness. If you don't see any allergic reactions try using it. Do not apply more than the recommended measure or more often than recommended. If you see any redness or experience irritation, wash immediately and discontinue use. it makes sense to buy a small pack of the product you are trying and then buy a bigger pack if it is effective.

6) Fragrance free products - Fragrance free products are less likely to irritate the skin.

7) Benzoyl peroxide - Use a product with low benzoyl peroxide, about 2.5 % and use it regularly. Higher concentration can cause irritation. benzoyl peroxide makes it difficult for bacteria to grow and prevents pores from clogging. It does cause some dryness so use a good moisturizer after applying it.

8) Salicylic acid - This also a common ingredient in many over the counter treatments. It slows down the shedding of skin cells and prevents pores from being blocked. It also helps break down white heads and black heads.

9) Sulfur and resorcinol - these are the other active ingredients in acne treatment products. They may cause discoloration and irritation if you are allergic

10) Do not combine products - You may be allergic to one or more of these active ingredients. Select one with care after sufficient research. Do not combine the use of different products. It may increase irritation and aggravate your problem

11) Follow a regular regimen - Wash, medicate and moisturize your skin carefully and regularly twice a day.
Keeping all the above factors in mind, make some lifestyle changes that can help keep your skin healthy. This may be difficult but has plenty of other benefits as well and definitely worth trying. Try natural and herbal remedies at home for mild acne. If you have to use a commercial product, do your research before you pick one and take all the precautions outlined above while using it. If the acne persists, do not hesitate to talk to an expert. Prescription medication targeting your specific causes for acne may be the best solution for you. Only a dermatologist can help you in that case.

Helpful Ways to Clear Up Acne

Prescription and non-prescription medicine for clearing up acne can be effective. However, they can also cause side effects. That is why you may want to discover other ways to clear up acne. Keeping the face clean and hands away from the face is the start to restoration of healthy clean skin. Although applying natural remedies can help it along faster.

Begin by eating well. Consider what goes into your body. Your skin is the first tell tale sign of what's going on inside your body. If you are bubbling out with acne it could be a sign of toxins. Your body tries desperately to rid itself of unwanted debris. Acne is just one way of doing that. Minimize the amount of soda you drink. Drink plenty of water. Eat more fruits and vegetables and stay away from a lot of carbohydrates. Not only will your acne clear up but you'll feel great.

Use the herbs Neem or Shuddha Guggul. Both of these herbs have purifying effects. It has been found through research that when Neem is applied to the skin it can cure skin diseases. In addition to purifying Shuddha Guggul has rejuvenating abilities. These herbs are a good way to use homeopathic ways to clear up acne. It is also good to use in general for healthier skin.

A very common plant called Aloe Vera is an excellent homeopathic method to clear up acne. In addition to its healing properties: it also smoothes the skin. Dry skin will invite scratching. That means your hands will be touching your face. The bacteria on your hand will end up on your face. That will cause aggravation and more acne.

There is a reason why your face produces its own oil. Oil is beneficial to your skin. In ancient times using the extract from olive leaves has proven to fight infection. In addition to applying olive oil, using steam while massaging the oil in will help loosen up the hardened oil beneath the surface of the skin. This will help it come out and will improve the appearance of the skin. The same concept is used by professional massage therapists to get impurities out of the skin.

Reduce stress. If at all possible reduce the amount of stress in your life. Stress and anxiety affect your whole body. What happens inside the body will show up in your skin. Try and relax. Things happen. Somewhere along the line, something is going to go wrong. If we realize that life will have its ups and downs, we will expect that it won't be smooth and be able to handle the mishaps without getting stressed.

Why You Can't Lose Weight

Why can't we lose weight? We try so hard, but it is not that easy to give up those comfort foods. Those comfort foods are more than just a delicious dish, but its those extra calories that add up, and add up fast. Could this be just a bad habit? Probably, women we love our sweet chocolate snacks, and men love their salty snacks and a few extra calories from a cold beer as well.

What triggers this? Is this just an addiction? Food is a comfort, just like alcohol or smoking. They are addictions, and not easy to give up because that involves life change. We may enjoy waking up in the morning and having a hot cup of coffee with a buttered bagel or muffin verses a fruit cup and a glass of water to get the day going. Carbohydrates our bodies need, but some of us over indulge. To answer the question, yes it is an addiction. If we need to quit smoking or drinking alcohol our body is going to crave the nicotine, because it makes us feel good, the alcohol makes us feel good, so does food, it is no different.

The most important factor for you is going to be motivation, self-discipline and will power. If your a cereal person or a carbs person, get rid of the bagels, english muffins, and blueberry muffins. Go out and pick out three different cereals, all healthy of course. Special K now makes a chocolate cereal, healthy and helps with the sweet tooth craving. Have your coffee, minus the sugar or use a sugar substitute and have a bowl of cereal with lowfat or fat free milk. Your still satisfying your appetite and getting rid of all the extra calories. Now you need to do this with lunch and dinner time meals too. Try eating popcorn or pretzels if you have a snickering for a salty snack, its healthier and less fattening than potatoe chips or doritos. Sweet tooth time, try lowfat or fat free candies, as well as hard candies. Yogurt, is another great choice if you feel like having something sweet or a snack size cup of fat free jello or fat free pudding. Just by changing a few items on your menu, this will help you lose weight.

Another question to ask yourself, why do you want to lose weight? Is it for medical reasons, or just to look and feel better. Whichever the answer make sure your doing this because you want to. It is a much easier task to lose weight because you want to do it for you. Never lose weight because your friends or boyfriend wants you to. Whenever you need to break a bad habit or addiction, it has to be for you and only you.

Can a Facial Be Used as an Acne Treatment

How to get rid of acne? Can a facial be used as an acne treatment? With the advances in skincare products and skills that beauty therapist have these day, it is possible to have an acne facial. How well these facials work will also depend on a number of things, like the severity of the acne, as well as your own home skincare routine, and the regularity that you get these facials done.

Let us take a look at acne skin
Acne skin has the same characteristics as oily skin and is especially common during adolescence when it affects the face, shoulders and back. The first signs are usually seen in puberty when there is an increase in

hormone production which stimulates the sebaceous (oil) glands. This normally leads to the clogging of the follicles which in turn leads to the formation of blackheads, white heads, papules and pustules.
Acne is generally believed to be a hereditary condition but there are many factors that can exacerbate it. Women often experience a flare up of pimples around the mouth and chin prior to the onset of menstruation. This is due to the high level of androgen (a male sex hormone) at the time of their period, when the estrogen level starts to fall. It is generally acknowledged that acne can be controlled but not cured. It falls into four grades with the latter two pertaining to severe cases such as cystic acne that may not be treated by the beauty therapist and need to be referred on for medical advice.

The acne facial

The facial itself will normally contain a number of parts, starting with a deep cleansing, exfoliation, steaming of the skin, a facial massage with a treatment ampoule or cream applied under the massage oil, followed by a masque, then finished with a facial moisturizer and if appropriate a sun bloc.

The above is the main parts of the facial, they may be changed around a bit, and depending on how sever your acne is and how often you get one of these facials as to the results you will get.
It is important that you let your beauty therapist know what medication you are using and what products you already use on your face... this is to avoid a skin reaction.

Another factor to consider in regards to the results you will get from your facial will be your home skincare routine. Your dermatologist or beauty therapist will recommend to you an at home skincare plan, as eight percent of the results will be reached by diligently following this plan.

So yes, it is possible that a facial can be used as a acne treatment, as long as you have one regularly and you follow a home skincare plan.

The Top 3 Weight Gain Diet Tips

You're not alone; quite a few people out there are looking to add weight to their frames. The problem is most information caters to the majority, people who need to lose weight. There can be a number of reasons a person needs to gain weight ranging from metabolism problems, health problems or just simply the desire to look strong and fit. The good news is gaining weight does not have to be a chore or even difficult but the only way you will gain is by following these diets consistently.

When starting a weight gain diet it is recommended to eat at least 5-6 separate meals per day. This will allow you to eat more, become less full and develop a consistent eating habit. Most people will need to eat between 2,500 and 4,000 calories per day to gain weight. So for example if you determined you need to eat 3,000 calories per day that would be 500 calories over 6 meals. In addition to eating 6 meals there are several other helpers you can add to your diet including weight gainer shakes and even if you must fast food in moderation.

Weight Gain Diet Tip Number #1
Didn't your mother ever tell you to drink a glass of milk every day? Milk is a great way to add additional calories that are nutritionally valuable. Milk contains high amounts of protein as well as calcium and other beneficial vitamins. The truth is the more milk you drink the better off you will be in adding sufficient calories to your diet. Try adding milk with each meal you eat, this will add another 200-300 calories per meal alone. The best milk to drink for calories of course would be whole milk. You can even go as extreme as the famous GOMAD diet which suggests drinking 1 gallon of milk a day. If you can handle that much milk there is no way you will not add some weight.

Weight Gain Diet Tip Number #2
Another easy way to pack on calories is using the addition of weight gainer shakes. Weight gainer shakes can be either purchased or home made from various ingredients. Purchased weight gainer shakes range anywhere from 300-1500 calories per serving! Now beware most of these shakes are not cheap and can be quiet expensive, however if you can afford it they are very convenient. Making homemade weight gainer shakes can be less expensive and very easy. Some commonly used ingredients for homemade shakes include peanut butter, milk, oatmeal, Flax seed oil and protein powder.

Weight Gain Diet Tip Number #3
For those with sensitive stomachs using carbohydrates to gain weight is very beneficial. Simple plain foods like whole grain bagels and pasta can pack on pounds quickly. In fact only 4oz of pasta can add up to 400 calories per serving and one whole grain bagel up to 300 calories. You can also add healthy fats to your diet to gain weight as well such as almonds or flax oil. Though fat calories may be scarcer in most foods they add 9 calories per gram which is more than twice as much per gram of carbohydrates.

So the basics of your weight gain diet should include 5-6 meals per day, 2,500 + calories and make sure you get some protein! If you want to make sure as much of your weight possible is muscle be sure to include a weight program 3 or more days weekly.

4 Quick Weight Loss Top Secret Tips

1. Use organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil.
Organic, unrefined, virgin coconut oil can have tremendous benefits, as well provide you with quick weight loss. This is truly a miracle product. All you need to do is take one tablespoon in the morning and one tablespoon in the evening. If you take this every day in the recommended dosages above during the next thirty days, you will find tremendous health benefits. One major benefit is that you will probably lose around 10 pounds.
The oil also can benefit individuals with high blood pressure, circulation problems, depression, cholesterol, arthritis and heartburn. The health benefits of coconut oil are overwhelming.

2. Eat organic foods.
You should buy and eat organic vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, etc. If you do not see 100% organic label on the item, then do not buy it. Why is this so important? Most non-organic foods possess toxins from the chemicals and food additives that are used in them. You can control not getting some of these toxins by watching what you eat. The less toxins you have in your body the better it will be for you while on your weight loss plan. You will be able to lose weight quicker and easier with a toxic-free or near toxic-free body. Also, to completely flush out the toxins existing in your body presently, you can do a colon cleanse, along with eating the organic foods. You will experience a quick weight loss once the cleanse has been completed.

3. Eat a substantial breakfast.
It is important to start off your day with a large breakfast. Most thin people eat a substantial breakfast, and most overweight people do the opposite by eating a very, light breakfast. People who are overweight have a slow metabolism. In order to revive your metabolism, it is important to eat a substantial breakfast.
Here are some good types of food that you can eat for breakfast:
Meats. Eat organic beef, chicken, lamb. Make sure these are real cuts of meat and not processed in any way.
Fish. Tuna, sardines, wild salmon,....
Fruits. Grapefruits, apples, any type of berries, peaches, apricots, nectarines and pears. Make sure the fruit is fresh and organic.
An example of a substantial breakfast would be as follows:
You could have scrambled eggs with a small steak, or lamb chops, or smoked salmon and a half of a grapefruit or small apple.

4. Take organic apple cider vinegar.
Organic apple cider vinegar has a special enzyme which helps eliminate fat cells from the body. Take a couple of teaspoons before each meal and you will be surprised when the pounds start coming off as fast as they will. You can also use the vinegar on your salads as a salad dressing.

Getting Rid of Acne - Fast!

There are many new acne treatments flooding the market every year and getting rid of acne has become easier than ever...if you use the right cures for your particular condition.

Using the wrong "cure" would not only be unsuccessful in getting rid of acne - it could make it worse.
Some common causes of acne are: cosmetics and lotions, naturally oily skin conditions, stress, diet, environment, activities and many others.

The treatment depends on your particular condition. It doesn't have to be complex or overly difficult, but it will require a bit of research and commitment on your part. However, once the initial research is done, getting rid of acne FOREVER is a very real, fast and attainable outcome.
There are several over the counter topical creams that can be applied that will dry out the skin and remove the pimple...if your condition is a result of oily skin.

Caution must be used...too much treatment can dry out the skin and cause a whole host of new problems.

Aloe penetrates deeply into the skin, and will cool and reduce the inflammation caused by acne. It's also good for other skin conditions or simply general skin care. Aloe is effective at regeneration and rehydration of the skin. Kumari (Aloe Vera) can even be grown in your own garden.
Other natural treatments can also be effective: Lemon juice, tea and many others. All are effective and sometimes useful solutions to the problem of getting rid of acne.

Antibiotics can often be effective, but just as often can create other unhealthy side effects. They kill the good bacteria in your digestive tract. So you will suffer inefficient digestion, constipation, and poor absorption of essential nutrients.

But, the biggest cause of acne - as well as the best way to permanently get rid of acne - is your diet.
Eating the wrong kinds of foods can cause such severe eruptions that you and everyone around you will think you've contracted a case of measles! Fortunately, with a few simple dietary changes, you CAN get rid of acne forever! Plus, it doesn't take long to see results. Just a few days should do the trick.

Of course this article is geared to the typical acne sufferer. If yours is a truly serious case, you may have to go to a dermatologist or even an acne specialist for help in getting rid of acne. They can help with your condition but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be taking care of your skin and watching your diet too.

Five Things You're Probably Doing to Promote Acne

Acne isn't anything amazing today, everyone has it. The question is why there are so many products for acne; shouldn't one thing be able to fix all acne problems? How to get rid of acne fast?

Unfortunately there are many products because acne doesn't stem from one problem or one cause, but instead many. I'm going to tell you five tips to help you decrease acne as fast as tonight!
So before we start, what are some of the causes of acne today? Well acne can stem from many different things, for most teenagers it's simply the changing of their hormones as they become adults.
However, even teenagers can make some simple changes that can effectively help get rid of acne. For others it can be anything from washing to much, to washing to little.

So what is mistake number one?
Mistake number one: is a poor diet that has a lot of processed items and junk food.
By eating poorly we are not giving our body the resources to truly get everything we can out of ourselves. To fix this problem you can simply start swapping processed foods for better alternatives such as whole wheat items.

Increasing your intake of vegetables  and fruits will also help cleanse your body of toxins, making it harder for them to eventually reach your skin and cause you those unsightly marks you dislike so much.

Mistake number two is washing to much.
I know, I know, how can you simply be washing to much? I mean, you're washing to get rid of acne, not to increase it.

Well the sad fact is, your skin because an easier target as you become cleaner, and so really you just need to begin trying to find the right ratio of clean and to clean. Otherwise you'll just increase your chances of acne.

Mistake number three: sweating the little things literally.
When you become to wrapped up and stressed out about everything, you give yourself acne and lessen your health in general.

Mistake number four: trying nine different acne products at once.
Unfortunately you can't just pick up every product and try it once, see no result and move on to the next one. You need to test each product thoroughly and give it time to truly work it's magic.
If you just keep switching products you may jump from one product that hopes to dry out skin to another one that hopes to open pores. Both working against eachother.

Mistake number five: sitting in a dark corner.
All right, so I'm partially kidding, but if you're not getting enough sunlight these days, you're increasing your chances for acne, as you're not allowing the sun to kill the bacteria that's on your body and allowing it to force your pores to open up.

I've seen these mistakes done countless times all so that one could see a fast or instant result, and unfortunately by not fixing these mistakes you're actually hindering your process.
So get outside and stop promoting acne, wash but not to much, and change your diet up! It really is that easy to getting rid of acne fast.

Cure Your Acne!

Acne occurs when the tiny pores in the skin are blocked, this can be from dirt, excess oil, inflammation, barrier blockage, or even over-washing of the skin. Acne can occur on the face, back, ears, neck, and chest. Rare cases of acne may also be found in other parts of the body. So how to get rid of acne?

A common myth, is that diet does not affect acne. The fact is, there are many, many causes of acne. What causes your acne may be different from your peers. Some people are affected by what they eat, for many, intolerances of certain foods (dairy, wheat, gluten, legumes, etc) may cause inflammation of the skin, leading to clogged pores, and subsequently, acne. Refined sugar can also be a major culprit, many people are able to clear their skin completely, or at least significantly by reducing refined sugar intake to around 10-15g daily.

Another myth, is that washing your face often will clear skin. However, whenever you cleanse your skin, you are chemically stripping it of the natural oils, which actually fight bacteria. If you cleanse too often (or don't moisturize), your skin will produce even more oil. It is recommended to wash your face only twice daily, preferably 12 hours apart. Followed with a non-comedogenic moisturizer, to reduce excess oiliness.

The treatment of acne, is something that must be taken very seriously. Many people manage to turn one or two small pimples, into a whole face of bleeding, red, oily and bumpy acne, from abusing their skin by using bogus treatments. (Please note, that if your acne is scarring, no treatments seem to work, or is located on your chest and front, it may be time to research into accutane, and make a trip to a qualified dermatologist.)

Benzoyl Peroxide - Benzoyl Peroxide is a very common acne medicine, and with that, it is commonly abused. Benzoyl peroxide may be irritating to the skin, producing redness, and worsening of acne. It is recommended that you use a 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide solution, unless professionally advised otherwsise. Anything of higher strength probably will do more damage in the long run, and you could end up worsening and spreading your acne. Some persons may not be suitable for this treatment, and it is recommended to fix your acne internally than externally.

Toothpaste - What can't good old toothpaste do? It cleans and remineralizes teeth, deodorizes smelly shoes, but it does not treat acne. Certain people may experience minor success with toothpaste, as it has drying qualities, so it helps to dry up the lesion faster. This may lead to irritation however, and can cause more lesions to come back in exactly the same place. As with any other topicals, you are treating the symptoms and not the cause, so you are not going to get long-term peace of mind with this treatment.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - Mega doses of B5 have been shown to aid in preventing new acne from occurring. It is a treatment taken orally, so it does not irritate the skin like Benzoyl Peroxide, or toothpaste. However, we would not recommend this treatment. Side effects include hair thinning, dry skin (face, lips and body), low energy levels, deficiency in other B vitamins, liver damage (preventing some other acne treatments, possibly dooming you with bad skin for many years), ulcers, rashes, stomach irritation, muscle spasms, and more. BUT, this is a natural remedy, I mean, vitamins, they have to be better than chemicals like Benzoyl Peroxide right? Wrong! B5 does not occur at high levels in food, and through practically no diet would someone be able to consume and digest such large amounts of B5, so a B5 megadose is in fact, just as un-natural as Benzoyl Peroxide or other chemical treatments.

Skin & Nails Formulas - When looking, you will find an array of Skin & Nail formulas, on pharmacy, supermarket, and even virtual shelves. These products will most likely not completely cure acne cases, but may help improve conditions and control breakouts. Find a product that looks good for you, use it for 3 months, and if you are sure it is not doing anything, just stop using it. Make sure you take the right dosage, every day. These formulations can be of great benefit to some, but must be taken religiously, and they must be given a decent string of time to show their power. These products are generally "hit or miss," meaning it will work, or it wont, and they shouldn't have any negative effects.

"Supermarket Products" - The products that you use, may play a bigger role than you think. Most people will find that gentle products from healthcare professionals, will work exceedingly better than acne treatments from the big brands. I also often find people overreacting from one or two pimples, and jumping to buy cleansers with exfoliating beads, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. All of these, particularly the prior, can be extremely irritating to the skin, and could solely be responsible for every bit of acne on your skin. Some people find success with water cleansing methods, and other natural cleaning techniques. If that is not for you, dermatologists recommend Cetaphil products, which, for most people work with little irritation and maximum benefits.

Accutane / Isotane - The granddaddy of acne treatments, marketed under the names Accutane, Roaccutane, Isotane, Oratane, Accure, and many more. Essentially, every "tane" out there will work the same. They all have the same active ingredient, it is just manufactured by different drug companies. Most govts now subsidize many brands, so it should be a cheap option for everyone.
Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in "tanes," somehow makes pores smaller, reduces inflammation and oil production. Isotretinoin is a substance similar to Vitamin A.

Scientists don't know how it works, but it does, and it works well! In fact, 60% or more of patients have their acne put into permanent remission with a single course, and the other 40% gets the same chance of permanent remission on a second course. Users of isotretinoin will most likely experience worsened acne whilst on the course of treatment, but later on during treatment, it will start to clear up, and it will, in most cases, clear up completely by the end of the course.

So why doesn't everyone just use isotretinoin? Isotretinoin is a harsh drug. It can cause dry skin, eyes, cellular tissue, basically, it can dry out any part of your body. Nose bleeds can result from dryness of the nose. A small percentage of users may experience muscle stiffness, thinning of the hair, and low energy levels. A very rare percentage of people have experienced much more severe symptoms, but these are hardly worth mentioning, because of the advances in this medicine.

Isotretinoin has a bad wrap for side effects, but all side effects can be prevented, or treated. Many dermatologists are now administering much lower doses, they take longer to work, but the worst side effects people get are virtually non existant. Isotretinoin can be dangerous in high, short doses, but nowadays, we like to spread things out, and with constant moisturization, we can slide through isotretinoin easily without too much suffering.

Bloodwork is also done whilst on this medicine, and this helps prevent against severe side effects.
Isotretinoin is recommended to those who experience scarring, or have tried many, many things and finally want to put an end to their suffering. It is definitely not recommended to those with very mild acne. Remember to get a professional opinion, the internet can be a scary place, especially when isotretinoin is concerned.

Some fundamentals to take away from this article would be to not irritate the skin (picking, scratching, using harsh cleansers, etc), to moisturize the skin (to actually prevent excess oil), to watch and make big changes to your diet to see big changes to your skin, and for those with severe acne that will not go away, to seek professional advice, and possibly start a course of Accutane.
Clear skin everybody :)

Best Acne Treatment

Ok... here it is... the solution to all your acne problems... the BEST way to cure acne is...
A Positive Attitude!! how to get rid of acne

Hands down, without a doubt, a positive attitude will be the BIGGEST factor in whether or not your acne treatment will work for you. Cheesy as this sounds, this is 100% completely true.
Most of us are so used to having acne day in and day out that we actually EXPECT to wake up with another pimple. Even though we WANT to have clear skin, our thoughts are constantly telling us that we CAN'T.

This is the biggest problem when combatting acne!
We all know the physical causes that attribute to acne - hormones, diet/food, liver function - but what everyone fails to acknowledge is the mental and emotional causes of acne!

In fact, the mental and emotional causes are even more significant than all the physical causes combined. This is why some people can eat unhealthy foods every single day and still never get acne - because with a balanced and healthy mental state, they can overpower the negative effects of the foods they are putting in their body!

This also explains exactly why your current acne treatment is not working! Think about all the ways you've been told to cure your acne - topical creams, diet change, antibiotics, hormone balancers, decreasing oil contact with the face, exercise - these are all physical treatments!

Here's how to go about transitioning your mindset on acne from 'negative' to 'positive.'
1.    Decide what your attitude is about your acne right now. Do you feel stressed, uncomfortable, or hopeless just thinking about it? These are clear-cut signs that a change in attitude is what you need in order to get clear skin. These negative feelings are literally holding you back, acting as a wall to keep you from ever reaching your goal. By thinking negative thoughts about your skin, you are keeping yourself from getting the clear glow you've always wanted.
2.    Realize that it really IS possible to cure your acne! Clear skin is an attainable goal for everyone by using 3 things: an acne product that treats acne from the insides and outside, lots of hydration, and a positive attitude!
3.    Feel good about your skin. Maybe you have acne now, but you can relax knowing that in the next 2-4 weeks you will be able to get and maintain a clear complexion. It sure is a giant relief finally knowing that
4.    Know that any new pimples you get from this moment on does not give you reason to quit. Did you know that a pimple is formed up to 2 weeks before it surfaces on the skin? That means that for the next 2 weeks it is possible that you will see "residual" acne - acne that had already formed before starting the new treatment plan and is bound to surface. This is a good sign! It means you are getting rid of the last acne you are going to see for a very long time!

Once you get the ball rolling and you're seeing positive results, it will be much easier to maintain the healthy attitude and confidence required for having clear skin. Until then you will have to consciously put effort into staying positive about it every single day!