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What You Eat Goes to Your Face: The Truth About Acne Quiz

FitSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Pimples. Zits. Blemishes. We all get them and we're all on a quest to get rid of them. Take this quiz to see what you know about what causes them and how to prevent them from popping up.

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Whole Wheat Bread Beats Acne!

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:00:00 -0700

Everyone hates spots, pimples, zits, acne. Not matter what you call them, you don't want blemishes on your face. New research indicates that changing your diet may help! Yep, eating low glycemic foods may help improve the quality of your skin.

Here's the low down on low glycemic foods - they cause a more gradual and sustained increase of glucose (a simple sugar used as energy) in the bloodstream, and include foods such as high-fiber, complex carbohydrates. Low glycemic load diets have been promoted for weight loss and diabetes control since they affect the levels of insulin in the body. Given that high levels of insulin may contribute to acne, it was only a matter of time before this connection was studied.

Although the study followed only men for a 12 week period, one can hope the positive effects of a low glycemic diet will translate to women as well - even though we have hormonal monthly changes that affect our skin. You know what I am talking about!

Bonus: The men on the low glycemic diet also lost weight, showed greater reductions in levels of the male sex hormone androgen and increased insulin sensitivity (which is a good thing).

So if you are prone to pimples eating food low on the glycemic index might just help. You might want to avoid iodine as well. Looking for more immediate relief? Check out these clear colored pimple banishers.

Zit Creams: Which One Works?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 02:30:00 -0800

When I get stressed out, it's inevitable that my face will break out. It happens to everyone, but that doesn't make me feel better. When pimples show up, I want them to disappear ASAP.

At the drug store, there are tons of acne treatments, so what really works? There are 2 main ingredients that you'll see listed on zit creams.

Benzoyl Peroxide - It comes in gels or creams with 2.5%, 5%, or 10% concentration. Research suggests that the 5% and 10% formulas don't work better, and the 2.5% is better tolerated by the skin. It commonly causes dryness and irritation. Some people may be more sensitive to it, and suffer from burning, itching, peeling, or swelling.

Salicylic Acid - Blemishes are formed when skin cells inside hair follicles shed too fast and clump together, which plug up the follicle. Salicylic Acid treats acne by causing skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing pores from clogging up. Use a lotion or pad with this ingredient daily to prevent possible break outs.

Fit's Tips: I recommend trying them both out. Our complexions are so different, and one ingredient may work better for you. They both are meant to dry up the offensive area, so if you notice your skin peeling excessively, cut down on your use.

Product of the Day: Zit Poppers Candy

GiggleSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I wonder if I can get this Zit Poppers Candy in time to hand out to the kiddies on Halloween. Basically, you pretend to pop them and the "bloody candy ooze" (their words, not mine) that comes out has a wonderful strawberry or watermelon flavor. Even better than the disgusting look of the candies is the write-up for this product: "Each insane box of Zit Poppers Candy contains 3.25 ounces of candy zits. That's approximately 16 zits. (We can't believe we're even WRITING this.)" Yeah, I can't either, dudes, but thank heavens you did! Check out the gallery below for Zit Poppers candies in action. Ewwwwww!

View 3 Photos ›

Zit Zappers

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:33:05 -0700

Zits, pimples, blemishes, whatever you want to call them: They are all different names for what happens to your skin when an oil gland mixes with dead skin cells and causes clogging in your pores. If the surface of the pore breaks, it becomes red and swollen-hence, a zit. Zits can be found on the faces and bodies of over 70 million people, but that doesn't make them any less annoying.

Though there are ways to prevent pimples, the bigger challenge is getting rid of them once they surface. Rule No. 1: Don't pop them, ever! Despite the feeling of satisfaction you may feel, messing with your zits can spread infection and lead to scarring. Instead, try one of these zit-zapping products to help dry them up and kick the remaining bacteria out.

Mario Bedescu Drying Lotion is an excellent spot treatment made with a blend of calamine and salicylic acid. This product really helps to clear up and soothe pimples. Just take a q-tip and dab the lotion on the area. It does leave a pink mark on your face, so wear it overnight. Buy it here for $17.

Three more great products, so read more

La Prairie Cellular Purifying Blemish Control is incredible. I have never felt anything more potent, and the $70 you pay for the bottle is totally worth it. What's also wonderful about this product is that it's clear, so nobody will ever know that you've got it on. It's non-drying and relieves redness and irritation of breakouts, while preventing new bacteria from forming. Buy it here for $70.

Yonka Juvenil is a non-stinging and non-drying breakout solution. It also happens to smell great since it's infused with 100% botanical extracts. It's got antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients to treat current irritations and prevent future breakouts. It also helps to decrease inflammation and increase healing. Buy it here for $50.

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Spot Treatment contains the magical ingredient, salicylic acid, which helps to dry and fight off acne-causing bacteria. This formula is also clear and dries quickly. It penetrates deep is quite effective. This small tube won't break the bank and will last a long time. Buy it here for $14.

Superior Spot Treatments, Part I

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:13:33 -0700

Let's face it, everybody gets a pimple here and there and they always come at the most inopportune times. Who saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding? When you get a blemish that's red, swollen and sore, you look and feel pretty terrible. Here are a few of my favorite zit zappers that can help blast those gnarly blemishes! Be sure and stay tuned for part two of superior spot treatments later this week!

Origins Spot Remover, $10, is a clear acne blemish treatment gel that tingles upon contact. Just a teensy bit goes a long way. It is made with salicylic acid that helps dry up your trouble areas, prevent new pimples from forming and also helps calm redness.

Stop using as often if your skin becomes dry or irritated but because it is created for sensitive skin, it shouldn't provoke any tenderness. Use as needed, one to three times a day and apply a thin layer to the area and let it dry. Suitable for all skin types.

For two more ways to blast blemishes, read more

SkinCeuticals Blemish Control Gel, $32, is an ultra light acne treatment that helps combat, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and other acne related issues. It also helps to kill the bacteria on your skin that causes new breakouts to form. Active ingredients include purifying agents and salicylic acid (one per cent)!

This gel will also help exfoliate the dead skin around the pimple and unclog your pores. This is one super strong sucker, but not to worry; it won't leave you dry, red or irritated.

Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $17, is a sure fire way to banish your blemishes! This powerful formula is made from: sulfur (to minimize breakouts), salicylic acid (to dry up and kill bacteria), zinc oxide (to reduce swelling), licorice extract and allantoin (to calm irritated skin), hydrolyzed oat flour (to fight flaking and over-drying) and lastly Vitamins E and C (to keep skin protected). This is my buddy FabSugar's pick, what's yours?

Do You Get Skin Blemishes From Your Cell Phone?

GeekSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 03:30:24 -0700

As glamorous and fun as they are, most gadgets are breeding grounds for bacteria. Cell phones are among the worst because they come in contact with our hands, face, purses, desks and many other dirty hot spots. I periodically wipe down my cell phone with a damp cloth and always wash my hands, but I can't help but get a few pesky pimples on my cheek or jawline- the exact spot where I hold my cell phone. Do you get blemishes from your cell phone? Do you have a secret to keep your face glowing and free from zits caused by gadgets? Leave your comments below! Image Source

Blast Bacne Easily with ClindaReach

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I've been talking a lot about bacne and ways to prevent it so I was really interested when I heard of the latest medication to hit pharmacy shelves.

The biggest problem with getting zits on your back is that they are so hard to reach and treat without having the helping hand of someone else. ClindaReach, from DUSA Pharmaceuticals, is a new, easy to use treatment that packages a topical antibiotic with an ergonomically designed applicator for treating hard-to-reach acne. Now that I am thinking about it, I don't know why they didn't come up with this fab idea sooner. So, if you are taking all the precautions before and after working out (such as wearing wicking clothing and showering post workout) but still getting unsightly bumps on your back, you may want to ask your dermatologist about getting a prescription for ClindaReach.

Beauty Marked! Clear Colored Pimple Banishers

FabSugar — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 14:25:36 -0800

I recently asked you all to go Beauty Mark It! and help find me clear colored pimple banishers. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is no doubt one of the best zit zappers out there but here's the thing: I walk my little Annabelle before bed and first thing in the morning and I can't have pink spots all over my face! I'm looking for a just as good pimple eliminator that is CLEAR.

To see all the Beauty Marks for this mission click here and below are my top three choices. Thanks all you Beauty Markers! To learn what a Beauty Mark is and how to do one click here.

Beauty Mark #1, found by swwonder is Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Herbal Blemish Stick and I have heard this is a great pimple banisher and totally forgot about it! It is 99.90% natural and cleanses, refines and tones pores, while helping to normalize skin by correcting imbalances that create breakouts.

Two more, so read more

Beauty Mark #2, found by jennifer76 is MD Skincare All-Over Blemish Solution. This salicylic acid acne treatment gel is formulated to:

Address and help minimize future breakouts without over drying and stripping the skin
Normalize oil production to prevent your own oil from turning into waxy plugs
Treat existing blemishes by killing bacteria found deep in pores
Calm irritated skin with soothing botanicals
Help reduce shine, pore size, redness, and inflammation

Beauty Mark #3, found by flutterpie is Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10. This banisher is a 10-percent solution of benzoyl peroxide in a clear gel formula that leaves you free of tell-tale white splotches common to so many skin-treatment creams - yay!

How To Get Rid of Zits With Photoshop

GeekSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 09:05:16 -0700

Remember when you were going through puberty and your mom tried to make you feel better by saying that zits aren't permanent? Did you remind her about pictures? Because photographs are forever, and zits shouldn't be. I don't have any great tips for prevention (go to Bella for that), but I do have some good post-production advice: Photoshop!

Since so many of you copped to using Photoshop to improve pics of yourself in some way, I though I'd share my favorite tool for getting rid of zits. You just need basic familiarity with Photoshop to do this, so step into my lab of narcissism!

To see the tips and how-to video, just read more

My favorite Photoshop tool is the Clone tool - it's key for erasing zits and blemishes by simply taking a small patch of another part of the picture, and using that to "erase" other patches. Here are the super easy instructions, and I've even included a video of me getting rid of a cursed zit to guide you.

After you've dragged your photo into Photoshop, select it and make sure you're working on that layer. If the layer is locked, double-click on it to unlock it.
At the bottom of the canvas, increase the percentage so that the area you want to work in is much larger, (and therefore easier to work with).
Select the Clone tool.
At the top toolbar, adjust the size of the clone tool so it's a workable size, and make sure it's a feathered brush.
Find a patch of your beautiful, unblemished skin and option+click it. Choose a patch that's adjacent to the zit you're going to cover up so that the lighting and skin tone are the same. This will be the "paintbrush" you'll use to cover the zit.
Then, simply click over the zit and the nice, unblemished patch should cover the blemished patch. Depending on the size, you may need to click more than once, and with this tool, I find it's easier to click once and let go, rather than clicking and dragging. (If you start to see parts of the picture come into your "paintbrush," then just re-option-click a new patch.
Save your work, and admire your gorgeous mug the way nature intended it!