• Is it true that increased stress spreads acne?
  
  Not exactly. What is true is that ultimately stress can have a very minimal or minor influence all by itself. It cannot actually cause acne, but it can influence reoccurrences of acne as stress increases the body's creation of a substance called cortisol that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil that can be blocked in pores. Note, however, that some medications people take when trying to deal with or treat stress can have a large influence on acne as the result of medication side effects.
   
• Acne is contagious, true or false?
  
  False! No one can "catch" acne; it is non-communicable.
   
• You'll outgrow acne, so just leave it alone; myth or truth?
  
  This is false. Acne strikes all ages and is treatable, but shouldn't be left alone to possibly worsen.
   
• Being out in the sun helps acne, right?
  
  In the long run, no. The sun may appear to help clear up your blemishes and redden your skin, thus lessening the overall reddish effect of the targeted acne area when it was outstanding. However, rays from the sun can cause skin damage and actually irritate skin more, worsening any existing acne problems in the process and clogging more pores as skin cells dry up and slough off quicker than normal. So use caution (and sunscreen) here!
   
• Sweating helps clean out your hair follicle areas, myth or reality?
  
  Another myth. In reality, strenuous activity can temporarily increase your body's oil production that can actually worsen acne problem areas, causing recurrence or intensification.
   
• Acne problems are directly proportionate to sexual activity, or lack thereof; true or false?
  
  False, another myth. Just because teenagers are going through hormonal changes, does not mean that this has anything to do with acne. Both are separate issues. Same with adult acne and sex; two entirely different issues.
   
• People with acne are dirty and don't wash enough.
  
  Not true! This is another myth. Acne is the result of a build up of oil, dead skin cells and bacteria in a closed pore. Period. Dirt is not even a factor in the equation.
   
• Acne is only on external issue or surface deep; i.e. people shouldn't make such a big thing out of it, myth or reality?
  
  Myth. In reality, yes, it basically is only on your skin (and underneath the surface a little bit). However, the effects run much more deeper than that in many instances. More than 50 percent of those suffering acne problems reported negative comments and other feedback from members of society, regardless of whether or not there was any scarring left for others to see afterwards. And resulting internal depression and low self-esteem can be harmful emotionally not only short-term but over a person's lifetime. So acne can indeed be a very big issue requiring healthcare treatment and support.
   
• OK, myth or reality: there is a cure for acne?
  
  Myth. Although there is no cure at this time, there are many treatments available that do a great job. As the saying goes, "Prevention is the best medicine;" however, there is no need to suffer in silence with all the options available on the market today for all price ranges.
   
• Certain cosmetics or spot treatments will help acne, myth or reality?
  
  Myth again. By the time a blemish appears, it has been in the works for a good couple of weeks.
   
• Myth or not: people with acne should not use moisturizers or other make-up products on their faces?
  
  Myth! Today there are many noncomedogenic cosmetics out there specially formulated to NOT clog pores.
   

• 1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off acne that can result from your workout routines.
  
  First watch which products you use on your body because you'll most likely be sweating. With any sunscreens for outdoor workout activities and any make-up or other cosmetics, check for "noncomedogenic" and "oil-free" on the labels to help prevent pore clogging. And when your workout is finished, wash the products off as soon as possible, especially if you'll be going into a steam room or sauna where your pores will be opening up more. You don't want these lotions and other cosmetics getting into your pores and clogging them up, resulting in blemishes.
  
  Watch what you put on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment, too. For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy. Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to allow more air to get to your skin.
  
  And when you're finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout sessions.
  
  Tip: when cleaning your body after a workout, no need to scrub with force and irritate skin. If possible, wash with medicated soap (check for "exfoliant" on the label) or medicated wipes from your athletic bag where showers aren't available.
  
  Tip: and when drying with a towel, even if it's during your workout to erase sweat, always blot instead of rub. That way you avoid grinding excess dead skin, dirt, sweat and other chemicals into your pores and risking pore-clogging and skin irritation.
   
• 2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free."
  
  Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.
  
  More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions, meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding facial areas.
  
  Additionally use caution with hair styling products that contain oils, alcohol and adhesives that should be kept away from skin and from seeping into pores along with perspiration during workouts; especially watch hair gels and mousses so that they don't cause clogging around your hairline. Use care when choosing fragrance and scented cosmetics, too, and opt for "hypo-allergenic" or "fragrance-free" versions where possible to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritations (a sampling 3-day test behind an ear is recommended).
  
  Tip: thoroughly clean your face and any other areas where cosmetics are applied daily, especially if used when combined with exercising or other activities that promote sweating, where there is the opportunity for the chemicals to be absorbed or soaked up into your pores.
   
• 3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your body.
  
  So here are healthy vitamins, minerals and other supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts:
  
  
  • - Vitamin A or Retinol is found not only in some cosmetic creams but also in liver, fish oils and dairy products. Produced by plants, this vitamin is also known as called Beta-carotene, and is found in yellowish-orange fruits and vegetable; yams, cantaloupe, carrots apricots, and in green vegetables like spinach, kale and parsley. Beware that high doses of Vitamin A are toxic.
     
  • - Vitamin B Complex. These vitamins are found in leafy vegetables, fish, milk, eggs and whole grains and have many functions. For example, although B-2 can irritate acne, it can help alleviate stress. B-1, B-6 and B-12 are also known for proving stress relief. And B-3, in avocados, eggs, peanuts, lean meat and liver, reportedly reduces cholesterol level, has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin and improves your metabolism and circulation, improving acne in some studies.
     
  • - A form of this vitamin, the C ester has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has helped penetrate skin and prevent the return of acne. It is being tested for repairing damage to scar tissue from teen years.
     
  • - Vitamin E, in almonds, broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and vegetable oils, has been said to help with scar tissue healing, but this is considered a myth by many healthcare professionals. Instead, researchers are considering that a form called tocotrienol (often referred to as high potency E or HPE) may carry antioxidant properties that may be able to aid the skin when ingested.
     
  • - L-Carnitine- this supplement is reported to help repair skin damage from acne for young and old.
     
  • - Zinc (found in eggs, mushrooms, nuts and whole grains) and selenium (a trace mineral in most soils and absorbed my a variety of vegetables) are known to improve the overall health of the body, including the skin.
  
  In summary, a good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Combine this with drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices. For example, if you have had ill effects from eating a certain food before, be leery of it and make healthier food choices for yourself.
  
  
• 4. Hormones - Hormones or lack of, during later years and especially for women, can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.
  
  Treatment options can include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. On into adult years, some acne aids include oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications, and antibiotics for both sexes.
  
  
• 5. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.
  
  If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.
  
  
• 6. Products - Here are some of the more popular products on the market to help with the prevention and spreading of acne:
  
  
  • Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps destroy the bacteria that cause acne.
  • Proactiv® Solution: A dermatologist formulated 3-Step acne management system - combining prescription- grade ingredients that work together to heal and prevent acne or combination therapy / acne management system.
  • Salicylic Acid: Helps to unclog pores and renew skin.
  • Retinoids: Synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A that unclog pores and aid in sloughing.
  • Antibiotics: help destroy bacteria and decrease inflammation.
  • Oral Contraceptives: Help with hormone level management.
  • Anti-Androgens: These help with the reduction of sebum production and comedone formation, i.e. they inhibit the body's production of acne-causing hormones.
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane): an effective acne control medication especially for the treatment of severe cystic or nodular acne.
  
  
  
• 7. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive, open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.
  
  For best results with regular shaving, follow these procedures:
  
  First steer away from shaving creams that are oily and choose one for sensitive skin if available. Then moisten facial or other hair with warm water, apply the shaving cream and lather well. Shave with a sharp (not dull) blade. Note when shaving, use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure ones that can irritate acne-prone areas. And go with the flow or "grain;" in other words, adapt to downward, lateral, angular or upward swipes, for a smoother shave with less nicks and irritating backward motions.
  
  Experiment with different razors, both electric and disposable, with single- double- or triple-edged (mach III) heads to see which works best for you. And try shaving in a warm shower for better results. For after shaving applications, try toning to stop bacteria dead in its tracks before it gets into your open follicles. Here are some suggestions: try antibiotic gel or lotion, witch hazel, Dalacin T, a mild alcohol-free toner, Benzoyl Peroxide in gel form and Salicylic Acid in a gel.
  
  Shaving Tip: Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin; however, they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better. If a non-electric razor is your choice, a single-edged blade is actually better. Why? Because double- and triple-edged blades grab hair follicles and pull them out from below the epidermis. And in the process, your skin "heals itself" by closing over these holes, making it difficult for future hair follicles to grow outward - creating inflammation in the tight areas.
  
  
• 8. Stress - Since your skin is your largest organ, how you live can influence how healthy your skin is. And stress, not necessarily "bad" stress, but rather certain external and internal stressors, factor into this health equation. So let's take a look at how to handle these stressors with regards to acne prevention.
  
  External Stressors- A goal of acne prevention would be to keep your skin pores clear from clogging and becoming infected and irritated, resulting in blemishes and inflammation. So you need to take a look at your external environment throughout the day for factors that could trigger skin pore clogging. Here are some examples of what to look for: grease, oils and sun, like being around open fryers in kitchen areas, or around machine oil and grease in workshops or factories, or out in the sun all day on a construction jobsite.
  
  Too much oil, grease or sun on the skin can clog pores and trigger acne and other skin irritations. Minimize contact by wearing long sleeves and other protective wear and gear and discussing further options with your dermatologist or healthcare provider. With regards to being out in the sun, note that a small amount of sun each day can be fine and healthy.
  
  However, extended periods can trigger the sebaceous glands to create more oil as your skin dries out. At the same time, the dried out skin needs to be cast off or shed at a faster rate than normal. The resulting extra oils and dead skin make a wonderful environment for pore clogging. So here, too, use protective clothing for outdoor activities and apply sunscreen; oil-free products are best for acne-prone people, and those with a minimum protection of SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection.
  
  Internal Stressors- Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.
  
  What happens is that these emotions can set your adrenal glands to work creating more cortisol, the substance that in turn causes your sebaceous glands to produce increased amounts of sebum oil, excessive amounts of which can be blocked in pores. Same old story: extra oil + extra dead skin cells = blocked pores, triggering acne flare-ups. With internal stressors, though, the results are usually "inflamed papules" or small, solid inflammations (or skin elevations that do not contain pus), instead of whiteheads or blackheads.
  
  To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, here are some suggestions. Get plenty of rest and sleep a recommended average of eight hours per night. Try to maintain regular hours each day, regardless of which shift your work.
  
  Some say to focus on reducing SWAT: reduce your stress, worry, anxiety and tension, so journal a little each day mentioning any "SWAT" stressors you've felt. And focus on those that may seem overwhelming or to be taking too long to "end," seeking help from others or other resources as needed for stress management.
  
  Check with your dietician or healthcare provider to establish and follow a regular well-balanced dietary and exercise plan of action to keep your body healthy on the inside and outside. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

1. Care Plus Cleansers include Cleanser, Complexion Cleanser, Gentle Cleanser, Cleansing Milk, Extra Strength Facial Wash
2. Care Plus Toners include Aloe Vera Tonic Mist and Normalizing Hydrating Toner
3. Care Plus Corrective Solutions include C Plus Unique Vitamin C Serum, C Plus High Potency Vitamin C Serum, Active Derm A (Sensitive to Normal) and Vitamin A Forte (Stronger, most aggressive), Skin Lightening Gel, Complexion Gel 5% Benzoyl Peroxide (Mild to Moderate Acne) / Complexion Gel 10% Benzoyl Peroxide (Moderate to Severe Acne) / Complexion Gel with Salicylic and Lactic Acid
4. Care Plus Moisturizers / Hydrators / Anti-Stress Serum include Moisture Cream, Ultra Blend Moisture Complex, Resource Gel and Collagen / Elastin Rose Extract Eye Crème
5. Specialty Products include Sunscreen SPF 15, Calming Cream and Calming Mask

Step 1 - End-Zit® Blemish Control Cleanser - Apply small amount to damp skin. Gently massage, resulting in mild foam. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. Use daily, AM & PM.

Step 2 - End-Zit® Blemish Control Toner - After cleansing skin, apply small amount of toner with sterile cotton ball or pad over face. Use daily, AM & PM.

Step 3 - End-Zit® Blemish Control Moisturizer - After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of End-Zit® Blemish Control Moisturizer to fingertips. Lightly pat affected area. Also use daily, AM & PM.

Step 4 - End-Zit® Acne Control Drying Lotion - (Most important step!) Shake bottle well first. Apply a small amount to each blemish with application cap. Leave alone to dry for 10-15 seconds. Gently pat, blending into skin. (Apply make-up or other products over top if you like). Repeat twice a day, AM & PM.

End-Zit® Blemish Control Mask - Wash face. Apply mask evenly over face. AVOID eye area. Allow mask to dry for 7-10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry. Use only one or two times each week.

Program A - For active skin conditions, Age 14 to 19:

Mud wash cleanser for oil skin, Acne aid soap, Blue lotion toner, Moisturizer with glycolic acid 8 percent, Hydrant essence, Moisturizer with SPF 15, Corrective toner

Program B - For acne and oily skin condition, Age 20 and above:

Medicated BPO 10% acne wash, Glycolic acid clarifying tonic, BPO Gel 5 percent, Hydrant essence, Lyphazome, Corrective Toner

Program C - For combination skin / looking fresh and glowing:

Gel cleanser, Blue lotion toner, Moisturizer with glycolic acid 8 percent, Hydro driver moisturizer, Ultra sun protection

Program D - For dry skin. Avoid premature aging:

Cosmetic soap, Blue lotion, Collagen cream with glycolic acid 8 percent, Hydrant essence, Vitamin C cream with RNA / DNA, Eye toner

Step 1. Renewing Cleanser - This oil-free formula is made up of small, smooth grains that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities. It also has prescription-grade Benzoyl peroxide that seeps into pores, destroying bacteria and healing blemishes in a hurry.

Step 2. Revitalizing Toner - This is noted as a refreshing, alcohol-free liquid with botanical agents that removes dead skin cells, gently balance skin tone, unplugs pores, helps with excess oil ridding, and overall soothes skin. Results are refreshed skin.

Step 3. Repairing Lotion - This light, oil-free lotion is made up of fine milled prescription-grade Benzoyl peroxide that heals blackheads and blemishes. It also helps with the prevention of future flair-ups. An advanced delivery system in Repairing Lotion is noted as being "soothing and safe for your entire face."

Supplemental products include: Oil-Free Moisture with SPF 15. This lite lotion leaves your skin soft, but not greasy-feeling. Specially formulated for acne skin types, this product doesn't clog pores. It also boasts SPF 15 for sun protection. Another supplemental product is called Daily Oil Control - This product helps skin glow, instead of shine with excess oil. It also helps keep pores from clogging and makeup (and other skin care products) from running throughout the day.

• Use non-pore clogging or noncomedogenic products like make-ups and tanning lotions.
• Use this rule of thumb when using products that contain chemicals: a little goes a long way.
• Look for any combination of these terms on labels: natural ingredients, antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral and / or antimicrobial agent.