Acne Treatment for Boys

When a boy reaches adolescence, he faces one of the banes of teenage years: acne. Your boy may be able to treat acne simply by using good hygiene and over-the-counter topical medications. But it's also important to know when a visit to the dermatologist is needed. Does this Spark an idea?

Acne Basics

One of the culprits responsible for acne is bacteria. But also contributing to acne in boys are dead skin cells that clog the hair follicles, as well as excessive sebum (oil) production caused by increased hormones common in the teenage years. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends exercising good daily hygiene by washing the areas affected with acne using a mild, oil-free cleanser. Using a washcloth or Buff Puff is not advised, as this can exacerbate oil production. Simply using the fingertips or hands is sufficient. Boys should also be encouraged to wash after they sweat profusely, such as after they participate in a sport or other activity of physical exertion.

There are numerous drugstore topical treatments for acne that can be effective. These typically contain mild ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid and can be helpful in addressing mild cases of acne. However, if mild acne doesn't resolve or if a boy's acne is more severe, there are prescription treatments that may be more helpful.

When Acne Won't Resolve

Your boy might balk at the suggestion of going to see a doctor for his acne. However, this is nothing to be ashamed of; the AAD estimates that more than 40 percent of adolescents have seen a dermatologist by the time they reach their mid-teen years.

A dermatologist can prescribe a stronger topical treatment, such as an antimicrobial to fight bacteria, or a retinoid, which helps dead skin cells shed. Oral antibiotics, a mainstay in treating acne, may also be prescribed. Erythromycin, tetracycline and its derivatives, doxycycline and minocycline, are popular drugs used to fight the bacteria that cause acne. These medications are usually taken for no more than six months.

There is some research to support the use of light and laser therapies to reduce acne. Blue light therapy is the most widely used treatment and also addresses acne by targeting the bacteria that causes it. However, these therapies are still considered experimental, so they may not be covered by your insurance plan. According to the AAD, a single treatment of blue light therapy can cost between $100 and $200, and around eight treatments are suggested. So while this method may be helpful, it can also be costly if you must pay out-of-pocket.

When Acne Is Severe

If your child has severe acne--nodules and cysts that form under the skin--this is a cause for concern. This form of acne can cause disfigurement and severe scarring that will later require cosmetic treatment. A dermatologist's assistance is required to treat cysts and nodules. While high dosages of oral antibiotics can be helpful, the AAD states that a round of isotretinoin (Accutane) is the most effective way to get rid of severe acne once and for all, as it targets all of the factors that cause acne (excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria).

Isotretinoin is taken orally once or twice daily for 16 to 20 weeks, after which severe acne resolves in most people, although a second round of treatment may be necessary. This medication comes with certain side effects, such as dry skin and eyes, which resolve after treatment is over. However, it can also have more profound side effects, such as joint pain, nausea, hearing loss, liver problems and depression and/or suicidal thoughts. The decision to have your boy use isotretinoin should be discussed with his dermatologist thoroughly, so you'll know all of the risks involved and if he is a good candidate for this type of therapy.

Trulift Hair Products

Trulift Hair Care is a brand of hair products designed to increase volume for those with limp or fine hair. The hair care products advertisements promise an increase in shine, volume and body. Their product line includes creams, sprays, shampoos and haircare accessories such as dryers and flat irons. The prices range from the single digits to over $100. Does this Spark an idea?

Trulift Travelsol Spraymate

The Trulift Travelsol Spraymate is a compatible hair spray product. By simply inserting the tip of the nozzle of a regular hairspray canister into the bottom of the Travelsol Spraymate, the hair spray can be transferred from the large container to the travel can for easy transport in a purse. The canister costs $21.95 as of October 2010.

The Trulift Color-N-Lift 2Go Brush

The Trulift Color-N-Lift 2Go Brush is a brush-on color touch-up for people with dyed hair. It is a convenient way to touch up color when gray roots begin to show. The brush colors available are black, neutral, brown, blond, auburn, light brown and red. The brush is compact and portable so it is easy to fix your hair on the go. The price of the brush is $19.95 as of October 2010.

Trulift TEASEase Volumizing System

The Trulift TEASEase Volumizing System consists of two TEASEase double-ended combs and two ounces of the Trulift volume spritz. It is designed to increase volume in all types of hair and it can also strengthen the hair. The combs have a special design that helps them lift the hair from the root. Trulift TEASEase Volumizing System costs $19.95 as of October 2010.

Trulift Uplifting Cream

The Trulift Uplifting Cream is a product designed to increase volume and give your hair a boost. It can be used either on damp hair or when styling dry hair. The cream is a combination of vitamin B, avocado oil and keratin. The Trulift Uplifting Cream costs $16.50 as of October 2010.

Trulift Pro Cordless Styling Iron

The Trulift Pro Cordless Styling Iron is made to straighten all kinds of hair types. It features dual ceramic plates that cause less damage to the hair. When fully charged, the iron can stay powered for up to 35 minutes and can reach as hot as 410 degrees. It comes with a drawstring pouch and a 1-year warranty. As of October 2010, the price of the iron is $89.95.

Trulift the Stylist

Trulift the Stylist is made to increase volume, boost and shine. It is designed for those with limp, dull and frizzy hair and is a styling cream that can be applied to damp or dry hair. It is a lightweight, oil-free product that leaves hair light and fluffy. It costs $17.50 as of October 2010.

Why Is My Skin so Dry?

Your skin can get dry for a wide variety of unfortunately common reasons. Find out why your skin is so dry with help from a talented and experienced makeup artist in this free video clip.

Video Transcript

Hi, my name is Risha Rox and I'm a makeup artist. Today, I'm going to talk with you about dry skin. One of the most common questions from our viewers is why is my skin so dry. So what we're going to do is look at a few common reasons why your skin may be so dry. Number one, are you drinking enough water? If you're not drinking eight to twelve glasses of water at a minimum every single day, one of the major results may be that your skin is dry, you're dehydrated. It's pure and simple. You need to drink water if you want your skin to be hydrated and moisturized. Number two, not the water that you are taking in but the water that you are actually putting on your skin, we have to break the hot water habit. It does not take scalding hot water to cleanse your skin. So you should be using lukewarm water, especially if you experience any irritation or dryness as a result of washing your face. The next reason is that you may not be using enough moisturizer. You should not be afraid of moisturizer and fear that it's going to clog your pores. If you don't use moisturizer after every wash, your skin will respond by either becoming overly oily or overly dry, either way, the best way to combat this is to use moisturizer after every wash and that's at least twice a day. Number four, the biggest reason why your skin may be so dry is that it's the Winter. The harsh freezing winds and the heaters we use to combat the cold are two of the biggest foes that make our skin dry. What you have to do is come up with a regimen for your skin that takes into account the season. When it's Winter, it's time to break out the really really heavy moisturizers like Eucerin and also acquiesce screens which are really really heavy on the skin but definitely combat the dryness that can come with the Winter. My name is Risha Rox, and I've just talked with you about dry skin.

Different Ways You Can Cut the Hair on a Dog's Tail

Fur texture varies from breed to breed, so there are many ways to cut the hair on a dog’s tail. Owners may experiment with different looks when searching for one they find stylish or cute. Owners usually trim the tail after trimming everywhere else. They use a brush, comb and dog grooming scissors. The final look can range from a pom-pom ball to a short and neat look.

Checking the Tail

A dog owner should wrap his hand around the tail base and then slide his hand down the tail to push all the hairs in the right direction so the comb goes more smoothly through the hair. When running the comb through the hair, the owner must check the hair in the comb to make sure he does not cut the tail. When the comb passes through the hair, that clump of hair has no tail.

Hair Length

When dogs have very little fur on their tails, owners usually cut the fur short. However, dogs with more fur can have very fluffy and cute tails, so owners may only have to trim a little bit of the fur to retain that look. Some people cut the tail tip first, which removes most of the fringes of hair.

Stray Hairs

Owners can cut the long hairs on the tail using thinning scissors, clipping the longer hairs found at the end of the tail. Many stray hairs on the dog’s tail curl up when the dog lifts its tail up, only a few of which the owner should cut. After cutting, the owner should run the brush through the hair again.

Removing Mats

Dogs usually get mats everywhere, including on the tail. Spraying the mat with water will lubricate it and may allow the owner to remove the mat, but very thick mats may require a detangler first. Some owners cut out mats, which is sometimes the only option with extreme mats. Consequently, this will leave a hole in the dog’s tail coat.

Specific Breeds

Owners of certain breeds cut the tail fur in certain ways. With a Maltese, owners can comb the hair on the tail straight down and cut the bottom hair. Maltese and other dogs have tails that curl up, so owners must uncurl the tail before they cut the hair. When trimming the tail to give a poodle the characteristic pom-pom ball, the owner cuts the hair based on the tail length. When the tail is very long, they should not trim the tail so it’s thick only at the tip, or the tail will look like a ball on a long stick. However, the hair shouldn’t be too even in length from the front to the back, or it will look like a bunny’s tail.

How to Make Sandalwood Body Oil

Sandalwood, also known by its Latin name, santalum album, is an oil that has many properties and uses. According to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, it is used for depression, skin ailments, stress and bronchitis. Transform a few ingredients into a body oil that will leave your skin soft and scented with the mysterious scent of sandalwood.

Pour the light olive oil into a bowl and add the jojoba oil. You may also use grapeseed oil and add avocado oil. The trick is to add a heavier oil to a lighter one for extra moisturizing properties.

Add 15 drops of 100 percent sandalwood oil to the olive/jojoba blend by holding the bottle upside down and tapping it.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pour into a bottle.

Tips

- For baby smooth skin, use this homemade body oil after the shower while skin is still damp.

- Lavender, rose absolute and vanilla oils go well with sandalwood; if you wish, add several drops of each to taste, mixing and smelling after every three drops.

- Add this body oil to the bath for a moisturizing and uplifting experience.

Warning

- Some essential oils cause skin irritation; if this occurs, discontinue use immediately.

- The oil is for topical use only; never ingest the oil.

How to Reset Zeno Acne Treatment Device

The Zeno blemish clearing device is a unique acne treatment product that uses heat to kill the bacteria that cause acne. The metal tip of the product is applied to a skin blemish and the product emits a beeping sound when it is time to remove the tip from the skin. The Zeno device tracks the number of treatments and when the number reaches 80, the cartridge stops working and must be replaced. Resetting the device prior to the cartridge expiration can extend the life of the cartridge. Does this Spark an idea?

Turn on the Zeno acne device and find the "Life Indicator" lights located either on the left side or center of the device. The position varies depending on the model of Zeno. When only one "Life Indicator" light is lit, it is time to reset the device.

Turn off the Zeno and allow it to cool down completely.

Place one hand securely around the body of the Zeno device.

Place the other hand over the very top of the device, which is where the metal tip is located.

Pull up on the tip to separate it from the body of the Zeno device.

Wait at least 30 seconds.

Replace the Zeno tip onto the body of the device and push down until you hear an audible click.

Turn the Zeno device back on and look at the "Life Indicator" lights. There will be more than one light lit, indicating that the device has been reset and additional uses have been added.

Warning

- This process may cause the internal pins of the Zeno device to wear out prematurely.

Hair Products Without Animal Ingredients

Animal ingredients in hair products can be cleverly disguised. Some common ingredients in hair products like gelatin, amino acids and hyaluronic acid are often animal derivatives. The use of some of these ingredients may involve cruelty to animals. There are manufacturers, however, that make vegan-approved products. Vegan means no animal products were used including by-products such as dairy. PETA provides an extensive list of animal ingredients in addition to vegan companies that manufacture beauty products. Does this Spark an idea?

Pureology

Pureology has been in existence since 2001. Pureology specializes in hair care for color treated hair. The hair care line offers products to hydrate, smooth, repair and add volume to color treated hair. Created by Jim Markham in Irvine, California, Pureology uses 100 percent vegan formulas. Jim uses natural and botanical ingredients such as biotin, organic shea butter, lavender and chamomile. These ingredients are found in Pureology's shampoo, conditioners, leave-in conditioners and styling products.

Tara Smith

Celebrity hair stylist Tara Smith created a line of natural and organic hair care products in 2008. Her line of shampoos, conditioners and styling products are vegan approved and do not contain any animal derivatives. Tara's hair care line is the recipient of the 2009 Pure Beauty Best Organic Launch award. Aloe, lavender, chamomile and rosemary are some of the natural ingredients in Tara's products. Made in the United Kingdom, the products are available at Tesco and Duane Reade stores and online. Tara Smith products are priced ranging from $5.95 to $9.95, according to a 2010 price index.

ABBA

ABBA honors a commitment to purity with products that contain 100 percent vegan and all natural ingredients. ABBA's hair care line provides hair products to cleanse, condition, correct and create -- the company refers to the line as the 4Cs. ABBA uses aloe, chamomile, green tea and avocado in its sulfate-free shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments and styling products. ABBA was created in 1988 by Alan Benfield Bush and Jim Markham.