Female Care

It seems you can’t flip through the channels these days without being inundated with infomercials. These 30-minute commercials are advertising everything from exercise equipment to “get rich quick” programs. But by far the “queen” of all infomercials has to be the one for the Proactive Solution. Proactive is a face cleansing program especially targeted for people with acne problems. Curious as to what people actually thought of this system, I compiled a summary of various customer reviews regarding this very popular product.

The Proactive Solution is a 3-step process that consists of using a cleanser, a toner, and a repairing lotion. Let’s look at each in detail.

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser
The Proactive Renewing Cleanser is an oil-free cleanser that contains prescription strength benzoyl peroxide to treat existing acne. This product is applied to your damp face by using a circular motion to disperse the cleanser. This product feels slightly grainy in texture and it is designed to lightly exfoliate the dead skin cells from your face. Continue reading »

Sweating

You might think that you are only supposed to sweat when you are hot, but once you hit puberty, you also will sweat when you are nervous. Your sweat glands (which make sweat) become more active during the teen years, causing both more sweat and also some smell. You actually have 2 million to 4 million sweat glands all over the body. Most are on the soles of the feet, the palms, forehead, cheeks, and in the armpits. Don’t panic, though. Sweat and smell are normal parts of becoming an adult. Sweating also does an important job – it helps to cool your body down when you are hot.

How to help keep sweat from smelling badly:

• Shower or take a bath every day.

• Use a deodorant (covers smell) or an antiperspirant (decreases sweating), or a product that has both.

• Talk to your doctor if these things do not work or you are worried.

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Acne is a disorder of the skin caused by inflammation of the skin glands and hair follicles. The cause of acne is not completely understood, yet some factors, which may contribute, include heredity, hormones & bacteria.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Defined by severity, there are two types:

• Mild Acne – (“whiteheads” and “blackheads”) is caused by a plug of dead skin cells and oil in the canal that contains the hair, under the surface of the skin. Because the plugs are underneath the skin surface, scrubbing will not get rid of them. In fact, rubbing the skin or using harsh or abrasive soaps can irritate the skin and make the acne worse. Mild acne does not usually leave permanent marks on the skin.

•  Moderate to Severe Acne – causes large bumps (nodules) and cysts, which may lead to permanent scarring of the skin. With early and consistent treatment, however, such scarring can often be prevented.

What is the treatment for acne?

The treatment varies and depends on the type of acne. Appropriate and regular skin care is the 1st step.

•  Using the tips of your fingers (no washcloth or sponge, etc.) wash your face and other affected areas with a mild soap such as Purpose, Basis or Neutrogena, or with alcohol-free cleansing cream. Pat dry (DO NOT RUB) with a soft towel.

•  Avoid moisturizers and cosmetics. If they must be used, choose an oil-free or water based “non-comedogenic” and “non-acneogenic” cosmetic.

Medications prescribed will depend on the type of acne you have. Topical medications and oral antibiotics may be used alone or together. A topical medication might be an antibiotic lotion or gel (Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, Doxycycline or Minocycline) or a liquid or cream containing Benzoyl Peroxide or Retin A.

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