Showing posts with label steroid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steroid. Show all posts

Saturday, April 17, 2010

The Whole Truth About Acne Scar Removal

Do you avoid mirrors and hide your face because of ugly acne scars? Acne is a common problem among people of all ages, especially teenagers. Perhaps your skin has cleared up and you are left with embarrassing scars that you don't know how to get rid of. It could effect you psychologically as well as emotionally. Luckily for you, there are various treatments for acne scar removal.

The first step you should take in this process is to consult a dermatologist. Acne scar removal procedures have become very common. Remember when choosing a method of removal, consider the condition of your skin. If you have sensitive skin you should try the least abrasive procedure available. Acne scar removal is the key to regaining smooth and healthy looking skin.

Some acne scar removal options are dermabrasion, collagen injections, steroid injections, laser treatment, radiotherapy, or chemical peels. Some treatments may not completely remove all scars but the appearance of most of them will lessen dramatically. Your doctor's recommendation toward a certain procedure depends on the type and severity of the scarring.

Dermabrasion is a procedure done under local anesthetic in which the doctor will remove the top layers of skin with a sanding instrument. It is one of the most effective treatments available for facial scar removal. It is not recommended for people with darker skin because it could reveal lighter layers of skin, which could cause another problem with your appearance.

Collagen injections are a less permanent solution to acne scars. They generally last from 3-6 months and require future injections to maintain their effect.

Steroid injections are a long term treatment for acne scar removal. The side effects of this procedure are minimal, but there is a chance that the scars will still remain visible.

Laser treatment is still in an experimental phase. The use of a vasecular laser may fade the color of scars. A carbon dioxide laser may flatten scars and resurface the skin, however this effect is not definite. This procedure is not recommended due to the uncertainty in the safety of the treatment.

Radiotherapy is a controversial treatment and is only recommended for extreme cases. It is used to prevent the reoccurrence of severe scarring. The long-term side effects, even in the small doses of this treatment, is the risk of cancer induced by radiation.

A chemical peel is a minor form of surgery that can be done by a cosmetologist. This is usually the solution to getting rid of minor scarring. A layer of skin is removed by the application of chemicals. Afterwards, a new layer of skin can form and reduce your scars.

For some people, more than one type of treatment is necessary for the best outcome. Each person's face and skin are different and it is necessary to research these and other procedures available for you. Realistically, some people may not get rid of the appearance of scars completely.

Choosing the right dermatologist is as important as choosing your treatment. Qualifications and experience are key factors to look at. You can read about a dermatologist in any area online (www.IEnhance.com/physician). Acne scar removal can get expensive so you shouldn't rush to give your money to just anyone. A good doctor will work closely with you to get your skin appearing as clear and smooth as possible.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Why My Muscles Won't Grow? Cortisol Stress Hormone Destroy Muscle Tissues

There are many reasons why your muscles won’t grow or why your muscle growth is retarded. One main culprit for your muscle tissue to in a catabolic and not in an anabolic state is the stress hormone called cortisol. This stress hormone, cortisol, is produced by your body when you are under stressful situations.

Yes, any type of stress, whether they are mental stress, physical stress or just emotional stress will trigger off an increased in the production of cortisol hormones. A high level of cortisol is always a bane for bodybuilders and that in itself, is creating more stress.

When you exercise or especially weightlifting body building exercises, you are placing a tremendous stress on your body. This in turn will cause the cortisol hormone in your body to rise to unacceptable level which may destroy your muscle tissues, bone density and causes weight gain especially abdominal fat. Ohhh...that abdominal fat that would not go away.

This hormone hates your muscles and wants you to grow fat. It takes away protein from the muscles. However to be fair to this hormone, the cortisol hormone has its positive functions.

Cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and is commonly known as a stress hormone because the level of cortisol in your body rises sharply when you are under stress. This hormone plays an important role in your body’s metabolic function, it facilitates cardiovascular function, carbohydrate metabolism and controls inflammation. After all, it is a steroid hormone.

As more cortisol is being produced, your muscle tissue breaks down further since the amino acids from your muscle protein is being converted into glucose for energy. This hormone also blocks new muscle tissues from growing because it interferes in protein synthesis in your muscles.

How to lower cortisol level?

• Get enough sleep – Let your body recuperate from the day’s stress and let the body rebuild its wears and tears. A lack of sleep will put your body under further stress and thus increasing cortisol levels.

• Avoid stress – Take up yoga, read a book, take a break from whatever you are doing. Learn meditation and breathing techniques to reduce everyday stress. Take a week or so break from your exercise routine after 6-8 weeks of regular training. As your body learns how to relax, the level of cortisol hormone will fall correspondingly.

• Do not over train – Over training is a common issue amongst athletes of all types. This is especially so in bodybuilding and weight lifting. You are already damaging your muscles when you lift weights, don’t let cortisol hormones rob your muscles of the much needed proteins and preventing muscle repair and growth.

Once your body and mind is free from stress, your cortisol production will be at a healthy level and you will once again see your muscles growing, provided that you are doing other things that are conducive to getting your muscles to grow.