answered question
answers (10)
Having suffered with acne for many years, this topic is close to my heart and I'd like to share with you what worked for me.
Firstly, Acne.org is a fantastic site for support and advice. They have become slightly more commercial in the past couple of years, as they now have their own range of products in the US. However, their forums provide a wealth of supportive individuals and information.
The most useful thing I gleaned from their 'regime' was the use of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel, which is available over the counter from your local pharmacy for a very reasonable cost (around £3 for a tube of 'PANOXYL' that lasts me many weeks). It doesn't cause the irritation and dryness that can result from the use of stronger % preparations. In my personal opinion, anything that irritates or sensitises the skin will ultimately make acne worse.
So, try a gentle face wash, perhaps with glycolic acid / AHAs, twice a day (no scrubbing!) and follow with the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel. I believe the oxygen released by the peroxide helps kill off offending bacteria (including propionibacterium acnes) twice a day, allowing the skin's natural defences to gain the upper hand and irritation to settle. The gel probably also helps promote a 'normal' rate of shedding of surface layers (not the massive irritation and exfoliation caused by stronger preparations). You can follow the gel with your usual moisturiser if necessary (believe it or not, your skin can be greasy and still be dehydrated). The regime can be applied to any part of the body where acne is present.
Don't spend hours fretting over your skin, just follow the simple regime and hopefully you'll find in no time that your skin is improving day-on-day. I never looked back. Once things have settled down, you can ease off with the gel - perhaps to once a day, or less - you'll find the level of maintenance treatment you need. In my experience, with time this gradually diminishes.
In summary:
Acne.org - very helpful site, forums etc
Regime:
Other general tips:
Good luck!
Firstly, Acne.org is a fantastic site for support and advice. They have become slightly more commercial in the past couple of years, as they now have their own range of products in the US. However, their forums provide a wealth of supportive individuals and information.
The most useful thing I gleaned from their 'regime' was the use of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel, which is available over the counter from your local pharmacy for a very reasonable cost (around £3 for a tube of 'PANOXYL' that lasts me many weeks). It doesn't cause the irritation and dryness that can result from the use of stronger % preparations. In my personal opinion, anything that irritates or sensitises the skin will ultimately make acne worse.
So, try a gentle face wash, perhaps with glycolic acid / AHAs, twice a day (no scrubbing!) and follow with the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel. I believe the oxygen released by the peroxide helps kill off offending bacteria (including propionibacterium acnes) twice a day, allowing the skin's natural defences to gain the upper hand and irritation to settle. The gel probably also helps promote a 'normal' rate of shedding of surface layers (not the massive irritation and exfoliation caused by stronger preparations). You can follow the gel with your usual moisturiser if necessary (believe it or not, your skin can be greasy and still be dehydrated). The regime can be applied to any part of the body where acne is present.
Don't spend hours fretting over your skin, just follow the simple regime and hopefully you'll find in no time that your skin is improving day-on-day. I never looked back. Once things have settled down, you can ease off with the gel - perhaps to once a day, or less - you'll find the level of maintenance treatment you need. In my experience, with time this gradually diminishes.
In summary:
Acne.org - very helpful site, forums etc
Regime:
- Gentle Glycolic acid / AHA face wash
- NO SCRUBBING!!
- Benzoyl peroxide gel 2.5% (don't go overboard with it)
- Your own moisturiser if required
- Repeat twice per day
Other general tips:
- Wash any sweat from your skin as soon as possible (it definitely makes acne worse)
- Eat well and drink plenty of water
- If your diet is poor, consider vitamin and mineral supplements
- Remember that most expensive topical acne medications are worthless - the more expensive, generally the more worthless!
- Try to reduce stress - try relaxation or meditation
- Don't smoke
- Don't drink too much alcohol
- Get some fresh air and exercise - they can both do wonders for your skin (and your general health)
- See your doctor. If topical treatments simply don't work (and they don't for everybody) there are a number of medications that can be prescribed, although I would be sure to properly try more simple regimes before committing to taking medication (which can have side effects) for months or years.
- Consider the possible role of foods and intolerances in your acne (dairy, for example, or high GI foods)
Good luck!
Visiting your dermatologist is always the best way to treat acne. No face wash on the planet can turn blemishes around like a prescription medication, particularly Accutane.
If you have slightly troublesome skin, try the Fresh Farmacy soap from Lush (http://www.lush.com). It knocks the socks off of Proactive (which is still a good product) and others. Pair it with a light moisturizer (Lush has one called "Celestial" that I love) ... you always want to moisturize your skin and keep it hydrated, or oily skin will actually get even more oily in an attempt to compensate for the dryness.
Wash your face twice a day, never ever sleep with makeup on, choose oil-free makeup, wash your pillowcase regularly, and try hard not to touch your face throughout the day.
There's also a lot to be said about drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet. We are literally made up of what we eat, so what comes out of your skin is often a reflection of what you're putting in your body.
If you have slightly troublesome skin, try the Fresh Farmacy soap from Lush (http://www.lush.com). It knocks the socks off of Proactive (which is still a good product) and others. Pair it with a light moisturizer (Lush has one called "Celestial" that I love) ... you always want to moisturize your skin and keep it hydrated, or oily skin will actually get even more oily in an attempt to compensate for the dryness.
Wash your face twice a day, never ever sleep with makeup on, choose oil-free makeup, wash your pillowcase regularly, and try hard not to touch your face throughout the day.
There's also a lot to be said about drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet. We are literally made up of what we eat, so what comes out of your skin is often a reflection of what you're putting in your body.
Please be careful with Accutane the side effects can be very detrimental. Make sure you discuss all the potentials with your Dermatologist. Acne as bad as it can be can pales to its possible sides effects.
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6661-Accutane+Oral.aspx?drugid=6661&drugname;=Accutane+Oral&pagenumber;=6
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20041123/fda-strengthens-warnings-on-acne-drug
http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-6661-Accutane+Oral.aspx?drugid=6661&drugname;=Accutane+Oral&pagenumber;=6
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20041123/fda-strengthens-warnings-on-acne-drug
Also, a warning about proactiv: in very rare cases, people who use proactiv over 5 years can develop an allergy to it. I did, and it was very, very frustrating to have my face wash cause extreme skin problems (and scarring) in areas where I'd never had acne before. All the more reason to see a dermatologist to get what's right for YOUR skin.
I took Accutane twice, and I still have issues, but now use Aveeno's skin wash; there are different types for various skin. I also combine with Clean and Clear for spot treatment. Try over the counter for a month or two, and then if it doesn't help, see a doctor. Do the research though, there are risks involved with some medications, like Accutane.
source(s):
http://www.cleanandclear.com/productDetail.do?productid=47&productpos=1...
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/accutane.html
http://www.aveeno.com/productDetail.do?prodid=3691
http://www.cleanandclear.com/productDetail.do?productid=47&productpos=1...
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/accutane.html
http://www.aveeno.com/productDetail.do?prodid=3691
This Mahalo page http://www.mahalo.com/Acne has many links that can also help you find what is best for you and your skin.
I personally find that any over the counter product with 10% benzoyl peroxide AND following the directions, does well for me and mine. Though it can be a bit drying so use moisturizer. No, moisturizer (if it is the right moisturizer, like oil free), will not cause additional oil accumulation.
Anything beyond that see a dermatologist.
I personally find that any over the counter product with 10% benzoyl peroxide AND following the directions, does well for me and mine. Though it can be a bit drying so use moisturizer. No, moisturizer (if it is the right moisturizer, like oil free), will not cause additional oil accumulation.
Anything beyond that see a dermatologist.
I will agree with Proactiv. My daughter has very sensitive skin and this worked wonders for her.
I highly recommend getting the Body Shop products. I have used these products for a while, and they work great. Start off with its toners and then get the masks. Most importantly, you should wash everyday, and use an exfoliator at least two times a week, every four to five days. Check out The Body Shop http://www.thebodyshop.com
over all i reccomend using a more holistic treatment.I prefer not to deal with the side effects of meds
Over the counter products with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid should help minor acne. You should also make sure you're eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise. Healthy on the inside, means healthy on the outside.
Isotretinoin (trade name: Accutane) is a powerful drug used in the treatment of acne.
Four to five months of Accutane treatment usually leads to clearing of
acne. It is a potent medication that is very effective for nearly all
types of breakouts. Accutane is needed for moderate to severe acne that
has failed other treatments. It should be used for a severe, scarring
acne. Is also used for acne present for many years that has not respond
completely to antibiotic pills and creams.
Accutane claims to have a 50% success rate in clearing acne to the point that it will not need to be treated again.
Four to five months of Accutane treatment usually leads to clearing of
acne. It is a potent medication that is very effective for nearly all
types of breakouts. Accutane is needed for moderate to severe acne that
has failed other treatments. It should be used for a severe, scarring
acne. Is also used for acne present for many years that has not respond
completely to antibiotic pills and creams.
Accutane claims to have a 50% success rate in clearing acne to the point that it will not need to be treated again.
BP has been aroud for as long as start of last century and yet the problem with acne exist. Same as accutane and other chemicals, antibiotics.
There are so many acne products with benzoyl peroxide around. Besides the fact that most of them do not help in a long run, they also very harsh for your skin. So, if you want to deal with side effects then go ahed and use it.
I find that natural acne products are the best solution.
No advertising anything here, but - check the ingredients on this one:
ABC Cream
There are so many acne products with benzoyl peroxide around. Besides the fact that most of them do not help in a long run, they also very harsh for your skin. So, if you want to deal with side effects then go ahed and use it.
I find that natural acne products are the best solution.
No advertising anything here, but - check the ingredients on this one:
ABC Cream
Chemical peels can be great for treating active acne. Skin Laboratory has a Salicylic 20 peel that is recommended for acne. It is an at-home peel that you use once or twice a week (depending on your skin sensitivity) for 6 weeks.
Here is some information about the Salicylic 20 from their website.
skinlaboratory.com
Salicylic 20 acid has several natural characteristics that will help immediately reduce the appearance of the blemish.
1) Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic Properties- the Salicylic Acid (also in aspirin) works actively to reduce the redness and inflammation of the pimple, and to eliminate irritation to the spot, further reducing swelling.
2) Germicidal - as a primary hormone in the plant's immune system, the acid helps kill the P. acne's bacteria and restore healthy environment for faster healing
3) Oil Soluble - the salicylic acid because of its oil solubility is able to effectively penetrate the sebum clogged pores of the skin
You might be hesitant about putting acid on your face, but using Salicylic Acid is actually much safer than using something like lemon juice (citric acid) because of the nature of the molecule.
Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which is great for two reasons. First, the outside layer of your skin is covered in oil, and being oil soluble, the salicylic acid is able to penetrate this outer layer.
However the under this outermost layer is the dermis, and this layer is made up of mostly water. Oil and water don't mix, and this keeps the Salicylic acid from moving down past the outer most levels of the epidermis, and so it stays on the surface of the skin.
Remember to not get frustrated...exfoliation is a process that takes some time. You are beginning your treatments with pores that are congested/clogged with embedded dirt, dead skin cells and sebum. As you begin your treatments the sebum just under the surface will likely emerge as blemishes. This is normal. Breakouts may seem more pronounced since the acid is cleaning the pores more quickly than with regular cleansing products. Typically within the first 3 weeks, the skin begins to show improved clarity with very few breakouts. Deep cleansing and exfoliation is a "process" which takes some time to work. After the skin has cleared, It is also important to continue weekly treatments to keep the pores from becoming clogged.
I hope this has helped.....
Here is some information about the Salicylic 20 from their website.
skinlaboratory.com
Salicylic 20 acid has several natural characteristics that will help immediately reduce the appearance of the blemish.
1) Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic Properties- the Salicylic Acid (also in aspirin) works actively to reduce the redness and inflammation of the pimple, and to eliminate irritation to the spot, further reducing swelling.
2) Germicidal - as a primary hormone in the plant's immune system, the acid helps kill the P. acne's bacteria and restore healthy environment for faster healing
3) Oil Soluble - the salicylic acid because of its oil solubility is able to effectively penetrate the sebum clogged pores of the skin
You might be hesitant about putting acid on your face, but using Salicylic Acid is actually much safer than using something like lemon juice (citric acid) because of the nature of the molecule.
Salicylic acid is oil soluble, which is great for two reasons. First, the outside layer of your skin is covered in oil, and being oil soluble, the salicylic acid is able to penetrate this outer layer.
However the under this outermost layer is the dermis, and this layer is made up of mostly water. Oil and water don't mix, and this keeps the Salicylic acid from moving down past the outer most levels of the epidermis, and so it stays on the surface of the skin.
Remember to not get frustrated...exfoliation is a process that takes some time. You are beginning your treatments with pores that are congested/clogged with embedded dirt, dead skin cells and sebum. As you begin your treatments the sebum just under the surface will likely emerge as blemishes. This is normal. Breakouts may seem more pronounced since the acid is cleaning the pores more quickly than with regular cleansing products. Typically within the first 3 weeks, the skin begins to show improved clarity with very few breakouts. Deep cleansing and exfoliation is a "process" which takes some time to work. After the skin has cleared, It is also important to continue weekly treatments to keep the pores from becoming clogged.
I hope this has helped.....
source(s):
www.skinlaboratory.com
www.skinlaboratory.com
Related questions
140 characters left
ask any question
