Posts tagged Acne
Is There an Acne Cure Diet That Works?
May 9th
Acne Diet and The Money Factor: You Can’t Sell a Healthy Diet
Ask any medical doctor if there is a connection between diet and acne and almost all of them will claim there is no connection. Quoting from the Journal of the American Medical Association:
“Diet plays no role in acne treatment in most patientseven large amounts of certain foods have not clinically exacerbated acne”.
With years of medical education and clinical experience behind these claims, how can we the simple folks who suffer from acne challenge these statements and think otherwise? The answer is: doubt. Doubt, if its stays in the borders of reason, can open many doors otherwise will stay forever shut. Believe it or not, doubt can change reality. Doubt can cure your acne and doubt can even save your life.
Fact is, countless of acne sufferers have reported that their acne seemed to get worse when they consumed certain foods and saw dramatic positive change over their acne condition when they eliminated the same foods from their diet and when certain foods with specific nutritional value were incorporated into their diet.
So why do dermatologists so stubbornly insist that diet does not cause acne? The answer: you can’t make as much money as you could make by selling drugs and over the counters. There is a huge pressure upon doctors coming from the drug and pharmaceutical companies to prescribe expensive medications and lotions that create dependency. The truth is, that your doctor is in a way, a hostage by the trillion dollar drug companies. Did you know that the drug companies, who have no interest in producing something that they cannot control financially, sponsor most medical schools?
The right diet, although not a solution by itself, can, in many cases, dramatically reduce inflammation and even completely clear one’s acne (if you’re one of the lucky ones who’s acne is triggered by allergic response to food). There are less profits for the drug and pharmaceutical companies when promoting a clear skin diet.
The truth is that conventional medications will never cure your acne, simply because they are pre-designed NOT to fix the internal cause of acne. They are pre-designed to deal with the external symptoms of a disease as they create more and more dependency and more dependency means making more money all at our expense and ignorance.
The Theory That Diet Doesn’t Cause Acne Is A Myth
The dogmatic theory that diet does not cause acne and that acne is merely an incurable genetic disorder was based upon two dated researches published in 1969 and 1971 that were aimed at studying the connection between diet and acne.
These studies were the foundation of the ‘acne symptoms treatment strategy’, meaning, because acne is a genetic disease that cannot be prevented, the only way to deal with acne would be to tackle its symptoms (bacteria, inflammation, puss, redness, greasiness), by applying creams, antibiotics, taking prescription drugs and over the counters.
Surprisingly enough, years after the above studies were published, clinical trials and in depth researches experimenting the acne diet link have found that the studies from 1969 and 1971 had came to the wrong conclusions and were in fact seriously flawed.
Recent studies have clearly found a significant connection between diet and acne. It appears that the wrong diet is now thought to be one of the leading acne contributing factors that can negatively affect hormonal regulation and the natural process of toxic elimination, which can seriously aggravate one’s existing acne.
Diet Shapes Who You Are (Including Your Acne)
In the same way that crashing waves shape beach cliffs and just like the wind shapes the canyon walls, slowly and methodically over time, so does eating shapes and effects our physic, our internal system, our physical and mental being, from the organ down to the cellular level.
The idea that an object foreign to our body that is inserted by the food that we eat, has no effect on us, or has no impact on chronic conditions such as acne is absurd. Diet is the primary thing that affects and shapes who we are.
Diet has cumulative effect on our bodies, and that includes our skin condition and acne, which is a manifestation of a chronic internal problem slowly shaped and built by the wrong daily dietary choices over the years.
Acne Diet and The Kitavan Islanders
While in the U.S, more than 80% of teenagers between 16 and 18 have acne and more than 17 million Americans suffer from some form of acne, there is an interesting evidence that native people that live and eat in traditional ways, have significantly lower to no occurrences of acne.
In 2002, Dr. Cordain and his colleagues published a landmark study that examined 300 people living in the Kitavan Islands off the coast of Papua New Guinea that showed that none of the islanders had even one blemish on his or her face. Similar to the Kitavans, no case of acne had been observed when the same experiment had been conducted upon the South American Indians called the Ache, living in a remote jungle in eastern Paraguay.
The natives of Kitavan and the South American Indians had no access to the latest over the counters, topical creams or conventional acne medications and they had no dermatologist to consult with. The only vast difference between them and American or European citizens is their diet.
Acne Diet and Sugar: The Sweet Poison
Did you know that sugar is a 100% pure chemical with zero nutritional value? Recent studies have clearly shown a connection between the consumption of sugar and the aggravation of acne.
When you consume any form of refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white flour, white rice) here’s what happens: right after you insert that ’sweet poison’ into your body, it rapidly spikes up your blood sugar levels. Your body needs to bring those levels down so it secrets a surge of insulin, other male hormones and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1. The excretion of these hormones overwhelms your liver and your internal system in general. The excess of male hormones encourages the skin to excrete large amounts of sebum oil: The greasy substance that encourages the p.acne bacteria to grow, resulting in the aggravation of your acne.
Acne Diet and Dairy Products: Got Milk? Got Acne
Milk (all dairy products included) is the most harmful, mucus forming, allergenic and acne aggravating food you can find. If you thought sugar can aggravate your acne, here’s another major nutritional player in the formation of acne: behold the miracles of milk. Surprised? I thought so. After years of constant brainwashing by the media, who can blame us for thinking milk is good for strong bones and healthy teeth? The truth is: every sip of milk contains 59 different raging hormones, (which trigger the hyper-production of sebum oil resulting in more acne), saturated animal fat, steroid hormones, dead white blood cells, and cow pus in abundance!
Did you know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows 750 million pus cells in every liter of milk (about two pounds) produced in America? Think about it, the next time you pop a pimple.
Scientific studies already point the finger at milk as one of the worst acne aggravating foods: “As pointed out by Dr. Jerome Fisher, ‘About 80 percent of cows that are giving milk are pregnant and are throwing off hormones continuously.’ Progesterone breaks down into androgens, which have been implicated as a factor in the development of acne…Dr. Fisher observed that his teenage acne patients improved as soon as the milk drinking stopped.”
If there’s one element you should remove from your diet in the quest for clear skin make it this one. Not only will you see an immediate improvement over your acne, you’ll feel a huge weight has been lifted from your body. If you worry about calcium intake, don’t! Milk being acidic forming food creates a leeching effect where calcium is taken from your bones to balance the acidity. Milk actually deprives your body from its calcium resources. Green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds are not only excellent sources of calcium they also have the powers to help you fight your acne symptoms.
Diet Is Only One of The Factors That Cause Acne
Dairy products and sugar are not the only acne aggravating foods. The two above cannot sum up the list of western made acne triggering foods. There are several other foods you should clearly stay away from if you ever wish to clear your acne. The good new is that there are tons of other foods such as essential fatty acids that are not only excellent for your skin, they can actually help you clear your acne, by re-balancing your body and promoting to an acne-free environment.
The right nutrition plays an important part in the complex process of acne formation. When doctors claim there is no link between diet and acne because certain individuals can eat specific foods and get acne while others eat the same foods and don’t, these doctors have failed to realize that there are several factors involved in the formation and aggravation of acne and diet is only ONE of them.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
May 8th
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne
Acne is a very common disease. People who have it tend to have similar kinds of questions about it and its treatment. This section addresses some of the common questions asked by people with acne. Please remember that your dermatologist is always the best source of specific information about your individual health issues, including acne.
Questions and Answer does follows:
What causes acne?
The causes of acne are linked to the changes that take place as young people mature from childhood to adolescence (puberty). The hormones that cause physical maturation also cause the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin to produce more sebum (oil). The hormones with the greatest effect on sebaceous glands are androgens (male hormones), which are present in females as well as males, but in higher amounts in males.
Sebaceous glands are found together with a hair shaft in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. During puberty, the cells of the skin that line the follicle begin to shed more rapidly. In people who develop acne, cells shed and stick together more so than in people who do not develop acne. When cells mix with the increased amount of sebum being produced, they can plug the opening of the follicle. Meanwhile, the sebaceous glands continue to produce sebum, and the follicle swells up with sebum.
In addition, a normal skin bacteria called P. acnes, begins to multiply rapidly in the clogged hair follicle. In the process, these bacteria produce irritating substances that can cause inflammation. Sometimes, the wall of the follicle bursts, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is the process by which acne lesions, from blackheads to pimples to nodules, are formed.
I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?
Many people still believe that acne is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously, only to irritate the skin further and worsen their acne. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild soap is usually all that is required. However, acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should use appropriate acne treatments for the acne.
Does stress cause acne?
Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may theoretically lead to acne. In some cases the stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around! If the acne is being treated effectively, stress is not likely to have much impact on the majority of people.
I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?
Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, acne may persist into adulthood. Such types of acne include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face (which afflict males more than females) and acne associated with the menstrual cycle in women. In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males.
There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes young women may wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form.
What role does diet play in acne?
Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet will not, clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes or influences acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet–but diet shouldn’t really matter if the acne is being appropriately treated.
Does the sun help acne?
Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. There is no proven effect of sunlight on acne. In addition, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne. Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure all the worse.
What is the best way to treat acne?
Everyone’s acne must be treated individually. If you have not gotten good results from the acne products you have tried, consider seeing a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you. For more information about the types of acne treatments that are available, and for basic acne treatment guidelines, please see Acne Treatments in the main part of AcneNet.
What kind of cosmetics and cleansers can an acne patient use?
Look for “noncomedogenic” cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne.
Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist.
Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.
Is it harmful to squeeze my blemishes?
Yes. In general, acne lesions should not be picked or squeezed by the patient. In particular, inflammatory acne lesions should never be squeezed. Squeezing forces infected material deeper into the skin, causing additional inflammation and possible scarring.
Can anything be done about scarring caused by acne?
Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the acne. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the acne be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring.
How long before I see a visible result from using my acne medication?
The time for improvement depends upon the product being used, but in almost all cases it is more a matter of weeks or months instead of days. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication or combination of medications daily for 4 to 8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients to be aware of this time frame so they do not become discouraged and discontinue their medications. Conversely, if you see no change whatsoever, you might want to check with your dermatologist regarding the need to change treatments.
Would using my medication more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my acne?
No–always use your medication exactly as your dermatologist instructed. Using topical medications more often than prescribed may actually induce more irritation of the skin, redness and follicular plugging, which can delay clearing time. If oral medications are taken more frequently than prescribed, they won’t work any better, but there is a greater chance of side effects.
My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new acne blemishes. What should I do?
Topical acne medications are made to be used on all acne-prone areas, not just individual lesions. Part of the goal is to treat the skin before lesions can form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. Patients are generally advised to treat all of the areas (forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) that tend to break out rather than just individual lesions.
My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop–but follow your dermatologist’s instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their acne flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications.
Does it matter what time I use my medication?
Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist. If you were taking one dose a day of an antibiotic, you could probably take it in the morning, at midday or in the evening, although you should pick one time of day and stay with it throughout your treatment. With oral medications prescribed twice a day or three times a day, you should try your best to spread out the doses evenly. Some antibiotics should be taken on an empty or nearly empty stomach. For optimal results with topical treatments, you should strictly follow your dermatologist’s recommendations. For example, if instructed to apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid at bedtime, it is important to follow these directions strictly. If the two were applied together at bedtime, for example, you could decrease the efficacy of the treatment because of chemical reactions that make them less effective.
I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What’s a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?
This is a common problem. Many patients try to associate taking their medication with a routine daily event such as brushing teeth or applying makeup. It also helps to keep the medication close to the area where the reminder activity is carried out.
In most cases, if you miss a day of your oral treatment, do not double up the next day; rather, get back to your daily regimen as soon as possible–but there may be different instructions for different oral medications. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose of your particular medication.
I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my acne and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around acne scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication and is it permanent?
It is not possible to make general statements about side effects of medications that apply to individual cases. A dermatologist should be consulted. The facial marks and body discoloration described by the patient in this case do fall within the range of side effects of some antibiotics.
Unique patterns of pigmentation are sometimes seen in acne patients treated with certain oral antibiotics—particularly minocycline. The pigmentation patterns that appear may include:
* Localized blue-black or brown marks in and around acne scars and in areas of previous acne inflammation
* A “muddy skin” appearance that may cover much of the body
* Diffuse brownish pigmentation of the feet and lower legs.
The pigmentation side effect gradually disappears after the therapy is discontinued.
Any side effect of a medication should be noted by the patient and brought to the attention of the physician. While most side effects are temporary they should be discussed with the physician and monitored.
My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my acne. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn’t vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of acne?
Dietary vitamin A is essential to good health, especially vision. It has healthful effects in the skin. Large doses of vitamin A for the treatment of acne is not recommended on grounds of safety. The retinoids and retinoid-like substances used as topical treatments for acne are prepared especially for their potent effect on the shedding of cell lining in the sebaceous follicle. Their use should be monitored by a dermatologist.
Dietary vitamin A has multiple health effects in the human body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Extreme vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, usually accompanied by dry, scaly skin. Vitamin A overdose that far exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 5,000 IU can have effects nearly as catastrophic. Extreme vitamin A overdose can cause the skin to blister and peel—an effect first seen in early North Pole explorers who nearly died after eating polar bear liver that has an extraordinarily high vitamin A content.
Topical retinoids are usually prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe acne. Side effects are chiefly dermatologic, including redness, scaling and dryness of the skin, itching and burning. These side effects can usually be managed by adjustment of the amount and timing of retinoid applied to the skin. Dose adjustment must be discussed with the dermatologist who prescribed the treatment.
Are there any acne treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?
There are no acne treatments specifically for use on dark skin. Acne treatments are generally as safe and effective on dark skin as on light skin. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin.
Acne is a common skin disease that has the same causes and follows the same course in all colors of skin.
Very dark or black skin may be less well-moisturized than lighter skin. Topical anti-acne agents such as benzoyl peroxide that have a drying effect on the skin should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Benzoyl peroxide also is a strong bleach and therefore must be applied carefully to avoid inadvertent decolorization of a patch of hair, towels or clothing.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed). Severe inflammatory acne may result in dark spots. The spots resolve over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Removal of acne scars by dermabrasion or chemical peeling may cause temporary lightening or darkening of dark skin in the areas of treatment. Scar treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon before it is undertaken.
Alterations of melanin (dark pigments that give the skin its color) pigmentation such as vitiligo and melasma are not related to acne, but they may be present simultaneously with acne. The diagnosis and treatment of melanin pigmentation disorders such as vitiligo requires a dermatologist with knowledge and experience in treating these conditions.
Is acne that appears for the first time in adulthood different from acne that appears in adolescence?
Acne has a specific definition as a disease of sebaceous follicles. This definition applies to acne that occurs at any age. However, it may be important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.
Current understanding of the causes of acne vulgaris is described in the Main Text section Why and how acne happens. In brief summary, acne vulgaris develops when excessive sebum production and abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle result in plugging of follicles with a mixture of sebum and cellular debris and formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Bacteria in the follicles—chiefly Propionibacterium acnes, the most common bacterial colonist of sebaceous follicles—may contribute to the inflammation of acne by release of metabolic products that cause inflammatory reaction. The pathogenic events, which cause disease, in the sebaceous follicle are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body—a circumstance usually associated with growth and development between ages 12 and
Some acne investigators believe that although this understanding is generally correct, there is more yet to be learned about the causes of acne vulgaris.
Acne that appears after the age of 25-30 years is (1) a recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence, (2) a flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet—for example, during pregnancy, or (3) acne that occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.
Acne that occurs in adulthood may be difficult to treat if there are multiple recurrences. Some patients with severe recurrent acne have undergone repeated courses of treatment with the potent systemic drug isotretinoin.
Acne flares in association with pregnancy or menstruation are due to changes in hormonal patterns.
Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be investigated for any underlying cause. Drugs that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to “bulk up”), some anti-epileptic drugs, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium, and iodine-containing drugs. Chlorinated industrial chemicals may induce the occupational skin disorder known as chloracne. Chronic physical pressure on the skin—for example, by a backpack and its straps, or a violin tucked against the angle of the jaw and chin—may induce so-called acne mechanica. Some metabolic conditions may cause changes in hormonal balance that can induce acne.
Some lesions that appear to be acne may be another skin disorder such as folliculitis—infection and inflammation of hair follicles—that require different treatment than acne. Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be examined and treated by a dermatologist.
My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of acne. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?
Excessive picking and squeezing of otherwise mild acne is a condition called excoriated acne, seen most often in young women. A dermatologist may provide effective counseling.
The typical person with excoriated acne is a person—often a young women—who is so distressed with her appearance due to acne that she literally tries to “squeeze the acne out of existence.” The acne is often very mild, but the person’s face may constantly be covered with red marks from squeezing, and open sores where lesions have been picked open.
The word excoriate means to scratch or abrade the skin. Excoriated acne is a medically recognized condition that should be discussed with a dermatologist. Occasionally giving in to a temptation to squeeze a blackhead is not defined as excoriated acne. Hours in front of a mirror, squeezing and picking every blemish, is a definition of excoriated acne. A dermatologist may be able to counsel the patient regarding a course of treatment in which the patient can participate, but keep “hands off.”
Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn’t alteration of diet be considered a treatment for acne?
Diet has never been proven to have a role in the cause or treatment of acne. Dietary manipulation may have a role in the treatment of some scaling diseases of the skin, but not in the treatment of acne.
Dietary cause is one of the most persistent myths about acne. Foods, such as chocolate or greasy foods, do not cause acne, but certain foods seem to make some people’s acne worse. The following can bring on or worsen it:
Hereditary factors
An increase in male hormones found in both males and females
Menstruation
Emotional stress
Oil and grease from cosmetics, work environment
No food has been shown to be effective in preventing or treating acne. A healthy diet is, of course, necessary for good general health.
Shouldn’t I just try to eliminate sebum from my body?
No. When it isn’t blocked in your pores, sebum helps keep your skin healthy.
Why does acne usually start at puberty?
No one knows for certain. What is known is that the sebaceous glands that produce sebum get much larger at puberty than they were before.
Why does the skin around a pimple turn red?
This redness is caused by the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is a sign that your immune system is working to fight an infection. However, the inflammatory response doesn’t always work perfectly, and can even be the cause of scarring.
If my skin turns red, does that mean that I’m going to have scars?
Usually, no. Even when there will be no permanent scar, the aftereffects of the inflammatory response can leave the skin red for months, sometimes for more than a year.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are byproducts of oxidation in your body. We all need oxidation to occur as part of our life process, but there is concern that the buildup of unrecycled free radicals contributes to many conditions, including skin damage. Antioxidants, including several of the active ingredients in Acuzine, help prevent the buildup of free radicals.
Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.
Cystic acne and oily skin
May 6th
Some people have claimed that dairy products, for example, make their skin break out. I don’t know of any studies that have proven this, but even if this is true for you at your age, it’s unlikely to be the cause of his severe, typical adolescent cystic acne. Even though it seems to live on grease, it’s not likely to significantly affect your skin (unless you get the grease all over his face and doesn’t wash it off).
Is it possible to control oil? Or is it the clogging of the pores that we’re attempting to control?
Don’t use harsh treatments to attempt to control oil – you stimulate the glands to produce even more oil afterwards and it becomes a vicious circle. Clogged pores are full of dead skin cells as well as oil, which give bacteria on the surface of the skin a great meal, leading to inflamed pimples. You want to gently clean the skin (if it’s not one of those medicated bars – you may also want to try a non-drying cleanser) with a mild compound. Using a soft washcloth (no scrubbing) will help gently remove loose dead skin cells so that there’s less to fall into the pores and clog them. There’s no need to wash more than twice a day. Your next step is to fight the skin bacteria with an appropriate medication. A dermatologist may recommend Accutane, but it is strong stuff and should be considered for severe cystic acne that doesn’t respond to any other measures.
Does after-shave irritate the cystic acne problem?
Well, after shave contains alcohol, which is not only drying (something to be avoided if you are using any other kind of topical or oral medication) but can irritate inflamed pimples. Shaving is said to be a good, mild exfoliate (gets rid of dead skin cells) but it may also irritate or cut inflamed pimples.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Cystic acne and Accutane
May 4th
Accutane is the most popular cystic acne medication; however it doesn’t work foreveryone. I assume that before taking another course of Cystic Acne Accutane:
You’d make sure to reduce the number of prescription drugs you’re taking during the course.
If a woman, you’re not planning to become pregnant.
You’re aware that at least for some adolescents there’s been a suggested linkage between depression and Accutane.
You’re planning on living in a generally healthy manner, eating well, exercising, not smoking, and not drinking to excess. You should be trying to do that whether or not you’re taking Accutane. especially if you’re no longer a kid.
If you can say yes in response to all of the following statements and have been diligently following the doctor’s instructions I think you’re well with your rights to press the doctor for something more effective or to move on to a doctor who would be willing to give you a second course of Accutane or some other similar cystic acne treatment if that’s the only thing that will work. No, Accutane is not an ideal medication to cure cystic acne, but in my experience it does work like no other, at least for a time, and one has to look at the overall picture and consider how strongly the individual feels about his / her condition.
You also should get your health checked out in general; there’s probably no connection to your skin condition, but you never know. But don’t feel guilty about being frustrated and angry with your current doctor, if that’s how you feel. And anyone who thinks that acne is merely a superficial cosmetic condition obviously has never had a serious case.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Different ways to get rid of cystic acne
May 3rd
All of the above cystic acne information not only will help learn how to get rid of acne, but will make you healthier as well.
Topically: After washing with a mild soap, use tea tree antiseptic cream. It can be bought or ordered at a health food store. This acne remedy is very antibiotic, also it is incredibly anti-inflammatory so all the redness and swelling goes down and as a side effect it moisturizes and leaves your skin baby soft. This acne cure can be an absolute miracle for you and it is especially good for after shaving.
Internally: Eat as close to a natural foods diet as possible avoiding chemicals and preservatives and additives as much as you can. Never drink chlorine always drink lots and lots of filtered, distilled or spring waters. Always use a Laundry detergent that is free of perfumes and dyes. Normal scented detergents remain on the clothes after drying and we absorb the chemical scent through our skin and it aggravates our skin. Also absolutely never use fabric softener especially those poison dryer sheets.
Take garlic capsules with every meal, garlic is highly antibiotic and will eventually work better than all those Immune system compromising drug anti-biotic the MD’s have been pushing on us. Also crush 1-2 fresh raw cloves and mix it in with each meal in plenty of food. The garlic must be raw not cooked. The pills work good but fresh, raw, crushed garlic with food is simply amazing.
Start using lots of extra virgin olive oil on everything, again raw. Pour it on salads, on pastas (after they are on your plate). This kind of food is like gold for your skin and liver. Heating it will turn it into toxic grease. Also deep fried foods have toxic grease so avoid them.
These therapies are two parts: Antibiotic both internal and external to kill off the infection which as you guessed is a major deep skin problem especially in the case of cystic acne. Also the therapies are purifying, when we have a toxic system the liver and Kidneys become taxed and clogged up and we throw off toxins through the sweat glands. While it’s the oil glands that plug up the sweat pores it’s the toxemia of the sweat glands and the Inability of the Liver to break down hormones that causes excess oil and a poorly functioning pore.
Don’t forget to exercise and reduce stress although it’s difficult when the cystic acne is there, but stressing about it will make it worse. Best wishes and a speedy cure.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Cystic acne – how to clean your acne skin
May 1st
In order to get rid of cystic acne you should adhere to strict cleansing. That is my best advice. Wash, wash, and wash your face. If you have blackheads, it means dirt is trapped, if you have cystic acne it means bacteria are trapped. And an oily face traps more dirt in so wash the oil away every night before you sleep and don’t think using harsh soaps will help. If you are naturally oily, the drier your skin is the more oil it will produce to counter react the dryness.
Use the Glycerin and Oat facial wash from Body Shop. It cleans your cystic acne face squeaky clean with leaving it dry. You can also use a good toner from Body Shop because you want to keep your pores close and not open to prevent dirt from getting in. Do not use a scrub. You will over activate your glands and have more breakouts. I believe at this point your skin is very sensitive but you may use a weekly masque (peel off or wash off masque) for deep cleansing.
During the day use oil blotters to ‘eat ‘ up the oil on your face. This works wonderfully if you can’t wash your face while you are outside. You can also use other products in pharmacies to dry up pimples while you sleep at night.
Learn to relax. That is a vital factor in your healing. The more you worry, the worse it gets believe me. I have been there done that. I have had acne for 10 years since I was 16 and now it has finally cleared up. Once your skin clears too, you can start using products with glycolic acid (Neo Strata) to peel away the old skin and scars to reveal newer skin. But do not do anything drastically. This will take time. You have to make sure your cystic acne problem clears before you use this as it can make you scar if you use it wrongly. You have had cystic acne for a long time, be prepared to spend the next 6-8 months in healing it. I wish you all the best.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Cystic acne tips – how to get rid of acne
Apr 30th
To get rid of cystic acne I would find a good skin care regimen. Use a gentle cleanser and only wash your face twice a day. Make sure that the make-up you are using is of good quality and doesn’t clog pores. Sometimes the make-up you use can make your skin worse. Use only loose powder and a cover up for bad cystic acne. Make sure you’re not allergic to your makeup and all the chemicals in them will make your acne condition worse. Also, make sure you don’t use moisturizer, even a little, because that can really mess your skin up. If you are using heavier make-up then you need to make sure you use a make-up remover that will not hurt your skin and get all of it off at night. Try not to touch your face.
Get some of the blotting papers to help you with oil during the day. Drink lots of water – at least 8 glasses a day! Water will help to clean the purities out of your body and will help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Eat healthy foods to also keep those impurities from building up in your body. No, the food you eat won’t give you cystic acne – but the foods you don’t eat could.
“Healthy inside, healthy outside.” Get into some sort of exercise – riding bikes, roller blades, or a sport in school. It will give you a way to get rid of stress (which can make your cystic acne worse) and will help you to stay healthy.
Everything that touches your face should be clean. Check out the detergent you purchase, use one for sensitive skin. Make sure your shampoo and conditioner are gentle – nothing too scented. Ask your dermatologist for some kind of prescription. Keep in mind that if you go on any prescription, your cystic acne is most likely going to get worse before it gets better. Don’t give up with it. If your dermatologist isn’t going your way you should see if you could switch him.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Cystic acne and junk food
Apr 28th
In order to get rid of cystic acne, it’s an excellent idea to avoid junk food. Some people, no matter what they do in terms of diet, exercise, and general lifestyle changes, continue to have cystic acne that requires medical treatment. You may be an example of the extremely fortunate individual whose skin responds just to changes in diet. It’s unfair, however, to suggest that an improved diet will be a panacea for all people with acne.
Obviously, if an individual notices a connection between eating a certain food, for example, chocolate, shell fish, spinach, fried foods, and breakouts, he or she should avoid those foods. But not everyone has such clear flags.
But food is not the only cause for cystic acne. Frankly I sometimes wonder if more people don’t have adult cystic acne because of our toxic environment, including our food. Or maybe part of it is that everybody didn’t feel as great a need to be perfect in the past. Maybe more people are seeking acne treatment now than in the past, I’m not saying that seeking treatment is necessarily a bad thing; if help is available, why not take advantage of it?
My advice is to press the doctor for something else and if it doesn’t work seek a new doctor who will prescribe Accutane or something similar for a five-month course. Cystic acne is just too unpleasant a condition to be lived with if there is a medication that can control it and the risks are reasonable.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
Cystic acne and workout
Apr 27th
Cystic acne is caused by hormonal imbalances and toxicity in our body and it can start with an irritated stomach lining. Eating excess carbs can lead to all those conditions, and your skin can be in better condition on low carb than ever before.
Another thing that can cause breakouts is excessive cardio exercise that leaves your body acidic. That happens when you workout at high intensity and the lactic acid builds up in your body to toxic levels. Depending on the strength of your lymphatic and endocrine systems, this toxicity can take many days to clear out. Antioxidants like Vitamin C can help getting rid of cystic acne, but it is best to workout at lower intensities most of the time.
If you are a runner who likes to race, you can do speed work at higher intensities one day a week, but do not keep it up for extended periods – do it in intervals. If you do not race, workout at lower intensities and you will burn more fats and also keep your body from building up toxins from excessive acid build up. Gentle exercise is so much better for your health when you have cystic acne problem.
Pain and heaviness in the legs is a sign you are stressing your body. You would often get cystic acne breakouts when over-training and after intense efforts. If you will work out more moderately the cystic acne might be minor. Stay out of the mostly sugar burning zone in your workouts and that will probably help.
If you have a serious cystic acne problem, I would suggest that you will consult a professional dermatologist about proper cystic acne treatments over the long-term. And if you just have a pimple here and there, you can try some of the topical remedies.
Cystic Acne – Medical information and tips on how to get rid of acne
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