Old fashioned? Yes. Of course, I am not talking about EXTREMELY SEVERE ACNE such as CYSTIC and other forms that require ACCUTANE.
This is just a serious alternate to those who have tried ANTI-BIOTICS, RETIN-A, and what not.
Yes, I have tried all that with little success. I am on this new 'old fashioned' process for 1 week now = no new zits.
[of course, in the past week, I have stopped RETIN-A, stopped my MULTI VITAMINS (whole new topic on why to stop this) and taking HERBAL pills such as Liver Cleaner and what not from a naturopathist]
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Here is the deal:
-Whether u want to do the laser treatment or not, thats up to you.
-Whether u want to take herbal pills, again, up to you.
BUT - do not take anti-biotics, or use RETIN-A if they have not worked in the past, stopped working, or don't work well.
This process of the above medications, although old fashioned, work VERY WELL if used consistenly and carefully without drying the skin.
-Before I get started, remember:
*NEVER POP ZITS.
*Never over-wash the face or make it dry. Wash only 2 times a day.
-With that said, here is the GOAL for EVERY ACNE SUFFERER:
*avoid clogging pores.
*remove the oils from the clogged pores.
*kill the bacteria.
*stop the inflammation.
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To achieve the above, do the following in the morning and night:
1-Wet face or wash wash gently with non-medicated wash.
3-Wait 5 minutes, apply GYCOLIC ACID - lotion or cream. This stuff acts as an antioxidant. It also helps with scars and wrinkles, along with acne.
4- ALTERNATING between the GLYCOLIC ACID, switch to BENZYL PEROXIDE cream or lotion or anything 5%. (10% is too harsh. remember, more is never better).
You can alternate morning GLYCOLIC and nightimes BENZYL. Its up to you. The BENZYL PEROXIDE is the most effective treatment for acne because it produces oxygen for the skin and kills bacteria.
5-Finally at night after you put on the BP, ICE down your skin for 10 minutes. This opens the pores and lets the Benzyl Peroxide u just put on to do deep down. Thus, it reduces inflamation.
*On top of all this, remember to use an oil free moisturizer with at least 15spf in the daytime.
-Each one of the medications does somthing different. That is why you must use all of it, not just one. Thats why people dont get the acne treated.
Remember our goals? Here it is again:
*avoid clogging pores. [salycilic acid works here]
*remove the oils [gycolic acid works here]
*kill the bacteria. [benzoyl peroxide works here]
*stop the inflammation. [the ice comes into play here]
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In order to fully understand WHY and HOW these 4 treatments work so well together is to dig deep into your HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY BOOK, or read the ACNE CURE by Dr.Terry J Dubrow, MD.
I am a firm believer of this and my skin is looking great this week.
To back me up, as I mentioned, I talked to my DERMATOLOGIST about this and this is the exact METHOD of TREATMENT I will be continuing AFTER my LASER SURGURY is done.
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Good luck to all of you. Hope u get cured.
By the way - that book also has a section on how FOOD causing ACNE is a huge MYTH. The statements presented in that chapter are very logical and understanding. I am beginning to believe that FOOD DOESNT CAUSE ACNE. But that is a whole new topic. I have evidence to back it up and much more. Yes, oily and unhealthy foods are bad for overall health, but do not trigger a pimple. Any foods consumed in moderation is ok.
But I have to say this, that it is great for them to just say 'don't pop the zits'! We all know its bad for you; well, most of us do. But it's hard to stop doing it, being realistic about it.
What they should tell you is the best way to get rid of that gunk without worsening the problem by driving the stuff deeper or spreading it all over the nearby skin, and being left with scars in the aftermath.
I think it would be better for them to tell you that such and such a loton or gel softens the zit, and makes it easier to get the gunk out. Then use a sterilised pin or something to make a hole out of which it effortlessly seeps out.
Such a thing would make more practical sense to me. Advice from those who don't know what it is like to have zits, is usually impractical, I find.
All the Best.
__________________
The above is only my Personal Humble Opinion, Folks.
I am no expert on these matters. Please consult the (supposed) experts, and seek the advice of other people as well.
look-i know you are just trying to help aaron but saying you have the acne cure just cuz someone wrote a book is a little naive . I highly doubt the regimen you describe is a "cure" esp. without the laser, and for people whose acne is caused by dry skin it may make things even worse.
DRY SKIN: I have dry skin - all caused my the 15 weeks wasted time using Retin-A. My skin is flakey. This method by far works best if used moderatly.
LASER: The book doesn't say 1 word about LASER. This is just my option and I feel I want to do it on top of this.
MOISTURIZER: Somthing I forgot to mention that the book also mentioned. Always use an oil free moisturizer after the treatment in the morning.
OVER-DRY? : Use these products carefully. And pick PRODUCTS that WONT over-dry. Such as the SALYCILIC ACID - it SAYS on the BOTTLE: "Wont Overdry"
POPPING ZITS: I have not popped them for 1 month. And trust me - I had many huge zits. There is of course times when the PUSS is to the top and the white stuff is just asking to get out. Thats when you slowly 'tap' the puss area ONLY. The key is NOT popping it. Just tapping it and letting it out naturally.
*So, there you have it.
*By the way, that book is for ALL AGES and ALL SKIN TYPES.
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Having said that, here are the PRODUCTS I USE in order:
1- SALYCILIC ACID 2% - Neutrogena Astrigent (won't overdry) comes in Blue liquid bottle.
2- GLYCOLIC ACID - Glemco AhA & Glycolic (cream form)
3- BENZOYL PEROXIDE - Benzimycin Gel (Refridgerator stuff - 5%)
4- MOISTURE - Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture & 15spf.
4- ICE - Ice down the skin before bed.
*Number 4: One in the daytime, and one at night.
*You can even do NUMBER 2 and 3 the same way: One at BEDTIME one in the DAYTIME.
Its all up to the individual. My skin feels great.
Just because the bottle says it won't overdry doesn't mean it won't. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif A lot of products say they'll get rid of acne and they don't. Same thing lol. What you posted is hardly a cure for most people but I'm glad it's working for you.
some people are allergic to salicylic acid so i don't see how this routine can be good for all acne sufferers. and any derm who says food doesn't play any part in acne i wouldn't respect too much. i'm always wary of doctors who don't consider more natural treatments and always rely on chemicals. i suggest you follow a diet of white breads, chocolate bars, cookies, soft drinks, fried chicken and other highly processed foods with many artificial ingredients for a week and see how your skin looks.
however i do think that a bad diet won't cause acne if you are not prone to acne. i agree, there are many many examples of people with bad diets who have clear skin. just like with stress. i don't think stress causes acne in a person who has skin able to resist bacteria and sebaceous glands in good working order. but from personal experience, i know that stress causes me to break out. and there are physiological studies out there that explain why stress can exacerbate acne. anyhow i think the confusion over the subject of food and acne is brought about by the question, does food cause acne? my answer is that it obviously doesn't cause acne but exacerbates it in people w/acne prone skin. but with the common notion of "you are what you eat" i believe the rate of acne is higher than in the past especially in women. probably this is due the use of hormones and antibiotics and all sorts of easy way out farming practices.
Personally, I have NEVER seen a connection with FOOD and ACNE.
I have gone periods of just eating JUNK FOODS, WHITE BREADS, FLOUR, ALCOHOL, and CANDY.
During those periods, I didn't think about my skin at all. I have pictures from those months - and my skin was SUPER CLEAN.
Heck - I never washed my face.
Yes, there could be 1 specific food that might target an allergic reaction - BUT - an allegic reaction and PIMPLE are totally DIFFERENT>>>>
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As for ALLERGIES to Salicylic Acid? Well, chances are you aren't allergic to it. Very very few caes have been reported on this subject.
So yes, there will be 5 or 6 people out of 100 who try my method and FAIL - but will still see SOME results.
Of course, if no results - thats when ACCUTANE comes into play.
REMEMBER - on the top of my post - I said this method is only for MODERATE ACNE. Not the uncurable cystic which requires ACCUTANE.
Its all up to the individual. 90 out of 100 people would agree that the given treatments I mentionedd work. How well? It is up to the individual.
Hey Aaron,
Have you noticed if you have a breakout cycle?
Some people have clearer skin during certain times of the season than during others. I myself have a 8-9 month breakout period beggining July/August - April. Other people notice that their skin gets worse in the Summer, whereas mine was always at it's best.
Since changing my diet, I've gone through my first Breakout period in 10 years with the clearest skin I've ever had. That's pretty sad, especially considering that NO amount of Birth Control, Spironolactone, or Avandia (insulin controlling drug) helped me during those times.
The natural doctor said acne was related to food and you believed him for a day. Now "The Acne Cure" says that acne is NOT related to acne and you believe it. Are you going to make up your mind?
As far as the ice goes, it does not open pores, it closes them. This is what my doctor says. Maybe you were told to ice after putting the meds on to hold it in the pores? What do you think?
Aaron - Benzamycin contains an antibiotic (3% erythromycin). Is it possible that despite your criticism of antibiotics, they are, in fact, a necessary part of your "cure"?
[This message has been edited by newtoboard (edited 05-30-2003).]
Aaron I believe you, for a number of reasons. My skin can handle harsh things, so I might try your new cure. Please tell me what face wash to use, preferably a grainy one that is medicated with salicylic/glycolic or whatever.
I have been reading these healthboard messages for 2.5 years
I just ordered a 'toner' you wipe on your face before bed that is supposed to work. It has tea tree, peppermint, and all kinds of things that are supposed to stop inflammtory, red, infected THINGS from coming.
I truly believe my minor acne is caused by my oily skin, which has so much oil.........I think the pores get clogged with that and the skin shedding. I just need to stop it.
Aaron,
Now I'm not discounting the idea that food doesn't affect YOUR skin, but so far, you haven't gone about the process very logically. One day you are saying NO and the next day MAYBE and now you are back to NO ;-)
As you stated:
"I definately have a BREAKOUT cycle.
When I get pimples, I get attacked. They come in bunches, hence, cycles."--- Right, and how well did those prescription topicals help you during this time period? For me, they didn't do as good of a job as when I didn't have the breakouts (what are they good for then?) Not to mention that widely raved about medications that positively affect hormones in our system that I took for several years, ALSO did NOT SAVE me from my cycles.....that's pretty tough to take
"It doesn't matter what you eat or not."-- It ALWAYS matters what you eat, otherwise why should we eat anything at all? Our bodies require certain amounts of energy and nutrients to survive, why not give it the best you are CAPABLE of giving it?
I'm slowly working into a "perfect" diet, but it definately took years for me to grow out of craving the sweets. Although, I still eat junk food, but very rarely the stuff that will hurt my body/hormones/skin.
"SUMMERTIME is the best time for me.
WINTER is horrbile." BAM! That right there is my cycle too. ;-) According to the man that invented RetinA, this is the time when our testosterone levels are higher. Hmm, it makes sense, but it doesn't explain why other's get the breakout cycle in the Summer, does it(Allergies?)?
Regardless, if you TRULY want to know of if something will clear you or is your "cure" you MUST test the product out during your most HORRIBLE time period. If you don't breakout badly or at all during this time, you know it's a keeper =)
"Once again, because I think I get this acne in cycles, I know that FOOD doesn't play a role what so ever." ---LOL, I get acne in CYCLES and changing my diet was the ONLY thing I've done differently in the last 10 years. This year, NO breakout cycle and I'm on less medication, no prescription topicals, no vitamins, sleep patterns aren't perfect etc. and my face and body are 99% clear (my diet isn't perfect yet)
Do NOT discount the possibilty just because you have a cycle, if nothing else, if you change your diet prior to or during your breakout cycle and you IMPROVE that right there is your PROOF! =) If not, it may depend on what changes in diet you made, but after soo many attempts, feel free to more ACCURATELY state that diet doesn't affect your skin.
"The only cure - FOR ME - is do the LASER and follow the above treatment - and I should be clear." --- For your sake and others I truly hope it is your cure =)
[This message has been edited by SweetJade1 (edited 05-31-2003).]
Aqua,
ARE you a male or female? If female than have you tried taking an anti-androgen to control your oil production? Spironolactone, inadvertantly acts as an anti-androgn drug and is the popular choice due to very few side effects. Flutamide is an actual anti-androgen, but it does have more serious side effects.
I've been on Spiro for nearly 5 years and I'm still alive. The first 3 years I took 200mg with BC and the 4th year I took 150mg with Avandia. This year I'm only taking 150mg along with my dietary changes and my skin, oil, body hair etc have GREATLY improved. Infact, I've never looked better =) Alone and in combo with other drugs, spiro wasn't my cure, but I know for others it was...maybe you too ;-)
Aaron,
A combination of non-pore clogging, usually natural ingredients, and Salicylic acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid, lactic acid, etc made my skin look (texture, tone, e tc) better than when I was on RetinA.
While they did not STOP the acne from RETURNING, I still use some of them even though I no longer need most of it. (anti-aging...lol)
Just don't overdo it and remember that since these are acids every now and then it's OK not to use them for one night. You'll find that the acne will still disappear as if you had treated it. ;-)
I HAVE THE ACNE CURE!! 
