posted 05-30-2003 02:31 AM            

I have been to a dermatologist recently for a LASER CONSULTATION, and everything this doc told me to do AFTER the LASER process is in this book.

I am not saying you must do LASER then do the treatments in the book, but it helps doing both.

Nevertheless, here is the CURE FOR ACNE: (Of course, LASER will help speed the process if u have $).

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-SALYCILIC ACID 2%
-GYLCOLIC ACID 10%
-BENZOYL PEROXIDE %5
-ICE

thats it!

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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.

2-Apply SALYCILIC ACID 2% - lotion, toner, astringent.

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.

posted 05-30-2003 06:23 AM            

Hope it works well for you.

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.

posted 05-30-2003 01:27 PM            

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.

-----------------------------

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.

posted 05-30-2003 06:37 PM            

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>>>>

----------------------

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.

posted 05-30-2003 08:18 PM            

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.

posted 05-30-2003 08:22 PM            

When I get pimples, I get attacked. They come in bunches, hence, cycles.

It doesn't matter what you eat or not.

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SUMMERTIME is the best time for me.

WINTER is horrbile.

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Thats why Im gonna do this LASER once and for all.

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Once again, because I think I get this acne in cycles, I know that FOOD doesn't play a role what so ever.

posted 05-30-2003 11:11 PM            

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.

posted 05-31-2003 02:16 AM            

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 =)

posted 05-31-2003 02:35 AM            

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)

posted 05-31-2003 03:44 AM            

I DID NOT use those topicals mentioned in the past with my 'cycle' acne.

I just started this METHOD - and the past week or 2 = no zits.

Thats why I have shared this method.

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None of u have to try it.

Its just an idea - which seems to work for me.

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posted 05-31-2003 09:03 PM            

I appreciate your posting.

-----------------------

I posted this METHOD because it just makes plain sense.

I have been trying it myslef and I am pretty clear. Of course, I still get a zit or 2, but who doesn't?

-----------------------

The method presented by Dubrow in this ACNE CURE works because it pretty much eliminates the OIL. Somthing that causes the acne.

So no matter what you do, don't do, eat, or don't eat - by following this method - 90% of you will SEE SOME TYPE OF POSITIVE PROGRESS..

posted 08-01-2003 02:56 PM            

How has it been working for you?? Good I hope.

posted 08-28-2003 02:00 AM            

One good thing about it is that it is fairly inexpensive and some of the stuff it requires, I already have at home.

What's different is how you use the stuff. It's a system.

Wash face with warm water and a small lather of salicylic wash (2%). I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. Doesn't make my skin dry. Key is the product should have only the Salicylic Acid 2% as active ingredient.

Some people are allergic to Salicylic Acid, like my sister is. Never fear, just stop using the product.

Every individual reacts to different products differently.

I plan to walk my way up to the 4th step one at a time. Just to make sure I'm not allergic to any of the stuff.

I'm on the first step, which is the salicylic wash, now since Monday and will introduce the Glycolic cream 10% (VMV Hypoallergenic's Gylkeros, heard of it?) on Friday. I'm sure it would be great since I've been using glycolic peel with good results before.

I also think that Aaron isn't trying to manipulate anyone. He's just saying what works for him and YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM to try it too or not. Nobody has to be rude, right?

I haven't tried the system fully yet to say that it worked for me, but personally I appreciate Aaron's post and it gives me encouragement to try the system out.

--------------------------------------

Again, "The Acne Cure" in a nutshell: AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO RISK DOING IT IF YOU DON'T WANT TO!!!

Step 1: Salycilic Acid 2%

In the morning and evening....

1. Wash face with warm water.
2. Work a penny-sized amount of Salicylic lotion on your palm with a few drops of water to a lather and massage on affected areas.
3. Leave it on for a few minutes (about the time it takes you to brush your teeth)
4. Wash off with warm water.

Step 2: Glycolic Acid 8% to 10%

In the morning after salicylic wash...

1. Massage on face
2. Leave on to dry
3. If it's a wash, wash off again with warm water.

Step 3: Oil-Free Moisturizer with at least SPF 15

In the morning....

1. Apply after glycolic acid

Step 4: Benzoyl Peroxide

In the evening after the Salicylic wash...

1. Run an ice cube on affected areas to reduce swelling and in effect open pores.
2. Rub ice on your hands too to keep the BP from warming up
3. While face is still cold and wet, get the BP which you kept in the fridge to keep cold, and apply onto face with your cold hands/fingers.
4. Keep face cold with an ice pack for 10 minutes to ensure that BP is absorbed by the skin and stays there.
5. Pat off excess BP with dry towel

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I hope it works for me, and for those willing to try it, I hope it works for you too.

You might be interested in reading the results gotten by some people who tried it. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/017867.html

Hey, Aaron, how's it going for you?

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I hope no one got offended by the post.

PEACE!

[This message has been edited by stefhoney (edited 08-28-2003).]

[This message has been edited by stefhoney (edited 08-28-2003).]

posted 08-28-2003 10:13 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by stefhoney:
I also have "The Acne Cure" book. I also think it makes sense.

One good thing about it is that it is fairly inexpensive and some of the stuff it requires, I already have at home.

What's different is how you use the stuff. It's a system.

Wash face with warm water and a small lather of salicylic wash (2%). I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. Doesn't make my skin dry. Key is the product should have only the Salicylic Acid 2% as active ingredient.

Some people are allergic to Salicylic Acid, like my sister is. Never fear, just stop using the product.

Every individual reacts to different products differently.

I plan to walk my way up to the 4th step one at a time. Just to make sure I'm not allergic to any of the stuff.

I'm on the first step, which is the salicylic wash, now since Monday and will introduce the Glycolic cream 10% (VMV Hypoallergenic's Gylkeros, heard of it?) on Friday. I'm sure it would be great since I've been using glycolic peel with good results before.

I also think that Aaron isn't trying to manipulate anyone. He's just saying what works for him and YOU HAVE THE FREEDOM to try it too or not. Nobody has to be rude, right?

I haven't tried the system fully yet to say that it worked for me, but personally I appreciate Aaron's post and it gives me encouragement to try the system out.

---

posted 08-28-2003 11:40 AM            

I have used both glycolic acid and benyzoyl peroxide in the past. I've never had salicylic acid in the mix though. The new part of his treatment was adding the skin cooling step with the benzoyl peroxide. I am very hopeful that this treatment plan will rid me of acne.

The salicylic 2% solution is easy to find but finding a reasonably priced glycolic acid 8-10% solution has proved more difficult.

The cheapest I've found is Walgreens Alpha Hydroxy lotion. $5.99 for 6 ounces. It's an 8% solution.

Aqua Glycolic is the next cheapest. I've found the body wash 8 ounce size for $10.99. In Minneapolis Snyder's sells it. I haven't found it in Walmart yet.

Suave's Skin Therapy Revitalizing lotion/cream?, $4.99 for 2 ounces, also has the correct glycolic acid percentage. I haven't found it in a store but it is available on the internet.

You should really wash off glycolic acid within 20 minutes of application. Don't leave this ingredient on your skin. You've removed the pore clog now make sure you wash it away.

I use the cheapest benzoyl peroxide I can find. I've found Zapzyt at the dollar store for $1. Walmart's Equate brand is the next cheapest at $1.86 for 1 ounce.
I haven't found a cheap source of 5% solution and my skin can handle the 10% so that's what I use. Sensitive skin people will want the 5% or take a 10% and cut it with your favorite oil-free moisturizer.

The full "Acne Cure" program was featured in Prevention
magazine and is available on the internet.

Good luck to you all.

P.S. Dry skin, I have oily skin but did experience dry flaky red skin on my neck. Eucerin dry skin cream took care of that. Actually I use Walmart's Equate, about $4 for 16 ounces. I know that it's thick and creamy but it won't create acne for most people. It's cheap to try. I always keep a jar of this handy. Good stuff.