The main reason why I started blogging on this is so that I could clearly and effectively stream-line information about acne. The purpose of this is so that when you set out to help yourself, you don't go in circles trying the same method in different ways. That's where a lot of us got stuck... and you won't really know your options until you try every avenue. I got on Accutane as the very last resort. I had two dermatologists try to convince me for over three years to go on it, but I wasn't going to subject myself to such an intense and potentially damaging medication unless there were truly no other options. I'll talk more about the Accutane process at the very end. It really does need to be your last resort.
OK- the So-Called Solutions. The title is self-explanatory, I'm sure. So with no further introduction, let's jump right in.
Anti-Bacterial: Treats one of the three causes of a pimple. Can be both OTC and Rx. Key words to look for that indicates it is an antibacterial: benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, oral antibiotics. Milder, more natural options may include aloe vera and witch hazel (not a proven antibacterial, but may be indicated as such.) All of these are topical (you put them on your skin, not in your body) with the exception of oral antibiotics.
Where you will find them: In cleansers, moisturizers, masks, spot-treatments, toners. The key to getting this type of treatment to work is finding the right strength and application. How much patience do you have? (PS- the repair lotion in Proactive is what makes the system work. It's a 2.5 benzoyl peroxide, the "just the right amount" strength that has worked with a majority of people.)
Products that serve as antibacterial: way too many to list. Peruse your local drugstore looking for the keywords listed above. I highly recommend skipping the oral antibiotics. I have never seen them work, on me or anyone else. I have had some success with the acne regimen found at www.acne.org, a systematic anti-bacterial way of clearing your skin.
Exfoliants: Treats one of the three main causes of a pimple. Can be OTC or Rx. Key words to look for that indicates it is an exfoliant: AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), scrub, exfoliant (duh), fruit acids, and any reference to retinol.
Where you will find them: Occasionally in cleansers, mostly in extra step options (steps outside of a normal skin care regimen of cleans, tone, moisturize). You can find some effective products at your local drugstore, but most of them worth anything will be found from your friendly local esthetician. There are some strict regulations on chemicals with highly exfoliating properties (and with good reason, they remove skin, literally!) so she will tend to have the concoctions in high enough concentrations to make a difference. Your dermatologist has highly exfoliating products too... but you're going to get info from him, not me, should the time come.
Sebum Reducers: Treats one of the three main causes of a pimple. Almost always Rx or at the least from a licensed esthetician. Key words: light therapy, sulfur, isotretinoin. Plain English... they reduce the activity from your oil glands, therefore you produce more oil.
NOTE: A TONER IS NOT A SEBUM REDUCER!!! I am sorry to say that more people than not try to fight acne by drying out their skin. Wrong! Stop! Do not try and dry out your skin on your own! I know only of effective products that help reduce the appearance of oily skin, but I know of no OTC products that actually stem the flow of oil. And wrecking havoc on your skin because you think that surface oil is the culprit is just wrong on so many levels. If this is what it comes down to, go see a dermatologist. Using Sea Breeze is not going to help, and your skin will suffer for it. The bottom line is, this is the hardest way to approach an acne issue.
So let's recap.
Three ways to treat acne: Anti-bacterial, Exfoliants, Sebum Reducers.
Antibacterials are common, easy to find and use.
Exfoliants are an extra step, and the good stuff comes from your aesthetician.
Sebum reduces are a tough route to go, and can be both dangerous and effective so don't use without professional guidance. Stop trying to dry out your skin.
What a mouthful! Next time, I'm going to chat about some alternative methods to treating acne-
In case you're starting to feel overwhelmed, despite my best efforts to keep things simple, I will offer an all-over recap at the end of this series.
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