Common Treatments Of Acne

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   What are good ways for treating acne?
   I've used proactiv, skinID, and many other treatments. My acne just keeps coming back, and it's really bad. I'm using skinID right now and its not even working well. My skin's rather untoned and I break out a lot. I've used witch hazel also to tone my skin and it kind of sucks. Any acne treatments I should buy that you recommend, treatments that make my skin look healthier and more radiant, or just tips on how to prevent acne from spreading and getting worse? I use foundation on a daily basis.

   • ANSWER:
     The first step to conquer your acne is by means of trying natural acne solutions. Include the following in your considerations:

     1. Supplements and Vitamins. Food supplements and some forms of vitamins are useful for treating acne and to your overall body health.
     2. Proper Diet. This is helpful in eradicating sugar that develops fats which are concealed by your sebaceous glands.
     3. Herbal Treatment. Herbs are the most common ingredients used in acne treatment products that are commercially sold.

2. QUESTION:
   Is it common for acne treatments to stop working?
   my doctor gave me a acne gel called veltin and it seems to be working well! But I have heard of acne treatments working for a little then they stop working beacause your skin gets immune. I was wondering if this is common or does it rarely happen? Also how long does it take for this to happen ( like if it stops working does it stop working in about a few years, months...)?

   Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     If you use it like 3 times a day, everyday, your body will get used to it on your face and nothing(or little) will happen to the acne. But for that, it takes at least 6 months of constant use. But on top of that, it really depends on the product given. Sooo :0 it doesn't really happen because the acne won't be on your face for 6 months right?

3. QUESTION:
   What do you think is the best spot treatment/acne wash?
   I think the best is Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment!!!

   Today I dabbed a bit on my HUGE pimple at around 5:00pm hoping it would go away overnight. Then I looked in the mirror later at around 10:00pm and it shrunk so much! Like it was almost gone! Totally amazing! So I dabbed more on and am hoping that it will be completely gone when I wake up tomorrow.

   Anyone other good acne treatments?

   • ANSWER:
     People make all kinds of suggestions about the best thing to do to cure acne. Some cures I ve heard include putting oatmeal, honey, lemon juice, tea tree oil, cucumber, vinegar, or toothpaste on your face. Practically every cosmetics company and company that makes personal care products makes something that is a sure cure for acne. If we think about this, and use some common sense, we have to come to the conclusion that there is no quick or easy cure for acne, because if there was it would be well known and doctors would be telling everyone about it. Numerous companies make a lot of money persuading people to buy products that at worst will make the acne worse, and at best may help some people a little. Often fewer products are better. People often make their acne much worse by using too many products. There really is no quick fix for acne. Don t spend a lot of money on products just because their ads say that they will cure acne. Your doctor is the best person to ask for help, and he or she may recommend some prescription medication or non-prescription treatment that may be suitable for you..

     There are some very simple and basic things you can do that cost nothing. Keep your face or any other area affected by acne very clean. Any mild antibacterial soap will help with that. Rinse the area well to remove all soap residue. Drink plenty of water it really does help to clear up acne. Eat a nutritious diet and get enough sleep. A healthy life style will make a difference. Try to reduce the stress in your life stress contributes to acne, so also probably the more you worry about the acne and focus on it, the worse it will be.

     Probably the most useful and effective things you can do are to apply hot compresses to pustules and cysts and never to pick or squeeze pimples. Playing with or popping pimples, no matter how careful and clean you are, nearly always makes bumps stay redder and bumpier longer.

     Here are a few informative links with additional ideas about preventing and treating acne.

     http://www.medicinenet.com/acne/article.htm
     http://www.acne.com/cause_effects/causes_acne.php
     http://www.acnerecovery.com/acne-information/causes-of-acne.html

4. QUESTION:
   What's the chances of having an allergic reaction to minocycline?
   Currently I am taking doxycylcine for the treatment of acne, but my dermatologist has decided to put me on a new pill to see if there will be any change in my current condition. I understand that doxycylcine and minocylcine are in the same tetracylcine group of antibiotics, but what are my chances of potentially having an allergic reaction to this new medication? I'm a little paranoid, sorry.

   • ANSWER:
     Hi Kyle, you didn't say how long you have been taking doxycycline. My derm prescribed minocin over long-term use. After years of inconsistent used-it-when-i-needed- it, i started having symptoms of an autoimmune response. It was drug-induced SLE (systemic lupus erythmatosus). This is more common in females 30 and up, and that is not you. However.. since you say you're a little paranoid, it is good to know this drug is not innocent and can cause problems. I stopped immediately. Symptoms reversed, but it did take awhile. If you're averse to oral meds, try Differin gel or Retin-A microgel ? Both are good topical creams. Lots of acne is hormonal, so if you are young and going thru a few years of growth and hormones, then oral antibiotics might be your best shot. If you are past that stage, see if topical stuff will clear it to your satisfaction. Good luck.

5. QUESTION:
   What is the best acne treatment or product?
   What is the best acne treatment or product that clears skin fast and doesn't dry skin. Tell me a product that you have used and it works for you. I have tried many acne creams but they usually dry my skin and create a rash, so my skin is sensitive. Please help me. Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     When your skin is dry, it produces MORE oil to combat the dryness, so that causes your pores to clog and makes you break out.

     During the day, use witchazel as a toner, and apple cider vinegar at night (because it stinks, but you'll get used to it). They will clean your skin without drying it out.

     There is no magic potion to get rid of acne; You have to battle it from the inside and out:

     STOP eating and drinking foods with refined or artificial sugars, like high fructose corn syrup or aspartame/phenylalanine. Up your vitamin C, A and K. Do some exercise like dancing or yoga. Get a little sun everyday, like about 10 minutes. Drink more water.

     Many beauty products on the market have harmful chemicals in them; do your favorite beauty products contain any of these things?:

     * Mineral Oil, Paraffin & Petrolatum Petroleum products coat the skin like plastic, clogging pores and creating a build-up of toxins, which in turn accumulate and can lead to dermatological issues, like slowing cellular development, which can cause you to show earlier signs of aging. Suspected cause of cancer & Disruptive of hormonal activity. By the way, when there s an oil spill in the ocean, don t they rush to clean it up fast? Why put that stuff on your skin?

     * Parabens Widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic industry (including moisturizers). An estimated 13,200 cosmetic and skin care products contain parabens. Studies implicate their connection with cancer. They have hormone-disrupting qualities mimicking estrogen and interfere with the body s endocrine system.

     * Phenol carbolic acid Found in many lotions and skin creams. Can cause circulatory collapse, paralysis, convulsions, coma and even death from respiratory failure.

     * Propylene glycol Used as a moisturizer in cosmetics and as a carrier in fragrance oils. Shown to cause dermatitis, kidney or liver abnormalities, and may inhibit skin cell growth or cause skin irritation.

     * Acrylamide Found in many hand and face creams. Linked to mammary tumors in lab research.

     * Sodium laurel or lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) Found in car washes, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners and in over 90% of personal care products! SLS breaks down the skin s moisture barrier, easily penetrates the skin, and allows other chemicals to easily penetrate. Combined with other chemicals, SLS becomes a nitrosamine , a potent class of carcinogen. It can also cause hair loss. SLES is sometimes disguised with the labeling comes from coconut or coconut-derived

     * Toluene Poison! Danger! Harmful or fatal if swallowed! Harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Made from petroleum or coal tar, and found in most synthetic fragrances. Chronic exposure linked to anemia, lowered blood cell count, liver or kidney damage, and may affect a developing fetus. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) contains toluene. Other names may include benzoic and benzyl.

     * Dioxane Found in compounds known as PEG, Polysorbates, Laureth, ethoxylated alcohols. Common in a wide range of personal care products. The compounds are usually contaminated with high concentrations of highly volatile 1,4-dioxane, easily absorbed through the skin. Dioxane s carcinogenicity was first reported in 1965 and later confirmed in studies including one from the National Cancer Institute in 1978. Nasal passages and liver are the most vulnerable. Dioxane is easily removed during the manufacturing process by vacuum stripping .

     Warning: It is a synthetic derivative of coconut. Watch for hidden language on labels, such as comes from coconut .

     IF SO, you should throw them away IMMEDIATELY and you can substitute virgin/extra virgin olive oil or a natural coconut oil to moisturize in the meantime until you find a better, natural alternative!!! Tell ALL your friends and family!!!

6. QUESTION:
   What is the best fast working acne treatment?
   I have moderate acne/pimples. I would like to get rid of most of my acne before I go back to school (which is like a month and a half from now). I have tried acne free, and tons of other systems and they have not helped to much. I will be willing to spend between -- per month for something that works. If anybody knows anything that you think would work for me that would be great! Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     Hey, theres multiple ways to help reduce/ get rid of acne.

     1. First, while the old myth that fried foods and chocolate has been disproved, eating right and having good nutrition helps the body and strengthens the immune system, so proper diet is still recommended. Eating whole grains, vegetables, lean meats, fruits and only limited dairy products can help. Also made sure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. It might be necessary take a good quality vitamin supplement. Along with a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise will go a long way to good health in general and a healthy immune system. Moderate amounts of exercise three times a week will improve health. Avoiding smoking, alcohol and dangerous drugs is a given.

     2. Next, it is important to practice proper hygiene. There is an old myth that says acne comes from bad hygiene, and that is not true, but acne will certainly take advantage of chances to grow. One of the causes of acne is a bacterium on and under the skin. Moderate washing will help. Also exfoliating with a mild over the counter exfoliate helps many people.

     3. Next, take a look at the topical antibiotics and antibacterial agents available in many of the over the counter medications and washes sold to help acne. The good ones may contain Benzoyl peroxide, the most common acne treatment available without a doctor s prescription. It kills the bacteria and the pimples do not develop a resistance to the medication. For this reason Benzoyl peroxide will not loose its effectiveness in fighting and killing bacteria. If using it, begin with a low concentration and work up. Be sure when you buy it that it is non-comedogenic, which means that the medication will not clog the pores. If you are into natural remedies, tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy that works the same way Benzoyl peroxide works, but is less irritating to the skin.

     4. Another over the counter acne remedy that works and is popular is salicylic acid. Salicylic acid unplugs the pores and helps to get rid of dead skin cells, which attract bacteria and make acne worse. There are many good over the counter remedies available that contain salicylic acid and it is good to use it in conjunction with Benzoyl peroxide. The two make a good two-fisted team.

     5. Sulfur works in many ways like Benzoyl peroxide. It is not as widely used, however, it is believed to be not quite as effective. However, if for some reason you cannot use tea tree oil or Benzoyl peroxide, the by all means give sulfur a try.

     6. Glycolic acid is another ingredient that works. It gets rid of dead skin and it stimulates the production of new cells, which many believe will help unclog pores.

     I've personally used Proactive and had wonderful results, HOWEVER once you start using these products, you're going to be depending on them. (If you stop using it, you can break out again).

7. QUESTION:
   Is it common for prescribed acne treatments to stop working?
   my doctor gave me a acne gel called veltin and it seems to be working well! But I have heard of acne treatments working for a little then they stop working beacause your skin gets immune. I was wondering if this is common or does it rarely happen?

   Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     Sometimes, if you use a product for too long, it stops working because it is used to being used, and your body doesn't react to it anymore.

8. QUESTION:
   Is it okay to leave your acne treatment on for a few minutes instead of washing it off right away?
   Is it okay, or perhaps even more beneficial, to leave your acne treatment on your face for a few minutes (like 5-10 minutes) instead of washing it off right away?

   I have terrible acne and was wondering if I left my acne scrub on my face for a few minutes instead of just putting it on and washing it off right away would be more beneficial? Or would it not help at all? Or could it possibly even make it worse?
   LOL someone posted "I'm not dermatologist but common sense says yes." I've been leaving it on for like 2-10 minutes while brushing my teeth and doing other things. You would think that it would be beneficial, but ultimately, I have no clue which is why I'm asking.

   • ANSWER:
     I'm no dermatologist, but my common sense says yes.

9. QUESTION:
   How to get rid of acne and scars on my face?
   I been struggling with acne since sixth grade. I been eating medicine on and off but it wont help. Do you have any suggestions to get rid of acne and scars permanently or any home remedies? Please I just want it off!

   • ANSWER:
     Acne Scar Remedies
     There are various acne scar treatments that help banish acne and resulting acne scars.

     Common home remedies for acne scars are:
     - Eating a balanced and health diet devoid of excessive starch, sugar and fatty foods.
     - Hot fomentation to open pores and rinsing the skin with cold water after squeezing waste is an effective remedy.
     - Sun and air baths for the body are beneficial to the skin.
     - Healing packs of grated cucumber, orange peels, lemon peels are effective remedies when applied on affected areas.
     - A teaspoon of coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder is also considered an effective remedy to treat acne scars naturally.
     - Intake of garlic as well as rubbing garlic on affected areas can prove beneficial in treating acne scars.

     Acne Scars Diet
     Acne Scars : Home Remedies suggested by users
     Maintain a balanced diet plan and avoid certain foods to help treat acne scars
     A suggested acne diet plan must include:

     - An all fruit diet comprising three meals a day for a week, followed by raw foods and sprouts three meals a day before resuming an all inclusive balanced meal can improve skin tremendously.
     - It is advisable to avoid tea, coffee, pickles, condiments, fried foods, refined and processed foods, soft drinks, candies, ice cream etc.

10. QUESTION:
    What is good to remove acne scars on fair complexion?
    I get acne every month and very big ones. When they dry up, they leave behind scars. I have a fair complexion so it looks horrible. I have to use a concealer. I have tried using the brand on the info commercials, but it doesn't work. I want to be ready for spring with a fresh face. Can anyone recommend something to try that will work.?

    • ANSWER:
      Completely getting rid of acne scars takes a long time. Getting rid of scars isn't very easy.

      Squeezing or picking at acne can damage the skin tissue around the acne. This can lead to the scarring that is such a concern for many people.

      If the nature of your scars is mild to moderate, then home remedies are sufficient. There are many lotions based on alpha hydroxyl acid and retinol. These lotions are very effective for the treatment of the acne scars. it also depends on the type of your skin. If you have a sensitive skin type, it will be better not to use lotions based on the above ingredients. They can harm sensitive skin. There is a specific range of medications to treat people who can not undergo retinol and alpha acid treatments. The most effective among them are lavender oil, aloe vera juice and rosehip seed oil. They can heal scars without harming the skin in the long run.

      I suggest trying aloe vera juice and putting that on your face at night where the scars are.

      Also, try lemon juice.
      To use the lemon juice treatment to remove your acne scar you will need to first wash your face with warm water. Then pour some lemon juice on a cotton ball, and then gently rub the effected acne mark area. For best results leave the lemon juice on your face for about 10 minutes and then dry the affected acne scar area.

      To start seeing results with the lemon juice it can take anywhere from one day and even up to three months. Results will vary depending on the seriousness of the acne problem.

      Another big factor in reducing or getting rid of acne scars is that you will also need to watch the kind of oils you are putting into your body. Some oils that you use is just screaming acne come and get me!

      One of the most common forms of vegetable oil is the sunflower oil. It is highly recommended that if you are using such oils in your cooking then you should consider stop using them to cook as it will only increase the risk of more acne break outs.

      By avoiding the use of vegetable oils in your cooking, it has been reported that it can be one of the leading factors in clearing up your acne by 50%. Even in sever cases it has been said that that people who stopped using such vegetable oils, have been completely relieved of any future acne outbreaks.

      Ready to hear this? Believe it or not by drinking more than the recommended 8 glasses of water daily will immediately begin to see results with getting rid of your acne scars. If you are a severe acne suffer you should stay away from carbonated drinks, and caffeine drinks such as coffee, and sodas.

      Or if you have the money, do to a dermatologist.

      If you have serious scarring from previous bouts with acne, there are some things you can do. One form of treatment is laser resurfacing, which can be done in the doctor's or dermatologist's office. The laser removes the damaged top layer of skin and tightens the middle layer, leaving skin smoother. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. The doctor will try to lessen any pain by first numbing the skin with local anesthesia. It usually takes between 3 and 10 days for the skin to heal completely.

      Another method for treating acne scarring is dermabrasion, which uses a rotating wire brush or spinning diamond instrument to wear down the surface of the skin. As the skin heals, a new, smoother layer replaces the abraded skin. It may take a bit longer for skin to heal using dermabrasion usually between 10 days and 3 weeks.

      The newest form of treatment for acne scarring is called fractional laser therapy. This type of treatment works at a deeper level than laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, Because fractional laser therapy doesn't wound the top layer of tissue, healing time is shorter. Fractional laser therapy is quite costly, and it's not usually covered by insurance.

      A person's acne will need to be under control before having any of these treatments.

      Depending on the severity of the acne scars, the doctor or dermatologist may also suggest a chemical peel or microdermabrasion to help improve the appearance of scarred areas. These milder treatments can be done right in the office.

      Some of these are rather expensive though.