Acne Can Be Beaten with Diet
The best method to eliminate a bad complexion is to go after the primary cause: how our skin deals with our androgen hormones. Androgen hormones are usually thought of as “male hormones,” even though women have them as well. In my experience, topical acne treatments will help to a certain extent if they minimize the acne symptoms, but you must go much deeper if you want to effectively combat this disorder. What are the options?
Washing Your Face
Is proper face washing the best way to avoid acne? That’s what your mother might tell you. Don’t think that you are a dirty person just because you have acne. You are more likely to make your acne worse by over-washing than you are to get it from being dirty. Twice per day is enough. Use mild soap like Dove or a mild cleanser like Cetaphil. Use lukewarm water and pat dry gently with a soft clean towel. You are trying to avoid irritating your skin. Washing your face is certainly not the best way to get rid of acne.
Antibiotics
Most people that I know who have taken antibiotics for their acne have been disappointed with the results. That’s because antibiotics kill the bacteria that makes acne worse, but doesn’t start it in the first place. The worst thing about antibiotics (even worse than the cost and the inconvenience) is that we produce lots of very dangerous antibiotic resistant bacteria that will cause real problems going forward. Forget antibiotics. They don’t work well and the price of their overuse is too high.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Actually, benzoyl peroxide creams and gels (2.5% strength) are fairly effective if you have mild acne. This stuff kills bacteria but also unclogs your blocked pores. The problem is that it doesn’t do much if you have moderate to severe acne or you have nodular or cystic acne that is deep below the surface of the skin. Still, it’s worth a look if you want to drop a few bucks for a generic over-the-counter cream at your local drug store. Just remember not to use anything stronger than 2.5% and don’t bother with “medicated” washes or scrubs that don’t do a thing.
Accutane
Accutane is very strong and very effective. The problem is the “strong” part. Accutane was recently taken off U.S. shelves because of the severe side effects. Suicidal thoughts, liver damage and birth defects are a few of the potential side effects. Accutane must only be used as a treatment of last resort. Don’t forget that it can take up to a year for Accutane to get rid of your acne and, unfortunately, your skin will look much worse during this time. Is that fine with you? Probably not if you are in college or starting a new job and trying to look your best.
Holistic, Dietary Acne Treatments
Doctors have been sceptical about dietary acne programs, (such as Acnenomore by Mike Walden) for one reason: doctors are always sceptical about everything until there is scientific evidence to back up claims. The breakthrough came earlier this year when researchers studying the effects of a low-glycemic index diet noticed that this diet affected androgen hormones and how our bodies synthesize androgen hormones. This is directly related to acne. In short, there is now proof that what you eat can have a significant effect on your complexion. There are several holistic acne programs available on the internet. By changing what you eat, these programs, work for many people without the serious side effects and cost associated with the other treatment methods. They work quickly, too. Check out this acne free in 3 days by Chris Gibson Review. Most people will see results in one to six weeks. For my money, holistic, dietary treatments are the best way to get rid of acne.
