Best Cure Treatment Acne

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Generally, acne can be considered a sign of hormonal disharmony. Hormones play a major part in the creation of sebum. Excessive sebum production is a tell-tale sign of an hormonal imbalance. The major hormones involved with excessive sebum creation are androgen (male hormones), estrogen, and insulin-growth factor. Testosterone and insulin-growth factor are the two hormones closely linked to acne.

Androgen (Male Hormones)

Although considered male hormones, androgen hormones are found in males and females. Androgen hormones include free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone abbreviated as DHT, dehydroepiandrosterone abbreviated as DHEA, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate abbreviated as DHEA-S. Excessive androgenic hormones in males and females have been shown to overstimulate the sebaceous glands.  

Estrogen 

Estrogen is usually found only in women. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female characteristics in the body. One of estrogen functions is to balance out male hormones. If estrogen levels are low, androgen hormones become dominant. When male hormones are dominant in women, this triggers an increase in sebum is production.  

Insulin-growth factor

Insulin-growth factor is a hormone produced in the liver. Insulin-growth factor is involved in the growth and function of almost every organ in the body. The hormone is similar in structure to insulin. Due to its similar structure to insulin, excessive insulin growth factor in the bloodstream can cause an increase in sebum production.


Other causes of acne



Why Commercial Acne Products?
Perhaps, the main advantage of commercial acne products verses natural acne products is their convenience. Instead of experimenting with homemade acne treatments, consumers can rely on commercial formulas. Another advantage to commercial acne treatments is that consumer reviews are readily available online. The following is a brief description of a few of the popular acne care systems available. 

Proactiv+

Proactiv+ is a benzoyl peroxide based acne skin care line. The current Proactiv+ system has been revamped from the the original formula. The 3 step system includes an exfoliating cleanser, pore penetrating lotion, and a skin hydrator. Proactiv+ retails for about $40 for a 30 day supply. Proactiv+ offers automatic shipments on their website.


Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System

Neutrogena Complete Acne Therapy System is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a salicylic acid based cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide based acne control lotion, and an oil free sunscreen. Neutrogena states that it is the number 1 dermatologist recommended acne treatment system. Perhaps, this is because it is the only popular acne treatment system that includes a sunscreen in its system. The Neutrogena system retails for about $25 for a 60 day supply. Visit Neutrogena's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer. 


Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Control Kit

Clean & Clear Advantage Acne control kit is a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid based acne skin care line. The 3 step system includes a benzoyl peroxide based acne cleaner, a salicylic acid based moisturizer, and a salicylic acid based spot treatment. The Clean & Clear kit retails for about $20 for a 30 day supply. Visit Clean & Clear's website to purchase online or to find a local retailer. 


Natural Commercial Products

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are the active ingredients in most popular acne skin care products. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic have been known to cause adverse effects to some users. The following acne treatments active ingredients are natural alternatives to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.


Calendula

Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation. Kiehl makes a calendula based cleanser and toner. The cleanser and toner duo retails for $50 for a 30 day supply. The duo is available on their website. California Baby makes a great calendula based moisturizer. The moisturizer retails for about $15 on their website


Tea Tree

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. The Body Shop carries an entire line of TTO based acne treatments. The line consists of products ranging in prices of $9 to $20 dollars. The products are available directly from their website

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea have been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. St. Ives makes green tea based cleansers. The cleansers retail for under $10. Visit St. Ives website to find a local retailer. 




Sunscreen


A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. Neutrogena currently have 2 sunscreen formulas specifically designed for acne prone skin. Neutrogena's sunscreens retail for about $11 and are available from their website




Dark Spots

It's important to know the difference between acne spots and acne scars. Scars are permanent demarcations that require treatment in a medical office. Spots often disappear without treatment. Stubborn spots can be treated with products containing hydroquinone and alpha or beta hydroxy acids. These skin lightening agents should only be applied to healed acne spots. Alpha Hydrox Spot Light Targeted Skin Lightener is a popular products for acne spots. Alpha Hydrox products are widely available through online and retail outlets. Most acne dark spots can be corrected with over the counter products. However, stronger strengths can be prescribed by a dermatologist. 


Do you want an individualized skin care regime?

See the blog post on natural acne treatments

General Guidelines

Acne prone skin should be washed twice daily, exfoliated regularly, spot treated as needed and protected from the sun. To prevent scarring, acne lesions should never be squeezed. The following is a gentle natural approach to an effective acne skin care regime.

Cleansing

Calendula

Calendula also called pot marigold is a plant that is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Calendula has proven effective against bacteria, pain and inflammation.  Calendula tea can be steeped and used as a face wash. Applications: Steep calendula tea for 15-20 minutes.  Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the calendula tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, calendula tincture drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Tea Tree Oil (TTO)

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia commonly called tea trees. TTO has been shown to have antiseptic and antifungal properties. Tea tree oil used in acne treatments should be labelled 100% Australian. Application: TTO drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as to castile and glycerin. Start with a few drops then add more drops over time to allow skin to adjust to TTO therapy. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Green Tea

Green Tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Topical applications of green tea has been shown to reduce sebum production, fight against bacteria, and work as an anti-inflammatory. Applications: Steep green tea for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to use distilled or filtered water in brewing the green tea. Allow tea to cool to a tolerable temperature. Soak a face towel in the green tea. Apply to face for 10 minutes. Alternatively, green tea extract drops can be added to liquid natural soaps such as castile and glycerin. This liquid cleanser can also be used as a body acne cleanser. 

Toners & Astringents

Historically, toners and astringents (toners containing alcohol) held three major purposes. First, they were used to rid the skin of residue left behind by facial cleaners. Secondly, they were used to restore the skin’s natural ph balance. Thirdly, they were purported to close pores. Recently, it has been established that toners aren't necessary due to a number of factors. Those factors being facial cleansers do not leave residue as they did traditionally. Today, facial cleaners do not alter the ph balance of the skin significantly. Most importantly, toners do not close pores.

Basically, it’s becoming more and more conventional for toners and astringents to be considered an optional step. If extra skin care is needed, additional steps can be added to the facial cleansing step. For example, applying the cleanser with a face cloth or facial brush can be done when exfoliating the skin is needed. See more about exfoliating below.


Moisturizing

Sebum production is influenced by the amount of oil on the skin. If the skin is too dry, excess sebum may be produced. Therefore, proper moisturizing of the skin is a key factor in controlling acne. Acne sufferers should use  light oil free or non-comedogenic moisturizers. Non-comedogenic moisturizers do not clog pores. 

Jojoba Oil

Due to its similarity to sebum, jojoba oil is considered one of the best natural non-comedogenic moisturizers. Technically jojoba oil is a wax that is extracted from the Simmondsia chinensis commonly known as the jojoba tree.  Application: A few drops of jojoba oil can be applied as a light moisturizer. 

Sunscreen

A good sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Due to the complex nature of sunscreen, it's best to use commercial products. See the post regarding "Commercial Products".

Scheduled Maintenance

A good skin care regime may also include deep exfoliating, steaming, masks, and a host of other treatments. These treatments are based on individual preferences and needs. However, gentle exfoliating is necessary to maintain and achieve a healthy complexion.  


Physical Exfoliation

Exfoliating refers to the removal of dead skin cells. Exfoliation can be achieved by physical or chemical methods. Acne sufferers should use gentle forms of exfoliation. Application: Cleansing the skin with a wash cloth or a soft facial brush are gentle physical methods of exfoliation. Apply cleanser directly on the wash cloth or a soft face brush. Gently scrub the face with circular movements. Never exfoliate skin that has any unhealed inflammatory acne lesions such as papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. Doing so will further irritate the skin.

Chemical Exfoliation: White Willow Bark

Chemically, white willow bark can be used as a gentle exfoliator. The white willow bark tree is native to Asia and Europe. White willow bark contains smaller amounts of salicylic acid than commercial products. Application: Add a few drops of white willow bark extract into facial cleansers for daily gentle exfoliation. Start with a few drops of extract and add more drops to allow the skin to adjust to this method of exfoliation. 

Spot Treatments 

For additional tips on caring for specific acne lesions, see the following posts:



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Carbohydrates (Carbs)

In order to understand the glycemic index, we should define carbohydrates. Carbs are molecules that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are found in most foods. Carbs are the body's primary fuel source. Carbs are converted in your liver to glucose also called blood sugar. As the liver creates glucose, your pancreas releases the insulin hormone. Insulin stimulates the cells to receive the glucose. The cells metabolize the glucose and use the glucose for energy.

The Glycemic Index

The glycemic index measures the rate carbohydrates raise glucose levels. The GI has a range of 0 to 100.  Low GI carbs raise glucose at a slow rate. Medium GI carbs raise glucose at a moderate rate. High GI carbs raise glucose at a fast rate.

The Glycemic Index Scale

Foods with a GI of 0 to 55 are considered low glycemic. Low glycemic carbohydrates are those that do not create a sharp raise to blood sugar levels. Foods with a GI of 56 to 69 are considered medium glycemic. Foods with a GI over 70 are considered high glycemic. Certain foods do not have any carbohydrates. These foods would have a GI of 0.

Glycemic Index Limitations

The Glycemic index is based on how fast carbohydrates spike blood sugar levels. It does not consider the amount of insulin produced. The GI is based on 50 grams of carbohydrates and do not represent usual serving sizes. Foods that are nutritionally dense can have the same GI of nutritional foods. Therefore the GI can be easily misinterpreted.

The Glycemic Load (GL)

To address the limitations of the glycemic index, the glycemic load was created. The glycemic load improves on the glycemic index by combining the glycemic index with the carbohydrates per serving, with the fiber content and the water content. The GL scale ranges from 0 to 60.

The Glycemic Load Scale.

Foods with a GL of 0 to 10 are considered low. Foods with a GL of 11 to 19 are considered medium. Foods with a GL over 20 are considered high. As with the glycemic index, foods with no carbohydrates have a GL of 0.

The Acne Insulin Connection

Following a low glycemic diet, will keep insulin at nontoxic levels. Excess insulin leads to excess sebum production which will ultimately cause acne breakouts.

Resources

When you're not using your Cookbook, you should use a glycemic index database when planning your own meals. The University of Sydney has a great look up tool on its website.  For your convenience, has searched the database for common food groups. See the “LOW GLYCEMIC QUICK LINKS SECTION” on the right hand side of this blog. Visit the "RESOURCES" page for additional tools and resources.

Learn more about the Approaches:



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