Best Cure Treatment Acne

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.

Skin Care 101

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:

The Diet

In the Cookbook, you'll find over 100 easy to prepare dishes. Recipes are jam packed with antioxidants, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, protein, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Recipes can be enjoyed by the entire family!

The Cookbook is more than a collection of recipes. Download it to an internet capable device, and it becomes an interactive cookbook. All recipes are linked to additional nutritional information, video tutorials, and reviews. DOWNLOAD NOW!

The Approach To An Acne Fighting Diet

Low Glycemic Approach

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:

Lean Protein

Protein is found in every living cell in the human body. Protein is crucial in building and maintaining healthy bones, muscles and skin. Protein from animal products is the best form. Animal protein provides the human body with all of the vital amino acids the body needs. On average, a person needs 50 to 65 grams of protein each day. Lean proteins are those containing less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving.

Red Meat

Red meat has been vilified as an unhealthy meat choice. However, research has shown that red meat should not be eliminated from our diets, especially acne sufferers. Recent trends show some acne sufferers have become resistant to antibiotic treatments for acne. Zinc has become an alternative route in the treatment of acne. Red meat is an excellent source of zinc. Zinc is an essential nutrient required for the normal function of skin. This would explain why acne sufferers are often deficient in zinc. The human body absorbs zinc best from animal proteins. An acne fighting diet should consist of lean cuts of beef such as round, chuck, sirloin and tenderloin. Avoid beef cuts that are labeled “Prime” instead opt for “Choice” or “Select” cuts as they are usually lower in fat. Lean cuts of lamb include tenderloin, loin chops and leg.

Pork

Pork is not generally considered a healthy meat choice. However, certain cuts of pork are lower in fat than poultry. Ideal selections should include tenderloin, top loin chop, top loin roast, and center loin chop. Some healthy ways of preparing pork are broiling, grilling, pan broiling and stir-frying. There’s a great guide on consuming lean pork that can be downloaded here.

Poultry & Eggs

Lean sources of poultry include the white meat of turkey, chicken and hen. Preparing the white meat of poultry without its skin will lower its saturated fat content. When buying ground poultry, be sure to choose ground breast meats marked “Low Fat”. Eggs are naturally low fat. Healthy adults can eat one egg a day without any complications. People with heart disease, diabetes or high cholesterol should restrict egg servings. Those individuals wishing to avoid the cholesterol in eggs can prepare egg whites only. There is no cholesterol in egg whites.

Fish & Seafood

Fish and seafood are generally lean sources of protein. However, there are some fatty fish which are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids. Read more on healthy fats here. Some lean fish selections include cod, flounder, haddock, hake, tilapia, halibut and tuna. Some lean seafood include mussels, oysters, crab, clams, lobster, scallops and shrimp. To maintain its healthy fat quality, fish and seafood should be grilled, baked or broiled.

Remember!

A diet consisting of low glycemic carbohydrates is not a standalone treatment for acne. Consuming lean proteins is equally important when attempting to decrease acne outbreaks. Be sure to eat a source of lean protein with every meal! The Cookbook is loaded with delicious recipes featuring lean proteins. Download your copy now! Before downloading, you will be asked to complete a brief offer.

Learn more about the Approaches:

Best Cure Treatment Acne

Technology

Breaking News

Skin Care

Commercial Acne Treatments

Skin Care 101

The Diet

The Approach To An Acne Fighting Diet

Low Glycemic Approach

Lean Protein

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