Stop The Insanity Of Acne Cycles

Don't Accept It At Face Value

I can't even count anymore as to how many women have contacted me these past several years, about the continuing frustration they suffer from trying to clear up their acne.

Acne has become an all too common experience for many, yet the advice they receive from commercials, estheticians, dermatologists, friends or family may not be the best advice.

Unfortunately, because of that frustration, all too often, these women which contact me have accepted what they are being told at face value, yet their skin screams, "this isn't working!"....and when we speak on the phone, their emotion is real and their pain is real, and it is not lost on me....in fact in many cases, they are literally at their wits end.

Hidden Agendas

Let's look at some of this advice from a different perspective:

Commercial Promotions: Like any great marketing strategy a commercial promotes the product it wants us as a consumer to buy. It isn't necessarily a great product, or it may or may not work, but with all the hype surrounding the product, especially if it is endorsed by a person with the M.D. after their name, creates the illusion, "it must work," so we buy it strictly from an emotional response brought about by desperation.

Estheticians: They are in the business of skincare and they have been trained to address issues specifically targeting maladies of the skin. In many cases, a good esthetician can literally know and understand more fully what is going on with your skin, and can provide sound advice. However, again, be cautious, if along with the advice, they push a certain product on clients, one they may not necessarily have seen absolute results with, but is the product their salon or spa carries and a commission is received for every product they sell.

Friends and Family: They have nothing but good intentions at heart, and we want nothing more than to believe what they tell us. Perhaps they had acne as a kid, but not as an adult or vice versa. Depending on the type of acne or how severe it is, can make a huge difference on how to treat it. Though their heart may be in the right place, what they did to treat their acne, may not actually be the best course to take today. Their acne may be cleared up, but at what expense to their skin....and if it isn't, you have to wonder if you can take their advice seriously.

Dermatologists: They have the skilled knowledge of working with skin disorders and can bring about some relief for acne sufferers. However, I can't tell you how many women have seen their dermatologist, only to still be suffering from the angst of acne, or endure continuing pain, or have ongoing issues unrelated to the acne, but more from the acne treatment. Literally causing more harm to their skin than the acne itself, including eroding their self esteem.

I have even been told stories by these women, as to how their dermo actually bullied them into using a product they knew would dry out their skin worse, but the acne would be gone. In this context, this suggests to me, these types of dermatologists only concern themselves with clearing up the acne, but leave little in results of overall soothing and healing of the skin in its entirety, or providing patient support to the underlying emotions behind the affliction.

Unfortunately, some doctors are afforded a certain type of reverence based on their title, but sometimes we need to remember they are still just people, whereby, they do and can make mistakes. And in some cases, they will promote a particular line of skincare products with the same harmful ingredients which contribute to more dryness or irritation.....this utterly flabbergasts me!

If you have an intimidating doctor, seek help elsewhere....there is a fabulous doctor for you somewhere...I know....my dermatologist is the kindest and gentlest doctor, and is one of the 3 I see for their specific specialty! Mutual respect is a must for both patient and doctor, and life is too short to deal with a doctor whom lacks empathy.

Finding The Balance And Stopping The Raging Battle For Control Of Your Skin

Acne is not something to go at with a full blown assault. When it is approached in this manner, the results will be less than favorable. Yes acne is not attractive, but it is a tender issue for skin and something which should be treated gently to mitigate as little damage as one can.

Using products which dry up the acne, will also dry out your skin terribly. Then the skin tries to compensate by producing more oil (sebum). The irony of this is, overproduction of sebum is the very thing which clogs pores and feeds the bacteria which causes acne in the first place. It is almost like a call by the "dinner bell" for Propionibacterium Acnes to have a feast on your face, followed by their rapid growth which then explodes into the cystic acne, and this form is very painful and can and will leave scarring in its' wake.

What also contributes to the raging battle on ones skin is the use of drying ingredients combined with moisturizing ingredients. The skin literally fights itself, trying to compensate for all the different chemicals being used to correct one thing while destroying another.

This is insanity and makes absolutely no sense to continue with this tactic of fighting facial acne. In fact to quote the definition, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results."

The Vicious Cycle

Face produces oil....oil attracts dirt and debris and plugs pores...... oil feeds bacteria.....acne breaks out..... you use products to dry up acne and remove excess oil..... face produces more oil.....attracts more dirt and debris and plugs pores...... oil feeds rapidly growing bacteria.....more acne breaks out....you use more products to dry up acne and remove excess oil.....infinity!

And in most cases, these same women avoid moisturizers....very bad idea....or they use a moisturizer with synthetic emollients, or the wrong type of emollients, thinking this is all they can use. Yet certain emollients contribute to more occlusion of pores and can actually still contribute to enhancing dry patches on the face.

Also product labels which state "oil free" are not necessarily oil free, but are comprised of silicone oils. So the connotation really means by definition, doesn't contain mineral oil or other petroleum based emollients. But due to this labeling practice, it has many acne sufferers afraid of anything "oil."

Bottom line silicone oils of dimethicone and cyclomethicone and their derivatives are a synthetic oil and do not moisturize.  Any ingredient name incorporating in part, the word "Siloxanes"  is also considered part of the dimethicone / cyclomethicone family.  All of these are actually designed to trap moisture against skin, which is not sustainable unless other moisturizing properties are utilized.  This is extremely rare....typically this type of product contains a fatty acid and alcohol derivative profile which can be considered a surfactant and / or an emollient, but should not be confused as it having moisturizing properties.  In terms of a "synthetic emollient", these are utilized to give skin a soft feel only and prevent further dehydration of the skin.  Basically locking moisture against the skin after washing the face.

So you are essentially sealing your skin with a thin oily, slick coating of Saran Wrap....results, typically more acne.  Plus once the product that contains a silicone derivative is applied to the skin it essentially becomes a velvety, silken dry residue, so applying another moisturizer over the top will do nothing now that the skin has been sealed.  This can also prevent mineral makeup products from properly adhering to the face due to this drier, non moisturizing texture on the skin, giving a less than desirable finish.

12 Ingredients To Avoid Which Contribute To Irritation, Dryness, Flakiness, Or Occlusion Of The Skin

• Benzoyl Peroxides
• Salicylic Acids and Glycolic Acids
• Bismuth Oxychloride
• Fragrance Oils
• Retin A
• Mineral Oil (Petrolatum)
• Lanolin
• Silicone Oils (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, anything Siloxane)
• Beeswax
• Detergent (Sulfates)
• Alcohol Derivatives (thickeners, surfactants, emollients, emulsifiers)
• Nanoparticles

What is also contradictory to treating acne, is the fact that many of these ingredients will also leave the skin in a constant state of inflammation, giving a never ending pink tinge to the face.

The Oil Factor Can Be The Magic Bullet

There are actually fantastic natural essential oils known for treating and clearing up acne, while also soothing skin and moisturizing it. Certain oils are not the enemy when used correctly and will actually control and reduce the over production of pore clogging sebum.

In fact the oil cleansing method works wonders for cleaning and dissolving debris, dirt, and excess sebum, while soothing, softening and balancing the skin, whereby finally ending the vicious cycle of oil production which contributes to acne. Not only does this method not strip the skin, but leaves a micro thin layer of protection on the skin.

A skincare regimen which utilizes herbal extracts and natural oils will work beautifully for gently and slowly aiding in the healing and prevention of acne breakouts.

Do not fear a moisturizer, but fear the moisturizing ingredients used in substandard products which only drain your pocketbook, contribute to ongoing frustration and essentially do little for resolving your acne.

Essential Oils Known For Treating Oily Skin and Acne Associated With It:

Never use these full strength but look for them as a component to your skincare products.

• Tea Tree Oil
• Bergamot Oil
• Clove Oil
• Lavender Oil
• Rosewood Oil
• Orange Blossom Oil
• Calendula Oil
• Lemon Oil
• Sweet Orange Oil

Carrier Oils For Balancing, Moisturizing or Cleansing Skin

• Jojoba Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Meadowfoam Oil
• Neem Oil

Herbal Extracts or Distillates For Soothing, Balancing or Restoration of Skin

• Aloe Juice
• Chamomile Flower Extract
• Green Tea Extract
• Fruit Extracts (gentle AHA's)
• Comfrey Root (Allantoin)
• Marshmallow Root
• Oatstraw Extract
• Rooibos Extract
• Sandalwood Extract
• Rose Distillate
• Witch Hazel (alcohol free)
• Chamomile Distillate
• Cucumber Distillate
• Lavender Distillate

Raw Ingredients For Soothing, Calming or Reducing Acne (in mineral makeup or masks)

• Rice Starch
• Kaolin Clay
• Oat Powder
• Allantoin
• Zinc Oxide (non nano dry form)

Finding Peace And Calm

This is what will actually begin to stop the insanity of acne cycles, by treating the skin gently and allow holistic methods to do their job and bring about real change on the skin naturally. In some rare instances there are liquid makeups which can be used, but for the most part, they are comprised with many pore clogging ingredients, which is why mineral makeup was clearly invented. Besides when minerals meld with your organic moisturizer, it is like wearing the ultimate in makeup application.

Furthermore, by using some of these botanical ingredients such as Jojoba, Grapeseed, Avocado and Olive oils, they simulate the fatty acid profile, squalene and wax esters of your natural sebum, but without clogging your pores. The best part is, they not only do not disrupt skin function, but work in tandem with your skins natural functions while also working to soften, soothe and hydrate the skin continuously.

The final outcome, sebum production reduces, acne begins to heal and even lessens between occurrences, and the skin can at long last return to a more revitalized appearance with fewer or zero outbreaks in the future....and that is a good thing....beautiful skin can be a reality!

To learn more about moisturizing oily, combo or acne prone skin, my article, "Does Oily Skin Need Moisturizing Too?" will explain in detail the benefits of how, why and best ways of clearing up and reducing oil on your skin forever!

Also another great article is dealing with the "Myths About Acne Revealed and Debunked." Or to learn more about botanical and synthetic ingredients in skincare is "Synthetic Chemical Skincare vs Organic Botanical Skincare."

We are also closing early on Wednesday, Nov 24th, at 12 pm to enjoy a long holiday weekend. All orders placed during the holiday weekend will be processed the following week.

The Skin Care Guide will not publish next week. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers

Myths About Acne Revealed And Debunked

What's In The Past, Is Not The Future For Acne Sufferers

As a teenager growing up I never experienced a problem with acne. And most of my friends didn't either, yet there were some kids we would see with horrific cases of acne that not only destroyed their complexion but their self esteem as well. We were always under the mistaken belief they were drinking too much soda, or they had really oily skin, or ate all the greasy foods they got their hands on. This was the consensus, at least at that time. But what was strange is that I ate Big Macs and french fries and drank gallons of Dr. Pepper through my teen years and I still never got acne. However, if I got an occasional pimple once in awhile, I remember my mom commenting, "you need to quit eating the junk and stay off the soda pop."

Makeup was a big factor for getting the blame for acne breakouts. In part this was true, but not for the reasons you may think. Not any one ingredient was causing it, yet this was plausible theory as we went into the 80's and 90's. Makeup became the scape goat for our acne woes. But if we think about it, if makeup was a key factor, then why did some kids have acne on their backs also? So now the plot thickens and makeup is no longer the culprit as once thought.

Now I did have some friends with quite severe acne and I remember their treatments back in the 70's, and they amounted to tetracycline, cyclosporine, and sun lamp treatments since many doctors back then believed sun was an excellent healer of the skin and face. The oral antibiotic was for treating the bacterial side internally with the use of topical cyclosporine convinced they needed to bombard the skin with this questionable topical aid. We have learned so much more since then and finally got some answers and safer ways to treat it for this generation of our kids. Plus I am not a big fan of pumping our bodies full of antibiotics unnecessarily. This is why we see more and more mutated strains of bacteria that are getting tougher to kill due to prophylactic treatments with these drugs. Unfortunately, for those of us subjected to the old fallacies, you can imagine not only what damage the acne did but the added bonus of sun lamp exposure to their already delicate skin, and they weren't near as safe as the lamps used today, if you consider any tanning safe.

For instance: Acne is not entirely related to oily skin as was once thought. Even those with dry skin can be afflicted with acne or the occasional pimple. However, those with oily skin struggled more due to an excessive production in sebum, which when the pore got blocked the bacteria had a endless supply of food to live on and in many cases got extremely cystic causing severe damage to the skin cells.

To give you the actual causes of acne, the facts are as follows:

Acne is caused by a buildup of sebum in the pore that is not functioning properly. Then it gets clogged and the usually harmless bacteria which is naturally occurring in your skins' pores begins to multiply, which are called Propionibacterium Acnes. The bacteria take its' food source from this sebum buildup, not from any ingredient applied to your face as was once thought, yet some still blame it on this today. They are sadly misinformed.

As the pore remains clogged the bacteria multiply which in turn releases chemical substances, which then causes inflammation, which then gives birth to the latest pimple on your face. If not tended to, the acne can grow to become cystic.

What To Do To Help Skin Become Restored

Getting and keeping the pore unclogged is the important factor. There are natural ways to tend to your acne which have shown to be quite effective.

Allantoin is a great holistic herbal extract from Comfrey which aids in skin cell proliferation throughout the day.

Another great extract is Jojoba oil. However, Jojoba oil is not a true oil but a wax esther and it will inhibit the over production of the bacteria and help to naturally replace and dissolve the sebum plugging our pores due to its' affinity to our own skin.

Rice powder gives an additional soothing skin cooling element to the face and is known in Ayurveda as a holistic curative treatment for skin ulcerations and inflamed or bleeding pimples. It is also considered to be an emollient for the skin. It can be used as a very gentle facial scrub in its raw form and is excellent for delicate skin types. You can locate Rice flour in your local grocery coop or an Asian market and along with its fine texture, you will notice a slight feel of grit. This is what helps to exfoliate the skin while giving soothing relief to distressed skin. Also, not to be confused with modified rice powder found in cosmetics as this is the more refined, sterilized form of rice flour.

The use of Kaolin Clay whether in dry form in mineral makeup or in the form of distilled water and kaolin clay mixed to form a mask, can help to draw out the toxins excreted by the bacteria within the skin cells helping to dry up the pimples.

Zinc Oxide, also a natural anti-bacterial and astringent, reduces inflammation and also assists with skin repair by calming irritation. There are many other herbal extracts and essential oils known to be beneficial in the fight against acne but they are too many to list here. Others are Tea Tree Oil and Neem oil for example and they have been shown to do wonders for all skin types.

Things To Watch Out For

Now there are other ways to help you fight the onset of acne by following a few simple facts. There are many components which contribute to acne and most of which were once believed to cause it are now debunked through better research and holistic medicine becoming more popular as alternative treatments.

Aggravating Factors: Things like hairsprays, types of creams, gels, hair conditioners, heavy oils, synthetic chemical-laden cosmetics and certain waxes are what contribute to acne by further clogging pores. Also utilizing heavier applications of your mineral makeup or by over buffing it into the skin can cause future problems for skin in the way of acne. Or using a dirty brush consistently, can cause acneic conditions by blocking pores with dirt and debris by collecting skin cells and sebum from the face, and then being redeposited.

Tip: wait to cleanse your face after showering to make sure you remove any pore clogging ingredients from your face that may have been left there after rinsing your conditioner out of your hair since this can be a strong contributing factor to causing acne.

Body postures: such as resting face in hands, wearing hats, eye glasses, masks and headbands that are blocking air flow especially after prolonged sweating or high humidity, keeping the damp fabric against your skin are a huge factor in contributing to acne.

A product that is typically non-occlusive like certain types of mineral makeup, will give you better control over your acne problem by controlling perspiration on the face while allowing your skin to breathe.

Myths: like eating chocolate, drinking soda, eating greasy foods, dirty skin, once believed to be a cause of acne, are now found to be unrelated. Eating the bad stuff may be bad for the waistline, but it is not a factor in causing acne. Only acne causing bacteria can create the skin ruptures of acne and not other forms of bacteria unrelated to acne such as those found in dirt or other sources. Blocked pores, with an over production of sebum are the problem for acne prone skin types.

Other Factors: Hormonal changes in men and women are what contribute greatly to the problem by causing an overabundance of sebum giving that oily shine to the face. Testosterone in both men and women can be a leading culprit. Women during a menstrual cycle can have severe outbreaks. This is why hormonal teens struggle with acne as well.

Accumulation of dead skin cells can create a problem by blocking pores, so make sure you gently exfoliate your skin daily through gentle holistic means or micro fiber washcloths. Again, Allantoin is an excellent natural preventative against cell build up when applied daily and can be found in our mineral makeup.

Certain drugs like lithium or barbiturates are known to play a role in the long list of acne causes.

Unfortunately, you may simply be plagued with acne due to hereditary factors and there is nothing you can do to change that except practice good skin care treatments and keep any makeup you choose clean and light.

Also, over use of acne treatments, too much scrubbing of the skin and over cleansing will exacerbate the problem and cause further inflammation. Despite what you may think, over-cleansing your skin will not help clear up acne since it has been explained earlier it is not related to dirty skin.

When the glands are working correctly, sebum is what keeps the collagen in your face healthy, and naturally keeps the skin moisturized. When afflicted with acne it can damage collagen cells and the skin will begin to thin, causing the scarring we see on those afflicted with severe cases.

Do It The Right Way

Care And Treatment: To prevent further inflammation do not pick the acne, squeeze or pop it, this can further damage the cells that produce your natural sebum. If you see a single pimple popping up on otherwise healthy skin, don't attack it as though life as you know it is now over, this will only help it get worse. Treat it gently with a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide and watch it go bye bye! You can read more on the benefits of using Hydrogen Peroxide here. Or the use of our Evening Rose Veil works exceptionally well for helping with acne outbreaks.

Over buffing mineral makeup, especially those with irritants like Bismuth Oxychloride and Mica, then grinding the ingredients into the skin, will further clog pores, increase bacterial growth, and aggravate already tender skin. This is why in some cases, not all mineral makeup (not being created equal) will help with clearing up your acne but will actually aid acne in continuing to flourish. It may help conceal it, but it won't help it heal.

To avoid hurting your skin further, use botanical poultices, clay facial masks for gentle extraction of pore clogging sebum. If you have acne on your back, you may need help from a friend or loved one to assist you with a treatment regimen.

Also keep your pillow cases fresh since sebum and bacteria can build up on the sheets and be deposited back onto your skin while sleeping. Also if you should drool, (ok, I know... yuck) on your pillow case at night and have your face buried in it, this will certainly lend insult to injury for your skins' acne problem.

Taking A Look At AHA's And BHA's

AHA creams are great for gentle exfoliation of your skin, especially one with Salicylic Acid which is a BHA. These will aid in reduction of acne and keep bacterial growth to a minimum.

However, there are divided camps on the use of Beta Hydroxy Acids due to their ability to penetrate deep into the pores breaking through the oily barrier which helps to break apart sebum buildup and unclog the pore. However, with this ability can bring perhaps some concerns for it aging the skin despite the benefit to it helping to clear up acne. Salicylic Acid in a way is systemic. It continues to work deep inside the skin which is why it can cause damage to the cell renewal process. Using this ingredient on a consistent basis may be less desirable.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids on the other hand exfoliate surface cells and are far more gentle to sensitive skin..except in the case of Glycolic Acid which is a derivative of sugar cane. This is typically found in higher levels of 10% and this is where ones' skin experiences the burning or stinging sensation. Although this works well for therapeutic treatment of acne it is also a stress factor on skins delicate mantle. Repeated use of this concentration works on acne but will create an ongoing inflammation (redness) of the skin. We want to calm and soothe our acne not create more damage. A daily use of a blend of fruit acids in lower concentrations can have similar benefits through a cumulative effect without the irritation. Just remember, when using AHA or BHA products, you watch your sun exposure since your skin is more prone to burning.

If you must use these ingredients, try to limit them to once per week so skin can calm and heal in between. If skin is never allowed to calm and rejuvenate, your acne will actually never completely heal and your skin will always have a slightly pinkish tinge to it from irritation.

Best Case Scenario For Fighting Acne

People with acne should also not use commercial facial scrubs, and should only wash their face twice a day, maximum, unless doing so after extreme exercise, and even then, a simple rinsing of the skin with warm water may be all that is needed. Use all natural facial creams and cleansers without pore clogging ingredients with a Micro Fiber washcloth. We offer a waffle weave for aiding in gentle exfoliation of skin. Or for those with extremely sensitive skin we offer our velvet touch washcloth which is extremely gentle to fragile skin. These towels will exfoliate and buff skin to a lovely healthy shine without any irritation. The results are actually quite amazing.

Benzoyl Peroxide can be another great acne medication and works very well in concentrations as little as 2-5%. It creates oxygen within the skin so the Propionibacterium Acnes can not survive since the bacteria lives in an anaerobic environment and oxygen being aerobic, kills it. Again however, those with mature skin may not find it beneficial based on how dry it can make skin.

I prefer a gentle solution of hydrogen peroxide once in awhile after I wash. This can contribute greatly to healing acne or the occasional pimple and its concentration is perfect for doing it very gently, plus it oxygenates and then it is gone. While other peroxide treatments in ointment form tend to be systemic until washed off.

Also remember, you must moisturize even if you have oily skin since acne treatments will tend to cause severe dryness to the face creating an environment for more sebum to be produced.

Now this is the real kicker for some and might be difficult to believe; a pimple takes 3-6 weeks to form under the skin. You will not even know it is there until it pops up of its own accord over time. This is why our faces will get the occasional zit or several pimples here and there. It is all about timing and how and when the pimple began to form. One day of not cleaning our face, wearing a pore clogging makeup, perspiration under a headband left on too long. The pimple forming was created by something we missed or did to our skin several weeks back.

Please realize that the use of any acne treatment may result in a few more blemishes due to the cell proliferation which occurs in removing dead skin cells from the face, can take up to several weeks before you notice an improvement and can make it seem as though your acne is getting worse. A new organic skin care or acne regimen can cause a massive breakout due to the toxins within the pores are now being drawn out and the regeneration of new skin is occurring much more rapidly. These pimples were already there hiding under the skins surface, only now being exposed because of ingredient profiles which enhance the ruptures and then begin the healing process. So be patient and allow the new regimen of skin care time to help detox your skin and correct your acne problem. Be kind to your face with the proper skin care and preferably use products that will be gentle to already fragile skin.

Soon you will be making your way to healthier, brighter, more youthful looking skin with a better understanding of how to take care of acne prone skin like you'd see in those Noxzema commercials...remember those? Ahh...memories!

Wishing you continued skin health!

Hydrogen Peroxide Helps Cure Acne

The Miracle In An Ugly Brown Bottle

Hydrogen Peroxide it turns out can do wonders for curing acne, and keeping it at bay when used on a consistent basis for those with chronic acne. If you have fewer breakouts, such as before stress or during hormonal changes, you can reserve the use of Hydrogen Peroxide for those times of the month.

As a young girl I was very fortunate to have great skin. I never suffered from acne or any other skin problem growing up. Fortunately, I passed on this gene to my daughter who also has never suffered the embarrassment of acne or the scars they can leave behind. I never even could understand or fathom at a young age what this could be like for those who suffer from the pain of acne. As teenagers, for the most part, we were all into our own belly buttons. Plus, we all had friends who had acne and never really thought twice about it, but to those going through it, ....well let's just say it probably had devastating consequences and I am sure created some self esteem issues.

Believe it or not you can also find acne occurring to infants in small patches due to sleeping positions or sucking their thumb. Always check with a pediatrician before treating any skin problem on a small infant. Home remedies are great, but it always is best to get a professional opinion due to baby skin being so ultra delicate and super sensitive.

It wasn't until I had my own children that my skin began to change. I showed the onset of sun damage, got a mild form of rosacea and would have bouts of adult acne here and there, but mainly around my menstrual cycle since hormonal changes cause changes to our skin. This includes why young men get acne due to their elevated testosterone as they enter puberty. Higher testosterone levels tend to also create an oilier complexion which creates less cell turnover, whereby plugging pores. And for the most part, young men are not great at keeping their skin exfoliated.

Also when I began to wear liquid foundations or used the wrong cream, I would develop a nasty pimple that sometimes would become cystic. And anyone who has experienced one of those, knows the pain those suckers can cause. I also began to get a small taste of the pain and struggle that acne sufferers endure, if only with just a few pimples, it was all I could do to try and hide them. So my heart goes out to those who really suffer from worse cases.

I learned a long time ago how to resolve the problem on my own and what caused acne. It is a naturally occurring bacteria which lives in our sebum and once the pore gets plugged the bacteria begin to multiply creating the abscess we know as the pimple. This type of skin infection is caused by Propionibacterium Acnes and it thrives on our sebum and the lack of air getting into the pores of our skin. It is never about an ingredient feeding the bacteria that causes acne but about sebum (food source) and lack of oxygen (blocked pore) being the absolute cause of acne.

First thing I did was remove any products from my skin care that would cause blockage of air to my pores. Then I reduced the amount of products I used to clean my skin. I simplified my regimen. I also stayed clear of Salicylic Acid and some AHA's such as the potent Glycolic Acid. These can be extremely harsh to delicate skin which mine had become after I developed rosacea and I found extremely irritating to my acne. I also discovered never to pop or pick a zit as this will not speed healing, but can serve to only make it get worse and cause more scarring.

I used things like gentle Kaolin Clay and Rice Powder masks for soothing and detoxifying my skin. These worked wonderfully as a holistic treatment for these painful skin ulcerations. I also stuck with exfoliating towels that work equally as well at keeping a beautiful polished glow to my skin as any fruit acid. And I learned much patience as I allowed my body to heal itself all in good time.

As Close As My Medicine Cabinet

After more research, I discovered I had the answer sitting in my medicine cabinet. Hydrogen Peroxide, it turns out, is a powerful enzyme catalase, and it not only kills the bacteria that causes acne, but helps to oxygenate the pores which helps prevent future outbreaks by destroying the bacteria since they cannot survive where there is oxygen. You may notice a slight foaming on contact as the hydrogen peroxide begins to work. By keeping pores open and clear, acne cannot take hold, leaving an acne free complexion.

Propionibacterium Acnes is anaerobic and Hydrogen Peroxide is aerobic by producing oxygen in an H2O2 solution of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to 97% water. Water helps to open the pores while the hydrogen peroxide portion creates pressure within the skin, killing the bacteria that causes acne.

The 3% solution can be used as a toner and is safe to leave on the skin. There are other products which contain other versions of peroxides such as Benzoyl Peroxide, but this may be a bit too drying and harsh for the skin. Hydrogen Peroxide on the other hand is far milder, decomposes rapidly, and will not have the same bleaching effect that Benzoyl Peroxide can. However, still avoid repeated applications of even the liquid version as it can cause bleaching over time to eyebrows and around the hairline. Just know this is nowhere near the same strength as what stylists use to color hair.

There Will Always Be Critics!

There are some that say this product causes free radical damage due to the oxygenating process and causes premature aging. Well anyone who has studied up on free radical damage could make this argument, however, we are exposed daily to other far more damaging free radicals than a weak solution of HP. Sun, smoking, harsh peroxides, like benzoyl, daily outdoor pollution and so on and so forth. Besides since HP oxygenation is instantaneous, then decomposes rapidly and is not systemic, any free radical damage they may claim, is minimal and doesn't warrant the concern posed by some. Those who suffer from acne surely know the scars left behind cause much more damage to the aging process since scars are a result of destruction of collagen producing cells which results in thinning of the skin....Not to mention the effects on ones' self esteem!

Again, it is about weighing options and figuring out what is most important to you. Personally, I don't use HP everyday as a toner, I only use it when I feel a bit of a spot forming and it dries right back up and I only apply it to the areas of my face as needed. Acne can strike some people all over their back and chest, their face or just in isolated areas, such as forehead, temples, nose area and chin. Otherwise known as the T-Zone. If you may be concerned about the opposing argument, then use it only when needed and not as a daily routine. OTC Hydrogen peroxide has been used for decades without toxicity and is determined safe when used as directed. It is a known antiseptic, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial agent, making this an excellent mild solution for acne sufferers.

It has worked for me for many years and folks say I still look 10 years younger than my age of 50 years. So it is again a personal decision, and I feel comfortable with the level of protection it provides and it is not anywhere near as damaging as simply taking a walk outside in the lovely fresh (polluted) air or spending a day at the beach! You decide.....

Take Care and Hugs!