Finding an Acne Remedy that Works

Effective treatment of acne has been elusive. Dermatologists still don’t have a good understanding of what causes acne, let alone which pimple treatment is the best. Benzoyl peroxide gels and creams have been treating acne since their discovery in the 1920s and remain the most widespread acne solution even though you would think our understanding of the condition of acne has improved greatly in the last nine decades.

In truth, most acne therapies, whether non-prescription or by prescription, are ineffective except in cases of very mild acne. What about a treatment based on a holistic acne remedy? The obvious connection between what we eat and a bad complexion has been ridiculed by generations of doctors and the drug companies. The most recent studies prove that the old way of thinking is no longer valid. (Source: Berra B, Rizzo AM. Glycemic index, glycemic load, wellness and beauty: the state of the art. Clinics in Dermatology. 2009:27:230-235) The interest in low-glycemic diets that started with the success of the Atkins diet for weight loss, has underlined a connection between acne and diet that was common knowledge within the world of holistic medicine but rejected (like Atkins) by doctors everywhere. Until his diet was proven, Atkins was ridiculed. Is a similar revolution coming for the science of acne?

The bottom line is that what we eat (especially high-glycemic foods) have been shown to affect how our bodies react to androgen hormones, and it is androgen hormones that ultimately determine whether or not we have problem skin. A good diet may, therefore, be the secret acne remedy that we have been longing for.  

Let’s take a look at each conventional acne treatment to see if one of them may be right for you.

Oral and Topical Antibiotics

The serious problem of antibiotic resistant bacteria has been caused by the widespread use of antibiotics. This is the reason that dermatologists don't routinely prescribe antibiotics. In fact, the P.Acnes bacteria that infects blackheads and whiteheads and turns them into red, swollen pimples is now often found to be resistant to antibiotics such as erythromycin. Another issue with antibiotics is that they eradicate bacteria indiscriminately and deplete the “good” bacteria that we need to live healthily. Add to this that antibiotics tackle only one aspect of acne, but does nothing to regulate androgen hormones (the real cause of acne) and it becomes clear that antibiotics are not an effective acne solution. Don't bother with antibiotics because in my experience, they aren't very useful and are a hassle to use.

Gels and Creams Containing Benzoyl Peroxide

This acne remedy is really quite good if you have only mild acne but less useful if you have a serious acne condition. You should try a 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream if you have mild acne. You can buy it without a prescription at your pharmacy. You do not need, and should not use more powerful concentrations (including prescription strength) because studies show that they are in no way more effective than 2.5%, but they make more money for doctors and the drug industy while being harder on your face.  You can enhance the effectiveness by preparing your skin first with a salicylic acid pad. You should apply the product thinly over the acne prone areas, not only on your existing pimples, and you should continue to use the product or else your pimples will come back. Still, I think, benzoyl peroxide is a great acne remedy if you only have a mild acne problem.

Hormonal Acne Treatments

If you are a woman, you might find relief with an estrogen-containing birth control pill such as Yasmin, or alternatively, a hormonal medication like spironolactone. Much like the holistic programs, these methods will directly affect the androgen hormone issue that causes acne. Talk to your dermatologist to find out if a hormonal medication is appropriate for you.

Accutane: Serious Medicine

Accutane is one of the best-known powerful acne medications. The severe side effects that come from Accutane make it a treatment of last resort, even though it is often effective. Potential side effects include thinning hair, bleeding gums, liver damage, pain, depression and birth defects. The fact that Accutane does not work overnight is another thing to remember. You will want to disappear for the 6 months to a year it takes to clear your acne because your complexion will look much worse during that time. Your skin and lips will be extremely irritated and dry. This product was recently removed from the American market because of the severe side effects. Do I recommend Accutane? It is problematic to recommend a pill that has such severe side effects. I think that someone who is considering Accutane should first try a holistic dietary acne remedy if they want to get rid of acne. They really have nothing to lose.

Holistic, Natural Acne Remedies

With the latest studies suggesting a positive connection between what we eat and acne, the time to try a holistic acne remedy based on diet has arrived. These programs have cured many people of their acne problems without drugs or doctor's bills. These treatment programs are very inexpensive and worth a try especially if you are thinking of using Accutane. A natural acne regimen will work more quickly than Accutane, and since they are guaranteed to work (or your money back), it is a good idea to at least test them before committing to a powerful drug.

The one side effect of an acne diet is great health. With the latest evidence starting to support the effectiveness of treating pimples through diet, acne sufferers who try a holistic pimple program might find that they have a lot in common with the early devotees of the Atkin’s diet who, in spite of the negative comments from the so-called “experts,” lost an awful lot of weight! Proof is in the results. In a few years, they might be saying “I told you so.”