What is The Best Pimple Cure?

Trying to find an effective pimple cure can be frustrating. There are so many options available today: topical treatments, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, Accutane, holistic approaches, and even home remedies. Giant cosmetics companies want to sell us whole "systems" to clear our skin. Some of the acne remedies work at controlling outbreaks. Others do more harm than good. But is there really a pimple cure? Surprisingly, the answer is "yes." There are two effective treatments that can stop your acne for good: Accutane and the holistic approach. Which is the best pimple cure? That depends on how patient you are, and what side effects you are willing to put up with.

When we talk about a "pimple cure" we're talking about something that eliminates pimples for good. If you suffer from mild acne, you might not really need a "cure," you might be fine with a treatment that reduces your acne to where it is manageable. Topical 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream, especially when used in combination with salicylic acid can be quite effective if you are lucky enough to suffer from only mild acne. You apply a thin film of these creams or gels twice a day to the areas of your skin that are prone to outbreaks. Don't just spot treat! If this works for you, then by all means do it. You can buy these products over the counter or over the internet and it is a very cost-effective way of self-treatment.

If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from moderate to severe acne, then it is important that you attack your problem where it starts: androgen hormones. For years, doctors thought that acne was a bacterial problem. We now know that bacteria can make acne worse, but it does not cause it in the first place. That's why topical treatments will have little to no effect for moderate and severe acne sufferers. If you fall into this camp, the two options to consider are Accutane and holistic treatments.

Accutane is a successful and effective pimple cure. Many patients find that their complexions are completely fixed by this powerful drug. They may only get pimples in times of stress or when they are coming down with something (just like everyone else). It is indeed a "miracle drug."

While Accutane has its place, it should only be considered as a pimple cure of last resort. Why? Because of side effects. Accutane can damage your liver and dangerously elevate your cholesterol and you must be monitored by your doctor to avoid long term problems. Accutane is no longer sold in the United States because of these side effects and the countless lawsuits that followed. The connection of Accutane to birth defects is well known and women must take the birth control pill while on Accutane. There are many other serious side effects that must be considered but what you might find interesting is the inconvenience that Accutane will cause you before your skin clears up.

While you are on Accutane, your pimples will actually get worse. Your skin will be sensitive and inflamed. Your lips will be severely chapped and uncomfortable. It often takes over a year for your skin to improve and in the meantime you will feel like hibernating. In effect, Accutane can have the opposite effect of what you are looking for for the first year. Of course, when your treatment is finally over, you may be pimple-free for the rest of your life. For many people, a year of terrible skin is worth it.

The other pimple cure that must be considered is the holistic approach. These methods seek to correct your androgen hormone imbalance through diet and lifestyle changes. Only a few years ago, holistic approaches were dismissed by the medical profession but as the connection between hormones and acne became clear, many dermatologists now recognize the connection between diet and acne. Holistic treatments have several advantages over Accutane. They are much less expensive and do not require a doctor's prescription and supervision. They do not make your acne worse before the pimple cure kicks in, and work more quickly than Accutane. Dietary changes can have a positive impact on your overall health. All of the side effects of holistic treatments are positive.

If you are looking for a pimple cure, I recommend that you investigate the holistic programs available before you turn to a harsh treatment like Accutane. There is no need to put your body "through the ringer" if you can beat your acne quickly with some healthy changes to your diet.