What Do I Do Now That My Acne is Clear?

When a client who suffers from acne asks "When can I stop doing this?" there is no easy answer.

When I inform an acne sufferer that I cannot tell them when they can stop treating, the look on their face is one of horror.  Every acne sufferer will grow out of it, we just do not know what age that is for each individual.  Once an acne sufferer has attained clear skin and it remains clear for at least 6 months they can sometimes reduce the strength of their products.  If they were on a 5% benzoyl peroxide, they might be able to begin using a 2.5% strength.  If they were using a peeling agent twice a day they may try once a day.  If the acne begins to return, they should go back to using the stronger skin care routine.  Acne is a frustrating, inherited disease that takes determination, dedication and patience to clear, BUT IT CAN BE CLEARED.

The Mystery of BB Creams

Do you know what BB cream stands for?  I was not sure so I researched it.  BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, beblesh balm or beauty balm.  These balms are mainly sold in Asia and are making a strong mark in the Western market.

Apparently, they are an all-in-one facial product purported to replace serums, moisturizers, primers, foundations and sun blocks.  They come in a variety of formulations. 

As a licensed aesthetician and acne expert this immediately causes my skepticism to rise.  No product is a wonder product and can solve all skin concerns.  If a product claims to treat acne, wrinkles, be anti-inflammatory, soothing and provide intense moisture it would have so many ingredients in it you wouldn’t be able to afford it and it might possibly have the cure to cancer with all those chemicals in it.  When products are created the manufacturer is responsible for listing the ingredients on the packaging.  This is called an ingredient deck.  The lower the ingredient is listed on this deck the amount of said ingredient is miniscule.  Hence potentially having no effect whatsoever.  This is actually an entirely different discussion.  But, if the catch phrase on the product says “Vitamin C” but that is the last ingredient in the deck, it probably contains very little.  This is called angel dusting.

Be aware when manufacturers make claims to solve all your skin care concerns with one product.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome it is likely you suffer from acne.  This can be a very complicated issue and you should research it thoroughly before choosing the treatment path that fits you and your lifestyle.

PCOS involves the female reproductive system and the pancreas, along with insulin resistance and can have many different symptoms for each individual sufferer.  Physicians generally will prescribe an oral drug called metformin or various birth control pills.  As with any prescribed drug there can be side effects. 

If you suffer from PCOS and are not interested in taking oral drugs strictly monitoring your diet can help.  Eating a diet that is organic, rich in whole grains and eliminating simple carbohydrates, dairy and foods containing “white” carbs can allow you to control your PCOS without oral drugs.

If you think you suffer from PCOS consult your physician and do your research.  Check out this web site for help.  http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com.

If you have acne along with the PCOS you can clear your acne without drugs.  The right topical agents, used religiously and in the right regimen will have your skin clear in 3 months.

Spironolactone and Acne

Do you suffer from acne and your physician has prescribed Spironolactone?  I see many clients who inquire about this.  Mostly it is clients who suffer from cystic acne or have polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.

Spironolactone is a synthetic steroid and diuretic used internally to treat high blood pressure, fluid retention, hirsutism, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal acne in women.  It is also found in some birth control pills for its anti-androgen effect,

It is sometimes used topically, in very low doses, to treat acne, hair loss and inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  It is also used orally to assist with cystic acne.  Because Spironolactone is basically a diuretic and assists the body in eliminating excess fluids and salts this may be one reason it can help with cystic acne.  Salt is an aggravator of acne.  Some acne suffers are so desperate to have clear skin they are willing to accept the side effects (i.e., weight gain, larger breasts, thinner hair, abnormal menstrual cycles, mood swings, leg cramps, etc.).

The side effects of Spironolactone can far outweigh the benefits and it is being used less and less.  If your physician wants to prescribe this, please do your own research and make your decision based on what you find.  WebMD is a good place to look.