[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t can be difficult to treat a condition that can’t be thoroughly explained and acne falls under this category. Because a lot is still unknown about the basic cause of acne, it still is a daunting task to find the suitable remedy.
This is not to say nothing is known about acne, since the 1920s, a lot has been discovered about this condition, but we still have a long way to go as far as combating it completely goes. The most common treatment used for acne, benzoyl peroxide, which can be in the form of cream or gel has gone a long way in helping many people get rid of acne for good.
Most acne treatment options out there are only appropriate for treating mild acne. This includes over the counter medications and prescription medicines. Holistic treatment for acne is under intense scrutiny as several medical practitioners and pharmaceutical giants have taken researches in the hopes of severing the link between what is eaten and acne. Studies in this regard have shown that the old perspective we have about acne and how it can be cured is not based on scientific research and hasn’t been validated by such. (Source: Berra B, Rizzo AM. Glycemic index, glycemic load, wellness and beauty: the state of the art. Clinics in Dermatology, 2009:27:230-235).
Since Atkins diet proved to be effective for weight loss, interest has naturally been sparked in low-glycemic foods. Low-glycemic diet has proved to connect what we eat and the case of acne that anyone has. Doctors tend to ignore this holistic approach to cure acne but it has been proved to work beyond reasonable doubt. It would seem that acne treatment is undergoing a passing phase of ridicule which is similar to what happened to Atkins diet.
It has been discovered that there is a high interference between the food we eat (particularly high-glycemic foods) and our bodies reaction s to the androgen hormones. Eventually, these hormones determine if we have pimples or not and the degree of their severity. Thus, a great diet may be the single most effective home remedies for acne.
There are other options to consider to battle acne. They are:
Antibiotics, Topical and Oral Treatments
When the body gets used to antibiotics treatment, it develops resistance and immunity to it as many bacteria causing infection and inflammation become antibiotic-resistant. This also explains why dermatologists rarely prescribe antibiotics such as erythromycin for treating P.Acne. Yet, bacteria are essential for healthy life as there are the good ones that help the body function normally. Consistent antibiotics usage will destroy any bacteria in the body both the good and bad. Thus, they have proved to be ineffective acne solutions. If you can devise a way to use antibiotics without abusing it, then you are good to go.
Benzoyl Peroxide Creams and Gels
This acne treatment will work well if your acne is mild but if it is severe, you may have to find another way around it. 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream will work well for mild acne. You can get this over the counter from a drug store. If you use a stronger concentration, it is just an abuse as it wouldn’t work beyond the results of the 2.5%. To ensure that this product works as it should, first wipe your skin with a pad containing salicylic acid.
You should rub sparingly on the acne prone and acne affected areas of your skin. This treatment must be continued long after your acne is gone otherwise it will come back.
Hormonal Acne Treatments
Women who have hormonal acne can find some solace in some birth control pills. This is more likely to be the case if your acne case is due to hormones in the first place. Birth control pills regulate the hormones produced by the body and an estrogen birth control pill such as Yasmin or other hormonal medication such as Spironolactone will do just fine. Please talk to your dermatologist and gynecologist before determining to choose a birth control pill because of its ability to cure acne.
Accutane: Serious Medicine
Accutane is arguably the most effective medication for acne. However, it should be used as a last option and only for cases of severe acne. It comes with serious side effects that include but aren’t limited to, bleeding gums, depression, pain, birth defects and hair thinning. In fact, it was taken from the American market because of its grave side effects. Note that while this treatment is highly potent, it doesn’t work instantly. It isn’t a magic potion. It takes about 6-12 months to work and during this period, your face or affected body part will be the worse sight. The affected skin area will become extra dry and highly sensitive. The only reason I still recommend this is because of those cases where nothing else seems to work and even in such instances, you should use it with extreme caution.
Holistic, Natural Acne Remedies
Since research has proved the strong bond between the foods we eat and our vulnerability or immunity to acne, the safest option for treating acne is to try holistic methods. You can easily get rid of your acne challenges without spending money on drugs or paying the doctor a visit. Holistic programs are inexpensive as you would be eating foods that are good for your health in the first place. You can join a natural program and most come with money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose.
The worst that can happen if you treat your acne with your food is that your health will be in good shape. This treatment is a way to kill many birds with just one stone. Experts may speak against this treatment but remember that everyone fights for their pockets first before any other thing. This treatment option will eliminate the need to spend for any expert and is naturally not approved by them. But it works, and that is all that concerns you.
