Acne Treatments
If you’ve been following my last few posts, you know that I have been focusing on acne. So far, we’ve covered a general understanding of acne, talked about why breakouts occur, and now I will discuss conventional acne treatments. This is the third of a series of posts introducing my new “Beautiful Skin Solution” programs for acne, rosacea and maturing skin issues. If you missed reading my first post, you can read it here. Second post can be found here.
Though acne is not life threatening, the acne sufferer may seek treatment as if his or her life depended on it. This sense of urgency points to the debilitating psychological effects of this condition, where symptoms are worn on the face and are difficult to conceal. The individual with blemished skin may be compelled to conceal his or her entire existence, withdrawing from normal activities when flare-ups are severe.
Conventional acne treatments vary greatly in safety and effectiveness. Over-the-counter topical treatments featuring benzoyl peroxide combat the bacteria associated with acne. Salicylic acid effects the way cells shed in an effort to help keep pores clear and suppresses the inflammatory process. These products must be used continuously to be effective, which is often not practical due to their tendency to dry and irritate the skin.
On the other side of the pharmacy counter, there are several categories of prescription therapies. Retin -A, a topical treatment, is a synthetic form of Vitamin A. Retin -A has undesirable side effects, such as thinning of the skin, redness and peeling. The topical drug can also make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation and therefore, more vulnerable to sun damage.
And then there is Accutane. This drug works by dramatically slowing down oil production in the skin. Accutane has the risk of serious side effects and it is entirely unsafe to become pregnant while taking this drug.
Antibiotics have long been prescribed to destroy the bacteria that cause inflammatory acne. The down side is that multiple courses of antibiotics can upset the natural balance of flora in the body, which can lead to the overgrowth of other resident organisms. Increased photosensitivity is also a potential side effect.
Oral contraceptives may be used to suppress acne by artificially regulating hormone balance. When treatment is discontinued, blemishes and excess oiliness resurface, sometimes with even greater severity.
These treatments can be widely effective for temporarily eliminating acne on the surface, but almost always with unpleasant side effects. These popular approaches suppress the symptoms of acne without addressing the origin of the imbalance. Given the state of despair that serious acne can create, it is no wonder that those affected will accept potential risks and endure uncomfortable side effects to find relief.
I know I did. But you don’t have to.
In the next and final post in this series, I will talk about the Dr. Hauschka holistic protocol for blemished skin.
If you struggle with acne, I want to help. Take the first step by signing up for a FREE CLARITY SESSION and or check out “The Beautiful Skin Solution for Acne” here.
Imagine a life without having to hide. It’s time for you to finally have healthy, glowing skin, from the inside-out.
Talk again soon,
Sending light and love,
P.S. If you are fortunate and acne is not your issue but you know of someone who struggles with this, please share this info with them 🙂
