I see many people using topical acne products for acne left and right. In fact, I’m sure acne cream products are the #1 thing sold to fight acne. Its such a huge money maker, $60 for a bottle of a ‘revolutionary acne product’ that will forever cure your acne ? Yeah, I’ve seen those ads too. Endorsed by Britney too ? Nice, I’ll take 2.
Of course, people will soon realize that these topical creams do nothing against acne. Have you ever put cream on a pimple and have it magically disappear the next day? Of course not. What usually ends up happening is that the skin dries up in a massive & unhealthy way. Then the pimple ‘dies’ an ugly death, only to be avenged by 2-3 other pimples on the other side of your face. If anything, it seems that all the acne products and creams actually TRIGGER breakouts. Let’s be honest, your skin doesn’t like the creams, in fact, it gets irritated. When it gets irritated, you get more acne.
Now, I’m going to attempt to explain why using cream as a spot treatment on one side of your face can potentially trigger many other acne pimples.
Note: this is just a theory of mine.
My theory on Acne Products and Merchandise
We all know that skin absorbs whatever it comes into contact with. Using that logic, we can assume that the antibacterial solution that is inside every acne cream will be propagated throughout your entire face through your blood vessels. Therefore, for a little while (until the solution dilutes to a point where it is no longer effective), your entire face will have this ‘antibiotic’ fighting p. acne.
Immediately after, there will be a rebound effect where all the supressed acne bacteria will replenish, in larger quantities than before. Finally, you breakout. The trick to figthing acne is to keep everything in balance. If you’re using acne creams, its like breathing on a fire, the flames will subside momenteraly, but the fire will come right back at you, stronger than before.
So what do can I can’t use cream based products against acne?
Well that’s pretty simple, basically the best thing to use against acne is, (brace yourself), water.
Yes, H20, water has been found to be the best way to control acne in the long run. If you really want to get that ‘clean’ feeling and get all the dirt off, you can use this special (ok its not special, its pretty basic) technique: Splash warm water on your face (pores open), splash cold water on your face (pores close), splash warm water on your face (pores open) and finally splash your face with cold water one last time.
There, its done, your face is now washed and it cost you about $0.00 (unless you live in Europe where that amount of water cost you 250 euros). At least now your skin won’t breakout.
But I REALLY need to use a product on my face!
Ok, if you MUST use a product on your face, I will tell you which ones to avoid. Whatever you do (seriously), DO NOT BUY USE A PRODUCT WHICH IS AIMED AT FIGHTING ACNE. If it says: “for acne prone skin” then DONT USE IT. Also, avoid anything that’s antibacterial for the reasons previously mentioned. A good soap that I found was goat milk’s soap, which can be found at health stores.
Exceptions to the no-acne-product-rule
Ok ok, there is ONE exception (sorta). The only situation where cream will actually work is if you completely overload your face with cream. Now in my opinion, this will be seriously detrimental to your health and I do NOT recommend this. What Dan talks in his regimen is applying a ridiculous amount of cream *everywhere* on your face on a daily basis. Applying an obscene amount of cream will mean your face entire will take longer to completely dilute it into your blood stream and process it (through your liver? yeah, that sounds really healthy). Therefore, for 24 hours, the acne will be under control.
The drawback is that your skin will be extremely reddish and irritated from this. To counter the reddish effect, you must use intensive moisturizer to lessen the effects.
Now after about 3-4 years of this, your liver will probably be roting and your skin will be paper thin, so you better wear sunscreen or your face might catch fire when you’re out in the sun.
Enough said, I do NOT recommend applying this much cream (or any for that matter) on your face. All you’re doing is making other people rich and hurting yourself in the progress (sort of like cigarettes)
To summarize, there have been many people that have been very successful in using only water to treat their acne. I suggest that you try it for a while instead of spending more money on acne products that you really don’t need.
Tags: acne products, acne solutions
I agree with your post.
I find that products that are aimed to heal and hydrate your skin have the best chance to reduce acne. I use Juvedical renewing serum (originally formulated for burn victims)from a swiss company. Its not readily available in North America but you can buy it in online stores. Its not cheap but it absolutely works. I have tried EVERYTHING and this is the only product where I have seen a noticeable difference. I have far fewer breakouts and it reduces redness and irritation.
I also find that regular facials (with a qualifed esthetician) with glycolic peels (designed at the right stregth) and micro dermabrasian (only once you dont have breakouts) is also key.
Not long ago I began experiencing acne breakouts on my chin. My dermatologist actually laughed at me being 35 and still experiencing acne. What’s a girl to do when her dermatologist laughs at her?
This determined girl took matters into her own hands and began a rigorous routine of research until I came across an oil-free (and chemical free) moisturizers and a line of organic products that I had not tried before.
I purchased a 2 ounce bottle of Made from Earth’s oil-free Rosehip & Hibiscus Face Serum and within days of using it, my chin had cleared up completely and I’ve not experienced any more breakouts as with some other moisturizers. Chock full of certified organic ingredients, 100% vegetarian ingredients, powerful antioxidants free of parabens, synthetics and petroleums, how could my skin not respond in a wonderful, healing way?
Since Made from Earth products are created with certified organic ingredients – they do no harm. Instead of the typical water base used in most product ingredients. While the Rosehip Serum works great, I have now moved onto the “Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer” which has really made my cheecks real rosy.
I recommend you start with the Made from Earth Rosehip Serum – and then once the acne is cleared up, use the Vitamin Enhanced Moisturizer to maintain that great complextion. Good luck!