The Acne Cure

Over 90 percent of teenagers have a bout with acne, but it's not just an adolescent problem -- more than 50 percent of adults also suffer from blemishes.

Despite all the antibiotics prescribed for acne (Tetracyclin, Doxycyclin, Accutane -- to name a few) in many cases, the acne returns, and is considered incurable. Patients are often coached on how to "live with it" or "accept themselves the way they are."

Aside from the physical discomfort, acne patients can suffer serious psychological trauma. They feel ashamed of their appearance, and some even feel the acne is their fault. And of course, this kind of stress tends to aggravate the acne and make breakouts worse. It's a vicious cycle.

Adding to this vicious cycle are several myths about acne. Some of the more popular myths include: greasy foods cause acne; chocolate causes acne; zits are caused by dirt; the more you scrub, and dry-up your skin, the less you'll break out.

Dr. Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, Calif., says first a patient must understand the true origins of acne (genetic) and then find a proper cure.

According to Dr. Dubrow, acne has four distinct stages, and you must attack all four in order to wipe it out. The stages are:

* Dry cells mixed with sebum and block the pores.

* Sebum ballon builds up behind the clog.

* Bacteria infect the build-up.

* Curative inflammation spreads the condition.

In an effort to combat all four, Dr. Dubrow has come up with the Acne Cure. The following is his Acne Cure program:

Step 1 SALICYLIC ACID. (Morning and night) Clean away excess dead cells and bacteria from the skin's surface, without over-drying it. The best ingredient to wash your face with is a 2 percent salicylic acid product (widely available in drugstores). Put a penny-size amount in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of warm water, lather, and massage (in circular motion) to affected areas. Let the SA sit for a few minutes, then gently wash off with warm water. The SA has two benefits: an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant for the skin's surface.

Step 2 GLYCOLIC ACID. (Only in the morning) After you've rinsed away the SA product, apply 8-10 percent glycolic acid product, in an identical manner. Let it sit and wash it off with warm water. The benefits of Glycolic Acid: digs deeper down (while the SA cleans the surface) to loosen "cemented-in" plugs.

Step 3 BENZOYL PEROXIDE (Only at night) Wash off SA and run an ice cube over the affected areas, to cool and soothe (be careful not to freeze the skin!) Apply the BP (kept cold in refrigerator), but run ice cube across palm of hand, so product doesn't warm up when you rub and apply to face (in identical manner as the SA and the GA). Leave the BP on for 10 minutes, and lie down with ice packs on the affected areas (opens pores, reduces inflammation, relaxes you). When you're through, wipe off excess BP with a soft cloth. Allow the rest to sit overnight.

Step 4 MOISTURIZER (Morning and throughout the day) Apply an oil-free moisturizer to the face with an SPF of at least 15. Sun reduces the skin's resistance to bacterial attack.

You can purchase this book here: http://www.amazon.com/ Just do a search for: "THE ACNE CURE".

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