HOLISITIC APPROACH

Acne involves the whole body. Hormonal swings and imbalances starting at puberty result in a cascade of events in the skin which culminate in acne. This cascade of events includes; excessive sebum production, blocked pores, localized bacterial infection, toxin build-up and localized inflammation. The best treatments require a holistic approach involving; 1) lifestyle changes, 2) systemic therapy and 3) topical therapy. The object is to stop or reduce to a minimum each of these events or steps that lead to acne. The cumulative effect of this approach can be complete control of your acne without excessive use of harsh, damaging chemicals and with a much reduced risk of acne scarring.

Lifestyle Changes can significantly reduce hormonal spikes and imbalances and help eliminate toxins that result in inflammation and scarring. Hormonal changes at puberty are both normal and necessary. But many times as your body slowly learns to adapt to these changes, excessive quantities are produced resulting in acne flare-ups. Your lifestyle and eating habits can contribute to these spikes of hormones. Here are a few simple and healthy changes you should consider; a) Drink more water each day and especially before bedtime. An extra 3 or 4 tall glasses each day should do. This will allow you body to better rid it's self of toxins and excess hormones. b) Avoid foods known to stimulate hormonal secretions such as hot peppers, chocolate and coffee. c) Include some aerobic exercise every day, preferably a sport you enjoy. (45 minutes is a minimum). Aerobic exercises such as jogging can dramatically reduce stress and help balance hormonal levels. d) Make sure you have regular bowel movements. Constipation contributes to the build-up of toxins and is in itself a stress e) taking a detoxifying supplement such as the herbal Dermapure Rx Acne Formula capsules based on traditional Chinese medical knowledge. Alternately you may want to use Detox Drops, another quality natural detoxifier. Less toxins means less inflammation and less acne. f) Monitor and control your stress levels. Stress can quickly trigger hormone spikes. Whenever you are uptight because of exams or anything else go out for a jog or a long brisk walk and consider other stress control techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga or a mantra. These lifestyle changes will make the rest of your acne regimen far more effective as well as improve your overall well being.

Systemic Therapies usually in the form of pills can target sebum production, the inflammatory processes and/or bacterial agents from the inside to help fight and prevent acne. Systemic medicines have the advantage of being able to reach those problem sites below the skin too deep to be treated through the skin. Some of the most effective acne medicines such as Isotretinoin and minoxidil are systemic. Some of these are also very risky and with serious side effects especially when taken over an extended period of time. That is why they are generally only available from trained physicians. If your case of acne is particularly serious with painful nodules and many pustules these strong therapies may be necessary at first to get your acne under control. You should however then immediately revert back to a gentler, natural regimen. Young people are usually acne prone for 4, 5 or more years into their early 20’s. You don’t want to be using harsh, risky products for so many years. Derma Cleanse Capsules are a safe and natural systemic acne supplement which can fight infection and inflammation while regulating your hormone levels and are part of an effective herbal acne system from Zenmed. We can also recommend the Dermapure Acne System as your herbal systemic acne supplement.

Topical Therapies are by far the most common and most varied. Typically these products work to remove excess sebum and blackheads, open up clogged pores, disinfect follicles and reduce inflammation. The better topical regimens will include cleansing followed by an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial gel 2, 3 or more times daily and an exfoliation once or twice a week.

The best cleansers are mild yet penetrate deeply into the pores and can be used several times a day without damage to the skin. Benzyl peroxide cleansers are recommended at first to get your acne under control and in this case we recommend a 10% wash and in particular the DCL B-Prox 10% Wash. After a week or two you should switch to a more natural herbal acne cleanser and we recommend the ZENMED Facial Cleansing Gel which is ph balanced the Dermapure Mild Cleansing Gel or the Cellex-C wash, gentle, deep acting cleansing foam.

There are few effective topical medicines which are also safe and mild. ClearSkin-A Acne Gel is one such product we can recommend as is ZENMED Acne Gel. If you are using a benzyl peroxide cleanser then there should be no need for a benzyl peroxide gel which could dry and irritate you skin needlessly. If blackheads are a major concern with you then you may want to try the DCL Alpha Beta Acne Gel which can aid with blackhead removal.

If you don't insist upon a natural, herbal approach you may well find the complete DCL Beta Hydroxy Acne Cleaner to your liking as it does not contain benzyl peroxide and is quite gentle and very effective.

The commentary on this web site is researched and based upon the writings and opinions of medical doctors, nutritionists, herbalists and other health and wellness experts as well as upon the experiences of others who have suffered from acne. Nevertheless, it is not meant to replace in any way the advice you can get from your medical practitioner. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. You and your doctor can then determine together if any of the advice found here constitutes a suitable therapy or adjunctive therapy in your particular circumstances