posted September 24, 2008 11:23 AM         

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Doctors usually say that acne is just a sign of a problem inside of the body which is almost impossible to identify at times

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posted September 24, 2008 03:00 PM         

I agree that the problem is internal, but I can't seem to solve it. Right now my plan of attack is to combine many things at once and see what happens. It's not like things can get any worse!

Anyways, thank you to everyone for your suggestions!
My plan is to use the Clearasil Acne scrub, tea tree oil, lemon juice and after an hour, I'll use one of those Clearasil pads to wipe my face. Finally, I put on some benzoyl peroxide.

For the internal problem, I'm just going to drink water mixed with lemon juice (no sugar!). Lemon and water is a great cleanser according to many people.

posted September 24, 2008 03:09 PM         

Causes

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Three factors contribute to the formation of acne:

Overproduction of oil (sebum)
Irregular shedding of dead skin cells resulting in irritation of the hair follicles of your skin
Buildup of bacteria

It's not known what causes the increased production of sebum that leads to acne. But a number of factors — including hormones, bacteria, certain medications and heredity — play a role.

Contrary to what some people think, foods have little effect on acne. Acne also isn't caused by dirt. In fact, scrubbing the skin too hard or cleansing with harsh soaps or chemicals irritates the skin and can make acne worse.

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Risk Factors

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Hormonal changes in your body can provoke or aggravate acne. Such changes are common in:

Teenagers, both in boys and girls
Women and girls, two to seven days before their periods
Pregnant women
People using certain medications, including cortisone
Other risk factors include:

Direct skin exposure to greasy or oily substances, or to certain cosmetics

A family history of acne — if your parents had acne, you're likely to develop it too

Friction or pressure on your skin caused by items such as telephones or cell phones, helmets, tight collars and backpacks

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Prevention

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Wash acne-prone areas only twice a day. Washing removes excess oil and dead skin cells. But too much washing can irritate the skin. Wash areas daily with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free, water-based skin-care products.

Use an over-the-counter acne cream or gel to help dry excess oil. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as the active ingredient.

Avoid heavy foundation makeup. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they're less irritating.

Remove makeup before going to bed. Going to sleep with cosmetics on your skin can clog tiny openings of the hair follicles (pores). Also, be sure to throw out old makeup and clean your cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly with soapy water.

Wear loosefitting clothing. Tightfitting clothing traps heat and moisture and can irritate your skin. Also, whenever possible, avoid tightfitting straps, backpacks, helmets or sports equipment to prevent friction against your skin.

Shower after exercising or doing strenuous work. Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.

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posted September 24, 2008 03:27 PM         

I used Diane-35 for 7 years. The first 5 years were fine. My skin was much better than it had ever been, however, as I mentioned this pill is not one you are supposed to be on for this long. From all the research I've done, many women have found that after a certain amount of time, the effects diminish quite a bit. And it's when I went off this pill entirely that my skin really became worse than it had ever been. I now had cysts whereas I never had those before. Again, my research has found this to be very common for many women.

But, everyone responds differently to different treatments and I don't believe that acne or pimples are the result of the same source, as it were, for all of us.

Louise Hay suggests that acne is a physical manifestation of repressed anger and by releasing that anger, you will also release your skin problems.

You can also simply try to eat foods which do not inflame - try reading the Perricone Promise for a list of foods which keep the body from producing inflammation.

I think it's complex and personal for each of us. Doing not only a cleanse but also colemas worked for me in a way that nothing else ever did.

No matter what you try, acne is produced from the inside, not the outside. So anything which attempts to deal with it soley on an external level is housekeeping at best. Whether you eat more consciously, take a BCP, meditate or do hot yoga to relieve stress and toxins, do a cleanse or work through your anger issues (whether this is anger at others or at the self) it must be done internally.

posted September 24, 2008 05:45 PM         

I thought of her and what she had to say too. I've never had horrible acne, but enough to bother me. Hope you all can find natural cures for it soon - they are out there!! Since the aloe didnt work, Astra, maybe try the Burdock and Cat's Claw. One of them helps with leaky gut syndrome and they both help to clean the blood and lymphatic system, and clean up, dry out the system. They eraticate many of the culprits that lead to skin problems of all kinds.

I'd stay away from birth control pills and antibiotics of all kinds. But that's just me. Breathe deep.

Best of luck.

posted September 24, 2008 06:01 PM         

Red Clover & DIM to balance your hormones
Dandilion, Milk Thistle, for liver health
and as mentioned, PauDarco.