Acne Tips
Use of benzoyl peroxide to control acne may involve side effects and
risks that should be considered in making decisions on acne treatment.
Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective
treatment with no side effects and no benzoyl peroxide. For additional
information on this subject please see the Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage
page.
Premature Skin Aging: As you will learn from the Acne and Skin Damage
section of this website, free radicals promote the aging of skin. Acne
infections require huge volumes of chemical processes to control the
infection and repair and replace all of the skin components that are
damaged or destroyed in the process. This generates volumes of free
radicals that in general promote the speed of skin aging. People with
moderate to severe facial acne tend to develop facial lines and wrinkles
at an earlier stage than the population in general and may require an
early skin anti-aging strategy. The control of acne is the first step in
slowing the aging process. People with moderate to severe acne who have
treated their skin with benzoyl peroxide tend to present skin aging at
an even faster rate. For additional information on this subject please
see the Acne & Premature Skin Aging and the Free Radical Damage pages.
Smoking: A German study published in 2001 showed acne
is 62% more prevalent in active smokers than in non-smokers.
Additionally, a significant dose-dependent relationship was observed
between acne severity and daily cigarette consumption.
Hormone Supplementation: The development of adult onset
acne following the initiation of hormone supplementation or significant
modification of an existing program may be caused by the dosage. Speak
with a physician about this subject and modifying the dosage so it does
not promote acne.
Sebum Production Cycle: The skin produces its greatest
volume of sebum and oil at approximately 1 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon
and its least volume in the middle of the night. Therefore a thorough
skin care regimen performed in the late afternoon or early evening is
pivotal to effective acne control. Cleanse thoroughly.
Heredity: Acne appears to have genetic linkage and
people may get a better understanding of the possible extent of their
condition by discussing this subject with their parents. Ask questions
about the severity of their acne and the duration.
Menses: Like stress, there is a relationship to acne.
The body increases its production of hormones, which indirectly
stimulates the production of sebum and the subsequent chemical reactions
that promote acne. Three to seven days before the cycle, step up the
daily skin care regimen and return to the normal regimen at the end of
the period. Use the Green Tea Poultice twice daily as per the
instructions. If needed, consider reducing the consumption of milk
and/or dairy products for the week just prior to the cycle.
Oral Contraceptives: In some instances oral
contraceptives may reduce the severity of acne and in other cases they
can trigger skin problems, including acne. If an oral contraceptive is
contributing to acne, speak with the physician about "low-profestin"
contraceptives or other options. Changing to low-profestin
contraceptives has shown to reduce acne in some cases. An oral
contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may
provide benefits for moderate acne.
Linens and Headgear: Washcloths, towels, pillowcases,
hats, sweatbands, etc. collect bacteria and return it to the skin each
time the item is used. Change washcloth, towels and pillowcases every
two to three days while achieving control of acne. Make sure headgear is
clean and/or avoid the use of unnecessary items.
Hairline or Forehead Acne: A pattern of acne that
basically follows the hairline may be caused by sebum and free fatty
acids that are generated in the scalp and migrate onto the forehead. The
condition can be reduced or eliminated by shampooing more frequently
and/or selecting a shampoo specifically developed for oily hair. While
hair may not be oily, this type of shampoo can reduce the sebum and
fatty acids in the scalp. Glycolic Cleanser can be used as an oil
reducing shampoo. Antibacterial Cleanser and Septicide Cleanser perform
this function and kill P. acnes as well.
Sun Exposure: Rumors about unprotected sun exposure
being beneficial in reducing skin oiliness and thereby reducing acne are
ill-founded. Photons of sunlight produce free radicals within the skin,
which promote acne and reduce the skin's ability to heal and repair.
People with acne should avoid sun exposure and use an effective UVA/UVB
sunscreen.