1. Acne isn't wet and it doesn't need to be "dried out". Basically, acne is caused by a bacteria that invades a hair follicle. White blood cells rush to defend the hair follicle and when they do, they create an enzyme that damages the "wall" of the follicle. When the wall is damaged, it's contents leak into the dermis. When that happens, the skin becomes inflamed, which show up on the skin as zits. It's a little more complicated than that, but you get the idea.
2. Chocolate and fries in moderation aren't going to give you acne. Acne is caused by the body producing more sebum than is needed (to keep the hair and skin moisturized) or by hormones getting slightly out of whack and not regulating androgen correctly. While an occasional chocolate bar or french fries aren't going to wreck your skin, a diet rich in sugars or fats can lead to inflammation or free radical damage, which can help perpetuate acne flare-ups. Everything in moderation, my friends.
3. Harsh treatments won't decimate your acne. The key in treating acne is to reduce inflammation, which means don't irritate it. Treating your skin harshly can have the opposite effect; stimulating the already over active gland into producing more sebum. If a product irritates the skin, or makes it burn or tingle, you aren't helping your skin, so don't do that.
What can you do to help get your adult acne in check? You need to disinfect the dermis, reduce oil production, do a better job gently exfoliating (without injuring the skin, see #3) or regulate the production of androgen. Clearly, some of those acne reducing steps is easier to accomplish than others, so what should you do?
Look for products that can disinfect the skin by getting rid of acne-causing bacteria. Reduce sebum without over-drying the skin and gently exfoliate without scrubbing or irritating the skin. Since the key is not to irritate the skin and cause more inflammation, it is important to find products that can gently treat the skin in a way that is scientifically proven to alter your skin.
Perricone M.D. has put together a group of products designed to work together to fight adult acne in a gentle, proven way. This Acne Treatment Kit comes with:Skin Clear Cleanser, which cleans the surface of the skin, as well as deeper in the pore. Even better, it has DMAE, which tone and firm the skin.
Skin Clear Acne Toner, which contains both anti-microbial and anti-bacterial agents to stop bacteria and a salacylic acid to exfoliate the skin and literally clean and exfoliate inside the pore.
Skin Clear Acne Treatment, which goes one step further to reduce bacteria deeper in the dermis.
Skin Clear Hydrator, which helps smooth the appearance of the skin, making it look hydrated and healthy.
TWO lucky Gouldyox Reviews Reader scan WIN a Perricone, M.D. Acne Trial Kit to try for themselves by leaving a comment below telling me what products or rituals you have tried that didn't work.
Be sure to register, log in, or leave your email address when you leave a comment here. For additional entries, leave a comment telling me the same on the Gouldylox Reviews Facebook page. This contest is now closed and winners have been notified by email. Keep reading for my next giveaway!
The contest begins on Monday, December 21 and runs until January 5th. For more info on Pericone Products, visit them here!
Product for winners is being furnished by the company so I can give it away. (I can't afford to buy it for you!)
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I tried the AcneFree sensitive skin system and stuck diligently to the routine for 12 weeks. My end result - nil. I might as well have been washing my face with ivory soap and putting aloe vera gel on my skin. I've been fighting acne for years, and nothing has ever truly helped. :(
ReplyDeleteI have tried some of Perricone's products and love them. I haven't tried this acne treatment, but hope to :-)!! I like that it works to fight acne in a way that makes sense scientifically. I hope I win!
ReplyDeleteI've not tried any of the Perricone products but I've tried so many different ones trying to clear my face up. I have this line of tiny zits on my cheekbones that just won't go away. I'm always skeptical about a product but if I could win one of these kits, I'd review it for you. Thanks for offering these treats. I would love to win one of these.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic article! I have tried so many things, but the only thing that really works for me is to take Spironolactone (a prescription medication that inhibits testosterone in the skin). Obviously, you need to see a doctor to find out if it's right for you.
ReplyDeleteAs for topical medications, I have heard that you can use Nizoral (dandruff shampoo that reduces androgens) on your face. Haven't tried it yet, but I'll let you know.
The Perricone products sound wonderful too. I would love to be entered to win so I can try 'em out!
I'd love to try this. I've tried almost all the drug store brands as well as proactive. So far, nothing's worked to keep it in control.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the brand but I tried this skin clearing moisturizer that had like %2 Benzoyle peroxide in it & it burned the heck out of my face!
ReplyDeleteGreat article on acne.
ReplyDeleteI have tried some of Perricone eye products and loved them. I do get acne way too often so this kit would come in handy :)
ReplyDeleteann.altima at gmail dot com
I've been on a Rx topical retinoid and Rx topical antibiotic for almost 3 years (although I've honestly lost track of time) and I *still* have moderate acne. I break out all the time but it's worst the week before my period. My skin was clearest when I was also on an oral antibiotic but my derm took me off it after 5 months because it's not healthy to continually ingest an oral antibiotic. I would rather not go on birth control for my acne. (Yaz seems to be the pill favored by derms.) I wouldn't mind the inflammation if not for the post-inflammatory pigmentation that lasts for months. (Yup, the pigmentation bothers me much more than the inflammation.) I'm all for trying any products that can help control my acne! extemter [at] hotmail [dot] com
ReplyDeleteThe product that I (and my two teen sons) have tried that hasn't worked is the Proactiv line. We each gave it a good length of time, but didn't seen any real difference. Additionally, the auto-delivery was a pain to discontinue. We've been much happier with Neutrogena at the drugstore!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
What an amazing giveaway! I have tried acne treatments before but don't have enough extra cash to fork over for a great skin regimen like this one and have not had great results with the inexpensive ones I've tried. I would love to win!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
I have tried many over the counter acne products and Proactive but nothing has really worked. Everything I use is either to strong or not strong enough, so I would love to try this set to see if it would help. I have heard many good things about these products but I can't afford to buy it if it doesn't work.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Hi!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reviewing these products! I am in my mid twenties and STILL struggle with acne just like when I was a teen, so I am ALWAYS looking for great info on what products work and don't work and I'm so glad to have found you! :-) Thanks also for the giveaway, I would love to be able to try these products and see how they work out for me. Seriously, I get so self-conscious when other people see me and get really frustrated when I see other adults who have no problem at all with acne!
Thanks again!
Bonnie
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