Acne Magazine

I don’t think that anyone escaped the dreary news that our drinking water in infected with a ton of pharmaceutical drugs that we unknowingly imbibe on a daily basis, unless of course we strictly drink bottled and purified drinking water.  One of those drugs that have been identified in some city’s drinking water supplies is the class of acne drugs, such as antibiotics and other drugs that are commonly used to treat acne in both adolescents and adults.

Other drugs that were identified in water supplies around the US were hormones, such as the kind that are found in hormone treatments given to women and men, antidepressants and anticoagulants, blood pressure medications and more.  The really sick part is that it is because the water purification process that purifies water from waste byproducts emitted by the human body does not include a filter for prescription drugs, instead it looks for other microorganisms and other harmful substances. 

It must be noted that these levels of pharmaceutical drugs that have been detected in our drinking water supplies is supposed to be so miniscule that it should not affect the way the human body operates.  However, some fear that after years of accumulation, these trace amounts of drugs could indeed create problems for tap water drinkers.

The amount of pharmaceuticals this country takes continues to skyrocket at alarming paces, there is no doubt about that, and the fact that there is so much excreted from our bodies collectively that trace amounts still show up in our water supplies is a scary testament to the fact that our country is too drugged!  Not to mention the fact that these substances could potentially become toxic to our bodies over time, and through no fault of our own.

Pseudoephedrine, I believe, is bad for you for several reasons, and not just because I know for a fact in myself that it causes me to break out the next day after I take it, but also because of what it does to your heart rate. 

Every time I’ve ever taken pseudoephedrine, which is now somewhat of a controlled substance because cold medicines with this ingredient are what I believe is what is used to make the illegal street drug methamphetamine.  Just for that fact alone, I’d say you should stay away from it.  Think about it, it’s the base for an illegal and highly destructive and dangerous street drug, what more is there to say? 

Sure, it may have some qualities that help you to drain fluid faster or to declog your stuffed nose, but is it really worth it? I for one, hate the way it makes me feel and therefore never use it any more.  It would make my ear pop, make me feel extremely restless, and also make my heart race a mile a minute, all of which I believe are extremely unhealthy attributes. 

As for why it makes me break out, and I’m sure other people, it’s anyon’es guess - my guess is that it’s stimulant properties mess with the hormonal balance in the body and throw it off so quickly that your skin reacts with fast inflammation, AKA acne.  I know I’ve written about this stuff a lot, but I really feel it is not good for the skin or the body. 

We’ve mentioned this possible link before, because it has been alluded to by the alternative health and acne treatments field as well as by researchers on acne and what causes and aggravates the skin condition.  Dairy products have long been a target of investigation as to possible culprits of facilitating or initiating and aggravating acne flareups. 

I just watched a special health minute on CNN.com that had a dermatologist interviewed and he acknowledged that dairy products were found to be linked to flareups of acne in patients in a study that was recently conducted, however, this may not be the actual culprit in some cases, and cutting down on or eliminating dairy products from the diet may not be the answer for everyone, only for certain people.

He also said that many times he asks patients if they notice that any specific foods aggravate their acne, and he advises them to try to avoid these foods to see if it makes any difference in the frequency or severity of their flareups, and that sometimes this works and sometimes it does not, so it’s kind of a crap shoot, although sometimes it can be effective for the individual. 

Other foods that have commonly been reported as contributing to acne flareups are chocolate and eating a lot of fried or fatty foods, so if you do eat a lot of those, it may be wise to cut back if you notice your skin isn’t so smooth any more.  A diet rich in antioxdants, omega 3 fatty acids and fresh “alive” foods like fruits and veggies is best for all acne sufferers, in my opinion. 

Well, I do like the lightness and ease that is provided by using the Bare Minerals, or maybe even other mineral makeup, however, I realized that I just need better coverage in the winter, when my skin tends to get a little more unevenly toned, and also tends to show a lot more imperfections like any leftover scarring or temporary scars if I had any minor little breakouts from stress or that dangnabbed caffeine that I can’t seem to stay away from.

So, I switched back to my liquid foundation mixed with the Revlon Skinlights which I think I talked about not too long ago, because it was being discontinued when I went to purchase it online after not finding it in stores that I usually had no problem finding it in.  I just use a simple, lighter foundation for the winter, and make sure that it’s not going to make me look “two toned” and my neck a lot lighter than my face, so I try to get a lighter shade of foundation than I would normally use say in the summer or spring, when I might naturally have a bit more color from self tanning.

This time I chose to go with L’Oreal foundation in a lighter formula, but also formulated for maturing skin, since I didn’t want anything that would settle into my crow’s feet that have formed around my eyes since I turned thirty.  It is noncomedogenic still as well, I did make sure to check that, but it is formulated with an ingredient that is also good for acne, which is hyaluronic acid, because it can help the skin turnover a little more rapidly, and contributes to a more evened out look to the skin.

I think as long as a foundation that is also anti aging in nature is ok, as long as it does not contain a lot of mineral oil, which can be a major pore clogger.  Also, you might want to make sure the consistency isn’t too thick, as this can indicate it may clog your skin and make for not so clear pores! 

Well, I think I’ve reviewed this one before, but I’m thinking I like the regular Neutrogena Deep Clean gel cleanser a little better.  True, the creamy acne wash feels a bit better while you’re washing with it, as though it may be a bit more moisturizing to the skin, because it is a creamy cleanser instead of a gel which usually means it’s more emollient (moisturizing), however, it seems that the Deep Clean actually is a little better of a cleanser.

For instance, the Deep Clean actually washes my makeup off of my eyes as well, which happens to be a huge pet peeve of mine.  I always wonder, if a cleanser isn’t good at washing my makeup away, then how well is it cleansing the daily buildup of oil, grime and dirt that automatically adheres to my face each day away? 

That’s just my take on it though.  You could also go from the angle that if you get a cleanser that takes everything off, it could also be taking off precious protective layers that are there for a reason.  However, we are talking about me, and I have very oily skin, even though I’m now thirty something, so I’m still looking for a cleanser that actually deep cleans my skin, without overdrying.  It still seems like Deep Clean by Neutrogena is the better product out of the two….

I had received a question/feedback from a reader who asked whether there might be an outbreak period on the Dermacleanse pills and acne system, and from my previous experience with the line of acne products and with the Dermacleanse supplement, I advised her that I did experience a period of worsening in my acne breakouts before it got better. 

I explained to her that my educated guess would be that this is almost a purging of the oil possibly, since it’s supposed to calm the nervous system and even out hormones, and in the process may make them fluctuate from their “normal levels” for a bit, or potentially could be just an adjustment that the body and oil production system needs to make while being adjusted.  Mine lasted maybe two weeks or so if I remember correctly, could have been a bit less, but it got so much better after that, and cleared me right up. 

Vitamin C is sort of one of those vitamins that became a staple for many of us, through either a multiple vitamin, or a single supplement, going back to our childhood, when many people believed vitamin C helped to fend off colds and/or shorten their duration.  I for one, still believe that vitamin C does this as well.  However, news is coming out also touting vitamin C’s benefit to the skin.

I already believe this because I’ve said numerous times in this blog that I believe drinking lemon juice in my water has immensely helped my skin, and may have even made me a bit healthier and less likely to get sick.  Vitamin C is a great antioxidant vitamin, and can be found in citrus fruits in abundance.  Fruits like oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes contain the nutrient, and also taste good, which is a bonus.

It’s also believed that juice from lemons helps with inflammation, which also may explain its benefits to the skin.  The key benefits of vitamin C may be great as an anti aging weapon, researchers are saying, because of its ability to fight free radicals, which are pivotal in breaking down collagen and leading to less skin elasticity and a breakdown of the skin’s natural defenses. 

Since it boosts natural defenses and may also reduce inflammation it may also be ideal to incorporate as an anti acne skin vitamin as well, by eating more citrus, especially lemons since they are lower in sugar than the sweeter citrus fruits. 

Also, new evidence is surfacing that vitamin C may also protect against sun damage, and the damaging UV rays that lead to premature aging, sun damage, freckles, age spots, and an uneven color to the complexion.  A whole new reason to eat your citrus fruit!  One of my favorites currently is the tangelo, which is an orange hybrid which is deliciously juicy and flavorful.   

Vitamin C has also been thought to be beneficial not only when consumed orally, but also when applied topically to the skin, as you will see many anti aging and skin-evening creams out there touting vitamin C as the main ingredient on the label.  Many skin care specialists say vitamin C applied topically is great for skin clarity and evening of the skin tone. 

Well, you know what my favorites in the world of acne skin care are pretty much already, but there are times when I also purchase products simply to try them out of curiousity, to see what’s out there, and to perpetually test whether I can “do better” than any of the previous products I’ve purchased, many of which reside in a special place in my bathroom because I feel too guilty to toss them in the trash.

Neutrogena Deep Clean liquid face wash is a good old stanby though, if you ask me.  For people with acne, this liquid face wash seems to get dirt out and not leave the skin too dry, tight and irritated like many other cleansers that advertise as deep cleaners or clarifying can.

Neutrogena is a great product line, I must say.  I used to constantly purchase the amber cleansing bar when I was younger to care for my
skin, and although I am less than impressed with their actual acne gels and creams as spot treatments, I think they offer a solid set of cleansing products for those of us with acne prone or oily skin, because they are so gentle.

They’re also wallet friendly in that you can purchase most of their cleansers for around the six to seven dollar range.  I wish the Deep
Clean wash had a bit more of a nose friendly scent, but hey you can’t get everything, right?!  Other than this obviously silly little issue, it’s a great stand by cleanser for those of us with acne or sensitive, oily skin.