Best Acne Treatment Info: World's Most Effective Acne Treatment

My mission is to provide you with the best info about the most Effective Acne Treatment! Here you will learn different forms of treatment for acne and also best tips & info on how to stop acne permanently with an effective natural method.

Acne.. some call it Zits.. and some call it Pimples.. whatever you call it, Acne is the most common skin problem among us. For me it is one of the No.1 enemies that causes problems and anxieties especially among young people or teenagers around the world, and this is the reason why many doctors and experts keep on researching for the best acne treatment that would be effective for all ages. In addition, you may agree that there is no easy time for sufferers of acne; feeling uncomfortable with oily skin, deep scars caused by picking and squeezing, and poor self confidence caused by self-consciousness are some of the sufferings they usually face in their daily life. And I should know... cos I've been there for 8 years. And yes! I will give you all the info I know about the best acne treatment that has changed the way I look... or let me say the best acne treatment that has changed my life.. and now that I had escaped from my worst nightmare, I'm here to help you to overcome those trials and sufferings you've been going through, and guide you to fight that acne and stop it permanently, 100%!

Basically, acne comes in several forms, but majority of the questions I receive from my subsribers is about Acne Vulgaris, which is the most common type. So it is better to concentrate mainly on Acne Vulgaris. But you should be aware that Acne Rosacea is also a common form of acne, but will not be discussed on this web page. So it is clear to you that throughout your readings on this acne info about best acne treatment, when acne is referred to you must assume it to be Acne Vulgaris unless otherwise stated.

Here's a bit info about a few common types of acne, namely whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and papules. These forms of acne are all caused by your skin's natural oils not being able to get to the surface, and beneath the skin, in your pores, is where the acne forms because the pores are clogged. For short, the mix of your natural oils and dead skin cells cause the formation of acne. So, it would be best for you to wash your face a few times a day with a mild facial cleanser to get rid of excess oils, this is the first step in maintaining your pores clear and clean. It is important to keep your pores clear to allow for oil to break out to the top of the skin. This alone usually clears up acne and there will be no need to do any treatment at all. But you must also know that over washing your face could cause excess drying and the production of more pore-clogging oil, which will lead to more acne and may require the best acne treatment available.

All types of acne can be treated, whether you are prone to whiteheads, blackheads or common zits or pimples; there are lots of prescription medications that can help you. But whatever you pick as your acne treatment, you must understand that it takes time for results. And don't ever overuse those products as it will definitely aggravate your acne. It is always best to stick with one as long as it works on you, because if you keep switching acne products regularly your skin will get irritated.

However, if you already have a severe case of acne and you feel that you need more treatment than face washing alone, I've provided some info below about best & effective topical and oral treatment for acne that can help clear up mild to severe acne. But if you much prefer a Natural Program which is really effective in treating acne permanently, I highly recommend to check this out: Best Acne Treatment. More info about this later in Best Acne Treatment Facts.

Topical medicines are the first-line therapy for mild to moderate acne. They are also used in combination with oral medications for more severe acne. In addition, some topical medication is used for maintenance therapy, to prevent relapses after successful initialtreatment.

Skin Cleansing and Care
The aim of regular, gentle skin cleansing is to remove excess oil, dirt, bacteria and dead cells from the skin surface without irritating or drying the skin.

1) Skin Cleansers
There are two main categories of basic skin cleansers available:
- Soap
- Soapless Soap

Soaps are made from the chemical reaction (saponification) of an alkali acting upon animal or vegetable fat to form a metal salt (soap) and an alcohol (glycerol). Soaps are alkaline (pH-8-10) and are more likely to cause skin irritation on repeated or frequent use.

Soapless soaps are synthetic cleansers made from a mixture of petroleum products, fatty acids and other chemical compounds. These synthetic cleansers are less alkaline than regular soaps and have a pH closer to that of normal skin, which is between 5 and 6. This neutral pH results in less skin irritation. Such "soapless soaps" are also known as synthetic detergents or syndets.

The basic cleanser can be transformed into a medicated cleanser by the addition of different active ingredients such as antibacterial agents, sulphur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. However, there is no clear evidence that medicated cleansers work better, as cleansers are usually rinsed off almost immediately after lathering and hence do not come into contact with the skin long enough for the medication to do much good. Abrasive cleansers contain tiny particles that serve to mildly abrade the skin; they have no proven scientific value and should be avoided, as they tend to irritate skin.

Cleansing the face two to three times a day is generally adequate. Avoid over-washing; this may irritate the inflamed skin instead. Avoid scrubbing as well, it may precipitate acne by rupturing the whiteheads under the surface of the skin.

2) Toners
Products in this category are marketed under various names, including toners, astringents and skin fresheners. They are often billed as "second-step cleansing" to remove soap residue from the oil-based make-up These products may contain a variety of ingredients, such as salicylic acid, witch hazel distillate, alcohol, camphor, glycerol and alpha-hydroxy acids.

Toners may help remove excess sebaceous secretions, mildly exfoliate the skin and leave the skin surface feeling stimulated or cooled. A toner is permissible, though not an essential component of the cleansing regimen. The use of a toner to be weighed against potential skin irritation. Using a toner may make the skin more prone to inflammation by other topical acne medication used concurrently.

3) Masks
Masks claim to improve the skin's surface texture and appearance by removing loose dead cells, dissolving or absorbing surface oil, causing an apparent reduction in pore size and leaving a pleasant after-feel by stimulating cutaneous blood circulation. Many mask formulas, particularly those containing physical abrasive agents, also double as scrubs. Popular ingredients for facial mask formulas include mineral salts, botanical oils and extracts, menthol, magnesium sulphate, oatmeal, rice bran and aloe vera. However, facial masks can cause both irritation and allergy. They are not essential in the skin-cleansing regimen and are best avoided on inflamed skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is primarily an antibacterial agent. When applied to the skin, it penetrates the follicles and reduces the population of Propionibacterium Acnes (P.Acnes).

Benzoyl Peroxide has a mild comedolytic action as well, and helps clear whiteheads and blackheads.

Benzoyl Peroxide is available in concentrations of 2.5% to 10%, in gel, cream and lotion form. It is advisable to start with the lowest concentration once daily. If no irritation occurs after about two weeks use, it can be applied twice daily. It may take several weeks before improvement is seen.

Overzealous use or high concentrations of Benzoyl Peroxide can cause dryness and chapping. Be especially careful to avoid the eyelid and lip areas during application, as this areas are generally more sensitive and may get easily irritated. As with my medication, if irritation does occur. Take care not to get benzoyl peroxide on hair or on clothing, as it my bleach them.

Topical Retinoids
Retinoids are synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. Their primary action is to clear microcomedones (microscopic plugging of the pilo-sebaceous units), whiteheads and blackheads.

Topical Retinoids act on early, non-inflamed acne lesions to prevent later inflammation.

Common Topical Medicines:
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Azelaic Acid
- Sulphur
- Resorcinol
- Salicylic Acid
- Nicotinamide

Tretinoin
Tretinoin is available in cream, gel or liquid form, in concentrations of 0.01% to 0.1%. Gels are the most drying, and creams the least. It is advisable to start application sparingly, once a night at the lowest concentrations 20-30 minutes after washing the face. The skin commonly becomes a little red and peels when treatment is first started. It adapts to the irritation and begins to improve after a few week. In addition, tretinoin may trigger a mild flareup of acne when treatment first begins. Limiting exposure to sunlight and using sunscreen are recommended, as some patients may develop increased sensitivity to sunlight while on treatment.

Isotretinoin
This compound is closely related in chemical structure and has similar action to tretinoin, but is reportedly less irritation.

Adapalene
Adapalene, derived from naphthoic acid, is a new-generation topical retinoid that has comedolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is available as a gel or cream in a concentration of 0.1%. Like tretinoin, it is advisable to start treatment with sparing application once nightly, 20-30 minutes after washing the face. Studies have shown adapalene to be less irritating to the skin as compared to tretinoin. Common side effects include stinging, itch, dryness and scaling.

Topical Antibiotics
Topical Antibiotics decrease the population of P. Acnes, and are used to treat the inflamed lesions of acne. They do not treat the non-inflamed lesions such as whiteheads and blackheads.

Two Topical Antibiotics are most frequently used - erythromycin and clindamycin. These have to be prescribed by a doctor and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. Topical erythromycin is available in 1% to 4% concentrations as alcohol-based solution, emulsion, gel or ointment. Topical clindamycin is available in 1% concentration as alcohol-based solution, alcohol-free lotion and gel. Both antibiotics are equivalent in terms of clinical effectiveness.

Topical Antibiotics should be applied twice daily on the sites of inflamed acne only. Side effects include skin irritation, dryness and redness. If these occur, stop application and inform your doctor.

While topical antibiotics are useful in the short-term treatment of inflammatory acne, its prolonged use (for instance, as maintenance therapy) is discourage as this may result in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To minimize the risk, the concurrent or periodic use of benzoyl peroxide is recommended.

Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid is naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in cereal grains. How it acts is still not completely understood. It seems to have keratolytic (skin peeling) properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action against P. Acnes. It is available as a 20% cream preparation. Azelaic acid is to be applied twice daily, but its use in Singapore has been limited by the frequent occurrence of skin irritation.

Other Topical Agents
Topical Nicotinamide is available as a 4% alcoholic gel preparation. This preparation has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in the treatment of inflamed acne.

Oral medications are used to treat moderate to severe inflammation in acne. Your doctor will consider using oral medication to clear the acne faster in cases where topical treatment is inadequate to control the inflammation, or when the risk of scarring is great, such as in nodulocystic acne (where there are nodule & cystic lesions).

Oral Medications consist of Antibiotics, Hormonal Therapy and Isotretinoin.

Oral Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed oral medication in acne treatment. They are the first line of oral treatment and have proven effective with good safety records over periods of more than 30 years.

Mechanism of Action
Oral Antibiotics work in several ways. They reduce the population of P.acnes, the bacterium involved in the formation of inflammatory acne. Effective antibiotic therapy can reduce P..acnes by 90% or more. Systemic antibiotics also inhibit the action of certain pro-inflammatory chemicals and reduce inflammation in moderate to severe acne.

Complications and Prognosis:
- In the absence of effective treatment, acne persists for an average of 8-12 years in most people.
- Acne can cause significant permanent scarring.
- Acne can cause psychological distress and depression; it affects quality of life and self-esteem.
- Suicide has been reported among people with acne.

Duration of Treatment
Benefits of oral antibiotics usually take four to six weeks to show. During this initial period, the patient must take the medication regularly, as treatment failure is often due to irregular intake or non-compliance. As the inflammatory acne clears, the dosage of antibiotics will be gradually reduced and eventually stopped. Unlike common bacterial infections such as upper respiratory tract infections, which require consumption of oral antibiotics for just several days to weeks, inflammatory acne usually takes three to six months to clear.

Many patients are concerned about taking antibiotics for such a long period. However, the safety of systemic antibiotics in acne treatment is well established. Once the lesions clear, the doctor will stop antibiotic treatment and put the patient on maintenance topical medication. There is no need to take oral antibiotics to prevent acne.

Choice of Oral Antibiotics
In selecting an oral antibiotic for the patient, the doctor considers the drug's efficacy, cost-effectiveness, patient acceptability and potential interaction with other medications that the patient may be taking at the same time.
The most common antibiotics are tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline (from the family of of tetracyclines), as well as erythromycin and cotrimoxazole.

Apart from the specific side effects of each antibiotic, any broad spectrum oral antibiotic may change the normal bacterial flora of the vagina in women, which may result in an overgrowth of the superficial fungus Candida. This causes vaginal thrush or candidosis, presenting an increased white vaginal discharge several days to weeks after starting therapy.

Tetracycline
Tetracycline has a long track record of safety and effectiveness. The initial dosage is usually 500mg twice daily, which is maintained until clear improvement is seen, which usually takes at least six weeks; after that, a lower dose may be used. Tetracycline absorption is affected by the presence of food and dairy products - it must be taken on an empty stomach, or at least one hour before meals.

Tetracycline can cause mild gastrointestinal trouble, such as diarrhea or vomiting. It can also cause discoloration of teeth in children, and should not be used in pregnancy or for children whose teeth are not permanent.

Doxycycline
Doxycycline is a new-generation equivalent of Tetracycline. It can be taken with meals, as its absorption is unaffected by the presence of food. The initial dosage is usually 100 mg twice daily, taken after meals with a large glass of water to reduce the chances of gastric upset. It occasionally causes a photosensitive rash that is aggravated by sun exposure.

Minocycline
Minocycline is another new version of tetracycline that is very well absorbed and can be taken with food. The usual starting dose is 50 mg twice daily. However, it can cause dizziness and nausea, and a bluish pigmentation of the skin.

Erythromycin
Erythromycin is the antibiotic of choice for patients who are unable to take tetracycline and for women contemplating pregnancy or who are pregnant. It is as effective as tetracycline. The starting dose is usually 500 mg twice daily. Erythromycin can cause gastrointestinal upset in some patients: diarrhea, vomiting and flatulence. In many cases, these side effects are mild and temporary. Patients who have other medical conditions that are being treated should inform the doctor, as some of these medications may interact with erythromycin. Examples include carbamazepine (for epilepsy) and theophylline (for asthma).

Cotrimoxazole (Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole)
This is a second-line or reserve oral antibiotic in the treatment of inflammatory acne. The main concern is potential serious side effects, including severe skin rashes. The usual starting dose is two tablets twice daily. In the first few weeks of starting on Cotrimoxazole, the patient must be advised to keep a daily lookout for any skin rash or mouth/lip ulcers. If these occur, the medication must be stopped and medical advice sought immediately.

Hormonal Treatment
Hormonal Treatment is an alternative systemic treatment available to women only.

Oral contraceptives combining cyproterone acetate (an anti-androgen), ethinylestrdiol (an astrogen) and other low-dose, anti-androgen drugs such as spironolactone are the most common hormonal therapies used to treat acne.

Mechanism of Action
Hormonal influences play an important role in acne. An increase in sebum production is required for acne to develop. This increased production is a result of androgen stimulation of the sebaceous glands, and is most noticeable during puberty. Oral contraceptives and spirololactone act by reducing the effect of androgens on the sebaceous glands; they block the androgen receptors. Because of the potential effect of these drugs on fetuses, all women who are starting hormonal therapy must be examined to ensure that they are not pregnant.

Oral Contraceptives
Oral Contraceptives contain a combination of ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate, examples of which are Diane-35 and Estelle-35. They are effective contraceptives as well as treatment for inflammatory acne. Women on these drugs must not be pregnant, and should not have a history of venous thrombosis (clots in the veins). These oral contraceptives are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include nausea or vomiting, spotting, breast tenderness and in some patients, weight gain. These are often temporary and resolve after the first few months of treatment.

Spironolactone
Spironolactone is normally used to treat fluid retention in patients with liver disease or heart failure. In acne treatment, lower doses (25-50 mg daily) are used. This drug has an anti-androgen effect and may be considered for women who are older, are overweight, have varicose veins, or for some reason are less suited for oral contraceptives. Side effects include raised serum potassium levels, breast soreness and irregular menstruation.

Oral Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is used to treat nodulocystic acne and severe acne that does not respond to all other medications. It belongs to a class of drugs known as retinoids.

Mechanism of Action
Isotretinoin reduces sebaceous gland activity and is also anti-inflammatory. It prevents the formation of new comedones and indirectly reduces P. acnes populations.

What to Expect During Treatment
Oral Isotretinoin is available in 10 or 20 mg capsules. A full course of treatment usually takes four to eight months. Most dermatologists prescribe the drug to patients based on the body weight, and aim for a certain target cumulative dose. This method has been proven to give the best long-term results. After one to two weeks, the patient will start to notice the skin getting less oily, and after three to four weeks, the acne will show signs of clearing. In some people, the acne may seem to get worse during the first few weeks - this is transient and will eventually improve.

Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin carries certain common side effects, and the patient is usually counseled before starting on the medication. These side effects include:

- red, cracked and sore lips - this can be relieved by applying vaseline or a lip moisturizer

- dry, irritated eyes - patients who wear contact lenses may also experience some discomfort, which can be reduced by the use of saline eyedrops
- dry mouth and nose - in some cases nosebleeds may occur, and
- dry skin, occasionally with peeling - those suffering from eczema (another skin disease ) may be more prone. This can be relieved with the liberal use of moisturizers

Other side effects include headaches, joint pain or stiffness, mild hair loss and nausea. These usually occur at higher doses and the patient should consult the doctor if any side effect becomes a problem.

* Close and regular supervision by your dermatologist is crucial, as isotretinoin may be associated with adverse side effects.

Important Precaution with Oral Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin has been reported to cause serious harm and deformities to unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, who intend to become pregnant or who are breastfeeding should not take this medicine.

- Pregnancy must be avoided throughout the tome that the patient is on the medicine, and for one month after it has been stopped. This is an extremely important precaution. A reliable method of birth control is strongly recommended for all sexually active women taking oral isotretinoin.
- Patients who are taking oral isotretinoin should not donate blood while they are on the medication and for at least one month after taking the medicine.
- Limiting exposure to sunlight with a sunscreen is recommended, as some patients may notice increased sensitivity to sunlight while on the medicine.
- Patients should not take vitamin preparations containing high doses of vitamin A or oral tetracycline antibiotics while on oral isotretinoin. This combination can cause fluid pressure within the brain (intracranial pressure) to rise, leading to severe headaches, nausea and vomiting.
- Oral isotretinoin can also increase the amount of triglycerides (fats) in the blood, and may cause a mild elevation of enzymes in the liver. Patients should thus limit their intake of alcoholic drinks, as alcohol can increase triglyceride levels and affect liver enzyme levels. Doctors test the patient's blood prior to starting the medication and usually repeat these tests after the medicine has been taken for some time.

Although the potential side effects seem worrisome, oral isotretinoin remains one of the most effective drugs against severe acne. As long as all the necessary precautions are taken and the patient is monitored, it can be safely used.

In addition to the treatments already highlighted, the following procedures may be useful in clearing acne lesions, especially when performed by a trained dermatologist.

Extraction of Comedones
Extraction of open comedones (blackheads) is a simple procedure that not only improves the appearance of the skin, but may also prevent future inflammation. After the skin is cleansed with an antiseptic solution, a keyhole comedone extractor is placed over the blackheads and firm vertical pressure is applied. The contents of the blackheads will pop up into the hole of the extractor. The skin is then cleansed again to prevent secondary infection. Pre-treatment with a topical comedolytic agent such as tretinoin or adapalene for several weeks before the procedure loosens comedones.

To remove the contents of closed comedones (whiteheads), it may be necessary to first widen the pore with a small blade. Some small whiteheads may, however, be removed without incision, by applying pressure over the lesion with a keyhole comedone extractor.

Electrosurgery
This procedure, which can be performed safely without risk of scarring, should only be done by an experienced dermatologist. It involves superficial destruction of the skin surrounding larger, difficult-to-extract comedones by a medical instrument that converts electricity to heat. This unclogs the pore opening and allows the comedone to be extruded by the skin several days later. As this procedure may be painful, a topical anesthetic cream is often used to lessen the pain and make it more tolerable.

Intralesional Corticosteroids
Large acne cysts take several weeks to resolve on their own, and the continuing inflammation may result in deep scars. To quickly reduce this inflammation and resolve the acne cyst, your doctor may inject a small amount of steroid solution (such as triamcinolone acetonide) into it.

The injection is administered with a small needle and is relatively painless; anesthesia is not required. Following the steroid injection, the cyst usually resolves within several days. However, recurrence of the cyst over the same spot may occur and repeat treatment may be required. Intralesional steroid injection is preferred over incision and drainage (cutting the skin over the acne as the latter techniques tends to leave a linear scar, which may be permanent.

Chemical Peels
Mild acne with superficial chemical peels.Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) Jesssner's solution, and 20% to 35% trichloroacetic acid are commonly used chemical peeling agents. Such chemical peeling "unclogs" the pore openings and clears acne lesions faster. Several sessions may be needed. Complications are uncommon if performed by a trained dermatologist.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is available as a pure essential oil, and in creams, soaps and facial wash, shampoos and lotions. It is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree indigenous to Australia. It is purported to have natural antiseptic properties and is used to treat a wide variety of skin ailments, including acne. However there is lock of good scientific evidence with regards to its efficacy and its side effects. As such, it cannot be recommended as a standard treatment for acne at present. Some Skin Centre has encountered several cases of allergy to tree tea oil, and the patient is advised to stop use immediately should redness, itch and swelling occur over the areas of application.

The treatment strategy for each patient must be individualized, taking into account the main types of acne lesions present.

Lesions in acne can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory lesions are comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). Inflammatory lesions are papules (small red bumps), pustules (small pus-filled bumps), nodules (larger painful red swellings) and cysts (pus-filled cavities). Both type of lesions often occur together, although one form may be more prominent.

Mild Acne
Topical agents are generally used for comedonal acne. For very mild comedonal acne, benzoyl peroxide and/or acne creams can be used. These are available as over-the-counter medication, a prescription is not required. Mild and severe comedonal acne requires the use of topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene. Persistent comedones may require complimentary physical therapy such as extraction and electrosurgery.

For mild inflammatory acne, the patient can be prescribed benzoyl peroxide to be used in the morning and a topical retinoid to be used at night. If this is unsuccessful, a topical antibiotic such as erythromycin or clindamycin can be added to the regimen.

Moderate Acne
Moderately severe inflammatory acne calls for systemic therapy. First-line treatment consists of oral antibiotics, with topical retinoids and/or benzoyl peroxide. Women also have the option of hormonal therapy either alone or in combination with oral antibiotics. Another alternative is the use of systemic isotretinoin if antibiotic treatment fails.

Severe Acne
Oral Isotretinoin is used for very severe acne, or acne that is unresponsive to oral antibiotics. Hormonal treatment can be considered for women, either alone or in combination with systemic isotretinoin.

Besides medical treatment of acne, the patient should take other general steps - cleanse the skin gently, use non-comedogenic skincare products and cosmetics identify and avoid aggravating factors.

Treatment Options
- Management of Acne should be aimed at the specific type of lesion and the severity of the disease.
- Individual response to treatment varies, but to an extent may be predicted by the type of acne and knowledge of how the treatments work.
- Clear guidance regarding correct usage, possible adverse effects and realistic expectations of response can help the person keep to the treatment regime.

Maintenance Therapy following initial Successful Therapy
Maintenance Therapy is crucial in acne. Although treatment is often successful, the condition tends to recur. One strategy to reduce the chances of a relapse following initial successful therapy is a topical maintenance regimen, which consists of using of using topical retinoids at night, with or without the additional use of benzoyl peroxide in the morning. This therapy suppresses the ongoing formation of microcomedones, which are the earliest, non-visible precursors of acne. While topical antibiotics are effective in short-term treatment of inflammatory acne, its prolonged use as maintenance therapy is discouraged, as it may lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Treatment of Acne during Pregnancy
The most important consideration in the treatment of acne during pregnancy is the safety of the fetus. Any Treatment that carries a known or potential risk of damaging the fetus should be avoided. Topical treatment is generally preferred aver oral medication. Female patients on acne therapy should inform their doctors immediately if they become pregnant.

Topical medications like benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin are safe to use in pregnancy. Retinoids should be avoided.

In terms of oral treatment, erythromycin is safe to use in pregnancy. Other antibiotics, such as the various tetracyclines and cotrimoxazole, should be avoided. Hormonal treatment and systemic isotretinoin are strictly forbidden during pregnancy.

No single disease causes more psychological trauma, maladjustment between parents and children, insecurity, feelings of inferiority and mental suffering than Acne.

Despite not being life-threatening, acne has a significant psychological impact on sufferers. Even mild to moderate acne can cause severe psychological distress and affect the body image. Psychological morbidity - low-self-esteem, social withdrawal, frustration, anxiety, anger, depression and suicidal thoughts - may develop as a result of acne or its residual scars.

Acne and the Body Image
Different diseases impact the sufferer's quality of life in different ways. There is a greater emphasis on external appearance over other personal attributes. This trend is most apparent in more affluent and developed urban societies and has been influenced in no small measure by our exposure to popular magazines and television, which extol physical beauty above all things. Skin conditions that affect the most visible part of the body (that is, the face), for example, acne have a significant impact on the sufferer's body image and self-perception. The psychological impact is greatest in teens, who are also most likely to have active acne; this often leaves long-lasting imprints in the teen's beliefs, thought processes and value system.

Acne sufferers are often dissatisfied with their looks. They are so self-conscious that they are cognitively affected by the way people react or look at them. Many patients are so preoccupied with their acne that they can not see the bright side. They are constantly bitter, particularly when they compare themselves with people who have clear complexion. They see their acne as the worst deformity and feel that others look at them with disgust or pity. They regard themselves as ugly or inferior because of their skin. These negative feelings result in the loss of self-confidence and low self-esteem.

One acne sufferer described her problem with body image: "I don't look in mirrors. It has been so many years since I have looked in a mirror. My reflection in the mirror reminds me just how unattractive and ugly I am. Because of my ugliness, I don't have any true friends. My teachers also discriminate against me and pick on me instead of on the other students in class. I don't like going out to crowded public places because people are always staring at me as if I am a freak. Why can't I have a clearer complexion? My acne is the cause of all my problems!"

Quality of Life is defined as the burden of disease in terms of impairment of the patient's day-to-day life as well as burden to society. Acne affects the four key dimensions of a patient's life, which are closely interrelated: psychological, social, occupational and physical.

Acne patients are often conscious of their condition - they to be unhappy and frustrated about their appearance and may consequently become depressed. Sometimes, they can become so distressed that even routine daily activities are affected. One patient was so conscious of a particularly large pimple on her nose that she locked up herself in her room, refused to go to school and did not even want to see her family members who lived in the same house. Acne sufferers often think that people judge them primarily on external appearance and maybe unwilling to go for job interviews, convinced that employers will have a poor first visual impression and think that they are unable to do the job effectively.

Acne patients feel that their relationships with friends, especially new acquaintances, are affected. They maybe uncomfortable even interacting with family members and tend to withdraw from people and social activities. They often hide themselves in their room and avoid going out when they have a breakout. Outings, if any, tend to be solitary; they usually avoid crowded places.

Preoccupation with self-image may also take its toll on patients' daily activities and pursuits. For teenagers, concentration is affected and they may neglect their schoolwork, resulting in failing grades. For adults, work performance may also be similarly affected.

Larger acne lesions such as inflamed nodules and cysts may hurt and sometimes bleed and discharge pus; this may impose certain limitations on the patient's physical activities.

" You deserve this Wonderful & Exciting Life, don't ever let ACNE ruin it!... I would like you to know that you are one of the fortunate people who found the Best Acne Treatment Info. " - Zion

As acne has a significant negative impact on the psychological functioning of many patients, it is important to explore and learn strategies to combat this negative effect.

In general, negative thoughts and distorted beliefs need to be discarded and replaced with positive views and attitudes. The patient's unhealthy focus on the appearance has to be redirected to other more positive personal attributes, capabilities and achievements.

1) Counseling
One important and effective strategy is counseling, which can help the patient evaluate distorted or erroneous thought patterns. They will be able to recognize alternative viewpoints, and change their negative and irrational thinking. Maladaptive thinking or self-talk often leads to inappropriate and excessive emotional reactions. For example, when a patient becomes too caught up with his skin being flawed and unsightly, he begins to evaluate himself by what he feels others think when they see him.

There is a mistaken assumption that he will not be welcomed or accepted because of his imperfect facial complexion. Such self-deprecating thoughts often dominate the mind of the patient. Self-confidence is gradually eroded and a sense of inferiority grows, resulting in anxiety and depression.

Counseling can help the patient modify his conditions by challenging and disputing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.

2) Graded Task Assignment
Another useful strategy is the Graded Task Assignment. A patient who is feeling defeated and dejected is given a task that is within his capability to accomplish. When the patient successfully complete the assigned task, it gives him a sense of achievement and satisfaction, which counters his feelings of inferiority and renews confidence in himself and his abilities, which goes beyond external appearance.

3) A Self-Discovery Checklist
A Self-Discovery Checklist helps balance the lopsided perception an acne patient might have. The patient makes a list of negative thoughts and impressions and a list of positive attributes and rational responses. This reveals positive things about himself that he has overlooked and helps re-establish self-confidence and self-worth.

4) Mastery and Pleasure Therapy
The Mastery and Pleasure therapy technique enables the patient to derive satisfaction and pleasure from his experiences, thus building up his self-confidence. The patient draws up a list of his activities, and marks an "M" for each mastery experience and "P" for each pleasure experience. A sufferer who is perpetually preoccupied with his acne is often blind to the fact that he can accomplish worthy things, and to the satisfaction he can get. By recognizing, writing down, labeling and recalling mastery experiences, he realizes what he is capable of, and gains a sense of achievement. He also discovers that there are many other positive, encouraging experiences that he can focus on, instead of on his acne.

5) Activity Schedules
Instead of being passive and idle and dwelling on self-pity and dejection, a patient needs to be involved in activities to realize that he is effective and capable in many other ways. Planning an activity schedule helps the patient structure his day and reduces the unproductive time he spends brooding over his acne and appearance.

These techniques and strategies are meant to disengage the acne sufferer from repetitive, defeatist cognitions. He focuses on and values his capabilities, achievements and accomplishments to bring about a new self-perception, leading to a better quality of life.

There are lots of different programs and acne info that promise a clear and acne free skin and some are claiming that their products are the best in acne treatment but all I can say is be very careful in choosing the right product for you as they may not be suitable for you nor really be the best treatment for your acne. You must understand that some consumable products are not designed to cure anything, they are designed for only one special purpose of having you, the consumer, keep purchasing over and over again but at the end of the day you will discover that it has no long-lasting results.

In prescription medications, there are more chances of side effects, but with the best acne treatment that has literally changed the way I look, you are going to learn how to stop acne permanently by using a natural program anyone can follow. And the real good news is - the only side effect from using this Program is RESULTS!
You might be thinking that this is just about an expensive over-the-counter solutions that usually never work or some other drug therapies out there, but honestly it's NOT. This is about treating your Acne Naturally no matter how long you've had it, or you have already tried everything that only made you more depressed.
I, myself guarantee it that by following this step-by-step program to the tee, you will learn exactly how I treated my acne permanently, and how YOU can do it in the comfort of your home-sweet-home.

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