Battle of the Bumps: My struggle with acne

Neutrogena Advance Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System Review

2008-07-24T12:15:00.004-05:00

Four months ago I left Philadelphia for the United States Virgin Islands. I left behind all the stresses of city living, the never ending rat race that moves us along. However, my acne followed me across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean Sea. Where it found itself happily back on my face. I knew it was because of the climate: the heat and hot-hot sun. I went to the health food store to buy a bottle of Jojoba Oil, but it was triple the cost of Trader Joes. Not gonna happen. Later that day I was watching the tele and I saw a Neutrogena ad claiming that its new acne system works faster than ProActive. !Really! So I went to the local Kmart and got myself the Neutrogena Advance Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System. On sale there was also a face brush very similar to the Clarisonic face brush that I have been hinting for for quite some time, but it was more than I wanted to spend. I had already gotten the Acne Therapy System for $27 and I didn't feel like spending money that I didn't have. Then I remembered the Dermalogica Facial Brush I won in an office contest and decided just like afrobella that I was going to implement this tool as part of my new regimine. That evening I went home wet my face with some warm water, applied a quater-size amont of cleanser in my hand and applied it to my face. The active ingredient in the cleanser is salicylic acid. Then I wet the facial brush and made circular motions with it around my face. Gently massaging and lifting away dead skin cells and debris. After I washed the cleanser off of my face I applied the "night cream", which has a benzoyl peroxide base and went to bed. I have to admit I did notice a reduction in some of my pimples the following morning. Then I repeated the first step and applied the "day cream" to my face. The day cream basically is an SPF 15 cream with a natural product base that is not elaborated on. I felt like the day cream made me sweat even more. I could feel it on my face. I think the next time I'll just use less product. I recommend this system for anyone suffering from mild to moderate acne. I don't know how well it would work for someone with really bad acne. If you or anyone you know have tried it please leave a comment. I am still using the product but because of my hectic lifestyle there are nights where I don't follow through with the steps. If you are going to use this system be commited to it. Just like ProActive or Murad, if you don't commit to the program it will not work.

Clarisonic Face Brush

2008-01-08T04:32:00.000-05:00

I was just over at afrobella.com when I read about the Clarisonic Face Brush. Afrobella herself credits this tool along with a regular cleaning system with Cetaphil as her breakthrough regime for healthy, acne-free skin. Long story short: I NEED THIS BRUSH! No joke. I just read the reviews for it on essentialdayspa.com. I am sold. I need one pronto. My birthday isn't for another two months and I can't afford to spend $195 on a face brush even if it means perfect skin.....or can I? We'll see. If I do get it I promise that I will share every step of it with you. I'm so excited and I don't even own one. If you have a Clarisonic Face Brush or have used the kit before can you please share your experience with us. We'd love to hear.

Q & A Product Review/Interview

2007-12-02T14:39:00.000-05:00

I had my co-worker Jennifer and her teenage daughter try the Himalaya Products on their problem skin. Although I have tried the products and have shared my results with you I wanted you to hear it from someone else. Thanks you so much Jennifer and little Jenn!!

Q 1. How would you describe your skin (texture, moisture level, acne, ect) before using the cream facial wash?
A. I am very fair with sensitive skin. I also have severe rosacea on my checks. So I get break outs and extra dry skin in those areas.

Q 2. How would you describe your skin (texture, moisture level, ect) after using the cream facial wash?

A. Certainly helped the rosacea calm down. Skin felt smoother and less tight than after other facial washes.

Q 3. Would you recommend this product to anyone?
A. I recommended it to my 14 year old. It is a wonderful product. It is not harsh at all. Does not strip delicate skin of the moisture it needs.

Q 4. How do you feel about the toner? Did it leave your face feeling? (Dry or refreshed? Tight or moisturized? ect.)
A. Because of my dry / sensitive skin I tend to only was my face at night and was rinsing w/water in the am to refresh I switched to the toner - it doesn't make my face feel that 'tight' feeling that the water sometimes does. I almost feel like I don't need the moisturizer. It feels refreshed and smooth.

Q 5. Did the mask help with your break out? Was the smell pleasant? Was it easy to apply, to take of? Would your recommend it to friends?

A. I liked the mask - my daughter used it more. The smell was really nice.

Q 6. Did the Pimple cream help reduce the size of your pimples? How long would you say it took to diminish the size of your pimple? How did you feel about the smell, texture, application, ect.

A. The pimple cream got me started! I started on my cheeks with my rosacea spots and it really calmed the acne down. I gave it to my daughter and she loved it. She used it daily on some of her trouble spots and the acne cleared - she gave it to her friends and now they love it too. I would say it took about a 4 days to a week to see a difference but anything that tells you it will work overnight is just going to dry your skin out and strip it and make matters worse down the line. I love this product.

Q 7.Would you recommend Himalaya Herbal Health care to your friends? Where did you get your product (answer only if you ordered products) Where did you get them from? Was the process easy? How was accuracy of bill? How long did it take? How was the customer service (answer only if you had direct contact with the company). Would you use them again?

A. Yes, I have recommended the product. Ordered online - so far just the pimple cream.

Birth Control and Acne

2007-05-20T18:41:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've last posted anything but to be honest I have been going through a dermatological roller coaster! My skin was doing great with the Himalaya-Pimple-and-Acne-Cream-with-the-Jojoba as a moisturizer routine but as the hot days of summer approaches it is slowly going back to how it use to be: oily and broken out. Being the impatient person that I am I wanted something that was going to fix this problem quick, fast and in a hurry. So I resorted to something that I told myself I will never do again: Birth Control.

The nurse at the Planned Parenthood Clinic was very nice. I had been to this particular clinic the last time I was on the pill. However this was over two years ago and my file was deleted. Luckily I remembered what pill I used and was on my way home with a two month supply of Ortho Tri-cycln Lo. Within the first three days I saw immediate results. Just like the first time I used it my skin looked amazing. It was smooth and radiant. I absolutely loved it. then about 19 days into taking the pill my boyfriend's grandfather died suddenly and just like that my skin ruptured into a million (more like 7) huge zits. Now I'm rearing the last couple days of my second pack of pills and my face still has not cleared up. I am going back to the clinic on Tuesday to get more pills because I really believe that it can help my skin. I believe that the stress caused by my Nonno's death is what caused my severe breakout. Nonetheless I have returned to my beloved Himalaya Pimple Cream to ease the discomfort along my chin and jawline.

This severe break out really proves to me how much we need to take life easy. Stress kills and its effects on your skins can be very evident. Today my boss had a huge purple pimple right in the middle of her forehead. I have never ever seen her skin like that before. She has never seen her skin like that before. So being the cautious woman that she is she went to her doctor who informed her that the monstrosity on her face was caused by stress! Honestly I'm crossing my fingers that the breakout I experienced is caused by stress and not the pill because there are more perks to taking the pill besides smooth skin. (birth control hint hint). I will be beginning my third set of pills starting sometime next week. So I will continue to blog about acne and birth control in the next up coming post.

Get Rid of Body Acne!

2007-04-08T18:50:00.000-05:00

There are several causes as to why some of us have body acne. Some reasons are the same as why we have acne on our faces. Things like genetics and over production of oil. Some tips for getting rid of body acne especially on our chests and backs are as follows:

Wear breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen in the warmer seasons and climates. Unbreathable fabrics like nylon can keep sweat and dirt close to your body and aids in clogging your pores.
Wash your body with a gentle anti-bacterial cleanser such as Cetaphil.
Moisturize your body. I have been using jojoba oil on my chest an shoulders for the past few weeks and I have noticed a big difference in the texture. My skin took a beating this winter!
Get a new bag! Back packs are bad for people with back acne because it makes your back sweat and keeps the sweat on it. I just got a bag from The Gap that goes over my shoulders.

Some people have stated that benzoyl peroxide has helped them with their body acne. I tried BP before and it made my skin itchy and irritable. Its also bleached my t-shirts. Study now shows that BP causes free radicals! This is something many of you might want to be aware of. I am an anti-oxidantaholic so I try to stay away from free radicals as much as I can.

There are also some negative side effects to salicylic acid. I read that it can be absorbed into the skin and should not be used if you are breast feeding or pregnant. I think that is kind of scary. That's why natural is the way to go!

Body Acne

2007-03-15T01:54:00.000-05:00

Spring is in the air and that only means one thing: Summer is right around the corner. Time to get rid of the bulge and hit the shore. I can't wait! As ecstatic as I might sound about the summer time I also get really frustrated that time of the year. One reason is my pesky body acne problem. Its not as bad as it use to be I will be honest about that. I have been putting Jojoba Oil on my chest when I get out of the shower. I cannot stress any more how amazing jojoba oil is! However there are some spots left that are really embarrassing. I have some scars on my shoulders and upper arms also. They are just pigmented scars and I know that maybe some skin bleaching cream can get rid of them ,BUT I REFUSE to put any of those products on my skin. Part of this blog is for me to find natural and healthy ways to help people care for their skin. Nonetheless this is a learning experience and who knows I might have to resort to those creams, but only under desperate measures. Speaking of scars I found a natural skin brightener, but I am not going to write about it now. Soon I will do another review for my new Himalaya Products, FYI , they have been doing great!

The Secret to "Glowing" Skin Is...

2007-03-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

...Jojoba Oil, yea I said it. That stuff is great. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and I have seen nothing but improvements. I did break out a little bit but it was near that time of the month and I always do during "that time of the month", but it went away in couple days.

Also remember to drink lots of water and take your vitamins. It only does you go in the end and makes your pee really yellow. Teehee.

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Ooooooooh guess what....I GOT NEW PRODUCTS!!! From Himalaya Herbals, but you have to wait until I test them all for a review. Until then good health and glowing skin!

Jojoba Oil and Acne

2007-02-16T11:09:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been searching for a new "all natural" moisturizer. That's when I came across jojoba (hohoba) oil. I have heard about the moisturizing wonders of the oil before however I had no idea that it can be used to treat acne. So I headed out to Trader Joe's
and got me a 4oz bottle for only $6.99!

What is Jojoba Oil?
When you have acne-prone skin the last word you want to hear is oil, since we associate oil with breakouts. Jojoba Oil on the other hand is not actually an oil but a wax ester very similar to the natural oil that our body produces through our sebaceous glands. I'm sure that you are probably asking yourself "how does this help my acne ?" Well the answer is pretty simple. The jojoba oil tricks your skin into thinking that it has produced enough oil so it won't over produce oil and clog your pores. If you don't get it don't feel bad it took me a while to get it. It is great for dry skin and hair. I have also read that it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles!

Test Time
So I set out to test the wonders of the miracle oil myself. First I cleansed my face pat dried it and applied a dime sized amount of oil in my hands. I rubbed my palms together and and stroked my neck and face upwards gently massage my cheeks and nose area. When I looked in the mirror I got a little nervous. I thought that I had over applied the oil and decided to wipe it off with a towel. I passed the towel over my nose and cheeks. When I looked in the mirror...brace yourselves....all of the tiny little black 'thingys' on my nose were GONE.

So I did some more investigating and it turns out that Jojoba oil is an EXCELLENT CLEANSER. It is also great at removing buildup around hair follicles making it treating dandruff and dry scalp. ***side note*** I just purchased JASON Organic Jojoba Shampoo and Conditioner, two words AWE SOME..teehee*** Jojoba Oil is also packed with vitamin C. It is also loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

I found some pretty informative websites about Jojoba Oil that I think you guys might be interested in. Check em out!

Soaper Choice This website gave me straight forward info on Jojoba Oil and its wonders.
Acne.Org I really enjoyed reading the unbiased and varying reviews from different people who used Jojoba Oil to treat their acne.
Ageless
I found this website to be informative. However I would not purchase their product, simply because I got such a great deal at Trader Joes.
Opia, Inc I thought this guy's story was interesting. I hope it wasn't made up just to sell a product.
Rosacea & Jojoba Despite the tasteless web format, I believe this website will give hope to those suffering from rosacea.

Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Battle Acne?

2007-02-13T15:49:00.000-05:00

No, I am not going to stop using the Himalaya Pimple Cream. This stuff is amazing!! My skin looks great, I feel great and I feel happy!! But for those of you who have tried the cream and it has not worked for you I have stumbled across a few ayurvedic and natural remedies to help you fight acne and win your battle over the bumps! Today I am going to focus on Hydrogen Peroxide.

The reason hydrogen peroxide fights acne is simple. The bacteria that causes acne is anaerobic. This means that the bacteria that causes our breakouts don't like OXYGEN. I visited this website the other day and I read a bunch of reviews from people who claimed that HP has cured their acne. So I (the human guinea pig that I am) decided to try it. I had a little bugger on my chin that was really starting to annoy me because it was literally the ONLY pimple on my face (God bless Himalaya !). So I took a cotton ball and soaked it in HP. I placed it on my chin for about 5 minutes. When I took it off the pimple was DRIED UP! I couldn't believe it! So I decided to do a little more research on HP and its effects on acne because I had never heard anyone using it to treat acne before I visited that website. So that's when I went to this other website, which totally made me change my mind about using HP for my break outs. I am not sure now if I would recommend it to people because of the free-radical effects of the HP but I do agree with the people from www.earthclinic.com who said that it cleared up their acne. I think I have to consult my 'biologist sister'. I am torn on this one guys. What do you think?

Home made mask

2007-02-09T19:51:00.000-05:00

As you all know I am completely obsessed with tumeric, not only for its antioxidant properties but also for it's ability to treat many skin problems such as ance and eczema. I rencently made a homemade mask primarily composed of turmeric and orange juice. It was really easy!

3 tsp of turmeric
3 tsp of orange juice
(Blend them together, for a more liquid texture add a bit more orange juice.)

I wanted the "luiquidy" texture so I added about 5 tsp. When I applied the mixture to my face it suprisinly went on easily. After the first layer I decided to add another layer to my face because it was starting to fall off. I also recommend that you where black or an old t-shirt that you dont want anymore becaus the turmeric stains easily. My hands were orange for a long time after I washed them. I kept the mask on for about 15 mins and washed it off. Before I added the water to my face I gently exfoliated my skin by rubbing my dry hands on m y face. I loved the gritty texture of the mask. I had to wash my face three times for the "yellowness" to completley come off of my face. My white ceramic sink looked a mess also. I do not recomended using this mask if you are white or have a very pale complexion or pressed on time. In the end I thought that my skin looked brighter it felt a lot softer. I think I will do this once a week or two. To all of you adventurous readers out there give it a try and tell me what you think!

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

2007-02-07T02:29:00.000-05:00

Although you may not have heard of Hidradenitis Suppurativa it is possible that you may have it and not know it. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is an inflammatory skin disease that affects only a reported 1% of the population. I believe that it affects many more people but it is not reported because of misdiagnoses and because people are too embarrassed to talk about it. HS is often misdiagnosed as acne, ingrown hairs and even herpes. When I first researched this skin disease I noticed that a lot of people described their symptoms as "bumps on inner thigh" or "bad ingrown hairs" or "Herpes under the arms". For the record I want to clarify that HS is not genital herpes (HSV2). It is a skin disease that affects areas of skin such as the inner thigh, under arms, buttocks and breast.

Symptoms

Painful boil, lesions
Pain and tenderness under the skin
Pus or fluid like discharge from lesions or tracts on or under the skin.
Red, tender swelling, in the groin area
Odor infected areas

No one knows the exact cause of HS however many think it is a type of endocrine disorder along with clogging of the apocrine ducts. While others believe that it is a combination of both along with a variety of bacteria that causes the infections. Our apocrine glands are prominently located in the underarms as well as the genital area. Although we may not know the cause of HS we do know that it is most prevalent in African American women and overweight individuals. Obesity, however is not a cause of HS neither is poor hygiene.

Treatments

Topical antibiotics
Loose clothing should be worn at all times
A good antibacterial soap such as Dial or Lever 2000
In some cases surgery is needed
Loosing weight can be helpful but keep in mind that the disease is not caused by obesity, it just makes it harder to cope with.
Avoid antiperspirants
Birth control pills maybe used to create a hormonal balance
Steroids may also be used to decrease inflammation

Support

The Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation is an excellent resource.
Although I am not a member of this yahoo group. I recommend joining it. It is for support group for people living with HS.
I also visited David Stearns website. He is one of the forerunners in the fight for a cure for HS.

If you are suffering from HS or is unsure if you have HS please consult a physician before your condition gets worst. Please do not be embarrassed there are many like and no one should have to suffer alone. I will try to post more on this topic because I think that it is very important that people with HS are heard and that they are informed about their condition. Take care of your beautiful selves until my next post, stay blessed.

Vitamins and Acne

2007-01-31T15:43:00.001-05:00

This morning I got up and took a look at myself in the mirror. To my surprise my skin looked great! I have been using the Himalya Pimple Cream daily and it is doing a great job. Recently I started to only use it as a spot treatment. After I wash my face I would apply the Pimple Cream to a particular bump and after it is fully absorbed into my skin I will add some moisturizer. Moisturizer is essential for healthy skin. I use The Vitamin E Moisture Cream from The Body Shop. It works great. It is very light weight and blends into the skin easily.

I recently started taking vitamins also. I believe they are playing a significant role in the way my skin looks now. I started taking vitamin E and vitamin A capsules daily. They are two of the oldest veterans in the skin care market.

As many of you may know large quantities of vitamin A has been used to treat severe acne. Prescription medicine such as Accutane is a great example of how the vitamin has been used to treat and control acne. However large quantities of vitamin A is extremely toxic and hazardous to the body. In women it can cause reproductive problems, so be sure to ask your doctor about going on a vitamin A regime especially if you are pregnant or nursing. The vitamin A pills I am taking are only at 8,000 IU. I take it once daily with a meal. If you are not into taking vitamins because you don't think it is natural, I recommend it eating foods such as spinach, carrots, broccoli and mangoes to name a few.

Vitamin E is one of the biggest heroes in the Vitamin world. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is used to battle free radicals that can damage cells and also lead to heart disease and even cancer. Not only is Vitamin E great for you skin and kicking free radicals butts its a great for your immune system. When used with Vitamin C, Vitamin E works even harder. With that said I take 400 IU of vitamin E along with two vitamin C tablets each packing 500 mg of ass kicking goodness. Foods rich in Vitamin E include, once again, spinach, mangoes, peanuts, wheat germ oil, kiwi, soybean and corn to name a few. So don't forget to take your vitamins!

2007-01-21T20:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I have been very busy with my new job and my new sleeping schedule has put a damper on my twilight posts. However I have not been too busy for my skin. I am still using the pimple cream. Unfortunately I have not been so regular with the neem capsules. It is really hard to say what the effects were on me because I did not feel a difference. I don't even know if I was suppose to be feeling anything. Nonetheless I will continue to take them...when I remember.

Oily skin

2007-01-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

Today when I was at work I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and I saw how oily my skin looks. My first taught was to run to the bathroom and wash it but then I realized that without a any moisturizer my face would dry out and would over produce oil so I waited it out. The Pimple cream is still doing a good job and even though it says that its for all skin types I don't know if I would recommend it for oily skin.

I also wanted to rave about one of my favorite face washes of all time that I completely forgot to mention: Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser from Aveda. They also have a new line of skin care products for acne. I can't comment on that as yet because I haven't tried any of them.

This face wash is awesome and I can't wait to purchase it again! By the way I am still going to get the neem face wash for those of you still interested in neem and its wonders. I too am very curious about this product and I hope it helps in the battle against the bumps.

4 days later

2007-01-07T02:48:00.000-05:00

I broke out. I missed a night of the routine and I broke out. Just a little bit though. No monsters just the little tiny annoying ones. Thats what I get for going to bed intoxicated. Well folks I'll let you know how long it is going to take for this fleet of bumps to leave. Oh also I got some turmeric from my house mate. I am going to try to make a homemade mask. I'll let you guys know how it turns out. Peace!

Day 6

2007-01-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

I wish I could tell the whole world about these products. I have been taking the neem capsules everyday. I noticed that I have been regular since I started taking them. I don't know if it is one of the benefits, but I do like being more regular.

My skin is still looking good. The spots are starting to fade a bit. Some of the scab from old pimples have come off and it does not feel as though there is anything under it. I still have a few little blackheads around my mouth. I read recently that your toothpaste can break you out. So when you are brushing your teeth you should avoid letting the toothpaste drip from you mouth onto your chin. As much as I try to avoid the drooling its sort of hard cause I am a messy brusher.

Anyways I think I am going to order the Neem Face Wash. One reader had very good things to say about it and as you all know I don't mind being the Guinea Pig for the greater good.

Oh yeah before I forget to tell you guys my interview went well. I got an offer and I took the job. I am so excited!! I guess my skills were stronger than my confidence because my skin looked horrible that day. However now that my confidence is higher I know I will be able to do the best that I can. I know it sounds cheesy but those of you whose confidence has suffered from low self esteem because of acne know exactly what I am talking about.

Well everyone take care...until tomorrow!

Day 5

2007-01-02T13:55:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning with a huge SOB on my cheek. When I washed my face though it started to become a bit softer and eventually popped. So I put some of the Pimple Cream on my face and and after about 30 minutes it took the redness away. I am really impress with this cream. I haven't seen my skin like this in a long time and I am really happy!!

I am going to order a couple more products from Himalaya. They have a product called the Neem Face Pack .

Description:

Neem, a time-honored botanical used for thousands of years and Turmeric, well known for it's antioxidant properties, empower this earthy herbal formulation to promote a healthy complexion for skin. Apply once or twice a week to clean and rejuvenate your skin.

Use Directions:

Apply evenly over cleansed face and neck, avoiding the area around the eyes. Allow it to dry for 10-15 minutes. Remove with wet sponge and wash the skin with cool water. Use once or twice a week.

Price:
$8.99

I am going to get this. When I do I will let you guys know if I like it or not. YaY!!

One issue solved.

2007-01-01T17:36:00.000-05:00

As you guys may recall a couple posts ago I couldn't figure out why on the website it said acne-n-pimple cream but when the order came it said pimple cream. Well I went to the company website that makes both products and they call it Pimple Cream. So I'm not crazy and neither are you.

Visit their website at www.himalayausa.com

Days 3 & 4

2007-01-01T17:22:00.000-05:00

I am starting to notice a great significance in the texture and overall appearance of my skin. I have been sticking to my regimen and is still taking the neem capsules. The "make-up" mask-like feeling is still there however I have come to realize that this occurs mostly when I over apply the product. Now I only apply as thin a layer as possible. You can spread the cream out if you put a little work into it so that way you won't have to apply too much of the cream. By the way Happy New Year to everyone. I wish you all good health and great skin!!

Night # 2

2006-12-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight I repeated the regimen. I am really beginning to see a big difference in my skin. My mom said she noticed it too. My confidence is definitely getting stronger!

Day # 2

2006-12-30T11:53:00.000-05:00

When I looked in the mirror this morning the mother of a pimple that was on my chin was damn near gone, so were most of the other bumps that I had on my face from the day before. There weren't completely gone but I do see a significant difference. Also my face was not dry like it has been the past couple winter weeks. After I take my shower I will repeat the same thing as I did yesterday: wash my face with an antibacterial soap and apply a small amount of the cream to affected areas. Then with some breakfast I will take my neem capsule. I am not aware to any side effects that the neem capsules my have. In my research I didn't find any and I don't feel any different. I will continue to keep you guys updated and I will post some pics later of my skin before and after the I used the cream.

In the Middle of the Night

2006-12-30T02:19:00.000-05:00

Around two o'clock this morning I woke up to the sound of my cat in heat and the dog barking next door. In my sleepless stupor I started to touch my face, thats when I realized that I was not feeling the cream anymore. However my face felt really smooth. So I went to the bathroom and reapplied the cream because I think that most of it must have rubbed off on my pillow when I applied it on my face before going to bed. Also today I had one mother of a pimple on my chin and now it's almost flat and it doesn't hurt anymore. My faith in this product is growing. Before I wasn't sure if I got the right thing but now I think they might have just done some minor marketing and that's probably why the package looked different. With my dinner tonight I also took one of the neem capsules. The website said that it takes several weeks to see results so I don't think that they are the determining factor right now with my skin. In the morning I will post again, take care.

5hrs later

2006-12-29T17:16:00.000-05:00

It's been five hours later and I just touched my face and it felt like I was still wearing make up. For all you male readers out there it feels like having a moist-like mask on your face. I don't like the way my face feels. I guess I expected it to feel fresh and clean except it feels like the exact opposite. I'll update again in 5 hours.

It is finally here!

2006-12-29T13:58:00.000-05:00

My package arrived this afternoon. When I opened the giant envelope the first thing I realized was the cream just said pimple cream. Not acne-n-pimple cream which it was advertised as on its website. Then when I looked at the ingredients they only listed Aloe Vera, Lentil, Silk Cotton Tree, and Five-leaved Chaste Tree, NOT TURMERIC!! I really wanted to use this product because the website stated that turmeric was one of the main herbal ingredients used in it. So anyways I washed my face with a regular anti-bacterial soap and applied the cream to my face. The cream is very thick but it doesn't take too long to work it in. I felt like I as putting concealer on my face or some kind of make up and my face looked that way also. The color of the cream is a brownish oatmeal looking color. It blended in well with my brown skin. However I thought about how it might look on someone of a lighter skin or even a darker skin. I guess it would look the same because it just looks like I am wearing a powder or something like that on my face. When I came out of the bath room my mom said that she could barely see any of my spots at all. Not because the cream had magically cure them but because they were disguised by the cream. Tonight I will post again to let you all know how my skin stood up during the day time.

The Neem Capsules unlike the pimple cream looked like it did on the website. (I think I will call customer service just to double check to see if I got the right thing or not.) The directions on the capsules stated that I am to take 1 or 2 capsules twice daily with meals. So I ate a carrot and walnut muffin drank some OJ and took the capsule. It was easy going down.

If these products don't work I will be so angry but I have decided to give them 60 days before I give up. So for 60 days I will keep you all updated on my journey!! Take care, Dj.

Benzoyl Peroxide

2006-12-28T19:09:00.000-05:00

Before I went to bed last night I washed my face with my Neutrogena facial wash and applied some benzoyl peroxide to my face and some moisturizer. This is something that I usually do but the benzoyl peroxide is a bit harsh on my face and makes it feel really hard. This technique works ok, but it is not something that I want to do all the time. It really dries out my face and it kind of burns a little. This is another reason why I want to try a natural product. I think that the neem capsules and the acne-n-pimples cream are going to help. The website said that I am suppose to take 1 or 2 capsules daily and apply the cream twice daily after washing my face. I am really going to stick to this plan. My birthday is in March and I plan on going to LA to celebrate. So far I am going alone, but I think I will have more fun this way. I want my face to look great by my birthday. That's my motivation. What's yours?

I can't wait to get my products!!

2006-12-28T00:14:00.000-05:00

I love getting new products. The thought of cutting open the cardboard and smelling the fresh plastic fills me with joy. So today I did some research on the acne-and-pimple cream that I am getting. It was really hard to find reviews on it but I managed to find a couple on this website:

http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/Himalaya_Acne-n-Pimple_Cream-925048182.html

I hope that this experiment of mine is not in vain and that many of you can benefit from it. I am so sick of people trying to market "wonder creams" and over night miracles. I know that the products I am going to try is not a cure but I sure hope it helps and I can't wait to share this part of the journey with you guys.

I have a job interview tomorrow and I was just in the bathroom mirror washing my face (with my Neutrogena face wash) and brushing my teeth when I realized how horrible my face looked. Then fear started to come over me and I really felt, well.....ugly. What if i don't get the job tomorrow because of my acne? What if the interviewer thinks that my face does not represent the image of their company. This is irony at its greatest. Here I am a woman who gives interviewing tips to everyone she meets terrified of going on an interview because of her acne. This really goes to show the emotional scars that acne can leave on a person.

A Few Home Remedies

2006-12-27T04:10:00.000-05:00

	Mix the paste of tender neem leaves with turmeric and apply on the affected area, it helps to soothe the acne.
	A paste made from one teaspoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk is very good. A paste of nutmeg and water is also beneficial.
	Half a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally (Do not take internally if pregnant) or applied externally to the skin. Dosage: Twice a day.
	Before going to bed, wash the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of 1-Tsp. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
	For pimples, apply a paste made from one teaspoon of cumin seeds. Remove after one hour.
	A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves applied and washed off with warm water before going to bed prevents pimples.

http://www.allayurveda.com/topic_month_july2004.htm

Turmeric

2006-12-27T02:23:00.000-05:00

I came across turmeric when I was researching natural ways to get rid of my acne scars.
http://www.acne-resource.org/understanding-acne/natural-treatment.html

Acne in severe forms need medical attention, but in its mild form and at the beginning, acne can be treated effectively by natural herbs and following natures way in our daily routine. These herbs, which help even in removing blemishes, are not from any exotic plants or some rare species. These are very common natural products and oils found in our day to day life.

Spices play a major role in keeping the skin, digestive system and immune system healthy. But one should know how to use them, and use them moderately. A little bit of spices in food help digestion, but excessively spicy food may upset digestion. Spices in raw form can be used in getting rid of acne and blemishes left it.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent in skin care if applied directly on the skin also. This happens due to the presence of minerals, essential oils and natural antioxidants in fruits and vegetables.

One very useful spice in treating acne is turmeric. Taken both internally and applied directly on affected skin, it helps a lot due to its antiseptic properties. Taken internally, particularly with warm milk, it helps our immune system and is generally used in India to get rid of colds, and applied as warm poultice in treating inflamed skin due to sprain and strain. In the treatment of acne, turmeric is useful in drying out acne and removing blemishes.

To use it on acne, make a creamy paste of turmeric with coconut oil (or sesame oil). You can either warm this paste in a tea spoon and then apply, or dab it just like that on the acne. Cover the acne and surrounding area completely with this paste. Use this paste at least 20 minutes before going to bed so that it dries before your face contacts the pillow.

Leave it overnight and you would be surprised to find in the morning the difference in the size of acne. Even acne produced by hormonal changes in women responds to this turmeric treatment greatly. It takes hardly 2-3 days for acne to vanish completely, without leaving a hint of ever having been on the skin spot.

This is the greatest advantage of turmeric treatment. It not only dries out the acne, it stops any blemish formation or making skin flaky or dry. It also is useful in having a glowing complexion if applied everyday on the whole face before taking a bath, even for 5-10 minutes. This “face mask” is routinely used by South Indian women and their clear, smooth skin is an indicator of its effectiveness.

Vegetables like cucumber and tomato are good in cleaning skin of extra oiliness. You can extract the juice of these vegetables your face five minutes every day and get a clean skin. But, remember, natural products do not work overnight. You have to give them at least 3-4 week’s time before you skin starts showing results.

All fruits and vegetables contain a high amount of water. Water in itself is a potent source of getting rid of toxic body chemicals and helping in the transport of nutrients to the body. Water alone does not remove acne but taken in higher quantities internally and used to wash face as warm water and as ice cubes, it greatly helps skin in remaining healthy.

Exfoliation is necessary in keeping skin healthy and preventing accumulation of dead cells in skin because dead cells are one more cause of acne. Instead of using chemicals for exfoliation as face scrubs, you can use gram flour with a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of coconut oil to make a face mask which not only removes dead cells, but controls bacteria and smoothes skin also.

Its regular use gives a clear complexion and is useful in controlling acne. It’s particularly useful during summers and humid weather when it controls sweating, and keeps your skin fresh for longer duration.

A little more on Neem

2006-12-27T02:03:00.000-05:00

http://www.morphemeremedies.com/neem.htm

A cornerstone of the Ayurvedic tradition, neem was known as sarva roga nivarin or "healer of all ailments" in prehistoric India. Today, in tropical regions around the world, neem is often called "the village pharmacy. Its principle constituents are nimbin, nimbinin and nimbidin.

It is used for external applications in skin diseases. Neem extracts possess antidiabetic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. The tree stem, root and bark possess astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties. The bark is beneficial in fever and useful in cutaneous diseases. Neem's traditional use is based on its detoxifying benefits that help maintain healthy circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. It is used for external applications in skin diseases. All parts of the plant yield b-sitosterol.

Neem is highly recommended for the effects it has upon the skin. It is advised to maintain a healthy glow on the skin. Due to neem's antibacterial properties, it is effective in fighting most epidermal dysfunctions such as

Acne
Psoriasis
Eczema

Neem's function as a fungicide depends on the compounds gedunin and nimbidol in its leaf. After almost 4,500 years of almost continuous use, even the Indian equivalent of the FDA apparently believes that "anything from neem has to be good" (Larson, 1993)

neem oil and acne

http://www.acne-advice.com/products/skin_care/xynergy/neem_oil/index.shtml

Neem kills the bacteria that cause acne, spots and pimples and reduces redness and inflammation. Neem oil also has moisturising properties from its high fatty acid content that are great at reducing acne scars. People often wash with neem soap first, and then apply the neem oil to the affected areas. A few drops can be added to bentonite clay to make a very effective acne clay mask.

I hope this info has been helpful for all of you so far. I am expecting my products in a couple days and I document each day. I really hope this helps my skin!!

Neem

2006-12-27T01:19:00.000-05:00

I have been doing a a lot of research lately for a natural way to treat acne. During this time I realize that a lot of East Indian and African people have beautiful skin and I wanted to find out their secret. That's when I learned about Neem and Turmeric. So this is what I found.

Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indca, syn. Melia azadirachta L., Antelaea azadirachta (L.) Adelb.) is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native of India and Burna, growing in tropical and semi-tropical regions. Other vernacular names include Margosa, Nimtree, Nimba, Vepu, Vempu, Veppam (Tamil language) and Indian-lilac. The name literally means the 'The Tree of India'
www.wikipedia.com

Due to Neem's antibacterial properties, it is effective in against the bacteria that causes acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation of the skin. Neem also helps repair skin damage caused by acne.(1)

Acne and Neem

Neem kills the bacteria that cause acne and reduces the inflammation that makes it so noticeable. Neem-based creams have even improved the appearance of people who have reddened skin from acne that ended years before.

I got this information from the Neem foundation check out their website

http://www.neemfoundation.org/health.htm

Neem has been highly successfully against harmful fungi, parasites, and viruses. Although it can destroy these, it does not kill off beneficial intestinal flora nor produce adverse side effects. Neem is toxic to several fungi that attack humans, including the causes of athlete’s foot and ringworm and candida, which cause yeast infections and thrush. In fact, neem extracts are some of the most powerful Antifungal plant extracts found in the Indian pharmacopia that are used for these conditions. The compounds gedunin and nimbidol, found in the tree’s leaves, control the fungi listed above. Basing their studies on the ancient tradition of using neem to purify the air surrounding sick people, two Indian researchers found that neem smoke was successful in suppressing fungal growth and germination.

One of neem’s stronger advantages is its effect upon the skin in general. It has been most helpful in treating a variety of skin problems and diseases including psoriasis, eczema and other persistent conditions.

According to a report from the National Research Council’s Ad Hoc Panel of the Board on Science and Technology for International Development, neem preparation from the leaves or oils can be used as general antiseptics. Because neem contains antibacterial properties, it is highly effective in treating epidermal conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. It is also used for treating septic sores, infected burns, scrofula, indolent ulcers and ringworm. Stubborn warts can be cleared up when a high-quality neem product is used. Unlike synthetic chemicals that often produce side effects such as rashes, allergic reactions, or redness, neem doesn't seem to create any of these results.

Early Ayurvedic practitioners believed high sugar levels in the body caused skin disease. Neem’s bitter quality was considered to counteract the sweetness. Indians historically bathed in neem leaves steeped in hot water. This is still considered a common procedure for curing skin ailments or allergic reactions.

Psoriasis is successfully treated with neem oil. The oil moisturizes and protects the skin while healing the lesions, scaling and irritations. Experiments have shown that patients with psoriasis who have taken neem leaf orally, combined with tropical treatment with neem extracts and neem seed oil, achieve results at least as positive as those who use coal tar and cortisone, the more traditional treatments. Coal tar products are messy and smelly and cortisone can thin the skin when used repeatedly. Neem has neither side effect. It can be used for extended periods of time without any side effects, is easy to apply and is relatively inexpensive.

Products I have tried

2006-12-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

I have tried them all....well a lot. Below is a list of some products that I have tried and how my skin reacted to them. If you have tried any of the products listed or have tried others post your comments so others can learn from your experience.

Differin Gel - Just didn't work. I used this product when I was in junior high and high school. My cousin also used it and it didn't help her either.

Accutane (Isotretinoin) - This product really helped!! This side effects on the other hand were horrible. My hair was falling out, my skin was like sand paper my lips were always cracked and bleeding, but my face looked amazing. I was using the product for 2 months when my dermatologist told me that I had to go on birth control in order for him to refill my prescription my parents said no and that was the end of my accutane journey.

Proactive - Proactive worked for a week and didn't work again. It is one of those products that leaves no room for error. I went to bed one night without using the kit the next morning I woke up broken out. It works great for some people but I wasn't one of them.

Murad - Murad, like proactive worked at first. It is kind of expensive. My face felt smooth but the smell of the product wasn't that great and like Proactive I couldn't go a night without using the product without breaking out badly the next day.

Accuzine - Accuzine is supposedly a natural approach to acne. I used the product for almost two months but I have no idea if it was helping or not. I really have no clue if it was making my skin better or worst. Even thought I didn't see drastic results it opened me up to another form of treatment. After using this product I decided that I would like to try a more natural approach to skin care. So next product review I will review to new products that I am expecting to arrive in the mail shortly called Neem herb - Systemic purifier and Herbal acne-n-pimple cream.

Neutrogena - I like the Neutrogena facial washes however they tend to dry out my skin a lot so after I use the facial wash I apply a vitamin E moisturizer for The Body Shop.

In the future I will post natural home remedies that I have tried as well as some of my friends. I want to encourage everyone to post your own home remedies and things that help you cope with your acne.

What is acne?

2006-12-26T22:52:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this blog you probably already have acne and have a general idea of what it is. However, I created this blog to educate people on what acne is and how to treat it. I have had acne for years. Ever since I was in elementary school straight throughout college. I feel as though I have tried it all. I am about to try two new products that I have been doing a lot of research on. The main ingredients in them are called neem and turmeric. Before I get into that I want to first go over what acne is and the different types of acne there is.

www.wikipedia.com
Acne is a group of skin rashes that have different causes.

Acne vulgaris - most commonly experienced around puberty, typically of the face and shoulders/chest
Acne rosacea - a red rash predominantly on the face
Acne keloidalis nuchae (Pseudofolliculitis nuchae) - a rash caused by shaving
Acne conglobata (Hidradenitis suppurativa) - chronic abscesses or boils of sweat glands and hair follicles; in the underarms, groin and buttocks, and under the breasts in women
Acne cosmetica - acne caused by cosmetics
Acne fulminans - an extreme form of acne conglobata
Acne medicamentosa - acne caused by starting or stopping a medicine
Baby acne - a rash seen on the cheeks, chin, and forehead of infants
Chloracne - an acne rash caused by exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons such as dioxins or PCBs

The most common form of acne is known as "acne vulgaris", meaning "common acne." Excessive secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands accompanies the plugging of the pores with naturally occurring dead skin cells (corneocytes) blocking hair follicles. The accumulation of these corneocytes in the duct appears to be due to a failure of the normal keratinization process in the skin which usually leads to shedding of skin cells lining the pores. Oil secretions are said to build up beneath the blocked pore, providing a perfect environment for the skin bacteria Propionibacterium acnes and the lipophilic (oil/lipid-loving) yeast Malassezia to multiply uncontrollably. Under the microscope, however, there is no evidence of pooled trapped sebum. Indeed the oil percolates through the plugged duct onto the surface. In response to the bacterial and yeast populations, the skin inflames, producing the visible lesion. The face, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms are especially affected.

The typical acne lesions are: comedones, papules, pustules, nodules and inflammatory cysts. These are the more inflamed form of pus-filled or reddish bumps, even boil-like tender swellings. Non-inflamed 'sebaceous cysts', more properly called epidermoid cysts, occur either in association with acne or alone but are not a constant feature. After resolution of acne lesions, prominent unsightly scars may remain.

Aside from scarring, its main effects are psychological, such as reduced self-esteem and depression. Acne usually appears during adolescence, when people already tend to be most socially insecure.