SELF-HELP PREVENTION FOR VARIOUS CONDITIONS: ACNE PREVENTION
The following a probably useful:
• Wash several times a day with bland soap and water. Don’t scrub, wash gently. Dry well with a rough towel.
• Use non-greasy, water-based cosmetics.
• Get into the sunlight as much as possible. Ultraviolet light not only cures but prevents acne. Some people’s acne gets worse in hot weather. This is probably a combination of perspiration, humidity, and suntan lotions.
• Vitamin A has been used by itself to treat acne but without much success. However, 100,000 IU vitamin A and 800 IU vitamin E daily do seem to help. The doses of the vitamins can be reduced as the condition improves over several months.
• Keep away from soft drinks – they may contain brominated vegetable oils or stabilizers and bromides are known to irritate acne. Drink fresh fruit juice instead.
When the Food and Drugs Administration in the United States looked at the myriad of acne preparations available over the counter it found that only three active ingredients were worth bothering with. These were sulphur, sulphur/resorcinol mixtures and benzoyl peroxide. Of these three only the last actually prevents (rather than treats) acne. This has led several distinguished experts in the field to promote the use of benzoyl peroxide as a preventive for acne. The chemical is a powerful bactericide that comes in various strengths. One study showed that two weeks of application to the skin had the same effect as four weeks of treatment with oral antibiotics.
When starting with this substance go gently and use the lowest possible concentration. One study found that the lowest concentration had just as much effect as did the more powerful concentrations but that the former caused less skin irritation. Benzoyl peroxide can cause the skin to peel, flake and burn. Apply it on alternate days until your skin ‘hardens’ and then begin daily or twice-daily treatments. People with fair skin, freckles and/or red hair tend to be most sensitive to it. Also, be sure to treat the entire face and not just the existing pimples. Gels are more effective than creams or lotions. This preparation should not be used if the skin is inflamed-antibiotics are best in such cases. For successful prevention of acne antibiotics must not be taken with food.
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