ACCUTANE SIDE EFFECTS

08/30/2010: Victor from Nyc, Usa writes: "Hello Ted,
I used a form of topical accutane (tretinoin cream) for about six months. Discontinued use after noticing excessive hair thinning and cysts on wrists and ear. I've been off it for eight months. Hair is still shedding. I've been reading that accutane users have congested livers (stones) or cirrhosis conditions. Is this true? I read your entry to another accutane victim and have been on the alkalizing regime for two weeks. Hair is still shedding, but my eyes and skin look better. Thank you."

ACIDOPHILUS

[YEA]  11/29/2009: Dj from Pdx, Or writes: "I would like to revise an earlier statement regarding Acidophilus, thanks to a recent experience.

I had to take antibiotics for bronchitis and of course developed BV. I had always been under the impression that a person should not take massive amounts of Acidophilus as it overwhelms the balance of good and bad bacteria. The BV moved up into my uterus and caused spotting and cramps.

I could not afford a doctor visit so I started taking massive amounts of Acidophilus every day. By massive I mean 18 to 20 pills per day and each pill contained 20 billion living organisms. It took 5 days but the spotting and cramping stopped. So I stopped. That is where I went wrong. I should have continued to take the massive amounts for a few more days.

I have some cramping but not bad. The really interesting issue happening during all this is I caught a sinus infection. Which doesn't sound like much but I ended up developing a very sore spot under my chin (I think glandular infection) I had a severe breakout on my face with two cystic spots and developed two cold sores. All this developed within a day.

Upon returning home from my holiday I started back up on massive amounts of Acidophilus. Within 24 hours the sore spot under my chin is 70% less painful and no more swelling. My face has cleared up except for the two cystic spots, but those are not painful anymore and there is very little swelling. One cold sore is gone and one is scabbed and healing. I did take three turmeric pills in the last 24 hours which may have contributed but I really feel the Acidophilus has been the main contributor of the cure.

From thinking back to all the times I have had BV or some other type of minor infection my face always seems to signal the trouble within and the Acidophilus has always seemed to clear it up.

I would suggest to anyone dealing with major acne issues to try Acidophilus. 2 or 3 pills a day just might help."

ACNE TIED TO DIGESTION

[YEA]  12/04/2007: Raquelle from Auckland, New Zealand writes: "I have suffered acne most of my life....now I have majorly linked it to my digestive track .........I have also suffered constipation aswell. so if you have acne , have a look at how well your digestive system has been working ....everytime I have pimples return I find I have been constipated. Some of the best bowel movers are ...coconut oil(organic) used as butter etc..flax seeds in yoghurt(yummy way) peaches are very high in fiber ...oh and water water. and externally , there is some excellent cures on this website. ALso lemon juice (avoiding the eyes) is an excellent toner. Cider vinegar rinse. and also manuka honey can be steamed in with hot flannel till it disappears into your skin and is very antibacterial ! Also salt is great if you put in the basin with your face rinsing water , for helping all heal up. For skin internally can be fish oils , zinc healing scarring. Vit c . these I find are some of the best vitamins."

ACNE TIPS

06/10/2009: Janine from Hacienda Heights, CA writes: "I am an aesthetician and treat acne clients on a regular basis. The first thing I teach my clients is how to wash their face. When washing your face use a good quality product and apply it using a light hand, don't press or push to hard. You do not want to stimulate more oils by pressing to hard. Use a very light touch in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes. Yes, 1 or 2 minutes, you want to cleanse the skin and the pores. Always use a clean wash cloth with warm (not hot) water to rinse your face. It is important to use a wash cloth to pick up the oils from the face as well as exfoliating . (this is one thing I find that most of my acne clients don't do), but when you think of it we use some kind of cloth to wash our dishes, our cars, or the counter top. Washing in the morning and evening should be enough. So make sure you have plenty of clean wash cloths on hand."

ACNE TRIGGERS

06/02/2010: Regulator555 from Grand Rapids, Mi, Usa writes: "I suffered from acne for years. As I got older, it got worse. After trying numerous OTC remedies, at great expense, I started doing research on what the problem could be. Chemicals! SLS/ALS's trigger acne. Propylene glycol triggers acne. Parabens trigger acne. Mineral oil triggers acne. The list goes on and on. All these chemicals were linked to my bad skin. So, I stopped using everything - shampoo, face/body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, lotions, creams, etc. I started over. K.I.S.S. - keep it super simple. Natural is the key with the fewest ingredients possible. There are cosmetics out there that are natural and pigmented with fruit. There are soaps out there that are just made with castille soap. Baking soda for deodorant. Read the labels - you'd be surprised. The stuff is even in our food. Moisturize with an organic oil (yes, you can put natural oil on your face if you have acne). Look into essential oils and adding a few drops. Eliminate everything and then start adding in a few natural things. After I eliminated all the chemicals, my skin cleared. I get a zit here and there (PMS related), but rarely. Read your labels! Note: the cosmetic industry is self-regulated. Even if it says "natural" it may not be. Don't be fooled - read the ingredients."

ALOE VERA

[YEA]  05/19/2008: Sean from Denver, Colorado writes: "Aloe Vera for Acne: it works, I tried it last night got up and voala! smaller pimples."

09/14/2009: Norma from Sanford, Fl replies: "If you can get your hands on a real aloe vera plant and put some the the gel on your face it will take care of your scars. Good Luck!"

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[YEA]  09/21/2006: Gennie from Mercedd, CA writes: "When I had acne, I used aloe vera gel which u can find in walgreens. It cleared up my acne in no time I. also drink plenty of water to cure the acne."

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[YEA]  04/08/2006: Glen from Phoenix, AZ writes: "At 51, I continue to have the occasional pimple, often on my nose, sometimes on my lower lip or elsewhere. Recently, while doing some yard work, I accidentally sliced a piece of aloe vera from a plant. Having heard about its medicinal value, I tried applying the sap on a fast growing pimple on my lower lip. I reapplied the invisible sap four times in the course 24 hours, and twice the next day. The pimple just evaporated. I've since tried it repeatedly with the same results. I'm delighted. This was must faster than anything I've experienced before. My garden aloe is free. Like I said, the sap is invisible. There is an initial odor, but it fades quickly. I recommend trying it."

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[YEA]  Anna from Corona, CA writes: "Pure Aloe Vera gel, applied topically two or three times a day does wonders for acne! Though you may need a good moisturizer, even with oily skin, because the aloe dries your skin right up."

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ALOE VERA AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

1 YEA

[YEA]  10/04/2007: Martha from Lawrenceville, GA writes: "I've always had trouble with acne -- I could never get my skin completely under control. ACV helped -- taking it internally -- but I still broke out in a monthly cycle. I started using aloe vera gel on my face a few weeks ago, and my skin has cleared up dramatically. I've not had one breakout, and my skin is getting to be so pretty! I just use a generic aloe vera gel that I picked up in the drugstore."

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ALOE VERA AND COCONUT OIL

1 YEA

[YEA]  10/03/2007: Jennifer from Kirkland, Washington writes: "I have been using a mixture of coconut oil and aloe vera gel (4:1 ratio) on my face for my acne for only 2 weeks and it has almost completely cleared it up. I have had moderate to severe acne since I was 13 (I am now 37), and have tried everything under the sun to diminish it. Some things have helped more than others, but this is the first time my skin has felt so good and looked so good in almost 25 years!"

06/20/2009: Trina from North Plainfield, NJ replies: "did you mix the coconut oil and aloe vera gel together and how much did you use and how often throughout the day"

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ALOE VERA AND MILK THISTLE

2 YEA

[YEA]  10/01/2007: Atoya from Washington DC writes: "I just recently started to develop acne after my 25th birthday, before I would have a pimple or two only around the time of my cycle. Since then I have basically tried everything I could get my hands on over the pass eight months or so to rid myself of this embarrassing ailment. One day on one of my usual quests to find a real cure, I went to the Vitamin Shoppe looking for some type of multi-vitamin, hoping that I would find justice. An elderly Sales man, who was very knowledgeable, told me that my liver was full of toxins and Milk Thistle and Aloe Vera would clear my ailment right up. I took 200mg of Milk Thistle a day and 1 capsule of Aloe Vera and it did just that. After about a week later, I could see a huge difference - no breakouts. Your bowel movements will become more and more frequent which is what helps to release the build up of toxins in your body. He told me to take it for about 2 months and I should be okay. I still keep some on hand but at a lower dosage since my initial cleanse, I take 70mg (a lower dosage) two to three times a week for maintenance. It is not good to take any type of herb for an extended period of time unless recommended by your physician. Believe me, this inexpensive concoction is a sure-fire way to rid you of all of your stubborn acne."

[YEA]  06/13/2009: Molly from Rocky Mount, NC, USA replies: "I have struggled with weight issues since childhood. I can look sideways at a piece of cheesecake and gain five pounds. However, this all change recently with the addition of this wonder supplement to my diet. A few months ago, I began a popular portion-control diet that is low in fat. In 9 weeks, I'd lost 12 lbs. I then added a new fat blocker to my regimen. I began noticing quicker results with weight loss BUT I still suffered from low energy levels, yeast overgrowth, severe cystic acne... among other ailments. Searching for acne remedies here on earth clinic, I read one lady's entry which advocated the use of aloe vera and milk thistle. In the past week, after consuming approx. 10oz of Aloe Vera Juice per day, taking 250mg of milk thistle with each meal, and washing my face with apple cider vinegar water, I feel like a new person! In the past week, my acne has healed about 60%, my vision is clearer, I don't need massive amounts of stimulants to wake me up in the morning, my eczema is vanishing, I have plenty of energy, my dry and cracking heals have begun to heal, and I've lost 6lbs!"

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ANTI-BACTERIAL HANDWASH

1 YEA

[YEA]  02/25/2007: Anon from Perth, Australia writes: "I have tried several things to attempt to aid my pimples since the age of 13 (I am now 16). Over the counter products, home remedies and even Proactive. But just recently i have started washing my face morning and night with Palmolive anti-bacterial handwash, which was about 3-4 australian dollars, and can be found at any grocery store. I started to see small improvements the following morning, and within that same week almost all of my pimples had vanished. I was also using Bio-Oil, which I think is around 20 australian dollars for a 60mL bottle and can be found at any chemist or pharmacy, as a moisteriser because it reduces the appearance of acne scars. It has been about a week that i have been using this regemine, my skin is a lot better, my scars are less visable though I have just a few pimples left. I am also thinking of using an anti-bacterial facial cleanser instead of the handwash, but I'll keep you updated about everything. I don't recommend that you use the handwash more than twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, because it could dry your skin out and don't use the Bio-Oil on broken skin. I also recommend that you use a moisteriser in conjunction with the handwash. A couple more things to add: try to avoid touching your face when not necessary, if you pick or pop a pimple(which I don't recommend) immediately wash the area with the handwash and wash your hands with the handwash before and after washing your face, to avoid spreading bacteria. If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me and don't forget to leave me feedback!"

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ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT

2 YEA
1 NAY

[YEA]  05/08/2008: Lindsey from Detroit, Michigan writes: "I sort of figured this one out on my own awhile ago, but it's nice to know I wasn't being weird by using it. I've used Neosporin (or some other such product) to treat my break-outs for the past few months and it's worked wonders. I never really suffered from acne as a teen, nor are my break-outs widespread, but the few that I do get at a time still make me stress out and feel a little insecure. My skin is also prone to scarring, so every time I got one, I would have a double stressor, "Oh great, even if it goes away I may still have a scar!" Since acne is pretty much a bacterial infection, I figured "Why not try some Neosporin!" It worked the first time, and it's worked every time. The ointment kills the bacteria, reduces the swelling and redness, prevents them from hurting (mine are usually around where my glasses rub), and also helps reduce scarring. Why not try it! People that say the bacteria will develope a resistence to it are only half-right. Yes, if you use it everyday over your entire face, it will eventually stop working. But if you only get a few sports every so often, why not use something quick and easy that most everyone has in the house?! If you are still worried about making super-bacterias on your face, just do what I do: apply it twice a day (morning and night) until the spot is COMPLETELY gone (should take about 2-3 days tops). Again, I wouldn't recommend this treatment for people that have severe acne, but for "on the spot" cures, it work wonders."

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[NAY]  10/02/2007: Max from Richmond, VA writes: "NAY for Antibiotic ointment to treat acne; While this does initially get rid of any blemishes present on your face, the bacteria in the pimples gradually develops a resistance to the antibiotic, and the acne becomes harder to treat with anything, and you break out more."

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[YEA]  05/09/2007: Bea from Holyoke, MA writes: "Hi, my daughter is 12 and has had acne for about 2 years now. i tried several products including pro-active, dermatoligist rx, over the counter, etc. They have only worked for a week or so. Then i started reading up about acne and found that it is caused by a bacteria that forms inside the pores/hair follicles (whatever you wanna call it) and applied some antibiotic ointment to the face and back. and it has worked in only 2/3 days. even lightening the dark spots a bit."

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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

47 YEA
6 NAY
2 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 SIDE EFFECT
1 QUESTION

[YEA]  06/23/2010: Iil0veeyou from Webster, Mass. writes: "A few months ago i went off of my birth control pills. The results of that were awful. I broke out all over my face chest and even back. Ive never had acne on my back. Generally i have extremely clear and smooth skin. I was so upset and went on this website. I saw that people were using ACV for acne and since i already had a bottle of organic ACV i thought id give it a try. I applied it to my skin a few times a day (my skin is very oily so it didnt dry it out)it wasnt mixed with water just straight out of the bottle. Used it for about 2 weeks didnt see significant results. But i didnt quit. I was desperate to get rid of my gross acne. So i kept using it topically and started drinking it 3 times a day (2tbsp. in 8oz water with 1 tsp of organic honey)and finally! My skin started clearing up so fast and now it is almost flawless. I get occasional tiny zits in the spots where i sweat but who doesnt. And they are noticeable to me.

Honestly i swear by ACV it is amazing. I use it for any kind of bug bites or any other little things that may appear on my skin and by the next day its gone. Use ACV internally and topically combined with a healthy life style full of drinking water, eating fruits and veggies and exercising and you will see improvement in your complexion. Forget the strong prescription medicines that only cause more damage. Stick to the natural old remedies. Good luck! I hope you see results as good as mine. (:"

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[YEA]  05/11/2010: Elaine from Pueblo, Co, Usa writes: "I'm 26 and have never had problems with Acne until about 6 months ago. I broke out on my cheeks and my chest. I have tried everything and even went to the dermatologist. He prescribed me Retin-a and a antibacterial face wash. Neither has helped at all. A couple weeks ago I read about ACV on this site and started using it every morning and night on my face. I wash my face with an organic face wash, then use a cotten ball to apply ACV to my face. I let it dry for about 5-6 minutes then I apply a moisturizer. Make sure to moisturize afterwards or it will really dry your skin.I also have been drinking a splash of ACV mixed with water daily. I can't believe how good my skin looks. The acne is almost completely gone, replaced by a healthy glow. I would recommend this to anyone with acne problems. It really is amazing."

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[YEA]  04/04/2010: Holly from Portland, Or, Usa writes: "Acne: Apple Cider Vinegar. CURED my non-inflammatory acne MUCH MUCH better than Retin-A!! I have a perscription for Retin-A, and have been taking it for months. It smells and i know it's bad for your skin as far as sun damage goes, so I've never used it on my face, where...for the last few years, I've had small under the skin bumps that are sort of annoying. I thought others were exaggerating on overnight success...but I kid you not, I dipped a cotton swab in ACV and ran it over the area, went to bed, woke up...excited to see the results, ran my fingers over it...baby bottom smooth! incredible! You smell a little funky, but it goes away in 2-3 minutes. Trying to ingest it too to see the results, and will try it on my legs and arms where I also have these bumps....will send results."

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[YEA]  01/18/2010: Toby from Wheeling, Wv, Us writes: "I have had amazing success using Apple Cider Vinegar for acne. I use the organic kind. I wash my face at night,towel dry, then dab the ACV on any troublesome areas. I let this dry and leave it on. In the morning, I rinse my face with warm water (no soap) and towel dry. I then dab the ACV again on any troublesome areas. A couple of times per day, I rinse my face with warm water only & towel dry."

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[YEA]  01/12/2010: Bonnie from Manlius, New York writes: "I just had to post my input on ACV for acne. It REALLY works and if you have acne, you MUST try it! I have used it topically every night...just a cotton balls worth rubbed into skin, then I wash it off with soap. Also, I drink two glasses of ACV, honey and water (2 tbls acv, one tsp honey and 8oz water) each day. I'm 40 and have had breakouts for years but this routine works. And my skin is amazing now. I do get the occasional pimple which I immediately attack with a q-tip full of hydrogen peroxide and that shrinks it and stops it from getting any bigger. But overall, the acv has cured my acne! I have recently started applying virgin coconut oil to my skin and that has really helped with skin tone as well as shrinking my pores. I'm so grateful to EC for this site...and to think I was wasting so much money on all those stupid chemicals when all I needed was acv. Keep posting!"

01/12/2010: Thealth from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Hi Bonnie,

Thanks for you feedback about ACV. I want to try this remedy. DO i apply ACV and keep in overnight and wash with soap in the morning? Thanks"

01/13/2010: Bonnie from Manlius, Ny replies: "Hi Thealth,

I started out by leaving the ACV on overnight, but it made my skin very red and irritated. I did that for a couple weeks, then when I saw that it was working, I decided to just use it as a "toner" so to speak. In other words, dampen a cotton ball with the ACV, then rub it onto your skin. I then wash it off almost immediately. It might take a week or two to see results, but you will. Go ahead and try leaving it on overnight....it might work well for you! Also, VERY important, only use ACV with "the mother" (raw, unpasteurized). If your grocer doesn't have it, try your local health food store! Good luck!"

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[YEA]  01/11/2010: Carp from Bronx, Ny, Usa writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar and water, 1:1 - success!

I'm in my late 20s, and have had moderate acne for 12 years or so. It had mostly subsided, but then a few months ago, flared up in a crazy, severe way. I tried modifying my diet and my face-wash routine, but it only seemed to get worse. Finally, I found this routine: every night before bed, I do a light swab with rubbing alcohol (I don't trust my usual soap anymore) to clean, then a light swab with the diluted ACV.

The results are astonishing. I don't want to speak too soon (I've only been on this regimen for 3 weeks now), but my skin is 97% clear and looking better every day. Good luck, everybody - and thank you!"

01/11/2010: Thealth from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "Hi,

Good to know that you have amazing results with ACV and alcohol.

I would like to try this remedy and would like to know couple of things
1) Which type of alcohol do you apply on your face? Can you please specify
2)After applying Alcohol and ACV, do you keep it on overnight on your face?

Thanks a lot."

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[YEA]  01/06/2010: Radha from Urbandale, Ia writes: "Pure apple cider vinegar cured my acne in a week and a half. I have normal skin but tend to get the usual breakout around the end of the month... ;). At one point, my entire left cheek was covered in hard, red, itchy pimples and clear little dots everywhere. I started using a gentle exfoliator for my face wash. Then I would dip a cotton ball in ACV and rub it all over my face. Just a thin layer will do. Then i would sit for alittle bit and let it dry. The smell is something you'll get used to but the first night is terrible. Have the thin layer of ACV dry then apply just a light moisturizer then go to sleep. Make sure all your pimples and such are covered by the ACV. You aren't going to get amazing results over night if you have severe acne; but after about 3-4 days you'll start to see them slowly dry up. If you start to see puss rise up in some LEAVE THEM ALONE. Picking them will only leave a scar. This is my daily routine:) my face has cleared so amazingly. Hooked for life:)"

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[YEA]  12/16/2009: Laura from Fort Worth, Tx writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is amazing! I am 38 yrs old and have sufferered from acne since my teens. My face has never been blemish free until now. I have spent thousands on medicines and OTCounter creams to no avail. What drove me to search online for help was that my forehead broke out all over in tiny bumps and nothing (even antibiotics) was taking it away. I was also on accutane in my early 20's for cystic acne, but since then, it was just regular acne I dealt with, plus tiny whiteheads all over my forehead.

I came across ACV reviews online and thought "what do I have to lose?" I bought the raw kind with the "mother" and I used it straight out of the bottle- applied w/ a cotton ball. It stung the heck out of my face, and stunk to high heaven, burned my eyes a little, but after a while, it settled down and I went to bed like that. Now when I use it, it tingles only a little and my eyes are fine... guess I have gotten use to it.

I woke up the next day and was ****amazed**** at the results!!!!!! I had already cut out sugar from my diet many months prior (and seen a little improvement), so this effect could only be attributable to the ACV. Within 3 days the tiny bumps had vanished and my skin was baby smooth.

I've used it now for about 2 months and my skin is beautiful and acne free!!!! I am scared that I will wake up one day and it wont' work the same, it is that good. Also, it does not dry out my skin like the meds.

I wish I could post a before and after picture of myself- but I thought I would at least share the good news and help some other poor soul who has given up hope. Maybe it will work for you, too."

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