Part 1: Body Detox through Intestinal Cleansing

How Does Intestinal Cleansing Help Prevent Acne?

To understand the relationship between intestinal cleansing and prevention of acne, we must first understand the relationship between our skin, the digestive system and excretory system.

Many of the foods we eat everyday contain inadequate nutrients and toxic substances, especially refined preprocessed foods with preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavors. We often add additional "free radicals" (i.e. unstable molecules that attack our cells) to our food by unhealthy cooking methods, such as grilling on open fire or deep frying in oil. In addition, many of us intentionally ingest other toxic substances, such as alcohol, nicotine and stimulants, such as caffeine and other drugs with various adverse effects. After these foods are digested, our liver has to work overtime to detoxify all the foreign toxic substances so they can be excreted through our kidneys and skin. Some of the toxic substances escape the detoxification process of the liver, especially for people who have compromised liver functions.

We clean our face everyday, but people seldom think about whether or not they need to clean their intestines. Our intestinal tract is like a plumbing system in a house, with the small intestines comparable to sewage pipes and the colon comparable to a septic tank. If you continue to pour fat and debris down the drain, the pipes will become clogged. Septic tanks need to be pumped out occasionally. Otherwise, too much waste will accumulate and back up into the house. The same phenomenon will happen to your intestines.

When we pour greasy food, excessive dairy products, meats and other foods with toxic substances down our intestinal tract, food residues build up. Food residues, combined with mucous secreted by mucous membranes in the colon, form layers of gluey feces, which will build up in pockets and may pile up along the entire length of the colon and small intestines as well, year after year. Constipation becomes a norm . People have been known to carry up to 40-50 lb. of old dried up fecal matter in their intestines. Old feces do not pass from the body with ordinary bowel movements. They need a special treatment to dissolve the glue which binds them to the intestinal wall. This also explains why many elderly people have bowel obstruction, toxic colon, polyps, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, rectal bleeding or perforation, colon cancer and other intestinal problems.

If you let these decayed food residues accumulate in your intestines, you will suffer from "Autointoxication" (also known as autotoxicosis, enterotoxication, intestinal intoxication, intestinal toxemia or self-poisoning) which means the toxins released by the decay process, brought on by bacteria, pass into the blood stream and travel to all parts of the body. Every cell in the body can be affected and many forms of sickness can result from it, including Acne and other skin eruptions.

Acne reflects accumulation of toxic substances in our bodies.

Nutrigenesis Approach Lean-N-Clean® is a mixture of water soluble natural fibers with cleansing herbs, plus a seaweed and a fat emulsifier, enhanced with vitamin B-5. This fiber mixture can absorb more than 14 times its weight of water. This water fiber mesh, together with the cleansing herbs and the fat emulsifier, is similar to a large sponge and detergent. They soak up and clean away your body's waste and impurities. The intestinal cleanser speeds up the removal of toxic waste and prevents the toxins from being absorbed into the blood stream and distributed to every part of the body, including the skin. The vitamin B-5 and the chlorophyll in the alfalfa leaf help repair the damaged cells. Ultimately, the intestinal cleanser reduces the chance of developing acne.

Constipation is an enemy of acne control.

The first step to acne control is to avoid constipation. Take Lean-N-Clean® 2-3 times a day until active acne disappear, then take it 1-2 times a day for maintenance. See the side navigation panel for additional recommendations for people with severe chronic constipation.

Part II: Proper Diet to Help Control Acne:

Avoid The Following:
1. Grilled, roasted or B-B-Q meats on open fire. Based on my personal experience, this cooking method is most detrimental to the health of the skin. In 1976, Takashi Sugimura, manager of the national Cancer Research Institute of Japan, found that charred residues of fish or meat we eat everyday contain a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substance. This carcinogenic substance causes a change in human gene DNA, and acts as trigger for its growth into cancer cells.
2. Food or meat high in fat, especially animal fat. Examples: sausage, fatty ground meat (better to ground your own with lean meat), chocolate deserts or pastries high in fat, such as pecan pie, croissants and donuts.
3. Fried foods. Examples: fried chicken, French fries, fried potato chips (baked chips are better).
4. Certain seafood: oyster, herring & shrimp.
5. Food with preservatives. Examples: preserved meats which do not need refrigeration, such as sausages, (especially Summer Sausage), beef or pork jerky, hot dogs, bacon, deli meats.
6. Iodized salt if you eat seafood. It has been found that excessive iodine can aggravate acne condition. Most "junk foods" contain too much iodine because they are generally made with iodized salt.
7. Tobacco use.
8. Alcoholic beverages.
9. Junk Foods, especially the fried kind. Typically, they contain cotton seed oil, which is the cheapest oil on the market. Cotton is the most heavily sprayed cultivated plants with insecticides. Cotton seed oil must be detoxified before it is used for human consumption. It is uncertain how good a job manufacturers do to detoxify the cotton seed oil before it is sold. Toxins from cotton seed oil can cause toxicity in the liver and inhibits normal fatty acid metabolism. Examples: potato chips and corn chips.
10. Fatty nuts, especially the roasted nuts. Examples: roasted peanuts or cashew nuts. Peanuts must be avoided because they often contain the carcinogenic compound aflatoxin, a toxic substance from some strains of fungi. My personal experience also proves that roasted peanuts are detrimental to acne control. (OK to eat small amount of fresh walnut or almond, about 6 per day).
11. Beverages with caffeine. Examples: coffee, Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Surge.
12. Excessive cheese and dairy products. Excessive cheese and dairy products are very mucous forming foods. They cause constipation. Milk protein allergy can be manifested as acne.
13. Excessive concentrated sweets, especially if you are overweight. Examples: candies, sugar cookies.

Tip: Read label to determine the nutritional values of foods. If not sure of its contents or nutritional values, don't buy it.

Eat/Drink More Of The Following Foods:
1. A variety of fruits and vegetables. Variety is important for you to get all the nutrients good for your body from whole food. Apples are one of the best fruits. Other than vitamins, they also contain plenty of pectin (a water soluble fiber), which helps to cleanse your intestinal tract, lower the cholesterol level and improve your skin complexion.
2. Whole grain foods such as whole grain cereals, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
3. Soy bean products such as tofu, and fresh soy protein fruit drinks.
4. Seaweed ( different kinds are usually available in Asian grocery stores)
5. Mung beans (usually available in Asian grocery stores)
6. Fish, especially fresh salt water fish.
7. Natural spring water or tap water with additional filtration (6-8 glasses a day).

Cooking Oils In Order Of Preference:
1. Olive oil.
2. Canola oil or flaxseed oil.
3. Sesame seed oil.

Avoid: butter or lard, coconut oil, palm oil, corn oil or cotton seed oil, which is in most snack foods. Read ingredients on labels before you purchase.

Cooking Methods In Order Of Preference:
1. Raw (for suitable foods). Eat plenty of green salads and fruits. Cooking destroys a considerable amount of vitamins and enzymes in raw food, which help with digestion and metabolism of nutrients from food.
2. Steaming.
3. Simmering or boiling in water.
4. Slow cooking such as in crockpot.
5. Baking or broiling.
6. Microwave.
7. Stir fry with small amount of oil.

Avoid:
1. Roasting or B-B-Q on open fire.
2. Deep-frying in any kind of fat or oil.

PART III: Dietary Supplements to Help Control Acne:

1. Vitamin B complex (B-50) - especially helpful to people with acne prone skin.
     Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day, after breakfast and dinner.
2. Vitamin C (rose hip) 500 mg - An important antioxidant.
     Dosage: one to two tablets a day after meal.
3. Zinc, chelated, 100 mg - deficiency will lead to acne development.
     Dosage: 1 tablet a day after meal.
4. Multiple vitamins with minerals - important for all biochemical reactions in our body and to maintain a healthy immune system.
     Dosage: Take one tablet a day after meal 5 days a week.
5. Soya Lecithin 1,200 mg - A lipotropic (fat emulsifier), helps the body utilize fats and cholesterol.
     Dosage: Take one to two capsules twice a day after meal.

Additional Detoxification Measures

1. DRY SKIN BRUSHING
   
   Dry skin brushing for the whole body, with brush made with natural vegetable fibers will stimulate the lymph movement, remove dry, dead skin cells, and to stimulate new cell growth. NOTE: Do not brush areas with inflamed acne or sores.
   
   DIRECTIONS FOR DRY SKIN BRUSHING: Take a shower before brushing the skin. Lie down in bed and relax. Brush skin with gentle motions. For arms and legs, brush with an upward motion towards your trunk. For the shoulders and back, brush from side to the center. Brush down the neck and trunk towards the lower abdominal area. Brush 5 minutes each day.



2. USE OF TOPICAL PRODUCTS & OTHER CHEMICAL AGENTS
   
   The skin is our body's largest organ. It has been estimated that every square centimeter (cm) of the skin contains 70 cm of blood vessels, 55 cm of nerves, 100 sweat glands, 15 oil glands, 230 sensory receptors and about half a million cells that are constantly dying and being replaced. Along with our kidneys and intestines, our skin is responsible for eliminating cellular waste and is also our body's first line of defense against invaders such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, molds and fungus. Without our skin, we will quickly perish from water and heat loss. Most people have the wrong impression that what we apply to our skin, even if it is toxin, does not cause as much damage as something we ingest. In reality, our skin can absorb drugs and chemicals quite well. Many herbal remedies were made in various topical dosage forms. In recent years, various drugs are made into topical patches including female hormones, pain medications (such as morphine and nitroglycerin for chest pains), nicotine (anti-smoking), and medications for hypertension. More are on the horizon. In other words, we must not underestimate the absorbing power of our skin.
   
   Therefore, choose carefully what you apply to your skin, especially products such as cosmetics, lotions, fragrances that will stay on your skin for a long time. Read product labels. Price is not a reflection of the product's safety and efficacy, especially when it comes to skin care products and fragrances. Consumers are often paying dearly for expensive packaging and advertisement.
   
   Avoid the following:
   
   • Antiperspirants. Antiperspirants block the sweat glands, which play an important part in excreting the toxins in our body. Instead, use deodorant with natural ingredients if so desired. If you feel you must use antiperspirant, use it only during work hours or social functions. Definitely avoid using it during exercise and while you sleep.
   • Petroleum by-products. Mineral oils, petroleum jelly, PEGs, propylene glycol, butylene glycol and acrylic polymers. These ingredients are good vehicles for drugs and other active ingredients. However, applying these ingredients in topical products to your skin is equivalent to wrapping your skin with plastic wrap. They inhibit the skin's ability to breathe and eliminate waste products. Avoid applying products with these ingredients to a large surface area on your skin. It is healthier to use natural oil-based skin care products.
   • Chemical solvents. Isopropyl alcohol, (SD40), propylene glycol, butane, propane and butylene glycol. These solvents can break down the skin's protective barrier, causing the skin to lose its elasticity and become more vulnerable to toxins.
   • Artificial Fragrances. Apply perfume or cologne on clothing instead of on your skin. These fragrances can be very irritating to nasal mucous membrane and lung tissues. Something people are not aware that they are allergic to the fragrances (including the natural fragrances) they use. If you have allergy symptoms often, try not to use products with fragrance to find out if that might be the cause. Alcohol is a typical ingredient in synthetic fragrance. It dries out the skin and strips sway its natural protection. Essential oils are healthier alternatives.
   • Paints, paint thinners, insecticides and household cleaners. Avoid direct contact with these agents. These agents usually contain skin irritants or known carcinogens. Use gloves when you must handle these chemicals. If the chemicals are volatile, wear protective goggles and mask.
   
   
   Use environmentally-friendly products whenever possible. Some of the most inexpensive and safe agents to use for cleaning are baking soda and vinegar. You can use baking soda to brush your teeth, clean dishes, bathtub, toilet and even clothes. You can use vinegar to remove soap scum, coffee and tea stains. Since vinegar is an acid, it is a good final, neutralizing rinse after using alkaline cleaning solutions such as detergents and soaps (including dishwasher soaps).



3. EXERCISE
   
   Exercise often and to the degree of sweating, which is a good way to remove toxins from the body. Contractions of muscles during exercises help to move the lymph along the lymphatic vessels with one-way valves opening towards the heart, which is an important step in the self-defense mechanism of the body against invading microorganisms and toxic substances.



4. MENTAL CONTROL
   
   Learn to relax in all situations. Try to control your anger. Stress can create toxins, leading to aggravation of acne and bring on other diseases.

Benefits Beyond Acne Treatment:

1. Weight-loss for those who are above their ideal body weight.
2. Potential savings of thousands of dollars in prescription drugs and medical bills.
3. Controls constipation, indigestion and diarrhea from food poisoning.
4. Prevents hemorrhoids, bowel obstruction, diverticulosis and rectal bleeding.
5. Reduce the chance of acquiring various cancers, especially colon cancer.
6. Alleviates bad breath, bad body odor and foul smell from stool.
7. May prevent frequent headaches.
8. Improves allergy symptoms.
9. Improves poor blood circulation.
10. Improves anemia.
11. Prevents leg cramps.
12. Prevents or helps to control irritability and mild depression.
13. Improves arthritic symptoms.
14. Improves memory.
15. Enhances energy level & thus productivity.
16. Lowers cholesterol level without synthetic drugs and therefore the chance of acquiring atherosclerotic heart disease and liver disease.
17. Improves skin complexion.

All these benefits add up to a younger looking appearance and a longer life span.

Pitfalls of Antibiotics and Topical Treatments For Acne

Pitfalls Of Antibiotic Treatments For Acne:

It is a common medical practice for dermatologists to prescribe antibiotics for acne. As an acne sufferer and a pharmacist, I can personally attest to how ineffective this symptomatic treatment is.

First of all, acne is not caused by bacteria on the skin. If it is, with the powerful antibiotics we have today, no acne sufferer need to take antibiotics more than 14 days. Most infections, including many systemic infections (infections related to internal organs or the entire body), except tuberculosis and HIV, normally do not need antibiotic therapy more than 14 days. Antibiotics are absolutely ineffective in preventing future acne problems. The only time they might be of limited use is when there is secondary infections due to over manipulation of the acne lesions with contaminated fingers or sharp objects.

I have learned of many acne sufferers being subjected to long-term antibiotic therapy (months or even years) by dermatologists just to acquire the side effects of antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and clindamycins, not to mention the waste of money. Side effects of tetracylines include photosensitivity, leading to exaggerated sunburn reaction, and the weakening of liver and kidney functions. In addition, long term antibiotic therapy can lower the ability of your immune system to fight other infections. Bacteria or viruses, after being subjected to certain antibiotics for a long period of time can mutate genetically (changing their genetic makeup) and develop resistance to the antibiotics and render them ineffective.

The biggest danger of using low dose antibiotics for long term, such as the case with antibiotic treatment for acne, is that when you really need the antibiotics in situations of serious infections, they become absolutely useless.

Pitfalls Of Topical Treatments For Acne:

There are various prescription and nonprescription topical products available for acne. As an acne sufferer and a pharmacist, after using these products for decades, I have finally come to the conclusion that topical products for acne are only symptomatic treatments at best. I firmly believe pharmaceutical companies have no desire to discover or invent any products that can cure acne. Once they do, they will not be able to reap any more profit from acne sufferers for many years to come. Why would any manufacturer create a product to take away this lucrative business of symptomatic topical acne treatment? For the same reason light bulbs manufacturers do not produce long-lasting light bulbs even though they have the technology to do so.

I have tried almost every topical product ever put on the market for acne treatment and have found that the most expensive product, tretinoin (Retin-A) to be the least effective in my circumstance. Dug companies have no incentive to promote natural methods such as using whole foods or herbs for acne control because they cannot patent any of the natural occurring substances which are effective for prevention of acne.

When you apply the topical products to pimples on the skin, you have already acquired those pimples. Even if you do not apply anything on the pimples, they will eventually heal naturally. You have done nothing to prevent the new pimples from developing.

Topical Products For Acne Are Only Symptomatic Treatments.

The following are topical acne products available on the market:
1. Tretinon (Retinoic Acid, Vitamin A acid): Brand name: Retin-A, available in cream, gel and liquid. Warnings: photosensitivity; increase the tumor causing potential of ultraviolet light. Use sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas. Tretinoin may induce severe local skin redness and peeling at the application site. Interacts with Sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Do not use tretinoin together with these agents, otherwise severe skin irritation may result.
2. Benzoyl peroxide: Its action is mainly antibacterial. Adverse reactions: excessive drying (manifested by marked peeling, skin redness and possible edema), allergic contact sensitization. Available as cleansers, gel and lotion under numerous brand names such as: Clear By Design, Desquam, PanOxyl AQ, Benzac, Persa-Gel, Xerac BP5, Zeroxin-5, Ben-Aqua-10, Buf-oxal 10, Del Aqua-10, Fostex 10% BPO. Brands in combination with sulfur: Suloxyl, regular or strong.
3. Sulfur preparations: provides antibacterial, peeling and drying actions. Available as cream, gel, lotion, soap and powder. Brands names: Fostex Medicated Cover-up, Transact, Xerac, Liquidmat, Sulpho-Lac and Bensulfoid.
4. Metronidazole (brand name: MetroGel): an antiprotozoal and antibacterial agent.
5. Erythromycin, Topical: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory for topical control of acne vulgaris. Available as topical solution. Brand names: Akine-mycin, A/T/S. C-Solve 2, Erycette, Eryderm, Erymax, E-Solve 2, ETS-2%, T-Stat 2%, Staticin. Brand name in combination with benzoyl peroxide: Benzamycin
6. Clindamycin, Topical: Antibacterial for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Brand name: Cleocin T Gel
7. Combination Topical Acne products: usually a combination of sulfur, salicylic acid and resorcinol in various concentrations, available as creams, lotions and gels. Examples: Clearasil, Propa PH Medicated Acne Cream & Stick, Acnormel Cream, Sebasorb Liquid.
8. Miscellaneous Acne products: A combination of sulfa, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal, bentonite, surfactants and others soap ingredients.
   Medicated Bar Cleansers: Examples: Clearasil soap, Fostex medicated cleansing Bar, Aveeno Cleansing Bar.
   Abrasive Cleansers: Permox Scrub, Brasivol, Ionax.
   Liquid Cleansers: Acno Cleanser, Clearasil Medicated Astrigent
   Soap Free Cleansers: Examples: Aveeno Cleansing Bar, PhisoDerm, Cetaphil Cream & Lotion
   Modified Bar Soaps: Examples: Neutrogena Soap, Alpha Keri Moisturizing Soap, Nivea Creme Soap.

The functions of these topical cleansers are to wash away surface dirt and bacteria on the skin.

Should You Take Accutane For Acne Treatment?

Accutane (isotretinoin): Indicated for recalcitrant cystic acne. Adverse effects are significant. The manufacturer of Accutane advises to reserve its use for patients unresponsive to conventional therapy, meaning topical treatments and systemic antibiotics.

Isotretinon is a form of retinoic acid, a metabolite of retinol (vitamin A). The exact mechanism of action in the treatment of cystic acne is unknown. Clinical improvement in cystic acne patients is associated with reduction in sebum secretion. This temporary decrease is related to dose and treatment duration.

At the beginning of the Accutane package insert are the following boxed warnings:

• "Women who are pregnant or who become pregnant must not use isotretinon. There is an extremely high risk that a deformed infant will result if pregnancy occurs while taking this drug in any amount even for short periods.
• Potentially all exposed fetuses can be affected.
Contraindicated in women of childbearing potential unless the patient meets all of the following conditions:
•   has severe disfiguring cystic acne that is recalcitrant to standard therapies.
•   is reliable in understanding and carrying out instructions
•   is capable of complying with the mandatory contraceptive measures
•   has received both oral and written warnings of the hazards of taking isotretinoin during pregnancy and the risk of possible contraception failure and has acknowledged her understanding of these warnings in writing
•   has had a negative serum pregnancy test within 2 weeks prior to beginning therapy. (It is also recommended that pregnancy testing and contraception counseling be repeated on a monthly basis.)
•   will begin therapy only on the second or third day of the next normal menstrual period
• Major human abnormalities related to use of the drug have included hydrocephalus * 1, microcephalus *2, external ear abnormalities (micropinna, small or absent external auditory canals), microphthalmia * 3, facial dysmorphia * 4, cleft palate, cardiovascular abnormalities, thymus gland abnormalities *5, parathyroid hormone deficiency *6 and cerebellar malformation * 7. There is also an increased risk of spontaneous abortion.
  ( * See below for these adverse reactions)
• Effective contraception must be used for at least 1 month before beginning therapy, during therapy and for 1 month following discontinuation of therapy. It is recommended that two reliable forms of contraception be used simultaneously unless abstinence is the chosen method.
• In 47 patients treated chronically with etretinate (Tegison), anther retinoid, five had detectable serum drug levels 2.1 to 2.9 years after therapy was discontinued.
• Counsel women fully on the serious risk to the fetus if they become pregnant during treatment. If pregnancy occurs, discuss continuing the pregnancy."

Other warnings include:
• Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension). Early signs and symptoms include papilledema, headache, nausea, vomiting and visual disturbances.
• Corneal opacities, leading to visual difficulties.
• Decreased night vision
• Inflammed bowel disease, leading to abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or severe diarrhea.
• Hypertriglyceridemia (high fat level in blood), leading to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Musculoskeletal symptoms including severe joint pain.
• Hepatotoxicity leading to hepatitis.
• Photosensitivity, leading to increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Topical agents (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tretinoin) should be discontinued before beginning isotretinoin therapy. These agents may potentiate the drying effects of isotretinoin.

Drug Interactions: Vitamin A - To avoid additive toxic effects, do not take while on isotretinoin.

Other Adverse Reactions that may occur in people taking Accutane:
• Most frequent: Inflammation of the lips, usually dose related (>90%), inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, dry skin, dry nose & mouth, itching.
Other dermatologic: facial skin desquamation (skin peeling off), drying of mucous membranes, nail brittleness, thinning of hair and skin infections.
• Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, inflammatory bowel disease including enteritis , bleeding and inflammation of the gums.
Ophthalmic: eyelid inflammation, corneal opacities, cataracts, visual disturbances, dry eyes and decrease in night vision.
• Central nervous system: Fatigue, headache and depression.
Urinary tract: White cells, protein or blood in urine.
• Musculoskeletal: bone overgrowth, severe joint pain, bone & muscle pain and stiffness.
• Others: Nosebleed, dry nose, flushing, anemia, fast heart beat, disseminated herpes simplex, edema, respiratory infections, transient chest pain.
• Laboratory abnormalities: Elevation or decrease of various laboratory values.

* How would you like to acquire some of these adverse reactions in order to control your acne problem by taking Accutane?
1. Hydrocephalus: a condition marked by an excessive accumulation of fluid resulting in dilation of the cerebral ventricles and raised intracranial pressure; may also result in enlargement of the cranium and atrophy of the brain.
2. Microcephalus: Abnormal smallness of the head.
3. Microphthalmia: Abnormal smallness of the eyes.
4. Facial dysmorphia: Abnormal facial shape.
5. Thymus gland abnormalities: Abnormalities involving the size and functioning of the thymus gland which will interfere with the normal development of immunological function.
6. Parathyroid hormone deficiency: Parathyroid hormone controls the calcium balance of the blood. Parathyroid hormone deficiency leads to low calcium blood level, which increases the excitability of nerve cells and can result in classical symptoms of tetany such as loss of sensation, muscle twitches and convulsions. Untreated, the symptoms progress to spasms of the larynx, respiratory paralysis, and death.
7. Cerebellar malformation: Failure of proper or normal development of the large posterior brain mass.

A Look at Other Treatment Methods:

1. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA):

Some dermatologists are treating acne, especially acne complicated by sun damage, with glycolic acid which is one of the alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs help to unclog the pores and exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin and therefore supposed to help prevent an acne outbreak.

My own experience with AHAs has been very disappointing. AHAs made my skin itchy and red and did very little in improving my acne condition of my skin. AHA cream did help to remove my surface layer of dead skin cells but it was at the expense of enduring ugly peeling skin on top of the pimples for at least two weeks.

2. Chemical peels:

Most chemical peels involve the application of a mild peeling agent called trichloroacetic acid (TCA). This acid, used alone or with carbon dioxide or resorcinol, dissolves the uppermost layer of the skin. The chemicals actually burn the skin (also known as chemical exfoliation). The chemical phenol is used for deeper chemical peels. The main function of the chemical peel is to remove the outer layer of skin and stimulate the growth of new fresh skin. This procedure may help to improve the scars of acne skin but does nothing to irradicate the acne condition. Chemical peels are cosmetic symptomatic treatments.

Chemical peels may cause skin blotches for people with medium or dark skin.

3. Dermabrasion:

Dermabrasion is a method that achieves the same kind of results as chemical peels with mechanical means. Contemporary dermabrasion is performed using either a diamond fraise or a wire brush rotating at high speeds from the power-driven instruments. Like the chemical peel, its function is to remove the outermost layer of skin and stimulate the growth of a new layer of skin cells. This procedure also helps to improve scars resulting from acne, but does nothing to prevent future acne outbreaks.

Expensive cosmetic or surgical treatments can only help to improve the scars left behind by acne but can do nothing for acne prevention.