Posted on 20th Sep 2011 @ 10:34 PM

Acne and its consequences are my focus point of research during the last ten years. I have suffered from moderate acne and my own story of achieving a clear, healthy and age-resilient complexion inspired my books (The Green Beauty Guide, Green Beauty Recipes) and eventually a skincare line (Petite Marie Organics). I find that natural acne products offer tremendous anti-aging benefits, too. Here are several myths about acne that need to be disspelled.

Acne and Face Cleansing

Acne is caused by dirt. By dirt I mean dust, environmental residue, soot, dried sweat, makeup, sebum, bacteria residue... you name it. Add to this a combination of factors you can't control, like your hormone balance and the natural pace of your skin's renewal system. Good acne care begins with clean, clear skin. Cleanse thoroughly yet gently twice a day. Use gentle non-drying natural products loaded with acne-busting antibacterials and anti-inflammatories. Regularly exfoliate to get rid of ingrown grime.  Scrubbing and washing will make acne go away. But only cleanse gently. Try to limit yourself to two washings per day — anything more than that can leave your healthy skin dry, and your acne-prone areas irritated. Habitual over-washing may also stimulate extra oil production, which could result in more breakouts.  

Acne and Exfoliation

You can use scrubs daily as long as you use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Jojoba, rice and smoothe polyethylene (not so green though) are fine/. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell parciles as  they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne. Use physical exfoliation (scrubs) if you have moderate acne or post-acne marks. Use chemical exfoliation (acids) if you have large cysts or blemishes..

Acne and Gentle Touch 

Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes breakouts) is a peaceful resident of your skin unless it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Excessive touching of your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands can drive bacteria into your pores where the damage begins. Squeezing or picking your blemishes with fingernails, pins or anything else can force bacteria deeper into the skin causing inflammation and infection. You'll also increase the damage to the surrounding skin, so the blemish is more likely to leave a permanent acne scar.  

Most importantly, find a natural acne regimen and stick with it. Natural acne treatments are less likely to cause side effects or allergies and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start natural acne treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems caused by persistent blemishes and post-acne residue in forms of marks and scars. Natural acne treatments don't cost the Earth, literally, and they are free from harmful chemicals that put you into risk of allergies, premature aging, or even skin cancer.