Common Methods in the Battle Against Acne
The same old methods that have been used for years – aggressive, drying, and antibacterial cosmetic care, aggressive chemical peels, retinoids, laser therapy, birth control pills, antibiotics, systemic isotretinoin (Roaccutane) – all of these do not provide lasting relief from acne. Do you agree with me?
The approach to acne must be fundamentally changed – we must realize and officially acknowledge that acne is not just a skin problem, but much more than that. The causes must be sought at a much deeper level, and the treatment approach must be holistic, without the goal of simply suppressing the symptoms.
Acne – A Complex Issue
Acne-prone skin is merely a manifestation of an internal imbalance. It signals a complex hormonal and inflammatory condition in the body, which negatively impacts physical, mental, and emotional levels in people’s lives. Numerous studies show that acne is far from being only a skin issue. However, despite the fact that anyone with more serious skin problems suspects this, almost everyone tries to treat their acne in the usual conventional way. A method that is perceived as normal. However, given that so many people continue to struggle with their acne for years and fail to fully cure it, it clearly means that this approach is ineffective.
In 2010, acne ranked 8th on the list of most common diseases worldwide. Approximately 80% of people are affected by acne between the beginning of puberty and the age of 30. The global prevalence of acne vulgaris has increased by 10% over the past 10 years.
Probably due to the lack of a better alternative, people continue to make the same mistakes. Their battle with acne haunts them for years. This better alternative, perhaps, you will recognize in the Basics for Clear Skin Program I run.
Alternative
Therefore, let’s begin by rejecting some outdated beliefs regarding the treatment of your skin from acne. Leave the old, ineffective methods behind and focus on balancing your body from the inside. When you do this, it will inevitably show results on your skin. Inflammation and pimples will gradually decrease, and your skin will start to recover. This is the only way to deal with your acne permanently, without harming your health, but rather improving it.
Here are the 4 False Beliefs That Prevent You from Healing Your Acne:
1. “I need to dry out my pimples, and my skin should peel. Only then will my acne reduce.”
I too, years ago, believed that peels and highly active, aggressive products were the only way for my skin to look good. Only after I introduced a more humane skincare routine did my skin start to truly look fresh and healthy. Almost every woman who comes for a consultation with me has dry, dehydrated, and reactive skin. I rarely speak with someone who hasn’t used standard acne creams and ointments for months or even years. This false belief is deeply ingrained in our minds and is a major cause of worsening and chronic acne.
Think of your skin with respect. It is a living tissue and a part of you – it needs gentle and delicate care, and lots of love. <3
2. “Acne medications are my only solution.”
The truth is, they don’t heal your acne; they only mask the symptoms. They are temporary solutions and can lead to serious worsening once you stop using them.
3. “My situation is hopeless.”
I hear this from time to time, and it saddens me because I realize that the resulting despair comes from a series of unsuccessful attempts to clear the skin. It’s tied to many tears, pain, lost hopes, and an exhausting feeling of helplessness. But let me tell you that there are specific causes of acne, and part of its successful healing involves identifying and addressing those causes correctly. The question isn’t whether it’s possible, but how long it will take.
- For some people, it takes 4-5 months to see significant improvement. As one of my clients recently wrote: “Things are stable now, and I’m working on the details.”
- For others, more time is needed to balance and heal the problematic systems in their bodies.
4. “Acne is just a skin problem.”
This is a dangerous belief, and nothing could be further from the truth. There are so many different factors involved—stress hormones, insulin, androgenic hormones, inflammation, digestive disorders, food intolerances and deficiencies, and many other internal factors that catalyze skin manifestations and acne. If someone is trying to convince you that the only cause of your acne is excess oil, clogged pores, and skin hygiene, then you can be sure that the person in front of you would not be capable of truly helping you.
A case from my practice:
Let me share an interesting story about one of my clients, with whom I began working last year. She completed the Holistic Anti-Acne program at the beginning of 2020, just before the events related to the coronavirus started.
She had a moderate acne problem, folliculitis, a lot of blackheads, oily and reddened skin with large pores, surface pimples, and cysts on her chin, jawline, and temples. Her acne worsened around her menstrual cycle, which was heavy and abundant. She felt very stressed, overburdened, and exhausted. She would often tell me how she would quickly eat something between her many tasks and how she couldn’t eat properly. She was also concerned about gaining weight in specific areas, about not being able to control how much food she ate, often overeating, and not being able to regain her normal weight. For me, this was indicative that her acne was related to some degree of insulin resistance and elevated stress levels. She got tested at her request, and this was confirmed—her insulin levels were elevated.
Results:
Always cheerful and honest during our consultations, she told me that she couldn’t fully follow my recommendations due to the pressure at work and the many commitments she tended to take on—she just didn’t have time and energy for herself. So, six months passed, and even though she wasn’t 100% consistent and fully dedicated to the anti-acne program, we still noticed a significant improvement in her skin. The cysts, sensitivity, and fungal acne disappeared, the appearance of blackheads was significantly reduced, and the oiliness also improved. Her overall condition improved as well—she felt much calmer, and many of her initial symptoms had disappeared.
We were both convinced, however, that she could achieve much more than what she had already accomplished. Fully aware of the importance of the problem and that it wasn’t just about the appearance of her skin but also about the imbalance in her insulin levels and insulin resistance, she promised me that she wouldn’t stop there. She gave me her word that she would continue everything she had learned in the program because it was truly important for her to eat a certain way, continue with her home skincare routine, manage stress, and regulate insulin levels.
A period of many changes followed due to the situation with the coronavirus. We hadn’t met in person for 8 months, but we had several phone calls and messages. I learned that she was mostly at home, no longer under chronic stress, resting well, eating properly, and feeling very enthusiastic. Because of the opportunity to finally dedicate some of her time to self-care, plus lots of calmness, meditation, and the feminine practices important to her.
8 months later…
I saw this determined woman in person in my office, and she is completely transformed. Eight months after our last meeting, without having had a single additional anti-acne procedure, her skin is fresh, beautiful, clean, and with balanced oil production. She told me that without much effort, she had started losing weight, and up to now, she has lost 7 kg. She feels super happy. And I am incredibly happy for her. 😊
To get rid of acne once and for all, you need to completely change the way you view it.
Take responsibility for yourself. Understand which areas of your lifestyle are problematic. Address them properly, actively participate in the healing process, and I guarantee that acne will remain in your past forever.
I can help you successfully go through this process, and if you feel that I am the right person for you, I invite you to explore the Basics for Clear Skin Program.
Warm regards,
Ivaila.
