CAUSE OF ACNE
For reasons not entirely understood, hair follicles, otherwise known as pores, get blocked. As a result, sebum, a hair and skin conditioning oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, gets obstructed and backs up into the pore. Ths blockage can result from hormones, genetics, stress, of vitamin deficiency. In many cases, the cause for blocked pores is multifactorial, a complex of combinations or even all of the above. Whatever the cause, bacteria then beings to grow within the clogged pore, leading to whiteheads or blackheads. Whiteheads result when the trapped bacteria and sebum remain beneath the skin. Blackheads occur when the trapped bacteria and sebum partially open fo the surface, then turn black due to melanin, the body's skin pigment. Blackhead may perstst for a long time, as the material often drains toward the surface very slowly. Whether a blemish is a whitehead ot blackhead, they are still essentially comprised of trapped sebum and bacteria, and therfore ridding oneself of both blackhead and whitehead are accomplished in the same fashion.
There are many prevailing myths about what truly leads to acne. Many people maintain the notion that dietary choices are a big reason why people suffer from acne. The truth of the matter is, however, that while, as previously mentioned vitamin deficiency can play a role is the formation of acne, there are no established links between the consumption of certain foods and acne. Therefore, while eating excess chocolate, sugar, oil, or milk may lead to other health problems, they are not a primary cause for acne.
The second myth is that acne is caused by dirt or poor hygeine. This is not true, as the pores get clogged from the inside out, not from the surface to the inside. Thus, while poor hygeine and skin surface dirt could lead to a host of other health implications, it is does not play a major role in the development of acne.
Finally, people often attribute stress as the primary cause for their acne. While stress can play a role in changing the body's chemistry to exacerbate acne, it is not a primary cause. At its very worse, stress may mildly intensify an already underlying predisposition toward acne, but it certainly is not a primary factor that leads to acne.
So now you know the true nature and source of acne. The question now is, what do we do about it? The two most popular acne treatment programs are Murad and Proactiv. Both of these programs were developed by leading dermatologists, both are used and promoted by the stars, and both are widely used by the general population. Results of these products range from moderate improvement to miraculous transformation. Below are consumer reviews of each product, complete with pros and cons. The first review is about Proactive, followed by Murad just below.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive, money-back guarantee, gentle product
Cons
Packaging could be more sanitary, be careful as it will dye colored fabric
The Bottom Line
Proactiv is an excellent skin-care product that goes a long way toward fighting acne. If it doesn't work for you, simply get your money back!
Full Review
I could be vain and write that I only have an occasional acne flare-up.
But that would be a lie.
I could be ashamed and write that I only recently started suffering from acne.
But that would also be a lie.
I could pretend that my life does not involve staying up until 3 am on Friday nights to watch infomercials.
But, well, you know where this is going.
Folks, I'm just going to come right out and say it. I have acne. I've had it in varying degrees for over twelve years now. I've pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I'll probably need my nurse to apply benzoyl peroxide to my blemishes when I'm in the hospital for a hip replacement in fifty years.
But that doesn't mean I have to like it. No, I declared war on my acne a few times over the years. Antibiotics didn't work. Retin-A just dried out my skin. Let's not even talk about the nightmare that was Retin-A Micro. Finally, I suffered through the Mother of All Acne Medications - Accutane. In addition to making my skin split like a fault line, it did eliminate my acne for a couple of years. That was four years ago, and my acne returned, albeit in a much milder form, about two years ago.
Many a night I have watched the Proactiv infomercials. And I always assumed that it would never work for me, the acne medication veteran, who had subjected her face to years of torture from skin-burning solutions. But I started to get desperate, and buying Proactiv once every three months is a heck of a lot cheaper than visits to the dermatologist.
So what influenced my decision to try Proactiv?
1) They have a "bottom of the bottle" moneyback guarantee. I really wanted to prove them wrong - that the product wouldn't work on me. I haven't had the opportunity to do so. I guess I prefer it that way!
2) You can buy the products online or over the phone. In addition, many malls now have stand-alone Proactiv kiosks, so you don't have to become a "Clear Skin Club" member to enjoy the products. You can now also purchase products on e-bay.
3) As a Clear Skin Club member, you can adjust your shipment dates so that you're not receiving products every two months. I liked this flexibility, because I was a bit skeptical about automatically receiving replacement products in the mail.
4) I finally sat down and decided that it was worth it for me to spend $45 every three or so months, in exchange for clear skin.
Deep Cleansing Wash Product Review
The Deep Cleansing Wash comes as part of the 3-piece Proactiv package. The wash is about 8 oz, but since you only use between a pea-sized and dime-sized amount twice a day, it should last you between 2 and 3 months. The wash has a clean smell and the product is creamy with teeny little exfoliating beads. Despite this, the product is extremely gentle on my skin.
Although meant to be part of the 3-step system, I use the wash alone, without the other 2 steps, in the morning. It does a good enough job of controlling my acne that I haven't felt tempted to try any other facial washes in the past 2 months. In fact, I'm scared to switch back to non-Proactiv products, for fear that my skin will explode once again! Since I use this product more than the other components of the 3-step system, I envision myself running out of it more frequently. In these cases, I'll probably buy replacements from the mall or from e-bay, rather than getting a brand new 3-step kit from the Clear Skin Club. Purchasing from those sites, the product can run you between $20 and $25. In my opinion, that's well worth it for a non-prescription, acne fighting wonder wash!
And now, for the results ...
Proactiv hasn't completely cleared up my skin. I still have occasional breakouts. However, they pale in comparison to what I suffered before trying Proactiv. My skin appears smoother, and is definitely softer, since I began using the products. And the best part is that even though I have an occasional breakout, the pimples dry up within 2 days! This never happened before, even when I was on prescription-strength medication. I believe that nothing short of a second round of Accutane will completely obliterate my acne. This product is a heck of an alternative.
My only real complaint is the packaging. The wash comes with a screw-on lid. You squeeze the product through a small hole on top. I don't think this is as sanitary as it could be, and I wish the product automatically came with a pump. Also, because it is a benzoyl peroxide product, you must be careful not to come into contact with colored materials, as it will dye them.
I strongly encourage you to give Proactiv a try. Honestly, you have nothing to lose. It is relatively inexpensive, you can adjust the shipping frequency or purchase it outside of the Clear Skin Club. It may not clear up all your acne, but it will do a heck of a job in refining your skin and boosting your self-confidence. If not, you get a money-back guarantee from the company.
Come on, don't let acne control one more day of your life! Take charge! Be . . . proactive!
Recommended
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 40/system
Skin Compatibility: Improved my skin condition
Fragrance: Barely noticeable scent
Pros
Effective; Multiple Benefits
Cons
Price; Scent
The Bottom Line
Great treatment for blemishes, but it stinks and it's pricey. Worth it if nothing else is working for you...
Full Review
I never, ever had any problems with acne as a teenager (go figure), but lately as I approach my late 20’s, I seem to be dealing with it more and more! I guess my hormones are to blame, but either way, it’s not been fun! I love my reliable Origins Spot Remover but upon a recent shopping trip to a Sephora store, I spent some time talking with a skin care consultant there. She highly recommended Murad’s products, so I left that day with 2 in hand. Hey, if I am having blemish issues, I’ll try anything once!
Murad Acne Management Formula
This product comes in a little .5 ounce black tube that is packaged inside a small black box upon purchasing. The product itself is a lotion that is lightweight and thin in texture. It is a creamy, yellowish color and I’ll go ahead and tell you, it smells horrid, but more about that later. So what is this stuff for and what does it do? First, here are the claims made by Murad regarding this product (taken from packaging):
“Fast-acting formula helps to reduce redness and severity of existing acne blemishes and prevent further breakouts. Contains Vitamins C and E, sulfur to promote healing and soothing skin conditioners. Ideal for breakouts from acne, stress and PMS. Virtually overnight, this miraculous formula delivers maximum blemish fighting power. Featuring Salicylic Acid to instantly penetrate pores and help to decrease the severity and duration of acne breakouts.”
Ingredients: sulfer, water, glycolic acid, hydrolyzed oat flour, sclerotium gum, orange extract, zinc oxide, dicaprylyl maleate, glyceryl stearate, PEG 100 stearate, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth 20, salicylic acid, lecithin, tocopherol, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, palmitoyl hydroxypropyltrimonium amylopectin, glycerin crosspolymer, grape seed extract, allantoin, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben
* Active ingredient Sulfur reduces the severity of acne blemishes and allows skin to heal.
* Glycolic and Salicylic Acids gently exfoliate surface skin cells.
* Zinc Oxide and Licorice Extract provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
* Grape Seed Extract and Vitamins C and E protect against free radical damage.
This product is not tested on animals, it’s dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
Directions For Using Murad Acne Management Formula
Taken from packaging: “Twice daily, apply small amount to affected areas and gently rub in.”
Easy enough huh? I use this in the morning and at night before bed. I cleanse my face first, then I use a toner/astringent, then an oil free moisturizer and then I apply this product to the affected areas on my face. It soaks into the skin without leaving any residue or evidence that you’ve applied it, so applying makeup after applying this product is not a problem.
Caution: For external use only. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water. If irritation appears or persists, discontinue use and consult your physician. Keep out of reach of children.
Be forewarned that this tube is rather small, and it’s a whopping $13, but if you want something that works, it’s worth it! And since it only requires a small amount each use, it will last you a while. Just use it sparingly!
My Experience Using Murad Acne Management Formula
Okay first things first. This stuff STINKS to high heaven! As noted in the ingredients above, sulfur is in there, and if you didn’t read it here first, you’d sure know it once you applied the stuff! If you’ve never smelled sulfur, count yourself lucky. It’s rather icky. Okay, so is it tolerable and worth it to use this product? Yes it stinks, but it’s not so bad that I won’t use this stuff. I will keep using it regardless of the icky smell; I just hope I don’t have to use it directly under my nose anytime soon!
Does it work? Yes it works! I’ve used it for several weeks now, and it does what it claims to do. It will dry up blemishes, and it also helps with redness and inflammation. I’ve been rather pleased with how it performs overall, I just had to get past the smell. It will dry out the areas to which you’ve applied it, but that’s to be expected with any acne treatments! That’s what they are supposed to do, they dry the blemish out. This will of course leave that portion of skin dry. No surprise there.
Would I recommend this to anyone else? Of course I would! If you have any problems with acne or an occasional blemish, this product would probably be good for you. If you’ve been using an acne or blemish treatment that just isn’t cutting it anymore, give this one a try. I don’t know about anyone else, but sometimes if I use the same acne treatment over and over for a long period of time, my skin seems to become immune to it. I like having 2 or 3 options so I can still fight a blemish even if I have to use something different. This product has proven to be strong and swift in dealing with breakouts.
Remember though, if you try this, be prepared for the smell. Now, it may not bother you like it will some other folks. Not everyone has the same smell “issues”. But I would recommend trying a sample first if you have sensitivity to odd or icky smells, or to sulfur in particular. If you have a Sephora store close by, they are always willing to give you a sample first!
Purchasing Information
This product can be purchased at any retailer that sells Murad products. The only one I’ve encountered is Sephora but I guess there could be others. You can also purchase their products online at www.sephora.com or www.murad.com.
For more information or to ask questions (they have a “Dr. Murad” available to take any questions):
1-888-99-MURAD (to speak to a Murad expert)
Murad
2121 Rosecrans Avenue
5th Floor
El Segundo, CA 90245
1-800-33-MURAD
You can visit their website, www.murad.com, to also ask questions of the experts or to locate a retailer near you!
Thanks so much for reading!
