Acne.org Products
I have a facial cleanser by Dr. Weil, it's the brand Origins and it's called Plantidote Mega Mushroom Face Cleanser. It's extremely mild...have you used this at all? It works really well for me and I have extremely sensitive skin. Also, when exfoliating do you have go over active pimples? I did that with baking soda...but just plain baking soda with water and it opened up these active pimples and irritated them for days. Do you avoid those areas?
also, i think that exfoliating with toothbrush may be too irritating for my super sensitive skin. instead, i'm thinking of using a cotton pad and make gentle circular motion while cleansing. what do you think of this?
I agree that it may be too irritating for some. Use a brush every other day and then use something softer (yet make sure it can somehow cause an abrasion). I fear that a cotton pad could be too soft, and may just be like rubbing your hands over your skin. You need some type of abrasion.
Keep thinking, it needs to have somewhat of a rough surface and be super gentle. By the way, I have sensitive skin. Maybe you are brushing too hard. You can use a toothbrush by barely pressing over the skin!
Good luck.
hi bob,
is it really necessary to take ALL 3 supplements? (primrose, borage, and flax) how many tablets per day for each is adequate?
I say yes. Definitely borage and flax.
I think unless you are CLEAR then you can't be picky here. If your skin is clear then you can say, "ok, lets see if I can only take 2 of 3 oils." Until then, take all 3.
Is it really worth it? It costs maybe 5 bucks a month to add each oil, probably 15-20 for all of them. Is it worth saving 5 bucks to take out 1 of these oils? I don't think so, imagine what other people pay, hundreds for accutane a month, 60 bucks for perscriptions... just spend the extra 5.
Good luck!
hi bob,
is it really necessary to take ALL 3 supplements? (primrose, borage, and flax) how many tablets per day for each is adequate?
I say yes. Definitely borage and flax.
I think unless you are CLEAR then you can't be picky here. If your skin is clear then you can say, "ok, lets see if I can only take 2 of 3 oils." Until then, take all 3.
Is it really worth it? It costs maybe 5 bucks a month to add each oil, probably 15-20 for all of them. Is it worth saving 5 bucks to take out 1 of these oils? I don't think so, imagine what other people pay, hundreds for accutane a month, 60 bucks for perscriptions... just spend the extra 5.
Good luck!
also, i think that exfoliating with toothbrush may be too irritating for my super sensitive skin. instead, i'm thinking of using a cotton pad and make gentle circular motion while cleansing. what do you think of this?
I agree that it may be too irritating for some. Use a brush every other day and then use something softer (yet make sure it can somehow cause an abrasion). I fear that a cotton pad could be too soft, and may just be like rubbing your hands over your skin. You need some type of abrasion.
Keep thinking, it needs to have somewhat of a rough surface and be super gentle. By the way, I have sensitive skin. Maybe you are brushing too hard. You can use a toothbrush by barely pressing over the skin!
Good luck.
Hi Bob!
I was reading your post and I was very interested in it. Hopefully, you could take a look at my regime and suggest some changes for me that are similar to what you're doing. Since my mom buys me my supplies, she rarely buys me things that she hasn't heard of or seen works. So that poses a slight problem for me. 
Currently, I just stopped using Proactiv and started on a new acne skin-care line that Neutrogena just came out with, called Healthy Skin, Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish. Proactiv worked for a while for me, but then after a few months I stopped using it since my skin was clearing away and I started breaking out like crazy. I went back to Proactiv, but for some reason, it doesn't work as well as it did before. I have moderate acne now with alot of ice pick scars and red and brown pigmentation.
This is my regime basically:
1) Wash with Neutrogena, Healthy Skin Cleanser (0.5% Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy) for 30 seconds
2) Tone with Proactiv Revitalizing Toner
3) Apply Neutrogena, Healthy Skin Clear Skin Cream (2% Salicylic Acid, Retinol)
4) Moisturize with Proactiv Moisturizer (SPF 15)
I do this morning and night. Let's see, I eat fairly well. It could be better; I rarely eat dairy or fatty, junk foods. I occasionally indulge some Godiva chocolate though. 
I stopped exercising. Maybe, that was the key after all. I remembered when I exercised 3 days a week, my skin was so healthy looking. Uhmm, I take Centrum Multivitamin Tablets. And I've started on ACV.
I think that's it.
Uhm, do you have any suggestions for scar treatment or scar prevention? I know, personally, that I scratch my face unconsciously at night. I tend to wake up with bloody scabs in the morning and my pillow cases stained with blood. I've been wearing rubber gloves before I go to sleep now and that has reduced the amount of damage on my skin. But do you suggest applying neosporin on those scabs?
Basically, when I wash my face, I usually wash the scab away; however, that leaves scarring tissue behind.
Ugh
Hi Bob!
I was reading your post and I was very interested in it. Hopefully, you could take a look at my regime and suggest some changes for me that are similar to what you're doing. Since my mom buys me my supplies, she rarely buys me things that she hasn't heard of or seen works. So that poses a slight problem for me.
Currently, I just stopped using Proactiv and started on a new acne skin-care line that Neutrogena just came out with, called Healthy Skin, Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish. Proactiv worked for a while for me, but then after a few months I stopped using it since my skin was clearing away and I started breaking out like crazy. I went back to Proactiv, but for some reason, it doesn't work as well as it did before. I have moderate acne now with alot of ice pick scars and red and brown pigmentation.
This is my regime basically:
1) Wash with Neutrogena, Healthy Skin Cleanser (0.5% Salicylic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy) for 30 seconds
2) Tone with Proactiv Revitalizing Toner
3) Apply Neutrogena, Healthy Skin Clear Skin Cream (2% Salicylic Acid, Retinol)
4) Moisturize with Proactiv Moisturizer (SPF 15)
I do this morning and night. Let's see, I eat fairly well. It could be better; I rarely eat dairy or fatty, junk foods. I occasionally indulge some Godiva chocolate though.
I stopped exercising. Maybe, that was the key after all. I remembered when I exercised 3 days a week, my skin was so healthy looking. Uhmm, I take Centrum Multivitamin Tablets. And I've started on ACV.
I think that's it.
Uhm, do you have any suggestions for scar treatment or scar prevention? I know, personally, that I scratch my face unconsciously at night. I tend to wake up with bloody scabs in the morning and my pillow cases stained with blood. I've been wearing rubber gloves before I go to sleep now and that has reduced the amount of damage on my skin. But do you suggest applying neosporin on those scabs?
Basically, when I wash my face, I usually wash the scab away; however, that leaves scarring tissue behind.
Ugh
I'm new to the whole diet and holistic approach to treating acne. I've been on many prescription meds, accutane, BCP, antibiotics, spiro, all of which didn't help.
Thank you for creating such an informative post...it's great for newbies like me. I do have a question about diet and dairy products: what about yogurt? I eat yogurt almost everyday, and I'm wondering what people's thoughts are. I know it's a dairy product, but is it as bad as milk and cheese in terms of acne? Any info whould be appreciated. 
What bob is saying is mostly correct, I can definitely vouch for that, so listen to this guy!
The principles that is, that we can all agree upon. A good diet filled with the nutrients from fruits/greens is essential, along with plenty of water, exercise, and having a relatively healthy, moderate diet. Also, keeping your skin at a perfect balance with washing, and moisturizing effectively. I pretty much do what bob has written in a round a bout way (with a bit of difference through experimentation to benefit my body most) and now am very impressed with the results. I also take a multi vitamin, and a multi green. Let me rephrase that, I am ecstatic, it's body and mind transforming: the effects.
And it's true. Exercise is a MUST! Not an option, a must, so is proper nutrition, (greens, fruits, protein). There is a reason for everything, but it's rather tedious and long to write out why each part helps your skin and acne, but in a nutshell, your skin becomes healthy and balances the out of wack issues and levels in your body.
Go bob!
How long have you been clear buddy?
I do have one question for you:
I haven't taken any of my essential oils yet... flax, fish etc. But I do want to ask you, in terms of flax and fish oil, which one is better and why, what do you believe are the pros and cons between them? I want to start taking one, but I want to be totally sure.
I really like Bob's post. He really put in the time to write it all out and tried it out for over a year. I just ordered primrose oil and borage oil. And I am already taking two tablespoons of flax oil to my salads or green smoothies. And I haven't eaten grain, wheat or dairy in over 14 days. so really eating healthy. But I know its not going to be perfect all time. but thats ok. And exercising 5 days week. The only thing that I haven't been doing what Bob mentioned was the gentle cleansers. Coz I am still breaking out and am afraid to give up benzoyl peroxide wash just yet. But I am open to it. But I have ordered organic aloe vera gel or moisturizer coz I don't have any moisturizers. my face so ar is clearer but still could get more clear. so I will see. I know what I am doing is healthy for the long term:)
I'm new to the whole diet and holistic approach to treating acne. I've been on many prescription meds, accutane, BCP, antibiotics, spiro, all of which didn't help.
Thank you for creating such an informative post...it's great for newbies like me. I do have a question about diet and dairy products: what about yogurt? I eat yogurt almost everyday, and I'm wondering what people's thoughts are. I know it's a dairy product, but is it as bad as milk and cheese in terms of acne? Any info whould be appreciated.
What bob is saying is mostly correct, I can definitely vouch for that, so listen to this guy!
The principles that is, that we can all agree upon. A good diet filled with the nutrients from fruits/greens is essential, along with plenty of water, exercise, and having a relatively healthy, moderate diet. Also, keeping your skin at a perfect balance with washing, and moisturizing effectively. I pretty much do what bob has written in a round a bout way (with a bit of difference through experimentation to benefit my body most) and now am very impressed with the results. I also take a multi vitamin, and a multi green. Let me rephrase that, I am ecstatic, it's body and mind transforming: the effects.
And it's true. Exercise is a MUST! Not an option, a must, so is proper nutrition, (greens, fruits, protein). There is a reason for everything, but it's rather tedious and long to write out why each part helps your skin and acne, but in a nutshell, your skin becomes healthy and balances the out of wack issues and levels in your body.
Go bob!
How long have you been clear buddy?
I do have one question for you:
I haven't taken any of my essential oils yet... flax, fish etc. But I do want to ask you, in terms of flax and fish oil, which one is better and why, what do you believe are the pros and cons between them? I want to start taking one, but I want to be totally sure.
I really like Bob's post. He really put in the time to write it all out and tried it out for over a year. I just ordered primrose oil and borage oil. And I am already taking two tablespoons of flax oil to my salads or green smoothies. And I haven't eaten grain, wheat or dairy in over 14 days. so really eating healthy. But I know its not going to be perfect all time. but thats ok. And exercising 5 days week. The only thing that I haven't been doing what Bob mentioned was the gentle cleansers. Coz I am still breaking out and am afraid to give up benzoyl peroxide wash just yet. But I am open to it. But I have ordered organic aloe vera gel or moisturizer coz I don't have any moisturizers. my face so ar is clearer but still could get more clear. so I will see. I know what I am doing is healthy for the long term:)
What bob is saying is mostly correct, I can definitely vouch for that, so listen to this guy!
The principles that is, that we can all agree upon. A good diet filled with the nutrients from fruits/greens is essential, along with plenty of water, exercise, and having a relatively healthy, moderate diet. Also, keeping your skin at a perfect balance with washing, and moisturizing effectively. I pretty much do what bob has written in a round a bout way (with a bit of difference through experimentation to benefit my body most) and now am very impressed with the results. I also take a multi vitamin, and a multi green. Let me rephrase that, I am ecstatic, it's body and mind transforming: the effects.
And it's true. Exercise is a MUST! Not an option, a must, so is proper nutrition, (greens, fruits, protein). There is a reason for everything, but it's rather tedious and long to write out why each part helps your skin and acne, but in a nutshell, your skin becomes healthy and balances the out of wack issues and levels in your body.
Go bob!
How long have you been clear buddy?
I do have one question for you:
I haven't taken any of my essential oils yet... flax, fish etc. But I do want to ask you, in terms of flax and fish oil, which one is better and why, what do you believe are the pros and cons between them? I want to start taking one, but I want to be totally sure.
Clear for just over 6 months. It feels good, now I hope to help others feel just as good.
I think that the flax is the premium oil, yet I take both. Flax is just used a lot more in the health community and there have been excellent studies on it's benefits. I say this with a skew on skin health, the fish is great but it is much better for cardiovascular health.
This is a tough debate, much alike asking someone who their favorite child is. Both oils are excellent and I hope you take both, but if you had to only chose one, take the flax.
I know that was a short explanation but I got a long week ahead and have to run, later.
Good luck!
What bob is saying is mostly correct, I can definitely vouch for that, so listen to this guy!
The principles that is, that we can all agree upon. A good diet filled with the nutrients from fruits/greens is essential, along with plenty of water, exercise, and having a relatively healthy, moderate diet. Also, keeping your skin at a perfect balance with washing, and moisturizing effectively. I pretty much do what bob has written in a round a bout way (with a bit of difference through experimentation to benefit my body most) and now am very impressed with the results. I also take a multi vitamin, and a multi green. Let me rephrase that, I am ecstatic, it's body and mind transforming: the effects.
And it's true. Exercise is a MUST! Not an option, a must, so is proper nutrition, (greens, fruits, protein). There is a reason for everything, but it's rather tedious and long to write out why each part helps your skin and acne, but in a nutshell, your skin becomes healthy and balances the out of wack issues and levels in your body.
Go bob!
How long have you been clear buddy?
I do have one question for you:
I haven't taken any of my essential oils yet... flax, fish etc. But I do want to ask you, in terms of flax and fish oil, which one is better and why, what do you believe are the pros and cons between them? I want to start taking one, but I want to be totally sure.
Clear for just over 6 months. It feels good, now I hope to help others feel just as good.
I think that the flax is the premium oil, yet I take both. Flax is just used a lot more in the health community and there have been excellent studies on it's benefits. I say this with a skew on skin health, the fish is great but it is much better for cardiovascular health.
This is a tough debate, much alike asking someone who their favorite child is. Both oils are excellent and I hope you take both, but if you had to only chose one, take the flax.
I know that was a short explanation but I got a long week ahead and have to run, later.
Good luck!
Exfoliating with a toothbrush is too harsh for a lot of people including myself. I tried it for a month or so and it just ended up irritating my skin. What I use to exfoliate is a cotton face cloth (changed DAILY). I make sure in the evening I take a hot bath or shower to open up my pores I wash my face with my hands and then I gently yet firmly exfoliate my face with the wet face cloth.
Efoliation is KEY, that doesn't mean exfoliating cleansers are key, those just harm your skin. If you naturally help your skin exfoliate by a gentle method like that youll see a huge difference.
If you have active spots, do not exfoliate them or you will just spread the bacteria.
I went to walgreens today, and found some baking soda. I looked for some exfoliating brushes and found one. I tried touching the bristles and they were still too harsh. So then it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Baby hair brushes!
When my baby brother was born, I would always play with baby hair brushes, they were so soft and gentle, and they were essentially a really soft bristled, wider area toothbrush or a really soft exfolation tool, almost perfect for the face. So I found a babys r us and bought one, and I was right, it works amazing!! I used it when I got home and do I feel great now 
I love it when practical ideas hit you like a ton of bricks!