How can you be sure that you haven't just "outgrown" your acne?

Being that I'm twenty-five years old, I often get asked this question. My answer, time and time again, does not change: I would still be plagued by acne if it weren't for this regimen.

I've had acne ever since I can remember. Although I've noticed a slight reduction in my oil production, my face is still greasy (check my bio photo carefully). Whenever I discontinue the regimen, I invariably breakout. I have never known a program that is so effective not just in clearing my acne but also in maintaining acne-free skin.

*For reference: the acne-prone age range tends to be 16-25 for males; and thirteen to menopause for women (while affecting most heavily during puberty).

How long before I can expect to see visible results from this regimen?

The time for improvement depends upon your dedication to the regimen. In most cases, clearing will begin by the end of the first week. However, your success rate is ultimately up to you. The clearing process can move much quicker or slower depending on how diligent you are in completing each step of the program.

What are the chances that this regimen will work for me?

For a few of you (with severe acne problems), I cannot guarantee 100% clearing. However, you will still see dramatic results—about 70-85 percent remission. This is comparable to a drug like Accutane, but without the enormous health risks and side effects.

Health risks of accutane—statisical data included, Michelle Meadows

What is the best way to treat acne?

The best way to treat acne is wholistically with a focus on both the internal and external factors. If you haven't received good results from the acne products you've tried in the past, you should seriously consider this program. When followed carefully, the Ultimate Acne Regimen™ is ten times more effective than any prescription medicine. Also, unlike pharmaceutical prescriptions, this regimen is actually good for your health.

Health risks of accutane—statisical data included, Michelle Meadows

Acne treatment raises risk of upper respiratory tract, Rebecca Harmon

Acne antibiotics throat bug risk, BBC News

Does the sun help acne?

Yes and no; The sun's rays help kill P. Acnes bacteria and dry out the outermost layer of the skin—thereby leading to a reduction in inflammation. The sun also gives us a potent source of vitamin D, which is important for healthy skin. However, too much sun exposure can irritate the skin and occasionally cause breakouts.

As long as you limit your sun exposure to an hour or less every day (and wear a noncomodogenic sunscreen), I don't think that you need to worry too much about the sun as a factor. There are much more important issues at root with your acne.

*Be aware that too much sun exposure can be bad for your health in the long run. (It increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin.) If you notice a positive association between the amount of sun you get and your complexion, I recommend that you look into sun "substitutes". Red and blue light therapy have proven to be a very effective treatment for killing P. Acnes bacteria and healing blemishes. If you live in cold or rainy climates, I particularly recommend a red lamp for healing breakouts.

Benefits of light thereapy, SciArt co.

Even if I clear my acne, my scars are horrendous!...

Rejuveness, the leader in scar treatment

Consumer guide to plastic surgery

Why do I get more acne when I'm working out?

Usually this boils down to two factors:

1. Sweat residue—can block pores if left on the skin for too long (this includes wearing dirty or sweat-stained t-shirts). Always try to schedule your workouts in the late afternoon/early evening so that you can shower and change your clothes immediately afterward.

2. Weight lifting—has been shown to increase a man’s testosterone level by as much as forty percent! Increased testosterone levels raises the number of androgens and increases oil gland activity. As a former college football and track athlete, I noticed that my acne worsened during the weight training seasons. It wasn't until I started practicing this regimen that weight lifting no longer created problems for me.

I suggest that you lighten your load a bit for the time being. If you really commit yourself to this program, you will have no trouble clearing your skin, even with heavy workouts.

How big of a commitment is this regimen?

Somewhat big for the first month; small thereafter. A few of the steps included in this regimen will take a couple of weeks to master. However, this regimen is only complicated enough to ensure that it is effective. Each step adds a unique, crucial piece to the "acne puzzle". With a little practice and dedication, you will soon find that the regimen becomes second nature.

What's my skin type?

There are five major skin types. Most of us fall into the oily or combination skin category:

Normal skin—is the type that we all envy. It's not too oily, not too dry, characterized by few blemishes, generally firm and smooth with small pores. Lines and wrinkles are appropriate for age.

Dry Skin—typically lacks natural oils, may look flaky with small pores, blemishes and blackheads. Sometimes this type of skin is caused by cold or dry weather or a lack of water. As dry skin ages, it’s more likely than other types to become wrinkly.

Oily Skin—may look greasy and coarse, may have recurring blackheads, acne, and large pores. The texture of skin is thick; the touch is often sticky. This type is usually youthful-looking due to the presence of oil on the skin.

Combination Skin—is often characterized as oily on the T-zone (the area that stretches from the forehead down to the nose and chin), and dry to normal on the cheeks and around the eye area. 

Sensitive Skin—people with this type are the most prone to allergies, rash, sting, and burns. This type of skin gets irritated easily and can get very red and blotchy.  

Does Stress Cause Acne?

See "Stress and Acne".

Is it harmful to pop pimples?

In general, pimples should not be picked or squeezed (as this is a common way to get scarring). Squeezing also forces infected material deeper into the skin, aggravating tissue and spreading the infection. My advice is to stay away from mirrors during the day. The temptation for picking is too strong!

However, if you do happen to notice a pimple with a very visible, white tip when you wash your face in the morning or evening, then I see no serious risk in popping it. Just be careful: use a piece of tissue underneath each finger tip and apply gentle pressure.

Before you perform any self-surgery, I advise you to read over the following summary: How to pop a pimple, WikiHow

I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I suddenly getting it now?

Acne usually begins at puberty and is gone by the mid 20's. However, in some cases, it may persist into adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males as a result of the menstrual cycle ( see "Menstrual Acne" ). However, many men also experience acne well into their thirties.

With the exception of menstrual acne, adult acne is most typically associated with culprit 3: excess toxins in the system. Typically, the channels of elimination (the liver and bowels) have become compromised in some way, or poor diet and sleep habits have led to a buildup of excess blood toxins.

Remember, there are three important variables to consider in the Acne Equation™: excess sebum, bacteria, and excess toxins. It's up to you to determine which one is the largest trigger in your breakouts. I have formulated the Ultimate Acne Regimen™ to effectively handle all three.

What kind of cosmetics and cleansers should an acne sufferer use?

Always look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and lotions. These products have been formulated so that they will not block pores.

Some acne cleansers and topicals can cause irritation or dryness, particularly during the first couple of weeks of use. In the Ultimate Acne Regimen™ , I suggest a few facewashes that will thoroughly cleanse your skin without overdrying.

Additionally, heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. For women, I recommend using powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can also be used by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending.

What causes Acne?

See the "Acne Equation".