Acne...please help!

[KaylaBeanie]

I have had terrible skin for about eight months now...it's really depressing. I never broke out beyond a few pimples around my period, but now I'm 21 and look like a 14 year old

I've actually been in the process of going on Accutane, but due to a screw-up on my doctor's part (scheduling mishap) I'm delayed another month. In the meantime, I want to try some natural alternatives. I would clearly prefer NOT to take Accutane, so if I can get on the road to recovery in the next four weeks with natural stuff, I'd be THRILLED! I just have no idea where to start, and I don't have a lot of wiggle room in my budget. Currently I'm using generic Target brand cetaphil and oil-free moisturizer.

[californiajenn]

There was a thread on this recently. Do a search and see if any of the ideas could help. A diet change would probably be most helpful. I get compliments on my skin all the time and I only use raw honey to wash and coconut oil to moisturize. Well, that and I eat a primal diet.

[KaylaBeanie]

What are common dietary causes of acne? I know dairy is one, but I've had dairy my entire life and have actually not been consuming much for over a year now. I totally eliminated soy for awhile, but didn't see any improvement. I don't do much sugar or processed junk, in fact, it's been less than ever since I became vegetarian in 2009. I'm open for suggestions, but I have no idea what I could do differently since I'm already pretty healthy/natural with my food :P

[MyLilPwny]

I had chronic acne for many many years. I cured it 100% by doing internal cleansing, particularly colon cleansing, parasite cleansing, and then a series of liver/gallbladder flushes using Dr. Hulda Clark's recipe. It took 8 flushes for my acne and oily skin to dissappear completely but I did a series of 10 flushes and then a follow up flush 6 months later. That was 4 years ago. Since then, I've flushed 2 more times for maintenance and I'm planning on doing one today too because my skin has been getting oily again. No where near as oily as it used to be when I had acne, but I like not having oily skin. The liver flushes make the oil go away.

[Ethelpea]

After having moderate to severe acne from about 12 years old to 35 years old, my skin cleared after going gluten free. (I'm 39 now, btw). I also cut way back on dairy (sometimes I'm off it, sometimes I indulge a bit here and there).

Please try some dietary changes before the Accutane. I was on no less than 3 (may have even been 4) rounds of Accutane because while it would clear me up completely, the acne would ALWAYS come back.

Also, hit your good oils...hard. Coconut oil, olive oil, flax seed. I take about two tablespoons of these oils daily. I also use only real butter in cooking and baking.

I rarely even use anything to wash my face anymore, unless I've been wearing makeup.

(And of course, juicing is good for you as is avoiding processed foods - cook and eat from scratch as much as possible.)

[amcal]

glycolic acid is fantastic for keeping skin clear.

There are several products out there. If you got to Amazon and type in gylcolic acid, you'll find lots of products. You can buy straight glycolic acid in varying strengths. Or, it's in a some skin care products.

I too battle acne and I'm tired of it. After researching, I just ordered a couple products by Alpha Hydrox - I got their souffle and their silk moisturizer with SPF. Both have glycolic acid.

I don't have them yet so I can't tell you how they work but, I have a Peel kit from LOreal that uses glycolic acid and after 2 treatments, my acne is noticeably drying up and clearing.