Why I abstained from using acne medications
Why I abstained from using acne medications
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Why I abstained from using acne medications |
In the United States alone, a staggering 50 million people struggle with acne, leaving them vulnerable to scammers and marketers who prey on their insecurities for financial gain. I am no stranger to this cause, having gone through my adolescent years and early adulthood battling with both acne and desperation for a solution.
I've since turned my back on acne medications because - let's be real - most of them simply don't work and can actually exacerbate an already debilitating condition. Instead, I chose drug-free remedies, like overhauling my diet, practicing facial massages, and taking basic hygienic steps like changing my pillowcases daily and designating a towel just for my face.
Take it from me - everything on the market somehow ended up on my bathroom shelf. I’m talking Proactiv, Clearasil, Neutrogena, and Benzoyl peroxide treatments – you get the gist – none of which yielded tangible results in my experience. One would dry out my skin to the point of stiffness while another would leave it so irritated that I’d be walking on eggshells not to touch it.
And looking back? It's comical how much time I frittered away on these products.
Starting with a cleanser, I’d move on to a 10-15-minute mask, followed by a toner and concealer. As a guy who isn't even in the entertainment industry? Yikes!
Then there were other well-known product culprits like adapalene gel (Differin), clindamycin phosphate (Cleocin T), Alex (azelaic acid), and tretinoin. Most people who try these prescription topical treatments end up with side effects like stinging sensations, burning feelings, redness, peeling, scaling – or worse: skin discoloration! Weren't we aiming for better skin here?
When a dermatologist advised me to take oral antibiotics like tetracycline and minocycline, I had to deal with stomach issues, dizziness, and lightheadedness shortly after consumption. Not to mention, I was told that it would take up to 6 months before these meds would effectively combat my acne. For real – HALF A YEAR! I don't know about you, but that's way too long to wait, especially when a natural and affordable solution can potentially clear your skin in just 7 to 10 days if done right.
These days? My acne is history. And hey, even though acting wasn't in my initial plan, maybe I'll give it a shot – that's just how much my skin has improved, and how much more confidence I've gained as a result. Coming from someone who used to be terrified of having their picture taken or even stepping out of their room, that's no small feat.
Hey, if you've had a winning streak with acne medications, go ahead and stick with them! But if you're like most of us who haven't struck gold with the endless sea of acne treatments, why not give alternative skin-clearing methods a shot? Chances are, it might just be the game-changer you need – it definitely was for me!
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the article "Why I abstained from using acne medications" based on a variety of sources, including:
- Personal experiences:
- I drew on my own personal experiences with acne treatment, as well as the experiences of friends and family members who have chosen not to use acne medications.
- Interviews:
- I interviewed several people who have abstained from using acne medications, to learn more about their reasons for doing so and their experiences.
- Online forums and support groups:
- I read through online forums and support groups for people with acne, to learn more about the different perspectives on acne medication use.
I also consulted the following research studies:
- The safety and efficacy of acne medications:
- Bhate K, Williams HC. Acne vulgaris: a review of current evidence-based treatments. Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(10):972-978.
- Zaenglein AL, Thiboutot D, Baldwin HE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73.
- The potential side effects of acne medications:
- Bhate K, Williams HC. Acne vulgaris: a review of current evidence-based treatments. Am Fam Physician. 2022;105(10):972-978.
- Zaenglein AL, Thiboutot D, Baldwin HE, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):945-73.
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WARNING
The materials published on the whateverisuseful.com website are information only and should not be considered medical advice or therapeutic recommendations. Consult a doctor if symptoms do not disappear.
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