Grades of Acne & Appropriate Treatment

Grade 1:  Minimal blackheads, whiteheads and papules (red pimples). Treat w/ Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, sulfur, and triclosan.  Try Murad Gentle Acne Treatment Gel and Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Supplement.  L-Lysine supplement also improves skin healing and is great for collagen.  I suggest everyone with acne try this, use consistently.  I take 2-3 pills 2x a day.

Grade 2:  Consists of more then 10+ blackheads, whiteheads, inflammation, papules, pustules ( inflamed papule with white or yellow center containing pus), redness, milia (pearl like mass of sebum and dead skin cells under the skin more common in dry skin).  Same treatment as Grade 2.  If VERY oily try Murad Acne Exfoliating Treatment Gel.  Spot treat papules & pustules overnight with Acne Spot Treatment.  Birth Control can also be beneficial for acne grade 2-4.

Grade 3:  More red and inflamed then Grade 2.  Consists of 15-20 blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, papules, pustules, milia and found on face, neck, chest, back, arms and shoulders.  The most common grade of acne and  has a higher risk of scarring and deep pitting.  Look for treatment from a dermatologist, Retin-A  can do wonders.  Can be treated with Murad Acne Exfoliating Treatment Gel, if you have dry skin do not use this gel.

Grade 4:  Severe acne case.  Cystic acne (a closed sac of fluid./infection under the skin.  Tender, painful and cannot be extracted.)  Extreme redness, pustules, papules, whiteheads (may even be yellow or green implying infection), blackheads, and milia.  Oral & topical treatment is necessary from a dermatologist.  Treatment can range from topicals: Retin-A cream, Differin gel, Tazorac, Azelaic Acid and/ or Clindamycin.  Antibiotics: Sulfa (reduces oil production for very oily skin).  Accutane (oral acne antibiotic only given for most extreme cases. Warning! There are many side effects including depression, health problems, sever dryness, birth defects).  There are plenty more options for severe acne cases and should be discussed with your doctor or dermatologist.

• Acne prone skin that feels/looks leathery and thick is under exfoliated.  A vitamin A derivative like Retin-A or Renova is available through a dermatologist and is a topical peeling agent that flushes out follicles.  Acne prone skin in general benefits from topical exfoliants.
• Acne can be affected by genetics, hormones (male hormones-androgens, puberty, menstrual cycle, birth control), stress, diet (fast food, greasy/fried foods, sugar, excessive salt, processed food, dairy (try cutting dairy and add soy to your diet), cosmetics & products (make sure you use oil free products, avoid synthetics fillers like silicones, dimethicone, silica.)  Double check the ingredient list-many companies label their products, non-comedogenic (non pore clogging) or oil free misleading buyers.
• Even if your skin is extremely oily, it needs to be hydrated.  Use a oil free moisturizer like Murad Acne Perfecting Lotion.  It is formulated for oily and acne prone skin, controls breakouts and oil.  For those using prescription acne medications, you may need more moisture.  Some like CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion and even Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture (even with the avocado, sunflower, olive fruit oil and shea butter) this moisturizer is a favorite among Retin-A  and Accutane users and doesn't cause breakouts.
• Accutune should ONLY be the LAST resort.  If your doctor or derm. is handing out Accutane prescriptions like skittles-RUN FAST.  The health risks are not worth it and they are being lazy about treating your skin correctly.

Product Shout Out! Renee Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment

Great for lingering painful cysts, Renee Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment works to reduce and heal cysts. If used immediately you will see a 50% healing time then without any treatment.  Cleanse face, apply a drop to new OR old cysts in the evening and  can be used 2-3 weeks as a preventative treatment for areas prone to breakouts.  Voted The Very Best Elle Essential Beauty Product by Elle Magazine, fans of this beauty product find it equal to a cortisone shot.  Available at Reneerouleau.com. 

• Free of Artificial Fragrance.
• Safe for sensitive skin.
• Ethyl Lactate decreases bacteria and inflammation.
• Purified Lactic Acid clears blocked pores.
• Carboxymethyl Cellulose carries ingredients deep within the pore allowing ingredients to take affect.

This post is not sponsored.

Review: Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 Zaps Zits

Now here is a great product that works.  It is rare for me to find drugstore brand that works effectively.  I chose to purchase after reading Paula Begoun "The Cosmetic Cop" website, Beautypedia.com.  I trust her product recommendations and my skin is grateful.

"This acne medication contains maximum strength benzoyl peroxide.  The micronized benzoyl peroxide formula goes to work immediately, releasing the medicine deep into the pores where pimples begin.  It's the same prescription formula prescribed by doctors and dermatologists for over ten years, available without a prescription. "-Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which releases oxygen that kills bacteria, sterilizes the follicle, irrigates and sloughs out acne impactions.  It works rather quickly and some maybe sensitive to BP. 

I struggle with comedones on my forehead and chin.  I am sure to wash hair products from my skin asap and keep my skin extremely clean.  My skin is also very oily, sensitive and acne prone.  This cream has kept my skin smooth and blemish free.  I also should give credit to Neostrata Anti-bacterial Facial Wash.

Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 is actually a cream.  I am happy to have found a acne product that works and is very cheap at $5.99.  If you have sensitive skin, I suggest using once a day in the evening before bed.  Your pimple will shrink overnite.  For skin that is not easily irritated, you can apply up to three times a day.  I only apply two times a day.  My skincare regime is below.

My PM Regime:
1)  Cleanse with Neostrata Anti-Bacterial Facial Wash. Warm water +washcloth.
2) Weleda Pomegranate Eye Cream.
3) PCA Skin Pigment Gel (for hyperpigmentation)
4) Spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10.
5) Moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Weleda Pomegranate Night Cream.
6) Extra dab of C&C Persa Gel 10.

My AM Regime:  
1) Cleanse with Neostrara Anti-bacterial Facial Wash.  Warm water+washcloth.
2) Weleda Pomegranate Eye Cream.
3) Spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10.
4) Moisturize with  Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Weleda Pomegranate Day Cream.
5) Protect skin with Neutragena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch spf 30.

 I have seen a huge difference in my skin after 4 weeks use.  My skin has completely cleared during this time and has remained clear.  My #1 Pimple cream!  Be sure to properly moisturize skin while using benzoyl peroxide, it can cause dryness.  Drink plenty of water and wear spf 30 everyday rain or shine.  I recommend this product for acne prone skin.

1 oz.
$5.99
Available at CVS
4.5/5

pimple gel