A wonderful answer to the acne question is "Breaking Out: A Woman's Guide to Coping with Acne at Any Age" by Lydia Preston.
Many teenagers are annoyed by the occasional flaming red pimple, however, what many do not realize is that acne can lay dormant until your 20s or 30s. Most people mistakenly assume that acne is a "teenage problem" and become both confused and disheartened when acne surprisingly worsens with age. What is worse is that most adults spend an inordinate amount of time devoted to skin care, yet acne persists.
Objectively, most acne sufferers only have troublesome acne that is damaging to their vanity more than anything else. Some choose to try over-the-counter treatment before finally turning to a dermatologist for assistance. Another option is to search for answers on the Internet. Here you will find every conceivable remedy, though comprehensive and consistent information is difficult to find. Folk remedies such as tumeric, lemon peel and shaving cream, while inexpensive, rarely make an impact. Another option is to turn to your local bookstore. Here you will find an amazing book called "Breaking Out" by Lydia Preston.
"Breaking Out" is a comprehensive source of acne treatments and solutions. Preston addresses all the basics. She confronts acne myths and truths, over-the-counter treatments that actually do work (and those that do not), numerous prescription remedies, as well as the drastic therapies like Accutane and hormones. A longtime acne sufferer herself, the author has certainly done all the necessary research and she speaks to the reader with much needed empathy. She includes interviews with several of prominent researchers in the skin care and acne field, but the discussion is never dry or boring. Instead, she succeeds in breaking down the science behind what causes acne and the successful treatments that can be used. She speaks as a lay person so the audience is able to easily understand.
After reading and analyzing "Breaking Out", the reader is then asked to create their own plan to deal with their acne. This option seems to be a facial cleanser containing 2% salicylic acid used twice a day, along with a 10% benzyl peroxide cream, again used twice a day and an oil-free moisturizer containing sunblock, as needed. The reader only needs to arm themselves with Preston's book and use its advice to navigate the cosmetics aisle of their local drugstore. The book clearly explains what is needed and what should be avoided.
In just a few short weeks, fewer pimples can be the readers' reality. More importantly "Breaking Out" gives each individual the confidence and empowerment to solve their acne problem without turning to harsh and dangerous prescription drugs or having to sit back and passively accept the advice of dermatologists.
Even though the guide is clearly written for women, men can definitely find it helpful as well - especially the chapters on various treatment options. The book is also recommended for men who have partners that are afflicted with acne. Preston is quick to address the difficult emotional aspects of acne and her advice for women could certainly assist men in understanding how acne affects the emotional health and well-being of their significant others.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acne | |
