How to Evaluate Acne Treatments Scientifically

Acne is an affliction characherized by over-active sebaceous glands that cause pimples and whiteheads to erupt on the skin. There are many things that can cause breakouts, including diet, illness, hormones, stress, environment, hygeine, and genetics. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of acne medications on the market, including topical creams and pills. Unfortunately, no one has discovered a cure that works for everyone, thus, finding a acne treatment that works is a matter of trial and error.

If you suffer from acne and don't know which treatments to use, you should set up controlled experiments to determine which remedies will clear up your skin. Scientifically testing each medication and possible acne trigger will help you identify the causes of your breakouts, and find the right product for your skin.

Eliminating Cosmetics as a Cause of Acne

Before you test different creams and pills for acne treatment, you should see if your makeup, soaps, lotions, and hair products may be the cause of your breakouts. For one week, eliminate some of the creams and powders you use on your face, as well as gel that you apply near the hairline. If your acne clears up when you stop using certain products, your skin may be sensitve these products. Reintroduce the cosmetics back into your routine, one by one, to determine which particular makeup or lotion is causing pimples and whiteheads. Switch to unscented lotions and oil-free or mineral makeup if you have sensitivities.

Eliminating Foods as a Cause of Acne

Refined sugars, oils, animal products, nuts, and spicy foods are common causes of allegies and rashes. They can also exacerbate acne. If you eat these foods often, and you have moderate to severe acne, you may actually have an allergy to one or more of these foods. For each food that you think triggers your acne, eliminate it from your diet for one week. Start by eliminating sugary and greasy processed foods, as these foods are the most common culprits. This means no snack cakes, chips, soda, pizza, fries, or candy. If your acne improves when you stop eating these foods, you may be able to cure your acne simply by changing your diet.

Dairy and eggs are other common allergens. Your acne may clear up if you cut milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and icecream from your diet, as well as eggs.

Evaluating Acne Medications

Each time you try a new over-the-counter acne treatment, you should follow a precise regimen so that you can accurately determine whether the product works or not. Follow these steps each time you test an acne medication:

Wash your face with water or plain soap + water before you apply the medicine to your face. Use a gentle soap, such as Dove.
Use the product as directed. If it says use 3 times a day, use it three times a day.
Do not exfoliate or scrub your skin unless the product directs you to.
Do not attempt to pop any zits while you use the medication.
Use the product for at least a week before you decide it doesn't work. Exception: Stop using it immediately if it makes your acne noticeably worse.
Do not use any other medicines during the week.
Before testing a new acne treatment, give your skin two or three days to normalize. You can exfoliate your skin, but do not use any acne medicines.

You can also try an experiment where you apply the prodcut to just one side of your face, and leave the other side medicine-free.

If you are taking prescription pills, such as Accutane, you may need to take them longer before you see results. For prescription medicines, always verify the dosage and use with your doctor.

What if over-the-counter products don't clear up my acne?

See a dermatologist if you have persistant breakouts that don't respond to non-prescription products. You may have an allergy, infection, or hormone imbalance. Try natural remedies too. Sunlight, fresh aloe vera gel, and slices of fresh lemon work for many people.