Welcome to Campus Acne Truth's first Blog -- a place to learn and share acne treatment successes, challenges, facts and real stories about what works and what doesn't when it comes to treating acne.  

Now that the school year is over, it’s time to have a kickin' summer of 2009 and I'll start off this blog by sharing  with you my take on what works best to help keep my acne under control.

It’s amazing how many acne products there are and how much money is being spent by acne treatment companies that try to convince us through t.v. commercials, web sites and radio commercials that each company has the best new cure for acne!  Thanks to Campus Acne Truth.org, you now know NO CURE exists for acne - acne is caused by hormonal activity going on deep under your skin and is dictated by your genes and body's development process.  Point is, though you can't cure your acne, you definitely can make a difference by taking control of your acne.

Follow these top five acne control tips to help you look your best this summer:

1. Don't suntan to clear your acne.  Beyond the obvious fact that you increase your risk of developing skin cancer, sun tanning creates dried skin cells that clog pores and cause even more breakouts. Also, be aware that many of the medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn.    If you are going to be in the sun all day, use sun screen and skin care products that are perfume free, oil free, and labeled hypoallergenic or non-comedogenic (will not clog skin pores). 

2. Never pick your skin or pop a pimple because it can spread infection, worsen your acne and cause permanent scarring.  Best bet is to stick your treatment regimen and hit the spot with your favorite acne treatment ideally containing salicylic (not toothpaste!), which will dry the spot without the itching and redness often associated with benzyl peroxide.  

3. To get a quick relief from acne blemishes, rub ice cubes in a pack on the affected area. This soothes the irritated skin and also shrinks the size of pores. 

4. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day and eat foods rich in omega-3 oils, fruits and leafy greens to cleanse your system naturally as well provide your body with many nutrients that it needs to heal itself.

5. The most important tip that makes all of the difference - develop a hygiene regimen to control acne breakouts and keep up with it!  Skipping treatment allows bacteria to form deep in the follicle and causes new breakouts. You need to devote your time and patience to get your skin under control and look your best.

Please contribute your ideas, treatment experiences and stories - the best way we can help each other heal and deal with the physical and emotional impact of acne is through sharing real life experiences. 

Take a minute to post what's worked for you - it could make a big make a big difference for someone else to know that his or her acne isn't that bad and that there's hope for having clear skin. 

Best wishes for an awesome (clear-skinned) summer of 2009!

Peter

Campus Acne Truth Blog Editor

Summer has just started and soon it will be over.  Lets make the best of it!  Please let me know if my tips for treating summer time acne prove to be helpful to you?  

Enjoy your summertime events, be safe and have fun.  Before you know if you will be focusing on your Fall regimen of classes, work and of course, fun-filled weekends participating, attending and tail-gating at (my favorite) Fall sporting events, here are some tips on how to look your best for homecoming:

• Hydrate Yourself and Your Skin
  • Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day - Yes, there's water in beer, but don't over do it because alcohol dehydrates your skin). Reduce your intake of coffee, milk and sodas, and try green tea as a wake-up call
  • Don't over wash your face, as it depletes the natural lipids (cholesterol) on your skin's surface, which acts as a protective barrier from harmful bacteria that enters and clogs your pores and leads to acne 
  • Avoid harsh, irritating ingredients and preservatives found in most mass merchandised soaps and facial cleansers, such as alcohols, dyes, and parabens (found in most of the leading acne treatments). This is especially important for girls because their skin is thinner, and guys need to be wary of parabens as they've been shown to reduce sperm count. I highly recommend you check out your current skin products and learn about their safety profile by going to

• Exercise Frequently
  • Release the stresses caused by studying for big exams, first dates, and recovering from a Frat party by hitting the gym, going for a hikes or bike rides to check out the foliage and don't forget to wash your face after sweating. This is critical for guys who have more sweat glands and produce more sebum (oil) than girls
• Eat Healthy
  • A diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 is vital for a clear, healthy looking complexion. Foods to look for this Fall that contain these ingredients are any green leafy vegetables, butternut squash, pumpkins, and pomegranates (not the Martini, LOL). 
  • To get your daily dose of skin-improving vitamins, work hard to include five or more servings of fresh vegetables and fruits (including at least one citrus). 
  • Flaxseed oil and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids should also be in your menu because of their role in skin health
• Get Some Sleep!
  • Make sure you're in the deep-sleep mode from 11:00PM - 2:00AM - that's the time where your skin starts to regenerate itself
  • It really helps avoid breakouts, sleep at least 7-8 hours everyday

Any other tips and ideas?  Please post your comments, questions, and share your acne fighting tips to beat acne this Fall.

Helping you look your best,

Peter

Campus Acne Truth Blog Editor