Cystic Acne:

1.  Deep infections that are nodule or cyst-like and can become large.
2.  Infections do not raise to the surface and do not discharge their infection waste material.
3.  Blackheads and whiteheads may or may not be present.
4.  Infections heal very slowly and scarring is possible.

Before finding effective acne control, people with cystic acne try a number of over-the-counter products without success.  If you have been to a dermatologist you have probably tried an antibiotic.  Antibiotics work by killing propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) but approximately 30%-45% of today's P. acnes strains are resistant to one or more of the more common antibiotics, making the antibiotic useless. Additionally long-term use of antibiotics is associated with increased cancer risks.  (See the Acne Tips page for additional information on this subject.)  Over-the-counter products focus on the symptoms of acne rather than the biochemical causes of acne.  While this approach may be okay for light acne, it is not suited to moderate to severe acne and won't prevent light acne from progressing into the severe stages.

Biochemically Speaking, Acne Is Easy To Understand:  Testosterone (an androgen hormone) targets the skin and sebaceous glands where sebum is produced.  Testosterone combines with the enzyme, 5alpha-reductase, to produce dihydrotestosterone, which stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce increased volumes of sebum.  Sebum is expelled out of the follicular tube.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) and other bacteria on the skin and within the follicles produce bacterial lipases (enzymes) that move into the follicle openings and convert sebum into free fatty acids, which irritates the follicle linings.  This irritation causes excessive production of cells and cellular debris, which blocks the follicles and traps P. acnes inside.  The P. acnes bacteria inside the blocked follicles breed and produce acne infections.  Infections grow and inflame the skin.  Macrophage cells produce inflammatory histamines that cause the skin to become red, puffy and painful.  This causes more follicle blockage and promotes more acne infections.  In the case of cystic acne the infections are very deep in the follicles and the infections may not rise to the surface where the infection and its waste can be expelled.  This causes the healing process with cystic acne to be slow. 

Most Other Acne Products:  Most acne products attempt to kill P. acnes with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.  They do not address the other issues that cause acne, such as excessive sebum production.  Benzoyl peroxide can cause premature skin aging, slow healing and is associated with increased skin cancer risks.  In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain.  (See the Acne Tips and the Benzoyl Peroxide Skin Damage pages for additional information on this subject.)

Skintactix Acne Products:  Skintactix acne products kill P. acnes and a variety of other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, staphylococcus, salmonella, etc.) that produce lipases that promote acne.  In addition to very small amounts of salicylic acid Skintactix products use unique antibacterial ingredients such as cinnamon extract, sage extract, turmeric extract and wild marjoram extract.  In addition to very effectively eliminating P. acnes, these ingredients were selected because each of them has multiple functions.  Cinnamon extract, for example, also blocks the action of 5alpha-reductase, as does green tea.  These ingredients reduce sebum production and prevent the development of new infections.  Green tea and wild marjoram down-regulate the production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha which cause the inflammation that promotes new acne infections.

Zinc (contained in the mineral clay used in several Skintactix acne products) blocks 5alpah-reductase as well as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a.  Since zinc is absolutely essential for healing and repair it is an essential ingredient to promote quick and complete healing.

Skintactix acne cleansers (Antibacterial Cleanser and Septicide Cleanser) and Green Tea Poultice contain ten very unique ingredients that eliminate or reduce P. acnes, 5alpha-reductase, sebum production, free fatty acids, lipase production and inflammatory cascades.  Manufacturers of most other products just use the traditional salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide which have little influence on the full chemistry of acne.

While Skintactix Glycolic Exfoliator may seem basic, it is twice as effective as traditional products because it uses two types of enzymes to keep the follicles clear, plus anti-inflammatory agents to reduce follicular exfoliation and blockage.  The salicylic acid is only one percent of the total formula so the product is not irritating or drying and can be used by almost all skin types.   

Skintactix products achieve control of acne in 90% of cases because of this comprehensive approach of treating the multiple causes of acne, rather that focusing on the symptom like most other over-the-counter products.  The dermatologist and biochemist who develop BiON products have a clear understanding of the skin biochemistry involved with acne and the natural plant extracts that been shown through research to correct this skin chemistry and provide an effective acne cure.

More Biochemistry:  Linoleic acid is a normal component of sebum.  It is an "essential fatty acid" required by the body and we are more familiar with this bio-chemical as omega oil (omega 6),  such as safflower oil (as contained in Green Tea Poultice) or a number of other terms.  Essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents and sebum made with linoleic acid is calming to the skin.  Modern foods have avoided these essential oils in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fats and research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of essential fatty acids.  When linoleic acid is not available in the skin, the sebaceous glands produce sebum with oleic acid and this form of sebum is irritating to the skin and promotes acne.  It has been suggested that oleic acid sebum is drier, firmer and more prone to cause blackheads, whiteheads and promote follicular plugs that lead to acne infections.  There is more information on this aspect of acne and acne related conditions (cystic acne, whiteheads or milia and blackheads) in the Acne & Essential Fatty Acids page.

Skintactix acne products contain linoleic acid to ensure it is available for production of non-irritating sebum and to act as a powerful antioxidant and reduce skin inflammation.  People with continual follicle blockage (blackheads, whiteheads and/or acne) may benefit from increasing their consumption of foods rich in linoleic acid/omega 6 oils or taking supplements. 

Chronic Moderate to Severe Acne:  People who have had moderate to severe acne for several years and have tried multiple forms of prescriptive and non-prescriptive treatments without success should review the Acne & Wheat, Acne & Essential Fatty Acids and Acne & Milk pages to determine if these factors may be involved.  People with chronic moderate to severe acne may also benefit from the use of Inhibiting Gel to correct the chemical imbalances in the skin's chemistry that have resulted from chronic infections.

PRODUCTS (See the Acne Product Ingredients page for ingredient listings and photographs.)
Cleanser Group:
Antibacterial Cleanser:   For most skin types.  Provides extraordinary acne benefits with maximum bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, etc.) and their acne promoting lipases.  Blocks 5alpha-reductase.  (Note:  One percent of the population is allergic to topical cinnamon extract and may develop redness and stinging following use on approximately the second or third day.)
Septicide Cleanser:   Ideal for rosacea, acne rosacea and dry or sensitive skin types.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, etc.) and their acne promoting lipases. Has additional anti-inflammatory benefits, including blocking histamines in the skin that promote irritation in dry and dry, sensitive skin types.
Glycolic Cleanser:  For excessively oily skin types, with or without acne.  Keeps follicles clear of cellular debris and has minor antibacterial properties. 

Follicle Exfoliation Group:
Glycolic Exfoliator:   For most skin types.  Maximum power to keep follicles clear.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne-promoting lipases.  Powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.  Uses glycolic acid, salicylic acid and plant enzymes to help keep follicles clear and free of infections. 
Gentle Follicle Exfoliator:   Ideal for rosacea, acne rosacea, dry and sensitive skin types.  Keeps follicles clear.  Effective bacterial control against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne promoting lipases.  Powerful anti-inflammatory benefits.   

Poultice Group:
Green Tea Poultice:   For all skin types.  Poultice action literally pulls infection and developing infection up and out of the skin.  Provides extraordinary acne benefits against P. acnes and other undesirable bacteria and their acne promoting lipases.  Blocks the action of 5alpha-reductase.  Powerful antihistamine and anti-inflammatory benefits.  Delivers linoleic acid to the skin.

Treatment Progress: Be sure to review the Acne Cure Progress page.  It explains with words and photographs how the skin responds, including time-frames.

Special Value Kits for Treatment of Acne:

Kit A1:  For Normal, Combination or Oily Skin (Antibacterial Cleanser, Glycolic Exfoliator, Green Tea Poultice) (Retail $43) Kit Price $31.95




 

Kit A2:  For Excessively Oily Skin (Glycolic Cleanser, Glycolic Exfoliator, Green Tea Poultice) (Retail $44) Kit Price $32.95





 

Kit A3: For Sensitive Skin (Septicide Cleanser, Gentle Follicle Exfoliator, Green Tea Poultice) (Retail $45) Kit Price $33.95





 

Kit A4: For Dry Skin (Septicide Cleanser, Gentle Follicle Exfoliator, Green Tea Poultice, Treatment Moisturizer) (Retail $59) Kit Price $41.95

Daily Treatment Routines:
Acne – Oily, Combination or Normal Skin or Excessively Oily Skin
Light, Moderate or Severe Acne
AM    Antibacterial Cleanser (or Glycolic Cleanser) – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Glycolic Exfoliator - Apply very thinly, lightly rub into skin to disappear, leave on
         Green Tea Poultice – Apply very thinly to problem areas and rub in to disappear
PM    Antibacterial Cleanser (or Glycolic Cleanser) – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Glycolic Exfoliator – Apply very thinly, leave on
         Green Tea Poultice – Apply more liberally than in AM, rub into skin, leave on
Note: For severe acne cases Inhibiting Gel can be added to the twice daily
         regimen, following the Antibacterial Cleanser and before the Glycolic Exfoliator
Note:  If the Poultice rolls or doesn't absorb when applied, the Glycolic Exfoliator has been
           applied too liberally and is creating a barrier.

Acne – Dry or Sensitive Skin
Light, Moderate or Severe Acne
AM    Septicide Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Gentle Follicle Exfoliator – Apply thinly following cleansing, leave on
         Green Tea Poultice – Apply very thinly to problem areas, rub in to disappear
         Treatment Moisturizer – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on
PM    Septicide Cleanser – Apply to damp face, work into lather, rinse off
         Gentle Follicle Exfoliator – Apply following cleansing, leave on
         Green Tea Poultice – Apply more liberally than in AM, leave on
         Treatment Moisturizer – Optional, for dry skin.  Use as needed, leave on
Note: For severe acne cases Inhibiting Gel can be added to the twice daily
         regimen, following the Septicide Cleanser and before the Gentle Follicle Exfoliator.
Note:  If the Poultice rolls or doesn't absorb when applied, the Gentle Follicle Exfoliator has been
           applied too liberally and is creating a barrier.

Skintactix products control acne or provide a complete acne cure in over 90% of cases, including the toughest cases.