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The following information can help you understand factors that may contribute to your skin problems.  An alteration or two in diet or lifestyle or treatment methods may significantly improve the health of your skin and body, which will help us (collectively) control acne and related problems.  This following information will assist you in making educated decisions.

Stress:  Stress has a strong relationship to acne and a profound impact.  When under stress the body produces hormonal steroids, such as cortisol (a corticosteroid hormone frequently called hydrocortisone).  Like other hormonal steroids (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, etc.) these chemicals target the skin in a disruptive manner and acne flare-ups may coincide with increased stress.    

While it is easy to suggest the avoidance of stress, this is not likely to be accomplished.  Begin recognizing your stress levels and potentially stressful events or situations.  During these times, cleanse very thoroughly, or cleanse three times a day rather than two.  Increase the use of some products from once daily, for example, to twice.  Use the Green Tea Poultice more frequently and leave it on all night.  In short, step up your daily skin care regimen to offset the skin's response to stress.  When the stressful situation passes, return to your normal daily skin care regimen.

Diet:  Research suggests that coffee (with or without caffeine) stimulates the production of cortisol (see the above section on stress) and acts just like stress.  Coffee may be a promoter of acne and its consumption should be limited. 

Foods that rapidly elevate glucose levels such as wheat, rice and potatoes may have a minor inflammatory effect upon skin that promotes acne.  Some people have a more significant reaction to wheat products (flour, bread, pasta, pastries, wheat cereals, nutrition bars, etc.) which promote acne and this may be the acne stimulator for people who have tried many different forms of treatments over a number of years without success.  Wheat products cause hyperglycemia which leads to insulin-induced skin inflammation and follicular congestion that promotes acne.  Eliminating wheat products from your diet for about three weeks can reveal if your acne is wheat-induced or not.  Eliminating wheat by itself will not control acne, but it can work in conjunction with effective products like Skintactix.

A good diet is an effective tool in controlling acne, especially fruits and vegetable rich in antioxidants, combined with adequate protein.  A healthy and well-balanced diet affects the health and efficiency of your body and that includes your skin.  Every organ in your body relies upon the same vitamins, minerals and nutrients to function.  Since the skin is at the end of the food line, it suffers greatly from an improperly balanced diet. 

Essential Fatty Acids:  Linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) is a normal component of sebum.  Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are required by the body and most people are more familiar with this bio-chemical as omega oil, fish oil, flax seed oil, safflower oil, evening primrose oil, or a number of other terms.  EFAs are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents.  The sebaceous glands normally make sebum with linoleic acid and this form of sebum is calming to the skin. 

Modern foods have avoided EFAs in favor of "designer" lipids like trans-fatty acids and research has found links suggesting trans-fats may break down the body's supply of EFAs.  When linoleic acid is not available in the skin, the sebaceous gland produces 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.

Skintactix 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 dry skin and continual follicle blockage (blackheads, whiteheads and/or acne) may benefit from increasing their consumption of foods rich in EFAs or taking supplements such as flax seed oil.  This will not control acne or blackheads and whiteheads but it can work in conjunction with effective products like Skintactix.  Do NOT take essential fatty acid supplements if pregnant or nursing. 

Antibiotic Dangers:  Taking an antibiotic may be an easy method of controlling acne, when it is successful, but there can be a huge downside.  Science has known for years that frequent or extended use of antibiotics can damage the body's natural immune functions.  Research published in February 2004 by the University of Washington in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute was more specific.  Of the 10,000 females studied, it was found that those who had used antibiotics approximately 500 days or more over an 18 year period were twice as likely to contract breast cancer than females at large.  The association between antibiotics and cancer was dose related, revealing the higher the total dosage (or volume over time) the greater the risk.  While this study involved females, the antibiotic and cancer linkage would seem to be equally as applicable to males as well.

Long-term use of antibiotics to control or maintain control of acne may involve risks that should be considered as you make decisions about acne treatment.  Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no side effects.

Benzoyl Peroxide Cautions:  Benzoyl peroxide (BP) generates free radicals in the skin.  Its effect is similar to unprotected sun exposure.  The redness of the skin (erythema), caused by sun exposure and BP, is the result of free radicals (oxidative stress) upon the skin.  Repeated sun exposure or BP use generates free radicals that damage the skin's structure and cellular DNA, resulting in premature aging of the skin.  The extent of the damage and aging from BP is determined by the concentration of BP, the frequency of application and the duration of its use.

Because BP generates free radicals it interferes with and slows the healing process.  The red and brown marks that are a part of the acne healing process may last weeks longer when BP is a regular part of the daily regimen. 

BP has been linked to cancer for a number of years and many research journal entries state  "benzoyl peroxide is a free radical-generating skin tumor promoting agent."  Performing a word search of the words "benzoyl peroxide cancer" in PubMed in the National Library of Medicine produces 102 articles from medical publications dealing with research aspects of BP and cancer.  About two-thirds of the research supports linkage between BP and skin cancer.

"In 1995 the FDA changed benzoyl peroxide from a Category I (safe) to a Category III (safety is uncertain) ingredient and stated this action (56 FR 37622) was based on new information that raised a safety concern regarding benzoyl peroxide as a tumor promoter in mice..."  Additionally the FDA charged manufacturers with the responsibility of providing this information to consumers so they could make educated decisions.  A more complete FDA statement is at the bottom of this page, for your reference.

Use of benzoyl peroxide to control or maintain the control of acne may involve side effects and risks that should be considered as you make decisions on acne treatment.  Skintactix has given particular attention to providing effective treatment with no side effects and no benzoyl peroxide.

Smoking:  A German study published in 2001 showed acne is 62% more prevalent in active smokers than in non-smokers.  Additionally, a significant dose-dependent relationship was observed between acne severity and daily cigarette consumption.

Hormone Supplementation:  The development of adult onset acne following the initiation of hormone supplementation or significant modification of an existing program may be caused by the dosage.  Speak with your physician about this subject and modifying the dosage so it does not promote acne.

Sebum Production Cycle:  The skin produces its greatest volume of sebum and oil at approximately 1 to 2 o'clock in the afternoon and its least volume in the middle of the night.  Therefore a thorough skin care regimen performed in the late afternoon or early evening is pivotal to effective acne control.  Cleanse thoroughly.  

Heredity:  Acne appears to have genetic linkage and you may get a better understanding of the possible extent of your condition by discussing this subject with your parents.  Ask questions about the severity of their acne and the duration (from what age to what age).  Use this information to make decisions regarding the various forms of treatment available to you.

Menses:  Like stress, there is a relationship to acne.  The body increases its production of hormones, which indirectly stimulates the production of sebum and the subsequent chemical reactions that promote acne.  Two to three days before the cycle, step up the daily skin care regimen and return to the normal regimen at the end of the period.  Use the Green Tea Poultice twice daily as per the instructions that come with your kit. 

Oral Contraceptives:  In some instances oral contraceptives may reduce the severity of acne and in other cases they can trigger skin problems, including acne.  If you believe an oral contraceptive is contributing to your acne, speak with your physician about "low-profestin" contraceptives or other options.  Changing to low-profestin contraceptives has shown to reduce acne in some cases.  An oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel may provide benefits for moderate acne. 

Start or Switch Acne Products Conservatively:  Approximately 15% of the people beginning the use of acne products or changing products develop an initial flare-up that lasts for several days.  When beginning acne products for the first time, begin slowly with only the cleanser initially.  In a few days add another product and so on to gradually allow the skin to respond.  When changing products, switch to one item at a time in a similar manner.  Refer to the "Treatment Progress" page for additional information.

Linens and Headgear:  Washcloths, towels, pillowcases, hats, sweatbands, etc. collect bacteria and return it to the skin each time the item is used.  This includes P. acnes.  Change washcloth, towels and pillowcases every two to three days.  Make sure headgear is clean and/or avoid the use of unnecessary items.  

Hairline or Forehead Acne:  A pattern of acne that basically follows the hairline may be caused by sebum and free fatty acids that are generated in the scalp and migrate onto the forehead.  The condition can be reduced or eliminated by shampooing more frequently and/or selecting a shampoo specifically developed for oily hair.  While your hair may not be oily, this type of shampoo can reduce the sebum and fatty acids in the scalp.  Glycolic Cleanser can be used as an oil reducing shampoo.  Antibacterial Cleanser and Septicide Cleanser perform this function and kill P. acnes as well.

Sun Exposure:  Rumors about unprotected sun exposure being beneficial in reducing skin oiliness and thereby reducing acne are ill-founded.  Photons of sunlight produce free radicals within the skin, which promote acne and reduce the skin's ability to heal and repair.  People with acne should avoid sun exposure and use an effective UVA/UVB sunscreen. 

FDA / Benzoyl Peroxide Action: February 17, 1995
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) / Department of Health and Human Services
"Topical Drug Products Containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Required Labeling"
"The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing additional labeling (warning and directions) for all topically-applied acne treatment drug products containing benzoyl peroxide.  The warning advises consumers to avoid unnecessary sun exposure and to use a sunscreen when using a benzoyl peroxide product to treat acne..."

"The agency classified benzoyl peroxide from its previous status Category I to Category III status.  This action (56 FR 37622) was based on new information that raised a safety concern regarding benzoyl peroxide as a tumor promoter in mice and a study that reported that benzoyl peroxide has tumor initiation potential."

"FDA evaluated these data and information and determined that the studies show that benzoyl peroxide is a skin tumor promoter in more than one strain of mice as well as in hamsters.  To date, topical studies (which have shown only tumor promotion) have been of short duration (about 52 weeks).  Although animal data and human epidemiology data are available, the agency has determined that further studies are necessary to adequately assess the tumorigenic potential of benzoyl peroxide.  These studies are currently being conducted.  The agency acknowledges that it may take several years for these studies to be completed and analyzed, and for the final determination to be made on benzoyl peroxide's safety."

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