Acne Q & A—“How long does it take to clear up problem skin?”

Can you provide any referrals for products that treat severe acne?

Severe acne will not be totally eradicated by using products, even with an exceptional treatment product. True acne is a sign of an internal imbalance that needs to be attended to more than just topically. However, treatment products that employ essential oils, which are antiseptic and antibacterial, are perfect for helping to calm down infected skin. Again, nothing used topically is going to fix a problem that stems from the inside, but these types of products can definitely help. 

How long does it take to clear up problem skin?

There is no definitive answer to that question. It is totally individual and depends on numerous factors. “Why is my skin not clear?” would be a good first question to ask yourself. If you continue to do things that contribute to poor-quality skin, then your skin may never clear up. Improper cleansing, sleeping with makeup on, using products that are drying, eating sugar or junk food, disregarding constipation, and not drinking enough water are just some of the factors that help to create unhealthy-looking, unclear skin.

Then there is the genetic component that cannot be overlooked. You can have all the unhealthy habits in the world and still (perhaps) get away with it due to inheriting miraculous genes for good skin. On the other hand, the opposite can also be true. You can do all the “right” things to support internal and external health, and having clear skin still may be a struggle if you have a genetic makeup that predisposes you to having problem skin.

So my answer to the question “How long does it take to clear up problem skin?” is: Good question!

What are you willing to do to improve the balance of health inside and out? Perhaps adopting a life philosophy where you see you are either contributing to your healthy mind and body or contributing to the destruction of health, incluidng your skin. This, by the way, can apply to any and every area of your life—not just your diet and how you are taking care of your skin.

Ask yourself these questions: How are you contributing to or contaminating your skin? Your body? Your health? I bet the answers you come up with will not only be interesting, but will help you understand how you could be causing your skin problems. And also (here’s the good news), how you can be the creator of healthy skin.

For more information, see:

• What is acne? Acne explained
• A confused client needs help: “Dry? Acne? Rosacea? What is going on with my skin?”
• Problem skin? ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS & become a skin care sleuth