Dealing with Chronic Acne: What No One Will Tell You

Jul 23

Chronic acne can leave you feeling full of shame and low self-esteem. Many try to cover it with heavy makeup or use abrasive, chemical-laden skincare products to "punish" the bumps away. But what if your skin issue isn't really about your skin? Instead, it could be an internal problem that you can manage, treat, and even cure. Keep reading for effective treatments for chronic acne.

Causes of Chronic Acne

Internal Factors:
Chronic acne often begins inside the body, particularly in the liver. The liver is responsible for processing and eliminating waste from the body. When it’s not functioning properly, toxins build up and manifest as skin issues. One significant factor is an imbalance in Vitamin A levels, which the body needs in two forms:

Types of Vitamin A:

Retinoids: Found in animal products like liver, fish, and dairy. Retinoids are directly usable by the body.
Carotenoids: Found in plant-based foods like leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach), carrots, and sweet potatoes. The body converts carotenoids into retinoids.

The liver stores Vitamin A and releases it into the bloodstream as needed. Too little Vitamin A can lead to an overreaction of oil secretion, which exits the body through the skin as acne. However, when there is an excessive intake of Vitamin A, it can accumulate in the liver and cause toxicity. Symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even more severe liver damage over time.

When we seek out medical help for chronic acne, the first thing most dermatologists prescribe is Accutane.

Accutane: A Potent but Potentially Dangerous Acne Treatment

Accutane, also known by its generic name isotretinoin, is a powerful medication commonly prescribed by dermatologists for severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. Accutane is a derivative of Vitamin A and works by reducing the amount of oil released by glands in your skin, helping your skin renew itself more quickly. While highly effective, it is also known for its potential side effects, particularly its impact on the liver.

Accutane and the Liver:
Accutane works by delivering high doses of Vitamin A in the form of isotretinoin, which dramatically reduces oil production in the skin. However, because it involves high doses of Vitamin A, it places significant stress on the liver. This is why patients on Accutane are often monitored closely by their healthcare providers. Regular blood tests are conducted to check liver function and lipid levels to ensure the liver is not being harmed.

Alcohol and Accutane:
Patients are strongly advised not to consume alcohol while taking Accutane. Alcohol consumption can further strain the liver, which is already working hard to process the high doses of Vitamin A from the medication. Drinking alcohol while on Accutane can increase the risk of liver damage, leading to severe health complications.

Potential Side Effects of Accutane: Aside from liver issues, Accutane can cause a range of side effects, including:

Dry Skin and Lips: The most common side effect, often managed with moisturizers and lip balms.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Some users experience discomfort, especially those who are physically active.
Mood Changes: There have been reports of depression and mood swings, although the connection is still under study.
Birth Defects: Accutane is highly teratogenic, meaning it can cause severe birth defects. Women of childbearing age are required to use two forms of contraception and undergo regular pregnancy tests during treatment.

Holistic Treatments to Heal the Skin, Body, and Soul

At Louloudi Skincare, we believe that all physical symptoms have both internal and emotional causes. Here are a few ways to cure your chronic acne for good:

1. The Revitalize and Rejuvenate Tincture

This treatment features an incredible dose of Vitamin A in a form that heals the liver rather than disrupting it. Our Revitalize and Rejuvenate Tincture includes:

Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle is an incredibly potent liver healer. It is known to be the only treatment for the Death Cap mushroom, which destroys the liver if ingested. Milk thistle offers a healthy dose of Vitamin A in a form the liver loves.

Burdock Root:
Renowned for its antioxidant properties, burdock root supports your skin's vitality while promoting digestive health and cleaning the kidneys and urinary tract.

Chicory Root:
Rich in inulin, chicory root offers digestive benefits, assists in blood sugar regulation, and has potential anti-inflammatory effects. It also supports the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of harmful toxins that could affect your skin.

This organically grown, custom-crafted blend was thoughtfully designed to rejuvenate cellular functions and promote holistic wellness. It not only promotes liver health and detoxification but also offers a potent dose of antioxidants to protect your cells from the effects of aging. With anti-inflammatory properties, it supports nutrient absorption, regulates blood sugar, bolsters the immune system, and contributes to clear skin, bone health, and weight management.

2. Dealing with False Beliefs and Emotional Issues: Try Mirror Gazing

All chronic issues are connected to our emotions in the form of false beliefs and actions. The action of trying to "cover up" is often connected to the belief that we are not beautiful, which is usually tied to layers of shame and low self-esteem. To address low self-esteem, we suggest mirror gazing—a powerful exercise to help you find the light within yourself.

Mirror Gazing Exercise for Self-Esteem:

Find a Quiet Space: Ensure you have a peaceful environment where you can focus without interruptions.
Look Into Your Eyes: Stand or sit in front of a mirror and look directly into your eyes.
Speak Kindly: Affirm positive statements about yourself, such as "I am beautiful," "I am worthy," or "I love and accept myself."
Breathe Deeply: Take deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Reflect: Spend a few minutes reflecting on the positive aspects of yourself and your life.

Take Action:
What you believe, you do. How are you acting like you find yourself beautiful? If you didn't have acne, where would you go? What would you do? Find the connection to your self-esteem problems by looking closely at how you act because of your skin issues. Do you deny yourself pleasure? Do you avoid going places? Do you refuse to look others in the eye because you think they are judging you? When you act like your skin is bad, your skin will keep being bad. When you act like you love your skin, your skin will love you back.

Conclusion

Managing chronic acne involves addressing the issue from multiple angles, including internal health and holistic treatments. By understanding the root causes and making informed changes, you can take control of your skin health. Remember, consistency is key, and with patience, you can achieve clear and healthy skin.