Since 1982 Accutane has been a reliable, if not controversial, drug for treating severe acne. Now with FDA representative David J. Graham’s statement that Accutane should be taken off
market, and pharmaceutical manufacturer La Roche’s defense of Accutane’s safety in a Florida courtroom, access to Accutane faces mounting restrictions.Accutane provokes five acne-fighting actions that anyone can replicate using nutrition and self-care.
Reduce excess oil secretion: Accutane is a derivative of vitamin A and reduces
secretion of oil by
oil glands. Foods that supply
body with Vitamin A and beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A by
body) include: Liver, oily fish, whole eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.
Encourage extreme shedding of
skin: Using a peel is
easiest method to promote shedding of
skin. Exfoliation releases
build-up of dead skin cells, oils and bacteria trapped in
pores, which could lead to
formation of blemishes.
Extreme peels Peels come in varying degrees, from mild to harsh. The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peel is an extreme peel that can cost from $100 to $1000 depending on
degree of
treatment. It is only performed in a doctor’s office. The TCA is not a save all however. The peel can make
skin sensitive to
sun cause hyper-pigmentation.
Home use peels: Several over-the-counter peels contain papaya enzymes or glycolic acid. These peels lightly exfoliate
skin and are safe for weekly use.