If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you may have picked up some of the new language I use to describe issues of the skin.

Here’s another term I like to use to describe one of the trickiest skin situations that is commonly encountered.

Dr. Neal’s definition of “Troubled Skin”:

acne-prone skin that is oily, sensitive, thickened, prone to flushing, prone to redness and flaking, prone to premature aging, prone to discomfort and often times intolerant to all types of topical preparations. (Although often times seen in post-accutane patients, this situation can occur in any chronically oily patient)

If left inflamed for decades, the uncomfortable sensation and premature aging can dramatically effect a patient’s emotional stability and wellness.


Anxiety is the norm in patients caught in this chronic situation.

Case Presentation:

This highly intelligent and likable guy suffered for 10 years despite the greatest of efforts to get past the beast of troubled skin.

He had tried and failed:

Accutane
Benzamycin
Epiduo
Sulfacetamide
minocycline
Alkaline Diet
multiple other food restrictions
All OTC combinations


When he arrived at The Acne Practice, he was very anxious and complained of acne, oily skin, uncomfortable skin, flushing, and redness.

Watch very closely as the most difficult type of Post-Accutane skin situation can also be completely transformed.

This case, and others like it to come, represent both the stuggle I myself went through for years and what is possible for ALL chronic inflammatory conditions of the human body.

If you listen to my bio, pay close attention to the time in my life where my skin could not even tolerate exposure to water. During this time, my skin was very “troubled” and it took some time to get out of that highly inflamed situation.

Patients who have already taken Accutane often times run into the situation of Troubled Skin because they are unable to remove the ever-present oil due to issues of extreme skin sensitivity. Any product they use to cleanse the skin can turn them bright red and flushed. It’s a very tricky situation to navigate as too little cleansing leaves them an oily mess and too much leaves them flushed, inflamed, and often times incapacitated by facial discomfort.

My hope is that this blog, these videos, and this practice will bring awareness to this real health issue.
(I call it “Troubled Skin”)

For awareness sake, I think its fair to say that most dermatologists, primary care doctors, and skin care experts fumble around with this type of ultra-sensitive, troubled skin. You may be handed a diagnosis of “Rosacea”, “Seborrheic Dermatitis”, or “Eczema”. And then may be handed guesswork from topical anti-inflamatories, metrodnidozole, tetracycline, tar, zinc, selenium, special diets, and the list of guesswork goes on and on.


The real diagnosis in this situation is usually Acne combined with Seborrheic Dermatitis, but this doom and gloom diagnosis will not help anyone whose face turns bright red with the immediate application of any topical preparation.

The new term “Troubled Skin” has a much more clear and optimistic plan as a patient can imagine that what gets troubled, can eventually get Well in time with the proper assistance.

The diagnosis Seb Derm or the common misdiagnosis of “Rosacea” for this situation will only enhance the self-victimization of those who will inevitably focus on the misconceived idea of “no cure”
(we’ll talk more about “no cure” for all chronic conditions in future posts)

I hope this video and blog will create global awareness and optimism for this relentless situation.

-Dr. Neal






©2010 “Troubled Skin” by Dr. Neal Schwartz

Watch and listen closely as 7 years of a losing fight comes full circle for this brave woman.
(this video is her gift to the world)

Part 2

One of the many missions of this project is to bring awareness to the subtle suffering that is all around us at work, in the family, and with friends.

More important than the awareness is the vivid proof that all of these chronic ailments are beatable with the proper weapons and focus.




This spotlight case illustrates many of the emotional issues that were posted up here last year.

Specifically:

Control Issues
The Agony of Defeat
Baffled by Prior Failure
Vegetarians with Acne

(see the Emotional Issues Category of the Blog)

When a young intelligent woman has tried all acne medications, eats an amazingly balanced diet, dances all week, and is surrounded by comforting people…, it is truly BAFFLING to her why she would still get acne every single day. When this goes on for 7 years without a vacation, many people begin to crack under the cummulative heartache of the defeat.

Mild persistent cases can ruin lives in subtle ways that onlookers will never understand.

It’s the subtle moodiness, lack of interest, or desire to go back home to bed that chips away at our entire society.

My goal is to both bring awareness to these emotional reactions and then to open doors to the real possibility of transformation.

In this case, note how the emotional issues are amplified by prior failure despite enormous efforts.

(Acne patients are often times the most motivated people around.
Awareness of ongoing struggles despite great efforts will hopefully rise from this video project)

Be well,

-Dr. Neal

©2010 “Witnessing Transformation” by Dr. Neal Schwartz

FAQ:      ”Hi Dr. Neal,  my acne is not as severe as some of your bigger cases.  Do you think “non-inflamed” acne is also treatable??”

Answer: Every Case of Acne is both treatable and preventable.

There are no exceptions to this rule.

There are several missions involved in this groundbreaking video project.

Here are the clear, unwavering points being proven by the expanding gallery every month:

1) All Severe cases are treatable despite prior failure

2) All mild and moderate cases are treatable despite prior failure

3) Like many treatable chronic situations, Acne is a self-victimizing condition  (click the link to learn more–”part I”)

4) Acne comes with many emotional problems that were originally caused by acne itself,  but then manifest as their own entity until directly healed.

5) Hormonal Acne, Adult acne, Genetic Acne, Post-Accutane Acne, and Special acne are all special terms for “plain old acne”  that can only lead to self-victimization.

6) Blackheads, “non-inflamed” bumps,  congested pores, pimples of all types, and cysts are all part of the same chronic condition of acne.  (many manifestations of the same condition)

7) By labeling your case of acne by the old terms,  ”cystic acne”,  ”non-inflamed acne”, blackheads, moderate, severe, mild, comedonal….,  you are creating a special condition from a typical situation.  This mistake creates a pathway to the emotional phenomenon of  “Self-Victimization”

*8)  Self-Victimization is the reason people needlessly suffer from treatable conditions for a lifetime.  It’s difficult to witness people constantly making this emotional mistake.

Watching people continue to make this emotional mistake is the fuel that keeps me writing and video taping.  If I put up big cases,  the mild cased people self-victimize themselves. If I put up women,  the men think their case is special. When I put up darker skin, the light skin people become victims.  If we celebrate stopping the oil,  the dry cases become “special”

I am witnessing this self-victimization every single day and it’s relentless.  I will endlessly fight this emotional decision with thousands of videos until popular thought overwhelms this mistake.

If you have already witnessed this type of behavior in your family members or friends,  let them know of this classic emotional mistake.   Needless suffering hurts us all.

Until this emotional concept and mistake becomes common knowledge in our society, there will always be people who mistakenly think their case is “special”

(this is universal to all treatable lifetime ailments,  not just treatable skin problems)

Fortunately for this particular emotional crusade,  there are videos already in the extended gallery of almost every situation.  Cystic, non-inflamed, light, dark, mild, moderate, severe, hormonal, genetic, adult, teen, seb derm, dry, oily, sensitive, women, men, post-accutane….

Those who have victimized themselves only need to watch them to see what is possible.

For today’s offering, specifically for those who are suffering from “non-inflamed” acne,

here’s some videos plucked out of the collection to help you see what is possible for any situation…

click link below for more videos———->

(more…)

This practice was created to fill a special niche for those who have been unable to achieve victory despite great efforts.

See the quote from the About section written in 2007:

“This project is especially important for the many acne sufferers who have already failed powerful oral medications and are now left with a desperate feeling that they have exhausted all options.”

What does someone do after they fail multiple rounds of Accutane??

Are they hopeless?

Are they forgotten by the system?

Do they take a loan out to try laser treatments that are very unlikely to help long term?

What happens to these people??

This entire project was passionately created  for the hopeless, victimized group who has pigeon-holed themselves into a “special” case of untreatable acne.   As seen in the gallery over and over,  there is no such thing as untreatable acne.   (there are no exceptions to this rule)

Although once thought to be the final option for severe and persistent cases,

Accutane is no longer the last resort for acne.

This practice is picking up the broken pieces of all the accutane failures.

Witness how the system is now heading for a major change:

©2009  ”When Accutane Fails??”   by  Dr. Neal Schwartz

The reason this practice was designed for  “Those who have failed “Everything” is because the mass marketed businesses, fast paced western medical clinics, and skin spas have been dropping huge numbers of people through the cracks without accountability for the failures.

We have developed a Definitive Practice for acne in New York City and it has become obvious that focused home version clients have been able to master this advanced program as well.

This home version client has given us permission to show her story,  her emails, and her progress photos.    For those who have lost hope,   read every word of this extensive post and you will see that no case of acne is “special” or “untreatable”.

(try Full Screen)

3 Months Later:

Hi Dr Neal,

My skin’s totally clear and looks amazing! I’ve been pretty much clear for a while, except for accidentally getting one spot, then clear, then one spot again that day, due to not touching up quite in time, but it’s clear now. Thank you so much for this – the freedom of not constantly thinking about my skin is fantastic, I can live normally now! I can’t imagine ever going back to living with acne, it really was taking its toll, I was getting increasingly distressed and depressed about it, anxious, obsessive, compulsive, etc. etc. I now don’t have to let it rule my life! And for the first time in years, I’m happy with what I see when I look in the mirror. It’s amazing. I’m beyond grateful. I’ve got so fed up of spending so much time applying foundation/concealer that I hardly ever wear any now as I feel confident about my skin as it is – there’s a few marks left, mainly on the sides of my cheeks, but these can be pretty much covered when my hair’s down and they’re all fading brilliantly. And the oiliness – I used to have extremely oily skin and it’s so relieving to be rid of the way that looked! And it’s so smooth!

I’ve attached some photos of how my skin looks now, and some of how it looked before in case this saves you time searching for the old ones I sent you. I don’t mind at all you using these on the site, plus the rebate would help me out with the costs. I’ll send you some when all the marks have totally gone if you’d like, too, for a better before and after?

Also, I’ve looked on your site at the three dimensional scarring videos which are great, I didn’t think these would go without some form of laser therapy or something. I haven’t got many given the amount of activity as you said at the start of the programme, but there’s a couple right in the middle of my forehead that are kind of annoying. Will these eventually fade with the products that I’m using now?

Again, thank you so much for all your help!

FAQ:    Does Dr. Neal’s Acne Bootcamp also take care of Dark Marks??

Answer: All dark marks and acne are treatable in this bootcamp program regardless of prior failure.

FAQ2:     What if I have only Dark Marks with no Acne?

Answer: This program was designed to handle all chronic dark marks of any kind.   Feel free to send cropped photos to Dr. Neal if you need help choosing the appropriate kit for dark marks.

FAQ3:    What about Red Marks?

Answer: Red marks on lighter skin are also completely treatable regardless of prior failure.

Watch closely as these patients get control of their acne, their dark marks, and eventually their lives…

See More Dark Mark Videos in the Link Below——>

(more…)

Continued from the post entitled,    “Time = Scarring”

As mentioned previously,  the inflammation of active acne is a destructive force that often times needs to be dealt with in an urgent manner.   Any complacency, delay, ineffective treatments, hoping, waiting, or inappropriate advice can create a regrettable situation.

When confronted with a case of acne that is actively scarring the skin,  there is an urgent need to first “Inactivate” the skin.  I use this term in many videos as it represents the moment when a patient is safe from further scarring.   Once safe from danger, all other cosmetic scar conversations can be discussed in a non-urgent manner.  It’s a stepwise approach.

Here’s an example of a very difficult starting situation moved briskly through step 1 of the stepwise approach:

Here are some other successful examples of the full stepwise approach using only Dr. Neal’s topical products over time. (no other scar procedures)

Scar improvement after one year of “Total Inactivation” :

(see more videos below)

(more…)

Of the many acne misconceptions being propagated in the world, there are some popular thoughts that rarely get challenged.

One very popular acne misconception is the idea that oil production is not changeable by any means other than by internal changes in the body.  The idea that toxins are coming out through the pores of the skin has gained widespread popularity and from this premise, it only makes sense that you need to fix these “toxins” from the inside.

Another stance that is strongly held is that oil production is a direct and sole result of hormone levels.  Common sense would then dictate that hormones can only be altered from the inside.

The idea of changing oil production using topical preparations makes absolutely no sense if one is deeply rooted in the toxin or hormone philosophy.

Let’s revisit this widespread belief and see if it holds as much power as the hype would make it seem:

“Oil production can only be controlled Internally”      Truth or Misconception?

Argument for internal sole cause of oil production:

1)  Acne often occurs at puberty when hormone levels change.

2) Accutane is a an internal treatment that has helped control oil for millions of patients.

3)  Other hormone related oral medications have also been able to control oil.

4)  Holistic measures including nutritional changes, stress relief, lifestyle modifications, and behavior modifications have been shown to decrease oil production.

5)  Many people have failed topical treatments for oil production and at best only get temporary partial relief.

6) Severe acne has been shown to be caused by internal tumors and glandular disorders.

7) It has been proven in the lab that hormones directly influence the production of oil from the oil glands of the skin.  (universally accepted scientific studies)

*8)   Many people have oily skin despite amazing efforts using topical remedies.

Pretty strong argument here…,      Let’s take a look at the other side….

Argument that oil production is changeable using topical treatments:

1)  Millions of  people have been able to control oil production using all types of topical acne medications despite zero changes in lifestyle, diet, or stress.

2)  Hormone levels mostly come back normal when tested in very oily patients.   (why are they oily if their bloodwork is perfectly normal?)

3)  Many people with high levels of androgens or other hormones do not have oily skin.   (how is this possible if oil glands are controlled by hormones alone?)

4)  This practice has captured many cases of transformation of oil production without internal body modification of any sort.

5)  Individuals with perfect diets, great meditation, perfect bloodwork, ultra-fitness, and low stressed environments often times have severe oiliness.

So What’s the real story??

Here’s the reality.   Oil production is changeable by both internal and/or external influences.   This bottom line refers back to prior posts of self-victimization.  It is only those frustrated patients who have failed tremendous efforts to control their oil topically who will give in,  see the situation as a sole internal problem, and then use an excuse to rationalize why their special internal problem is unchangeable.    Seeing oily skin and acne solely as an internal problem is a set up for victimization because some internal problems are not easily treatable.  This misconception then creates an “untreatable” acne situation.    We know from the video gallery that this stance is misconceived.

Here’s the logic and breakdown in clear format to observe:

Inaccurate premise #1 :

Acne and Oil production are solely controlled by internal factors.

Premise #2  :

My internal medical disease is untreatable.    (possible reality or more of the same victimization for a different condition?)

Perfect Logical Conclusion: “My special case of Acne is untreatable”

(*remember:   Logic is not based in accuracy.  It is based in consistency)

Examples of this type of self-vicitimization are seen with those who suffer from PCOS, Strong family histories of acne, hormone imbalances proven by bloodwork, bowel disorders, systemic infections and infestations, and all other sorted medical diseases and “diagnoses”.

Dr. Neal’s Bottom Line:

While hormones or “toxins” due to stress, puberty, or real medical disease can and often do aggravate any acne situation,  they are neither the cause nor the sole source of cure for this complex condition.  In this practice,  it has been proven that all cases of oily skin, dry skin, and acne can be inactivated regardless of the mayhem that is going on internally.   Although we always make efforts to help people holistically and internally as well,  some are not willing to make lifestyle changes and still get perfectly clear in the practice.  Others come into the practice in amazing internal condition with only problems evident on their skin.   (see “Vegetarians with Acne”)

This bottom line will be addressed in the case studies below:

This patient was in top athletic physical condition and had a very conscious diet before coming to the office.   His only internal problem that was noted on day 1 was his anxiety caused by his oily skin.   Since he was in such peak physical condition,  i did not expend too much energy trying to help him internally.  Rather,  I treated the oil production topically and his anxiety dramatically reduced in weeks.

Many of the cases in the collection start off very oily and finish with minimal oil production.   Here’s another great example of mild acne and chronic oiliness that was completely controlled in a patient who was already very health conscious before coming to the office.

@2009     “Acne Misconception: “Oil Production Can Only Be Controlled Internally”"      by  Dr. Neal Schwartz

He had a friend take this before video:  (followed by progress photos he sent us by email)

Here’s the next progress report he sent us:

Today’s email update:

This client has given us permission to show his prior emails during the course of his transformation:

“My left side was horrific, just really bad - you can zoom in and see from the old pic especially, it’s a higher resolution photo, very high, and there’s redness, bumps, everything imaginable.

    When people tell me that they choose to only eat vegetarian, vegan, raw food, or any other restrictive type of diet, I always ask them if they changed their diets specifically to help their skin.   Most say yes, and I see how baffled and confused they become by the reality that their skin is totally out of control despite an unbelievably conscious diet, an ultra-fit and meditative lifestyle, and great coping skills for their stress…

How can this group of people still have so much Acne??

It baffles everyone and causes a frustration that eventually can lead to hopelessness.

I’m going to try to help ease this very common misconception here and emphasize the point with a Live Documentary Case Study.

Here’s the root of the confusion:

   There is an undeniable reality that better diets and conscious eating have overwhelmed modern medicine in a great way, helping to prevent all types of diseases that once haunted people needlessly.  I changed my eating habits recently in a subtle way and noticed an immediate increase in energy and sensation of well being.  I can see first hand why so many people are so enthusiastic about new eating strategies. 

However, there is a great mistaken assumption made by both enthusiasts and professional healers that sounds like this,  ”If dietary strategies can heal so many ailments,  It must be able to clear all acne as well”    This adamant assumption can create a serious emotional problem of hopelessness for someone who is eating perfectly and still suffering.  It’s a set up for failure, stress, and depression. 

The more responsible and accurate statement that needs to be made about dietary strategies will be made here to ease the stress of those making great efforts, yet still struggling:

“Although dietary strategies of all kinds have helped many people battle their acne,   their will inevitably be those with acne more powerful than the healing power of nutritional selectivity.  Those who are still struggling despite amazing nutrition need not be baffled.  They are one of a great many who is eating ultra-consciously and suffering from chronic active acne. ”

My personal recommendation to vegetarians who are still suffering:

If years of dietary changes have not brought you satisfaction yet,  do not be surprised at all.   Look for other ways to fight this battle while keeping your healthy lifestyle going.

Some may ask,   “What’s wrong with trying many new diets for a couple years to see if it can handle the acne.”

My response is typically:     “You have about 3-4 weeks to play around with acne.  As time passes, trial and error can have many side effects.  

(see this post:  time = scarring)

Others may presume,    ”Well, those vegetarians are probably eating a lot of junk food that has no meat in it.”   or   ‘They are doing the diet incorrectly”

(I often remind people that Acne patients are very motivated.  This is a very powerful condition.)

—The assumtion that someone who still has acne is just not doing the diet right and claiming to be perfectly health conscious is highly  offensive to any intelligent health conscious sufferer.  No one should assume that someone with acne is not trying amazing efforts to get clear.  My experience with acne sufferers has shown that acne patients are often times the most health conscious people ever,  even when their faces are totally active. 

Bottom Line:  

People are still underestimating the power and stubbornness of this condition.  

(I see this every day)

Eating great is wonderful for the mind, body, and spirit.  Do not be surprised, confused, or lose hope in any way if your eating habits do not solve all of your acne problems.  

This live video series should give hope to any motivated sufferer who accidentally lost hope while under a strict dietary regime.

Parts 1 & 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5 (After-After)

 



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©2009 “Vegetarians with Acne??”     by  Dr. Neal Schwartz