(ARA) - Acne is a condition that affects almost everyone at some time in their lives. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 85 percent of adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. And although it is most common among adolescents, some people continue to be affected into their forties and fifties.

There are so many acne products on the market that it can be difficult to choose what's best for you or your child. Even among medical researchers there is debate over which acne treatments are the most effective.

"Most products either don't work very well or have a litany of side effects," says Amy Baker, founder of Nature's Cure, an innovative health and beauty products company. "Acne has internal and external causes, and needs to be treated both inside and outside the body," she explains.

Nonprescription Treatments

Common over the counter treatments typically contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid -- usually in a cream or gel. These medicines take about two to four weeks to work, but only clear the acne to a point, because they don't address the source of the problem. They also need to be used continually to keep fighting the acne, and as a result some patients experience skin irritation, burning or redness.

Prescription Treatments

Antibiotics in a topical form are often prescribed as an acne treatment. They work by clearing the skin of bacteria, but often cannot clear up the more deep-seated cases. Oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and minocycline are more effective for severe cases of acne because they work systemically. However, they can cause such side effects as photosensitivity (higher risk of sunburn), upset stomach, dizziness and skin discoloration, and must be taken for as long as four to six months. A further drawback is that doctors are becoming more reluctant to prescribe antibiotics due to the increase in antibiotic resistance.

For very severe and disfiguring acne, there is a prescription drug called Accutane that has been successful in cases that don't respond to other treatments. However, it also has serious side effects like joint and muscle pain, eye irritation, hair thinning, and intestinal, urinary and headache symptoms. In addition, it has been associated with an increased risk of depression and suicide.

For people searching for less toxic ways to treat acne, there is an innovative over-the-counter treatment called Nature's Cure. "Because acne is caused by a combination of factors, including internal triggers that can cause imbalances inside the body, and an overproduction of oil and trapped bacteria on the outside, the most effective way to treat it is by addressing both areas," explains Baker. "The all natural treatment includes a homeopathic tablet to rebalance the body, and a cream that works to clear up existing pimples at the same time."

Consumers like Sandra Loppnow, a cosmetologist from Caledonia, Wis., are happy to find a natural acne treatment. She and her four daughters spent hundreds of dollars on various treatments, with no success. They saw Nature's Cure and decided it was worth a shot; within a month, every one of the girls was almost completely rid of her acne and Loppnow finally gained control of her acne at the age of 48. "I was skeptical at first, but I liked the idea of the all-natural tablets," she says. "I couldn't believe how well it worked, and it was so easy with just two pills a day. It changed our lives! I recommend it to everyone."

Unlike other remedies, Nature's Cure is available in a male and female version. "Male and female bodies and hormonal compositions are different, and you have to address those differences when you are treating acne," says Baker.

This homeopathic treatment is made from minerals, herbs and other natural extracts that activate the body's natural defenses. Because these ingredients are in minute concentrations, they trigger the body to heal itself without side effects. There is also a two-part body acne treatment that includes tablets and a medicated body spray that can be sprayed from any angle to treat hard to reach places like the back and neck. For more information about Nature's Cure acne treatments, visit www.NaturesCure.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content


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Courtesy of ARA Content