Acne Books

This book is very well-written and informative. I learned so much about acne and found a few things to try on myself. After multiple trips to beauticians and dermatologists, I found a regimen that had me looking much better in a couple of weeks! I'm impressed and have shared the book with my three sisters. I wish she would have covered the role of acne in pregnancy and nursing more thoroughly; that would have been an improvement. Also, it is a little outdated on the products available, but as soon as the book was printed it was outdated, so that didn't affect the review. I feel this book is well worth the price.

This book is a no-nonsense, common-sense approach to learning about which kind of acne you have, and then finding the most effective treatment options for YOU. The author wades through all the marketing hype and consults hundreds of doctors and dermatologists to give you accurate, unbiased information about a variety of OTC/prescription products and virtually all treatment options currently available. She describes the common level of effectiveness for each product and tells you how to use it correctly (surprising info!). In the back of the book, there are multiple tables detailing the attributes of different acne products: active ingredient concentrations, pH levels, etc.

One of the best things about this book is that the author understands what you're going through: to get rid of her own adult acne, she went to several different dermatologists and ended up taking Accutane. She knows your frustration, embarrassment, and despair.

The information I learned and applied from this book has made a huge difference in my complexion. After 12 years of moderate acne (and after trying the gamut of OTC/prescription treatments to no avail), my skin has now been consistently clear for six months, ever since I started one of the treatment plans recommended in this book. I can hardly believe it myself!

Before reading this book, I had never thought of using more than one product, and -- this is key -- using them in the right concentrations at different times of the day. If you're curious, I use Sappo Hill's No Color Or Fragrance Bar Soap to cleanse my face, Ecco Bella's Leave-on Invisible Exfoliant & Blemish Remedy (salicylic acid) each morning, and Earth Therapeutics' Clari-T Acne Serum º5 (5% benzoyl peroxide) at night.

Good luck, Reader! Don't be embarrassed to check out this book from your local library (or buy it here on Amazon) -- your skin and your self-esteem are worth it.

I LOVED this book. Lydia uses tons of references and provides the reader with varying opinions on acne. She readily admits that there isn't one universal cure for acne and her research is extensive. I recommend this book to all of my clients who suffer from acne. There is a comprehensive bibliography as well where you can find books with more in-depth information.

After finding myself trying several OTC programs which didn't work, I stumbled across this book. I had no idea that I had been using BP all wrong! FYI, BP is not a spot treatment for pimples with white showing. I also had no idea that salicylic acid products had to be of a pH between 3 and 4 to be most effective. I wish the author would have tested more salicylic acid products for the appropriate pH. Only a couple of the ones she tested had the requisite pH. I would have much rather had a large list of products with the recommended pH than a large list of products without it. Also, I agree with a previous reviewer that pictures would be most helpful, especially in describing the formation of acne and what the different kinds of acne look like. Overall, I found that this book is a good introduction to the world of acne, but definitely not a place to stop learning.

Do you believe that if a product dries out your face, your skin will overcompensate by producing more oil? Do you think a special scrub can unplug your pores and help free you from blackheads? Or maybe you cherish the belief that you can sweat your pores clean of acne-causing dirt or toxins through vigorous exercise or steam treatments? If so, you need to read this book.

I have never realized how poorly I understood acne, and I am amazed how many myths I let myself absorb from "informative" commercials and advice given by well-intentioned editors of numerous women's magazines. I am immensely grateful to the author for teaching me what acne is - really and exactly - and for doing so in an accessible and friendly manner. Just the chapter "Understanding Acne" alone is worth the money I spent on this book, because it's hard to fight the condition without understanding it, and because it simply feels good to know for once what is going on with my skin.

Everything in this book, which basically explains the "clear skin" regimen, is available on Dan Kern's website (acne.org) for FREE, making this book a pointless purchase in itself.

That said, I have had some results with the "clear skin" regimen explained in the book, just not as good as others. Some things I've noticed after using the regimen:

PROS:

1) If you have never used benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) before, you will most likely get good results overall. You might even end up with a clear face, back, wherever.

2) You will appreciate Kern's empathy to the cause of acne elimination. Acne is very much an emotionally painful affliction, and empathy (not belittling) is sometimes the most important thing an acne sufferer needs.

3) When you are ready to begin the regimen, you can opt to visit Kern's website, which offers the regimen products (2.5% benzoyl peroxide, cleanser, moisturizer) at reasonable prices.

CONS:

1) Contrary to Kern's opinion, I personally have experienced my acne grow resistant to benzoyl peroxide (both 2.5% and 5% variations - 10% is too harsh). In my experience, the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide waned after a few months, no matter how much of it I used.

2) Your skin can get seriously dried out by daily benzoyl peroxide use even with the "mild" 2.5% variation, especially since Kern eventually wants you to use about an ounce of it on your face. I used adequate-moderately heavy amounts of moisturizer after the benzoyl peroxide application, but personally there was just no escaping the dryness and peeling despite me having oily skin. Using less of the 2.5% treatment didn't help either.

3) Lastly, your clothes will bleach through benzoyl peroxide use, period. It's nice to have less acne, but when you notice your favourite clothes getting discoloured (ruined) in the process, it's almost not worth it in the end. Also, wouldn't you want to have clearer skin while wearing your favourite clothes? Sure, you could wear something under your clothes, but I personally found this to be an extra discomfort on top of my dried out face.

---

Still, I urge those who haven't used 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to try out the "clear skin" regimen. But instead of buying this book, I think you're better off buying the regimen treatment products on Amazon, or on Kern's website.

I urge you though to have realistic expectations with the regimen, as it may work at first but disappoint you afterwards.

Dan's skin care regimen is the only thing that has worked for my acne - I tried everything from Proactiv to oral medications like Acutane. I've been caking on makeup for most of my life, since age 13, but now I finally can leave the house without it. Yes, I still break out a little before my monthly period, but otherwise, I'm all clear.
Dan Kern should win an award for his method, he is truly helping people, and not one of these Guthy Renker infomercial companies out for money. No celebrity endorsements needed; the clear skin regimen just works. I wish I had found it years ago.

Happily, Dan Kern is not a corporation looking for profit: he's just a guy who had bad skin and found a way to manage it. [...] I bought the book as a small thank you to Kern for being nice enough to provide the info for free. If you buy products thru his site, he gets a kick-back -- and if you don't, that's ok, too. For this reason, he deserves the support. Kind of like shareware for books. And his easy if not always fun regimen has been working so far, so kudos.

Dan's info is the only thing that has helped me get rid of my acne. Nothing else, incl. Proactiv, worked except the info in this book and it is very simple and easy to do what he suggests. But the previous reveiwer was write you can get all the info in this book on his website.

I didn't read the whole book. I just went to web site acne.org and followed the program. Acne is now gone. I suffered from Acne for over 20 years and tried many treatment programs from Accutane, Retin-A, Microdermabrasion and a few others. Dan Kern's treatment program was the first treatment program that actually work for me in the long run.

The cheapest and fastest way I know how to check out the program is to order 1 tube of the 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide (from Dan's Web Site) and try it for 1 week following Dan's instructions. Yes, if you goto the web site, Dan also wants you to get a Cleanser and a Moisturizer. All products are needed but I believe the key product is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel from his web site Acne.org.

I strongly believe if you have Ance, using the 2.5% benzoyl peroxide gel with Dan's instruction, you will have a 95% chance of seeing improvement in less than a week.

I am 37 and am loosing my hair, The information in this book has made me aware of all the reasons women can loose their hair. Many of the reason have the same symptoms. Which at first is frustrating until you realize more reasons means more possibilities to get it back even if only part of the hair. If you are considering hair transplants read this first, please.
I read other parts of the book that would be relevant to some friends this book is a great one, I have 3 more books about hair loss one is pretty good but abit out dated, the other is OK , and the other I will use to start a fire.

I went to Dr. Redmond over three years ago with a whole host of female problems that were preventing me from feeling good and enjoying my life. All that has completely changed due to his expert medical care. When I read his book, I knew that I had to buy copies for all my female friends! If you often feel that something is just "not right" with your health...then you owe it to yourself to read this book.

This book is a must-have for every woman and teenage girl. Provides a wealth of info about female hormones & physiology in an easy-to-read format. Dr. Redmond is a leader in his field, and his depth of knowledge and compassion emerge effortlessly from the text.

This is an excellent book on the subject of hormones! I highly recommend that every woman read it.

If you are a woman suffering with unexplained hair loss on your head, hair growth where you don't want it, irritability, constant fatigue, dry skin or other skin problems and you are starting to feel generally more like a man than the beautiful woman you used to be, this book is for you. There ARE medications that can help you although most doctors will ignore and dismiss you. I went to see Dr. Redmond and he was able to help me, it was worth the trip into NYC and every penny. I feel like myself again and that is a miracle.

This book provides extremely useful scientific based knowledge regarding general health and specifically skin health as it relates to nutrition. Many references are provided and no "too good to be true" gimmicks are thrown at you. Very refreshing in a time where many books are linked to a money grab of some sort, or false information. I am not completely done the book yet but have already gained much useful information.

Wonderful book. It brings everything together for you so you can see the big picture.

Wow! This book throws a lot of data, facts, and clinical trials at you. Some may say it is disorganized. However the feeling I had coming out of reading the book was an unwavering faith in how diet is related to Acne that I previously only suspected. And with that - a new-found conversion, no-TOTAL COMMITMENT to change myself 180 degrees and to beat the pharma and cosmetic industry that feeds off this illness. A strong commitment needs a strong conversion as the seed and this book is the catalyst. Wish I found this sooner. 5 Stars and bravo!

Basically, this book attempts to confirm most people's suspicions about certain types of food causing acne (ex. milk and cheese). As expected, the book immediately launched into various theories about how milk, dairy, and generally inflammatory foods all can cause acne through hormonal changes, insulin reactions, and sebum modulation. It's all very logically sound in the way it is presented.

The book then goes into foods that prevent acne, mostly centering around those with omega-3 fatty acids. The basis for the argument is omega-3's anti-inflammatory effect.

However, up to this point, it is still information pieced together from various credible sources and made into a sort of "acne theory."

The book then goes into a dietary plan and list of foods for avoiding acne.

To my great dismay and confusion, the book confirmed my worst expectation: this is a general "eat organic, exercise, widen your diet to more exotic food" plan, based on health fads and feelings more than science.

After condemning milk and dairy for half the book, the author then recommends CHEESE as an anti-acne food! He then goes to list all kinds of flavors, with a caveat of "May worsen acne in some people" at the end!

"May worsen acne in some people?" For God's sake, you just spent half the book convincing us that dairy was the Devil's own conspiracy to create acne!

Then, he recommends Olive, Sesame, and Canola oil, all of which are Omega-6 dense, omega-3 scarce oils, which he just spent the last 100 pages trying to convince you were the Devil's second conspiracy!

The rest of the list is made up of common sense fruit and vegetables, with exotic carbohydrates such as hummus and quinoa thrown in for good measure.

Now I agree that avoiding dairy helps avoid acne, and also that eating large amounts of Omega-3 fats provide many health benefits, as did both before I read this book. I'm just disappointed in the consistency of the author.

The recipes at the end are great templates to make exotic meals one might not normally think of, but are just generally healthy foods, not some kind of special anti-acne food concoction. In fact, many of them use milk and omega-6 dense fats!

If one is a complete novice to health issues, I would recommend this book, however most people who have spent some time researching on the internet will not find anything new, and may actually find contradictory information.

Perhaps a version 2 is in order?

I have to applaud Dr. Logan for this wonderful book. I'm normally not that interested in the science and don't really care for biology that much but this book presents the findings and studies in such a straightforward, concise and clear way. After reading this book, it is hard to debunk that diet somehow affects a person's proneness to acne.

This is something that anyone with some skin problem should read. Although it is a non-fiction, this book is not boring at all. It presents a wealth of relevant information throughout the book and is well worth the money.

This book was has been more useful than all the advice I have gotten from various doctors, articles in magazines and "skin care specialists". The writing is clear and finally so is my skin.

I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book. As a dermatologist, I have always discouraged my patients from buying acne "self-help" books because all of them are either insultingly oversimplified or numbingly complex. And in the end, the answer to your acne problem, amazingly enough, always turns out to be the author's own miracle regimen, which he or she will be only too happy to sell you for an unconscionable amount of money.

And frankly, I never thought a book in the "Dummies" series would be the one to break that mold. However, I can honestly say this is no less than the finest and most objective layperson's acne book ever written.

Dr. Goodheart has succeeded admirably where many others have failed -- he has taken a very confusing subject and made it crystal clear. He explains what acne is, in terms anyone can understand. He outlines the various types of acne, along with various treatment options, both over-the-counter and prescription, for each, and even addresses disease "lookalikes" that are often confused with acne, even by some physicians.

And most importantly, he cuts through all the lies, legends, and myths of acne treatment. You will learn which treatments really work, and which are a waste of money. You will learn what you can do for acne on your own, and what you should leave to the professionals. And most importantly, you will learn all of this from someone without a financial interest in which treatment you choose.

Finally, an honest physician, who is not trying to sell you any miracle potions or magical snake oils, has set on paper a completely objective evaluation of all the legitimate treatment options available, including Accutane.

Everyone who suffers with potentially disfiguring acne -- and their parents -- should read this book. It will be an invaluable resource for them, and for me as well. I will have several copies in my waiting room.

If anything can help bridge the generational divide, it's this book! Easy to read, incredibly informative, Dr. Goodheart has provided a terrific overview of a subject that's often difficult for parents and teenagers to discuss. This book's given us great historical, clinical and psychological perspective---so that together we can figure out possible treatment strategies. It's helped make my husband and I a bit more sensitive about what our kids are going through---while it answers a lot of their spoken and unspoken questions. We all recommend ACNE FOR DUMMIES highly.

I was interested in this book before even buying it because I have seen Dr. Goodheart's name several times in the NY Times Science Section. And the book more than met my expectations. NOt only is it clear and informative, but I feel as though Dr. GOODHEART is talking directly to me, anticipating all my questions before I can even think OF them. And he takes into consideration not only the skin but how we all feel when we're struggling with how we look and helps give us ways to deal with that. This is a terrific book: easy to use and hugely informative. This is the book to buy about your acne troubles or even other related skin issues.

My mom gave me Acne For Dummies to read because I'm very frustrated about my acne and for the first time I read something that I could UNDERSTAND and was also very helpful. I also enjoyed some of the unusual sidebars!! I recommend this book for all teens who have been confronted with the confounding problems of acne-- this book is clear, concise and very useful. I will refer back to it from time to time to remind myself of the options available to me. I think all pediatricians should be recommending it as well as school nurses and stuff. Thanks Dr. Goodheart for writing this book!!

IS GREAT TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE PSHYCOLOGICAL ASPECT OF THE SKIN DISEASE. YOU CAN ENTER THE MIND OF THE ILLNESS TROUGH THIS READING.

I literally couldn't put it down!

A tour de force of dermatological insight! Walker is the Freud of skin problems. Put away your corticosteroids, your emolients, your vitamen E creams! You don't need them! Read a page a day and you'll get all the help you need!

I recommend this to anyone! Whether its eczema, dermatitis, acne, rosacea, or just an itch...Walker understands you! Let him in and he can help!

I read this book within a matter of days, it's perfect for the beach or if your pennies don't stretch that far then you should read it with a box of chocolates and a glass of wine within easy reach. You will not be able to think about anything else until you have finished it, and even then thoughts will keep popping into your head.

About the best book Dr Walker has ever written. This will always be his classic masterpiece, his epitaph even.

A stunning text that delivers the scientific insight expected from a Dr Walker publication. The revelation here though, and in essence what separates this book from others, is the development of the scientist (and one time 'enfant terrible' of Psychology!) as a story teller. One hesitates to use the word genius - a term all too frequently applied in these celebrity obsessed times - but history will certainly look upon this title very favourably.

If you only read one dermatology self help book this year, then make sure that it's this one!

this book is not just clever and humorous, it is true. I am in highschool and all terms within this book are genuine instances and objects that occur. This book is a must have if you are an incoming freshman, or just in the mood for a good read. That's right, this book is so funny you can read it cover to cover. Buy!!

This book is not only hilarious, but also extremely helpful! It defines the funny, embarrassing and even serious parts of high school. Some words included are; labels, SAT, jerks, college aps, breakup and music. These words are defined in a way which many high school books lack---humor. I recommend this book to any teen who has a sense of humor!

This book is funny, helpful and totally legit!
I am a teenage girl currently in high school and so many of the deffinitions in this book are totally spot on. Whether it is explaining Myspace or what exactly a keg is, this book is great. It does not take itself too seriously and much of the book is hillarious, but at the same time it answers some of those questions you were too embarrassed to ask anyone. I would suggest this book to both people in high school and those freshly entering it. It would be great for birthday gift idea.

Sasha Schmitz

I bought 20 COMMON PROBLEMS IN DERMATOLOGY last week and finished it today.It's an excellent book with very fine pictures,illustrations,figures and explanation of common skin problems which we see in our daily practice.
I recommend this book to all medical students,trainee dermatologists and consultants.

I am a medical student who is getting his first taste of Dermatology. Since our notes do not include color photographs, I decided to buy a book. At first, I was tempted by color atlases but then I found this book. Not only does it contain color photos, but each chapter is dedicated to a specific problem (e.g. warts) and covers such issues as treatment and prognosis. Color atlases are nice but, if you want more info as to what to actually do about the disease, you might want to give this book a try.

It's sounds like the first reviewer only read the Amazon.com Look Inside pages to write a book for Acne Messages. Shall we say, incomplete review. Acne Messages answers a ton of questions about acne, from why people get acne as adults to what you should expect from your own anti-acne program. The book is full of solid research from medical journals and San-Joyz's own research on acne.

Anybody annoyed to death with acne and run of the mill acne advice will find this book to be a real breakthrough.

This book discusses hormones, nutrition, your state of mind and a whole lot of other stuff that you would think that has absolutely nothing to do with acne. She talks about what you do everyday, like self-talk to eating, and how this affects your immune system and hormones. She then tells you how these little things can turn into a zit. It's unbelievable, but when she shows, using facts from medical journals, how your everyday choices can cause zits, you have to take note.

She then shows you want to do to reverse a zit using a face chart and organ chart.

The book is decently organized. You can for instance find a whitehead on your forehead, and she shows you step-by-step what that particular zits means, what body parts are connected to that location and then what you can do right now to make the zit go away. And, you can do all this from your home without needing to go out and buy and a lot of expensive stuff.

Acne Messages really was like nothing I had ever read before about acne. I can gladly recommend it. Just use the whole book, from page one to the index, not just the first chapter.

I know that we, acne sufferes, are vulnerable people that want to get rid of this condition that carries such a heavy stigma as quickly as possible.
But if you're considering buying this book and get the best out of it, read it with an open mind and a positive atitude.
San-Joyz offers an aproach other than the traditional methods used, which is more holistic as well as affordable.
The book is well organized and easy to read, but above all, you've got to put this knowledge into practice.
Like any other book of this kind it's up to you to decide what works for you and stick with it.
I never quite understood why I've had an acne outbreak. I'm 54 years old and had a pimple once in a while but nothing out of extraordinary.
In this book I've found out why my face was breaking out: I had a poor protein digestion wich provoked acne inflammations.
The reason I'm so sure of that is because when my acne problem starded I was on a high protein diet wich was particularly though on me, considering I'm vegetarian.
At that time I was chewing meat just enough to be able to swallow it quickly since I've never liked it much, and that led to a poor protein digestion.
I quit eating meat and replaced it with some protein bars, now my skin started clearing out.
So basically this is what this book does, it helps you find out the cause of your acne, so that you can heal thoroughly.
I have to agree with the author, acne does have a message for you. Thank you Naweko!

Is there a special teen in your life who you would like to disgust, horrify, humiliate, and permanently alienate this Christmas? If so, this is the perfect gift!

This book literally does tell you everything you need to know about this intensely dislikeable skin complaint. Not only does it give easy-to-understand medical facts but also deals with other matters such as how to cope with that moment when you have established eye contact with someone and then you become aware of their eye roving over the lunar landscape of your face, pitying yet faintly revolted.