Product Description
An essential and comprehensive guide to acne for women of all ages Acne is no longer just a teenage affliction. In fact, dermatologists often refer to it as a woman’s disease, and drugstore shelves are filled with acne products specifically geared toward adult women. But how do you choose from the overwhelming selection of treatments? Which products are appropriate to use as you grow older, become pregnant, or enter menopause? How can you work with a dermat… More >>
Breaking Out: A Woman’s Guide to Coping with Acne at Any Age
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As a teenager, I was plagued with the occasional flaming red pimple. Although my skin was usually clear, I didn’t fully appreciate this until my mid-20s, when – to my surprise – I started to have more frequent and severe flare-ups. Like many people, I assumed that acne was a “teenager’s problem,” so I was both puzzled and frustrated when my acne only worsened with age – despite the inordinate amount of time I devoted to skin care.
Over the previous six months, the situation has become intolerable. Now approaching 30, the periods of flare-ups far outnumber clear days. Objectively, I know that I don’t have it “that bad,” but it’s bothersome nonetheless. I decided to take action and map out a plan of over-the-counter treatments before turning to a dermatologist for help (a last step for me, since, in my experience, dermatologists seem to overcharge and under-deliver!). At first, I tried to locate advice on the Internet. Unfortunately, I was unable to find a site with comprehensive and consistent information; for example, home remedies ran the gamut, from lemon peels to shaving cream to tumeric. There are literally as many “folk remedies” as there are acne sufferers!
Rather than try to sort through this information overload, I instead turned to my local library. The most recent book on acne treatments they owned was “Breaking Out,” so I checked it out right away.
I have to say, I think I hit the jackpot the first time around! “Breaking Out” is a comprehensive guide to acne treatments. Preston covers all the bases; she discusses acne myths and truths; OTC treatments that work (as well as those that don’t); various prescription remedies; and even more drastic therapies, such as Accutane and hormones. A longtime acne sufferer herself, she’s definitely done her research – and she also addresses her audience with empathy. She features interviews with a number of prominent researchers in the field, but the discussion is never dry or boring. Rather, she manages to break down the science behind acne causes and treatments so that it’s easily comprehensible to laypeople.
After reading “Breaking Out,” I drew up a plan to deal with my acne: a facial wash containing 2% salicylic acid (twice a day), together with a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream (again, twice a day), and an oil-free moisturizer with sunblock (as needed). When I went to my local grocery store, book in hand, I was able to tackle the five mini-aisles of cosmetics with ease: I knew exactly what I wanted, and what products/ingredients I should avoid. Although it’s only been a few weeks, it already seems like I’m getting fewer pimples (though I suppose it could just be my imagination!). Best yet, I feel confident, empowered to solve the problem, as opposed to sitting back and passively accepting the advice of clueless dermatologists.
Even though the guide is directed at women, men might find it helpful as well – particularly the chapters on various treatment options. I’d also recommend the book to men whose partners are afflicted with acne. Preston addresses the emotional aspects of acne, and her advice to women might help men understand how acne affects the emotional health and well-being of their partners.
Rating: 5 / 5
As a newspaper reporter who covers health and fitness, and someone who’s had acne-prone skin for 20 years, I’m impressed with this book. Preston did a lot of research and covers all the bases. It’s clearly and concisely written, with a lot of little tidbits of information that help us to make informed decisions about our skin care. For example, many of the benzoyl peroxide products on drugstore shelves are 10 percent strength — but for most of us, 2.5 percent or 5 percent gives the same acne-fighting benefits without all the dryness and redness and irritation. There’s a great appendix in back detailing what products contain which ingredients. Preston has suffered from acne herself, and her writing reflects that. I was left with the impression that she knows exactly how you feel — which is very comforting. A very helpful and reassuring book.
Rating: 5 / 5
Very thorough–very well written–clear practical info on how to handle acne and it’s subsequent scarring from a writer who’s actually lived through it all herself…
and *finally* someone in the skin industry publicly gives Accutane the credit it deserves-it truly is THEE miracle drug of this century.
Besides the book’s utilitarian merits it’s actually a fun read–full of personal anecdotes-take it to the beach–well–put a brown paper bag bookcover on it first…
Rating: 5 / 5
I have had cystic acne since I was a teen. I’m now 42 and there are no signs of it going away. I see a dermatologist regularly. I have tried literally hundreds of skincare products.
I purchased this book, read it cover to cover, and changed my skincare routine in response. I am using products I already had – a mix of OTC and prescription items – I just didn’t have a good plan for using them.
To my amazement, I have now gone six weeks without a cyst. This may be the longest cyst-free period in my adult life.
Lydia Preston, you are my hero.
UPDATE: Three months, no cysts. I could seriously cry!
Rating: 5 / 5
I felt supported when I read this book. Everyone close to me in my life has always said that they don’t see my pimples or skin my problem. When I press on and tell them I like to hear the truth of the matter, they go on to say, “so what you got acne – it shouldn’t keep you from being happy.”
And then the reality of how people feel comes out. People without acne see a person with acne as being lazy with ill-hygiene and an unwilliness to be socially confident. People without acne don’t empathize with us. They don’t understand that it is a handicap we carry and did not ask for or do anything to get.
If you have acne you know it’s a big deal. And this book gets that. The first part of the book is healing to say the least. The second part of the book explains all the medications and the best way to take them. In fact, I used the right stuff once – but I used it the wrong way. Then, for the past 8 years I have tried countless fad ways to change. From going on and sticking with low-sugar diets like “the acne diet” to light therapy to strong medications from the dermatologist. Nothing ever kept me on a straight line.
The author points out that if you get acne as an adult it runs a course of about 20 years and if you don’t take notice then you will go along a path that destroys your skin and become possibly disfigured.
I have hope after reading this book. There isn’t a cure, but there is a way to use medications from the drugstore or from your doctor that really will keep your face in check. Like a diet – it’s not a one time fix. You got about 20 years of staying on the plan, so it’s a daily use plan. And the nice thing about it is the author doesn’t have an everyone follow this program approach – she gives you the facts about each type of product, tells you how it works, how it fails and allows you to draw up your plan by way of your skin – since you know your skin the best.
She even pinpoints why things like Proactive helps so many people and how to get the same treatment by going to the drugstore and paying much less for it. If acne is an average of a twenty-year long adult disease, I don’t want to follow an expensive plan.
I really appreciated this book. It’s not a fad book. The author didn’t set out to write a series to make lots of money. Lydia Preston wrote this book with an obvious investigative heart with the intent to simply share knowledge and to prevent further pain cause by acne.
After two months on my new plan, which cames from notes and facts from this book, I’m happy to say my skin is looking great. And I feel free because of clear skin. Once you have the confidence in your appearence, it’s amazing how much focus you suddenly have to give to other areas of your life. It’s very fullfilling to be in control.
Rating: 5 / 5