The Acne Prescription: The Perricone Program for Clear and Healthy Skin at Every Age

by Nicholas Perricone

From the #1 New York Times best–selling author of The Perricone Prescription . The Acne Prescription delivers a complete program that incorporates Dr. Perricone's trademark three–tiered approach (anti–inflammatory diet, targeted acne–fighting nutritional supplements, and breakthrough topical applications) that will help you clear your skin in a matter of days. Not only will you see impossible–to–ignore improvement in your skin, the program will help improve your body's overall health and appearance. And, Dr. Perricone will tell you what to do to treat the pitting and scarring that often affects adult acne sufferers. The Acne Prescription features dramatic before–and–after photos, rock–solid scientific background explications, and a day–by–day program of meals and exercises. And, Dr Perricone will dispel common medical myths regarding the causes and treatment of acne. By following the Perricone Program of diet, vitamins, topical applications, and exercise, you can dramatically reduce the appearance of blemishes and breakouts, and achieve a smoother look within three days You will look and feel better than you ever thought possible. Good health and beautiful skin – an unbeatable combination.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son had very bad acne all through high school and into college and the dermatologists could only throw drugs at him - antibiotics and dangerous drugs like Accutane which severely lowered his white blood count. I saw Dr. Perricone's book at Costco and thought, why not? My son and I read it and we all decided to try Dr. Perricone's anti-inflammatory diet. Years later he still follows the diet & stress reduction tips and his face has remained clear. My son believes that this diet was key to curing his acne and we can't understand why the doctors don't get it! Probably because big Pharmacy is making sure doctors don't ever let patients know that something like diet could change their skin and their lives. I followed the diet too, even though I don't have problems with acne. The plus side for me? I lost 10 pounds the first month. This book was a life changer for my son, but you need to follow the diet, which is essentially a Mediterranean diet. If you live on junk food, fast food, etc., it will be a major life change for you, but why not give it a try. The cost of a book is vastly cheaper than prescription and over-the-counter drugs and lotions and will hopefully improve your skin, your health and your life.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not choose to try the "prescription" completely because my skin issues are not severe enough to outweigh other factors and concerns. Some of the foods on his "bad list" happen to be some of the more healthy and convenient foods my young children enjoy (e.g. bananas, mangoes, carrots). Some of the "good foods" upset my stomach, some are heavily pesticide laden in the winter (e.g. berries), and the processed meats and fish he seems to condone are often high in sodium and preservatives. The chapter on supplements was totally overwhelming-- do I really need THAT many vitamins? Then I noticed in the back of the book that Dr. Perricone sells his own custom multivitamin. Hmmm.. The approach to both supplements and topicals seems to be "these are all the things that have ever helped someone, so use them all and something is bound to help". I would rather figure out a couple small changes to try and then go from there. Then again, that approach might be hard to get from a do-it-yourself book without a doctor's ongoing guidance.

On the positive side, much of the advice is corroborated by current prevailing health wisdom (antioxidants, omega 3s, yoga). I decided to try some of the general principles in moderation: I cut way back on carbs, increased protein and water and focused heavily on the "good" foods. I also started an alpha lipoic acid supplement. I did in fact see improvement in my skin. I also found it difficult to maintain my energy level through the day. I did a little research and found out that many people feel weak and tired when changing to a low-carb diet. Whether this is merely an adjustment period or a permanent problem is controversial, but it seems like something the author should have addressed.

So overall I would say this is definitely worth reading, but as with any "miracle cure" it must be taken with a grain of salt and considered in context with your own body, lifestyle, and priorities as well as all the other information sources out there.

[Grete · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perricone is a self-aggrandizing snake-oil salesman. While some of his assertions are backed up by studies (and echoed in others' writings on acne), many aren't, and the meager list of sources from which to obtain the topicals and supplements he recommends clearly points the reader to Perricone's own overpriced concoctions.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very interesting and informative. It was enjoyable and motivating. I do confess that much of the meals he recommends sound quite bland and salmon 3 times a week can get quite expensive for the average person. However I will I need to test the practices and recommendations given in this book before I can adequately rate it. But for now 3 stars seems fair

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book a while ago and found notes in computer.

The Acne Prescription The Perricone Program for Clear and Healthy Skin at any Age

Pg. 26 Rosacea -

www.rosacea.org

Inflammatory condition - dilated capillaries on skin’s surface….bumps, persistent redness.
Follow anti-inflammatory diet…..keep skin clean of bacteria….topical alpha lipoic acid……

Elevated levels of cortisol destructive ….increase in blood sugar ….pro-inflammatory mode…..
Cortisol – death hormone
Common pathway of initiation and progression is inflammation…….first come inflammation, then comes disease, acne….

Blood sugar and insulin levels rise, increase in inflammatory chemicals at cellular level.

Strategy to keep Cortisol levels low.
1. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet
2. Take anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements
3. Get good, adequate sleep…6-8 uninterrupted sleep every night
4. Minimize stress…..avoid stress inducing situation
5. Cut out coffee….due to organic acids that affect blood sugar and
cortisol levels…
6. Take time for yourself – meditation or prayer
7. Yoga
8. Think green….use green tea instead of coffee……in addition to
caffeine, contains theanine – counteracts the effect of caffeine
9. Diet should include plenty of essential fatty acids……canned salmon from Alaska
avocados, nut, almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts

Flaxseed – contains lignans – anti tumor properties
Physical exertion even causes stress reactions elevating cortisol levels….moderate your exercise……

Chocolate – 85% cocoa…..high in antioxidants, …….high levels of phenolics – antioxidants that fight the cell damage that leads to chronic conditions….
boosts levels of endorphins, serotonin…..Dark chocolate – high levels of chromium…

Creams – anti inflammatories…DMAE…..alpha lipoic acid….glutathione….vit E, vit C,

Avoid foods that have a glycemic index higher than 50….

Pg 52 – Iodine is proinflammatory….induce acne….

Diet
Quality and Quantity – both count….

Avoid proinflammatory foods, and eat anti-inflammatory foods…..

3 day anti-inflammatory diet

Salmon….protein, EFA’s, DMAE, (cognitive enhancer, membrane stabilizer)
Best source of of omega-6 EFA is borage oil, -
Extra virgin olive oil – oleic acid….helps absorb EFA’s….contains a polyphenol – anti inflammatory ….
Brightly colored fruits and vegetables….dark green- romaine…..
Dressing – extra virgin olive oil w fresh lemon ….
Dessert – berries –

Eat protein first
Low-glycemic veggies
High quality of EFA’

Supplements:
Vitamin A – Zinc –
Alpa Lipoic Acid – both fat and water soluble…helps control both blood sugar and insulin….it can actually reverse existing scar tissue….50 to 100 milligrams a day….
Pantothenic Acid (B5) – small deficiency results in abnormal utilization of fats and fatty acids…..
DMAE – (salmon)…stabilizing cell membrane, production of neurotransmitter acetylcholine….increase cognitive function….muscle tone….resolves scarring……
EFA’s – heart protective effects….DHA – most important….wounds cannot heal,
more susceptible to infections
Linoleic Acid – GLA – borage oil……

Topical Applications that help the skin
Alpha Lipoic Acid
DMAE – increased tone – decreases large pores
Glutathione – maintains redox balance in the cell….detoxifying agent….applied once daily - sulfur content – anti bacterial activity…ONLY APPLIED TOPICALLY……can take NAC instead with alpa lipoic acid. ****************************************


Pg. 112 Fight against inflammation – balance between antioxidants and free radicals….”redox status of the cell”…..ratio of oxidants to reducing agents….
Diet + supplements + topicals + water === exercise strenuously – produces high levels of androgens…..exacerbate acne
Topical Cleanser – DMAE – then used toner pads w DMAE, alpha lipoic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid…..
Then a gel – benzoyl peroxide w topical alpha lipoic acid and DMAE….
Directly to lesions – glutathione, alpha lipoic acid and DMAE….

Nutritional supplements – 2 capsules NAC, alpha lipoic acid (precurser to glutathione)

Ch 7 Pg 120
3 types of exercise 1. weight resistance 2 cardio/ aerobic 3. flexibility

Can make acne worse…..weight lifting – increases levels of male hormones – testosterone…

Flexibility – Yoga……tones body…energies and soothes mind…achieve deeply meditative state….www.iayt.org/benefits.html


Ch 8, pg 150
28 day Acne Free Program
1. Eat protein first.- helps avoid glycemic response
2. Eat Alaskan salmon (3 times week)…for DMAE (increases skin tone and radiance),
protein, EFAs
3. Eat EFA’s – fish + flaxseed,
4. Think green – garlic, onions, broccoli, dk greesn, oregano, herbs
5. Yogurt - probiotics
6. Pomegranate juice –antioxidants
7. Buy organic eggs – free range hens..high in omega 3 EFAs
8. Salad dressings – extra virgin olive oil + lemon
9. Use fresh herbs
10. No rice – use barley, whole oats
11. Drink green tea…
12. Take your supplements 2 times a day at meals
13. Exercise

[Tyff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't really drink the Perricone Kool-Aid but I thought this book was really useful for the diet and supplement information. I got really practical lists of food to incorporate into my diet and vitamins that i was most likely not getting on a day to day basis. While I wouldn't follow the diet, I definitely got great information from the other parts of the book. I would recommend it if you have struggled with acne and want to make a true life change to improve the quality of your skin.

[Dixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast & easy read with good high level information on supplements to take. It is strange to rate this apriori, but I will try the 3 day diet to assess for changes. If the diet change and intake of supplements make no difference then I will have to revise & downgrade this review!

[Jodi A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of the medical information in the beginning of the book good but the program towards the end felt pretty much obvious and similar to what I've read elsewhere.