However, there is some hope for Clearade fans. We may be re-launching the product later this year with help from a distributor, which means that you might be able to find it not just online, but at local stores. I know many of you have requested just that, so stay tuned to find out when and where our lemonade acne treatment will be hitting retail outlets.

For those who can’t wait, the Clear5 vitamin tablets are still available, and with the same powerful key ingredients, Clear5 is just as effective at providing acne relief for the vast majority of users. Costs have risen on that front also, and so the 2-bottle supply has seen a slight uptick in price (we had to catch up with rising postage and materials), but the 6-bottle value pack is priced at the same affordable rate, and is now a better deal than ever, so it’s a great time to stock up.

We appreciate all your support and hope everyone will be enjoying spring and looking forward to summer with clear, radiant skin!

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble nutrient, is made up of a family of tocopherols and tocotrienols. It is primarily an antioxidant that defends the cells from free radicals and prevents oxidative stress. Though its antioxidant properties are associated with versatile health benefits, vitamin E has become fairly popular for use as a skin care supplement, particularly in anti-aging formulations. Eliminating those free radicals released during cellular metabolism is key to protecting your skin against sun damage. Vitamin E also boosts the immune system and helps the body produce red blood cells. It has been recommended by doctors to improve healing of scars caused by burns or after skin surgeries.

How can it help in treating acne?

Studies show that acne sufferers typically have lower levels of antioxidant-rich vitamins, often due to nutrition deficiencies. With a lot of that oxidation caused by sun exposure, vitamin E is a vital nutrient for anyone that spends time outdoors. By keeping your skin cells moisturized and supple, it prevents the pore-clogging excess sebum production that can result when your skin is dried out or inflamed. Many that supplement with vitamin E notice faster scar reduction and a smoother skin tone.

Which is better – topical or oral?

Vitamin E is a common ingredient in cleansers, soaps and lotions. Such products may protect the skin against damages from sunlight or reduce wrinkle formation, but their role in acne prevention is usually minor. Topical application of pure vitamin E oil is helpful for people with dry skin, and the oil can also be used in many home remedies, such as in facial mask preparations. While topical application can be helpful, oral supplementation is what I would recommend to get the best bang for your buck. Vitamin E is typically available in liquid form, often in gelcaps. The natural form of the vitamin is twice as effective as its synthetic counterpart, as natural formulations are more bio-available. Luckily, Vitamin E is readily available in a wide range of foods, such as nuts, seeds, almonds, hazel nuts, honey, leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, yams, corn and beans.

How much is an effective dosage?

Adults require a daily dose of about 15 milligrams of Vitamin E, though the dosage varies with age and gender. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a super-high dose will give you better results, as you *can* overdose on E. Keep your intake somewhat close to the RDA. The amount present in acne vitamin supplements is generally mild and safe, but it is important to consult with a doctor if you are already under other medications. Zinc, another great skin care nutrient, is known to maintain the stability of Vitamin E in the blood and also improve its absorption.

The bottom line

When it comes to natural acne treatment, vitamin E works by targeting the big picture. It’s not going to give you as dramatic results as something like vitamin B5, but E’s antioxidant properties and use in combating inflammation and irritation are always welcome. Plus, who doesn’t want to prevent premature aging?

Most of us are terrible at remembering things when it comes to the non-life-or-death aspects of our health. In the vast majority of cases, acne isn’t really that hard to conquer, but it does take discipline. So don’t just tell yourself that you’re going to eat better, wash better, and take your vitamin B5. Commit to your regimen by writing it down.

Give yourself a daily routine and pin it to your wall. If you want one ready-made, there’s a great acne regimen right here. Wake up every morning with a clear picture of how and when you’re going to wash, when you’re going to take your supplements, and what steps you’re going to take to keep your diet healthy. Then stick to it. Nothing will change if you don’t take your skin seriously.

2) Spend some time outdoors every week.

Acne sufferers spend tons of cash every year on products that are aimed at exfoliation (that is, removing that built-up layer of dead skin cells). However, there’s one source of exfoliation that works more naturally than any store-bought scrub or acid, and as it happens, it’s totally free! It’s called the sun.

Now keep in mind, I’m not telling you to tan your skin into a leathery hide. You can’t “tan away” you acne, but the fact is that most of us get way too little sunshine. Your body needs that vitamin D, and your skin will benefit from enhanced exfoliation and better circulation. The sun is good. It allows for life on Earth. So don’t be mean to it. Go outside and say hi to that big, burning ball of nuclear fusion every now and then. And if you’re going to be out for less than a half an hour, don’t bother with the sun screen.

3) Focus on changing your skin from the inside.

Over this next year, try to wean yourself off topically applied chemicals if you can. Should you need the security of a strong acne spot treatment, it’s alright to keep one around (although I’d suggest a natural one like tea tree oil), but make an effort to cut back on harsh cleansers, toners and even moisturizers that aren’t 100% organic.

As with most things related to your health, real change comes from the inside. You’re not going to gain control of acne in a lasting way unless you take control of your diet, and one of the easiest ways to do that is through supplements. Our products at Acne Vitamins make the process a lot easier, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t also consider what you eat (tip: fewer processed grains and more fresh fruit!).

Acne sufferers will often make the mistake of using more products than they need, simply out of fear that quitting any one of them will make their condition worse. The reality is that too many topical chemicals will almost always do more harm than good. Get back to basics and ditch all the unnecessary stuff that you’re slathering on your face. An inside-out approach is both safer and far more effective in the long term.

Typically, the purpose of a facial mask is to cleanse impurities and remove dead cells so as to promote the natural regeneration of new skin tissue. This cleansing and rejuvenation process is not just a means to clearer skin, but is also a popular method to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the soothing massage of application can both improve circulation and make you feel relaxed.

As usual, it’s all about the active ingredients. Chemical masks or peels containing glycolic or salicylic acid promote exfoliation by a process of literally burning off dead skin cells. Herbal masks that that stick to extracts and essential oils tend to be gentler, though the results are often less dramatic. Homemade masks can be safe and economical, provided that you know what you’re doing (check out this list of home acne remedies for some good ideas). For instance, fresh fruits contain enzymes that catalyze metabolic processes vital for the repair of skin tissue.

Which type of mask you choose can mean the difference between protecting your skin or damaging it. If you are acne prone, i.e. if your skin is too oily, masks based on clay or oatmeal can be effective in drawing oil out from your pores. However, if you suffer from dryness, that may be the last thing you want (also be sure to steer clear of any mix that contains alcohol!). Treats like chocolate, berries or honey are ideal for sensitive skin and rich in antioxidants.

After leaving the mask on for a short time (usually around 15 minutes), ensure that you rinse well with cool water and follow with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin supple. Facial masks can sometimes leave you dry and vulnerable right after they’re removed, so adding a layer of protection is wise. Many call for a twice-per-week regimen, and as with most natural remedies, expect that you may need a few weeks to see real results if you’re keeping it gentle. Consistency, as always, is key.

Dehydrated skin leads to peeling, and as a result, you’ll start noticing more dead cells on your skin’s surface. Accumulation of these cells can clog your pores, which in turn gives rise to pimples. What’s more, this condition is exacerbated when dirt and dust join the mix. As if that wasn’t bad enough, dehydration can even induce the sebaceous glands to produce extra skin oil in response to the dryness, which only worsens the situation as oiliness encourages acne formation.

You can make your life a bit easier by avoiding some key mistakes while treating dehydrated skin. Many people use moisturizers in the winter. If that’s you, use a products that’s oil-free so as not to make the situation worse for your pores. Frequent washing can also invite dryness (especially with hot water!). The right approach is to keep your body hydrated by consuming enough water and electrolyte-restoring fluids. Proper hydration works from inside-out to promote clear skin, just as our acne vitamin products do. Use a mild, alcohol-free cleanser and stick to non-comedogenic products that prevent irritation and peeling. When you buy topical acne lotions, examine the ingredients and avoid anything containing benzoyl peroxide or high concentrations of salicylic acid, as those chemicals can further dry out your skin. Scrubs and masks can also have an astringent effect. Of course, if things are really bad, don’t hesitate to seek a dermatologist.

Whatever be the medication or treatment you follow, make sure that you don’t exceed the recommended dose. Gentle is the only way to go with dry skin. Avoid touching your face too often and keep in mind that even frequent contact with things like your phone can cause friction (plus, how clean is that thing?). With patience and proper care, both dehydrated skin and acne can be a thing of the past.

The fact is that greasy foods can play a role making you susceptible to acne, but it’s not as simple as simple as the grease you eat leaking out through your pores. When you consume junk food, your body produces more insulin to compensate. That insulin is needed to properly regulate your blood sugar levels. However, high insulin has another effect - increased production of skin oil by your sebaceous glands.

As such, that greasy pizza may indeed lead to more oily skin (just indirectly). But why doesn’t this happen to everybody? Because some people’s bodies are ready for the change. An increase in sebum is only a problem if your body lacks the nutrients to metabolize it. That’s why supplementing with vitamin B5 is important. Vitamin B5 gives you the metabolic ammo to manage rises in your insulin level without your skin paying the price.

It’s still advisable not to go overboard with greasy or sugary foods, but you don’t have to avoid them altogether, either. Just be prepared. If you’re supplementing with Clearade or Clear5, you can enjoy that delicious slice of pizza with the confidence that your body can handle it. More sebum? Just metabolize it. Taking the right supplements gives you the freedom to be a little more flexible with your diet.

It’s no lie that raw, organic foods are the most bio-available source of vitamins and minerals. Your body absorbs nutrients from food at a higher rate than from solid supplements. As such, eating better is always good idea. But not all foods are equal. Western diets tend to be high on processed foods, loaded up with artificial additives (some of which can contribute to acne) and often pre-heated at temperatures intended to kill bacteria, but which also denature many of the good vitamins that would otherwise be present.

Unfortunately, an organic diet is not practical for everyone, and even if you can manage it, sometimes you need more of a certain vitamin or mineral than typical food sources can provide. If you want to clear up acne, you probably want more vitamin B5 and zinc in your diet. However, while B5 is found in many foods, it is only present in very tiny quantities. So unless you’re planning on eating two dozen eggs every day, a supplement may just make sense.

Supplement absorbance rates can vary by person, since some people have a faster metabolism than others. That said, it’s true that typical tablets are not the greatest delivery method for getting those nutrients to your body. Time-released supplements can allow for better absorbance, since the contents are absorbed mainly in your intestines rather than your stomach (meaning less competition for receptor molecules). And liquid vitamins are often your best bet, as the already-dissolved nutrients are rapidly delivered to your bloodstream.

The key principle is that, especially if you’re trying to treat acne, getting “just enough” vitamins and minerals really isn’t enough. As I’ve mentioned before, you need to be taking a treatment-level dose, and you’re not going to get that from your diet alone. I would encourage everyone to eat better, getting more organic foods in your meals (especially vegetables and fish!), but taking the right supplements is also smart step. If your body is used to pumping out excess skin oil, a powerful kick of vitamin B5 may be just what it needs to reverse course.

The direct answer is: probably not. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t indirect ways that meditation can improve your health, including the health of your skin.

Acne-free meditation courses are not that different from other meditation courses. You’ll be listening to some soothing trance music or nature sounds, relaxing those anxious muscles and trying to think your skin problems away. Now before you start scoffing, keep in mind that many of us are indeed overstressed. I don’t believe that a calm mind and positive thinking will make your blemishes disappear, but if it helps you relieve stress, then it can certainly be a step in the right direction.

So while meditation may not directly put a stop to your breakouts, it can be indirectly beneficial. Stress does contribute to acne, both in making you more susceptible to blemishes and in making your wounds take longer to heal (it doesn’t help that if you’re stressed, you’re more likely to pick at your skin). The question is whether meditation is the right form of stress relief for you.

In my case, there’s nothing like rigorous exercise to burn away the stress, but not everyone likes to sweat (all that sweating can also cause acne if you don’t jump in the shower afterwards). If you prefer a more relaxing method, you may find that meditation is a great way to keep feeling and looking your best.

Most vitamin drink mixes that dissolve instantly have one thing in common: they’re light on the vitamins. Clearade isn’t. We pack in a ton of vitamin B5, along with other supporting ingredients such as zinc and vitamin C to ensure you get the maximum punch for your money. So try not to get annoyed if you’re waiting for Clearade to dissolve That just means that there’s actually a real dose of vitamin and minerals in there!

We pride ourselves on making Clearade refreshing and enjoyable, but remember that the whole point is to stop acne. If you’re dying of thirst and need to quench it immediately, just be sure to add more water afterwards and not waste that vitamin-rich sediment. Those extra few seconds are totally worth it for the sake of clear skin.

Primal diets aim to eliminate unhealthy eating habits by getting back to natural, unprocessed foods. This means cutting a lot of those processed grains and wheat-based foods in general from your daily meals. Carbohydrates are metabolized fast, more so than organic fats and proteins, and according so some experts our bodies just aren’t designed for the high amount of carbs we consume today. All those carbs can have effects such as exacerbating inflammation and stimulating insulin spikes, two things that directly contribute to worsening acne.

Managing insulin in particular is important if you’ve got stubborn acne that keeps coming back. Taking supplements such as Clearade or Clear5 can help your body counteract these spikes, but it doesn’t hurt to prevent them from happening in the first place. So, can a primal diet accomplish this?

The answer is yes, if you’re careful. The key is organic foods. For instance, primal diets often encourage eating more red meats, but while red meat itself is healthy, the fact is that cattle are often pumped full of artificial hormones that are not. Some of those hormones can actually *cause* acne, so you may need to spend a little extra to make sure that all the meat you’re eating is 100% organic. Other aspects of the diet, such as eating more vegetables, nuts and berries are certain to be beneficial.

What about saturated fats? One of the most controversial aspects of the primal diet is its assertion that saturated fats are good for you, so long as they’re not combined with a large intake of grains. Butter and bacon grease are A-OK in the primal view. Should you buy into it? While the harm of these fats has likely been overrated, what most of us are lacking in is the “good” fats. Most westerners don’t get enough monounsaturated fats from sources such as olive oil, and so I would recommend increasing those before loading up on more butter.

In the end, the bacon may be better for you than the toast when you’re eating breakfast, but as they say, everything in moderation. With the right acne vitamins, you shouldn’t need to get overly extreme in your diet.