The Akno Natura LineA comprehensive line of products for Acne and related skin conditionsFormulated in France, home to the best cosmetic laboratories in the world, the Akno Natura Product Line includes three organic products for treatment of acne and related skin conditions:
Together, these products represent a natural and effective answer to the problems of:
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General Information about Acne
Black, White, Red… acne type skin problems (acne) affect 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 years old. One adult out of twenty is prone to persistent acne occurrences.
Whatever the age, acne occurs as a result of an obstruction of the sebaceous glands (producers of sebum) and the manifestation of lesions: blackheads, infected pimples, etc. A multitude of treatments, medical and not, exist for acne, very often with disappointing results and sometimes with severe treatment requirements. Example are acidic vitamin A which requires avoidance of the sun, and oral antibiotic treatments.
The information presented is not intended to be a complete listing or a recommendation on the treatments for acne – please consult your dermatologist for specific recommendations.
Causes and symptoms
Typically, acne presents itself in the following phases:
- Hyper seborrhoea:
- Hyperkeratosis:
- Bacterial contamination:
- Inflammation:
During adolescence, a hormone called testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands causing them to produce an excessive quantity of sebum. It is this sebum which, once evacuated by the hair shaft makes the skin shiny.
The cells of this duct can form a blockage by accumulating there, thus preventing the evacuation of sebum. A comedo (or blackhead) or a micro cyst (a whitehead) is then formed.
The blockage then becomes the target of bacteria naturally present on the skin. The latter will proliferate and feed on this blockage.
It is the degradation of the blockage which causes irritation and inflammation. These two phenomena lead to the formation of the red and painful acne pimple.
Available Treatments
This document is a synthesis of existing solutions for acne, white head and blackhead treatments, although other treatments may exist. Our goal is to present to you the various alternatives proposed by what is known as traditional medicine, as well as non-medicinal treatments which address the problems of acne.
Our derma-cosmetic laboratory offers a totally new, non-pharmaceutical response: Akno Natura - a treatment whose effect on acne is undeniable. Akno Natura is an organic, biological, 100% natural treatment. It can act as an alternative to medicinal treatment or be used as a complement to it.
Its excellent results and its ease of use have made it an ever increasing choice by people suffering from acne (light to moderate forms). More on Akno Natura
Other available treatments include:
- BENZOYL PEROXIDE – external application
- ZINC – orally
- ANTIBIOTICS – LOCAL or GENERAL applications
- RETINOIDS – locally or orally
- HORMONE TREATMENTS (reserved for women)
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Pregnancy wish or beginning of pregnancy
- ACNE SCARS: LASER AND DERMABRASION
- ALTERNATIVES TO MEDICINAL TREATMENTS
Benzoyl peroxide is a chemically synthesized molecule. Discovered in 1856, it was first used in the plastics industry. Since 1965, this molecule has been used in medicine against light to moderate acne.
Action: primarily bactericidal (no proven action on sebaceous secretions; very weak comedolytic action).
Form: gel, lotion, pad or cream, various concentrations (1 to 10%), according to the severity of the acne.
Disadvantages: usage (discoloration risks for hair and clothing); no exposure to the sun and UV rays; not to be used on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline.
Principal risks: 1 out of 4 patients on average develops irritations, or even erythema and peeling. 5% develop contact eczema.
Principal commercial names: Aknefug® (lotion 5/10%), (Switzerland), Akneroxid® (gel 5%), (Belgium, Switzerland), Aknex® (gel 5%), (Switzerland), Basiron® (gel 5%), (Switzerland), Benzac® (gel 5/10%), (Belgium, Switzerland), Brevoxyl® (Belgium, France), Cutacnyl® (France), Eclaran® (France), Effacné® (gel 5%), (France, Switzerland), Lubexyl® (emulsion 4%), (Switzerland), Pangel® (Belgium), Pannogel® (France), PanOxyl® (gel 5/10%), (France, Switzerland, Canada).
Zinc is a natural trace element. Its anti-inflammatory action can be beneficial on acne. It does not, however, have a proven, significant comedolytic, anti-bacterial or anti-seborrheic action and can therefore be used together with a local treatment.
Usage: orally, in various concentrations, without prescription.
Risks: digestive disorders in 1 case out of 2; abstain if allergic to gluten.
Principal commercial names: Effizinc®, Rubozinc®
Antibiotics can treat acne effectively. However, the treatments are harsh, often constraining and prescribed in severe cases of acne, and only after initially having had recourse to other less constraining solutions.
Usage: antibiotics can be used locally in the form of lotions, creams or gels or taken orally.
Counter-indications: in pregnant women and young children.
Disadvantages: users must not expose themselves to the sun and UV rays, nor use them on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline.
Risks: headaches, tiredness, and redness. Especially, these treatments are effective but often require permanent follow-up treatment over many years, and must absolutely be stopped in the event of a desire for pregnancy.
Orally: Beware of possible digestive disorders. Anyone allergic to cyclins should abstain.
Principal commercial names:
Locally: Dalacin®T containing clindamycin; Akne-mycin®/2000, Aknilox®Gel, Eryaknen®, Eryderm®, Inderm®, containing erythromycin.
Orally: compared to other antibiotics recommended in the treatment of acne (doxycyclin, tetracyclin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazol, erythromycin), it is minocyclin taken orally in the usual dosage of 50Mg, twice a day, which would result in the best rate of elimination of Propionibacterium Acnes: Aknin-N®, Aknoral®, Minac50®, Minocin®.
NEW: there are new antibiotics currently undergoing tests, such as azithromycin (Zithromax®), minocyclin (Minocin®) with increased dosages (150 mg/day).
The very interesting properties of vitamin A recently (1982) led to the synthesis of chemical derivatives to obtain more effective products. They are retinoid or tretinoin acid, the 13-cis-retinoid acid or isotretinin and acitretin. One of its known representatives is Roaccutane® orally or Accutane® and Soriatane® locally. Adapalene is also a retinoid derivative. The retinoids are reserved for the treatment of severe acne which has resisted other treatments.
Warning: severe problems of intolerance, allergies and side effects range from serious to grave. This set of symptoms is sometimes called retinoic acid syndrome.
The retinoids are generally prescribed in serious and evolutionary stages, and only when the less constraining solutions have failed.
Usage: these antibiotics can be used locally in the form of lotions, creams or gels, or taken orally.
Principal danger: teratogenic effect. Not to be used if you are pregnant. The time lapse between the end of the retinoid treatment and a pregnancy should be at least one year. You should also avoid retinoids if you are nursing.
Neurosensory risks (cephalgias, intracranial hypertension, anxiety, depression) in particular with the tretinoin taken orally.
Disadvantages: users must not expose themselves to the sun and UV rays, nor use them on sensitive areas such as the neck or neckline.
The current side effects are as follows (ref. clinical studies): pain and swelling of the lips (96% of cases), cutaneous eruption of the face (55%), dry nose (51%), peeling of the skin (50%), itching (30%), dry skin (22%), red eyes (19%), hair fall-out (13%), eye irritation (11%), cutaneous eruptions (< 10%).
Allergic to cyclins, excess vitamin A or lipids in your blood: avoid retinoids.
Principal commercial names: locally: Airol®, Differin®, Retin-A®; orally: Roaccutane®
New synthetic retinoids currently being tested, primarily for the treatment of severe acne: tazaroten (Zorac®), preparation already in use for treating psoriasis.
The best known, Diane 35, is an anti-acne medicine reserved for severe cases where other treatments have failed. It is therefore not initially a contraceptive, even though under regular gynecological care, it is also a reliable method of contraception. You will also find its generic counterparts: lumalia, holgyem, minerva, evepar, in various countries. This medicine is composed of two ingredients: cyproteron and ethinylestradiol. Cyproteron is a medicine known as an anti-androgen, and ethinylestradiol belongs to the estrogen group.
Warning, this last rampart against severe acne presents many counter-indications and more or less severe side effects, some of which disappear over time. Such a decision should therefore be taken carefully.
This medicine is formally counter-indicated in particular in the following situations:
IMPORTANT: seek urgent medical care if you notice abnormal pain in the chest, the groin or the leg (especially the calf), in the stomach or the abdomen, intense or sudden headaches.
"Canada Health" recommends new important restrictions of use with regard to Diane-35. For more information, click here.
During one of the latest American Academy of Dermatology conference, it was recalled that the laser offers new possibilities in the treatment of cicatricial acne today. A study on 14 patients underlined the effectiveness of the "YAG" laser which, “without anesthesia, would permit a notable improvement of the aspect of the skin”.
This treatment is not the only recourse. Various techniques, all within the competence of the specialist, coexist: cryotherapy, exfoliation, peeling, dermabrasion using rotating grinding stones, etc.
In all the cases, the treatment of acne scars by intervention is considered only when the disease is no longer evolutionary.
These alternatives are natural.
AKNO NATURA®…. naturally
The latest innovation from the "Laboratoires des Mascareignes"® Akno Natura® is an organic, biological treatment, 100% natural and exclusively derived from rare plants and essences, whose remarkable medicinal properties have been known since ancient times by ethno-pharmacology.
It combines 3 active ingredients into 1 product, for very most powerful anti-acne and redness treatment: bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, and comedolytic.
The first results are visible in as early as 3 days. Typically, in approximately twenty or so days, the use of Akno Natura results in healthy and regenerated skin in over 75% of cases (ref. clinical studies under French and European approval.)
Akno Natura appears to be the most natural and most effective solution against light to moderate acne, adult acne and small pimples. Akno Natura: results and use
There are no known risks with plants, contrary to antibiotics or medicines of chemical origin.
AKNO NATURA® also promotes a light surface peeling which attenuates the traces of acne.
Natural vitamin A
Our body can naturally produce the necessary quantity of vitamin A, from, for example, the beta-carotene which is found in food of vegetable origin, such as carrots and fruits. This type of vitamin is healthy and does not cause the side effects of the chemical derivatives of vitamin A (retinoids) described above, since your body itself will regulate the transformation of the beta-carotene into vitamin A according to the needs of your skin. Choose carrots, melons, apricots, yellow peaches or mangos (carotens.)
The Results of Akno Natura Complex
- Results on Affected Skin:
- AFTER 2 DAYS, the red patches disappear, the number of blackheads diminishes
- AFTER 7 DAYS, the skin becomes smooth to the touch again, the traces blend into the skin
- AFTER 10 DAYS, the skin is smooth, cleansed and purified visually and to the touch. The complexion clears up in a few weeks at the most, depending on the severity of the lesions (max. approximately 30 days).
Obviously, the traces will disappear more or less quickly depending upon the number and gravity of the pimples.
We recommend a 15-day treatment to start with. Following that, we recommend a maintenance treatment twice a week with Akno Natura
It is advisable to prolong the treatment even after all the traces have disappeared.
The effectiveness of Akno Natura is exceptional; however this treatment does not cure the causes of the dermatological problem. In the event of resurgence, use Akno Natura again daily for a few days, then twice a week.
Note
Akno Natura is not a medicine - but a dermo-cosmetic treatment complex of organic origin which acts on the small pimples and not on the underlying causes of the symptoms.
While the product is exceptionally effective, we advise a prolonged treatment with a less frequent yet regular use of Akno Natura (twice a week).
In the event of a resurgence of pimples, a few days of daily application in the evening is sufficient to make them disappear.
Obviously, NEVER squeeze your pimples nor even “fiddle” with your pimples… In addition to the risk of bacterial infection, a burst pimple carries the strong risk of leaving a scar.
It is inadvisable to use Akno Natura on open wounds.
We do not claim to be a miracle product, only a more effective product than others, to the best of our knowledge.
Use
We recommend that you use Akno Natura as a treatment initially.
Akno Natura should be applied once a day, preferably in the evening for a more effective action. The regeneration of the skin occurs better while you rest.
The first rule is to comply with strict hygiene rules. Before applying Akno Natura, wash your hands and nails carefully. Always use the measuring spoon to scoop the product.
- Apply a measuring spoon of Akno Natura to the natural loofah sponge provided. Humidify abundantly with water.
- Pat lightly onto the skin to create foam. You will obtain a very soft, white and velvety foam which will dissipate as the active ingredients penetrate into the skin (approx. 30 seconds). Avoid the area around the eyes.
- Rinse abundantly with lukewarm water.
The treatment is most effective when you follow our recommendations with patience and accuracy. Applying more Akno Natura Complex then recommended does not necessarily improve the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
100% Organic Complex
Potassium Carapa Procera & Organic Potassium®
Carapa Procera is a type of tropical tree, which only grows in wild forests. It is very rare, and its density is limited to a few trees per acre. It can only be found in a few places in the world, namely in Guyana and Guinea.
The virtues of the essential oils in Carapa Procera are numerous and have been well identified by ethno-pharmaceutical research: skin restructuring, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, moisturizing and healing effects, among others. However, the scarcity of this essence is the reason why it is rarely used and generally used only in small quantities.
The unique effectiveness of the skincare products of Laboratoires des Mascareignes® resides notably in the very strong concentration of Carapa Procera (close to 40%).
Thanks to the natural active agents with a concentration of unsaturated fatty acids and Omega 6 (regeneration and moisturizing), triterpens (restructuring) and seven different limonoides (anti-inflammatory, healing) of Carapa Procera, together with the combined action of the organic potassium (made up of 3 different tropical plants), True Nature Labs offer a unique and particularly effective derma-cosmetic skincare treatment.
Pso Natura® and Akno Natura® commitments:
- Contains a unique active plant complex (100% organic)
- Unique characteristic of plant extracts
- Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic products
- Tested under dermatological control
- Not tested on animals
Customer Testimonials
- It might sound a bit exaggerated to say that my life has changed, but it is true that without pimples I am less embarrassed, I feel more relaxed. For the first 15 days, I used it twice per day to be sure of getting good results. Now, I maintain a preventative treatment and I act quickly at the smallest reappearance. Marie - 16 years - Brussels (BE)
- I visited your website and the information on acne! I tested AKNO NATURA and I could not find anything better. My pimples have disappeared. The first to go were the small pimples on my back, but the product really works! Benjamin - 15 years - Lyon (FR)
- I like the fact that AKNO NATURA is a natural product. Long live plants! I really look different. My pimples are disappearing. Angélique - 18 years - Paris (FR)
- I am 55 years old and I still had acne. Obviously I had tried everything, including hormonal treatment. There is nothing more effective than your product. At last I can stop using thick make-up to camouflage my skin. Jeanne - Toulouse (FR)
- This product is so cool! It's a pity that one finds it only on the Net. I discovered it by chance but it was difficult. It's such a relief not to have pimples any more! Kevin - 21 years - St-Jacques de M. (FR)
- AKNO NATURA is really mega effective, but I follow up with a light fluid, because sometimes my skin feels a little tight. Well done and thank you! Julia - 25 years - Bremen (GER)
- I am happy to give my testimony because I really want to promote your product. This product is the best! I have no more skin problems. It is also wonderful for heat rash. Vincent - Paris (FR)
Loofah
The Pso Natura® and Akno Natura® Regenerating complexes includes a loofah sponge, specially researched by "Laboratoires des Mascareignes", for the effective application of our products.
As with all of our products, we sought inspiration from beauty secrets thousands of years old. The Pharaohs and Queens of Egypt used a loofah to make their skin soft. Our loofah is produced from biological ingredients; it is an ecological alternative to chemical sponges, marine sponges (a marine animal whose removal destroys the ecosystem), and other massage gloves (made from animal products). Our sponges are entirely hand-made by a community of women in Mauritius Island.
What is the loofah?
The loofah is derived from a unique gourd belonging to the cucumber family, the pipangaille. Presenting a soft network of fibers, it is ideal for:
- Reinforcing the action of our complexes
- Massaging away dry skin
- Improving circulation
- Dilating the pores and removing impurities
- Regenerating skin gently by helping the skin to breathe
Particularly suited for sensitive skin, loofahs do not normally cause allergic reactions. Bleached and aseptic, loofahs are not prone to mildew.
They are 100% biological, extra soft and not abrasive, and 100% environmental because they are also biodegradable.
Hints - General Advice
- Avoid the sun: The sun is not your friend because it worsens acne and causes it to reoccur.
- If you have beard acne, it is better to shave with an electric shaver: cutting the pimples with a blade perpetuates them.
- Avoid touching your face during the day - Do it only with clean hands
- Change your pillowcase regularly
- It is imperative to avoid scratching and touching your pimples; breaking the pimples is indeed the worst solution because the resulting scars can be permanent. We strongly advise against blackhead removers.
- In the majority of cases, good daily hygiene (twice a day) is the best solution. This consists of cleaning the skin with a suitable cleanser, which should not be too aggressive. Deep cleaning the skin will contribute to limiting the sebaceous secretions and slow down the appearance of the blockages which cause the blackheads.
Akno Natura® is perfectly appropriate. Our formula will stabilize sebum secretion, avoid the appearance of blackheads, and treat the inflammation by avoiding the re-infection of the lesions. - For girls: treat your skin preventatively with Akno Natura® during menstruation.
- Shredded wheat germ alone contains vitamins E, B and zinc. Sprinkle the equivalent of a good spoonful (10g) per day onto your food
- Consume your fish and seafood with a little butter and lemon juice to increase the vitamins A and C content
- Discover or rediscover calf's liver: 100grms supplies 70 times our daily vitamin B requirements, 27 times the vitamin A and more than half the zinc!
- Benzyl Peroxide: warning, it can stain clothing and sheets. Apply in the evening preferably, with white cloth
- External use vitamin A: Tretinoine and Isotretinoine are products which can cause irritation. Apply very small quantities (this does not reduce their effectiveness) and spread out the applications in the event of irritation. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you use contraceptives.
- Antibiotics: it is preferable to take them with the evening meal, with a large glass of water. They are contra-indicated in the sun. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you use contraceptives.
- There are other techniques as well which require a medical specialist: cryotherapy, exfoliation, dermabrasion, etc. Studies are being performed on new therapies such as laser therapy which, without requiring an anesthetic, in some cases has shown notable improvements in the aspect of the skin.
Regardless of your specific situation, we highly recommend the use of our Akno Natura® products along with your medical or specialist care.
Nutritional Advice
“Friendly” foods for your skin:
Choose a balanced eating plan, one that is varied and organic which will give you, amongst other things, important vitamins in the fight against acne such as zinc, which helps regulate sebaceous secretions, vitamins A and C to facilitate the healing of the pimples, the B-group vitamins, essential for skin renewal. Note: some vegetarians frequently suffer from blotchy skin and severe skin problems for lack of vitamin B.
Zinc is present in all fish and seafood. A source of vitamins and fatty acids, seafood helps your skin to regenerate
Vitamin A, is found in egg yolk, all yellow/orange fruit and vegetables (carrots, tomatoes, melons, apricots, oranges, corn), green leafy vegetables in general, dried fruits and nuts ...
Vitamin B6, is found in brewers’ yeast, egg yolk, cereals (warning: they must be gluten-free), germinated seeds, fish, green vegetables, fresh fruits, legumes, etc ...
Vitamin B8, which is found in brewers' yeast, egg yolk, peanuts, dried peas, mushrooms, etc...
Vitamin E which is found in wheat germ, hazelnuts, almonds, green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, virgin cold-pressed vegetable oils, cod-liver oil etc...
Choose vegetable fats. Animal fat should be consumed in very, very small quantities.
OUR TIPS
The “enemy” foods for your skin:
Discard full-cream milk
Discard food containing gluten such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt as well as their derivatives: bread pasta, semolina, flour, etc. (Food which does not contain gluten are rice, millet, corn, chestnuts, potatoes, quinoa, or germinated cereals).
Discard all sweetened drinks containing toxins: Coke, phosphoric acid, caffeine, alcohol, or any chemical substance
Restrict sugar and sugary products
Restrict stimulants: alcohol, tea, coffee
Drink water with low mineral content.
Treatment Advice
Certain types of complex teenage acne require medical care. There is a broad range of therapeutic treatments that your dermatologist can successfully offer you. Please consult your dermatologist before any treatment.
There are two treatment types: local and general