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Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word
Reclaim your life from acne.
Are you tired of wasting money and time on creams, pills, supplements, and diets that don't improve your acne? Maybe you've been dreaming of the day when a miracle product will appear that'll actually work. In the meantime, you've been frustrated by the ongoing battle with your skin and having to revolve your life around breakouts.
What the skincare and medical industries don't tell you is that the mind is a powerful tool that can help you defend your skin against acne, as well as boost your confidence and self-image. Why spend another second changing your whole routine around for acne when you can mentally and practically walk away from it, starting now?
Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word is a book that will show you how to do just that. You'll learn how acne is not only a physical symptom, but also a bully that you can stand up to using a unique mind-body approach. Step by step, Dr. Patel explains how to separate your identity from acne, strengthen both your skin and social boundaries, and take back control of your life. Your full-time job shouldn't have to be tending to this four-letter word. Start writing your goodbye letter to acne today.
Are you tired of wasting money and time on creams, pills, supplements, and diets that don't improve your acne? Maybe you've been dreaming of the day when a miracle product will appear that'll actually work. In the meantime, you've been frustrated by the ongoing battle with your skin and having to revolve your life around breakouts.
What the skincare and medical industries don't tell you is that the mind is a powerful tool that can help you defend your skin against acne, as well as boost your confidence and self-image. Why spend another second changing your whole routine around for acne when you can mentally and practically walk away from it, starting now?
Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word is a book that will show you how to do just that. You'll learn how acne is not only a physical symptom, but also a bully that you can stand up to using a unique mind-body approach. Step by step, Dr. Patel explains how to separate your identity from acne, strengthen both your skin and social boundaries, and take back control of your life. Your full-time job shouldn't have to be tending to this four-letter word. Start writing your goodbye letter to acne today.
- GenresSelf Help
150 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2018
27 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Aarti Patel
6 books72 followersAarti Patel is a naturopathic doctor and author who enjoys writing about mind-body connections in health, as well as fiction that explores individuality and society's impact on health. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and finds rainy days to be great for writing and watching movie marathons. She believes that health is not about perfect diets, hours spent at the gym, a magic cure from supplements or pharmaceuticals, or any one particular belief or ideology. Rather, it's life itself, how we treat it and support it, and the courageous actions of the individual in the face of real life challenges. Dr. Patel's books include:
-The Art of Health
-Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word
-Picture It: Homeopathy
-Modern Day Fables
*Websites: www.Redfernhealth.com and www.Mindbodyacnedoc.com
*Check out an author interview on the mind-skin connection underlying acne: https://youtu.be/zAsslJXU87g
-The Art of Health
-Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word
-Picture It: Homeopathy
-Modern Day Fables
*Websites: www.Redfernhealth.com and www.Mindbodyacnedoc.com
*Check out an author interview on the mind-skin connection underlying acne: https://youtu.be/zAsslJXU87g
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
um-not-these-authors
October 30, 2018I only read the preview, and it was stupefying, horrifying quackery.
November 18, 2019
Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word
My plan was to read Dr. Aarti Patel’s book, heal my acne with her approach and report back to you.
That plan is not going to work.
Honestly, I really do not want to write this review, my integrity tells me otherwise.
A quick side note. It’s advised that one not write a review on a subject they are passionate about, this is your warning. I’m so passionate about our ability to heal ourselves (this is the premise of “Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word” ) that I feel it’s my responsibility to share this concept with others. Equally important is providing proof such as this wellness book.
So here it goes:
This is the worst book ever.
Don’t misunderstand me. This well written 138-page self-help manual about acne is spot on. So much so that it hits too close to home for me.
That’s why I don’t want to write this review. The guidance offered made me cry.
Side bar: I’ve been working on honesty; I am aware of this necessity because it’s in my numerology. Represented by the 7 in my Life Path 37/10, I need to be more transparent and this is a challenge for me.
Not only did this book make me cry, it made me angry.
I had a heads up though. Look at what Numerologist Michael Brills says about acne:
Acne is a 14/5...a tendency to try to hold back
Cysts is a 14/5 too!
1= low self esteem
4= stubbornness
5= rigidity
Louise Hay says of cysts; running an old painful movie.
I don’t want to run that old painful movie,
but here we go.
“Feelings are part of your life and only become a problem when they are told to shut up.”
This quote from the book is exactly what Brill and Hay tried to tell us with their interpretation of acne and cysts. Dr. Aarti also talks in depth about unresolved anger and then asks;
“Do you want to look and feel perfect or do you want to look and feel like yourself?”
Ha!
This is the million-dollar question. I’ve been looking for myself for decades! Shit, I even help others find their true selves through numerology because I understand its necessity!
I have two solid pages of notes in response to her advice. I won’t bore you with those. Besides, I’m afraid to, but I will share a few of the great tips she gives:
-Go ahead, get pissed.
-Don’t engage in relationships or environments where you can’t be who you are.
-Treat yourself how you want to be treated.
-Reconnect to your own voice.
and my favorite one,
-Let yourself be bad sometimes.
Not sure when I’ll be fully able to really read and hear all of Dr. Aarti wonderful self-care advice in the book. I’d really like to write my own Dear John letter to acne using several choice four letters words. In the meantime, I hope the book finds you if you need it and you are ready.
Love and Light, Tricia
My plan was to read Dr. Aarti Patel’s book, heal my acne with her approach and report back to you.
That plan is not going to work.
Honestly, I really do not want to write this review, my integrity tells me otherwise.
A quick side note. It’s advised that one not write a review on a subject they are passionate about, this is your warning. I’m so passionate about our ability to heal ourselves (this is the premise of “Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word” ) that I feel it’s my responsibility to share this concept with others. Equally important is providing proof such as this wellness book.
So here it goes:
This is the worst book ever.
Don’t misunderstand me. This well written 138-page self-help manual about acne is spot on. So much so that it hits too close to home for me.
That’s why I don’t want to write this review. The guidance offered made me cry.
Side bar: I’ve been working on honesty; I am aware of this necessity because it’s in my numerology. Represented by the 7 in my Life Path 37/10, I need to be more transparent and this is a challenge for me.
Not only did this book make me cry, it made me angry.
I had a heads up though. Look at what Numerologist Michael Brills says about acne:
Acne is a 14/5...a tendency to try to hold back
Cysts is a 14/5 too!
1= low self esteem
4= stubbornness
5= rigidity
Louise Hay says of cysts; running an old painful movie.
I don’t want to run that old painful movie,
but here we go.
“Feelings are part of your life and only become a problem when they are told to shut up.”
This quote from the book is exactly what Brill and Hay tried to tell us with their interpretation of acne and cysts. Dr. Aarti also talks in depth about unresolved anger and then asks;
“Do you want to look and feel perfect or do you want to look and feel like yourself?”
Ha!
This is the million-dollar question. I’ve been looking for myself for decades! Shit, I even help others find their true selves through numerology because I understand its necessity!
I have two solid pages of notes in response to her advice. I won’t bore you with those. Besides, I’m afraid to, but I will share a few of the great tips she gives:
-Go ahead, get pissed.
-Don’t engage in relationships or environments where you can’t be who you are.
-Treat yourself how you want to be treated.
-Reconnect to your own voice.
and my favorite one,
-Let yourself be bad sometimes.
Not sure when I’ll be fully able to really read and hear all of Dr. Aarti wonderful self-care advice in the book. I’d really like to write my own Dear John letter to acne using several choice four letters words. In the meantime, I hope the book finds you if you need it and you are ready.
Love and Light, Tricia
September 21, 2019
Aarti Patel offers some new tools to fight acne and the strain that comes with it in her guide Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word. Acne takes a heavy mental toll so Patel starts there, offering ways to improve your mental image and move towards healing in a positive manner. The guide is well-organized and light-hearted, making it easy to read. If you’re suffering from acne and looking for some more tools for your tool bag, check this one out!
February 17, 2020
It had been while since I had read a self-help book but when I came across this one, I felt like it was meant for me. I used to suffer from acne very badly and managed, after ten years, to go over it (not without numerous lifestyle changes and medication). When I read the summary of this book, I thought that the author’s approach was very innovative and interesting: what if we believed in our body’s natural ability to heal and stopped overthinking too much ? « In summary, the skin is a living, breathing, and sensing surface, not just one that we put makeup and acne products on. » (taken from the book)
It seems easy, right? We all know it is not, but it might be worth trying! After all, if the products we put on our skin and the products we digest do not work, why not betting on nature… and on us?
The authors uses a lot of examples she draws from her own experience and the ones of her patients. In chapter 3, for instance, she refers to the idea that we tend to feel like children when we suffer from acne; it is as if we were always fragile, we feel like the teenagers we were when it all started. As it does not go away, we keep thinking we are doing something wrong, which is terrible for self-esteem.
I found the personification of acne very relevant: the author sees it as a « bully ». However, it can be very hard for someone who still suffers from acne as it is so true and « hits home ». We realize, through the author’s words, that our perfectionism and our will to get rid of acne tends to break us: « Do you want to look and feel perfect, or do you want to look and feel like yourself? » Perfectionism goes hand in hand with acne, and it might be one of the factors preventing us from healing. Maybe we could « just » learn to get rid of perfectionism and see where it leads us.
I hope reading the book will help you guys as much as it helped me. I had already gotten rid of acne when I started my reading, but I sincerely think that if I had not, it would have helped me heal faster.
- I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily -
It seems easy, right? We all know it is not, but it might be worth trying! After all, if the products we put on our skin and the products we digest do not work, why not betting on nature… and on us?
The authors uses a lot of examples she draws from her own experience and the ones of her patients. In chapter 3, for instance, she refers to the idea that we tend to feel like children when we suffer from acne; it is as if we were always fragile, we feel like the teenagers we were when it all started. As it does not go away, we keep thinking we are doing something wrong, which is terrible for self-esteem.
I found the personification of acne very relevant: the author sees it as a « bully ». However, it can be very hard for someone who still suffers from acne as it is so true and « hits home ». We realize, through the author’s words, that our perfectionism and our will to get rid of acne tends to break us: « Do you want to look and feel perfect, or do you want to look and feel like yourself? » Perfectionism goes hand in hand with acne, and it might be one of the factors preventing us from healing. Maybe we could « just » learn to get rid of perfectionism and see where it leads us.
I hope reading the book will help you guys as much as it helped me. I had already gotten rid of acne when I started my reading, but I sincerely think that if I had not, it would have helped me heal faster.
- I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily -
February 17, 2020
It had been while since I had read a self-help book but when I came across this one, I felt like it was meant for me. I used to suffer from acne very badly and managed, after ten years, to go over it (not without numerous lifestyle changes and medication). When I read the summary of this book, I thought that the author’s approach was very innovative and interesting: what if we believed in our body’s natural ability to heal and stopped overthinking too much ? « In summary, the skin is a living, breathing, and sensing surface, not just one that we put makeup and acne products on. » (taken from the book)
It seems easy, right? We all know it is not, but it might be worth trying! After all, if the products we put on our skin and the products we digest do not work, why not betting on nature… and on us?
The authors uses a lot of examples she draws from her own experience and the ones of her patients. In chapter 3, for instance, she refers to the idea that we tend to feel like children when we suffer from acne; it is as if we were always fragile, we feel like the teenagers we were when it all started. As it does not go away, we keep thinking we are doing something wrong, which is terrible for self-esteem.
I found the personification of acne very relevant: the author sees it as a « bully ». However, it can be very hard for someone who still suffers from acne as it is so true and « hits home ». We realize, through the author’s words, that our perfectionism and our will to get rid of acne tends to break us: « Do you want to look and feel perfect, or do you want to look and feel like yourself? » Perfectionism goes hand in hand with acne, and it might be one of the factors preventing us from healing. Maybe we could « just » learn to get rid of perfectionism and see where it leads us.
I hope reading the book will help you guys as much as it helped me. I had already gotten rid of acne when I started my reading, but I sincerely think that if I had not, it would have helped me heal faster.
It seems easy, right? We all know it is not, but it might be worth trying! After all, if the products we put on our skin and the products we digest do not work, why not betting on nature… and on us?
The authors uses a lot of examples she draws from her own experience and the ones of her patients. In chapter 3, for instance, she refers to the idea that we tend to feel like children when we suffer from acne; it is as if we were always fragile, we feel like the teenagers we were when it all started. As it does not go away, we keep thinking we are doing something wrong, which is terrible for self-esteem.
I found the personification of acne very relevant: the author sees it as a « bully ». However, it can be very hard for someone who still suffers from acne as it is so true and « hits home ». We realize, through the author’s words, that our perfectionism and our will to get rid of acne tends to break us: « Do you want to look and feel perfect, or do you want to look and feel like yourself? » Perfectionism goes hand in hand with acne, and it might be one of the factors preventing us from healing. Maybe we could « just » learn to get rid of perfectionism and see where it leads us.
I hope reading the book will help you guys as much as it helped me. I had already gotten rid of acne when I started my reading, but I sincerely think that if I had not, it would have helped me heal faster.
February 3, 2019
No science and no proof
Patel falls extremely short in using positive thinking and self-image as supposed weapons guaranteeing deliverance from acne. The author is so bold as to denounce dermatology and medical science in favor of mindfulness and New Age sounding nonsense. She also includes no supporting proof for her ideas; not from the scientific field nor from.testimonials.that would support her conclusions.
Patel falls extremely short in using positive thinking and self-image as supposed weapons guaranteeing deliverance from acne. The author is so bold as to denounce dermatology and medical science in favor of mindfulness and New Age sounding nonsense. She also includes no supporting proof for her ideas; not from the scientific field nor from.testimonials.that would support her conclusions.
May 9, 2019
"Acne is shaped by our thoughts, our emotions, and also by social influences all around us."3/5 stars.
ebook, 131 pages.
Read from April 28, 2019 to April 29, 2019.
Review at The Pluviophile Writer: https://bit.ly/2VSFYfN
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (thanks Aarti). While I don't have a hefty battle with acne, I do contend with dermatillomania in which the frustrating feeling of helplessness and shame are remarkably similar to those suffering from acne. Such as the of never-ending obsessive thoughts about your skin, whether that's covering it up, faster ways to heal it, or the constant search for that miracle product or system that will help break the vicious cycle of anxiety and negativity.
The purpose of this book is meant to shape the way you view your skin and your acne. The author defines acne as a bully, by giving it its own persona and making it something other than yourself. Similar approaches are taken when viewing things like depression or anxiety, in that these thoughts and feelings are not you and don't define who you are. The author also addresses the extremes that many of us go through in order to deal with our skin from fad diets to expensive skin care regimes that ultimately make us feel as if our bad skin is of our own fault and if we can just somehow control it with the right diet, skin care, exercise etc. our life will be better. The author has a flowing and easy to read writing style that's technically good and works well for the topic at hand.
While I cannot speak for the author's claims on curing acne with this kind of thinking, it is still a beneficial approach for anyone who has ever struggled with their skin. I appreciate her sentiments on the approaches the medical field takes towards acne but it would have been nice to see some case studies, testimonials, or even some anecdotal evidence to support her claims as it would have added some scientific clarity to her work.
While I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this book as a cure, there is something to be said about the mind and body connection and reducing stress and anxiety. This book would be beneficial for anyone who struggles with insecurities, depression, or anxiety involving their skin, regardless of the physical outcome as changing negative thought patterns is one way in regain control over our worries and vicious thought cycles.
March 5, 2019
I was introduced to this book as a reccomendation from Annette Pasternak ("The Stop Skin Picking Coach"). At the time of reading (and even now, in some ways) I was filled with a lot of shame, not only because of my acne but because of my skin picking. This book helped me to feel less crazy about my acne and by extension, my skin picking. I reccomend it highly.
For the first time in my acne healing journey, I felt that I was reading my own thoughts written clearly, concisely, and truthfully. I have always approached healing my acne from a place of fear, self-loathing, and powerlessness-- this book captured the internal dialogues that followed me through every modality I experimented with to cure my acne. If only for this reason, the book gave me a sense of relief that I haven't found elsewhere. In truth, I haven't found relief from my acne, but I have been able to let go of some of the rules and shame that dictated my "battle" with acne. I still have a long way to go, because acne is a stubborn guest. But I'm becoming more okay with the idea that even if the acne never leaves my skin, I can still be happy, healthy, worthy of love, and good enough.
I can appreciate that some of the other reviews of this book are not glowing. To my mind, these reviews echo criticisms of Health At Every Size or "Body Positive" books in that they can rub people the wrong way. The claims are unfamiliar and uncomfortable and it sometimes require admitting that our conditioned beliefs might not always be in our best interest or contribute to our health. Likewise, this book redirects responsibility for acne away from the individual and onto systems of governmentality (a set of cues and logics about how to conduct yourself in a highly competitive environment). In other words, it can be a momentarily helpless place to realize that acne may be a product of something greater than individual choices in diet and exercise and skin care. But that can also be liberating.
Its kind of awesome to have a new set of criteria by which to judge acne; not necessarily as (purely) a hormone imbalance or an intolerance to certain foods, but as a product of thoughts and blocked emotions. There are still so many lessons I have to learn about acne and about myself, but I am grateful for a book like this to give voice to the challenges of acne and the power in living life anyway. Thank you, Aarti. I hope that everyone who needs to hear this message can find this book.
For the first time in my acne healing journey, I felt that I was reading my own thoughts written clearly, concisely, and truthfully. I have always approached healing my acne from a place of fear, self-loathing, and powerlessness-- this book captured the internal dialogues that followed me through every modality I experimented with to cure my acne. If only for this reason, the book gave me a sense of relief that I haven't found elsewhere. In truth, I haven't found relief from my acne, but I have been able to let go of some of the rules and shame that dictated my "battle" with acne. I still have a long way to go, because acne is a stubborn guest. But I'm becoming more okay with the idea that even if the acne never leaves my skin, I can still be happy, healthy, worthy of love, and good enough.
I can appreciate that some of the other reviews of this book are not glowing. To my mind, these reviews echo criticisms of Health At Every Size or "Body Positive" books in that they can rub people the wrong way. The claims are unfamiliar and uncomfortable and it sometimes require admitting that our conditioned beliefs might not always be in our best interest or contribute to our health. Likewise, this book redirects responsibility for acne away from the individual and onto systems of governmentality (a set of cues and logics about how to conduct yourself in a highly competitive environment). In other words, it can be a momentarily helpless place to realize that acne may be a product of something greater than individual choices in diet and exercise and skin care. But that can also be liberating.
Its kind of awesome to have a new set of criteria by which to judge acne; not necessarily as (purely) a hormone imbalance or an intolerance to certain foods, but as a product of thoughts and blocked emotions. There are still so many lessons I have to learn about acne and about myself, but I am grateful for a book like this to give voice to the challenges of acne and the power in living life anyway. Thank you, Aarti. I hope that everyone who needs to hear this message can find this book.
November 17, 2019
-Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite:
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Acne is a word that carries a lot of weight in our lives. In Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word by Aarti Patel, N.D., the author speaks about dealing with acne and fixing the skin. The purpose of this book is to face the four-letter bully so that there is no more running and hiding from anything in life that is feeding the acne. A lot of fuss is made when it comes to acne and this book will help make acne's role smaller in your life by giving you the power to stand up to it and heal your skin from within you. That makes all the benefits long-lasting, unlike the creams, capsules, and special diets you follow.
The author's personal experiences when it comes to dealing with acne, and her experience as a naturopathic doctor, make the suggestions and tips credible and it will be easy for readers to relate to what the author is trying to convey. Patel handles the topic methodically and in detail, covering all aspects that can make the bully, as she terms it, strip us of our self confidence. The skin is a living, breathing, and sensing surface and the book describes how to treat it well. The author connects acne with the body and mind, and the steps mentioned are based on how to handle the emotional upheavals that bring out negative emotions and manifest on the skin as acne. All those readers who are trying to tackle their acne, start writing the goodbye letter to your acne and begin the process of letting go.
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Acne is a word that carries a lot of weight in our lives. In Acne: Just Another Four-Letter Word by Aarti Patel, N.D., the author speaks about dealing with acne and fixing the skin. The purpose of this book is to face the four-letter bully so that there is no more running and hiding from anything in life that is feeding the acne. A lot of fuss is made when it comes to acne and this book will help make acne's role smaller in your life by giving you the power to stand up to it and heal your skin from within you. That makes all the benefits long-lasting, unlike the creams, capsules, and special diets you follow.
The author's personal experiences when it comes to dealing with acne, and her experience as a naturopathic doctor, make the suggestions and tips credible and it will be easy for readers to relate to what the author is trying to convey. Patel handles the topic methodically and in detail, covering all aspects that can make the bully, as she terms it, strip us of our self confidence. The skin is a living, breathing, and sensing surface and the book describes how to treat it well. The author connects acne with the body and mind, and the steps mentioned are based on how to handle the emotional upheavals that bring out negative emotions and manifest on the skin as acne. All those readers who are trying to tackle their acne, start writing the goodbye letter to your acne and begin the process of letting go.
September 24, 2020
She gave lots of good pointers about acne and how it is a part of our live. The book helps us understand the pain we have with acne and how exactly to fight it mentally and physically. I really enjoyed reading it and learning so much from it. Although I also do have bias as I am also suffering from acne as a young adult.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 19, 2018
Acne is a health and dieting book aiming to address the issue of this skin disease by not just discussing it in its entirety but also how it affects the patient, psychologically. The book offers strategies and techniques to take care of the issue however above all, embraces the person to accept what is and agree to have acne as part of an occurring event. This is to accept the issue rather than fight it, in order to create harmony with the mind.
While I could not entirely agree with the method, I could still see how someone could accept it as part of something happening to them, treating it as an extension to their body, rather than an illness.
The literature was easy to read and to understand. The chapters were organized well and the length was sufficiently providing the information needed, keeping the reader intrigued.
Regardless of what your belief is in this matter, or how you have dealt with acne in the past, I believe it is always good to read on matters that could possibly provide an alternative to the methods that are out there today.
I recommend this to people that like to read on acne, health issues, medicine, psychology, and treatments.
While I could not entirely agree with the method, I could still see how someone could accept it as part of something happening to them, treating it as an extension to their body, rather than an illness.
The literature was easy to read and to understand. The chapters were organized well and the length was sufficiently providing the information needed, keeping the reader intrigued.
Regardless of what your belief is in this matter, or how you have dealt with acne in the past, I believe it is always good to read on matters that could possibly provide an alternative to the methods that are out there today.
I recommend this to people that like to read on acne, health issues, medicine, psychology, and treatments.
October 30, 2018
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway
I am sorry Dr. Patel, but I could not finish your book. I have been an acne suffer from teenage years through my 30s. I too can easily outline all of the treatments I have used be it prescriptions, OTC, or expensive skin care. I have also learned that life changes (diet, exercise, sleep) have not made any difference for me. I am lucky enough to wear makeup that covers my acne up every day, but this does not address my time obsessing in the mirror or the physical pain it causes.
It is too difficult/ineffective for me to accept a mind-shift in "accepting" my acne. The "strategies/techniques/tips" you offered were better suited for someone initially living with acne. I could not finish the book as it was too aggravating to consider acne as something happening TO me, that big bad bully. While I have somewhat resigned myself to this being my "lot in life", researching and utilizing products makes me feel that I am actively taking control of this.
I am sorry Dr. Patel, but I could not finish your book. I have been an acne suffer from teenage years through my 30s. I too can easily outline all of the treatments I have used be it prescriptions, OTC, or expensive skin care. I have also learned that life changes (diet, exercise, sleep) have not made any difference for me. I am lucky enough to wear makeup that covers my acne up every day, but this does not address my time obsessing in the mirror or the physical pain it causes.
It is too difficult/ineffective for me to accept a mind-shift in "accepting" my acne. The "strategies/techniques/tips" you offered were better suited for someone initially living with acne. I could not finish the book as it was too aggravating to consider acne as something happening TO me, that big bad bully. While I have somewhat resigned myself to this being my "lot in life", researching and utilizing products makes me feel that I am actively taking control of this.
March 4, 2019
A great book! This book helps with finding love for your self with acne, as an adult with reoccurring acne this book helped me find beauty and love for myself :)
February 28, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This review can also be read on BookSirens.
This book makes me genuinely upset. The author dismisses traditional healing methods several times throughout the book, treating diet changes and facial products as gimmicks without so much as providing any evidence naturopathic healing works. Whether or not it does, there is plenty of evidence linking exercise, nutrition, and certain chemicals to the cause and/or cure of acne. I find it ignorant to simply dismiss these things rather than combine them with naturopathic methods. They are not, after all, mutually exclusive.
My second problem was the fluff. Eighty percent of this book was the author trying to reassure the reader acne IS a bully. The point was made within the first paragraph of the first chapter, so needless to say, it got tedious very fast.
The last (and biggest) issue I had was that this book implies if you have acne you're insecure. You don't stand up for your own desires, you don't feel like you can express your anger, and your constantly obsessed with your appearance. A very specific type of person. As someone who had very few of the issues the book described and still a face full of acne, not only did I find this implication ridiculous but potentially even harmful, especially because the author goes in full force with her ideas and allows very little middle ground. It is this that led me to a rare but just one star review.
With editing, this book could be a good mental health book. It does have sound advice on how to stand up for yourself and feel better on the day to day. This is not, however, a book for acne. Naturopathy may be a great tool for acne, but this not the book to showcase it.
This book makes me genuinely upset. The author dismisses traditional healing methods several times throughout the book, treating diet changes and facial products as gimmicks without so much as providing any evidence naturopathic healing works. Whether or not it does, there is plenty of evidence linking exercise, nutrition, and certain chemicals to the cause and/or cure of acne. I find it ignorant to simply dismiss these things rather than combine them with naturopathic methods. They are not, after all, mutually exclusive.
My second problem was the fluff. Eighty percent of this book was the author trying to reassure the reader acne IS a bully. The point was made within the first paragraph of the first chapter, so needless to say, it got tedious very fast.
The last (and biggest) issue I had was that this book implies if you have acne you're insecure. You don't stand up for your own desires, you don't feel like you can express your anger, and your constantly obsessed with your appearance. A very specific type of person. As someone who had very few of the issues the book described and still a face full of acne, not only did I find this implication ridiculous but potentially even harmful, especially because the author goes in full force with her ideas and allows very little middle ground. It is this that led me to a rare but just one star review.
With editing, this book could be a good mental health book. It does have sound advice on how to stand up for yourself and feel better on the day to day. This is not, however, a book for acne. Naturopathy may be a great tool for acne, but this not the book to showcase it.
July 30, 2019
This is not a book of special tricks to get rid of acne. There are enough books and commercials out there spouting the benefits of one idea or another that is guaranteed to work, but doesn’t actually work for many people. Even when they do, they don’t work as simply as they are said to and a lot of them cost lots of money.
So the point of this book is to talk about the mind-body connection with regards to acne and how taking control of your emotions and self image can help acne and even if it doesn’t, help you feel better about your acne.
Unfortunately I don’t think the book did this as well as it hoped to have done this. I think part of the problem is at the end of the book we are told something that should have been made clearer at the beginning.
“Most chronic health issues, while treated as purely physical by the medical system, have mental, emotional, and oscial roots to them just like acne does.” – pg 134
Assuming this is true, it would have been good to know at the beginning because without realizing this, a lot of the advice seemed ‘fluffy’ and like it would be no help at all.
Parts of the book talked about acne like it’s its own living breathing thing (aka the bully.) This wasn’t for me but if you have struggled with acne more than I have perhaps this seems real enough to you that you wouldn’t mind that talk. I had the usual troubles with acne as a teenager and I still get pimples as an adult but I didn’t have a face of acne like some people struggle with. It didn’t seem to take on its own life.
The advice was good for helping you feel better about your acne and yourself but I felt it was worded as an acne cure when it’s not. I think, especially for teens who might be reading the book, it should have been more clear.
"Though it may be tempting to stay home, fixate on one pimple, and fret about the best treatment, venturing out into your life will get you closer to clear skin than a “magic” zit sapper, supplement, miracle face wash, or gluten-free cookie ever could.” – pg 60
No, it won’t get you closer to clear skin, but it will allow you to live your life and enjoy your life instead of hiding your years away because of some zits.
As I said, the advice is good but it needs to be reworded to make it clear that the tips given will help you feel better about yourself, not make acne disappear.
So the point of this book is to talk about the mind-body connection with regards to acne and how taking control of your emotions and self image can help acne and even if it doesn’t, help you feel better about your acne.
Unfortunately I don’t think the book did this as well as it hoped to have done this. I think part of the problem is at the end of the book we are told something that should have been made clearer at the beginning.
“Most chronic health issues, while treated as purely physical by the medical system, have mental, emotional, and oscial roots to them just like acne does.” – pg 134
Assuming this is true, it would have been good to know at the beginning because without realizing this, a lot of the advice seemed ‘fluffy’ and like it would be no help at all.
Parts of the book talked about acne like it’s its own living breathing thing (aka the bully.) This wasn’t for me but if you have struggled with acne more than I have perhaps this seems real enough to you that you wouldn’t mind that talk. I had the usual troubles with acne as a teenager and I still get pimples as an adult but I didn’t have a face of acne like some people struggle with. It didn’t seem to take on its own life.
The advice was good for helping you feel better about your acne and yourself but I felt it was worded as an acne cure when it’s not. I think, especially for teens who might be reading the book, it should have been more clear.
"Though it may be tempting to stay home, fixate on one pimple, and fret about the best treatment, venturing out into your life will get you closer to clear skin than a “magic” zit sapper, supplement, miracle face wash, or gluten-free cookie ever could.” – pg 60
No, it won’t get you closer to clear skin, but it will allow you to live your life and enjoy your life instead of hiding your years away because of some zits.
As I said, the advice is good but it needs to be reworded to make it clear that the tips given will help you feel better about yourself, not make acne disappear.
April 1, 2023
"I have never felt so *seen* as I did while reading this book. Acne is complicated- and of course skincare, diet, hormonal imbalances etc play a big role- but what is so often skimmed over is the heavy emotional impact acne has on one's mental health AND moreover, how this often worsens the condition.
Are you isolating yourself because of your acne? Are you obsessively checking the mirror to see if new zits have formed? Are you constantly blaming yourself for using the wrong cream, eating the wrong food etc for your breakouts? If the answer is yes- which quite frankly I imagine most people suffering chronic breakouts can relate to- then this book is for you.
This book won't tell you your next miracle skin care product or what foods to enjoy or avoid. But it will free you from the emotional grasp that Acne has over your life. And no matter what route you take in terms of healing your skin, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.
Acne doesn't have to control you. Acne doesn't have to isolate you. Acne doesn't have to take over your life. You are amazing and beautiful and acne is just a bully.
Read this book and use the tips to say goodbye to acne and the rest will follow <3 "
Are you isolating yourself because of your acne? Are you obsessively checking the mirror to see if new zits have formed? Are you constantly blaming yourself for using the wrong cream, eating the wrong food etc for your breakouts? If the answer is yes- which quite frankly I imagine most people suffering chronic breakouts can relate to- then this book is for you.
This book won't tell you your next miracle skin care product or what foods to enjoy or avoid. But it will free you from the emotional grasp that Acne has over your life. And no matter what route you take in terms of healing your skin, THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.
Acne doesn't have to control you. Acne doesn't have to isolate you. Acne doesn't have to take over your life. You are amazing and beautiful and acne is just a bully.
Read this book and use the tips to say goodbye to acne and the rest will follow <3 "
January 7, 2023
Definitely worth a read if you deal with acne and the mental/emotional impact it can have as well. The book itself isn’t meant to be a cure but offers insight into the mind body connection and how the mental and emotional realm are often neglected in healthcare but do have an impact on physical symptoms like acne. Treating your body and underlying physical concerns is important but so is tending to the other aspects of your being and understanding how they work together and affect each other. The book addressed a lot of different experiences people with acne tend to go through and simple tools/practices you can implement to encourage and allow clearer skin and an improved well being over time. Definitely made me feel more confident and empowered and I would recommend reading it.
May 11, 2019
Acne: Just another 4 letter word by Aarti Patel N.D.
Genre: Self Help
About the book: Stories and advice about acne that are on a much deeper level than traditional treatment.
Review: I loved the advice but nothing in this book seemed extremely life changing to me. I could see how this book could benefit others though. The book was easy and quick read.
Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 3 out of 5 stars.
Genre: Self Help
About the book: Stories and advice about acne that are on a much deeper level than traditional treatment.
Review: I loved the advice but nothing in this book seemed extremely life changing to me. I could see how this book could benefit others though. The book was easy and quick read.
Link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/099...
Overall Rating (Out of 5 stars): 3 out of 5 stars.
December 6, 2018
This book was not helpful for me. At 35 I am way past the anxiety stage and have learned to see my beauty. I wanted to read this book because I still suffer from the physical aspects and was hoping to get some new insight.
For those of you who struggle to love yourself because of your acne, this book is aimed at you. Aarti Patel explains how to stop your anxiety from ruling you. Patel walks you through ways of modifying your thoughts and actions to help you make peace with your body. This book will probably be very helpful for you.
For those of you who struggle to love yourself because of your acne, this book is aimed at you. Aarti Patel explains how to stop your anxiety from ruling you. Patel walks you through ways of modifying your thoughts and actions to help you make peace with your body. This book will probably be very helpful for you.
March 31, 2020
😊 The writer has regularly developed creative and original ideas, plans, methods, in harmony with the reading of the book.
The subject matter is well described in the chapters of the book. The easy reading was useful in the topic of acne that can occur when you are young but also in adulthood.
Certainly the narration of this e-book is advisable for those who are afflicted with skin problems.
The subject matter is well described in the chapters of the book. The easy reading was useful in the topic of acne that can occur when you are young but also in adulthood.
Certainly the narration of this e-book is advisable for those who are afflicted with skin problems.
November 25, 2019
Don’t waste your time.
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