Posts Tagged ‘Acne’

Acne Myths Exposed! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, September 19th, 2011

New as well as old myths continue to shape people’s views about acne and how to treat it. Here is a quick rundown on the most popular myths in the mainstream today.

#1 Acne is Just Cosmetic - Acne is more than skin deep. It is a medical condition, that can cause anxiety and depression.

#2 You Can “Sweat” Out Acne - Many patients believe that using steam or hot towels helps open pores and will lessen acne. The truth is that sweating, increased temperatures and humidity can make acne worse. In fact it may cause more broken capillaries (increased redness in the skin) and faster breakdown of collagen, making pores look larger over time. There is no scientific data to back up the sweat it out theory.

#3 Sex and Masturbation Cause Acne - This myth is a carry over from centuries past as a way to dissuade people from having pre-marital sex. There is no link between having acne and sex.

#4 Dirt Causes Acne - Acne is caused by a bacteria (P. acnes) deep within the skin’s follicles. Blackheads (open comedones) seen on the skin are not a build up of dirt, but the oxidation of sebum (oil) in the follicles. Intense scrubbing or squeezing to remove blackheads will only irritate the skin. Blackheads can be helped with topical medications.

#5 Wash Your Face More Often to Lessen Acne - Acne cannot be washed away. Abrasive scrubs, plain soap and water or frequent washing are not a treatment for acne. Overwashing or scrubbing harshly will only irritate the skin further.

#6 Acne Will Eventually Go Away on its Own - Acne is not something that people “outgrow”. Acne is a medical condition that can last for years or a lifetime if left untreated. It can also occur at any age, not just in teenagers. Treating acne will not only improve skin and reduce scarring, but also increases self-esteem.

#7 Tanning Helps Acne - Ultra Violet light exposure from tanning beds or the sun does not improve acne. It will only increase your risk of skin cancer and induce premature aging. This can actually make any scarring look worse as you age because the collagen in the skin has been damaged.

#8 Popping Pimples Clears Them - While it may seem like you are helping to clear a pimple by squeezing out the fluid inside, you are actually doing more harm then good. Some of the pimple’s contents do come out, but you actually end up pushing more of the fluid down deeper and into the surrounding tissue. This causes more inflammation in the area, which can lead to extended redness and scarring.

#9 You Cannot Use Makeup if You Have Acne - Cosmetics can be worn, even by people with acne prone skin. It is important to choose non-comedogenic products. I always recommend mineral based makeup which covers acne well without irritating the skin.

#10 More is More - In hoping to clear their acne more quickly, patients, tend to overuse their topical medications. It is very important to use your medications as intended. Most acne treatments contain strong medicines or exfoliators that may irritate your skin if used improperly, setting your skin back even further. Make sure you understand how to use all your products and follow instructions for the best result.

#11 I Will See Results Right Away - We would all love to see acne clear after one use of a topical or after a few days of an oral medication, but treating acne is a process. Skin cells cycle about every six weeks, so patients need to know that improvement may not be seen for at least that long, if not up to a few months. Give your acne products a chance to do their job and change your skin. If you don’t see results right away, don’t give up! Stay in communication with your doctor and change medications as necessary.

#12 Over the Counter Products Work as Well as the Doctor’s - Don’t believe the hype. Products like Proactiv, may have you believe that your acne will magically disappear, but it does not work for all types of acne or all types of skin. To truly get yourself set up on the right regimen, see a dermatologist.

#13 Accutane or Isotretinoin is Dangerous - This oral acne medication has been subject to all kinds of misinformation and rumor. For the right patient it can not only clear their skin, but can send their acne into remission. Many of my patients feel like it changed their life. Discuss your concerns with your doctor, as it may be the best option for you.

#14 - Diet Does Not Cause Acne - This is a myth that is still under study. There is some evidence to suggest that diet and acne may be linked. When asked about changing their diet by patients, my advice is to give it a try. It doesn’t hurt to reduce dairy and processed sugars and white flour in your diet, and if it helps your skin too then all the better!

With acne, like any medical issue, its important to know the facts and not just rely on what your best friend, mom or Aunt Edna thinks. Everyone’s skin is different, so the best way to treat your acne is to work with a dermatologist. They will help determine what type of acne you are dealing with and the best treatment. Be sure you have all your questions answered, set realistic expectations and understand how to use all your medications.

Clearing up Acne over Summer! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Dermatologist

Friday, June 3rd, 2011

In my last blog we touched on treatment of cystic acne with isotretinoin. However, non-cystic acne which many teenagers and some adults suffer from can respond quickly to treatment with the use of the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System and its three simple steps.

The Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System is the only prescription-strength acne treatment that contains a patented, solubilized form of 5% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to penetrate deep into the skin and treat acne where it starts. The solubilized form of 5% BPO in the CLENZIderm M.D. System is 1/10,000 the size of any other BPO product available and significantly reduces acne-causing bacteria.

The best part about the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System is how easy the steps are to follow. Even those regimen “challenged” individuals should have no trouble sticking to the three steps and getting results.

Whether normal to oily or normal to dry, the the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System products can be individualized to suit any skin type and are all made to work synergistically. Generally, the three steps will include a cleanser, BPO treatment product and moisturizer for dry skin types or cleanser, pore therapy and BPO serum gel for oily skin types.

Let us evaluate your teenager’s acne today to see if the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. System is right for them, so they can return to school after summer vacation with clearer, fresher skin.

Isotretinoin Helps Acne and Emotions: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Thursday, May 26th, 2011

There is no doubt that acne affects your skin, but it can also have a major impact on your emotional well-being. This is especially true for teenagers, who are already trying to navigate through many new social, physical and hormonal changes.

Many parents’ first reaction to the suggestion of treating their teenage son or daughter’s severe acne with isotretinoin or Accutane is one of great hesitation. It’s understandable with all the mis-information about the risks of isotretinoin’s potential side effects in the media and on the internet. While depression is listed as a possible side effect, I have found that in most cases with teenagers, they actually become less depressed as their skin improves and their confidence builds.

Following is a brief about the effects of acne and the treatment of isotretinoin:

THURSDAY, March 24 (HealthDay News) — Adolescents who suffer from acne are more likely to have a lower quality of life and psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation, according to research published in the January issue of the Dermatology Online Journal.

Lauren K. Dunn, Ph.D., from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C., and colleagues determined the impact of acne on quality of life, and its effect on self-esteem, mood, and psychological disorders in adolescents aged 13 to 18 years.

The researchers found that the presence of acne had a significant impact on adolescents’ self-esteem and quality of life. Acne was linked to increased incidence of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Acne treatment with isotretinoin was found to improve quality of life and decrease depressive symptoms.

What I have also seen in my practice is how low self-esteem from acne can follow adolescents into their adulthood. Even if their acne has cleared, adults may still suffer from its emotional effects and from physical scarring. That is why treatment of acne early on is so important and the option of using isotretinoin in certain cases should be a consideration. Successful treatment of acne in teenagers requires open and clear communication between the doctor, the parent and the patient.

Finally! An Alternative Acne Treatment- Notes From a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

There is now have an additional option for treating acne in patients who want fast clearance and a comfortable result. Isolaz harnesses the power of vacuum suction, coupled with a painless broadband light, to deep clean your pores from the inside out . This treatment is a great option for teenagers, pregnant women, those seeking an alternative to oral medications, or anyone who wants beautiful, clear skin!

Isolaz therapy uses a vacuum first to remove white heads, blackheads, and inflamed pimples while deep cleaning the pores. A broadband light source is then used to destroy the P. acnes bacteria, a bacteria that leads to clogging and breakouts, and also reduces redness in the skin. A full face treatment takes between 20 and 30 minutes and is very gentle, even for patients with sensitive skin. And the best part is, Isolaz works quickly and the results last. Some patients actually start to notice a favorable effect within a few days, with results improving with each session and being maintained months following treatment. Patients typically schedule three to four sessions of Isolaz, spaced one to two weeks apart. If downtime is a concern, then this is the treatment for you. Isolaz has virtually no downtime and no significant adverse side effects. Patients often notice and refreshed and radiant look to their skin following treatment. If you are struggling with acne and are looking for a fast, effective treatment, call our office for more details.

Some of Our Favorite Lasers Have Been Getting Some Amazing Press!

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Isolaz, an effective acne treatment that harnesses the power of a vacuum and broadband light to offer a painless cleaning and extraction of the pores, was featured on The View during an October 15^th segment called “Things That Make Your Skin Crawl.” Doris Day, MD, a Board Certified Dermatologist based in New York discussed how Isolaz is one of her favorite treatments. In the segment she states, “It’s great for acne but it also helps extract the contents of the milia without creating trauma or irritation to the skin and then there’s an intense pulse light that gets rid of the redness.” Visit www.weloveskin.com or www.isolaz.com for more information.

Thermage, a non-invasive skin tightening procedure that uses radio frequency to stimulate the body’s natural renewal of collagen which results in tighter, smoother skin; softened lines and wrinkles; and an overall younger looking appearance both on and off the face, was featured on the September 20^th episode of the Dr. Oz Show. In a segment titled “Ultimate Aging Show by the Decade,” Dr. Day discussed aging solutions for women in their 40s. She explains that the Thermage procedure is a great no downtime solution for skin tightening both on the face and the body. “Thermage is a great non-invasive, non-surgical way to get great skin tightening in a very natural way,” said Dr. Day. Visit www.weloveskin .com or www. thermage.com for more information.

Also, watch for Ulthera, the latest in non-invasive skin tightening to appear on the Dr. Oz show Thursday, November 11^th! Visit www.ulthera.com or www.weloveskin.com for more details.

Dermatology - One of the Most Satisfying Specialties: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

A recent study conducted by UC Davis has found that dermatology ranks as one of the most satisfying medical specialties to practice. One of the reasons dermatology tops the charts is its diversity, ranging from medical to aesthetic. This couldn’t be more true for my practice. Being able to help a patient suffering from acne or skin cancer to advising another on choosing a cosmetic treatment right for them is one aspect of my job that I enjoy immensely. There is nothing more satisfying than helping patients set and achieve their skin goals, seeing them through the process from beginning to end. Its the relationships I have with my patients who are of all ages and walks of life that always keep me smiling.

Isolaz for Rosacea Treatment on Good Morning America: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Not only has the Isolaz treatment been beneficial to my patients suffering from acne, but it is also an excellent treatment for rosacea as highlighted in this clip from Good Morning America. The features of Isolaz treatments that I like best are that they are safe and effective for all skin types, they are painless, there is no downtime and there is an overall improvement in the skin’s appearance. Call our office for more details!

Pregnancy & Skin - Noticing More than a Baby Bump? Notes from a San francisco BayArea Dermatologist

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Pregnancy brings about so many physical changes that it can feel a bit like something out of invasion of the body snatchers - where your body is no longer your own! While each woman’s journey varies, there are some common skin changes that you may notice as you wait for bundle of joy to arrive.

Itchy Abdomen Skin: You do not need to spend a fortune as any good over the counter moisturizer (like Aveeno, Cetaphil) can help relive the tight, dry, itchy skin that occurs as your belly stretches during pregnancy - especially the last few months. Shea butter can also be very soothing. I tell my patients to avoid oils as they tend to not absorb well. The best time to apply moisturizer is right after you shower or bathe, as they merely allow your skin to hold onto moisture. Heavier creams are better moisturizers, but can be messier and harder to use. With any product on the skin, be sure to use common sense and stop if it causes any irritation.

Stretch Marks: Perhaps my patients’ number one fear and/or complaint. Stretch marks are the result of stretching skin and appear as reddish or pink linear marks on the abdomen, breasts or hip/buttock area. It is a rare woman that does not earn at least a few marks during her pregnancy. There is no medical evidence that any creams or vitamin E prevent them from occurring. In fact, vitamin E oil applied directly to skin can cause irritation, so I would not recommend it. However, if you feel that it never hurts to try, then I would recommend using moisturizers as noted in the previous section to relieve tightness. Generally, the marks will shrink and fade some time after delivery. However, if they are bothersome to you there are two treatments that can be helpful. Vbeam laser treatments will help reduce the pink discoloration and can help build collagen to strengthen the skin, minimizing the marks. Fraxel laser treatments help to renew the texture of the skin, making it smoother and the marks less visible. If you are interested in Vbeam or Fraxel to treat stretch marks, please contact our office.

Skin Tags: These are tiny flaps of skin that can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy and typically occur in areas of friction, like under your arms or around your breasts. Some of these may disappear after delivery, but any remaining tags can be quickly and easily removed by a dermatologist.

Acne: Hormonal changes can cause your skin to become more oily and prone to breakouts. To help this, you can use over the counter cleansers or moisturizers that contain alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA), lactic or glycolic acid, which help to exfoliate the skin and keep plugs from forming. Some of our pregnant patients also come in for monthly pregnancy safe chemical peels to keep their skin in balance. Benzoyl Peroxide is safe to use on your skin during pregnancy and helps exfoliate the skin and kill acne causing bacteria. If breakouts become severe or do not respond to basic treatment, be sure to contact your dermatologist.

Mask of Pregnancy (Melasma or Cholasma): Hormones at work yet again. Some women develop dark patches of pigment on their forehead and cheeks (like a mask) during pregnancy as a result of their hormones. Your skin is extra sensitive to the sun during this time, so be sure to wear your sunblock everyday to keep the sun’s rays from making the condition worse. Phytic acid is a botanically derived skin lightener that is not as strong as prescription grade products like hydroquinone (not medically advised for use during pregnancy), but is a safe alternative and may help reduce excess pigment. After delivery, check with your dermatologist on the most effective and safe ways to quickly get rid of any leftover pigmentation.

Linea Nigra: Around the fourth of fifth month of pregnancy you may notice the appearance of a dark line that runs from your belly button to the top of your pubic bone. The line is thought to be a result of…you guessed it…hormones. There is no way to prevent this line, but take comfort in knowing that it will fade after delivery.

Changes in Moles & Freckles: We often find that moles and freckles become more “active” during pregnancy, meaning that they may darken in color due to hormonal fluctuations. You may also notice other areas of skin like the nipples, areolas and labia become darker. Should any mole or freckle change significantly change in shape or size, or specifically catch your eye that didn’t before, please have it checked by a dermatologist right away.

Spider & Varicose Veins: As a result of increased blood flow throughout your body, tiny red to larger blue veins may appear on the legs and ankles during pregnancy. While there is a genetic component to their appearance, the best way to minimize them is by trying the following: keep active by walking to increase circulation; avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; wear support hose; prop your legs up when sitting; avoid excessive weight gain. After delivery these veins can be reduced with either injections or laser treatments.

The good news is that this increase in blood flow to your body is also what gives you that pregnancy “glow” which is beautiful on every woman, so may you enjoy a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery!

Adult Acne - Even Grown Ups get the Acne Blues: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

If you have adult acne you are not alone! Adults comprise 46% of dermatologist’s acne patients. Angst over acne is also not confined to teens. Roughly 3 in 10 adults with acne would rather change their skin than any other physical attribute, including body weight and wrinkles! 41% of adults state that acne negatively effects their self-confidence and 52% say it’s more stressful than having it as a teenager.

In my practice I have seen patients with even mild acne cancel social plans when they have a breakout and fall into depression over chronic acne. Despite this, only about ½ of acne patients say they use their acne medications consistently and correctly. Dermatologists estimate that it is really only 2%. Acne medications must be used everyday, even when the skin is clear to be effective, but we all live in a state of hope (maybe it’s gone forever) and denial if our skin is clear then we stop our treatments. As soon as we break out we restart. Unfortunately, by that time it is too late. Patients with acne need to see their treatment as essential to their skin health as tooth brushing and flossing is to dental health.

Spotlight on Acne: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, July 27th, 2009

On its website and on the air, CBS News (7/23) discussed adult acne. In a segment on The Early Show, dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, “spoke to Maggie Rodriguez about various solutions for chronic adult acne.” According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “acne is a disease that can affect anyone beyond puberty, and it’s the most prevalent skin condition in the United States…with almost 50 percent of adults suffering from some form of” the condition. Dr. Graf explained what triggers adult acne (genetics and hormones), “who generally suffers from it” (most often women), and “the latest treatments.” If self-treatment at home with cleansers containing salicylic acid or 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide are not effective, Dr. Graf recommended that people with adult acne see a dermatologist “who may prescribe” retinoids, “antibiotics, or special topical creams.”

We see patients of all ages who are frustrated and embarassed by their acne. Acne can be a difficult condition to improve, which is why our office offers so many options to help patients. Our treatments include chemical peels and Silkpeel Dermalfusion to exfoliate skin and clean out pores. We also have Isolaz, which uses a vacuum suction to clean out pores followed by a light treatment to destroy acne causing bacteriea. The Levulan Photodynamic Therapy treatment for acne involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with laser. Levulan PDT inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and reduces the activity of sebaceous (oil producing) glands in the skin.

Getting acne under control may also include hormonal manipulation with birth control pills or spironolactone, antibiotics or Accutane for refractory cases. Topical treatments include Retin-A, a chemical that promotes skin exfoliation to reduce clogged pores. Benzoyl Peroxide to reduce sebum (oil) on the skin. Salicylic acid helps slow down shedding of the cells inside follicles, preventing clogging. It also helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. Topical antibiotics work by killing bacteria. This not only helps reduce the small infections in the pores, but also indirectly keeps the pores open.

One of the most gratifying parts of my job is to treat patients with acne and get results. Nothing is more rewarding than to see the positive transformation in attitude and self-confidence of patients who suffer from this condition. No longer do patients feel hopeless or depressed because of their skin. If you have always thought you had to just put up with your acne, consult with a dermatologist - start looking and feeling your best today!