Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.

Posts Tagged ‘benzoyl peroxide’

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.

 

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!

 

Use of Prescription Topicals to Successfully Treat Moderate Acne

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Patients will often be prescribed a topical retinoid and/or benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotic to treat their moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne.  In addition to their topical regimen, oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Minocycline may also be prescribed for a limited duration of time.  It is absolutely key for patients treating acne in this manner to continue their prescribed topical skin care products while taking the antibiotic and even after they have completed their course.  Continued use of topicals will help keep “plugs” from re-forming in the skin, which become the seeds for acne formation and breakouts.  Patients sometimes stop or become less consistent in the use of their topicals due to seeing a marked improvement in their skin from the antibiotic or due to undesirable side effects from the topicals.  This can lead to a setback in controlling the acne and be very disappointing for patients.  I always encourage patients to contact our office should they have difficulty using any of the products or any undesirable side effects occur.  There are many treatment options available and we can fine tune a program to fit your individual needs.

 

Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.