Many studies have shown chemical peels are useful adjuncts for the treatment of acne. But which type should you choose? Most physicians and aestheticians have a penchant for glycolic acid (AHA) or lactic acid (AHA) peels because of their popularity and well – marketed product lines often sold by physicians and aestheticians. Yet there is […]

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a procedure done in a doctor’s office that involves topical application of 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid, a photosensitizing cream (ALA, under the tradename Levulan), in conjunction with light exposure. The ALA is applied to the skin and is then “activated” when you sit in front of a red or blue LED panel […]

Very little, if any, research points to vitamins, herbs, or minerals of any kind or in any combination as having an effect on breakouts. What little research does exist shows zinc to be a valid option to consider. A handful of studies have compared oral antibiotics to zinc, with zinc showing some benefit. A study […]

Using a testosterone-blocking drug to reduce the hormone levels responsible for activat­ing oil production is controversial; it’s also an approach to treating acne and oily skin that is not very well-researched. The most frequently prescribed hormone blocker is known as spironolactone (brand name Aldactone). It is an option only for women, however, because without testosterone […]

How do you deal with some of the side effects when taking Accutane? It helps to be prepared. If you take Accutane, stay out of the sun! This drug makes the skin photosensi­tive even if you are wearing sunscreen (and you must wear sunscreen). Any prolonged sun exposure can cause severe redness and fever. Treat […]

According to an article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (October 2001, pages 515-519), “The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of depression and suicide in patients treated with [Accutane],… [F]rom 1982 to May 2000 the FDA received reports of 37 US patients treated with [Accutane] who committed suicide; 110 […]

Despite warnings and information regarding Accutane’s detrimental effect on fetuses, women are still becoming pregnant while taking it. According to an August 17, 2001, FDA press release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported “that despite prevention efforts some women who take Accutane, a prescription medication given for severe acne and known to […]

So what’s the catch with this “miracle” drug and why don’t doctors prescribe it to everyone? Accutane is controversial for many reasons, but principally because of its most insidious side effect: It has been proven to cause severe birth defects in nearly 90% of the babies born to women who were pregnant while taking it. […]

Accutane (its generic name is isotretinoin) is a drug derived from vitamin A, and it is taken orally. It essentially stops the oil production in your sebaceous glands (the oil-producing structures of the skin) and literally shrinks these glands to the size of a baby’s. This prevents sebum (oil) from clogging the hair follicle, mixing […]