Looking back, my only regret is that I waited so long. I tried. I really tried. I patiently waited for my skin to clear up. Spent untold dollars on dermatologists and followed their instructions. Diligently wiped antibiotic lotions over my face and took oral antibiotics for years. I faithfully used Retin-A, and slathered on sulfur […]

Oral contraceptives (OCs) can reduce acne lesions, in part by decreasing androgens (male hormones) as well as by increasing estrogen levels in the body, both of which are important factors in what causes blemishes. OCs should not be the first-line therapy or monotherapy for acne, but they can serve as a good alternative for those […]

Niacinamide and nicotinic acid are derivatives of vitamin B3. There is a handful of stud­ies showing they can be helpful for improving the appearance of acne, most likely for their anti-inflammatory capacity. Many cosmetics companies are beginning to include these two ingredients in the products they’re aiming at blemish-prone skin as well as in “anti-wrinkle” […]

If topical exfoliants, retinoids, and antibacterial agents don’t provide satisfactory results, an oral antibiotic prescribed by a doctor may be an option to kill stubborn, blemish-causing bacteria. Several studies have shown that oral antibiotics, used in conjunction with topi­cal tretinoins or topical exfoliants, can control or reduce many acne conditions. (Sources: Cutis, August 2008, pages […]

Azelaic acid 15% gel was approved for the treatment of rosacea in the U. S. in 2008, but has also been approved for the treatment of acne in many European countries, where it has demonstrated success. Two randomized, multicenter, controlled clinical trials compared the effects of azelaic acid 15% gel with those of topical benzoyl […]

Where does Differin fit into this picture? Differin (also called adapalene) is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that has been shown in clinical studies to be less irritating than tretin­oin. According to a study published in the March 1996 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Differin was also significantly more effective in […]

Retinoid is the general category name for any and all forms of vitamin A. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A and, therefore, comes under the general heading of retinoids. The best-known products that contain tretinoins are Retin-A, Renova, Retin-A Micro, Tazorac, Avita, and generic tretinoin. These are all basic treatments for blemishes because they […]

Tea tree oil has some interesting research demonstrating it to be an effective antimicro­bial agent. The Journal of Applied Microbiology (January 2000, pages 170-175) stated that “The essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Its mode of action against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli AG100, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus NCTC […]

Dapsone is a topical disinfectant gel available by prescription in 5% strength. The brand name for the anti-acne drug is Aczone, and it is made by Allergan (of Botox fame). Dap – sone is a drug that comes from the sulfone family of drugs. Its relation to sulfur explains its antibacterial action. Double-blind, large-scale studies […]