Month: June 2013

Acne and Dairy

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Dairy has been linked to acne for a long time. It isn’t the cause for everyone but it is for some and if you are suffering from acne and have done everything RIGHT (good skin care products for your skin, consistency, no acne meds) and you still can’t get rid of it, this might be worth trying. When I tell people this, they are never happy and usually reluctant. Who wants to give up cheese? So you have to make a decision. What is more important to you? Your skin or cheese?

I have this client who is much older and she complained every time I saw her about her breakouts (not acne but always has 4-5 pimples). I used to see her every 3 weeks and she was using a good regimen and was so frustrated that at her age she was still breaking out. I tried to make her feel better by telling her she should be happy that everything was still working but that didn’t help. 🙂 I kept telling her that maybe she should give up dairy. I told her that there have been studies about it and sometimes there is a link. She wasn’t excited about it so she didn’t do it but she kept complaining. Then, I didn’t see her for about 6 months. About 1 month ago she called me and told me that she finally decided to give up on dairy and now very rarely gets pimples. It only took about 2 months for her to see a difference.

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I don’t always (ok, I usually don’t) agree with Dermatologists and how they treat acne. I do not think that medications are the way to go for most people. Plus, their other recommendations drive me crazy too! But when I came across this article from Dr. William F. Danby, I couldn’t argue with it. It makes sense and now I’ve seen the proof (I also have a friend who had full blown acne and she gave up dairy and got great results). He has done the research on acne and dairy so I trust his information. Here is what he had to say…

Can you briefly explain what is in dairy that causes acne?

Milk raises insulin levels and insulin-like growth hormone-1 (IGF-1) levels. These two polypeptide hormones work together to open the male hormone receptors—also known as androgen receptors—that turn on acne. (And this happens in both males and females.) The milk also contains several male steroidal hormones that go directly to those open receptors…So it’s Nature’s Perfect Food for making acne.

Does the dairy-acne link have anything to do with the use of antibiotics or growth hormones in cows? Would switching to organic, hormone-free, antiobiotic-free, grass-fed dairy prevent skin problems?

The hormones that are in organic milk are the ones that are in all milk, including human mother’s milk. These are anabolic steroids and are designed to make babies grow, whether cow babies or human babies. The hormone that was injected into cows for several years, bovine somatotropin (BST) or recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), is now used less and less (major thanks to Wal-Mart for stopping selling milk produced with it).

Does all dairy cause acne, or is it only certain products? (i.e. would yogurt or certain dairy products be more ok than others?)

I’ve seen patients with acne caused by every kind of dairy product, with the possible exception of well-cooked pizza cheese. I suspect, but cannot yet prove, that the heat “denatures” the polypeptide hormones and neutralizes them.

Why doesn’t dairy cause acne for everyone?

Some lucky people don’t have the genes to make acne. They’re the ones with the faces that up close seem to have no pores—lucky them.

We do not yet know what exactly is the hormone/gene combination is that is missing in them that is present in about 85-90% of the population.

Oftentimes patients with acne are trying a million things at once to resolve their skin problems, so how do you know if dairy is the culprit?

First you need to realize that it takes three to four months for a pore to become plugged and inflamed, and it often takes six months to slow it down and let it heal.

So while it’s possible to flare an acne pustule quickly with some foods, the plugged pore has to have already started, and it is just given an extra inflammatory boost by things like chocolate and iodine. These foods don’t cause acne, but they can make pre-existing acne flare quite impressively and quite quickly.

The bottom line answer is to stop all dairy products totally for six months, and if that doesn’t do it you should go on a full paleolithic diet. If you’re on birth control, ask a dermatologist which ones are better for preventing or even treating acne. If you’re an athlete or sports-minded and you take protein powder supplements, avoid whey, casein, caseinates, milk solids, or anything that promotes growth by stimulating IGF-1 production.

I’m constantly amazed by patients and their parents who want something “natural” to treat their acne, but don’t understand that stopping the absolutely most obvious un-natural thing they are doing, consuming diry from another species has to be the most natural thing to do. – Briana Rognlin (questions written by)

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Acne Meds and Their Side Effects

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Yesterday I discussed the dangers of Accutane but there are a lot more acne medications out there and they can do some damage as well. Not only that, like Accutane, you are not fixing the problem. The best solution (and safest!) will always be a good skin care regimen and patience. Be realistic and know that your skin will not be corrected in a week or even a month. Some get lucky and all their skin needs is good skin care products but others have hormones going crazy in their body so it will take longer to have better skin. It’s frustrating, I know. Below is some more information about other medications.

Clindamycin– Antibiotics like clindamycin can disrupt the normal bacteria in the digestive tract, allowing undesirable bacteria to overgrow. A serious problem known as pseudomembranous colitis may result and can occur while you are taking the drug or even weeks later. Make sure to watch for signs of this problem, which can become life-threatening, such as bloody diarrhea or severe diarrhea. Dries out your skin and you got to stay out of the sun.

Tretinoin (Retin-A)– This has been around for a long time and they have found that not only was it helping with acne but also wrinkles so doctors are now prescribing it to those who want to fight aging. My biggest problem with this is that most people (at least the ones I talk to) don’t seem to be properly educated on this drug. It makes you sun-sensitive so wearing SPF every single day is vital. It can also thin your skin and make you sensitive to anything you put on your face. That means it limits what you can do for your skin. Also very drying.

Adapalene (Differin)– The consensus on this one is that it is more of a starter acne med but it still has all the wonderful (sarcasm) side effects that the others have too. Other possible side effects include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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Tazarotene (Tazorac)– You may experience some skin burning, warmth, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, swelling, dryness, peeling, or irritation. Why would you want to use this with those side effects??

Here is a list of things you have to avoid while on any acne medications:

Sun, Waxing, Strong Skin Care Products (each person is different)

Here is a list of things you may (most likely) experience:

Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Peeling or Flaking, Irritated Skin

 

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Dairy and Acne

Accutane is Scary

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There are a lot of medications on the market to “cure” acne. Some are not as bad as others but some, like Accutane (Isotretinoin), should not be taken. The side effects are scary!

The drug works for severe (cystic) acne, providing long-lasting and sometimes complete reduction of acne for 80 percent of patients. However, clear skin may be accompanied by serious side effects like Crohn’s disease (this has also been reported to cause problems long after the person has stopped taking the drug), birth defects and suicide. And, once you stop taking it, the acne may come back because you have not fixed the problem.

These are some common side effects associated with taking this medication:

  • Diminished night vision
  • Increased bone injuries due to thickened or weakened bones
  • Increased reaction to UV exposure
  • Red, cracked or sore lips
  • Nosebleeds
  • Changes in nails
  • Peeling skin
  • Unusual hair growth or loss
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Fatigue
  • Voice changes
  • Headache
  • Slow healing of cuts or sores
  • Cold symptoms
  • Dry skin and eyes
  • Muscle aches

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In 2005, the FDA posted the following symptoms that can be accompanied with Accutane and should be closely watched for…

  • depression
  • suicidal tendencies
  • sadness
  • short tempers
  • anger
  • loss of social interaction
  • psychosis
  • loss of motivation
  • changes in appetite

If any of those symptoms appear, the person is advised to seek professional help immediately.

After numerous reports of negative effects and doctors started to realize the potential dangers, Roche recalled Accutane in 2009. Now, only generic brands are available (Amnesteen, Claravis and Sotret — are still available). Roche claimed they did not recall it based on safety concerns but because the market had become saturated with the generic brands (if they were still making money though…). Accutane has now been recalled in 11 other countries.

The FDA gave Accutane a pregnancy rating of X, which means it should not be taken during pregnancy because there is evidence of fetal abnormalities when it is used during pregnancy. In 2006, a strict system was put in place, called the i-PLEDGE program. The computer-based system required registration by pharmacies, doctors and patients. Within the system, negative pregnancy tests from approved labs were periodically required before medication was dispensed, prescriptions only covered 30 days at a time, and users were required to utilize two types of birth control.

Is that enough? Do you still want to take this drug? Bottom line is you have got to fix the problem by using the right skin care products. I don’t care what medication you are taking, it will not fix the problem forever. Once you stop, the acne often comes back. If it doesn’t come back, it is only because your hormones have calmed down and your skin was improving anyway. But if you talk to most people on these medications, you will find that they are on it more than once, usually several times.

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 More Acne Medications

Will it Work? Truth Talk

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So many myths and remedies that have been around for years and a lot of people don’t know if they work or of they should try it. Here is a list of some popular “tips” I read and hear about all the time that you should AVOID!

1. Toothpaste– It can dry out your skin and actually darken the areas that you apply it.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide– This is an effective spot treatment and can be used EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE but this is why I don’t think it should be used all the time… a. Drying to the skin   b. Can thin the skin   c. Makes your skin photo-sensitive   d. Can make your skin sensitive         e. Can make your Langerhan Cells go dormant- these are responsible for killing foreign viruses/molds/bacterias.

3. Biore Strips– These don’t work even though they appear that they do. The black stuff you are seeing is the top of the blackheads but the strip is not actually removing anything under the skin, where the the build-up is trapped.

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4. ProActiv– I’m sorry but I’m not a fan. And while this may work temporarily, it is not fixing the problem. It usually dries out the skin and after awhile, it stops working altogether.

5. Tanning (the sun or in a bed)- I know that people love this “remedy” but it just isn’t true. Tanning causes your skin to increase cell production which, in turn, creates more dead skin cells. That is what we are trying to avoid, right?

6. Dry Out Your Skin– I know people with oily skin want less oil. This is possible without drying out your skin. You need oil so it’s about finding a way to balance it. When you strip all the oil from your skin (most OTC products do this) then your skin produces more oil because it needs the moisture. It cannot produce water so you are left with oily skin. If you only use products that treat and replenish your skin, then you will find the balance.

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Accutane is Scary

Acne. What is it? Who gets it? What causes it?

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Acne. So common and so frustrating. For some, it lasts a few months or maybe a year but for others, they suffer for a very long time. Even using the right skin care products doesn’t completely rid the skin of this issue because oftentimes, it is hormonal. This is where medications come in and why doctors are so quick to prescribe. They can clear the skin and make the patient feel so much better. Unfortunately, there are side effects to that. Becoming well informed is the best option. Find out what works for you and your skin. Everyone is different.

What is It?

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or “zits.” This includes whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflammed patches of skin (such as cysts).

Who Gets It?

Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years (I highlight this because so many expect it to go away as soon as they start on a regular skin care regimen), normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases (I am convinced that this is because they are less likely to take care of their skin properly). Just when you think you are safe from acne… Women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms into their 30s and beyond.

The simple truth is that heredity (blame your parents!) and hormones are behind most forms of acne.

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Causes?

Hormones– It is common in teenagers because of their increase in hormones. It is also why some women get it when they are pregnant or on birth control. When this is the cause, it makes it much more difficult to control. As an Esthetician, I can’t fix this but the skin can improve and we can get to a point where the breakouts are manageable.

Bacteria– Excess oil clogs the pores and it is here where the bacteria grows. This makes blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin’s surface. Sometimes, this clogging causes the follicle wall to break under the pressure of this buildup. When this happens, sebum leaks into nearby tissues and forms a pustule or a papule — this is called inflammatory acne. Larger, tender pustules are called nodules.

Tomorrow- How to Improve Your Skin