All About Acne: Treatment for acne, acne medicine, severe acne, Roaccutane, Australia
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News
Budget basics for beautiful skin
It may be tough economic times but it's also summer time and that means skin is on show. So, the skin experts are reminding people that healthy skin does not require a major financial investment.
Sydney dermatologist and All About Acne member, Dr John Sullivan said there is no scientific evidence to show the more you spend on skin care products and acne treatments, the better they are.
"In fact, some of the most economical products are the ones that have undergone the most testing and have proven to be effective for acne," he added.
So, if you're one of the many doing it tough under the current economic conditions but still wanting to clear spots and look after your skin, here's some practical tips to help you look your best in 2009 without breaking the bank.
1. Keep it simple. Good skin care doesn't need to be complicated. Cleanse your face twice a day; moisturise and don't forget the sun protection. There are well priced cleansers that are also good for acne-prone skin such as Cetaphil brand cleansers and Neutrogena ranges specially marked for acne.
2. A little goes a long way. Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type reduces your moisturising needs. For most people with acne, only apply to the dry and sensitive areas, eg - around the eyes, mouth and sides of face. For general use, just a few small dabs is all that's required.
3. Avoid the cloggers. Pore clogging skin care products can cause acne. If you're acne prone, products labeled non-comodegenic or oil free are your best bet, but avoid vitamin E cream or products with sorbolene on your face. Heavy petroleum based and mineral oil containing products are not good for acne prone skin. Go for a facial sunscreen with a lower SPF (12 to 15 rather than 30) preferably in a gel or spray formulation.
4. Two-in-one. Many moisturisers now also contain sun protection so try combining your skin care needs and purchase one product that does both jobs (look for an oil-free product suitable for acne prone skin).
5. Don't sweat the small stuff. Stress results in the adrenal glands producing more cortisol hormones, which can set off acne and other skin care problems. Another reason to try and chill out.
6. Get healthy. Looking after yourself means you feel good on the inside and the outside. There are numerous benefits to healthy eating and physical activity, but for the majority of people with acne or other skin problems, eating the right foods may help to improve overall skin condition but it will rarely cure acne.
7. Nature not always best. When it comes to effective acne treatments, only zinc has been proven to have some benefit in mild acne so don't waste your hard earned dollars on so called 'natural products'. Speak to a pharmacist, GP or dermatologist to find out what products are proven in the fight against spots and which are best for you. Good natural ingredients that promote healthy skin include colloidal oatmeal.
8. Beware the light... and laser. Lasers for acne treatment and hair removal are not only expensive, they can also be incredibly dangerous when in the wrong hands. Topical (on the skin) acne products are typically much better value than lights or lasers. If you're considering these therapies, speak to your GP or dermatologist. Lights and lasers are safest in the hands of dermatologists or cosmetic medicine practitioners.
IPod Winner - Nov 2008
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Top 10 tips for parents about acne - 6 August 2007
Acne occurs in 85 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 years old so it's quite likely this skin disease will affect your child in some way. During the teen years especially, acne can make 'fitting in' more difficult. As a parent, do you know how you can help?
All About Acne co-chair, dermatologist Dr JoAnn See said parents can play a vital role in helping their child manage their acne.
"The following practical tips have been developed to assist parents to do this," said Dr See. "More information on acne can be found at www.allaboutacne.com.au."
1. Take acne seriously. Acne is a real medical condition and more than 'just a part of growing up'. For some young people, acne can last for years if not treated properly. It can also have a devastating physical and psychological impact so always take your child's acne concerns seriously.
2. Watch out for depressive signs. There are several studies linking acne and depression. A survey of 9570 high school students aged 12 to 18 years found 24 per cent of those with problem acne reported depressive symptoms. Withdrawing from close friends and family, loss of interest in activities usually enjoyed, hiding the face or avoiding eye contact are just some signs of depression. "Young males are at an increased risk of depression. They are also the group most commonly affected by acne, particularly severe scarring acne," said Dr See.
3. Healthy eating doesn't work for everyone. Despite the recent publicity regarding the impact of diet (low GI foods, dairy products) on acne, the fact remains that a healthy diet alone will not cure everyone's acne. A lot more research is needed before any of these foods can be linked towards a definite cause or cure for acne.
4. Science, not celebrities. "There appears to be a growing trend for teenagers to 'self-treat' with celebrity endorsed products," said Dr See. Research found the average amount spent by Australians on products to help with acne was approximately $530 per year and almost one in five spend more than $1,000. "Paying a lot of money for products to help with acne does not mean they're the right products. Decisions need to be tailored to the individual's needs and that's something that requires a healthcare professional, not a celebrity," she added.
5. Give treatments time. There is no such thing as a 'quick fix' for acne. Any treatment option may take up to eight weeks to have a noticeable effect. Remind your child to use the treatment exactly as directed and if the acne doesn't start to improve within eight weeks, let your healthcare professional know," said Dr See.
6. Skin care may be the culprit. Using the right skin care products can make a big difference in acne control. There are hundreds of products to choose from so start by getting information from someone who is trained in this area - GP, pharmacist or dermatologist. "The best skin care routine for acne-prone skin is cleanse, treat and protect. Forget the toner as it will make it more difficult for your child to tolerate more effective acne treatments," said Dr See.
7. Seasons can affect acne. Many young people find that in the winter months their skin can become dry and irritated, making their acne worse. Although some people notice a small improvement in their acne during summer, the benefits of extra exposure to sunlight are at best, small.
8. Parental support is pivotal. Offering your child as much emotional and practical support as possible during their adolescent years may be challenging but it is important. Ask your child exactly what is troubling them about the acne. The psychological impact of acne does not always reflect its medical severity.
9. Speak to the experts. The best way to help your child is to encourage him or her to seek medical help. This provides your child (and possibly you, if attending) the opportunity to discuss with the GP or dermatologist any thoughts or concerns he or she may have and separate fact from fiction.
10. Scarring can be prevented. Early, effective treatment of moderate to severe acne can prevent scarring."It is important for young people to know that picking or squeezing of pimples can cause scarring. Anyone with scarring should start by seeing a GP as new treatment options are currently available," said Dr See.
1 Acne, anxiety, depression and suicide in teenagers: A cross-sectional survey of New Zealand secondary school students. D Purvis, et al. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. Volume 42 Issue 12 Page 793-796, December 2006.
2 *Robinson & James Research "Acne Market Research" September 2006 for Roche Products. The research was conducted among people who described their acne as 'very bad'.
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