MANILA, Philippines - Q: I’m 20-year-old student and for the past two years have suffered from acne as a result of using cortisone creams. My skin now breaks out regularly – especially on my forehead. I have been using Oxzit to kill bacteria, which helps a little, and I’ve also started taking erythromycin, but I am still breaking out. I have also been experiencing a lot of stress which seems to be contributing to flare-ups. To make matters worse, my skin has gotten dry and flaky (even though I continue to have breakouts), particularly in the cheek area. Help!
A: As always, your first line of defense is the three-tiered anti-inflammatory program. It sounds to me as if stress is a major factor in your current acne dilemma. Here are some special tips for minimizing stress in your life:
• Make sure that you get enough sleep.
• Don’t drink coffee.
• Set aside 15 or 20 minutes a day for meditation or prayer. It is a well-established fact that people who do this have significantly lower cortisol (a major stress hormone) levels.
• Consider learning some simple yoga exercises. Yoga is an outstanding stress reducer.
• Take Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids, which reduce levels of stress chemicals.
• Exercise in moderation.
• Take targeted nutritional supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, zinc, DMAE, and panothenic acid.
• Add essential fatty acid supplements to your supplement program, especially Omega-6, which is rich in linoleic acid. Acne patients have a low concentration of linoleic acid in their sebum, and acne further decreases the essential levels.
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Remedy for spots on the face
Q: I have had acne since I was a girl in my early teens (I am now 60). I went to several dermatologists when I was growing up, but back then there wasn’t anything anyone could do about it (or so I was told). Last year I heard about Retin-A, and after using it in a cream for several weeks, I found that it’s really helping with the spots and marks on my face, as well as apparently minimizing my large pores. I still am using this about twice a week, as I still get eruptions – but at least the cream keeps them from getting any worse. Can I use this cream indefinitely, or will long-term usage thin my skin or make it overly dry? Is there something I can use during the day that will continue to improve my skin and at the same time help with my wrinkles?
A: There should be no problem with continued use of Retin-A, although I always recommend that any prescription treatment be monitored by a dermatologist. In addition to treating acne, Retin-A is great for keeping the skin thick and looking young. Use it every night unless you develop an irritation. During the day, I recommend a DMAE and alpha lipoic acid topical treatment.
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How about laser treatments?
Q: I have very bad skin; acne and dark spots on my face. My doctor suggests laser treatments but I have heard that they could make it worse.
A: Laser is a fancy way of burning the skin, and can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Therefore I do not use laser in my practice. All of the anti-inflammatory topical products can be beneficial here, especially DMAE and alpha lipoic acid. Take anti-inflammatory supplements and apply Alpha Lipoic Acid Advanced Face Firming Activator twice daily to the area with the hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You may also try a spot treatment containing glutathione on the acne lesions. To clear your skin and keep it clear you need to follow the anti-inflammatory diet—foods lists of good foods and bad foods can be found on my website (see anti-inflammatory diet) or in several of my books.
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Acne worsened by hats and headbands
Q: I love to mountain bike but it seems that the chafing of my helmet causes my skin to break out. What can I do about this?
A: Acne may be irritated or worsened by hats, helmets, headbands, or other articles of clothing that press tightly or rub against the skin. To combat this reaction, take a clean piece of soft cotton (part of an old T-shirt for example) and make a headband to act as a buffer against the pressure of the helmet.
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In the Philippines, the N.V. Perricone, M.D. skincare line is exclusively available at Rustan’s Essenses.
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E-mail your questions to lifestyle@philstar.net.ph