Understanding Acne
Transcription
Understanding Acne
Understanding Acne What You Thought You Knew Gary I. Weinberger, MD, FACS Intentionally Left Blank Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne What You Thought You Knew The Definitive Answer for Lasting Skin Health Gary I. Weinberger, MD, FACS Langohr Publishing, LLC Ft Lauderdale, FL: 33308 Understanding Acne All Rights Reserved Copyright ©2015 Gary I Weinberger, MD, FACS http://LycopeneSkinCare.com This White Paper may not be transmitted, reproduced, or stored in part or whole without written consent of the publisher except for brief quotations in articles or reviews. Langohr Publishing Group Ft Lauderdale, Fl 33308 http://LangohrFoundation.com ISBN-13: 978-0-9894390-0-8 Composed in the U.S.A. All beauty comes from beautiful blood and a beautiful brain Walt Whitman Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Intentionally Left Blank Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper P reface With all the products, home remedies, and potions populating the internet these days it is amazing anyone is able to become a specialist in the study of acne, its causes, remedies, and what the clinical trials have resolved to be most important - your skin’s health in the long term. Many products being sold will stop your acne - this is a proven fact; but once the acne is gone, the important fight is to accomplish concurrently the addition of the required natural nutrients the skin needs to remain healthy and acne free in the long-term. This is the area where Dr Gary Weinberger excels. While working with many of the most innovative skin care companies in the world, he has helped to develop many products that are on the cutting edge of skin care technology. Whether he is travelling to Italy to discover a better Lycopene for a hydrating skin cream, or jetting to Holland to secure the purest micro-milled Azelaic acid, Dr. Gary Weinberger knows no bounds when it comes to securing the best ingredients for the products he develops. This whitepaper has tapped into Dr Weinberger’s accumulated knowledge and thus becomes the defininitive source of methods to fight acne, while improving the overall health of your skin. The Publishers Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Gary Weinberger, M.D., F.A.C.S. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Gary Weinberger, M.D., F.A.C.S. Gary did his undergraduate training at the University of Cincinnati where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. He then graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Bologna School of Medicine. After his graduation, Dr. Weinberger did a residency in General Surgery and Urology at Millard Fillmore Hospital, Buffalo Children's Hospital, and The Roswell Park Memorial Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York. While in private practice in Manhattan, Dr. Weinberger served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at New York University School of Medicine as well as the Associate Director of the Cabrini Center for Male Sexual Dysfunction. Dr. Weinberger returned to Buffalo and served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Health Sciences. After leaving active medical practice, Dr. Weinberger became interested in skin health and skincare and is currently engaged in product research and development for a variety of skincare companies. Through his many publications he has become a recognized authority on biologically active natural skincare ingredients often lecturing throughout the country. He is the Managing Director of Lycopene Skin Care and is responsible for all formulation of the products. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper I ntroduction Understanding Acne Its Cause and Treatment In this paper I will attempt to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding acne. Unfortunately, in trying to discuss a complex topic like acne many of the terms and concepts I refer to will be extremely scientific and unfamiliar to the average reader. I kindly ask you to be patient and not be scared off by those intimidating scientific terms but hang in there and continue reading. I have tried my best, in those cases, to simplify the terminology into wording that most of you can understand and by doing so give you a clear and concise picture of acne, its causes and treatment. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper B rief Review The Anatomy of The Skin Before we can begin to understand acne it is important that we know a little about the anatomy of the skin. To begin with, contrary to what you may think, the skin is an organ and in fact, the largest organ of the human body covering an area of about 20 square feet. The skin has many functions some of the most important are to protect us from bacteria and environmental pollutants, help to regulate our body temperature and permits us to detect changes in our environment through the sensations of, touch, cold, and heat. The skin is composed of three layers. The outermost layer, the epidermis, is a waterproof barrier that comes in constant contact with our environment. It is continuously exposed to and protects us from bacteria, viruses, dirt, and a myriad of contaminants that pollute the air around us. The epidermis also contains Melanocytes which are the pigment producing cells responsible for giving the skin its various colors. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper The next layer beneath the epidermis is called the dermis and is composed of connective tissue, hair follicles and sweat glands. This combination of a hair follicle and a sweat gland is commonly referred to as the pilo-sebaceous unit and a disease of this unit is what we commonly refer to as acne. The many causes of the disease of this unit will be discussed later on under the section of the Causes of Acne. The third layer of the skin is referred to as the hypodermis and composed largely of connective tissue and fat. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper W hat is Acne Acne is a condition characterized by inflammation of the pilo-sebaceous unit consisting of the hair follicles and their associated sweat glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. As a result acne can appear anywhere on the body that has a high concentration of these structures like the face, chest, and back. Acne can be grouped into two categories, adolescent acne and adult acne. Acne is most prevalent among adolescents representing approximately 90% of the cases and is seen in both males and females. The remaining 10% of acne cases are seen in adults and is predominant in females between the ages of 40 and 50. It is generally understood that acne is caused by a multiplicity of factors. One of the most important factors is that individuals who suffer from acne demonstrate an increase in sebum production. Inflammation of the follicle secondary to proliferation of the bacteria Proprionbacterium acneis which becomes trapped within the follicle due to overproduction of sebum combining with sloughed dead skin cells forming a plug that traps the bacteria. It is now believed that P acneis is not directly responsible for the infection but rather sets up an inflammatory response within the follicle. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Propionibacterium acneis, by acting on TLR-2 (toll-like receptor protein 2), stimulates the secretion of cytokines (proteins responsible for the inflammatory response), such as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 by the cells that line the hair follicles (keratinocytes) and IL-8 and -12 in macrophages (cells that fight infection), giving rise to inflammation. Certain P acneis species may induce an immunological reaction by stimulating the production of sebocyte and keratinocyte antimicrobial peptides, which play an important role in the innate immunity of the follicle. Qualitative changes of sebum lipids induce alteration of keratinocyte differentiation and induce IL-1 secretion, contributing to the development of follicular hyperkeratosis (over production of keratin). Sebum for its part is composed of lipids composed of neutral and polar fatty acids. Polar fatty acids are those fatty acids whose molecules have a charge and act as ligands. A ligand is molecule that binds itself to another usually larger molecule that once combined act in a variety of roles involved in normal biologic pathways. These charged fatty acids combine with specific receptors on the nucleus of the cells called PPARs or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. PPAR’s are molecules that control many cellular metabolic processes and upon activation by these Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper charged fatty acid molecules, PPARs regulate the expression of such metabolic processes as lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, cell differentiation, inflammation, proliferation and death. In short, PPARs are the “DOORS” that once opened allow the body to produce the essential enzymes and proteins needed to regain a normal steady state of health. Another factor that plays a key role in acne is an increase in androgens (male hormones) which control both sebaceous gland size as well as sebum production. It is now recognized that diet plays an important role in acne. Recent studies show foods with a high glycemic load foods like simple carbohydrates and dairy products may induce increased tissue levels of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone the active form of male hormones. As previously stated male hormones are an important factor in regulating sebaceous gland size and sebum secretions. As the pilo-sebaceous unit “overproduces” sebum it combines with dead skin cells forming a “plug” trapping bacteria which then initiates the cascade of events causing inflammation resulting in pimples and blemishes. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Sebum Fatty Acid These new insights into the pathogenesis (cause) of acne may lead to the considerations of possible customized therapeutic regimens expected to lead to innovative treatments in the near future. All of these events that result in the inflammation of the pilo-sebaceous unit, its rupture, and resulting inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the follicle stimulate the wound healing process. Wound healing is process that can be broken down into three stages: inflammation, granulation tissue formation and repair of the injured tissue. Inflammation is the body’s response to foreign substances such as bacteria. The body’s defense mechanism is regulated by the immune system and is triggered when chemicals are released by the white blood cells into the affected tissue in attempt to destroy the offending agent. The initial inflammatory response to these chemicals is spasm of the blood vessels within the tissue called “vasoconstriction”. This happens in order to control blood loss that may have been caused by the offending agent and the resulting tissue damage and is characterized by whitening or “blanching” of the skin. Once this potential blood loss has been controlled the blood vessels then open up again (vasodilate) and this Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper blanching of the skin is now replaced by a reddening of the skin which may then feel warm to the touch. A variety of white blood cells like granulocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and platelets then release inflammatory mediators like cytokines/chemokines IL-8 and IL-12 (interleukin 8 and 12) which then stimulate the cascade of reactions that result in granulation tissue formation. It should be noted in addition to the white blood cell response to inflammation, over-production of skin pigment also occurs and plays an important role in the development of post-acne “red” and “dark” spots frequently seen in individuals who suffer from acne especially those with darker skin types. Holland et al found that the inflammatory reaction around the pilo-sebaceous unit was stronger and had a longer duration in patients with scars than those without scars suggesting that treating early inflammation effectively and rapidly may be the best approach in reducing this devasting complication of acne. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper A pimple on human skin Granulation Tissue Formation: Granulation tissue is new connective tissue and blood vessels that form during the wound healing process. This new connective tissue composed of collagen and elastin begins approximately 3-5 days after the wound is created. There are three types of collagen involved in the wound healing process; collagen Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. Early on in the wound healing process it is Type 3 collagen that predominates with a small amount (about 20%) collagen Type1. As the scar starts to mature it is replaced with collagen Type1 (approximately 80%) more similar to that of unwounded skin. Re-Modeling of Wounded Tissue: As the scar matures, specialized skin cells called fibroblasts and keratinocytes produce chemical substances called metalloproteinases (MMP’s) and tissue inhibitors of MMP’s that interact to remodel the wounded skin back to its original form. It is the delicate balance of the interaction of these enzymes that dictate whether the resulting scar will be minimal (atrophic) or nodular and raised (a keloid). Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper C omplications of Acne As has been previously discussed the complications associated with acne can be devastating. The most significant complications of acne are scarring and hyperpigmentation (permanent dark spots) which are not only responsible for its cosmetic repercussions but also for its negative self-image psycho-social implications. The interaction of acne and psychosocial issues is complex and, in adolescence, can be associated with developmental issues of body image, socialization and sexuality. Previous studies on the psychosocial impact of acne have documented dissatisfaction with appearance, embarrassment, self-consciousness, and lack of self-confidence in acne patients. Social dysfunction has also been observed, including concerns about social interactions with the opposite gender, appearances in public, interaction with strangers, and reduced employment opportunities. At this point a more detailed look into this often neglected aspect of acne is in order. The majority of our understanding of the psycho-social impact of acne in the adolescent population has been through case reports and case-controlled studies. In an excellent paper by J.K.L. Tan, MD from the Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, he found these types of studies although relatively inexpensive and rapid to perform; are often fraught with certain Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper disadvantages including potential bias, inability to predict events of precedence, and to provide estimates on prevalence, incidence, or relative risk. The development of psychological metrics to measure the impact of acne on abstract concepts like quality of life has helped to understand the relationship of acne to these concepts. The results of this psychometric analysis reveals that patients who suffer with acne had greater impairment in mental health scores compared to sufferers of diseases like asthma, epilepsy, and diabetes. In addition, acne sufferers reported higher degrees of depression and anxiety when compared to patients with these diseases. Psychometric outcomes revealed that the effective treatment of acne correlated in a positive way with improvement in self-esteem, affect, shame, embarrassment, body image and self-confidence. A study out in Leeds, England based on review of medical records of primary care practitioners showed unemployment was significantly higher among acne patients of both genders when compared to those who did not suffer from acne. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Figure 1 - Case-control surveys: psychosocial effects of acne vulgaris Study/Year Participants Instruments Controls Van der Meeren/1985 40 Amsterdam questionnaire, social anxiety scale Normal Adult. Students Lasek/1988 6- Skindex Patients with psoriasis, benign skin lesions, health volunteers Gupta/1998 72 Control Rating Scale for Depression Inpatients and outpatients with alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis Myhill/1988 94 Self-Questionnaires Adult normal controls, adolescent high school students PreͲTreatment Neuraticism, psychomaticism, anxiety Most bothersome feature of acne, appearance functioning, emotions & symptoms Depression scores higher than alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis outpatients. 6% expressed active suicidal ideation compared to none in alopecia areata and 2% each in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis outpatients No difference compared to controls - Depression and anxiety scores greater than for general dermatology patients, psoriasis, and oncology patients - Females had more emotional distress - 18% clinically significant depression - 44% clinically significant anxiety - 41% possible cases of nonpsychotic psychiatric disorder - impairment in mental health, social functioning, energy, role limitations - mental health scores worse than for asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, back pain, arthritis, coronary artery disease - No correlation with acne grade Pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression, lower perceived health status PostTreatment — Improvement in all parameters/ older patients more likely to report on improvement — Improved social assertiveness, social appraisal, confidence Improvement in obsessivecompulsiveness, shame, embarrassment perfectionism, selfconsciousness, locus of control, body image 34 Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale Normal population, general dermatology outpatients, psoriasis, oncology, and psychiatric patients Mallon/1993 111 Dermatology Life Quality Index, Rosenberg measure of self-esteem, General Health Questionnaire 28, Short-Form 36 Population sample 18-64 yrs. Klassen/2000 130 Dermatology Life Quality Index, EuroQoL, Short-Form 36 Population Sample 20-39 years Krowchuk/1991 39 Piers-Harris self-concept scale Normative Embarrassment and social inhibition embarrassment, social inhibition, greater acceptability of facial appearance to peers Grahame/22002 34 Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Rosenberg selfesteem, Positive/ negative affectivity Self-control — self-esteem, positive affect anxiety, depression, negative affect Kellet/1999 — Improvement in all parameters Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper These types of studies have been carried out in many other countries and the results seem to match when compared to the general population of those countries. Another significant complication of acne is a condition referred to as PostInflammatory Hyperpigmentation or PIH. These are extremely difficult to treat dark spots that result from overproduction of the pigment melanin produced by the specific cell in the skin called melanocytes in response to inflammation. Although this condition can be seen in all sufferers of acne it is more prevalent in darker skinned and ethnic individuals with a frequency as high as 50 percent. As has been previously commented on the ability to reduce the incidence of these side effects is directly proportional to the speed and effectiveness with which the inflammatory lesions are treated. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper H istory of Acne Acne certainly cannot be considered a serious disease when compared to diseases like cancer and heart disease. However, its economic and soci-psychological impact is enormous for those who suffer from acne. Acne is not a “new” disease and appears to be first talked about in Ancient Egypt. Early hieroglyphs identified a word “aku-t”, meaning boils, blains, sores, pustules, or any inflamed swelling. The early Greek and Roman writers may have referred to a condition that more resembles rosacea rather than acne however, they did seem to coin two terms “ionthoi” and “vari” which spoke of a condition occurring at puberty and most likely more similar to what we would call “acne vulgaris” a condition separate and distinct from rosacea. So far as we can tell the origin of the word “acne” is a misrepresentation of the Greek word “acme” or “anything that comes from the surface” although no real historical support exists for this idea. In the sixteenth century several observations were written in English describing a condition characterized by an abundance of melancholy blood in which there is adiposity of the upper part of the body with boils, much urine, and “black poushes”. It should be noted that Shakespeare in his play describes the face of King Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Henry V as being full of bubukles, and whelks, and knobs, and flames o’ fire. A literary reference either to acne or rosacea. The seventeenth century writer Sennert frequently expressed ideas similar to the writings of Theocritus and Rhodiginus dealing with rosacea and acne under the same heading. In the eighteenth century most physicians felt that treating such minor conditions like acne and rosacea was beneath their dignity, however, later in that century those prejudices began to change. During the next few centuries the medical literature began to swell with information on acne firmly establishing acne as a disease of the sebaceous gland. Recently, the pathogenesis or the “how” this inflammation occurs as well as contributing factors like diet which has been shown to worsen this condition have been further clarified. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper T reatment of Acne Many acne treatments have been available throughout the ages and most of these treatments in one form or the other are still in use today. In Ancient Egypt topically applied honey was used and most likely had some beneficial antibacterial effect while the Romans unclogged pores and cleansed the skin using a mixture of sulfur and bath salts In 1873 cell salt therapy become the benchmark treatment for acne and was thought to be effective in replacing deficiencies in the body’s cell salts that were responsible for causing acne. This treatment, in fact, is still used by homeopathic physicians to this day. In the 1920’s benzoyl peroxide was found to kill the bacteria responsible for acne and is still the basis for many of the most popular anti-acne treatments today. In the latter half of the twentieth century antibiotics proved to be effective. More elaborate treatment modalities like Retin A, Accutane, and blue light therapy have all been tried, some with success and some not so much due to the severe side effects. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper We all wish we could just “peel” our acne away Some other more elaborate acne treatments using Retin A (the molecule above) and blue light therapy (right). Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Many times the psychological effects of acne are as important and the physical manifestations. (Above and Left) Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Unfortunately, some of the ingredients used for acne products will fight your acne; but then are drying to the skin, thus causing an unhealthy cycle where the skin cracking allows additional new bacteria to get under the skin layers and start the acne cycle all over again. (Above and right) Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper A cne Fighting Treatments So what can you use to fight your acne? Most acne is fought with topical products. There are a rash of such products and all advocate their mix of ingredients. There are also some more creative therapies such as hormones and light treatments. Of course if your acne is severe you should visit a dermatologist for advice on its treatment. Most acne can be treated at home with conventional acne products. My experience has been to pay as much attention to your overall skin health as you do to the fight against the acne. Finding a product that will accomplish both these tasks is the true quest. Check the products ingredients and study what each is designed to accomplish on your skin. Only then can you be comfortable using the particular product. On the following pages are some of the widely used ingredients to combat acne breakouts, and some of the extra ingredients used to help with your total skin health. Realize that many of the ingredients in acne products are there as a vehicle for skin absorption, or preservatives to increase shelf life. Be aware of which ingredients are natural, or derived from natural sources, and which are purely chemical and superfluous to what you are trying to accomplish. Whenever possible I prefer the natural approach. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Three successful battles against acne won; and the before (left) and after (right) photos. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper I ngredients that Fight Acne Antibiotics: Antibiotics, especially the tetracyclines have been used to kill the bacteria that are responsible for establishing the inflammatory conditions that can cause acne. The big problem with using antibiotics is that over time the bacteria become resistant and the antibiotic loses its effectiveness. Azelaic Acid: A relatively new treatment for acne azelaic acid is a nonodecanoic acid derived from grains and other plants like coconuts. It is effective against both acne vulgaris as well as rosacea. Unlike other acne treatments azelaic acid is not only active against the active inflammatory phase of acne but is also effective in reducing the appearance of the side effects of acne like hyperpigmentation and scarring. Azelaic acid has a triple action in combating acne. Firstly, it is bacteriacidal against the bacteria responsible for acne Proprionbacillus acneis, but it has anti-tyrosinase activity. Tyrosinsase is the enzyme necessary to convert tyrosine into the skin pigment melanin. By blocking this enzyme abnormal amounts of melanin produced by chronic inflammation are prevented from forming the dark spots frequently seen following repeated acne eruptions. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Azelaic acid also has some anti-DNA activity that may impart an ability to block the formation of scar tissue. It should be mentioned that azelaic acid has been reported in clinical trials to be effective in treating certain pre-malignant skin lesions like lentigo-maligno. Of all the acne treatments available my personal favorite is the azelaic acid because it is natural and not only effectively deals with pimples but also addresses the complications frequently associated with acne without excessive drying of the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide has been around since the 1920’s and was the first organic peroxide intentionally synthesized. It is the main component in many of today’s acne product like ProActiv. Benzoyl peroxide breaks down when it comes in contact with skin into benzoic acid and oxygen. Although neither is particularly toxic it does not necessarily mean that BP is safe. Benzoyl peroxide’s action as an oxidizing agent can be corrosive to the skin as well as having bleaching properties. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper BP commonly causes dryness and irritation. Although most people develop a tolerance after a week or so a small percentage of people are more sensitive and complain of burning, redness, itching, peeling and swelling. In 1977 a study using a human maximization test, 76% of subjects acquired a contact sensitization to BP. Studies have highlighted the cancer causing potential of BP. A 1981 study from the journal Science concluded “caution should be recommended in the use of this and other free radical generating compounds”. With so many other options available and safer I am not a real fan of BP. My experience has led me to draw the conclusion that a significant number of patients do not tolerate BP well with compliance then becoming a real issue. Natural botanicals, like azelaic acid, are not only as effective as BP but have been shown to be effective in preventing the appearance of the complications often associated with acne like permanent dark spots and scarring especially in darker skinned and ethnic individuals. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Isotretinoin and tretinoin: Tretinoin is the acid form of Vitamin A. It is available as Retin-A, Atralin, Renova, Airol, Avita, and Retacnyl to name just a few. Tretinoin may act by modifying gene expression altering protein synthesis and epithelial cell growth and differention. Among the side effects of tretinoin are drynesss, increased sensitivity to sunlight, redness, itching, scaling, and burning. Because tretinoin may cause thinning of the skin, it is strongly recommended to avoid hair waxing as the top layer of the epithelium may be removed leaving the skin red, inflamed, and sore for several days. Isotretinoin (Accutane) Isotretinoin’s most dangerous side effect is birth defects due to in-utero exposure. In 2009, the manufacturers of Accutane decided to pull it off of the United States market after having lost millions of dollars in lawsuits to Accutane users who developed inflammatory bowel disease that resulted in some cases of users having their colons removed. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Salicylic Acid: Salicylic Acid from the latin “salix”, willow tree, from whose bark the substance was originally obtained is a type of phenolic acid and a beta hydroxy acid. SA is a keratolytic agent that works by exfoliating the skin to unplug clogged pores where trapped dirt, skin oils, and bacteria reside. By allowing the pores to drain and eliminating the source of the inflammation pimples and blemishes can begin to heal. The disadvantage to SA is that it is effective as a spot treatment and not well suited for use over wide areas of the face. It is also not effective in addressing the complications often associated with acne like scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sulfur: Sulfur is a mineral with the distinctive odor of rotten eggs. It has been used as an acne treatment since the times of Ancient Rome when it was mixed with other mineral salts. Today it is applied topically as a soap, lotion, cream or gel to treat acne. Sulfur acne remedies are sold under several brand names in the U.S., including Sul-Ray, Murad, Thylox Acne Treatment, Sulmasque. Its exact mode of action is not clear and it is less commonly used than BP or salicylic acid. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper O ther Ideas Light Therapy: As we have previously discussed the inflammation seen in the acute phase of acne is caused by a type of bacteria called Proprionbacillus acneis.This bacteria can be killed by exposing the skin to a beam of light of a certain wavelength which is blue in color, although it appears that a combination of blue light and red light also seems to be effective. Multiple treatments are necessary when using this type of treatment. Hormonal Therapy: In women, acne can be improved with hormonal therapy. The combination of cyproterone (a hormone that de-activates male hormones) with an estrogen (female hormone) is effective in reducing male hormone levels which we have previously discussed is one of the causes of acne. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper C onclusions I have tried to simplify the current thinking on the causes and treatments of acne in terms,I hope, the reader can understand. The current state of the art has defined acne as a disease of the pilo-sebaceous unit whose causes are multifactorial including diet driven hormonal variations that result in over-active sebaceous glands. Scientific research is making great strides in eradicating this disease with research moving towards a vaccine against inflammatory acne. It should be noted that all acne preparations can cause some mild irritation and sun sensitivity so it is recommended to use a sunscreen on your face with an SPF rating of at least 30 if you are going to be exposed to the sun for any prolonged period of time. Your comments are always welcome. Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper L ycopene Skin Care Products Crema Rinnovante Lycopene advances skin health to a new level by combining two of nature’s most powerful antioxidants – lycopene and astaxanthin -- with nineteen natural botanicals and moisturizers to nourish and hydrate your skin. Aquose Microdispersed Lycopene (AML), a new form of lycopene created for Lycopene Skincare, is a water soluble, solvent-free carotenoid with the highest-known antioxidant activity available today. Studies conducted at prestigious European medical schools have shown that this combination offers significant protection against the effects of the sun’s UVA rays and environmental pollutants. Then, by combining hyaluronic acid, with the natural muscle relaxant Acmella oleracea, fine lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced. Experience rapidly-absorbed and luxurious Crema Rinnovante Lycopene for yourself and see the difference! This “green” product, formulated in Italy, is paraben-free and uses natural preservatives and fragrances. Our products are never tested on animals. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Crema Pelle Perfetta (CPP cream), The Perfect Skin Cream for Perfect Skin, is made with pure lycopene, and becomes the first complete antioxidant skin health formulation to nourish and reduce the appearance of skin imperfections that result from the daily exposure to the damaging effects of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays, environmental pollutants as well as those imperfections that are part of the skin’s normal aging process. Natural botanicals, antioxidants, skin brighteners and moisturizers hydrate the skin, erase and brighten unsightly dark spots, even out red blotchy skin particularly for people prone to rosacea and acne and decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Results may vary but generally you should use Crema Pelle Perfetta for 60-90 days to see best results. It should continue to be used to maintain these results. Crema Pelle Perfetta is safe and effective for both women and men of all ethnic skin types and is hydroquinone and paraben free. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Lycopene Eye and Lip Serum is specifically formulated to address wrinkles especially those around the eyes and lips. This advanced formulation contains Brassica alba (yellow mustard sprouts) extract from Switzerland and a form of hyaluronic acid composed of both high & low molecular weight molecules unique to this serum. The active ingredient derived from Brassica alba, Sinalbin, is shown to increase capillary flow which plumps the skin reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By combining this botanical extract with the hyaluronic acid as well as the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene Skincare's Eye and Lip Serum will: • Boost cutaneous blood flow • Plump lips • UIcrease hydration after a single application • Reduce the appearance of cutaneous fine lines and wrinkles • Protect the delicate skin around the eyes and lips from the damaging effects of environmental pollutants as well as the normal aging process Used together with Lycopene Crema Rinnovante and the CPP cream you have a complete face and neck regimen to address all of your skin imperfection needs. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Lycopene SOC Under-Eye Complex is a highly effective under-eye formula that combines the benefits of seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid and the antioxidant lycopene to markedly reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Seaweed is a powerful ingredient that has an extraordinary wealth of mineral elements from the sea. These include sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur and phosphorus; the micronutrients include iodine, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, molybdenum, fluoride, manganese, boron, nickel and cobalt. In addition, seaweed extract is rich in compounds such as polygalactosides, fucose polymers and ursolic acid. Polygalactosides that react with the protective outer surface of the skin to form a protective moisturizing complex, while the fucose polymers are hygroscopic and act as hydrating agents. The ursolic acid can help form a protective barrier on the skin. When complexed with hyaluronic acid and natural pure micro-dispersed lycopene, SOC Under-Eye Complex will make your eyes look younger and more rested. See the difference for yourself. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Lycopene SLI Brightening Serum is the perfect first step in any skin care regimen. Formulated with a balanced blend of three natural exfoliating acids SLI serum provides a gentle peel to remove surface dead skin cells without irritation or redness. When used together with our Crema Rinnovante and CPP Cream active botanical ingredients can now penetrate into the deeper epidermal layers where premature aging occurs to reduce the appearance skin imperfections like dark spots, blemishes,fine lines and wrinkles. SLI serum is safe and effective for all skin types including Asian, African-American,and Hispanic skin types as well individuals whose skin is prone to acne and rosacea. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper CLP Body Polish is an advanced formula that combines a mild chemical peel using three different natural acids with powerful moisturizers and skin protecting microdispersed lycopene. This luxurious and concentrated cream is so effective at transforming, rejuvenating, and protecting your skin it is recommended that it only be used two to three times a week. Experience CLP Body Polish for yourself and have the silky smooth skin you have always wanted in just a matter of days. Lycopene Skin Care products can be purchased here Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper B ibliography 1. a b Adityan B, Kumari R, Thappa DM (2009). "Scoring systems in acne vulgaris". Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 75 (3): 323–6. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.51258. PMID 19439902. 2. "Acne Vulgaris: Article by Julie C Harper". eMedicine. 2009-08-06. Retrieved 2009-12-21. 3. James WD (April 2005). "Clinical practice. Acne". 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The psychological correlates of treatment efficacy in acne. Dermatol Psychosom 3(3):119-25 (2002 Sep). 74. Van der Meeren HLM, van der Schaar WW, van den Hurk CMAM. The psychological impact of severe acne. Cutis 36(1):84-6 (1985 Jul). 75. Cunliffe WJ. Acne and unemployment. Br J Dermatol 115(3):386 (1986 Sep). 76. Aktan S, Ozmen E, Sanli B. Anxiety, depression, and nature of acne vulgaris in adolescents. Int J Dermatol 39(5):354-7 (2000 May). 77. Smithard A, Glazebrook C, Williams HC. Acne prevalence, knowledge about acne and psychological morbidity in mid-adolescence: a community-based study. Br J Dermatol 145(2):274-9 (2001 Aug). Understanding Acne - A Whitepaper Understanding Acne What You Thought You Knew Gary I Weinberger, MD, FACS Lycopene Skin Care 6278 N Federal Hwy #369 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 USA +1-305-310-6166 http://Lycopene Skin Care.com http://LycopeneCreams.com info@LycopeneSkinCare.com All Rights Reserved Copyright ©2015 Gary I Weinberger, MD, FACS 978-0-9894390-0-8