Skin cells multiply too quickly and are too sticky; plugging the follicular pore. RETINOIDS make the skin cells less sticky so they can be exfoliated.
- Excessive sebum production causes accumulation of oil and enlarging the plug: RETINOIDS, HORMONE PILLS, SPIRONOLACTONE decrease sebum production.
- Bacteria eat the cells and sebum, forming a substance toxic to the skin, fatty acids: BENZOYL PEROXIDE, TOPICAL and ORAL ANTIBIOTICS decrease bacteria.
- The breakdown product causes inflammation and results in a big red bump. The “pimple” with a head: ORAL ANTIBIOTICS are anti-inflammatory and temper the immune system.
Individuals have unique skin types that erupt in different types of acne, some with more comedones and others with more inflammation. Acne medications require 2 months of faithful use before their benefits can be seen.
One SHOULD NOT GET PREGNANT while on any acne medications. If one gets pregnant, stop all medications and call the office.
If you experience any of the following, stop and call the office: Rash, increase of headaches, dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath, vomiting or diarrhea.
Use only NON-COMEDOGENIC (non-acne causing) products on the skin:
CLEANSERS – These are used for gentle cleansing. Avoid abrasive scrubs and products with alcohol.
Cetaphil Acne Wash; CeraVe foaming cleanser; Neutrogena Acne Wash; Oil of Olay Foam Cleanser
MOISTURIZERS – These vary from light to heavy:
Cetaphil; CeraVe: Neutrogena
FOUNDATION
Almay Nearly Naked Touch pad; Bare Essentials, Dior (find at Sephora); Clearing Skin Neutrogena; Physicians Formula (drug store)
SUNSCREEN
Olay Complete SPF 30 sensitive skin; Olay Daily Defense; Neutrogena Helioplex
ACNE REGIMEN
IN THE MORNING:
Wash face/chest/back with: ________________________________or gentle cleanser
Then apply: _____________________________________________ BPO? Yes/No
- Caution with bleaching clothes, towels and bedding if this product contains benzoyl peroxide (BPO)
- You may apply make-up, moisturizer, or sunscreen after applying this medication
IN THE EVENING:
Wash face/chest/back with: ________________________________or gentle cleanser
Then apply: ______________________________________________
- Apply a pea size amount to the entire face.
- Retinoids (Tazorac, Retin-A, Differin, Epiduo, Tretin-X, Atralin) will cause light peeling and pinkness for the first 2 weeks after starting.
- If there is too much peeling/irritation: decrease use to every other night or try mixing it with a lotion (example: CeraVe lotion).
- Retinoids increase the risk of sunburn. Apply sunscreen daily.
- Stop all retinoid products 2 weeks prior to and after waxing and laser treatments.
If prescribed an oral (taken by mouth) antibiotic:
Take: ______________________________ One/Two pill(s) times a day (am and pm)
- Doxycycline (Acticlate, Doryx, Morgidox): Will make you more sun sensitive, wear sunscreen daily. May cause stomach upset so take w/ food & water.
- Minocycline potential side effects/risks: Bluish-black discoloration in skin/gums, lupus like drug eruption, hepatitis, dizziness, in addition to others.
If prescribed Spironolactone:
Take: _____________ mg pill _______________times a day
- Potential risks/side effects: Dizziness and lightheadedness (from drop in blood pressure) , increased potassium levels, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities
- Will check potassium once a year with a blood test, do not become pregnant while taking, do not eat potassium rich foods in excess (bananas, avocados)
If prescribed an oral contraceptive:
Take 1 pill a day. Follow directions to start in package insert of prescription.
*** Please allow the FULL 8 weeks to see improvement
*** Acne may get WORSE before it gets BETTER