Acne is a very common disease. People who have it tend to have similar kinds of questions about it and its treatment. This section addresses some of the common questions asked by people with acne. Please remember that your dermatologist is always the best source of specific information about your individual health issues, including acne.
Click on a specific question to go directly to the answer to that question, or you can read through all the questions.
1. Specific FAQ's concerning Loma Lux® AcnePill™.
2. What causes acne?
3. I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?
4. Does stress cause acne?
5. I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?
6. What role does diet play in acne?
7. Does the sun help acne?
8. What is the best way to treat acne?
9. What kind of cosmetics should an acne patient use?
10. Is it harmful to squeeze my pimples?
11. What can be done about the scarring caused by acne?
12. How long before I see a visible result from using my acne medications?
13. Would using my medications more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my acne?
14. My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new acne blemishes. What should I do?
15. My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
16. Does it matter what time I use my medications?
17. I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What's a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?
18. I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my acne and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around acne scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication, and is it permanent?
19. My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my acne. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn't vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of acne?
20. Are there any acne treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?
21. Is acne that appears for the first time in adulthood different from acne that appears in adolescence?
22. My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of acne. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?
23. Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn't alteration of diet be considered a treatment for acne?
24. Why do some people get blackheads instead of whiteheads? I assume they come from the same causes except one is white and one is black. The blackheads are CLEARLY visible.
2. What causes acne?
As a dermatologist I'm convinced after treating many thousands of people suffering from acne problems, the single cause of acne is not known. I do think that if one or both of your parents suffered from acne, you are more likely to suffer from acne too, but overall it's not your fault. You didn't do anything to deserve these pimples and zits, except reach puberty. At the beginning of your teen years, your body goes through a series of changes, and some of these changes are linked to an increase in acne. You begin to produce more hormones called androgens, which are male hormones, but are found in both guys and girls. These hormones cause excess oil to build up in your pores. Oil and dead skin cells start to clog the pores and lead to the whiteheads and blackheads that show up on your face. Other things can contribute to acne, including the environment, heredity, certain types of make-up, and severe stress - so don't stress out over acne, you can do something about it.
Your skin normally has some "friendly" bacteria; everyone's skin has them. But when oil and dead skin cells clog the pores, the bacteria turn hostile and begin to increase. This combination eventually results in the inflamed, red pimples you commonly see in acne. In more severe acne, there can also be large, deep cysts. Some people also get acne on their arms, back, and chest in addition to the face. Bromide, one of the major active ingredients in Loma Lux® AcnePill™, helps the body's white blood cells kill bacteria.
And don't worry; you're not alone with your acne problems. Approximately 17 million Americans have acne. I want to help. Loma Lux® AcnePill™ can help.
3. I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?
Many people still believe that acne is caused by dirty skin. The truth is, washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Washing does, however, help remove excess surface oils and dead skin cells. Many people use all kinds of products, including alcohol-based cleansers, and scrub vigorously only to irritate the skin further and worsen their acne. Washing the skin twice a day gently with water and a mild acne cleanser like Lytic Gel" Cleanser is usually all that is required. You should use appropriate combination acne treatments like Loma Lux® AcnePill™.
4. Does stress cause acne?
Stress is commonly blamed for the development of acne. Stress can have many physiologic effects on the body, including changes in hormones that may lead to acne. In some cases stress may actually be caused by the acne lesions, not the other way around. If acne is being treated effectively, stress will not have the impact it once did on the complexion.
5. I never had acne as a teenager. Why am I now getting acne as an adult?
Usually, acne begins at puberty and is gone by the early 20s. In some cases, acne may persist into adulthood. Such types of acne include severe forms that affect the body as well as the face and acne associated with the menstrual cycle in women.
In other cases, acne may not present itself until adulthood. Such acne is more likely to affect females than males. There are several reasons for this. As females get older, the pattern of changes in hormones may itself change, disposing sebaceous glands to develop acne. Ovarian cysts and pregnancy may also cause hormonal changes that lead to acne. Some women get acne when they discontinue birth control pills that have been keeping acne at bay. Sometimes birth control pills can actually make acne worse.
Sometimes young women wear cosmetics that are comedogenic-that is, they can set up conditions that cause comedones to form. All makeup, even those advertised as oil-free and non-comedogenic, can clog pores. It's best to wear as little makeup as possible, and make sure to remove all makeup before you exercise or before you go to sleep.
6. What role does diet play in acne?
Acne is not caused by food. Following a strict diet or fasting will not clear your skin. While some people feel that their acne is aggravated by certain foods, particularly chocolate, colas, peanuts, shellfish and some fatty foods, there is no scientific evidence that suggests food causes acne. Avoid any foods which seem to worsen your acne and, for your overall health, eat a balanced diet.
7. Does the sun help acne?
Many patients feel that sunlight improves their acne lesions and go to great lengths to find sources of ultraviolet light. Be careful, ultraviolet light in sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. It is, therefore, not a recommended technique of acne management, especially since there are many other proven forms of treatment for acne.
Moreover, many acne treatments increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light, making the risk of ultraviolet light exposure worse. Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is compatible with UV light. Moderation is the best policy.
8. What is the best way to treat acne?
Everyone's acne must be treated individually. If you have not received positive results from the acne products you have tried or if you have severe acne, consider seeing a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will decide which treatments are best for you. I have many patients that find relief with Loma Lux® AcnePill™ and continue to use it in order to keep blemishes from returning.
9. What kind of cosmetics and cleansers should an acne patient use?
Look for "noncomedogenic" cosmetics and toiletries. These products have been formulated so that they will not cause acne. Some acne medications cause irritation or pronounced dryness particularly during the early weeks of therapy, and some cosmetics and cleansers can actually worsen this effect. The choice of cosmetics and cleansers should be made with your dermatologist or pharmacist. Heavy foundation makeup should be avoided. Most acne patients should select powder blushes and eye shadow over cream products because they are less irritating and noncomedogenic. Camouflaging techniques can be used effectively by applying a green undercover cosmetic over red acne lesions to promote color blending. It's best to wear as little makeup as possible, and make sure to remove all makeup before you exercise or go to sleep. Lytic Gel" Cleanser is ideal for this.
10. Is it harmful to squeeze my pimples?
DO NOT pick, scratch, squeeze, or pop those zits! It causes more damage to the skin, and can cause additional scarring. The more the skin is damaged from acne the longer it takes to heal and the greater the chance of a noticeable scar. Squeezing may also force infected material deeper into the skin that could cause additional inflammation. If pus buildup is obvious, careful sterile drainage by a dermatologist is ideal.
11. What can be done about the scarring caused by acne?
Typically, a scar may appear more red and thicker at first, and then gradually fade away. Many actively healing scars that seem unsightly at two to three months may heal properly if given more time. Scarring is best prevented by getting rid of the acne. Dermatologists can use various methods to improve the scarring caused by acne. The treatment must always be individualized for the specific patient. No scar can ever be completely erased, and no magic technique will return the scar to its normal, uninjured appearance. But there are several techniques that can minimize a scar, most of which are done routinely in a dermatologist's office. Chemical peels may be used in some patients, while dermabrasion or laser abrasion may benefit others. It is important that the acne be well controlled before any procedure is used to alleviate scarring. A dermatologist should be able to evaluate your skin condition and offer you the latest scar treatment methods available.
I recommend that you start using Loma Lux® AcnePill™ once a day, every day. Its safe and all-natural ingredients work inside the body, clearing acne problems from the inside out. While it can't fix the acne scars you have now, it could help prevent some future scarring.
12. How long before I see a visible result from using my acne medication?
The time for improvement depends upon the product being used, but in almost all cases it is more a matter of weeks instead of days. Be reasonable when treating acne. It took a while for the pimples to develop, so don't expect them to disappear overnight, even with the best medical treatment. Most dermatologists would recommend the use of a medication or combination of medications daily for 4 to 8 weeks before they would change the treatment. It is very important for patients to be aware of this time frame, so they do not become discouraged and discontinue their medications. I've been very pleased with how well Loma Lux® AcnePill™ clears acne from the inside-out. It's so simple and easy to use. You don't have to apply anything. No step one, two, three. You simply just take one dose per day according to directions, and that's it. Loma Lux® AcnePill™ also helps prevent future acne breakouts too! But be patient. It could happen over night, but it may take a few weeks for the acne treatment to really start working and your acne to improve significantly. Don't panic, and make sure you stick to your treatment schedule. Before long, you'll be on your way to clear and healthy skin.
13. Would using my medication more frequently than prescribed speed up the clearing of my acne?
Always use your medication exactly as your dermatologist or the product labeling instructs. Using topical medications more often than prescribed may actually induce more irritation of the skin, redness and follicular plugging, which can delay clearing time. If oral medications are taken more frequently than prescribed, there could be a greater chance of side effects. However, Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is different. Taking an additional dose at night can boost the effectiveness if results are not obvious after four weeks.
14. My topical treatment seems to work on the spots I treat, but I keep getting new acne blemishes. What should I do?
Topical acne medications are made to be used on all acne-prone areas, not just individual lesions. Part of the goal is to treat the skin before lesions can form and to prevent formation, not just to treat existing lesions. Patients are generally advised to treat all of the areas (forehead, cheeks, chin and nose) that tend to break out rather than just individual lesions. Oral medications treat all areas equally.
15. My face is clear! Can I stop taking my medication now?
If your dermatologist says you can stop, then stop--but follow your dermatologist's instructions. Many times patients will stop their medication suddenly only to have their acne flare up several weeks later. If you are using multiple products, it may be advisable to discontinue one medication at a time and judge results before discontinuing them all at once. Ask your dermatologist before you stop using any of your medications. Loma Luxﾮ AcnePill" can be stopped after one month of acne-free results. However, it should be restarted if stressful events are happening. For example, many women have success using it the week before and the week after their cycle.
16. Does it matter what time I use my medication?
Check with your dermatologist or pharmacist. If you were taking one dose a day of an antibiotic, you could probably take it in the morning, at midday or in the evening, although you should pick one time of day and stay with it throughout your treatment. With oral medications prescribed twice a day or three times a day, you should try your best to spread out the doses evenly. Some antibiotics should be taken on an empty or nearly empty stomach. For optimal results with topical treatments, you should strictly follow your dermatologist's recommendations. For example, if instructed to apply benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a topical retinoid at bedtime, it is important to follow these directions strictly. If the two were applied together at bedtime, for example, you could decrease the efficacy of the treatment because of chemical reactions that make them less effective. Loma Luxﾮ AcnePill" can be taken anytime.
17. I have trouble remembering to take my oral medication every day. What's a good way to remember? What should I do if I forget a dose?
This is a common problem. Many patients try to associate taking their medication with a routine daily event such as brushing teeth or applying makeup. It also helps to keep the medication close to the area where the reminder activity is carried out. In most cases, if you miss a day of your oral treatment, do not double up the next day; rather, get back to your daily regimen as soon as possible. Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about what to do if you miss a dose of your particular medication.
18. I have been using topical benzoyl peroxide and an oral antibiotic for my acne and have noticed blue-black and brown marks developing on my face and some discoloration on my body. The marks are especially noticeable around acne scars and recently healed lesions. Is this a side effect of medication, and is it permanent?
It is not possible to make general statements about side effects of medications that apply to individual cases. A dermatologist should be consulted. The facial marks and body discoloration described by the patient in this case do fall within the range of side effects of some antibiotics. Unique patterns of pigmentation are sometimes seen in acne patients treated with certain oral antibiotics--particularly minocycline. The pigmentation patterns that appear may include:
The pigmentation side effect usually disappears after the therapy is discontinued. The minocycline antibiotics (including tetracycline and doxycycline) should not be used before 12 years old due to permanent pigmentation of teeth. Any side effect of a medication should be noted by the patient and brought to the attention of the physician. While most side effects are temporary they should be discussed with the physician and monitored.
19. My doctor is prescribing a topical retinoid for my acne. He said a retinoid is a substance related to vitamin A. If the drug is related to vitamin A, shouldn't vitamin A dietary supplements be helpful in getting rid of acne?
Dietary vitamin A is essential to good health, especially vision. It has healthful effects in the skin. Large doses of vitamin A for the treatment of acne are not recommended on grounds of safety. The retinoids and retinoid-like substances used as topical treatments for acne are prepared especially for their potent effect on the shedding of cell lining in the sebaceous follicle. Their use should be monitored by a dermatologist.
Dietary vitamin A has multiple health effects in the human body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Extreme vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, usually accompanied by dry, scaly skin. Vitamin A overdose that far exceeds the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 5,000 IU can have effects nearly as catastrophic. Extreme vitamin A overdose can cause the skin to blister and peel.
Topical retinoids are usually prescribed as a treatment for moderate to severe acne. Side effects are chiefly dermatologic, including redness, scaling and dryness of the skin, itching and burning. These side effects can usually be managed by adjustment of the amount and timing of retinoid applied to the skin. Dose adjustment must be discussed with the dermatologist who prescribed the treatment. Pregnant women should not take retinoids.
20. Are there any acne treatments specifically for people with dark skin? Are there any treatments specifically harmful to dark skin?
Acne is a common skin disease that has the same causes and follows the same course in all colors of skin. Acne treatments are generally as safe and effective on dark skin as on light skin. Some treatments for acne scars may cause temporary lightening of dark skin. Loma Lux® AcnePill™ has shown excellent results on dark skin.
Darker skin has a tendency to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (excessive skin darkening at places where the skin was inflamed). Severe inflammatory acne may result in dark spots. The spots resolve over time; a dermatologist may be able to recommend cosmetic measures to make the spots less apparent until they resolve. Some acne treatments, such as topical retinoids and azelaic acid, may also help fade the discoloration.
Removal of acne scars by dermabrasion or chemical peeling may cause temporary lightening or darkening of dark skin in the areas of treatment. Scar treatment should be discussed with a dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon before it is undertaken.
21. Is acne that appears for the first time in adulthood different from acne that appears in adolescence?
Acne has a specific definition as a disease of sebaceous follicles. This definition applies to acne that occurs at any age. However, it may be important to look for an underlying cause of acne that occurs for the first time in adulthood.
Acne vulgaris develops when excessive sebum production and abnormal growth and death of cells in the sebaceous follicle result in plugging of follicles with a mixture of sebum and cellular debris and formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Bacteria in the follicles may contribute to the inflammation of acne by release of metabolic products that cause inflammatory reaction. These events, which cause disease, in the sebaceous follicle are believed to be due in large degree to changes in levels of androgenic (male) hormones in the body--a circumstance usually associated with growth and development between ages 12 and 21.
Some acne investigators believe that although this understanding is generally correct, there is more yet to be learned about the causes of acne vulgaris. Acne that appears after the age of 25-30 years is (1) a recurrence of acne that cleared up after adolescence, (2) a flare-up of acne after a period of relative quiet--for example, during pregnancy, or (3) acne that occurs for the first time in a person who had never previously had acne.
Acne that appears for the first time in adulthood should be investigated for any underlying cause. Drugs that can induce acne include anabolic steroids (sometimes used illegally by athletes to "bulk up"), some anti-epileptic drugs, the anti-tuberculosis drugs isoniazid and rifampin, lithium, and iodine-containing drugs. Some lesions that appear to be acne may be another skin disorder such as folliculitis (infection and inflammation of hair follicles) that require different treatment than acne and should be examined by a dermatologist.
22. My 15-year-old daughter has what I would describe as a very mild case of acne. She has made it much worse by constant picking and squeezing. She looks in the mirror for hours, looking for some blackhead or blemish she can pick or squeeze. Does she need psychological counseling?
Excessive picking and squeezing of otherwise mild acne is a condition called excoriated acne, seen most often in young women. Excoriate means to scratch or scrape the skin. The acne is often very mild, but the person's face may constantly be covered with red marks from squeezing, and open sores where lesions have been picked open. Excoriated acne is a medically recognized condition that should be discussed with a dermatologist. Giving in to temptation occasionally to squeeze a blackhead is not defined as excoriated acne. Hours in front of a mirror, squeezing and picking every blemish, is a definition of excoriated acne. A dermatologist may be able to provide effective counseling and recommend a course of treatment that will not cause more damage.
23. Can the rate of secretion or the composition of sebum be altered by diet? If it can, shouldn't alteration of diet be considered a treatment for acne?
Diet has never been proven to have a role in the cause or treatment of acne. However, a common sense approach includes minimizing fatty, greasy, and fried foods. Eating healthy (plenty of fruits and vegetables) makes good sense.
24. Why do some people get blackheads instead of whiteheads? I assume they come from the same causes except one is white and one is black. The blackheads are CLEARLY visible.
The pores of your skin contain glands that make oil called sebum for your hair and skin. Sometimes, as your body changes and matures, the hormones stimulate the glands to make more oil and you end up with overactive oil-producing glands. So, your pores can get plugged up with too much oil and dead skin cells.
Blackheads: When a pore gets plugged, but stays open, the top surface can get dark from a build up of skin pigment and then you have a blackhead. Blackheads can last for several months because the contents very slowly drain to the surface.
Whiteheads: If a pore gets plugged and closes, it begins bulging from under the skin creating a whitehead. Never remove a whitehead forcibly because the pore is not open. Forcibly removing a whitehead can damage the skin tissue and spread infection.
Either way, blackheads and whiteheads are filled with trapped oil called sebum and dead skin cells. The treatment advice for how to get rid of blackheads and how to get rid of whiteheads is therefore the same.
Loma Lux® AcnePill™ is a very safe and effective way to treat blackheads and whiteheads. It works along with your immune system clearing your skin from the inside-out. Lytic Gel" Cleanser helps open the pores from the outside.
Finally, whiteheads and blackheads are types of acne that affect many people. It's not your fault, and you don't need to feel ashamed or embarrassed. There are several treatment options available. Your doctor should be able to recommend something to help you. But don't give up. For severe cases or those resistant to treatment, you should be seen by a dermatologist.
Best of luck!