You Are What You Eat: Gossip Trumps Truth about the Connection between Diet and Acne

Any acne sufferer can tell you that he or she would have tried just about anything to rid themselves of the troublesome and oftentimes embarrassing skin condition. For generations, everyday conversations have perpetuated the myth that what you eat is a major contributing factor to acne. Teens across the nation have probably sworn off pizza and chocolate, French fries and dairy products in hopes of clearing their complexions.

While it’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, studies have yet to determine a link between our diets and acne. In an effort to determine the popularity of the idea that acne and eating habits are interlinked, a group of researchers went to a place where common misconceptions are always rampant: the internet.

Using YouTube  to survey the views of the public, researchers from the SUNY Health and Science Center searched the video site for the terms “acne,” “acne diet,” and “acne food” to determine the layperson’s notion of the correlation between food and acne. Eighty-seven videos searched between July and August 2009 were included in the study that was used to show that, though research does not support it, many people still believe in the connection between diet and acne.

Of the 87 YouTube videos, over 85% suggested a moderate to strong correlation between acne and what people eat. The three most popular videos, each viewed over 100,000 times, all fell into the “strong correlation” category, suggesting that nutrition and acne were most definitely linked.

While studies regarding the connection between diet and acne are still ongoing, current evidence shows that other treatments are more effective in helping acne sufferers achieve clearer complexions and fewer acne symptoms including scarring, blackheads, and more. Each person’s case of acne is different, allowing Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s physicians to tailor treatments to your skin and lifestyle. Acne treatment methods can include photodynamic therapy like Allumera®, laser treatments like IsoLaz™, topical treatments and customized prescription compounds containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, oral medications such as antibiotics, cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, laser treatments, and more. Make sure to visit out acne treatments page for details.

The public’s prevailing views regarding the correlation between acne and diet are important to dermatologists because patient satisfaction is directly tied to perceived results. If patients believe that going to see a dermatologist about acne is a waste of time, then they will be less likely to adhere to the treatment plan devised specifically for them, and therefore they will not achieve the complexion-clearing results they desire. No treatment gives patients immediate results, especially since acne begins in the sebaceous glands of the deeper layers of the skin. Instead, patients must maintain a regular treatment schedule to see results. Your dermatologist can tell you when to expect results based on your specific treatment plan.

This study shows the importance of both patient and doctor cooperation in helping each patient achieve his or her cosmetic goals. To stay updated on all of the latest dermatology news make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We also recommend you check out our blog for explanations of studies on acne and other skin conditions.

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New Studies Shed Light on the Treatment of Tough Acne and Scars

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and is often caused by dead skin cells, excessive oil production, and/or bacteria growth on the skin. Regardless of age, patients who suffer from acne will most often try anything to rid themselves of this embarrassing skin condition. Featured in a recent edition of Practical Dermatology, five new studies regarding the treatment of acne and acne scarring may be the answer for individuals whose acne may not respond to other treatments.

The first study mentioned addresses the different cultural and ethnic factors that affect the treatment of acne. For example, individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation from harsher acne treatment therapies. Along the same lines, certain cultural attitudes toward acne treatments and folk remedies passed down through families may contribute to the failure of certain dermatological treatments.

The second study looks into the use of CO2 Fractionated Lasers to safely address acne scarring in individuals with darker skin tones. The results of the research show that around 35% of patients who received non-ablative factional treatment and 37% of patients receiving ablative fractional treatments experienced a 50% improvement in the appearance of their skin including a reduction in the appearance of acne scars. Meanwhile, no adverse effects were experienced in the skin tone or texture of patients.

In another study, researchers found that a mixture containing 10% glycolic acid could be an effective treatment for mild acne. Glycolic acid is a chemical often used in chemical peels that works to slough the outer layers of skin and open the pores in the second layer of skin which loosens blackheads and debris clogging pores. The research on this chemical mixture shows that patients responded after 90 days of treatment, and some even noticed a benefit after 45 days.

The fourth study looks into the effects of radiofrequency to reduce the appearance of acne scars and skin texture irregularities post-acne. During the trial, patients received five RF treatments 30 days apart. Researchers observed a 72% improvement in the appearance of acne scars based on the acne scar scale. Patient skin texture and pigmentation improved over 60% each as well.

Finally, in a study conducted in Japan, researchers found that patients are more likely to adhere to an acne treatment plan as prescribed by a dermatologist when patients felt like they had a good understanding of acne as a skin condition and how to treat it. Factors like side effects and personal satisfaction with the treatment also had an impact on whether patients continued with treatment. These findings illustrate that improving patient education regarding acne and treatment may increase patient adherence to acne treatments.

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s board certified dermatologists and qualified providers invite you to connect with them on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates in acne and dermatology news.

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Don’t Miss Our Special on Chemical Peels!

Now through January 31st, 2012, you can save $50 on some of your favorite Skin Medica® chemical peels from Skin Medics™ Medical Spa. Enjoy a Vitalize Peel® for only $100 to reduce the appearance of melasma, sun damage, and acne with one treatment and no downtime. For a deeper peel that will improve moderate to severe acne, acne scarring, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, try our Rejuvenize Peel™ for $200. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.

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Simple Skincare: Maximizing Skin Health with a Few Easy Steps

For those with no serious skin conditions, skincare can be something that often falls to the wayside when schedules get busy during the holiday season. However, even if you don’t suffer from rosacea or acne and aren’t ready for wrinkle treatments, it’s important to take care of your skin now to prevent future issues like the signs of aging or even skin cancer. There are four main steps to maintaining healthy skin: cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and apply sunscreen.

Cleanse: Choose a cleanser that works with your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal), and wash your skin once or twice a day with warm water. Over-cleansing can dry out your skin, and washing in very hot or cold water can cause broken capillaries or visible facial veins. Those with dry skin should choose a creamy cleanser, and oily-skinned individuals should opt for a clear cleanser. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it with a makeup remover before going to bed to prevent dirt and bacteria from building up in your pores.

Exfoliate: In order to protect you from outside elements, your skin is constantly regenerating new skin cells. However, sometimes dead skin cells don’t slough off as easily as they should. Exfoliation helps to remove the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Using a gentle scrub with small polishing particles, lightly rub the face in a circular motion working from the inside out.

Each person’s exfoliation schedule depends on his or her skin type. Those with more sensitive facial skin may need to stick to weekly exfoliation, while those with more durable or oily skin may exfoliate more often. The key to exfoliation is gentleness. Remember that the exfoliation process is supposed to leave the skin healthier afterward, not irritated and red.

Moisturize: There are multiple moisturizers on the market that work well for individuals of all different skin types. Cleansing the face removes any dirt or oil that could clog pores, but it also often strips the skin of its natural moisturizing and protective oils. By applying the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type, your skin can replenish the oils eliminated by the cleanser and protect itself from outside elements.

Apply Sunscreen: Of all the skincare steps one should take, applying daily sunscreen is the most important. The main cause of wrinkles is unprotected sun exposure. UV rays hasten the aging process, breaking down the support structure behind the skin creating lax tissue that makes us look older than we are. A simple daily application of a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on facial skin can help prevent advanced signs of aging as well as skin cancer. There are currently many moisturizers on the market that include SPF for a combination of the last two steps.

Skincare is often much simpler than people think. A quick 4-step regimen takes less than 10 minutes to complete and sets you up for healthy skin now and in the future. Our Skin Medics™ Medical Spa can formulate an easy skincare program catered toward your age and skin type.

For individuals who may suffer from dermatological problems like psoriasis or eczema and need more than a simple skincare regimen, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our highly trained dermatologists. We can also offer information on our other services like vein removal, laser tattoo removal, facial rejuvenation, and treatment of other skin conditions.

You can keep up with DAA’s latest news on Facebook and Twitter as well!

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Harvest Something Beautiful this November 2011 at Skin Medics Medical Spa

Dermatology Associates of Atlanta’s Skin Medics™ Medical Spa is offering a fabulous fall special on Microdermabrasion paired with a Pomegranate Peel. Prepare for those holiday parties and family get-togethers with this relaxing facial rejuvenation combination. See the flyer below for more details and schedule your microdermabrasion/peel combo before this great deal expires by calling (678) 552-2163.  Offer expires November 30th, 2011.

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