Chocolate is a beloved treat worldwide, but its reputation has often been tarnished by claims that it causes acne. So, what does science say? This article explores the latest research on chocolate, diet, and their link to skin health.

Does chocolate cause acne?  Science says, “It’s complicated.”

As a dermatologist, Dr. Adhami is asked this question all the time. Many people are questioning if chocolate causes acne. Probably because chocolate is SO good and many of us love to indulge – but it might come with a cost of breakouts and exacerbated acne.

To date, scientific studies have yielded varied results. As with many things – it is a totally individual experience for every person based on factors of genetics, age, hormones, diet, lifestyle, etc.

But some answers have come to light that may help those struggling with acne.

Chocolate and Acne: The Research
The idea that chocolate causes acne has been around for decades. However, studies have shown mixed results. Some research suggests that high-sugar and high-fat diets may contribute to skin inflammation, which can lead to breakouts. Chocolate itself, particularly dark chocolate, contains antioxidants and nutrients that may not be the primary culprits.

A 2019 article on CNN(1) highlights that the connection between chocolate and acne isn’t as straightforward as previously thought. It’s not just chocolate but overall dietary habits, including high glycemic index foods, that may influence acne.

Acne culprits: Chocolate or sugar?

When it comes to diet, there’s good data to suggest that high glycemic index foods – rich in refined carbohydrates and sugar, including sugary drinks and processed breads and snacks – are bad for acne-prone skin. These foods cause a spike in blood sugar, which increases production of insulin, an insulin-like growth factor and hormones known as androgens, which results in more sebum production.

Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands that keeps skin moist. When the glands produce too much sebum, the oil can combine with dead skin cells and become trapped in pores. This leads to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples.

Dr. Patricia Farris, a dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, answers, “Spikes in insulin are acne-genic, so we don’t want high-glycemic diets,” Farris said. “We’ve connected the dots there … but we haven’t completely connected the dots on chocolate.”

In fact, kids who eat chocolate candy and break out afterward might attribute their acne to chocolate, but in reality, their pimples may proliferate because these junk foods are sugar-rich and cause blood sugar and insulin spikes.

“The chocolate your average kid consumes is a small amount of chocolate wrapped around a piece of gooey caramel or in some ice cream. The chocolate is probably less of an influence on that kid than the rest of the junk food they’re eating,” Farris said.

Evolving research reveals breaking news on breakouts

Chocolate lovers have long faced the question: does eating chocolate cause breakouts? Several studies suggest there may be a connection, though the relationship is complex and not fully understood.

The Jelly Bean vs. Chocolate Study
One study compared chocolate bars to jelly beans, both with the same glycemic load—a measure of how much a food raises blood sugar. Participants consumed both, and the results were telling. While jelly beans had no effect on acne, chocolate led to an average increase of five pimples.

“Some people might say, five pimples, no big deal,” said Dr. Gregory R. Delost from University Hospitals, Cleveland Medical Center. “But for someone getting ready for a big event, five pimples can be significant.”

Delost is convinced chocolate can worsen acne, but his study used milk chocolate. This may have been a limitation since milk has been linked to acne in some research.

Dark Chocolate’s Role in Acne
Another study in 2016 tested 99% dark chocolate—free of added sugars or milk—on 25 acne-prone males. After four weeks, researchers observed a significant increase in blackheads and pimples compared to baseline.

“We did not conclude that chocolates cause acne, as this condition is caused by multifaceted factors,” said Dr. Pravit Asawanonda of Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. However, their study did suggest that dark chocolate could worsen acne symptoms.

This study did not test non-acne-prone individuals or female participants. Women are often excluded from acne research due to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycles that could skew results.

The Fat and Inflammation Connection
In milk chocolate, dairy sugar may play a role in acne. Dark chocolate, however, contains cocoa butter, which has oleic acid and stearic acid—fats that may clog pores. Oleic acid, in particular, has been shown to influence pore clogging in animal studies.

Interestingly, cocoa’s flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, but fats in chocolate may still trigger skin inflammation.

Berman’s Study: Pure Chocolate Capsules
Dr. Brian Berman of the University of Miami conducted a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study using pure 100% chocolate capsules with no milk or sugar. His study, involving young men with a history of acne but no lesions at baseline, showed an increase in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions.

Although Berman’s study had only 14 participants, he noted that the findings align with real-world patient experiences.

The Complex Nature of Acne
“The pathogenesis of acne is complicated,” said dermatologist Dr. Farris. Acne results from a buildup of skin cells at hair follicle openings, leading to trapped sebum and bacterial growth that triggers inflammation.

“Nutrition plays a role, but acne is a four-pronged process. Avoiding chocolate may address one piece of a very large puzzle.”

In summary, while chocolate might not directly cause acne, it can exacerbate symptoms in those prone to breakouts. For clearer skin, balance your diet and pay attention to how your skin reacts to certain foods.

The Role of Diet in Skin Health

Certain foods with a high glycemic index—like sugary snacks and refined carbs—can cause spikes in blood sugar. This triggers a chain reaction in the body, leading to increased sebum production and skin inflammation. These factors can contribute to acne.

Experts recommend a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support skin health.

Should You Avoid Chocolate?
While cutting out chocolate may seem like the solution, moderation is key. If you notice breakouts after eating large amounts of chocolate, it may be worth reducing your intake and observing your skin’s response.

Final Thoughts
Chocolate may not directly cause acne, but diet and lifestyle choices can play a role in skin health. If you’re concerned about acne, consider focusing on overall dietary habits rather than singling out specific foods.

Keeping a food journal can help you determine whether your acne worsens when you eat chocolate, something Delost advises for some of his patients.

But unfortunately, that may mean giving up the indulgence, at least some of the time. “Everybody has their own triggers. If chocolate breaks you out, stop eating it,” Farris said.

It’s simple. If you experience acne outbreaks after eating even moderate amounts of dark chocolate, unfortunately, limit or stop eating chocolate.

If you’re concerned about the potential link between chocolate and acne, incorporating skincare products that help manage breakouts is essential. Vivoderm’s Zinc Repairing Facial Cream and Acne Treatment, and Acne Facial Mask are ideal for calming and nourishing acne-prone skin. Zinc is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to reduce redness, soothe irritation, and minimize the appearance of blemishes. Vivoderm’s formulations are also rich in natural botanicals that promote healing and restore the skin’s barrier, essential for managing acne and preventing future breakouts. By combining a balanced diet with targeted skincare, you can better support clear, healthy skin.

(1) Resource: https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/15/health/chocolate-acne-food-drayer/index.html

Originally written by Rachelle Dupree for Dermascope Magazine, January 2019 ©

https://www.dermascope.com/ingredients/9893-herbal-remedies-a-breakdown-of-cbd-oil

CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It is derived from hemp, a variant of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Marijuana plants typically contain both THC and CBD, and these compounds have different effects depending on how the plant is grown and processed.

Recently, traditional medical practitioners, as well as holistic health experts, have begun recommending CBD oils and topical salve compounds to treat everything from anxiety, insomnia, and stress to some types of pain, inflammation, seizures, and even acne. This oil has also been proven to be a potent anti-inflammatory.

Unlike the high produced from THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This means that CBD does not change a person’s state of mind when they use it. Most hemp/cannabidiol products contain little, if any, THC.

In order to be effective as a topical or ingested treatment, CBD has to be safely concentrated. Products containing the CBD compound are now legal in many states in the United States where marijuana is not legal.
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the prescription use of Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD oil, for treating two types of epilepsy. This has opened numerous paths of study for further pharmacological applications. The long-term results are still under evaluation, but many patients have reported markedly improved results for their ailments without the same side effects of other laboratory-formulated medicines.

So far, researchers have found no significant side effects on the central nervous system, vital signs, or mood – even among people who use high dosages.

CBD treatment options even branch out to cystic, chronic forms of acne, or acne vulgaris, caused by inflammation and overworked sebaceous glands.

How does it work? All cannabinoids, including CBD, produce effects in the body by attaching to certain receptors already present in the human body and brain. The main receptors present from CBD usage include the body’s own innate endocannabinoid system and CB2 receptors, which are more commonly found in the immune system. They affect inflammation and pain.

For those considering using CBD oils or topicals, doctors recommend buying only those products derived from organic hemp, processed without harsh solvents and pesticides. If possible, it is a good idea to view the certificates of analysis for each product to see exactly what is included. Ninety-nine percent of cannabidiol oil is available without a prescription and can be purchased online and in health food stores. To reduce inflammation, topical CBD is absorbed through the skin and into the fatty sheath around a painful or damaged nerve. At least one month of consistent treatment is recommended to feel results.

Anyone who is considering using CBD oils or topical creams should talk to a qualified healthcare practitioner beforehand. They can provide information about safe CBD sources, dosages, and local laws surrounding usage.

There are many different kinds of zinc cream available in the market today. Zinc contains an array of benefits that are effective for different skin irritations in children as well as in adults, including diaper rash, acne and sun protection. It is definitely among the best creams that you can possess in the medicine cabinet.

Protect and heal your skin with Zinc

The first thing that might come to your mind when you are thinking about zinc is a lifeguard sitting at his post with a coating of thick white, zinc oxide cream on his nose or body to protect himself from sunburn. Yes, this may the the old version of zinc you knew, but today’s formulations are lighter, less concentrated and zinc skin care cream is still undoubtedly the best way to prevent sunburn. Many modern dermatologists now believe sunscreen lotions with zinc oxide work better in comparison to the pure chemical sunscreens in blocking the dangerous UV rays of the sun.

You may not know, but zinc cream works wonders for different skin conditions and complications as well. It is extremely useful in treating acne and pimples. It helps in providing you respite from acne breakouts. It reduces inflammation and decreases the excessive oil production. By applying this cream you will be able to take out infectious toxins. It will also enhance skin healing quickly.

You should know how to apply this cream on your skin. Use it generously on your skin. Do not cover the area after application. If you plan on using the cream on young children you must consult a pediatrician. Since zinc is non-toxic and natural, most users  will not have any skin reactions after application.

If you are looking for a trusted zinc facial cream or product then you might want to try Vivoderm’s zinc repairing facial cream. It is a natural water based cream which is infused with Vitamin A and E. It has anti-inflammatory properties of Comfrey and Chamomile. Zinc oxide is required for healing and tissue growth. Their facial treatment also has anti-bacterial agents that help to fight the bacteria which causes acne. So, if you want miraculous results for your acne skin or sun protection, we think you can’t go wrong choosing zinc.

During the teenage years hormonal changes occur from which hair and skin problems can take place. Blackheads, pimples, and acne are common problems that teenagers suffer from. Hence, you should follow a standard daily skin care routine if you want to prevent getting spots. To get that healthy, natural glow back to your skin then regularly wash and tone your face to clear all the common skin problems that usually occur during this time. But before you start on any skin care regimen you must determine your skin type.

cleansing to prevent acne

As part of your anti-acne regimen you can wash your skin with a gentle natural facial cleanser. Try to find one that uses natural ingredients such as lavender oils, rosemary, and geranium. The Vivoderm natural facial cleanser is made with just these ingredients. It is gentle enough to use twice a day and won’t strip the natural oils from your skin. It acts as a natural healer instead.

Ladies, you must always remove your makeup before you go to sleep. If you forget to remove your make up you may develop pimples. After cleansing reduce excess oil by using a natural based skin toner. Look for toners that don’t contain alcohol. The vivoderm natural facial toner is made with green tea extracts and grape seed oil, to reduce inflammation and help your skin heal. Use on both your neck and face.

If you want to remove blackheads then light steaming can also be a good option for you. You can also use a clarifying herbal facial mask that combines healing herbs of Rosemary, lavender, aloe vera and green tea – like the Vivoderm 100% herbal anti0acne facial mask.

To keep your skin looking its best, your diet must be healthy and you should exercise properly 3-4 times a week. Drink lots of water to detoxify your system. Include a lot of leafy green vegetables and avoid gorging on sugary drinks and sweets.

Pimples are the most problematic skin problem among teenagers. But yes, you can treat your pimples at home.  You do not necessarily have to buy special creams and lotions with chemical compositions for treating your pimples. If you want to get rid of your pimples then you can follow some simple steps to keep breakouts at bay and treat pimples at home according to your needs and at your convenience.

Dry and oily skin is some of the common problems which you face. But if you take proper care of them through a planned skin care routine you will surely get the best results. There are a variety of steps which you need to follow to achieve the purpose. If you have a dry skin, just do not worry anymore as all your problems can be resolved easily. There are a variety of moisturizers available in the market which you can use to counter the dryness.

Adult Acne Causes

When one thinks of acne, a teenager may come to mind first. No one expects to have acne as an adult but it is more common than one might think. On average 50 percent of women and 25 percent of men are affected by adult acne. Adult acne is usually attributed to hormonal shifts, allergic reactions to skincare products or medications. The good news is many new treatments and procedures are available.

In June 2009, the pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding AG, pulled its Accutane acne medicine from the U.S. market after juries awarded at least $33 million in damages to users who blamed the drug for bowel disease.

According to Bloomberg.com, “Roche notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today that it was withdrawing Accutane after a “reevaluation” of its product lines showed it faced serious challenges from generic competitors, company officials said in a statement.”

This is just another in a long list of recent health concerns over pharmaceutical skincare treatments and the serious health risks they may pose.

As the natural skincare movement gains popularity, many consumers are discovering their old over the counter acne treatments can have potentially harmful chemicals that would be best to avoid. In response to these concerns, many have made the switch to all-natural acne skincare treatments. While some are convinced that natural remedies can’t be strong enough to fight stubborn acne. If you are convinced a more powerful acne medication is the best option, read on to find out what approach is right for you to become acne free.

Effective Natural Acne Treatments and Ingredients

There are various home treatments and natural ingredients that have been proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate cases of acne. Some of these may include:

· Massage essential oils into your skin at night such as Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, and Rosewood Oil. Wash your face clean in the morning with pure soap and water.

· Acne starts within the body, not just at the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is important to drink plenty of water to help detoxify your body and help clear acne.

· You can exfoliate and clear pores with an oatmeal mask once or twice a week. Cook oatmeal and while it is still warm, apply to your face, allow oatmeal to dry and then wash away.

There are many varieties of at home solutions, some of which are effective, and some not. Those with more serious cases of acne however, such as cystic acne, usually turn to stronger over the counter acne treatments.

Over the Counter Acne Treatments

Over the counter acne products tend to be more powerful in fighting acne because each product works differently to target causes of acne. Certain products function by killing Prionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), the bacteria that creates inflammation. Other medications reduce sebum output and renew skin. Other products function by using combinations of these things. Acne medication treatments work in different ways depending on their active ingredient. Here are some common active ingredients that acne products contain.

*Benzoyl Peroxide works to eliminate P. acnes and reduces excess oil and dead skin cells. It is available in different strengths that come in products in certain percentages.

*Salicylic Acid prevents pores from clogging by slowing the process of skin cell shed within hair follicles. It also helps fight whiteheads and blackheads.

*Alcohol and acetone are found in astringents and cleansing washes. They clear your skin of dirt and oil.

These medications might be more powerful in treating acne but they often come with more side effects such as dryness, sensitivity to sun, stinging or irritation, redness or peeling.

There are many natural options that are now available that give you the opportunity to fight acne with powerful results but without the unnatural chemicals that may cause unwanted side effects. The top natural acne treatments have been proven to be as strong as leading pharmaceuticals, yet a perfect compromise between gentle home remedies that don’t show results and powerful but irritating over the counter products.

When it comes to the next generation of acne treatments, the most promising products are natural blends to specific herbal constituents–like Rosemary, Marshmallow, Aloe Vera, Lavender, Fennel, Angelica, and Green Tea – that evade irritating side effects. Vivoderm Laboratories offers a natural acne mask that reduces sebum output, controls inflammation, unclogs pores, and moisturizes skin. It also serves as an acne scar treatment as it regenerates skin affected by redness and scars. Many herbs also contain natural antiseptic properties to attack acne-causing bacteria. This anti-acne treatment removes dead skin cells and repairs blemishes without drying out the skin.

The bottom line is to always be aware of chemicals you expose yourself to and make the choice that is best for you. If chemicals are in any way a concern for you – opt for a natural solution that treats the root causes of acne, not just the symptoms and become acne free – naturally.

Almost everyone has suffered from an acne breakout (or many more) in their lifetime. Acne occurs when the oil (or sebaceous) glands under hair follicles, usually on your face, neck, chest, or back, get plugged up, inflamed, or infected. Frequently the glands simply secrete too much of a thick waxy lubricant called sebum that keeps your skin healthy. This blocks the pores and creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Follicles then get red and inflamed.

Hormone imbalances can play a role as well. Sebum increases with the overproduction of testosterone and other androgens in teenage boys, for instance, or with women;s hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. In mild cases of acne, whiteheads and blackheads appear, and maybe some raised red blemishes. In more severe cases, pus-filled cysts and deep nodules form around the inflamed follicles, causing unsightly bumps, tenderness, and often pain.

Organic Skin Treatments for Acne

A couple of herbal products are useful for drying up acne. Topically applied tea tree oil is a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil is fungicidal, antiseptic, expectorant, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, parasiticide, and antiviral. Wipe on a 10% to 15% strength solution twice a day.

The herb chamomile also has long been used for easing skin inflammations. Make a strong chamomile tea, and wipe the cooled liquid over your face each morning. This effective daily rinse tones and cleanses.

The holistic understanding of acne is generally the result of hormonal imbalance or toxicity of the bowel or blood. Use cleansing herbs like burdock root, yellow dock root, or echinacea root to help cleanse your blood and remove toxic waste products from your liver. Use bowel-cleansing herbs like yellow dock root and psyllium seed for a week, and repeat once a month for several months, especially if you have trouble with boils, acne, and other skin problems. Take evening primrose capsules. And apply tea tree oil solution externally.

Here’s a helpful tea recipe:

1 tablespoon Oregon grape root

1 tablespoon yellow dock root

1 tablespoon burdock root

1 tablespoon red clover flowers

2 cups water

Put all herbs in water and simmer 30 minutes. Drink one cup of the tea, 2 to 3 times daily.

During a breakout, eat mainly fresh fruits and vegetables, and add a six-ounce glass of cleansing vegetable juice with equal parts of cucumber, carrot, and celery, with a little parsley. Identify and drastically reduce all forms of refined sugar and fried foods in your diet – this includes honey.

Alternate hot and cold compresses over pimples once or twice a day to open the pores, cleanse them, and increase circulation to remove wastes.

Sometimes the skin will show reactions to external factors, such as bacteria, that have led to internal processes, which reflect on the skin instead of manifesting internally. While symptoms on the skin should be attended to, the real problem lies in the weakened defense system, which should be toned and strengthened so that the body will rid itself of infection.

The general guidelines for the treatment of infections also hold true for acne. And if antibiotics have been used recently, at least 1 g of vitamin C should be taken daily.

By Van Le |  After trying countless of potions and lotions to no avail, some acne sufferers are turning to technology and hoping that blue light therapy, a new scientific advancement, will pave the way for acne-free skin. Considered a form of laser treatment, the procedure involves emitting a blue light source (with visible spectrum of 406 to 426 nm) to the affected areas. The high-intensity light kills the bacteria that can cause acne breakouts. Blue light therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drugs Administration as a legal and safe procedure for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. As a result, it is a widely advertised and highly popular form of treatment among acne sufferers.

Unlike creams and ointments that treat acne on a topical level, blue light therapy targets bacteria underneath the skin, eliminating the problem from the root. It works by adding oxygen to skin cells, which leads to a chemical reaction inside acne bacteria, causing the bacteria to self-destruct. With fewer bacteria, the number of buildups and acne lesions begin to decrease. The treatment stems from the belief that sunlight reduces acne, but also emits dangerous UV rays that can lead to premature aging and cancer. Since blue light does not contain any UV rays, it provides all the benefits without any of the damage. Most patients report little to no negative side effects, and the treatment can be used on several parts of the body including the face, back and chest. In conjunction with blue light, some dermatologists recommend undergoing red light therapy since it helps nourish damaged tissues and speed up the production of acne-free skin.

Like other laser treatments, blue light therapy is most effective when administered in multiple sessions. Although the length and time of treatment varies, most patients undergo treatment sessions that typically last for 20 minutes and normally done twice a week for at least four weeks. The cost for blue light therapy can range from $50 to $150 for a single treatment, and up to $3000 for a full treatment package. Due to its cosmetic nature, it is not covered by most insurance plans.

Van Le is a staff writer for the CSU Daily Titan and writing intern for Vivoderm Laboratories in Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing a Journalism degree at California State University, Fullerton.

For the latest findings on natural skincare and anti-aging, you can also link to http://naturalantiagingproducts.net

Anti-acne drugs are medicines that help clear up pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is found in many over-the-counter acne products that are applied to the skin, such as Benoxyl, Clear By Design, Neutrogena Acne, PanOxyl, and some formulations of Clean & Clear, Clearasil, and Oxy. Some benzoyl peroxide products are available without a physician’s prescription; others require a prescription. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is available only with a physician’s prescription and comes in liquid, cream, and gel forms, which are applied to the skin. Isotretinoin (Accutane), which is taken by mouth in capsule form, is available only with a physician’s prescription. Only physicians who have experience in diagnosing and treating severe acne, such as dermatologists, should prescribe isotretinoin.

Acne is a skin disorder that leads to an outbreak of lesions called pimples or “zits.” The most common form of the disease in adolescents is called acne vulgaris. Antiacne drugs are the medicines that help clear up the pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and more severe forms of lesions that occur when a teen has acne.
Different types of antiacne drugs are used for different treatment purposes, depending on the severity of the condition. For example, lotions, soaps, gels, and creams containing substances called benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin may be used to clear up mild to moderately severe acne. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an oral drug that is prescribed only for very severe, disfiguring acne.

Acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum during puberty when high levels of the male hormone androgen cause excess sebum to form. Sebum is an oily substance that forms in glands just under the surface of the skin called sebaceous glands. Sebum normally flows out hair follicles onto the skin to act as a natural skin moisturizer. The glands are connected to hair follicles that allow the sebum, or oil, to empty onto the skin through a pore.

Sometimes the sebum combines with dead, sticky skin cells and bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) that normally live on the skin. The mixture of oil and cells allows the bacteria to grow in the follicles. When this happens, a hard plug called a comedo can form. A comedo is an enlarged hair follicle. It can appear on the skin as a blackhead, which is a comedo that reaches the skin’s surface and looks black, or as a whitehead, which is a comedo that is sealed by keratin, the fibrous protein produced by the skin cells and looks like a white bump.

In addition, pimples can form on the skin. Types of pimples include:
• papules, which are small, red bumps that may be tender to touch
• pustules, which are pus-filled lesions that are often red at the base
• nodules, which are large, painful lesions deep in the skin
• cysts, which are painful pus-filled lesions deep in the skin that can cause scarring

Pimples form when the follicle is invaded by the P. acnes bacteria. The damaged follicle weakens and bursts open, releasing sebum, bacteria, skin cells, and white blood cells into surrounding tissues. Scarring happens when new skin cells are created to replace the damaged cells. The most severe type of acne includes both nodules and cysts.

Acne cannot be cured, but antiacne drugs can help clear the skin and reduce the chance of scarring. The goal of treating moderate acne is to decrease inflammation and prevent new comedones from forming. Benzoyl peroxide and tretinoin work by mildly irritating the skin. This encourages skin cells to slough off, which helps open blocked pores. Benzoyl peroxide also kills bacteria, which helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads from turning into pimples. Isotretinoin shrinks the glands that produce sebum. It is used for severe acne lesions and must be carefully monitored because of its side effects. Antibiotics also may be prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

SYMPTOMS

Acne is often not apparent to an observer. Inflamed pores, however, can cause pain or itching. The most troubling aspect of acne for many people is the scarring that can occur. And, while acne may not be very noticeable, individuals tend to be sensitive about their appearance. Teenagers especially may become concerned about the way other people react to them.

DIAGNOSIS

People with acne are often treated by family doctors. More serious cases are referred to a dermatologist (a specialist in skin disorders) or an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormonal disorders).
Because of its appearance, acne is not difficult to diagnose. A doctor takes a complete medical history, which includes questions about skin, diet, medication use, and other factors associated with risk for acne. He or she conducts a physical examination of the face, upper neck, chest, shoulders, back, and other affected areas. The doctor determines the number and type of blemishes, whether they are inflamed or not, whether they are deep or near the surface of the skin, and whether there is scarring or skin discoloration.
Laboratory tests are not done unless the patient appears to have a hormonal disorder. In that case, blood tests and other tests may be ordered. Most insurance plans cover the cost of diagnosing and treating acne.

ANTI-ACNE DRUGS
Brand Name (Generic Name) and their pssible common side effects:

Accutane (isotretinoin) > Dry skin, dry mouth, conjunctivitis
Benzamycin > Dry and itchy skin
Cleocin T (clindamycin phosphate) Dry skin
Desquam-E (benzoyl peroxide) > Itching, red and peeling skin
Erythromycin topical (A/T/S, erycette, t-stat) > Burning, dry skin, hives, red and peeling skin
Minocin (minocycline hydrochloride) > Headache, hives, diarrhea, peeling skin, vomiting
Retin-A (tretinoin) > Darkening of the skin, blistering, crusted, or puffy skin