Tag Archive for: Acne

A miracle vitamin you want to be using.

Niacinamide is made up of a combination vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, and it’s a potent cell-communicating ingredient that offers multiple benefits for aging skin. Assuming skin is being protected from sun exposure, niacinamide can improve skin’s elasticity, dramatically enhance its barrier function, help erase discolorations, and revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. It is a vitamin that has excellent clinicals to substantiate its benefit in almost every skin condition and here’s what you need to know about it and why you should be using it.

a3547987a303100170519c3acb8c00f8

Image via StyleCaster

The Benefits:

  • Improves skin elasticity
  • Enhance skin barrier function
  • Reduce pigmentation
  • Elevate skin tone and texture
  • Minimize the depth and appearance of fine lines

How it works:

Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3 that offers major barrier protection to the skin and suppresses melanin from reaching the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further UV damage. Too much melanin (which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for both its color the skin’s absorption of UV rays) can result in age spots, freckles, and hyper-pigmentation. According to a study done by Proctor and Gamble, data revealed that 5% Niacinamide applied to the face for 12 weeks resulted in reductions of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, red blotchiness, and skin sallowness (yellowing). In addition, elasticity (as measured via cutometry) was improved.

“Topical application of Niacinamide has been shown to increase ceramide and free fatty acid levels in skin, prevent skin from losing water content, and stimulate microcirculation in the dermis” according to the British Journal of Dermatology in 2000.

Studies have also indicated niacinamide to be soothing and an anti-inflammatory, proving beneficial in the treatment of rosacea and acne solving properties.

Bottom line; it’s a powerhouse ingredient that works wonders for multiple skin behaviors and concerns.

Check out Wake Up Call and Hands To Heart from Goldfaden MD which both contain Niacinamide.

by
,

Unexpected Daily Habits That May be Ruining Your Skin

The best skincare routines and being diligent about proper daily cleansing is key to glowing skin, but if you’re not aware of some of the most common daily habits that could be running your skin, it does not matter what you put on. We’ve dug deep to highlight these common daily skin busters that could be the culprits that lead to those unwanted breakouts.

Screen Shot 2015-02-11 at 9.55.58 AMPhoto via Byrdie

Gym workouts are beneficial for your overall health, but the machine surfaces and ground are filled with acne causing bacteria. Try not to touch your face during your workout and wash your hands immediately afterwards.

Tip: We love these Yes to Carrots new all-natural fragrance-free antibacterial wipes – they should be part of every gym bag!
You may not be lactose intolerant, but dairy contains hormones that trigger the oil glands to go into overdrive, causing breakouts. Try going dairy free for a few weeks and watch your skin become luminescent.
Tip: Supplement your dairy with Almond Milk-based products; they’re delicious and lower in calories.
Cell phones can carry a lot of bacteria because they get put on many dirty surfaces. Every time you hold your phone to your face that bacteria is transferred onto your skin.
Tip: Invest in headphones and these Bose headphones are one of our favorites.
Think your foundation is causing you to break out? Think again, dirty makeup brushes carry bacteria that leads to breakouts. Make sure to clean your brushes regularly and wipe off the top layer of your foundation to ensure that you are keeping it bacteria-free.
Tip: The Beauty Department featured this recent post that we now follow – featuring an all-natural DIY brush cleaner that is super easy and extremely effective.
Think again when you want to grab those tweezers inside your drawer. They carry loads of acne-causing bacteria that spreads like wild fire when using them to pluck those unwanted hairs.
Tip: Disinfect your tweezers with rubbing alcohol right before you pluck your eyebrows, and do it every single time.
by
,

The 411 on Acne: Dr. Goldfaden breaks down everything that we need to know about treatment

If you suffer from Acne or are trying to eliminate those stubborn scars from years ago, you’ll want to read this. In the past decade there have been many treatment options developed for acne prone skin. With the popularity and availability of over the counter skin care products, the consumer has become more savvy about how products perform and what to use in order to treat and or prevent acne. We sat down with Dr. Goldfaden to get the 411 on the best and most effective acne treatments on the marketplace.

With the advancements of lasers, many turn to these to help to treat acne and eliminate scarring. There are many different types of lasers and while there is not a tremendous amount of research to suggest they really work against acne, they can help some people. Due to the possible side effects I would sooner suggest trying another treatment first before taking the last road.

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 9.37.13 AM

How do you approach treatment of acne? 

When a patient is dealing with Acne, it is always important to do a 360 degree evaluation. This means investigating all the possible things that could be causing the acne. The patients age, diet, exercise routine and overall health. I am more likely to treat acne prone skin with natural yet effective products before prescribing an antibiotic. If there is an infection present then an antibiotic will be suggested. Exfoliation is the main suggestion for fighting acne prone skin. Exfoliation not only clears up existing oil and bacteria, it also removes dead and dry skin cells and inhibits future breakouts. Throughout years of research one ingredient I have found to be beneficial when applied topically is Organic Red Tea extract or Rooibos. Red Tea extract is soothing and fights inflammation, irritation and redness. I will usually prescribe an exfoliation scrub in conjunction with a red tea based serum to Acne sufferers for dead skin and bacteria removal and healing properties.

What about antibiotic treatment and effectiveness, long term use, resistance, ability to tackle the root cause?

Accutane is the most clinically effective drug to fight acne but very strong and has many side effects. Long term use of any antibiotic is not recommended and the natural approach is always the first choice of treatment. Over usage of any antibiotic can result in a resistance, but when used properly and if all avenues have been exhausted prior, this can be a very beneficial and successful approach to combat stubborn acne.

What are your views on of accutane and dosing? Has your view changed over the years?

Accutane will be prescribed as a last option. I have never been a fan of Accutane as it has many unwanted side effects. However it remains the most effective drug for Acne. Natural topical treatments are always recommended first before an antibiotic.

How have lasers impacted treatment?

There are many types of lasers available now, however they can be expensive and can cause unwanted side effects such as pain, burning, peeling, redness and dark spots as well as no results. I recommend older and more mature adults to look at this option as a last resort rather than sending younger men and women to laser treatments simply based on the variety of alternative and successful options that do exist.

Any recent advances that are exciting to you?

Accutane still remains the popular choice for prescription. Lasers and OTC skincare products have become more and more popular in recent years which allows all of our research to become more mainstream and accessible to the general public which is so great.

Can you talk to us about AHA/BHA acids as treatments?

Alpha hydroxy acid-based facial exfoliators are an excellent choice for people with oily skin. In general, beta hydroxy acid is a more effective treatment for acne prone skin. Beta-hydroxy acid (also called salicylic acid), is a synthetic derivative that comes from the same source as aspirin.  Both AHAs and BHA work by combining with the structural lipids in your stratum corneum and dissolving them so that the dead skin cells break away. Since the introduction of OTC skincare products such as the popular wipes and our Fresh A Peel lactic acid wash, peels can be done safely at home with no side effects.

Screen Shot 2014-12-03 at 9.38.13 AM

How does Vitamin A interact with spot prone skin?

Vitamin A or retinoids help repair sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, overall skin tone,  cell turnover, Acne and overall skin repair. Vitamin A stimulates skin cell renewal by increasing the rate of cell division 1-3. Retinoids or Retinol products can help to unclog pores thus inhibit dead skin cells to clog pores and cause future breakouts. Vitamin A can also help to inhibit acne scars from forming.

by