Acne and Dairy





Can you briefly explain what is in dairy that causes acne?






Why doesn’t dairy cause acne for everyone?








Acne Meds and Their Side Effects










Dry Skin, Sensitive Skin, Peeling or Flaking, Irritated Skin

Dairy and Acne

Accutane is Scary

There are a lot of medications on the market to “cure” acne. Some are not as bad as others but some, like Accutane (Isotretinoin), should not be taken. The side effects are scary!

The drug works for severe (cystic) acne, providing long-lasting and sometimes complete reduction of acne for 80 percent of patients. However, clear skin may be accompanied by serious side effects like Crohn’s disease (this has also been reported to cause problems long after the person has stopped taking the drug), birth defects and suicide. And, once you stop taking it, the acne may come back because you have not fixed the problem.

These are some common side effects associated with taking this medication:

  • Diminished night vision
  • Increased bone injuries due to thickened or weakened bones
  • Increased reaction to UV exposure
  • Red, cracked or sore lips
  • Nosebleeds
  • Changes in nails
  • Peeling skin
  • Unusual hair growth or loss
  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Fatigue
  • Voice changes
  • Headache
  • Slow healing of cuts or sores
  • Cold symptoms
  • Dry skin and eyes
  • Muscle aches


In 2005, the FDA posted the following symptoms that can be accompanied with Accutane and should be closely watched for…

  • depression
  • suicidal tendencies
  • sadness
  • short tempers
  • anger
  • loss of social interaction
  • psychosis
  • loss of motivation
  • changes in appetite

If any of those symptoms appear, the person is advised to seek professional help immediately.

After numerous reports of negative effects and doctors started to realize the potential dangers, Roche recalled Accutane in 2009. Now, only generic brands are available (Amnesteen, Claravis and Sotret — are still available). Roche claimed they did not recall it based on safety concerns but because the market had become saturated with the generic brands (if they were still making money though…). Accutane has now been recalled in 11 other countries.


Is that enough? Do you still want to take this drug? Bottom line is you have got to fix the problem by using the right skin care products. I don’t care what medication you are taking, it will not fix the problem forever. Once you stop, the acne often comes back. If it doesn’t come back, it is only because your hormones have calmed down and your skin was improving anyway. But if you talk to most people on these medications, you will find that they are on it more than once, usually several times.

 More Acne Medications

Will it Work? Truth Talk

So many myths and remedies that have been around for years and a lot of people don’t know if they work or of they should try it. Here is a list of some popular “tips” I read and hear about all the time that you should AVOID!

1. Toothpaste– It can dry out your skin and actually darken the areas that you apply it.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide– This is an effective spot treatment and can be used EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE but this is why I don’t think it should be used all the time… a. Drying to the skin   b. Can thin the skin   c. Makes your skin photo-sensitive   d. Can make your skin sensitive         e. Can make your Langerhan Cells go dormant- these are responsible for killing foreign viruses/molds/bacterias.

3. Biore Strips– These don’t work even though they appear that they do. The black stuff you are seeing is the top of the blackheads but the strip is not actually removing anything under the skin, where the the build-up is trapped.


4. ProActiv– I’m sorry but I’m not a fan. And while this may work temporarily, it is not fixing the problem. It usually dries out the skin and after awhile, it stops working altogether.

5. Tanning (the sun or in a bed)- I know that people love this “remedy” but it just isn’t true. Tanning causes your skin to increase cell production which, in turn, creates more dead skin cells. That is what we are trying to avoid, right?

6. Dry Out Your Skin– I know people with oily skin want less oil. This is possible without drying out your skin. You need oil so it’s about finding a way to balance it. When you strip all the oil from your skin (most OTC products do this) then your skin produces more oil because it needs the moisture. It cannot produce water so you are left with oily skin. If you only use products that treat and replenish your skin, then you will find the balance.

Accutane is Scary

Acne. What is it? Who gets it? What causes it?

Acne. So common and so frustrating. For some, it lasts a few months or maybe a year but for others, they suffer for a very long time. Even using the right skin care products doesn’t completely rid the skin of this issue because oftentimes, it is hormonal. This is where medications come in and why doctors are so quick to prescribe. They can clear the skin and make the patient feel so much better. Unfortunately, there are side effects to that. Becoming well informed is the best option. Find out what works for you and your skin. Everyone is different.

What is It?


Who Gets It?

Acne commonly starts during puberty between the ages of 10 and 13 and tends to be worse in people with oily skin. Teenage acne usually lasts for five to 10 years (I highlight this because so many expect it to go away as soon as they start on a regular skin care regimen), normally going away during the early 20s. It occurs in both sexes, although teenage boys tend to have the most severe cases (I am convinced that this is because they are less likely to take care of their skin properly). Just when you think you are safe from acne… Women are more likely than men to have mild to moderate forms into their 30s and beyond.

The simple truth is that heredity (blame your parents!) and hormones are behind most forms of acne.



Hormones– It is common in teenagers because of their increase in hormones. It is also why some women get it when they are pregnant or on birth control. When this is the cause, it makes it much more difficult to control. As an Esthetician, I can’t fix this but the skin can improve and we can get to a point where the breakouts are manageable.

Bacteria– Excess oil clogs the pores and it is here where the bacteria grows. This makes blackheads or whiteheads form on the skin’s surface. Sometimes, this clogging causes the follicle wall to break under the pressure of this buildup. When this happens, sebum leaks into nearby tissues and forms a pustule or a papule — this is called inflammatory acne. Larger, tender pustules are called nodules.

Tomorrow- How to Improve Your Skin