Acne - Standard Treatment Protocol | Medicaments (Isotretinoin)

Acne is commonly associated with teenagers during puberty, but this inflammatory skin condition can also affect adults. It occurs when the glands produce excess amounts of oil which can fill hair follicles and cause pimples, "whiteheads," (closed plugged pores) or "blackheads" (open plugged pores). These blemishes usually appear on the face, chest, arms, or upper back. Although acne is not dangerous, it may leave skin scars and worsen appearance, indirectly affecting self-confidence. 

Acne is mostly influenced by genetics and hormones, specifically the responsiveness of androgen and progesterone receptors on the skin, elevated estrogen, prolactin, and cortisol levels. Additionally, poor hygiene, overusing oil-based cosmetics, insulin resistance, and an inappropriate diet can also be the main culprit.

The influnece of diet on acne

Studies disclosed that spicy food, alcohol, dairy products, and trans fats may escalate acne, especially along with zinc, vitamin A and E deficiency. Furthermore, insufficient water intake disrupts natural skin cleansing processes by blocking follicles and sebaceous glands; as a result, causing pimples to build up. 

Acne treatment protocol (cosmetics, supplementation, diet, habits)

1. Get the following:
- a sulfur soap, and wash your skin daily (preferably twice daily),  
- a salicylic acid toner (clean your skin with it after you wash it),
- a benzoyl peroxide-based ointment (ask pharmaceutists for a benzoyl peroxide ointment. Smear the acne spots with it after you wash your body and clean with acid toner first)

2. Add 20-25 mg of zinc, ashwagandha (250mg, best before afternoon), and pansy extract to your daily supplementation

3. Drink 3l+ water daily and introduce to your everyday diet broccoli, arugula, avocados, and products rich in Vitamin A (e.g., carrots), Vitamin E (e.g., nuts), Omega-3 acids (e.g., Salomons), Antioxidants (e.g., Citrus Fruits, Green Tea) and products made of nutritional yeast / (limit alcohol consumption)

4. Wash your body directly after a training session and frequently change your towel

5. Do not smear the acne oil around the body if you tend to squeeze pimples, afterward always wash the spots with a salicylic acid toner

6. Listen to Derma HCK (Perfect Skin) or GHK-CU 

Isotretinoin (only for treatment-resistant acne)

Isotretinoin known as 13-cis-retinoic acid, is a derivative of Vitamin A and is the most commonly used medication in dermatology for treating acne. The duration of the treatment usually lasts for 4-6 months, but it can be extended up to one year, depending on the current state of acne and tolerance to its active substance. Isotretinoin treatment can completely remove acne symptoms.

Nevertheless, it should be considered a last resort treatment for treatment-resistant condition and run by a highly qualified dermatologist. This medication is associated with numerous long-term side effects.

The most common side effects associated with the use of isotretinoin are:

- paronychia

- dry lips

- drowsiness

- back pains

- headaches

- fatigue

- lethargy

- decreased HDL, increased LDL

- skin burns even after short sun exposure

- hormonal disturbance

- neurotransmitter disturbance