STUDY SAYS: ACID PEELS GREAT FOR ACNE

Acne is one of the most common and well-known skin disorders around the world. If you have already been through your teen years, then you probably had acne, as it affects 85% of adolescents. What’s even more annoying is the fact that, in many cases, acne may not disappear once we reach adulthood. The spots and zits, that can be red and inflamed or not, stay there on your skin, erupting daily and making your life very unpleasant.

If acne products at the pharmacy aren’t helpful, then you have the choice of acne-erasing chemical peels here in our plastic surgery practice in Delaware. Glycolic and salicylic acid peels have both been found very effective against mild to severe acne, according to a study performed at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

The acids in chemical peels remove the outer layer(s) of the skin and thus control acne risk. The study mentioned above and published in the latest issue of the Dermatologic Surgery journal found that both AHA (alpha-hydroxy or glycolic) and BHA (beta-hydroxy or salicylic) acids are potent enough but also safe to use for acne control. Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., vice chair and professor of dermatology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine stated: "This is good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from mild to moderately severe facial acne. This provides more options for patients and doctors to choose from when it comes to tailoring a treatment program for each individual."

Glycolic and salicylic acids are less aggressive compared with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and phenol, which stronger can be more destructive to the skin. They both come from organic compounds: glycolic acid is extracted from unripe grapes, sugar beets, sugarcane, cantaloupe, pineapple and salicylic acid is obtained from salicin, used in aspirin.

The good news is that a chemical peel made with one of these acids is not only going to treat your acne, but it will also leave your skin smoother, brighter and free of fine lines and wrinkles.

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo

New Supplement Increases Botox Results by 93%

Imagine taking a vitamin supplement four days before your next Botox injection and the Botox results would be 93% more effective! It’s true and this new supplement will be on the market within the next month or so. If the supplement, which will be available by prescription, isn’t overpriced, it could be a real money-saver for those of you who benefit from Botox for wrinkles and/or migraines.

Dr. Charles Soparkar, who is an oculoplastic surgeon at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas and his fellow researchers performed a study that showed that a combination of organic zinc plus the enzyme phytase, taken for four days before receiving their Botox injections, made the toxin 93% more effective. Because of the amazing results, a patent was filed for the combination, which is now called ZYTAZE™. It’s reported to be available soon. The study was not originally performed for those who receive Botox for cosmetic purposes, however. It was performed for patients with a rare form of eyelid spasm. However, this research is positive news for anyone who gets injections of Botox for cosmetic reasons.

"Surprisingly, the results showed that in over 90% of the patients studied, the zinc/phytase combination resulted in a remarkable improved responsiveness to treatment of blepharospasm using the same amount of botulinum toxin as previously used," said Soparkar. "The toxins seemed to have greater effect and last longer. Potentially, this could mean using less toxin, offering patients financial savings, greater safety, and more consistent results."

If the prescription is reasonably priced, it could result in an overall savings for those individuals who use Botox for wrinkle reduction, as less Botox will be needed and the results will last longer. I’ll keep you updated as soon as I hear further news on this topic.

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo