DOES SKIN CREAMS BLEACH THE SKIN, AND WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR ACNE SCARS ON THE FACE AND CHEST?
A question from one of my Patients.
Does Skin Cream (e.g Duac) bleach the skin, and what would you recommend for
acne scars on the face and chest?
Q: Over a month
ago, I started having acne for the first time. The doctor prescribed Duac, but
for some reason, my face is getting much lighter and the scars more visible. I
just wanted to know if Duac bleaches the skin, and what's the best cream or soap
to use on acne scars on the face and chest.
A: Duac is a
combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Benzoyl peroxide has a drying
effect to help remove excess oil and dirt and it has an antibacterial effect.
Clindamycin is an antibiotic. Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin can make your
skin more sensitive to sunlight, resulting in sunburn. Be sure to use a
sunscreen and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. The most
common side effects of Duac are mild burning or stinging, itching or tingly
feeling, dryness, and redness. Acne is a common skin problem that occurs when
glands in the skin produce and secrete too much sebum (the skin's natural oil),
which clogs pores in the skin, resulting in a pimple. Sometimes the pimples can
become infected with bacteria, making them inflamed and red. Acne typically
appears on the face, but breakouts can occur on the back, chest, shoulders, and
neck. There are a number of treatment options for acne depending on the
severity of the breakouts. The first step is to develop a good skin care
routine, including washing with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
Overwashing or vigorous scrubbing can make acne worse. Over-the-counter
treatments come in a variety of forms, including washing pads, creams, foams,
and gels. The most common ingredients in over-the-counter acne medications are
benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which work to reduce excess oil and
eliminate bacteria. The side effects of these treatments include dry skin, skin
redness, and irritated skin. In addition to the over-the-counter treatments,
there are a number of prescription drugs that doctors use to help control acne.
Topical prescription products are made from vitamin A and work to promote skin
cells to turnover and prevent clogging of hair follicles. Examples include
tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, Renova), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene
(Tazorac, Avage). Antibiotics are also used to help control acne and can be
used as a cream or ointment or they can be taken orally. In addition, some oral
contraceptives (or birth control pills), such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen and YAZ, are
approved to treat acne. Oral contraceptives are associated with some side
effects, including headaches, breast tenderness, nausea, emotional changes, and
blood clots. Isotretinoin (Accutane) is used for severe cystic acne that can
leave scars and doesn't respond to other treatments. Dermatologists can also
offer various procedures to help with acne treatment. When your doctor
prescribes a new medication, be sure to discuss all your prescription and
over-the-counter drugs, including dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals,
minerals, and herbals, as well as the foods you eat. Always keep a current list
of the drugs and supplements you take and review it with your health care
providers and your pharmacist. If possible, use one pharmacy for all your
prescription medications and over-the-counter products. This allows your
pharmacist to keep a complete record of all your prescription drugs and to
advise you about drug interactions and side effects. For more specific
information, consult with your doctor or pharmacist for guidance based on your
health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. 0762511952
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