What's New in Acne Treatment for 2020
What is acne, and why is it important? Acne is a skin disease due to clogging of the pores or openings of the oil glands of to the skin’s surface. It can have negative effects upon a person’s mood, upon a person’s self-confidence, and it can lead to scarring in the skin. The good news is that in 2020 Dermatologists like myself have a growing number of promising, new options to help people with acne and complexion issues, whether they have dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin.
Traditional therapies for acne treatment have often included a combination of oral antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topical (meaning “on top of the skin”) agents, like Tretinoin Cream, or benzoyl peroxide products including Duac®, Epiduo®, and Onexton® Gels; topical azelaic acid products like Finacea® Gel or Azelex®, and topical dapsone products like Aczone® Gel.
Sometimes Dermatologists use a five months’ course of an oral medication called isotretinoin, previously called Accutane. This works on acne by drying up the oil glands, and it’s highly effective, but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on the five months treatment, and monthly bloodwork.
In 2020, Dermatologists have a new oral antibiotic which seems to have a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline – and a new retinoid gel – Epiduo Forte® – and a new vitamin A lotion – Altreno®.
And after 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016 I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute certain organic and natural skincare products that I had been using for years for my own Tennessee Dermatology patients with complexion issues. AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Cream are two such products.
AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily skin or combination skin. It can be used as a type of face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin, then left on for 5-10 minutes, thereby allowing it to reduce excess oils. Available in 1 oz ($12.95), 2 oz ($18.95), and 8 oz ($59.95), it comes in Mint, Lemon, and No Fragrance Added, with no dyes, no formaldehyde, nor propylene glycol.
GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream is a helpful moisturizer product for people dealing with complexion issues. It acts as a moisturizer and as a face scrub, because it helps the exfoliation. It comes in 1 ounce ($39.95), 2 ounce ($59.95), and 8 ounce ($179.95). And it works on both complexion issues and in prevention of wrinkles – because it contains Glycolic Acid – an Alpha-hydroxy Acid.
All of our products are available for purchase at our company headquarters, at 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $5.00 for orders under $40.00). 1-901-753-0168.
So if you or a family member has complexion issues, consider getting a checkup with a dermatologist. We have a large armamentarium of effective therapies, and depending upon the diagnosis behind the breakout, in 2020 we can often help you. My own Dermatology practice is in Cordova, TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or you can find a Dermatologist in your own neighborhood by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org. Then simply plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
George Woodbury Jr. M.D.
8143 Walnut Grove Road
Cordova TN 38018
(06/23/2020)
