Recent reports have noted that benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, has the potential to break down into benzene.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public and industry to the results of new agency testing of 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide for possible benzene contamination. The FDA concluded that a limited number of products should be recalled at the retail level; more than 90% of tested products had undetectable or extremely low levels of benzene.

The FDA initiated independent testing following receipt of third-party testing results submitted to the agency that raised concerns about elevated levels of benzene in certain acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. Testing results indicate fewer products with benzene contamination than the third-party findings.

“Research on this issue is ongoing, and we continue to monitor new findings to ensure dermatologists and patients have the most accurate and up-to-date information,” says American Academy of Dermatology president Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, in a release. “…While some studies suggest potential connections between benzene and an elevated risk for certain diseases, like cancer, the potential risk is still being investigated.

Recalls at the Retail Level

The FDA’s findings led to several companies recalling their products at the retail level. These include La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment, Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Emergency Blemish Relief Cream Benzoyl Peroxide 5%, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, SLMD Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Lotion, and Walgreens Tinted Acne Treatment Cream.

Additionally, the manufacturer of another benzoyl peroxide acne product, Zapzyt Acne Treatment Gel, agreed to voluntarily recall this product due to the elevated level of benzene found during its own testing.

Benzene is a chemical formed in nature and from human activities. It is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke. Exposure to benzene can increase the risk of cancer. Further information regarding benzene in drugs can be found here.

“If you have one of the recalled products listed on the FDA website, there is no immediate cause for concern. This is a retail-level recall, meaning stores and online retailers have been asked to stop selling these products. The FDA has not recommended that the public take any action at this time,” says Taylor in a release. 

FDA Testi Finds Benzene Contamination in Six of 95 Treatments

The FDA’s testing used validated test methods and assessed all benzoyl peroxide products identified by third-party laboratories as having elevated benzene levels that FDA was able to purchase at the time of testing, as well as additional marketed products. The FDA tested a total of 95 acne treatment products containing benzoyl peroxide and found six products with elevated levels of benzene. The FDA notes that some of these six products are approaching their expiration dates and recommends consumers check their products and throw away products that are beyond their expiration date.  

The FDA intends to publish the full results of its testing, including data and information on testing methods, in one or more peer-reviewed journals in the coming months. 

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that patients follow best practices for storing and handling products containing benzoyl peroxide and consult their dermatologist if they have any concerns. To minimize risk:

• Store products according to the manufacturer’s instructions at room temperature or cooler conditions (eg refrigerated).
• Replace products that contain benzoyl peroxide every 10-12 weeks.
• Benzoyl peroxide products should be discarded if exposed to high temperatures (eg greater than 78°F).

ID 285250835 © Luchschen | Dreamstime.com

Body acne is annoying wherever it appears. But butt acne — or “buttne” in skin-care circles — is more serious than a seemingly ready-to-pop whitehead in that if you don’t do anything about it, there’s a greater chance of infection, bigger bumps that spread, and a combo of discoloration and dark spots.

But whether you have folliculitis or actual acne, the strategy for defeating bumps on your behind is pretty similar. Below, we break down how to get rid of a butt breakout with recommendations from seven dermatologists.

Read the full article at nymag.com

“Transgender persons who undergo masculinizing hormone therapy experience a wide array of dermatologic effects as they initiate and maintain testosterone therapy,” Rakan Radi, MD, of the department of dermatology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, and colleagues wrote.

They suggested that for transmasculine individuals receiving testosterone therapy, acne is a common adverse event. The effects can be detrimental to body image, mental health and quality of life. Similarly, acne treatment for transfeminine patients requires specific and tailored care.

It is recommended that dermatologists take steps to provide clinically and culturally competent care to this specific patient population. The current paper outlines steps to meet those goals.

A gender-inclusive medical history should be undertaken, along with an assessment of reproductive potential and a discussion of contraception. For transmasculine patients, these assessments should precede prescription of treatment with drugs that have teratogenic potential.

Turning to therapeutic options, mild acne in transgender individuals may be treated by topical retinoids including adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and trifarotene. Moderate comedonal and inflammatory acne may also be treated by these interventions.

While all of these therapies have potential teratogenic effects, the researchers stressed that these teratogenic effects of tazarotene “should be emphasized” for transmasculine patients.

Other Possible Treatments

Other possible treatments for mild to moderate acne are topical benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics, including clindamycin and erythromycin.

Topical antiandrogen therapies such as clascoterone may be used for both men and women with acne. This drug may also reduce unwanted testosterone action in the skin of transmasculine patients.

For patients with moderate to severe acne, first-line options include oral doxycycline and minocycline. Oral erythromycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole also may be considered.

The authors noted, however, that teratogenicity should be discussed with transmasculine patients with reproductive potential being treated with oral antibiotics.

Spironolactone has yielded improvements in both acne and feminizing effects for transfeminine patients. Conversely, this drug may block masculinizing effects of testosterone in transmasculine patients.

“Culturally competent and comprehensive acne encounters involve inclusive history taking, routine collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data and patient-centered physical examination,” the authors concluded. “As multiple acne medications may be teratogenic, providers should conduct a thorough assessment of reproductive potential and provide counseling accordingly.”

Dermatologists are encouraged to read the document thoroughly for information not only on these treatment options, but also for guidance on managing reproductive issues in this patient population.

[Source: Healio Dermatology]

Whether you’re dealing with stubborn blackheads or a cystic breakout, understanding the different types of acne can help you figure out what you can do to actually get rid of it.

Studying up on the various bumps that can take root in your skin helps take the guesswork out of deciding which acne fighters to use (or may inspire you to finally book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist). Ahead, SELF asked skin experts to explain what’s what when it comes to acne.

Read the full article at www.self.com

The review article, led by Ofir Artzi, MD, is titled, “Energy-based devices for the treatment of acne scars: 2021 international consensus recommendations.” 

This study, published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine (LSM), the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Inc (ASLMS), was selected as the November 2021 Editor’s Choice.

The manuscript includes a comprehensive discussion and panel recommendations regarding the following topics: the role of energy-based devices (EBDs) in mitigating and treating acne scars in a patient with active acne, the use of various EBDs for the treatment of different acne scar types with a special focus on commonly used laser platform such as vascular lasers, ablative fractional lasers (AFLs) and non‐AFLs (NAFLs), treatment combinations, and acne scar treatments in skin of color.

“There is a paucity of high‐quality clinical studies supporting many acne scars therapies and combinations. This study is aimed to provide clear, stepwise, consensus‐based treatment recommendations for the different types of acne scars,” Artzi says.

Dr. Ofir Artzi is an internationally renowned expert in the field of lasers and aesthetic dermatology. Dr. Artzi heads the center for Aesthetic Dermatology at the Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Medical Center. He has published many scientific medical articles and participates in many cosmetic clinical trials ranging from injectable cosmetic agents to lasers and topical therapies, including clinical studies and FDA trials. Dr. Artzi was voted by his peers as one of Israel’s Forbes Magazine Top Doctors in 2018 -2021. He has been honored as a guest speaker at numerous national and international aesthetic and dermatologic conferences.

Editor’s Choice is an exclusive article published in LSM, the official journal of the ASLMS. View the complete manuscript.

[Source: American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery]

Compared to facial acne, there are also more external factors to combat when trying to get rid of back acne. Things like friction from clothing and backpacks, sweat buildup from workouts, and excess oil production during hot weather can all trigger flareups and stall the healing process.

Fortunately, once you know the types of back acne you’re up against, you can use this intel to curate the treatments and lifestyle tweaks necessary to alleviate your symptoms—and maybe even stop flareups before they start.

Read the full article at www.self.com

While all pimples are pesky, blackheads are truly infuriating. Tiny, plentiful, and trapped inside the skin, those little black dots seem dang near impossible to remove. 

So what are blackheads, exactly? Blackheads (also referred to as open comedones) are clogged pores or hair follicles that are filled with sebum (the natural oil that the glands on our face make), dirt, skin cells, and bacteria. Long story short, it’s another type of acne. 

Read the full article at www.realsimple.com

Leave it to the scorching August heat and long days spent in our lightest layers to remind us that summer only exacerbates body acne. But while flare-ups on the most common areas, like the chest and back, aren’t exactly welcome, they’re more manageable than ever thanks to all kinds of targeted treatments, from exfoliating body washes to skin-soothing lotions.

To help guide you through the rest of summer and beyond, dermatologists help break down what body acne is, how to treat it, and the best kinds of products to have in rotation for smoother, clearer skin all over.

Read the full article at www.vogue.com

The survey suggests that even before the global pandemic, people missed out on activities such as dating (26%), school (21%) and hanging out with friends (20%) just because they have a blemish or a breakout on their skin. University Medical created the Acne Wipeout system with the mission of helping teens and adults not miss out on life any longer because of the appearance of their skin, a media release from University Medical explains.

Top Concerns

After more than a year of looking at themselves on screens and hiding behind social media filters and masks, 41% of respondents feel nervous to get back to regular life. Plus, when it comes to the most common insecurities now that we are transitioning back to life, weight and acne top the list for both teens (40% and 38%) and adults (57% and 30%).  

“We are in this important transition period when we are all trying to get back to life and our old routines, but for many, confidence levels take a hit when we’re no longer behind masks and virtual filters. The study reveals that acne is a top cause of self-doubt and missing out on life among today’s teens and adults. Our #NOMOAcne campaign represents our mission to help teens and adults with their overall skin health, so acne is no longer a reason to miss out on life’s most important moments.”

— Matt Stevens, Vice President at University Medical and one of the creators of Acne Wipeout

2021 Post-Quarantine Confidence Study

A survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Acne Wipeout brand asked 2,000 U.S. respondents — including 1,000 general population between the ages of 18 and 55, and 1,000 who identified themselves as mothers of teenagers (ages 13-18) — about how their teens’ and their own confidence levels have been affected by the pandemic. Highlights from the survey include:

Acne, Skincare and the Pandemic

Even before the pandemic, acne has caused Americans to miss out on life. Moms of teens, in particular, have noticed a negative change in their teens’ skin during the pandemic, Now that both teens and adults are headed back to life, respondents say they are more determined than ever to take better care of their skin.

• One-fourth of Americans have cancelled a date because of a blemish with others missing out on life by skipping a party (24%), school (21%), hanging out with friends (20%) and work/business meetings (16%).
• On first impression, respondents are most likely to associate clear skin with confidence (33%) and acne-prone skin with stress (19%).
• After the pandemic, 63% of respondents are more determined than ever to take better care of their skin.
• 38% of moms notice a negative change in their teens skin during the pandemic – puberty (21%), wearing a mask (20%) and stress (20%) have contributed to the change.

The Pandemic’s Impact on American Self-Image

The pandemic has negatively impacted people’s overall confidence levels when it comes to self-image – both virtually and in real life. Behind the screen, respondents felt the need to “rethink” how they look and even turn off their cameras because they feel insecure. After a “virtual year,” respondents are also nervous about getting back to life.

• 47% of Americans feel nervous to get back to life and go back out in the ‘real world’ without masks or social media filters.
• 48% percent of respondents have taken steps to “rethink” how they look in virtual meetings, including washing their face more frequently (46%) and wearing heavier makeup than usual (45%).
• 48% have turned off their camera during a video call because they feel insecure about their appearance.
• 33% feel less confident since the pandemic started.

Teens, Self Confidence and Mom-Teen Communication

Teens can often struggle with self-confidence simply due to the impact of social media and comparing themselves to others – with weight and acne having the biggest impact. From a parenting perspective, it’s a sensitive topic that can sometimes be challenging to address.

• 59% of moms of teens believe social media has influenced how teens perceive themselves.
• Moms believe that peer pressure on social media (42%), influencers/vloggers (39%) and Photoshopped pictures (37%) have made their own teenage child more insecure.
• Moms of teens believe their children are most insecure about weight (40%), acne (38%), wearing glasses (19%) and crooked teeth (19%).
• More than half (52%) of moms “sometimes feel helpless” when they try to talk to their teen about difficult topics, saying it’s much more challenging to discuss puberty/body changes (31%) than death (25%) and even alcohol/drugs (19%).
• One in three (28%) said they’re hesitant to encourage their child to take better care of their skin, and more than one in five (21%) worry it’s not their place to do so.

Introducing the Acne Wipeout System

Helping to address today’s insecurities about healthy-looking skin and just in time to go back to school and overall life, the acne experts at University Medical created Acne Wipeout – a scientific-based skincare regimen. Acne Wipeout is a time-release combination therapy kit available over the counter for acne relief and healthier-looking skin.

The Acne Wipeout system features a three-piece Clinical Acne System combining a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide, to target both comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads) and inflammatory acne (red, swollen pimples).

Visit AcneWipeout.com for more information.

[Source(s): University Medical, PR Newswire]

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Acne’s Effects on Teenagers Are Worrisome to Parents, Survey Notes