DiseasesAcne — does a cream from the pharmacy treat it, or merely hide the problem?
Sources: 12 · Article: 11 984 characters
Henryk Różański warns that cosmetics can create a false sense of improvement, even though acne marks remain on the skin.
- He also describes an infusion used externally for acne and compresses that, he writes, treat teenage acne.
- Hubert Czerniak lists medicines and topical preparations, and considers those based on alcohol or salicylic acid to be fairly good.
What the authors write
Hubert Czerniak
Hubert Czerniak links acne to excessive sebum production and hair follicles becoming blocked by dead skin cells.
„It could be said that acne is caused by excessive sebum production. Dead skin cells block the hair follicles, and blemishes appear on our faces.
Let us remember that beauty is not the most important thing. What matters is personality and what is “inside”.”Można powiedzieć, że przyczyną trądziku jest nadmierne wydzielanie sebum. Martwe komórki blokują mieszki włosowe, a na naszej twarzy pojawiają się zmiany skórne w postaci wyprysków.
Pamiętajmy, że uroda nie jest najważniejsza. Liczy się osobowość i to „co w środku”.
Hubert Czerniak
Hubert Czerniak lists medicines and topical preparations, and considers preparations based on alcohol or salicylic acid to be fairly good.
„Medicine offers us medicines and antibiotics, as well as various kinds of topical preparations. These topical preparations, if they are based on alcohol or salicylic acid, are not so bad. However, doctors often recommend very aggressive forms of treatment using retinoids, birth control pills, and acids.”Medycyna oferuje nam leki i antybiotyki oraz różnego rodzaju preparaty zewnętrzne. Te preparaty zewnętrzne, jeśli są oparte na spirytusie czy kwasie salicylowym, nie są takie złe. Często jednak lekarze zalecają bardzo agresywne formy leczenia za pomocą retinoidów, tabletek antykoncepcyjnych i kwasów.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański believes that cosmetics can create a layer on the skin that gives a false sense of improvement, even though acne marks remain.
„Well, yes: if you apply dozens of chemical compounds to the skin, a layer forms that creates this feeling. But believe me, this feeling is false. The skin does not benefit from it. Just wash your skin with liquid soap or a cleansing gel containing synthetic detergents, dry it, and then what…”No tak, jak nałoży na skórę kilkadziesiąt związków chemicznych, to stworzy się na niej powłoczkę, która daje takie odczucia. Ale uwierzcie są to odczucia fałszywe. Skóra nie cieszy się z tego. Wystarczy umyć skórę mydłem w płynie, albo żelem do mycia zawierającymi syntetyczne detergenty, wytrzeć, i co…
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes creams, toners, and gels with bark extract as being used, among other things, for acne.
„Toner, cream, or gel containing 1 to 15% bark extract, depending on the need and intended use.
Dermatology: seborrheic dermatitis, acne associated with a bacterial-fungal infection, rashes, ulcers; as an aid in treating burns and wounds that are difficult to heal.”Tonik, krem, żel zawierające od 1 do 15% ekstraktu z kory, zależnie od potrzeby i przeznaczenia.
Dermatologia: łojotokowe zapalenie skóry, trądzik na tle infekcji bakteryjno-grzybiczej, wypryski, owrzodzenia, wspomagająco w leczeniu oparzeń i trudno gojących się ran.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański includes acne associated with a bacterial-fungal infection among its dermatological uses.
„Dermatology: seborrheic dermatitis, acne associated with a bacterial-fungal infection, rashes, ulcers; as an aid in treating burns and wounds that are difficult to heal.
Gynecology. Oral and external use—in combination: candidiasis, cryptococcosis, infections caused by other genital fungi, viral infections (including herpes) and bacterial infections; as an aid for genital warts and viral reinfections; vulvar itching, urethritis, cervicitis; vaginal discharge; genital injuries.”Dermatologia: łojotokowe zapalenie skóry, trądzik na tle infekcji bakteryjno-grzybiczej, wypryski, owrzodzenia, wspomagająco w leczeniu oparzeń i trudno gojących się ran.
Ginekologia. Doustnie i zewnętrznie – skojarzone: kandydoza, kryptokokkoza, zakażenia innymi grzybami narządów płciowych, infekcje wirusowe (w tym opryszczka) i bakteryjne, wspomagająco przy brodawkach płciowych i reinfekcjach wirusowych; świąd sromu, zapalenie cewki moczowej, zapalenie szyjki macicy; upławy; zranienia narządów płciowych.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes an infusion used externally for acne and writes that compresses treat teenage acne.
„An infusion of fresh zagorzałek herb speeds wound healing. Compresses made with zagorzałek infusion treat seborrheic dermatitis and teenage acne. Zagorzałek benefits skin affected by rosacea and redness, acting to reduce oozing and inflammation, and providing a mild astringent and moisturizing effect.”Napar ze świego ziela zagorzałka przyśpiesza gojenie ran.Okłady z naparu z zagorzałka leczą łojotokowe zapalenie skóry i trądzik młodzieńczy. Zagorzałek korzystnie wpływa na cerę z trądzikiem różowatym i rumieniem, działajac przeciwwysiękowo, przeciwzapalnie i lekko ściągająco oraz nawilżająco.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański mentions washing acne-prone skin with an infusion of grape leaves.
„External use: macerate made from fresh leaves; a paste of ground leaves for compresses on rashes and wounds that are difficult to heal; a strong infusion for gargling and rinsing the mouth in cases of inflammation of the gums and mucous membrane; an infusion for eye compresses in cases of inflammation, swelling around the eyes, and “dark circles” under the eyes; an infusion for washing skin affected by acne (rosacea, seborrhea, common acne, drug-induced acne), rashes, loss of firmness, drug toxicity, and a “tired” appearance.”Zewnętrznie: macerat ze świeżych liści, papka z mielonych liści do okładów na trudno gojące się wypryski i rany; mocny napar do płukania gardła i jamy ustnej przy zapaleniu dziąseł i błony śluzowej; napar – do okładów na oczy przy stanach zapalnych, obrzękach okolic oczu i “cieniach” pod oczami; napar do przemywania skóry trądzikowej (trądzik różowaty, łojotok, trądzik pospolity, polekowy), z wypryskami, zwiotczałej, zatrutej lekami i “zmęczonej”.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański writes that a persistent form of acne often improves during the treatment course he describes.
„A course of Fibsom with panthenol, biotin, vitamin F (e.g. Essentiale Forte), and methionine often produces good results in cases of resistant acne.
For psoriasis, this treatment may be worth trying—it sometimes brings a surprising reduction in symptoms, but sometimes makes them worse.”Kuracja fibsem z pantenolem, biotyną, witaminą F (np. essentiale forte) i metioniną często daje dobre wyniki w przypadku opornych trądzików.
W przypadku łuszczycy można spróbować tę kurację – czasem zaskakująco cofa objawy choroby, czasem jednak nasila objawy.
Hubert Czerniak
Hubert Czerniak presents acne as a metabolic problem for most people and recommends diet and hydration.
„Let us remember that for most of us, acne is a metabolic problem. Proper oxygenation and nourishment of our cells are extremely important. Blemishes often mean that there is an excessive amount of toxic substances in our bodies.”Pamiętajmy, że u większości z nas trądzik jest to problem metaboliczny. Niezwykle ważne jest właściwe dotlenienie i prawidłowe odżywienie naszych komórek. Wypryski często oznaczają, że w naszym organizmie występuje nadmierna ilość substancji toksycznych.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański discusses the claim that cosmetic-grade mineral oil does not cause blackheads and expresses disagreement with it.
„“Industrial-grade mineral oil can cause blackheads, while cosmetic-grade mineral oil does not have this effect.”
When I read this, my heart sank. If it had been written by an amateur, I would have dismissed it, but this text was written by a well-known American specialist.”Olej mineralny o jakości przemysłowej może powodować powstawanie zaskórników, a olej mineralny o jakości kosmetycznej nie ma takiego działania”.
Czytając ten tekst, ręce mi opadły. Gdyby to pisał amator, to bym zlekceważył, ale ten tekst wyszedł spod pióra znanej amerykańskiej specjalistki.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 3 429.
A meta-analysis found that combining a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide effectively reduces the number of lesions in mild-to-moderate acne.
Aim of the study: Various treatments for acne vulgaris exist, but little is known about their comparative effectiveness in relation to acne severity. To identify the best treatments for mild-to-moderate and moderate-to-severe acne, as determined by clinician-assessed morphological features.
Results: We included 179 RCTs with approximately 35 000 observations across 49 treatment classes. For mild-to-moderate acne, the most effective options for each treatment type were as follows: topical pharmacological - combined retinoid with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) [mean difference 26·16%, 95% credible interval (CrI) 16·75-35·36%]; physical - chemical peels, e.g. salicylic or mandelic acid (39·70%, 95% CrI 12·54-66·78%) and photochemical therapy (combined blue/red light) (35·36%, 95% CrI 17·75-53·08%). Oral pharmacological treatments (e.g. antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives) did not appear to be effective after bias adjustment. BPO and topical retinoids were less well tolerated than placebo.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Medical Research Council, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The guidelines strongly recommend several topical medicines, including benzoyl peroxide and retinoids, as acne treatments.
Aim of the study: Acne vulgaris commonly affects adults, adolescents, and preadolescents aged 9 years or older. The objective of this study was to provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne.
Results: This guideline presents 18 evidence-based recommendations and 5 good practice statements. Strong recommendations are made for benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and oral doxycycline. Oral isotretinoin is strongly recommended for acne that is severe, causing psychosocial burden or scarring, or failing standard oral or topical therapy. Conditional recommendations are made for topical clascoterone, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid, as well as for oral minocycline, sarecycline, combined oral contraceptive pills, and spironolactone. Combining topical therapies with multiple mechanisms of action, limiting systemic antibiotic use, combining systemic antibiotics with topical therapies, and adding intralesional corticosteroid injections for larger acne lesions are recommended as good practice statements. These guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of acne vulgaris.
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · American Academy of Dermatology
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a study, tretinoin gel reduced the number of acne lesions after 12 weeks.
Results: Acne vulgaris affects approximately 9% of the population worldwide and approximately 85% of those aged 12 to 24 years. First-line therapies are topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or combinations of topicals. For more severe disease, oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline, hormonal therapies such as combination oral conceptive agents or spironolactone, or isotretinoin are most effective.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Clinical studies have shown that topical trifarotene reduces comedones and inflammatory acne lesions.
Aim of the study: Topical retinoids have an essential role in treatment of acne. Trifarotene, a topical retinoid selective for retinoic acid receptor (RAR) γ, is the most recent retinoid approved for treatment of acne.
Results: Retinoids have also been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways via effects on leukocyte migration, toll-like receptors, and Activator Protein (AP)-1. Large-scale randomized, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated trifarotene to be safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in reducing both comedones and papules/pustules of acne. However, unlike all other retinoids, trifarotene is the first topical retinoid with rigorous clinical data on safety and efficacy in truncal acne. Data supporting use of trifarotene to manage acne are reviewed in this publication.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Both oral and gel administration of nigella sativa were effective in most patients and led to improvements after several weeks of treatment. However, the combination of both oral and gel administration led to the best outcomes. 55% of psoriasis patients who received this combination achieved a good response. Further, 30% even had an excellent response or achieved a complete cure. Of note, if the treatment was stopped, the condition returned in some patients, indicating that it may be helpful for these patients to continue the treatment. [21] treat vitiligo (patchy skin pigmentation).”Both oral and gel administration of nigella sativa were effective in most patients and led to improvements after several weeks of treatment. However, the combination of both oral and gel administration led to the best outcomes. 55% of psoriasis patients who received this combination achieved a good response. Further, 30% even had an excellent response or achieved a complete cure. Of note, if the treatment was stopped, the condition returned in some patients, indicating that it may be helpful for these patients to continue the treatment. [21] treat vitiligo (patchy skin pigmentation).
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