5 Ways to Fight Mother Acne

Recently, I went to bed with two eyes and woke up with a third, which got me thinking: Adult Acne – REALLY?! I turned to my favorite derm — Dr. Vi of Comprehensive Dermatology Group — to find out why my body knows its age but my skin can act like a teenager (pssst… turns out chocolate isn’t a culprit–phew!) and to get her 5 Breezy Mama tips for fighting my face’s enemy. Plus! Her go-to products for flawless skin.

What are your favorite products/ what do you recommend for:

Face wash:
For gentle skin- Cetaphil wash ($10.75) or Kinerase wash ($24). Otherwise- Topix glycolic acid wash ($17).

Day cream:
Just use a good moisturizer with sunscreen. I like Elta ($10.83) products and Kinerase ($68.50) products.

Night Cream:
Kinerase cream ($95) for a lighter cream , Eucerin Q10 cream ($22.96 for two pack) for heavy night cream.

Facial sunscreen:
There are so many good ones. The key is to use one with an SPF 30 or higher and with either zinc, titanium, helioplex, or mexoryl as the active ingredient. I like Elta brand products- the Elta sport ($27) does not sting the eyes. I also like the Colorscience Powder sunscreen ($49.99) for reapplication. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours. This is a powder with zinc and titanium and it is easy to use.

5 Tips for Fighting Acne

5. What’s the best way to avoid break-outs?

If you are acne prone, you should wash your face twice per day with an over the counter acne cleanser. In addition, take a shower after you workout. Otherwise, there is really no way to prevent acne. We have good treatments, but no great prevention. Diet and avoidance of particular foods really does not help.

4. Do facials really help?

They can help acne and they can help the skin look better overall.

3. Are there other treatments you recommend?

It depends on the severity of your acne. For mild acne, any of the over the counter acne systems will help. For moderate and severe acne, you should see your doctor for prescription products. I really like the retinoid products (Retin A, Tazorac, Differin, Tretinoin, etc). They help with acne and they help prevent wrinkles and brown spots!

2. In addition to being a derm, you have flawless skin! Fess up – what’s your skin care routine?

Ha Ha- thanks. I use a glycolic acid wash ($44.95) in the morning, followed by a glycolic acid cream ($16.99) and then a moisturizer with zinc sunscreen. In the evening, I wash with the same glycolic acid wash and then I use tazorac 0.05% cream. This is a prescription strength retinoid like Retin A. I have been using it for 10 years–and I know that it treats acne, pores, fine wrinkles, and brown spots. …I am a mom and I have to keep the regimen simple.

1. Do you do anything to maintain your skin in addition to your daily routine (i.e. facials, etc.)?

I do some mild peels (glycolic acid 30-50%, Jessner’s — $39.95) that make me peel for a few days. I do them every few months when I can remember. I know that they help–but it can be hard to find the time in our busy lives. I think it is very important to have a basic skin care regimen to do every day. This really gives 90% of the benefits. Then, add on the peels, etc. when you have the time.

And, finally, why do we still get acne as adults?

Many adults have acne. Some have had acne as a child, but some develop acne for the first time as adults.  My guess is that it has to do with hormones and stress. But we do not have any real science with regards to why so many adults have acne.

Breezy Tip: All of Vi’s over-the-counter suggestions are available from Amazon.com, and, in some cases, at a significant discount! To purchase, click on the links above or click here!

Vishakha Gigler, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist. She enjoys practicing medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, including Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Gigler was recognized as a “top doctor” by her colleagues in 2007 in San Diego Magazine. She prides herself in delivering the highest level of medical care. For more information, visit www.comprehensivederm.com

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