September 21, 2012
Top Dermatologists' Tips for Clearer Skin
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 2 MIN.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Fortunately, acne can often be reduced with simple changes to a person's skin care routine.
"It's very common for patients with acne to scrub their skin and to use harsh products, yet doing so often makes acne worse," said Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Sycamore, Ill.
"In order for acne to improve, people with acne must be gentle when touching their skin and use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free."
For clearer skin, Dr. Friedrichs recommends people with acne also follow these tips:
Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent, and the risk increases with each use.
"Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist if your acne makes you shy or embarrassed, the products you've tried haven't worked, or your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin," said Dr. Friedrichs. "Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated."
These tips are demonstrated in "Acne: Tips to Help You See Clearer Skin," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations.
With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.
For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.