How does Differin work?

Differin (or adapelene) is a gel that doesn’t have any odor to it. Many users like that because so many other acne medications have a strong scent to them. This product is able to penetrate deep down into the pores so it can help to stop acne outbreaks before they even start.

Differin also prevents skin cells from clogging your pores. This means dirt and bacteria can’t get trapped and result in acne outbreaks.

What are the benefits of using Differin for acne?

Differin doesn’t contain oil or alcohol so it leaves your skin feeling great. It also is one of the most aggressive prescription medications for acne treatment. Many individuals who have suffered with acne and tried everything out there had given up. Yet they are seeing positive results with prescription Differin.

This is a very thorough product as it prevents new outbreaks from happening. At the same time Differin is able to clear up outbreaks you have. It is also believed to help reduce scaring that is the result of previous acne outbreaks. This means you can put the problems of it into the past. You also won’t have scarring to make you self conscious or to remind you of your struggles with acne.

How to treat severe acne

I get asked a lot how to treat severe acne. One of the most common cause of acne is a surge in hormonal activity in your body during puberty. While a lot of people get mild or occasional acne, some people can get really severe acne. Such acne is usually a difficult to treat with the help of home remedies and spots creams. Treating severe acne requires much more than that.

Top 3 Ways how to Treat Severe Acne

1. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an excellent source to clean your pores and remove dirt or grime from your skin pores. It is a great antibacterial and germicidal and one of its most properties is that it does not make your skin dry like soap. One of the most common mistake people do when trying to cure acne is that they tend to wash their face too often. This can strip your skin of its natural oil barrier which can make it produce more oil.

A face wash containing tea tree oil is the best ways to cleanse your face and clam down pimples. Not just this, it can also moisturize your skin without making it oily.

2. Try Witch Hazel

Not many people know this tip for how to treat severe acne. Witch hazel is one of the best treatments for acne. It is a natural astringent and is far better than those that contain chemicals. Once you have cleaned your pores it is important to have them closed with the help of an astringent and witch hazel proves to be an excellent astringent. Not only this, it also makes your skin smooth and destroys free radicals.

3. Green Tea

Green tea is great for your overall health and body but it can be equally effective in how to treat severe acne as well. This is because it is rich in antioxidants that flush out toxins from your system.

There are some brands of green tea that are specifically aimed at treating acne. They blend chysanthemum, licorice root and peppermint with green tea formulate a high quality anti acne tea.

Acne is basically an inflammation and such an acne tea tends to serve as a great anti-inflammatory agent. Licorice root can be extremely effective in curing acne since it helps eliminate bacteria that causes acne. Peppermint, on the other hand, prevents future flare ups.

When all of the three are used in a combination, they can cure even the most stubborn pimples or sever acne and make your face acne free.

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If these tips helped you learn how to treat severe acne please let us all know in the comments below

Roaccutane works for thousands of acne sufferers in the UK every year – nearly 12,000 prescriptions for the drug were handed out last year.

The leaflet you get with the tablets warns about depression and even suicidal feelings.

It can also cause physical side effects like exhaustion, aching joints and severely dry lips and eyes.

It is licensed in the UK as a last resort for patients with severe acne who have already tried two other forms of treatment.

But top skin doctor Tony Chu says this isn’t happening.

Roaccutane hidden information

“An awful lot of people are being offered Roaccutane almost as a first-line treatment,” she said.

“It’s bad medicine. You know with Roaccutane you can get patients clear and off your books in six months rather than go through the mill and try them on a variety of things until you hit on the thing that will actually work for them.”

Dr Chu says doctors have no way of knowing which patients will get mental health side effects.

But it can take many months to find the right combination of alternative treatments like oral antibiotics and skin creams which is frustrating if acne’s ruining your life.

Different treatments instead of Roaccutane

After spending two years trying different antibiotics and creams 22-year-old student Charlotte Bowser from Truro was desperate to try Roaccutane.

“When I heard about it I was like: ‘Wow! Give it to me now’. I’d tried so many different lotions from my GP.

“I had one that bleached my hair and clothes. And I had another one that was like pouring lemon juice on a cut. That was horrible. I hated it.”

Roaccutane gave Charlotte bad mood swings, but it did get rid of her spots. It also worked for 17-year-old Luke from Hereford.

He said: “I didn’t feel depressed but what I definitely did get, and what a lot of people do say, is that your energy levels are so incredibly low. I always wanted sleep.

Sebaceous glands work to expel excess oil from the skin.  Invariably, they are going to clog up from time to time and the resulting accumulation of oil can cause acne, as well as other skin conditions.  Acne vulgaris is the most commonly experienced condition and affects primarily adolescents.

Many factors contribute to acne vulgaris and include nutritional imbalances, allergens, emotional stress, liver abnormalities, heredity, excessively oily skin, certain medications, and hormones.

Another contributing factor to acne is an overabundance of toxins and poisons in the body.  The body uses the liver and kidneys to rid itself of these dangerous substances.  If the body contains more impurities than those organs can effectively manage, the skin takes over by sweating out the substances.

All of these processes working at the same time upset the natural healing capacity of the body and create various skin conditions, causing pimples and zits to form.

There are many natural products available that will effectively treat acne.  Listed below are several of the best and most well tolerated alternative methods for eliminating the effects of acne.

Keep in mind, however, that some of these methods may have to be repeated over the course of 2 to 4 weeks before any lasting results are noticed.

• Pat white vinegar (distilled and diluted if necessary) on areas of the skin affected by acne.  Allow it to stay on skin for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse gently with cool water.

• Use Echinacea daily to improve immunity.

• Take Oregon grape daily to guard against acne-producing bacteria.

• Apply lemon juice to areas of the face affected by pimples, zits and other skin conditions.  Let the juice stay on the face for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.  Other citrus juices may be used and diluted if they cause stinging sensations.  This solution will work as a natural exfoliate by rubbing off dead skin tissue.

• Use dandelion or red clover daily to clear the liver of toxins.

• Use Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox to remove toxins from the liver.

• Using Vitamin A supplements will help severe acne.  Consult your physician to determine the correct dosage because overly large amounts can be toxic.

• Take Zinc supplements to encourage tissue repair and prevent scarring of the skin.

• Try Alternative Homeopathic remedies to dry pimples and heal damaged tissues.

• Follow a well-balanced diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.  Keeping your body healthy will encourage natural healing of your tissues.

• Drink plenty of water daily to flush out toxins and to keep the body hydrated.

During the teen years, girls tend to develop acne sooner than boys. On average most girls will start to develop acne by about age 11, as contrasted with age 13 for boys. The reason isn’t hard to find. Girls mature sooner. They tend to enter puberty a few months to a couple of years before boys.

During those years the human hormone system sees rapid increases in levels of a number of well known hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone. But there’s a class of hormones that are less well known by name, but more relevant at this stage to acne onset: androgens.

As the name suggests, these hormones are shared by both males and females. But, as noted, the rise in females occurs sooner. Once they reach puberty, the androgen levels rise higher in males, so they tend to suffer more severe acne.

About 2/3 of all teens will develop acne, at least in mild form. But for females, the condition tends to last longer, at least cyclically. As a woman enters her 20s, her menstrual cycle tends to raise the likelihood of developing at least mild acne. Since that occurs approximately once per month, so does the acne. The week prior to the onset of flow is typically the worst for almost 62% of women.

The problem persists for women throughout the years of reproductive capacity. Over 50% of women (as opposed to only 42.5% of men) between ages 20-29 develop acne. The numbers dip radically for the years 30-39 to 35.2% and 20.1% respectively. By the time she’s reached her 40s, the number has lowered to 26.3% (12% for men). For those aged 50 and older the numbers are about 15% and 7% for women vs men.

The severity follows a similar pattern. Between the third and fourth weeks of the menstrual cycle, inflammations increase about 25%. Even blackheads and whiteheads rise about 20% during this time.

Pregnancy offers some relief, but it mostly shifts the pattern. It doesn’t eliminate acne entirely. During pregnancy, breakouts can occur at random. Skin changes, even for those who have never had acne, are a common occurrence when a woman is carrying.

Here again, significant hormonal changes are taking place. The largest number of cases tends to occur during the first trimester. That shouldn’t be surprising, since this is the interval during which hormone levels are changing most rapidly from their usual amount and distribution. Delivering the baby will often put an end to the outbreaks, but they tend to persist longer in women who breastfeed.

Though a woman has to always be more careful about what medications she takes, normal over the counter treatments are considered safe. Some studies have suggested, however, that isotretinoin (brand name: Accutane) and tetracycline (doxycycline), treatments for severe acne, should be avoided during pregnancy. They may cause birth defects or development problems in the fetus.

When in doubt, consult a dermatologist.

While acne may traditionally be viewed as a teenage “rite of passage,” results from a groundbreaking national survey released show that acne is a problem that also commonly affects adults. The survey finds that acne can negatively impact many aspects of a person’s life — professional, academic, physical and social — and a basic lack of knowledge may be preventing or hindering appropriate treatment options.

Conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Retin-A Micro(R) Pump, the Skin Matters 2008 Survey is a comprehensive analysis designed to address acne-related issues and treatment considerations among teens, adults, parents and dermatologists.

Adults with acne report that the condition affects multiple facets of their lives, with 38% agreeing it is more stressful having acne as an adult than as a teenager, and 50% finding it to be unappealing, more so than having facial wrinkles (36%) or gray hair (29%). Adults with acne also state that it negatively impacts their self-confidence (41%) and mood (31%). Some report acne’s negative impacts on their lifestyle, such as refraining from asking for or accepting a date (9%), canceling social plans (7%), getting passed over for a promotion or raise (3%).

While people get acne well into their forties and fifties(2), many adults with acne believed that they would no longer have it by the time they reached their twenties (67%). Survey results show that, on average, nearly one-half of dermatologists’ acne patients (46%) are adults and two-thirds (66%) currently see more adult acne patients than they did one year ago.

“Acne is definitely not just a teen issue,” says Richard Fried, M.D., Ph.D., Clinical Director, Yardley Dermatology and Yardley Skin Enhancement and Wellness Center, and author of Healing Adult Acne. “It has become increasingly common for adults to experience acne — one in five women who suffer from acne is between the ages of 25 and 40. Acne can be even more difficult for this age group, as it can be responsible for stress, depression, social withdrawal, job impairment and intimacy problems. Unfortunately, these emotions can also cause the onset or worsening of acne.”

Interestingly, the severity of one’s acne does not necessarily determine the amount of emotional distress a person may endure. Some patients with mild acne will not leave their home or participate in social activities during a breakout. In contrast, some patients with more severe acne continue on with their day-to-day lives, seeming to experience less of an emotional impact.

“The effect acne has on each individual varies. It is the dermatologists’ responsibility to talk with their patients about acne, the psychological impact it may have on their lives, and to determine an efficient treatment plan to improve their patients’ skin and quality of lives,” says Dr. Fried.

The Skin Matters 2008 Survey finds that almost 9 out of 10 (89%) adults with acne believe they have some control over how their skin looks, and among those who use non-prescription medication, they typically spend $10 a month on non-prescription acne products. However, the survey also shows knowledge gaps in skin health that may hinder an adult’s ability to effectively treat their acne. These gaps include the belief that drinking lots of water can prevent acne (60%) or that vigorously washing one’s face is one of the best ways to take care of acne (35%).

Acne lesions occur mostly on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. It is the most common skin disease. Although acne is not a serious health threat, severe acne can lead to disfiguring and permanent scarring.

Women actually have more and different issues than men with acne.

How does acne affect women?

Most young women and men will have at least a few pimples over the course of their lives. But acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.

As women get older, acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40.

For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or low self-esteem. But you don’t have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can, sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin problems) about how you can help prevent acne and if treatment would help you.

To find out about the the Acne No More Book read my review.

What are the different types of acne lesions?

* Comedo (whiteheads or blackheads) or papules. The comedo is the basic acne lesion, which is a plugged pore. If the plugged pore stays under the skin, it’s called a closed comedo and forms a white bump or whitehead. Blackheads are comedos that open up and appear blackish on the surface of the skin. This black color is not due to dirt, but because the air reacts with the excess oil.

* Pustules or pimples. Pustules or pimples are acne lesions that contain pus and are red at the base.
* Nodules. These are more serious acne lesions. They lodge deeper in the skin, are painful, and can cause scarring.
* Cysts. Like nodules, these lesions are deep within in the skin, are painful, and are filled with pus, and can cause scarring.

Many things can trigger acne in women:
* Hormone changes during puberty. During puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the glands to get larger and make more sebum.
* Hormone changes as an adult. The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers.

Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.

* Medicines. Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression.
* Make-up.
* Pressure or friction on the skin. Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse
* Family history. If other people in your family have acne, there is a greater chance you will have it.

Does poor hygiene cause acne?

It is a myth that women get acne because they don’t wash enough. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils doesn’t do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.

Can stress cause acne?
Stress does not cause acne. But, acne may be a side effect of some medicines used to treat stress or depression. And in some cases, the social and emotional impact of acne lesions causes stress. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne?
While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods causes acne, experts have not found a link between the diet and acne. Foods seem to have little effect on acne in most people. But, it’s important to eat a healthy diet for good health.

How is mild acne treated?
There are many treatments for mild acne. Mild acne can consist of whiteheads, blackheads and small pustules. At home, you can wash your face twice per day with warm water and a gentle cleanser or soap. Your doctor may suggest you also try an over-the-counter lotion or cream. These medicines may make your skin dry if you use them too much. Be sure to follow the directions.

If these medicines dont work, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur.

* Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce oil made by the glands.
* Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help breakdown whiteheads and blackheads.

If your acne does not get better after six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your treatment.

Can more serious forms of acne be treated?

Yes. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment for you.

Moderate to moderately severe acne. This type of acne consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules that cover the face and/or other parts of the body. It can be treated with antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads. Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill, such as a condom. Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin sensitive to the sun. So, wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using them.

Severe acne. Severe acne consists of deep cysts, redness, swelling, extreme damage to the skin and scarring. You should see a dermatologist to care for this type of acne. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatments. Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the redness, swelling, and irritation, and promotes healing.

Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane, if other treatments have not worked. This is a strong medicine that can help prevent scarring and treat active disease. But, Accutane also can cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do not plan to get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use two methods of birth control at the same time. This is done for one month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for a full month after stopping the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it’s safe to get pregnant. Other side effects of this drug may include dry eyes, itching, mood changes, and changes in the blood and liver. You and your dermatologist can decide whether this medicine is right for you based on the pros and cons. Use any prescribed medicine exactly as you are advised. Taking more medicine than you are supposed to take may make acne or your general health worse. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose.

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may need to be drained or removed. Your dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these. You should never try to drain or remove your acne by squeezing or picking. This can lead to infection, worsen your acne, and cause scarring.

Overall, if you dont see a change in your skin in six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

Can birth control pills help treat acne?

For women who break out mainly around their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down overactive oil glands in the skin. Sometimes, birth control pills are used along with a drug called spironolactone to treat acne in adult females. This medication lowers levels of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen stimulates the skins oil glands. Side effects of this drug include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache and fatigue. Spironolactone is not appropriate therapy for all patients.
When is surgery used for acne scarring?

If you have scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal acne lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several are often needed. There are also topical treatments for acne scarring.

Photodynamic therapy is a new acne treatment. It begins with light microdermabrasion. This is used to remove dead skin cells on the faces surface. Then, an acid is put on the skin for 30 to 60 minutes. After this period, the acid is taken off. Lastly, the skin is treated with a laser. This treatment is still being researched, but seems to give positive long-term results.
How can I help prevent acne and acne scars?

You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your skin:

1. Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day?once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin after heavy exercise. Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Harsh scrubbing of the skin may make acne worse. Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and rinse thoroughly. Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. Ask your doctor before using an astringent.

2. Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.

3. Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions. This can cause acne scars.

4. Avoid getting sunburned. Many medicines used to treat acne can make you more prone to sunburn. Many people think that the sun helps acne, because the redness from sunburn may make acne lesions less visible. But, too much sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. When you’re going to be outside, use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as you can.

5. Choose make-up and hair care products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products have been made in a way that they don’t cause acne. You may also want to use products that are oil-free.

6. Avoid things that rub the skin as much as you can, such as backpacks and sports equipment.

7. Talk with your doctor about what treatment methods can help your acne. Take your medicines as prescribed. Be sure to tell your doctor if you think medicines you take for other health problems make your acne worse.

Is rosacea the same as acne?

Rosacea (ro-ZAY-she-ah) is a common skin problem often called adult acne. Faired skinned and menopausal women are more likely to have rosacea. Rosacea also seems to run in families. It causes redness in the center parts of the face and pimples. Blood vessels under the skin of the face may enlarge and show through the skin as small red lines. The skin may be swollen and feel warm.

Women with rosacea don’t have the same lesions as seen with common acne. They may have flushing of the face, when they are hot, drink alcohol or hot drinks, or eat spicy foods. This flushing causes the face to appear red. In the most severe form, this redness does not go away. The eyes may become swollen and nodules in the skin may be painful.

You can help keep rosacea under control by keeping a record of things that cause it to flare up. Try to avoid or limit these triggers as much as you can. Antibiotic lotions or gels can also help. Sometimes, you may need to take antibiotic pills. Your dermatologist may treat you with laser surgery. If you think you have rosacea, talk with your doctor about these treatments.

Acne occurs when the natural oils that the skin produces clogs the pores of the skin. Normally acne is prevalent in the onset of puberty when the body starts to produce hormones, it has also been known to be a problem for women during pregnancy. Since acne is a problem for people world wide, there are many forms of acne treatments, acne products and acne medications on the market.

A natural treatment for acne is diet, which some say can be an acne cure and for many is the best acne treatment. When I was a teenager I had severe acne and tried using what were considered the best acne treatments at the time.

Retin-A was one of the most popular prescription acne medications on the market at that time. Noxzema skin cream and Clearsil were two of the most popular acne products used among my friends and I. I learned the hard way that Alcohol should not be used as a home remedy for acne and with severe acne cutting back on processed foods replacing them with a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. I thought that diet as a natural acne treatment was going to be bad because until that point I lived junk food.

Using diet as a natural acne treatment was not as bad as I had thought it would be. There are so many foods that act naturally as a home remedy for acne and are often the best acne treatments. At first I thought that it would be easier to just remember when to use acne medication or the other acne products that I was using at the time rather than to give up on junk foods.

The internal home remedy for acne prescribed by my doctor and mother turned out to be for me the best acne treatment used along with all natural acne products like tea-tree oil. To my surprise I enjoyed this change in diet and in a short time I felt like it was an acne cure that was noticeable with in the week.

My mother was happier that I was eating something besides chips and was also happy with what we thought was an acne cure. She was also happy that she did not have to spend a lot of money on acne medications or worry about which over the counter acne products were the best. Who would have thought when I drank naturally sweetened juices and lots of water that it would be a natural acne treatment. My breakouts were far and few in between all because of using diet as an acne treatment turned out to pretty much be an acne cure for me.

There are so many acne treatments on the market today that profess to be the answer to all of your problems but the truth of the matter is you will have to find the best acne products or try to find the best home remedies for you by simply researching on your own.

Some people will require acne medications because more serious illness are the reason for their acne problem. Home remedies for acne through diet can alleviate many of your outbreaks because we truly are what we eat. If the eyes are the window to the soul then the skin is a reflection of your overall health so the beginning of a real cure starts from within.

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A poll of 1,100 people, ages 17 – 55, was conducted by Dennis Gross, M.D., a leading dermatologist and author of Your Future Face who utilized the information to develop an acne category in the MD Skincare product line which uses prevention and groundbreaking technology as a means of treatment.

Highlighting consumer dissatisfaction for their current acne treatment products, the survey revealed that skincare consumers with moderate to severe blemishes and breakouts have purchased an excess of four different products per year striving for unmet results to treat their condition. Those with severe acne conditions have purchased up to five or more.

Dr. Dennis Gross comments, “The key to better results is to find treatment products which prevent future breakouts while simultaneously working to heal current blemishes. My survey shows that 50% of acne sufferers do not understand this very fundamental concept. Acne is no different from any other disease or medical disorder, and is best treated through prevention. One product is necessary to prevent future breakouts while another can be applied for the healing of active blemishes.”

To their credit, 93% of consumers surveyed understand that breakouts originated from a clogged pore. However, more than half incorrectly believe that breakouts develop in 2-3 days when, in fact, it can take up to 3 weeks for a blemish to form necessitating a preventive product during this time.

Furthermore, greater than half of those surveyed believe washing ones face is the best way to prevent acne.  However, this puts them at risk for the hazards of over-drying the skin. According to Dr. Gross, “Over-drying by excessive washing or by using oil-stripping products make acne worse because the resulting dead skin adds more debris to an already clogged pore- congesting the complexion even more.”

The shocking survey results spurred the development of an innovative approach to treating acne through All-Over Blemish Solution, a product for daily application that features a revolutionary lipid-loving delivery system (like dissolves like) that does not dry the skin and provides superior penetration deep into the pores to disband waxy plugs and blackheads – the first step of acne.  When this flat form of acne becomes red & bumpy through infection and inflammation, Correct & Perfect Spot Treatment will draw out the infection and swelling- flattening and resolving the blemish. All-In-One Cleansing Foam will thoroughly cleanse without drying or stripping the skin.

MD Skincare is the creation of Dr. Dennis Gross, a leading dermatologist whose patients include A-list celebrities, beauty experts and editors. Dr. Gross has established himself as a leader in maintaining youthful skin using the latest cosmetic innovations and won the acclaimed Enterprising Beauty Award by Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) at the 2006 Beauty Awards.

Stress is a leading cause of breakouts, and there’s no shortage of that these days in the office of Oakland, Calif.-based Dr. Katie Rodan. Many of her clients are in the financial field.

Meanwhile, Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Karcher is performing far fewer liposuctions or botox injections but is seeing more patients than ever. “They’re all insurance patients for eczema, acne and warts — they’re all another hit from the immune system,” she says.

Karcher explains that the nervous system and hormone systems work together. “They are tightly intertwined and the nervous system is stimulated by stress. I am seeing more acne than you can believe.”

A traffic jam or a spat with a significant other can set off a rise in cortisol that causes a breakout, but there isn’t usually a collective mass of people experiencing a high-anxiety event like there is right now with the recession.

With a 16-year-old daughter to care for — and college to pay for — as well as elderly parents, Zondra Barricks says the economy weighs on her almost every day.

“My skin a barometer of my emotional state,” says Barricks, a patient of Rodan. “I am trying to take care of myself, behind the scenes I’m taking care of my skin. I have to cut back, but I don’t want to look the raggedy way I’m feeling.”

Dr. Kathy Fields points to a widely circulated Stanford University study from 2002 that found students had more severe acne during exam periods than other times of the year.

“When your cortisol levels go up — and we’re having so many spikes during the day — that aggravates acne. Your cortisol levels go up more in one day than a caveman had in one year,” says Fields, a co-founder with Dr. Rodan of the anti-acne formula Proactiv.