NEWS - October 2008
Acne Research & Treatments
Approximately 80% of individuals between 11 and 30 years of age are affected by acne (National Institutes of Health). A specific bacterium (Propionibacterium acnes) has been associated with acne, but not confirmed as the causative agent. New research suggests searching for an alternate "unidentified" species may be unnecessary. The following abstracts highlight this and other developments.
Candy Product Claims Acne Benefits
With claims that have not yet been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a sugar-free anti-oxidant candy from Frutels is advertised as a way to fight acne. According to company representatives, a consumer survey indicates that 73% of respondents who ate two chocolates daily saw improvement after two weeks. Additional information is available at: Frutels. For the news article, visit: Columbia Tribune.
FDA Regulation
In early October, an FDA warning letter was issued to Bayer Corporation for its direct-to-consumer "Not Gonna Take It" commercial for Yaz. As indicated on the product label, Yaz is approved for treatment of moderate acne and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The commercial, however, broadens the message to suggest a wide-ranging efficacy for acne (regardless of severity) and does not adequately differentiate premenstrual syndrome from PMDD. For more information, visit: Fierce Pharma.
Latest Bacterial Research
In an article published in the October 2008 edition of the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Danish researchers at Arhus University found P. acnes as the only bacteria collected from follicles in healthy subjects, while many other species (12 - 16) were identified from follicle and superficial skin samples in patients with acne. The study contends that "yet-uncultured bacteria" are unlikely to be associated with acne. For more information, visit: Science Daily.
[M. Bek-Thomsen, H.B. Lomholt, M. Kilian. Acne is Not Associated with Yet-Uncultured Bacteria. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 2008; 46 (10): 3355 DOI: 10.1128/JCM.00799-08]
Skin Care Product Reviews
Skincare-News.com released its first "best-rated skin care brand" reviews in early October. Skinceuticals is acknowledged for its preventive and regimen products, ranging from antioxidant serums to sunscreens, with individual or synergistic combo packages. In addition to fading stretch marks, Strivectin SDis identified as a Botox® alternative for restoring and restructuring the skin with its elasticizing, firming, and hydrating ingredients.
Improving skin as a barrier while also minimizing moisture loss, Elizabeth Arden's line is recognized for combining botanicals with advanced technology in dermatologist-tested products. For dullness, hyperpigmentation, and under-eye circles, the Dr. Brandt brand enhances active botanicals with unique delivery systems for basic skin care or damage control. The Skincare-News review of Cellex-C lauds its Patented Complex as "proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 84.2%." For product reviews, visit: Skincare-News. To read the article, visit: PRWeb.
[Skinceuticals ranked in the top ten skin care brands among respondents from cosmetic/plastic surgery, dermatology, and medical spa practices surveyed by Feed-back.com in 2007 (within a pool of approximately 700 facilities).]
For past news, visit the Archive.