Female Issues

Female Issues

General Female Issues
Several studies have analyzed hair follicle chemistry and serum (blood) chemistry to determine differences in androgen, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, lipases, 5alpha-reductase, etc. levels between men and women with and without acne, men with and without acne and women with and without acne. While these tests have determined males have more testosterone than females, there seems to be no "smoking gun" regarding irregularities between those with or without acne, with one important exception.

Females with acne have significantly higher serum androgen levels than their female counterparts without acne. Since androgens target the skin, it would be logical that higher serum androgen levels would translate into higher skin levels and follicular androgen levels. The above research was published less than two years ago and we are unable to find subsequent research to confirm that higher serum androgen levels in women with acne actually translates into higher skin and follicular androgen levels.

Research on SAHA syndrome [stand for seborrhea, acne, hirsutism (excessive body or facial hair) and alopecia (the loss of hair)] in women reveals higher levels of dihydrotestosterone within the skin and confirms that in many cases women with acne (who are known to have higher serum androgen levels) also have higher skin and follicle androgen levels. Therefore, effective treatment of female acne must include a comprehensive method of down-regulating testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

It is noteworthy that seborrhea, acne and alopecia call all be related to classic systemic zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency in the skin promotes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and promotes the production of sebum, and then free fatty acids. Females with moderate to severe acne have zinc deficiency, compounded with elevated androgen activity (hyperandrogenism).

While we find little written material on androgen induced acne, practical experience has taught us it is more severe on the chin and along the jaw-line. Bacterial control and keeping the follicles open are important aspects of treatment, but two products become important in correcting zinc deficiency combined with controlling the over abundance of androgens.

In the case of moderate to severe acne, Acne Inhibiting Gel is important in correcting the skin's zinc content and down-regulating the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, etc. In mild, moderate and severe acne Green Tea/Clay Mask is important for its zinc content and also the additional ingredients that block testosterone conversion. Antibacterial Cleanser inhibits 5alpha-reductase which promotes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which then stimulates sebum production. This cleanser down-regulates the impact of testosterone in the skin.

The BiON regimen may provide nearly total acne control with the exception of the beginning of the monthly cycle. Going into this period it is possible to apply Green Tea/Clay Mask in the AM as well as the PM. The Green Tea/Clay Mask can be applied lightly in the morning and rubbed into the skin to provide extra protection. It will disappear into lighter skin and can easily be covered with a light application of make-up on darker skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide produces free radicals in the skin and can cause damage equal to sun damage. Benzoyl peroxide can cause premature skin aging, slow healing and is associated with increased skin cancer risks. In 1995 the FDA issued warnings regarding the use of benzoyl peroxide and changed its status from safe to uncertain. (See the Valuable Acne Tips page for additional information on this subject.)

Extended Antibiotic Use: Research published in February 2004 by the University of Washington of 10,000 females found that females who had used antibiotics approximately 500 days or more over an 18 year period were twice as likely to contract breast cancer as females at large. The association between antibiotics and breast cancer was dose related, revealing the higher the total dosage (or volume) the greater the risk. Previous studies have shown frequent or extended use of antibiotics may be damaging to the body's immune system. Long-term maintenance or control of acne with antibiotics may involve risks and may be a far less desirable means of treating acne as compared with effective topical products, having no side effects. This antibiotic and cancer linkage may apply to other forms of cancer and may be equally as applicable to males as well.

Hormone Supplementation: The development of adult onset acne following the initiation of hormone supplementation or significant modification of an existing program may be caused by the dosage. Speak with your physician about this subject and modifying the dosage so it does not cause acne.

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