Latest news with #acne
News24
4 days ago
- General
- News24
Haven't been in the mood lately? Your contraceptive could be to blame
Contraceptives like the pill and injectables can cause a myriad of side effects, including low sex drive. These birth control methods produce oestrogen and progesterone, causing hormonal fluctuations. Experts suggest switching to an IUD, trying new ways of foreplay and more. _____________________________________________________________________ We all know how risky the pull-out method and hoping for the best is. For many women who aren't looking to get pregnant anytime soon, outside of condoms, hormonal birth control methods have been a go-to for years - just don't forget that regular STD checkup! Plus, many women find contraceptives particularly useful for controlling bad acne, treating PCOS and lowering the risk of certain cancers and abnormal growths. But, we don't have to tell you how the ups and downs that come with birth control methods like the pill and injections can make everyday living that much harder. From weight fluctuations to mood swings and irregular menstrual cycles, it's almost like women can't catch a break. Not to mention the crashing libido and low sex drive. Every women deserves a fulfilling sex life while looking out for their health. We got the experts to break down why hormonal birth controls affects libido and how you can get your groove back. How exactly do hormonal contraceptives work? Most hormonal birth control methods contain hormones oestrogen and progesterone, dedicated to changing the way your natural hormones are released to prevent ovulation. Dr Bradley Wagemaker, a medical doctor and director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals, explains to TRUELOVE just how these added hormones affect your body. 'When you are taking oestrogen and progesterone, your ovaries go, 'Oh, you have, so I don't need to make', so they shut down. Now your brain goes, 'Hey, but you're not making stuff, why aren't you making stuff?' And then it sends a louder message,' Dr Bradley explains. 'That message can also affect mood. It can also affect how you feel. So, you have hormones doing what, in normal ovulating circumstances, wouldn't be doing and hormones can impact every neurotransmitter in the body, which is why people have regret.' Tips to get your sex drive back while on birth control Here are some ways to get back into the mood and have a healthy, fulfilling sex life while on hormonal birth control: Make lifestyle changes: Get active, cut back on the drinking and smoking (or put them down altogether) and get a regular good night's rest. 'Those are also very important benefits,' Dr Bradley says. Switch to non-hormonal contraceptives: Implanting an IUD device in the uterus is a good option to avoid the influx of hormones while ensuring lengthy prevention against pregnancy. If you're in a long-term relationship or marriage and are done having children or not looking to have any, your man can consider the simple and minimally invasive procedure of a vasectomy. Try different foreplay techniques: Foreplay involves more than just intimate pleasuring. 'Be intimate with your partner more often, for example, by kissing, holding hands and cuddling,' says licensed sexologist and couples therapist Sofie Roos. Try taking supplements: Sometimes your body just needs a little extra help. Take plant-based supplements that have ingredients like pine bark extract, rosehip extract, maca root or ginseng. But sometimes hormonal birth control methods like the pill and the injections are the best options for those who need to regulate other issues in their body outside of just preventing pregnancy. Here's why you haven't been up for some lovemaking For those using injectables like the two-month Nur-Isterate and the three-month Depo-Provera, Dr Bradley admittedly describes them as 'hardcore', sharing how his experience working in the gynae clinics show that these injections have a typically worse side effect profile than the daily ingestible tablet contraception. Dr Bradley explains, 'If you take injectable Nur-Isterate, which is just injectable progesterone, the effect on libido, for example, is profound. It's huge because what it's doing is it's impacting neurotransmitters that release in the brain that drive desire, that give emotional connectedness. Those different parts of the brain, those neurotransmitters are almost being overrun by the intensity of the signal from the progesterone. And so, their libido drops through the floor in many instances.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
'Your skin doesn't define your value', says acne sufferer
A student who has struggled with acne since she was a child has joined a national campaign to raise awareness of the Wasim, 21, from Fishponds, has had hormonal acne since she was 11 years old, caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).She is now part of a campaign highlighting the emotional impact of skin conditions like acne and to BBC Radio Bristol's John Darvall, she said those with skin conditions should surround themselves with people who make them feel "safe as they are". She said: "To anyone going through something similar, whether that be acne or eczema or any other skin condition, just be kind to yourself."Focus on how you feel, not how you look. Your skin doesn't define your value." Ms Wasim, a psychology student at London Metropolitan University, said the acne started on her chest, back and face from the age of said: "When it started to happen I was at such a vulnerable age - it's when people are already starting to feel uncomfortable in their bodies. "My skin just ended up making me feel more isolated during a time when my mind and body was developing."She was prescribed various medications, including antibiotics and creams, which had a varying degrees of success. 'Big turning point' The student, who is now a spokesperson for youth-led charity Integrate UK, recently joined nine other people with skin conditions to share their experiences through a photography April, Ms Wasim had photos taken of her lower face, neck, chest and back, showing her acne and scarring. The pictures were used in a London exhibition. She said: "It was such an empowering moment for me because I've never been that confident before when I was growing up carrying so much of that."A big turning point for me was realising the pressure was just coming from within and I was the one holding myself back."
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a pharmacist and I've just discovered the most underrated product at Chemist Warehouse
Australian TikTok users are no strangers to viral beauty hacks, but this one is coming straight from a qualified pharmacist and skincare enthusiast are calling it the best-kept secret on Chemist Warehouse shelves. Betul Altun, a pharmacist based in Victoria, has sent skincare lovers into a frenzy with a now-viral video that has racked up over 453,000 views and hundreds of glowing comments. In the video, Betul raves about one of the best under the radar skincare ingredients hiding in plain sight at Chemist Warehouse. 'I'm gonna show you the most underrated product that is clinically proven to treat acne, blackheads, pigmentation and rosacea - that you can get over the counter for less than $20,' she said in the clip that has now been saved by 14.5 thousand people. The mystery ingredient? Azelaic Acid - an active that's enjoying a new wave of fame for being the one ingredient that can treat multiple concerns, without triggering a skin freak-out. 'As a pharmacist, we are trained to recommend clinical proven medicines that have scientific research backing any claims and therapeutic benefits,' Betul told FEMAIL. 'Azelaic acid has been proven to have multiple uses in dermatology given its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mild exfoliant properties, hence works fantastically to treat a variety of skin conditions including acne and rosacea.' She also added that the potent ingredient also inhibits tyrosinase which is an enzyme that produces melanin in the skin. For this reason it works wonders for those who supper from hyperpigmentation and melasma too. The clip sparked a wave of interest from beauty lovers who couldn't believe a product this effective was both budget-friendly and available without a prescription. 'So good! This also fixes perioral dermatitis I get around my nose,' one use commented. 'I use it 2-3 times a week otherwise it's too drying for me but holy wow it works,' another added. FEMAIL asked celebrity facialist and skincare founder James Vivian, on his opinion of the multi-tasking skincare essential that customers are rushing to buy - and although he's a fan, he did have some great advice for beginners. 'Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid with natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties,' he told us. 'This active can be used once or twice a day, ideally in the morning and evening after cleansing. Start with a few applications per week and gradually increase frequency.' He also warned that this type of active (especially the strong 20% concentration available at Chemist Warehouse) can increase sun sensitivity, so following with a moisturiser and SPF 50+ every day was important. In even better news, James said Azelaic acid is good for every skin type and can be used alongside your favourite retinol and vitamin C too, however, it's crucial to introduce these ingredients gradually. 'Pay attention to how your skin reacts, especially if you have sensitive skin. You might find you use it more like a spot treatment to target specific areas of breakouts and redness when things flare up or to control ongoing issues.' And for those new to the ingredient, he recommends patch testing first and keeping the rest of your routine simple while your skin adjusts. Common side effects can include tingling, dryness, or mild redness, but these typically ease with consistent use. Between its under $20 price tag, high concentration, and clinical backing, azelaic acid has officially risen from under-the-radar to over-the-top viral. And while TikTok is no stranger to fleeting skincare trends, this is one product both a qualified pharmacist and a celebrity facialist agree is worth the hype. 'A very potent concentration of 20% is readily available for such a great cost is amazing and so convenient,' said Batul. '[A] simple to use, versatile product that could be used even in sensitive skin types is why this is such a favourite of mine personally and one I feel very comfortable recommending to a variety of patients.'
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
I was prescribed a common antibiotic and wasn't told of the risks... it caused my organs to fail
A 27-year-old woman is sounding the alarm over a commonly prescribed antibiotic that caused her organs to fail. Elle Dunn was 15 when she was prescribed minocycline to clear up her acne by a dermatologist right before her sister's wedding. However, what was meant to be a simple treatment instead left her fighting for her life. Dunn recalled that within days of taking the antibiotic medication, her 'jaw began to lock up' and she began to 'break out into weird rashes'. But while her family kept saying that her symptoms were 'normal', her rashes soon spread over all her arms and legs. By the time she attended her sister's wedding, Dunn had severe hives and a dangerously high 106-degree fever. Little did she know that her organs were shutting down. She was silently suffering from Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome (DReSS). DReSS is described as a hypersensitive allergic reaction to certain drugs. The immune system goes into overdrive and starts attacking healthy tissues and organs. This can cause a fever, rashes and inflammation in crucial organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys. Minocycline is prescribed to around 1million Americans every year for various bacterial infections including pneumonia and in some cases, acne. While facial acne is usually a result of hormonal imbalances and clogged pores, it can also be caused by bacteria on the skin. In Dunn's case, doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her deteriorating condition as her body continued to swell up and develop rashes for weeks at end. She recalled in a TikTok video: 'Every single one of [my] organs was shutting down and [doctors] told my parents that [I] was actually going to die.' As doctors scrambled to find out what was happening to Dunn, the then-teenager stopped breathing for about 30 minutes due to the severity of her condition and had to be put on assisted breathing. She told PEOPLE: 'I remember just feeling like my body was shutting down. I had no idea what was happening to me, and neither did the doctors at first.' However two weeks later, doctors misdiagnosed her with Parvovirus - a contagious virus mainly affecting children that can cause facial rashes and a fever. But she continued to remain in immense pain as her symptoms worsened over the next two months and had to return back to the hospital. Eventually, a medical student realized that she was suffering from DReSS syndrome after they had spent a week learning about the disorder. DReSS syndrome is most commonly triggered by antibiotics and can be caused by any form of the anti-bacterial drug. Its symptoms can cause an outbreak of measles-like rashes all over the body, high fever, increase in white blood cells in the blood, swelling in the lymph nodes and injuries to internal organs. The exact mechanisms of how the syndrome is triggered remains unknown but experts believe it is usually due to a combination of genetic factors and the immune system's response to certain drugs. Scientists estimate that one in 10,000 suffer from the condition - out of which one in 10 die. The syndrome is usually treated with a combination of topical steroid treatments and anti-inflammatory medication. After her diagnosis, Dunn told the magazine: 'When they finally told me it was DReSS syndrome, I had never heard of it before. I had no idea an antibiotic for acne could do this to me.' Due to the severity of her condition, she was asked to use steroid treatments for weeks to suppress her immune system and stop the spread of the rashes. Dunn now claims that she has since learned to be extremely cautious with medication and does not take any medication without checking with experts. Furthermore, she has also begun efforts to raise awareness about the syndrome and said: 'If my story can help even one person recognize signs early and get the right diagnosis, then it's worth sharing .'
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
This £30 dermatologist-created gel is being called 'magic' for spots - users say it clears blemishes overnight: 'Literally stops the spot from forming'
A £30 spot treatment designed by a Harley Street dermatologist is being credited with reducing spot size and stubborn post-spot marks in as little as 24 hours. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel has quickly become one of the most recommended products for when a spot arises, reducing the size of the spot and the redness. And better still? It also works at fading hyperpigmentation from old blemishes, too. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel, 30ml Designed for blemish-prone skin, this spot gel has been formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as salicylic acid, azelaic acid and bakuchiol. Designed to be used on bare skin or underneath makeup, the gel formula targets blemishes in a matter of hours, reducing redness, dead skin cells, and boosting hydration. £30 Shop Created by Harley Street dermatologist, Dr Sam Bunting, the Flawless Neutralising Gel was designed to soothe nasty breakouts, calming redness and tackling pigmentation. And it's racking up the five-star reviews. A brand bestseller, the azelaic acid and salicylic acid formulated gel has been recommended over and over in the comments, with users swearing how it 'literally stops the spot from forming'. 'I get occasional hormonal acne and this gel has nipped spots in the bud overnight', raved one - and at £30, it's kind to your wallet too. The £30 Flawless Neutralising Gel is comprised of 5 per cent azelaic acid, a key ingredient that visibly tackles pigmentation and redness as well as clearing clogged pores. The skin-friendly acid has been widely researched, touted for helping target visible skin imperfections like post-blemish marks and dull skin tone. And for a user-friendly form, the Flawless Neutralising Gel is a great way to harness the benefits. Better still, it also includes two per cent Salicylic Acid that gently exfoliates and unclogs pores to prevent breakouts and 0.5 per cent Bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that supports cell turnover without irritation. Dr Sam Bunting has also expressed that while it can be used as a spot treatment on an angry blemish, it can also be used as an all-over serum to help prevent them. Additionally, it can be applied to areas prone to breakouts, such as the chin or cheeks, helping keep spots at bay. ' Dr. Sam's Neutralizing Gel is pure magic!' wrote one impressed user. 'It clears my pimples in just a day even those deep, under-the-skin ones that usually take forever to surface. This stuff stops them before they even get the chance.' Blemish-prone shoppers and those who are prone to breakouts before their period or at times of stress, have found the Flawless Neutralising Gel on your break-out zones helpful. Dr Sam Bunting Skincare tips The Flawless Neutralising Gel works for both occasional breakouts and hormonal acne. It also helps with post-blemish marks. Ingredients like azelaic acid and bakuchiol work to fade pigmentation, even out skin tone, and calm redness, making it effective for treating spots as well as the marks they leave behind. It's important to apply a broad-spectrum SPF after using the Neutralising Gel during the day Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes to prevent scarring and inflammation. Dr Sam Bunting told MailOnline: 'The Flawless Neutralising Gel works for both occasional breakouts and hormonal acne. For hormonal acne, it's most effective when used consistently on problem areas like the chin or jawline to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts.' 'This neutraliser is heaven sent,' penned one shopper. 'It is by far the best thing I have ever used to keep my problematic skin at bay. Definitely will always be in my bathroom.' Another agreed adding: 'Just WOW! Magic .. completely got rid of every red blemish or spot.. 58 years old.. menopausal type rosacea or red pimples on my nose and cheeks.. ALL GONE after 2 to 3 uses.'
