Latest news with #acne
Medscape
16 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
OCs for Acne: Study Analyzes Information on TikTok
SEATTLE — Discussions about acne and acne treatments are popular on social media, especially on TikTok. But as with much of the health information found on the internet and social media in particular, accuracy can vary considerably, depending on its source. A study presented in a poster session at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) 2025 Annual Meeting looked at how social media may influence young women and their families, with regards to acne treatment with oral contraceptives (OCs). The researchers found that most TikTok content on this topic is not created by healthcare professionals (HCPs), although the videos created by HCPs and non-HCPs had similar levels of engagement among viewers. But what stood out in the non-HCP videos were frequent discussions about acne flare-ups when OCs were discontinued, or 'post-pill acne.' 'We were exploring how young adults and adolescents are using TikTok and other social media for health driven information,' said the study's first author Hong-An Nguyen, third-year medical student at the University of California, San Diego. 'We decided to look at oral contraceptives that are widely prescribed for acne and what was being said about side effects.' Nguyen told Medscape Medical News that they were particularly interested in seeing the difference in perspective between medical providers and non-providers. 'We didn't find much of a difference except for the topic of post-pill acne, and we further explored that due to its frequent mention across videos,' she said. 'There's limited clinical recognition of that being an issue when you look in the [medical] literature, but it was a big concern on social media.' In 2024, TikTok reported 170 million monthly active users in the US, with the majority being young women. Many teens receive health information — both actively and passively — on this platform. However, concerns have emerged that exaggerated claims about side effects may be discouraging the use of OCs and could influence decision-making in teens with acne. Nguyen and colleagues noted that even though OCs are a common treatment for acne, it is unclear how their use is portrayed on TikTok. To better understand the influence of social media on decision making, they analyzed TikTok videos referencing both acne and OCs. Popularity of Post-Pill Acne Discussions Using two newly created TikTok accounts, they identified 147 unique videos: 17 were created by self-identified HCPs (including six dermatologists and two OB-GYNs), three physician associates, four nurses, and two pharmacists, and 130 were created by non-HCPs. Videos were analyzed for user engagement (views, likes, and comments) and perceptions of OC use, categorized as positive (emphasized perceived benefits or success stories), negative (emphasized side effects or adverse experiences over potential benefits), or neutral (presented information or personal experiences without expressing a clearly favorable or unfavorable stance). Views per video ranged from 1109 to 7.6 million (mean 346,335), with an average of 13,191 'likes,' and comments ranging from 0 to 3958 (mean 171). Less than 10% of HCP videos mentioned 'post-pill acne' compared with nearly 60% of non-HCP videos — a significant difference ( P < .001). Overall, 60% of videos expressed negative perceptions of hormonal therapy for acne, while 16% were positive, and 24% had neutral content. Referring to their findings, Nguyen commented, 'as providers, we need to see what the perceptions are on social media and what people are concerned with before they come to our office.' Approached for an independent comment by Medscape Medical News , Luke Johnson, MD, associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, noted that 'it is worth knowing that some of our patients are looking to social media for healthcare and skincare advice.' In addition, he said, 'I am concerned about the amount of misinformation — intentional or not — that's out there. and I am concerned by the fact that most people don't seem to care much about the source of their information.' One benefit of social media is that it could potentially bring previously unknown issues associated with a treatment to the attention of healthcare providers, Johnson, who is also co-host of the dermatology podcast Dermasphere, pointed out. 'We know that many types of oral contraceptive pills can improve acne, so it makes sense that acne could appear when someone stops one of these medicines,' he added. The study was independently supported. Nguyen reported having no relevant financial relationships. Johnson reported having no disclosures.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Stop using hot water and you need to BIN your flannel – as skin expert warns we're all washing our face WRONG
A SKINCARE expert has revealed the two big mistakes many of us are making when washing our face. So if you want a glowing complexion that's sure to get loads of compliments, then you've come to the right place and will need to listen up. 4 4 4 4 Georgia Rigby, a midwife who is now a Skin Clinician and founder of Afterglow Skin Clinic, a luxury clinic based in Rochdale, explained that washing your face with hot water is the first mistake lots of us are making. Not only this, but the skincare guru, who specialises in acne and anti-ageing, also advised beauty fans to bin their flannels for good. So if you want to ensure that you're washing your face and looking after your skin correctly, it's time to take notes. Posting on social media, the aesthetician warned that many people 'forget the actual basics of skincare.' When it comes to washing your face and removing cleanser, Georgia shared her step-by-step advice, leaving many totally stunned. She explained: 'Yes, this can seem quite easy to some, but some people are still using the flannels and the hand towels that the kids are using to wipe the hands after they've been to the toilet, and that's just not a vibe anymore - we're not gonna do that.' Instead, she advised: 'To remove our cleanser, we're gonna splash our face with cold water, not extremely hot water, and then we're gonna pat our face to dry with a disposable facial towel. 'There's actually two ways that you could do it - so you could either do it that way, or you could get a disposable facial towel, wet it through and then take it off with a wet one. 'You could do it either way, but it's just making sure that we're reducing the amount of bacteria that goes back onto the skin.' While Georgia believes using a flannel will spread bacteria, it is advised not to wash your face with hot water as it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a compromised moisture barrier. Skincare whizz urges beauty fans to hit high street store for £2.49 spray that works a treat to stop spots on hot days Using extremely hot water can exacerbate existing skin conditions such as dryness and redness, and can even lead to increased oil production as your skin tries to compensate for the lost moisture. Following this, the blonde beauty recommended: 'If you're still using a facial flannel that's going in the wash - it's getting loads of bacteria from our underwear and our clothes and our skin cells and everything else that's in the washing machine - we're gonna bin them ones and get some disposable facial towels.' Huge game changer. My skin looks a lot more clearer and glowy. Only been using them for a few day TikTok user Georgia claimed that there is 'literally no excuse' to still be using a hand towel or a flannel, as there are numerous disposable facial towel options that are incredibly affordable on TikTok Shop and Amazon. Skincare fans beam Georgia's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 70,100 views, 1,697 likes and 59 comments. Beauty fans were thankful for the expert's advice and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. Biggest skincare trends for 2025 Face The Future's Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025. 1. Exosomes Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they're a gamechanger for targeting ageing. 2. Streamlined Skincare The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we'll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results. 3. Vegan Collagen Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums. 4. The Rise Of AI AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level. 5. Hair Loss Solutions - Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it's no longer just something we're talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health. One person said: 'Oh my god, I'm using the hand towel, that's so gross. 'Going to the shops tomorrow for disposable facial towels following this series, I clearly need it.' Another added: 'Great advice.' A third commented: 'Huge game changer. My skin looks a lot more clearer and glowy. Only been using them for a few days. Thank you.' At the same time, one beauty fan beamed: 'Love this.'
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Acne in People With Skin of Color: Key Considerations
SEATTLE — Management of acne in patients with darker skin types can differ significantly and should account for hair care routines and include earlier consideration of systemic treatment, according to Jenna Lester, MD, director of the Skin of Color Program and associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. 'We tend to think about what skin care products are being used when caring for patients with acne, and it's less common to review their hair products,' Lester said at the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) 2025 Annual Meeting. 'But hair products can play a significant role in contributing to acne among patients with skin of color, particularly those with Afro-textured or tightly coiled hair.' Sebum doesn't easily travel down the hair shaft because of the shape of the hair, and many people of color rely on oils, waxes, and pomades to maintain and style their hair. 'Telling your patients to stop using oil as part of the conversation is not going to be helpful,' Lester said. 'Skin health and hair health can sometimes be at odds with one another, but there are helpful ways to have this conversation.' Shared decision-making is important, and dermatologists should be asking patients what products they use and discussing how exposure can be minimized, she said. 'Rather than advising patients to stop using these culturally important products, clinicians should ask about hair care routines and recommend strategies such as using water-based formulations — often labeled as milk or lotion — or using oil prior to shampoo,' she explained. Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) An important issue in this population is the development of PIH, which is more common and can be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones because of the higher concentration of melanin. It is caused by increased production of pigment, which is subsequently transferred to keratinocytes. PIH can occur after inflammatory acne itself or treatment from cutaneous irritation. PIH can be permanent and is difficult to treat topically. Epidermal hyperpigmentation often responds well to topical interventions, but dermal pigmentation is more resistant. 'Prevention is key here,' Lester said. However, Lester pointed out that the latest acne guidelines, issued in 2024 by the American Academy of Dermatology, do not adequately address PIH. She explained that the guidelines teach a linear progression of treatment, beginning with topicals and then moving to topicals plus antibiotics and progressing to isotretinoin. But the guidelines recommend that isotretinoin should be reserved for cases involving scarring or psychological distress, and do not mention patients of color, who may not have scarring but have hyperpigmentation. For these patients, 'I have a lower threshold for moving to isotretinoin from topicals,' she said. 'We should consider early initiation of isotretinoin in these patients and think about PIH as a scarring equivalent.' Disparities and Bullying Lester also pointed to disparities in acne care. A 2020 study published in JAMA Dermatology found that although Black patients with acne were more likely to be seen by a dermatologist than White patients and had a similar number of visits for acne, they generally received fewer prescriptions for acne medications. 'This is data from dermatologists prescribing these medications,' she said. 'While I think it's important to highlight this, and I have full confidence that everyone is trying to do their best, the best way to begin addressing the issue is to first recognize it.' PIH needs to be treated as aggressively as acne, and she emphasized that PIH is often more concerning to patients than acne itself. 'My last pearl is to screen for bullying,' Lester said. 'When reviewing the literature, I was struck by how many studies show that children from racial and ethnic minority groups are at a higher risk of bullying.' She recommended screening patients for bullying by assessing its severity, frequency, and overall impact on the child's health and well-being. 'I think this is an important moment, especially as we get people who treat visible disease and visible differences to assess for this,' Lester said. 'Assessment of severity, frequency, and impact is incredibly important. Clinicians should also collaborate with the patient and parents to encourage communication with school and administrators and bring the primary care physician into the discussion.' Lester reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cosmo Announces Launch of Winlevi(R) for Treatment of Acne in Singapore and Malaysia
Dublin, Ireland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 17, 2025) - Cosmo Pharmaceuticals N.V. (SIX: COPN), a global leader in AI-driven healthcare and specialty pharmaceuticals, is pleased to announce the launch of Winlevi® (clascoterone) cream 1% in Singapore and Malaysia, marking its first entry into Southeast Asia through the partnership with Hyphens Pharma International Limited ('Hyphens Pharma'). Winlevi® is a topical treatment for acne vulgaris in patients aged twelve years and older, marking a significant milestone in the commitment of both companies to providing innovative, patient-focused dermatology solutions. Winlevi® is the first topical acne treatment in over 40 years with a first-in-class mechanism of action. Its active ingredient, clascoterone, is the first commercially available topical androgen receptor inhibitor acting directly in the sebaceous glands with no systemic anti-androgen effects; as such, it can be used safely in both males and females. This approach is believed to help reduce sebum production and intervene early in acne pathogenesis. Two identical Phase III studies demonstrated that clascoterone cream 1%, applied topically twice daily for twelve weeks, was more effective than the application of vehicle cream in achieving the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) of success, reducing non-inflammatory lesion count (NILC) and inflammatory lesion count (ILC) in patients with facial acne vulgaris. Clascoterone cream 1% was found to be generally well tolerated. As part of the agreement signed in December 2022, Hyphens Pharma has in-licensed the product from Cosmo Pharmaceuticals for distribution across ten Southeast Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar), bringing this innovative therapy first to Singapore and Malaysia markets. Registration in other Southeast Asian markets is currently underway, with a progressive rollout planned across the region in due course. This collaboration underscores the dedication of Cosmo and Hyphens Pharma to expanding its dermatology portfolio and addressing the unmet needs of patients with acne vulgaris, a condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide and can cause both physical discomfort and psychological distress. Giovanni Di Napoli, Chief Executive Officer of Cosmo, commented: 'The launch of Winlevi® in Southeast Asia is an important step in our ongoing global expansion and directly supports our 2030 vision of driving sustainable revenue growth through strategic geographic expansion. Together with Hyphens Pharma, we are bringing a truly differentiated dermatology innovation to a rapidly growing market with increasing demand for advanced acne care. This partnership demonstrates tangible progress in executing our long-term growth strategy and underscores our shared commitment to addressing unmet medical needs while delivering meaningful impact for patients across Asia.' Lim See Wah (林世华), Executive Chairman and CEO of Hyphens Pharma, added: 'We're proud to be the first to introduce Winlevi® to Southeast Asia. Acne affects millions in the region, yet for decades, patients have had limited treatment options. This launch marks a significant advancement in acne care, our dermatology portfolio and partnership with Cosmo. We appreciate their trust in us to bring this transformative treatment to the region. Acne isn't just skin-deep – it can impact psychosocial well-being. By expanding access to Winlevi®, we aim to support doctors in their practice and empower patients to manage acne with greater confidence, improving their quality of life.' Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions, impacting more than 90% of the world's population at some point in their lives. It can have both physical and emotional consequences, affecting individuals' self-esteem and mental health. About Hyphens Pharma International Limited Hyphens Pharma International Limited and its subsidiaries (the "Group") is Singapore's leading specialty pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare group, leveraging its diverse footprint in ASEAN countries. The Group has a direct presence in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and is supplemented by a marketing and distribution network covering 15 other markets – Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong S.A.R., Macau S.A.R., Myanmar, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The Group is headquartered in Singapore, where its strategic planning, finance, regulatory affairs, research and development, legal, business development and logistics operations are based. The Group's core business comprises the following segments: Specialty Pharma Principals, Proprietary Brands, and Medical Hypermart & Digital. Besides marketing and selling a range of specialty pharmaceutical products in selected ASEAN countries through exclusive distributorship or licensing and supply agreements with brand principals mainly from Europe and the United States, the Group also develops, markets and sells its own proprietary range of dermatological products and health supplement products. In addition, the Group operates a medical hypermart for healthcare professionals, healthcare institutions and retail pharmacies, to supply pharmaceutical products and medical supplies and an online pharmacy for doctors to prescribe and have medications delivered to their patients' homes. For more information, visit About Cosmo Cosmo is a life sciences company focused on MedTech AI, dermatology, gastrointestinal diseases, and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO). We design, develop, and manufacture advanced solutions that address critical medical needs and raise the standard of care. Our technologies are trusted by leading global pharmaceutical and MedTech companies and reach patients and healthcare providers around the world. Guided by our purpose - Building Health Confidence - our mission is to empower patients, healthcare professionals, and partners by innovating at the intersection of science and technology. Founded in 1997, Cosmo is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with offices in San Diego (USA), and in Lainate, Rome, and Catania (Italy). For more information, visit Financial calendar Half-Year 2025 Results and Report H.C. Wainwright 27th Annual Global Investment Conference, New York City, USA Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference, London, United Kingdom ODDO BHF Forum, Lyon, France July 23, 2025 September 8-10, 2025 November 17-20, 2025 January 8-9, 2026 For further information, please contact: Attachments PDF - English To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
ABC News
09-07-2025
- Health
- ABC News
How often should you check in with your doctor about your contraceptive pill?
Stephanie Jenkins was 18 years old when she was prescribed a hormonal contraception tablet to help her with acne. The now-32-year-old from Kabi Kabi land on the Sunshine Coast took the same medication for a decade before she started experiencing debilitating migraines. "They were aura migraines, so disturbances in vision, light sensitivity, I couldn't see out of my right eye properly," she says. After having her symptoms dismissed by a GP, Stephanie saw another doctor through an online prescription renewal service. "As soon as I told her all of the symptoms and how often it had been occurring … she just point blank said, 'you immediately need to cease [the pill you are on]'," she says. The doctor told Stephanie the migraines were an indicator of an 'oestrogen overload', a side-effect of the pill which heightens the risk of stroke. "I didn't even know it was because of the pill, I just thought it was related to my period. "You just get put on it, you take it … set and forget." Dr Phoebe Holdenson Kimura says generally, GP's should conduct a yearly review for repeat prescriptions. The lecturer at the University of Sydney's General Practice Clinical School says the key message is that taking hormonal contraception should not be "a set-and-forget process". "Finding out when it was started, what it was started for is important," Dr Holdenson Kimura says. "So, recognising many women take the combined contraceptive pill for contraception, but it also can be used for acne as well as for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods. She says doctors should also be checking risk factors with patients, including if they have had lifestyle changes or had medical issues such as migraines, deep vein thrombosis, a pulmonary embolism, high blood pressure, or have liver disease. Dr Eveline Mu is a research fellow at Monash University's HER Centre in Naarm/Melbourne and says there needs to be greater awareness at GP-patient consultations of the risks of depressive disorders. She has been studying the neurological impacts of hormonal contraceptive medication on women's moods. "We've found that there are certain types of common hormone contraception that will be worse for women who are susceptible to mood disorders or who have mood disorders," Dr Mu says. "Fluctuation or any differences in the oestrogen level can impact a lot of other neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine which are linked to mood and involved in emotion processing as well." Dr Pav Nanayakkara, a minimally invasive gynaecological surgeon from Jean Hailes for Women's Health, says along with a yearly consult there are other life milestones that should prompt a contraceptive medication check-in. "Any sort of significant life change — so pregnancy, around the time of perimenopause, any diagnosed medical conditions, any lifestyle changes," she says. "Because lifestyle factors can change as we age, we might have different requirements, or we might develop medical conditions." Research conducted by the Jean Hailes for Women's Health shows that just over half of the 3,537 women it surveyed last year, aged 18 to 50 years, didn't know about the full range of contraceptive medications available to them. "This finding was even more significant in the 40-to-50-year age group," Dr Nanayakkara says. "[These women] are then often giving advice to their daughters and may not necessarily know about all of the options." Stephanie says her mother took the pill, so it seemed like the right thing to do at the time. "It was the only thing that was offered to me as an acne treatment which seems wild to me because now I'm more educated," she says. Stephanie says she now tracks her menstrual cycle and uses other contraceptive methods. Dr Holdenson Kimura says it is also important to get advice from your doctor and not social media. "I'm having a lot more women coming in saying 'I want to talk about going off the pill' or, 'I've made the decision to go off the pill because I'm curious to know what it feels like'," she says. "I think that's fine … but equally it is important to be having those conversations [with their GP] about what to consider. "Especially if the pill's been managing heavy periods or painful periods and women want to come off it then we really need to look at what are the other options to help you with that." This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
