Is Your Acne Heating Up This Summer?

Why is Acne Worse for Some in Warm Weather, But Not for Others?

There isn’t one definitive explanation for what causes acne. It has been linked to hormone fluctuation, genetics, diet and age, but there might be another culprit to consider for those individuals who experience acne flares in the summer. Julie Harper, MD, a Birmingham, Alabama dermatologist, says, “I practice in the deep south where heat and humidity define the summer months. I have certainly observed anecdotally, that some acne sufferers do flare in the summer. The exact cause of this flare is unknown, but staying consistent with good skin care and your acne treatment regimen will help keep these flares to a minimum.”

A study that examined factors that are most prevalent in the warmer months surmised that several elements may be triggers for summer acne. The study pointed to temperature, humidity and sweat as likely suspects. The study postulated that an increase in temperature could elevate sebum (oil) production in the pores, leading to an increase in acne flares.

A good way to keep oil from building up in the pores, if you’re acne-prone, is to speak with your dermatologist about using a topical acne medication called tretinoin. Considered by many dermatologists to be a gold standard in acne treatment, tretinoin has been challenging for some people because it can be irritating. For the first time however, tretinoin is available in a lotion, which some patients may find to be more tolerable. In clinical studies, 4% or fewer patients reported side effects such as irritation, dryness and peeling. Altreno® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05% from Ortho Dermatologics, is a treatment for acne, including for adults for whom acne can be a persistent condition. Altreno® Lotion is the first and only tretinoin lotion, designed with women in mind, providing efficacy and tolerability with a once-daily dosing regimen. Its elegant lotion formulation helps women achieve beautiful skin by working to treat their acne. Key Takeaway: Ask your dermatologist about Altreno® Lotion to help keep breakouts to a minimum.

Altreno® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%

• Delivered in an elegant lotion vehicle that spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin
• 4% or fewer patients reported adverse effects in clinical trials; for patients who have adverse events, it’s important to discuss with their doctor.
• Formulated with ingredients such as soluble collagen, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate that are known to hydrate the skin
• Has the established efficacy of a tretinoin
• Suitable across skin types
• Can be used day or night, once daily application
• A cash pay product
• From the makers of Retin-A – Ortho Dermatologics

If you live in a humid area of the country, you may see more acne flares as well.  The study showed a correlation between humidity and sweating. Since no one wants to limit their enjoyment of being outdoors in the summer, Dr. Harper advises: “Use gentle cleansers and warm water to wash your face two times a day and more frequently if you are sweating or feeling greasy. Use breathable, non-comedogenic cosmetics and don’t skip the sunscreen. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that is non-comedogenic and use it daily. Also, stay consistent with your acne treatment regimen. Summer is not the time to cut back on your treatment.  Stay consistent to stay clear in the heat and humidity of summer.”

Altreno® (tretinoin) lotion, 0.05% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

It is not known if ALTRENO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age. ALTRENO is for use on the skin only. Do not use it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTRENO?

Before you use ALTRENO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

–  are allergic to fish. ALTRENO contains fish proteins. Tell your healthcare provider if you get hives or itching during treatment with ALTRENO.

–  have eczema or any other skin problems.

–  have a sunburn.

–  are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ALTRENO will harm your unborn baby.

–  are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ALTRENO passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines, vitamins, or supplements may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Tell your healthcare provider about any cosmetics you use, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, or products that can dry out your skin.

What should I avoid while using ALTRENO?

·    You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ALTRENO.

·    Minimize exposure to sunlight. If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.

What are the possible side effects of ALTRENO? ALTRENO may cause serious side effects, including:

Skin Irritation: ALTRENO may cause irritation, including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or

peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop using ALTRENO for a while, decrease how often you use it, or stop it altogether. Avoid applying ALTRENO to skin that is affected by eczema or sunburned.

·    These are not all the possible side effects of ALTRENO.

·    Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.

About Ortho Dermatologics:

Ortho Dermatologics is one of the largest prescription dermatology businesses dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas including actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis, cold sores, athlete’s foot, nail fungus and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio includes several leading acne, antifungal and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses products. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com.