Acne Remedy: what worked for my acne was the drug-free way (part 1)

There are over 50 million people in America alone who suffer from this image debilitating skin disorder known as acne but I am glad to say, that estimate has lost a count and it is my hope that many more will find success at being excluded from that list.

I suffered from acne for over a decade of my life and this lingered way into adulthood, thus it wasn’t just a “puberty thing”. Imagine not being able to look in the mirror with ease, having to look down when speaking to people, hating to take photos and hang out with friends and family, all because of one crises: Acne.

Well, not anymore, I’ve been successful at getting rid of my pimples with simple methods and the aim of this article is to show acne sufferers how to achieve similar results naturally and in about a week…or less!

Believe me, I tried the famous acne remedy product on TV that I’m sure every and any acne patient has heard of and probably tried to no avail. I even went as far as considering plastic surgery, that’s how desperate I was but as the saying goes: “The best things in life are FREE…even when it comes to an acne remedy.”

Characterized by bumps, excessively oily or dry skin, spots and embarrassing eruptions, acne remains a terrible skin disorder that sadly permits for exploitation from the many marketers and charlatans out to make a fast buck on the expense of the vulnerable.
Even the so called natural approaches of acne treatment aimed at treating acne from within, are unrealistic, impractical and often pricey or are just the same one-dimensional gimmick cures disguised as holistic solutions.

That said I will now outline the natural, common sense, and very inexpensive methods for a successful acne remedy naturally.

ACNE REMEDY: INTERNAL MEASURES FOR ACNE TREATMENT

First and foremost, for not just overcoming this skin disorder, but for your all around health, you have to seriously consider making a change in your diet. “You are what you eat.” If your diet consists of only junk and fast foods, you are only wreaking havoc on your entire system of visceral organs ranging from the digestive tract to the excretory organs. That said; make it a point to adhere to eating what has been coined in the drugless fraternity as “the Mucus-Less/Alkaline Diet” which is made up of mostly Organic Seasonal Fruits, Fruit, Root and Leafy vegetables and as needed pure filtered water.

Not only will this simple change in diet make for a clearer and smoother skin, it will also give the added benefit of improved health and overall wellness. A basic format for a suggested diet regimen when using the components listed above will be in the next installment of “Acne Remedy: what worked for my acne was the drug-free way”


Foras Aje is an independent researcher and author of Fitness: Inside and out, a book on improving physical and mental health naturally. For more information on acne treatment visit http://www.bodyhealthsoul.com/acne.htm

With over 50 Million people suffering from acne, it is no wonder a successful treatment of this skin disorder is constantly searched for. It is also why the acne treatment industry is a multi-million dollar industry at the expense of acne sufferers. What if you were to find out the best acne remedy indeed is very inexpensive and drug-free. Well it is.

Acne Treatment Product Information

Recent studies have concluded approximately 90% of all teenagers, 50% of all adult women and 25% of all adults had suffered from acne, either as a chronic skin disease or at some point in their lives. Although there's no universal cure, acne is definitely easier to treat now than it used to be. However, finding the right acne treatment product is still a mystery for many of the sufferers.

Despite all the scientific knowledge today, people still think that acne is caused by particular things we do. Actually, it is mostly a combination of factors underneath our skin that lead to acne. The good news that there are acne treatment products that can eliminate it completely in about 95% of all cases.

Your skin has many wonderful features that help it recover completely even from serious acne if treated properly:

* It is self healing.
* It is very elastic.
* It registers and remembers sensations very precisely.
* It is very resilient.
* It is self-cleaning and hardly ever suffers any serious infection.
* It lets in some elements and protects you from others.
* It holds in the entire amount of liquid that flows through your body.

Salicylic Acid

There's a lot of evidence that salicylic acid is one of the most effective approach on acne problems. It decreases the number of primary acne lesions, as well as the number and severity of all lesions associated with acne. Salicylic acid is safe to use even on dark skin and gives good and fast results.

Glycolic Acid

Among popular alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid is one of the most commonly used. It has similar results with a chemical peel. Even when used in strong concentrations, glycolic acid has only few negative side effects. Long-term day to day use may also have a beneficial effect on acne scars.

Glycolic acid is also effective in increasing skin resistance to ultraviolet light, improving moisture retention, as well as the general skin condition. However, even though it is quite effective and has only minor side effects, it is better to use as part of a more complex skin care system.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is a widely used ingredient in acne treatment products. It used to be very popular in the 1930s, but since then, medical science has come up with new and more effective treatments. However, many dermatologists are still pleading for the benefits of acne treatment products that contain Benzoyl peroxide.

In addition to its antibacterial effect, Benzoyl peroxide apparently has an anti-oxidant action as well. Among its most common side effects is dry and irritated skin.

Many acne treatment products available on the market today use one of the ingredients mentioned above in combination with other ingredients. Some of the most famous and effective products against acne are ProAcrive, ZENMED Derma Cleanse System, Accutane and Benzoyl Peroxide. However, when purchasing an acne treatment product, you have to look through the side effects thoroughly, as some of them may be worse than your acne itself.

Teen and Adolescence Acne

At least 90% of adolescents have acne — it affects teens of every size and shape, in every country from America to Zimbabwe. A recent study by the American Medical Association revealed (not surprisingly) that acne is one of today’s teenagers’ biggest worries. “Acne can, without question, affect self-esteem,” says Diane Berson, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine. “Some kids have it so severely that they don’t even want to go out of their house. They make excuses for not going to social functions.”1

It seems unfair, doesn’t it? Just when you’re beginning to grow up and get some ideas about exactly who’s behind the face in your mirror, you’re staring at a minefield of bumps and blemishes. It can be downright depressing — but since everyone has acne, you’re supposed to suck it up and suffer through it… right? Wrong! Today we know more about fighting acne than ever before. And the best way to stop acne is to find out why it starts when it does — during adolescence. Get rid of your acne with Proactiv® Solution - GO NOW!

Why does acne strike teens? At the onset of puberty, the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These “male” hormones are a natural part of development for both boys and girls, but boys tend to produce more of them — and therefore tend to have more severe breakouts. Why? Our faces and bodies are covered with tiny hairs, each one fitting snugly into a hair follicle, sometimes called a pore. Deep within each follicle, oil glands are hard at work producing sebum, which travels up the hair and out onto the surface of your skin. Sebum’s job is to form a protective layer between your skin and the world, keeping it soft and smooth.

But when androgens enter the picture, your oil glands go into overdrive. They produce extra oil, which can clump together with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. When this sticky mixture finds its way into your pores, it acts just like a cork in a bottle — trapping oil and bacteria inside. Unfortunately, your oil glands just don’t know when to stop; they keep producing oil, and the follicle becomes swollen. Your body’s natural defense system, white blood cells, rush to the area to clean up the mess. The result? Red, painful bumps. Yucky black spots. Zits. Blackheads. Pimples. Acne. It has nothing to do with what you eat, or how often you wash your face.

How can I strike back against teen acne? The best way to zap zits is to prevent them from showing up in the first place! Following are a few simple practices than can help you minimize your breakouts.

A Tip on Avoiding Teen Acne - Keep it clean. Since teenagers produce more oil, it’s important to wash twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Since your skin does need some sebum in order to stay healthy, don’t be tempted to overwash; your glands could pay you back by producing more oil.

Teen Acne Advice - Skip harsh scrubs. It's okay to exfoliate, but be sure to use a gentle formula with small, smooth grains. Avoid products with almond or apricot shell fragments; they can irritate or even tear your skin and further aggravate your acne.

Avoiding Teen Acne - Say no to alcohol. If you use a toner, avoid products with high concentrations of isopropyl alcohol, or common rubbing alcohol. Alcohol strips the top layer of your skin, causing your glands to produce more oil. The result? Dry, flaky skin — and possibly more blemishes.

Ways to Avoid Teen Acne - Don't squeeze or pick. Squeezing or picking your blemishes with fingernails, pins or anything else can force bacteria deeper into the skin. This can cause greater inflammation and infection, increasing the chances that your pimple will leave a permanent scar. Remember, a zit that’s bugging you today will go away if treated properly; if you pick at it, it may stick around forever.

Being Smart about Teen Acne - Hands off! The bacteria that causes acne, Propionibacterium acnes, hangs out on your skin all the time; it doesn't lead to acne until it gets trapped inside the hair follicle. Touching your face, including rubbing or even resting your chin in your hands, can drive bacteria into your pores — where it can begin its dirtywork.

Dealing with Teen Acne - Choose products wisely. If you wear make-up, be sure it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic — that means it won’t clog your pores and make your breakouts worse. The same goes for your sunscreen and even your hair products; sticky sprays, gels and pomades can aggravate acne, too.

Getting Ahead of Teen Acne - Be smart about sun. If you think tanning helps your acne, you’re right — and wrong. Small amounts of sun exposure may improve acne for a few days. But suntans (and burns) also make you shed your dead skin cells faster, so in the long run, you’ll end up with more clogged pores. And that means more acne. Another thing you should know: some kinds of acne medication make skin more sensitive to the sun. So if you’re headed outside in sunny weather, be sure to slather up with sunscreen. Look for sun protection products that are oil-free and have a “sun protection factor” (or SPF) of at least 15 for both UVA and UVB rays.

Avoiding Teen Acne - Accessorize wisely. Heat and friction (rubbing) can cause acne flare-ups. So steer clear of hats and headbands — and if your sports team requires you to wear a helmet or any other equipment that might rub against your skin, try lining it with a layer of clean, soft cotton. And remember to shower immediately after exercising — don’t sit around in a sweaty uniform, no matter how cool you look.

Teen Acne Treatment - Find a regimen and stick with it. Most cases of mild acne can be improved with "over-the-counter" products, or products that don't require a prescription from your doctor. There is a wide range of treatments available, and there’s a good chance one of them will work for you. If you start treatment before your acne gets severe, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding physical and emotional problems down the road. But if your acne gets worse or lasts more than a couple of weeks, see a dermatologist. Here's a quick listing of the most common products used to treat acne — click on the links that interest you for more information on that course of treatment.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills the bacteria that causes acne.

• Proactiv® Solution: A dermatologist formulated Combination Therapy® acne management system. Click Here and receive 2 free bonuses when you try Proactiv® Solution Risk-Free for 60 Days!

• Salicylic Acid: Unclogs your pores and encourages skin renewal.

• Tretinoin (Retin-A®): Promotes healthy sloughing.

• Antibiotics: Kill bacteria and reduces inflammation.

• Oral Contraceptives: Help regulate hormone levels.

• Anti-Androgens: Inhibit the body's production of acne-causing hormones.

• Isotretinoin (Accutane®): Treatment for severe cystic or nodular acne.

Relax — it’s not your fault. The most important thing to remember about acne is that it’s not your fault. You didn’t make your face break out by eating too many french fries, wearing make-up or daydreaming about your crush. Now you know a few of the things that can aggravate acne in teenagers. But since acne is different for everyone, you should watch your own skin carefully for things that trigger breakouts — and avoid them. If your acne still hangs around, see a doctor.

Combat Acne With Effective Acne Treatment And Acne Products

"Oh no, is that a pimple on my face? Icky, it is so gross! Oh I cannot face anyone ever again -- I look hideous!"

Many teenagers around the world probably share this sentiment as they discover with horror their first pimple on their freshly scrubbed face. As teenagers enter into puberty, they are faced with new and exciting discoveries and challenges. Puberty though is also fraught with frustrations and changes, including physical changes in their bodies that often leave the teenagers with less than desirable pimples on the face.

Acne commonly occurs during the adolescence period. It is often caused by excessive secretion of oil from the glands. The typical acne lesions that appear on the face and body are comedones, papules, pustules and pimples.

Aside from the physical scar that acne leaves on your skin, it also inflicts an emotional toll, negatively affecting teenagers' self-esteem and confidence. For some, acne can become so severe that they shun social contact, leading to social insecurity and sometimes even depression.

With the advanced acne treatments and acne products available today, acne need no longer have such a crippling impact on the sufferers' life. Once the outward symptom of acne first becomes apparent, that is, inflammation and lesion on the skin, it is important that you treat it right away so as to slow down or stop further inflammation.

It is a good idea to pay the dermatologist a visit and to have the doctor recommend the best acne treatment for you. The treatment recommended will vary on skin type and also your age.

Acne can be treated much more effectively if it is treated along with acne products, be they over the counter or prescribed. There are numerous acne products sold over the counter currently for the prevention and treatment of acne, with many of these products scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne.

In severe cases, it is best that you consult the dermatologist for advice and get a prescription for stronger acne products. These acne treatments and products require a higher degree of monitoring, as they tend to have more side effects.

The acne product recommended depends on the type and severity of the acne. There are acne ointments and acne creams containing benzyl peroxide to treat both mild and moderate acne. For more serious acne, there are topical antibiotics that kill the bacteria in the blocked follicles. For even more serious cases, oral antibiotics are effective. And for extremely severe cases, laser surgery can cut the root of the acne.

Aside from treating acne with products, a proper diet is also very important. Teens should avoid eating foods that are too oily, too spicy or too acidic.

So with all these acne treatment options available, you can rest assured that acne will never be an ugly and permanent fixture on your face. When acne rears its ugly head, do not let it ruin your life. With the right acne treatment and right acne products you can get rid of acne for good!

Acne Program - Step 9 Protein and 0ther Food to Eat

Eating the right kind of food is what can give you a strong immune system and help you prevent sickness and all kinds of skin blemishes including acne.

Here are some of the foods that can help you overcome the acne on your face or throughout your body.

Protein

Eating excess meat is harmful to your health. Eating too much meat, more than 2-4 ounces per day, has been found to contribute to narrowing of the arteries.

If you do physical labor and are involved in a lot of movement in your work, then you should eat more than 2-4 ounces of protein per day. Just make sure that the meat has a minimum of additives and preservatives.

Remember, meat is high in saturated fat, which blocks the activity of EPA and DHA, which produce prostaglandin and control the activity of your hormones.

Meat and bread is a big contributor to creating constipation. Meat is difficult to digest and many times it will get into the colon partial digested. This condition benefits the bad bacteria and allows them to dominate the colon and create constipation.

Because meat and bread have little fiber, they move slowly in the colon, which leads to constipation and eventually to some type of colon inflammation.

Bad bacteria, decaying meat and other undigested food contribute to the build up of toxic matter in the colon. This is the type of condition you should try to avoid, if you have acne. You need fecal matter in the colon to move regularly and out the rectum, otherwise, toxic matter will build up and end up in your blood stream

Here are the grains you should be eating:

* Brown rice – contain many amino acids that help rebuild skin tissue

* Whole grains – contain folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals, and fiber

* Oats – use them in the morning with honey or raisins. Oats have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and help to keep you regular.

Seeds and nuts

* Almonds - Almonds contain protein, the B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Use them as a snack. These small nuts help to build muscles and tissue.

* Flax seeds – These seeds are known for containing plenty of omega 3 oil, an essential oil for life. They also contain fiber when used ground up and put into smoothies. Omega 3 is also an anti-inflammatory oil, which is good for acne.

* Pecans – This is one of the good nuts to eat. It contains Vitamin A, B’s, C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Use them as a snack.

* Pine nuts – these nuts also one of the best to eat. They contain vitamin A, C, B’s, protein and iron.

* Sesame seeds – They are high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. They are helpful in relieving various skin diseases such as acne by reducing the swelling.

* Sunflower seeds – These seeds should be used as a snack. They are high in protein, calcium and vitamin A. They provide nutrients for building the whole body and are good for dry skin.

All of these nuts and seeds should be eaten raw. Heating and other processing will kill the life force of the nut or seed and also reduce the quantity of the vitamins and minerals.

Eat these nuts and seeds as snacks. Sesame seeds, sunflower, and flax seeds can be put directly into your blender as you make your smoothies.

The Physical Effects of Acne

Even after lesions have healed, they can leave behind permanent reminders. While it’s difficult to avoid acne scarring completely, understanding the inner workings of your skin can help you minimize long-term damage.

What causes acne scarring? In the simplest of terms, acne scars are visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. When tissue suffers an injury, the body rushes its “repair team” to the injury site. This specialized team includes white blood cells and an array of inflammatory molecules that work to fight infection and heal damaged tissue. Once the infection is gone, however, the tissue can’t always be restored to its former state.

Who is most susceptible to acne scars? How and why people end up with acne scars is not completely understood. There is considerable variation between individuals, suggesting that some people are simply more prone to acne scarring than others. Acne Scar-susceptible people often find a genetic connection, as well — both the degree to which you scar and the kind of scar you get can "run in the family." There is also considerable variation in the “life history” of individual scars; some people bear acne scars for a lifetime with little change, while others watch their scars diminish with time. We do know that scarring occurs most frequently in patients with the most severe forms of inflammatory acne, involving deep nodular lesions.

How can I avoid acne scarring? Because we know so little about what causes one person to scar more easily than the next, the best way to avoid scarring is to prevent acne. It's important to treat the condition early in its course, and for as long as necessary. The more inflammation you can prevent, the less likely you are to scar. In the event that you do get acne lesions, it’s important to treat them with the proper medication rather than squeeze or pick at them. Handling the skin — squeezing with your fingernails, poking pimples with a pin, or whatever — significantly increases damage to surrounding tissue, and thereby increases the chance that the lesion will leave a permanent scar and acne scar treatment will be necessary.

Remember: A pimple that's bothering you today will go away soon if you let it be; if you pick at it, it could stick around forever. If you have a particularly troublesome lesion, see your dermatologist or aesthetician for safe, professional scar treatment or extraction.

Another thing to remember: A healthy body heals faster and more completely, so never underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. If your work or play takes you out in the sun, protect yourself against harmful UVA and UVB rays with oil-free sunscreen; too much sun exposure can make scars stick around longer. Another habit that you know is bad — smoking — depletes your skin's valuable oxygen collagen reserves, causes free radical damage and deposits toxins, making it more vulnerable to aging and acne scarring.

Acne Scar Treatment: Heal acne blemishes and help stop new ones - Click Here to learn more about Proactiv® Solution.

Types of acne scars

First, some good news about the healing process. As an acne blemish heals, the inflamed area flattens, leaving behind a reddish spot. Though it may look like an acne scar, it’s actually a macule — the final stage of an acne lesion. Macules may last for up to six months, but leave no permanent acne scar.

The same holds true for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a darkening of the skin at the site of a healing acne lesion. Most prevalent in African-American, Asian and Latino populations, these spots can last up to 18 months — but may disappear more quickly if you stay out of the sun. Both macules and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation are considered "pseudo-scarring" because they eventually disappear completely.

There are two kinds of true scars left behind by acne: acne scars caused by increased tissue formation, and acne scars caused by tissue loss. The former, called keloid or hypertropic scars, are less common and appear to be hereditary. These are found primarily in African-American, Asian and Latino patients. Keloid scarring occurs when the skin cells respond to injury by producing an excess of collagen, which forms into lumpy fibrous masses most frequently along the jaw line and on the back or chest. These acne scars appear firm and shiny, and may persist for years.

Acne scars caused by tissue loss are much more common, and may take many forms:

Soft acne scars have gentle sloping rolled edges that merge with the surrounding skin. They are usually small, circular or linear in shape, and soft to the touch.

Ice-pick acne scars. Most often found on the cheek, ice-pick scars are usually small but deep, with a jagged edge and steep sides. If they are soft to the touch, they may be improved by stretching the skin; hard ice-pick scars are difficult to treat.

Depressed fibrotic acne scars. Over time, ice-pick scars may evolve into depressed fibrotic scars. These also have sharp edges and steep sides, but are larger and firm at the base.

Atrophic macules, a form of acne scarring most common in Caucasians, are soft with a slightly wrinkled base. Blood vessels just below the surface of the scar may make them appear purplish when they are recent, but this discoloration may fade over time to a pale ivory. Atrophic macules are usually small when they occur on the face, but may be a centimeter or larger elsewhere on the body.

Follicular macular atrophy is more likely to occur on the chest or back of a person with acne. These small, soft white lesions resemble whiteheads that didn’t fully develop; they may persist for months or years.

Can my acne scars be treated?

The short answer is yes - acne scar treatment is available. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and macules can be improved with bleaching agents. Some superficial acne scarring can be treated with topical resurfacing agents, like Retinol, which is available in many over-the-counter forms, as well as in prescription medications such as Retin-A and Renova. Other forms of scarring can be improved with microdermabrasion (a minimum of 6–8 treatments are typically required) or dermatologic surgery. It may not be possible to restore your skin to its pre-acne appearance — but if your scars have a significant effect on your emotional well-being, it’s worth considering. There are a number of different scar treatments available; consult your dermatologist to find out if your particular situation may be improved, and how.

The Stubborn Truth About Acne

Have you ever washed your face more than twice a day to clear up your skin? Do you avoid chocolate and greasy foods in the hopes that when you look in the mirror, you won’t see another blemish? Have you ever drank more water, or avoided or increased your exercise to prevent acne flare-ups? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you’re not alone.

Acne is one of the most common skin disorders affecting nearly 85 percent of all people. While the variety of effective acne treatments continues to grow, so does the number of myths about how to control the condition.

“Although new acne treatments are developed every day, a cure for acne has not yet been discovered. As such, many patients choose to self-treat or experiment with unconventional treatments,” stated by a doctor. “Yet many of these treatments are based on anecdotal observations and have not been rigorously tested by science. The survey indicates that these myths are still affecting how patients care for their acne.”

Myth: Poor Hygiene Worsens Acne

The relationship between face washing and acne has always been greatly misunderstood, with most individuals believing that dirt and poor hygiene contribute to acne. In fact, a recent survey conducted at Stanford University asked participants about what they thought made acne worsen, and the majority, 91 percent, mentioned poor hygiene. “If a patient believes that dirty skin causes acne, they logically conclude that washing their face more often will improve their acne,” said by a doctor. “But dermatologists caution patients against washing too often, as the resulting irritation can exacerbate their acne.”

To determine the scientific validity of this myth, the effects of face washing on acne were recently studied at Stanford University. A group of twenty-four males washed their faces twice a day for two weeks using a mild over-the-counter facial cleanser. Then the participants were randomly selected to wash their faces either once, twice or four times a day for another six weeks. The study found that washing the face either once, twice or four times daily did not significantly change the appearance or condition of acne, and determined that the positive effects of increased facial cleansing are minimal at best. Dermatologists continue to recommend washing the face twice daily to maintain good overall skin health.

Myths: Exercise Can Clear Acne or Exercise Can Worsen Acne

The relationship between acne and exercise continues to show high levels of individual variability. Some believe that exercise and sweating can help clean out the pores, especially on the chest and back; while others note that their skin worsens when they exercise, especially those who use special equipment that rubs against their skin.

In another study conducted at Stanford University of patients with acne, it was determined that exercise-induced sweat does not have a significant positive or negative influence on acne of the chest and back. Twenty-three male participants were assigned to three groups: no exercise, regular exercise
followed by immediate showering and regular exercise followed by delayed showering. The number of acne lesions on the chest and back were counted over a two week period and no difference was noted between the three groups. “Based on the finding of this study, regular exercise can be encouraged for patients with acne,” stated Dr. Boer Kimball. “But they should avoid tight-fitting clothing and equipment. If tight-fitting equipment is required, it should be cleaned on a regular basis.”

Other Acne Myths

While misconceptions about facial hygiene and exercise are still the most commonly recognized acne beliefs, the Stanford survey also found that respondents believed that poor diet and decreased sleep can negatively affect acne. In addition, more than 80 percent of participants believed that increased stress, touching the face and popping pimples exacerbated the condition. Among male and female participants, the only differences noted were that more females believed that increased stress could worsen acne and that drinking more water would improve the quality of their skin. The study also found that some beliefs that were previously popular about acne were no longer viewed as true, including the idea that tanning improves the appearance of acne.

“What this survey and these studies have shown is that substantial differences still exist between popular belief and scientific support, yet this does not change the way patients attempt to care for their acne,” stated by a doctor. “It is important for anyone who is affected by acne to seek the help of a dermatologist who can diagnose and provide treatment options that are specific to the patient’s skin type to effectively address the condition.”

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 14,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.