Health experts say overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rapid spread of MRSA. The public health concern of growing antimicrobial resistance is a prime reason 50% of dermatologists report cutting back on antibiotics to treat acne according to the Galderma Quality Report for Dermatology and Managed Care. Chris Gibson, a holistic health and lifestyle coach and author of the book, "Acne Free in 3 Days," believes antibiotics are a problematic treatment choice for acne. He urges parents to be cautious when seeking an acne regimen that's safe and effective for kids. .

Dermatologists Share Their Secrets for Maintaining Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

When it comes to helping patients detect skin cancer, combat acne and acne scarring, treat hair loss and nail fungus, and find a customized daily skin care regimen to maintain healthy skin, dermatologists – physicians with extensive training and experience in treating skin, hair and nail conditions – are the specialists to whom millions of people of all ages turn for expert care. .

Leading Cosmetic Dermatologist James Fairfield Sorts Out Ordinary Fractionating Lasers from the True FraxelTM Laser, ...

Leading Cosmetic Dermatologist James Fairfield, MD has just released the first of a series of free article on his web site. "FraxelTM -- or just a Fractionating laser? Why it's important to you" is available for immediate download at www.CMDerm.com.

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Nutrients for skin

Green tea: Drink two to four cups of green tea per day. "It has a high content of flavonoid/catechins (which can help to strengthen collagen) and of theanine -- an amino acid associated with relaxation and cortisol control. Too much cortisol can induce disruptions in blood sugar and inflammation," says Shawn M. Talbott, author of "Cortisol Control and the Beauty Connection" (Hunter House, 2007).

Omega-3s: "Healthy omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cell membranes so that they are effective barriers. ... Omega-3s also seem to protect skin against sun damage," says Joy Bauer, author of "Joy Bauer's Food Cures" (Rodale, 2007).

Taking Care Of Your Skin Starts From Within

The old adage "you are what you eat" not only applies to our overall health and nutrition, but how our skin looks and feels as well. As the largest organ in the body, our skin can benefit from the same nutrition we get from foods that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs. In fact, new research suggests that eating foods rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals might provide valuable anti-aging effects.

Speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's Skin Academy (Academy), dermatologist Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York, N.Y., and clinical assistant professor of dermatology and associate faculty of the School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., discussed the importance of eating nutritious foods for optimal skin health and how foods can aggravate common medical skin conditions.

Don't Let Exercise-related Skin Problems Outweigh the Benefits of Physical Activity

The changing of the season brings cooler weather, shorter days and more people heading to health clubs for a healthy dose of indoor exercise. While experts agree that exercise is one of the most beneficial activities a person can do to improve one's overall health, dermatologists want gym goers to be aware of the hidden dangers of exercise – bothersome skin conditions that can be painful and inhibit further physical activity if left untreated. .

Isolagen Initiates Phase III Clinical Program To Investigate Isolagen Therapy(TM) For The Treatment Of Acne Scars

Isolagen(TM), Inc. (Amex: ILE) announces the initiation of a Phase III clinical program to investigate Isolagen Therapy(TM) for the treatment of moderate to severe acne scars. Isolagen also has a pivotal Phase III clinical program underway to evaluate the Isolagen Therapy in treating nasolabial folds, or wrinkles.

"Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from acne which often scars, a condition that can be very distressing and difficult to treat as there are few options currently available," said Nicholas L. Teti, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Isolagen. "We are pleased to be initiating this important clinical development program which we believe will address this largely unmet medical need."

Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Isolagen Therapy in patients with moderate to severe acne scarring on both sides of the face.

Feeling stressed? Your skin and hair can show it

Feeling stressed? Your skin, hair and nails can show it as they're the external indicators.

While everyone knows that stress can take a toll on a person physically and psychologically, researchers in the United States have carried out a study and found that it also can lead to dermatological problems, like acne, brittle nails or even hair loss, the ScienceDaily reported.

"When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body's stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems.

"Stress can aggravate the skin and trigger unexpected flare-ups that, in effect, create more stress for patients," lead researcher Dr Flor A. Mayoral of the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine was quoted as saying.

Skin Care Tips From The Top

When it comes to helping patients detect skin cancer, combat acne and acne scarring, treat hair loss and nail fungus, and find a customized daily skin care regimen to maintain healthy skin, dermatologists -- physicians with extensive training and experience in treating skin, hair and nail conditions -- are the specialists to whom millions of people of all ages turn for expert care. In addition, dermatologists can advise patients looking to improve aging skin on the most appropriate over-the-counter, medical and surgical options available to them.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) Skin Academy, dermatologist Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD, FAAD, chair of the Academy's Council on Communications, discussed the breadth of expertise dermatologists provide and led an open discussion with fellow dermatologists on their top skin, hair and nail tips.