Could acne sufferers benefit from the South Beach Diet? They might if the data from a recent University of Miami survey holds merit.

Using a web survey, medical researchers found that a low carbohydrate diet may help improve skin condition in people with acne. Within three months of starting the South Beach Diet, more than 80% of survey respondents reported improvement in their complexion. More than 90% of respondents taking acne medication said they lowered the dose of medication or the amount of acne treatment after starting the diet.

The survey findings were not part of a controlled clinical study and are still preliminary until published in peer-reviewed journal. However, they may begin to provide some evidence to counter long-held beliefs of skin care specialists that discount diet as a factor in patients with acne.

The British Association of Dermatologists released new research that indicates smoking is a major contributing factor for adult acne if you are already predisposed to it.  In a study of 1,000 women aged 25 to 50, 42 percent of the smokers had acne, compared to only 10 percent of non-smokers.  “Dermatologists have long associated smoking with premature ageing of the skin, wrinkles and a leathery complexion,” said Dr. Colin Holden, president of the British Association of Dermatologists. “However, scientists are now increasingly linking the habit with acne.”

Texas-based Galderma Laboratories has developed a once-daily, topical acne treatment that combines the retinoid adapalene with the anti-microbial treatment benzoyl peroxide. The product, called Epiduo, targets three out of the four causes of acne and will simplify acne management, according to the company. In clinical trials, patients who used the gel experienced low side effects, with some showing improvements after just one week. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December 2008 for use in patients 12 and older, Epiduo should be available soon by prescription.

A new study reports that fractional photothermolysis (FP) for treatment of acne scars compares favorably to traditional ablative lasers while avoiding significant adverse effects. Traditional ablative laser therapies such as carbon dioxide laser resurfacing or dermabrasion have been known to cause side effects such as erythema, pigmentary changes, infections, and additional scarring. However, researchers have used FP technology with impressive results. The study involved patients with moderate-to-severe facial acne scarring.

The Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology Office at Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego is conducting a research study to see whether an investigational drug not approved by the FDA is safe and how well it works to relieve any of the symptoms associated with acne. The study also involves a placebo (a tablet with no active drug in it). Qualified participants must be 12 years or older and have moderate to severe facial acne. Compensation for time and travel will be provided. There is no charge for the study drugs and visits with the dermatologist. For more information, call 858-576-1700, extention 4295.