(BPT) - For many teens, hitting the books and snapping tons of school spirit-filled selfies is second nature, meaning you can’t wait a minute longer to get your skin healthy and clearer. Unfortunately, the changing seasons and cooler temperatures could also mean less than perfect skin. So if you’re affected by acne like 85% of the population between the ages of 12 and 24 are,¹ listen up.

“Many patients are satisfied and experience clearer skin with over-the-counter acne treatments, but others fall into the habit of heading back to the drugstore aisles to buy more acne treatment products when they don’t see results,” said Dr. Dendy Engelman, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist and Galderma consultant. “We need to redirect the patient pathway for those not experiencing clearer skin within two weeks by expediting the conversion from over-the-counter to prescription treatment.”

A national survey* of more than 1,000 teens and young adults revealed many struggle emotionally with breakouts, yet treat it reactively with dire hopes for effective results without ever visiting a physician. To help those with acne get more control over their breakouts, Dr. Dendy Engelman provides tips to banishing pimples this fall:

• Be Proactive and Develop a Skincare Regimen. More than half (56%) of teen and young adult acne sufferers are more apt to treat their acne with over-the-counter products reactively after they have started to experience breakouts.² It’s important to develop a skincare regimen that supports total skin health and helps to address breakouts before they begin, especially since many acne sufferers struggle with the emotional impacts. In fact, while experiencing acne, 69% of teens and young adults have taken less pictures of themselves; many also avoid mirrors (40%), spend more time in their rooms (36%) and stay off social media (25%).² Specifically those with more severe acne have stayed off social media (46%) compared to mild/moderate sufferers (23%).³
• Visit a Physician! Most (81%) teens and young adults are concerned about being able to find effective over-the-counter treatment options.² In fact, almost all (94%) would make sacrifices if it meant they’d never have acne again, including giving up Snapchat (57%) or Instagram (51%) for six months.² On average, results after using an over-the-counter treatment are expected within three days; and 28% who are unsatisfied with results move on to another over-the-counter option after a few weeks.² For those experiencing more severe acne than usual, almost a third (31%) would be most likely to try an over-the-counter treatment – fewer would prioritize a visit to a physician for a prescription (18%) or advice (16%).² It’s important to recognize that if you haven’t experienced improvement within two weeks after using an over-the-counter treatment, it’s time to visit your physician to discuss prescription treatment options.
• What are Some Safe and Effective Prescription Treatment Options? Based on the survey results of more than 1,000 teens and young adults, physicians, including dermatologists and primary care physicians, are rarely consulted for acne-related issues. More than 75% of teens and young adults report that they visit dermatologists less often than once a year, if ever.² In fact, 44% of teens and young adults don’t know a primary care physician is able to provide them with a prescription for acne treatment.² Acne sufferers don’t need to hide from cameras, mirrors and social media – there are safe and effective prescription treatment options, including those from Galderma:
  • Epiduo^® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% that combines two antibiotic-free medicines in one gel. Epiduo Forte Gel is the first combination of these strengths of the retinoid, adapalene, and benzoyl peroxide, proven to help control moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
  • Epiduo^® (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.1%/2.5% is the #1 prescribed branded topical acne agent in the world⁴, using two antibiotic-free medicines for the treatment of acne. Epiduo Gel works to help treat current breakouts quickly and prevent future pimples from forming for those who have mild to moderate acne.

If you experience breakouts and suspect you may have acne, take action today, and visit your physician to discuss a healthy skincare regimen to support total skin health that’s right for you, which may include prescription treatment. For more information, please visit www.epiduoforte.com and www.epiduo.com.

Important Safety Information

Indication: Epiduo® Forte (adapalene and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 0.3%/2.5% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris. Adverse Events: In the pivotal study, the most commonly reported adverse reactions (=1%) in patients treated with Epiduo Forte Gel were skin irritation, eczema, atopic dermatitis and skin burning sensation. Warnings/Precautions: Patients using Epiduo Forte Gel should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps and wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of Epiduo Forte Gel and may necessitate discontinuation. When applying Epiduo Forte Gel, care should be taken to avoid the eyes, lips and mucous membranes.

Important Safety Information

Indication: EPIDUO® Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. Adverse Events: In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (=1%) in patients treated with EPIDUO® Gel were dry skin, contact dermatitis, application site burning, application site irritation and skin irritation. Warnings/Precautions: Patients taking EPIDUO® Gel should avoid exposure to sunlight and sunlamps and wear sunscreen when sun exposure cannot be avoided. Erythema, scaling, dryness, stinging/ burning, irritant and allergic contact dermatitis may occur with use of EPIDUO^® Gel and may necessitate discontinuation.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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*The online survey, fielded in May 2015 among 1,000+ teens and young adults 13-22 years of age who have had acne and tried at least one OTC acne treatment, was developed by Galderma Laboratories, L.P. with Kelton, using an email invitation.

References

1. American Academy of Dermatology. Acne Facts. Accessed October 28, 2015. Available at http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/acne.
2. Kelton Global Research. Epiduo Break the Cycle Survey: NewsWorthy Analysis. June 2015.
3. Kelton Global Research. Epiduo Break the Cycle Survey: Breakout Report. June 2015.
4. Galderma Internal calculation, IMS MIDAS, Prescription Bound, MAT Q4 2014, in units & in value (LCD MNF)