Is there a connection between skin care and mental health? It might sound like a long shot but according to new research, some acne medication comes with warning labels about psychiatric effects. With a number of suicides related to the use of certain skin care products, what should we look out for in regards to products that threaten our mental health?
Acne Medication Risk
One of the most popular brands for skin care help, Accutane, known as a
powerful drug used in the treatment of acne comes with many side effects. Accutane is labeled to be a cause of depression, psychosis and, rarely, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, suicide, and aggressive and/or violent behaviors. Doctors warn that if a patient develops depression, mood disturbance, psychosis, or aggression patients of the drug should stop use immediately. When broken down further it seems that Isotretinoin the chemical compound of the drug has been found to cause the same effects of depression and can cause serious birth defects for pregnant women. All of these drugs fall under the category of a retinoid, which have been used for a few decades now. Is there a common link that we are just now discovering?
Retonoid Study
Retinoids most commonly used for skin treatments such as acne, wrinkles, and unclogging pores has been in use since 1943. In a study done on the association between affective disorders and retinoids, a number of cases reported a link between vitamin A toxicity and depression, lethargy, mood lability, and psychosis. This toxicity associated with vitamin A has been proven to lead to the development of aggression personality change and depression. With these findings is using these acne drugs worth the risk?
Acne Solutions
If you are wanting to avoid all those pesky side effects try these tips in order to avoid acne breakouts. One tip is to keep your face clean and avoid touching it with your hands. Avoiding scrubbing your skin harshly and to always add moisturizer to help your skin health. Some creams that you might use can cause acne to sprout so look for moisturizers labeled noncomedogenic. Your diet can also be causing skin irritations and foods that are greasy or considered junk food.
Instead, mix it up with fruits and vegetables and try to avoid sugar as much as you can. Exercising can help open up your pores and is always a good idea for your skin. Be sure to avoid equipment that can cause irritation. Finally, stop stressing so much! Stress is linked to breakouts! By chilling out you won’t have to worry about how you look in stressful situations.
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