Facial Skin Care

FDA Consumer: Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care: SmoothSailing or Rough Seas? U. S. Food and Drug Administration FDA Consumer March - April 1998; Revised May 1999 Alpha Hydroxy Acids for Skin Care Smooth Sailing or Rough Seas? by Paula Kurtzweil Baby boomers and others who once sought the sun's rays with little thought of skin damage are now paying the price--billions of dollars annually for cosmetics containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Derived from fruit and milk sugars and served up in creams and lotions, AHAs attract customers with their supposed ability to reduce wrinkles, spots, and other signs of aging, sun-damaged skin. Some scientific evidence suggests they may work. But are these products safe? Since 1989, the Food and Drug Administration has received more than 100 reports of adverse reactions in people using AHA products. Their complaints included severe redness, swelling (especially in the area of the eyes), burning, blistering, bleeding, rash, itching, and skin discoloration. FDA believes reactions from AHAs are probably even more widespread. Past experience suggests that for every adverse reaction report the agency receives, the manufacturer receives 50 to 100. "This would translate into approximately 10,000 adverse reactions being received for AHA-containing products," says John Bailey, Ph.D., acting director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors. Also, their relative newness (they've been widely available only since about 1992) means that their long-term effects are unknown. An industry-sponsored study found that people who use AHA products have greater sensitivity to sun, raising the specter of greater risk of photoaging and skin cancer. "There are many unanswered questions in front of us," Bailey says. "AHAs are unlike anything else ever introduced onto the cosmetic market on such a wide scale. They are not your traditional cosmetics." In spring 1997, the National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Science accepted FDA's proposal to study AHA safety. While FDA awaits the results, expected by the year 2000, the agency is cautioning consumers to take extra care with AHA products: for example, avoiding the sun when possible, otherwise using adequate sun protection, and reporting adverse reactions immediately to doctors or FDA directly. "These are very, very popular products," Bailey says. "Very little about the process restricts their sale. And it's a somewhat alarming idea to put acids on the skin. It raises obvious safety questions." AHAs Are Everywhere AHA cosmetics are believed to have derived from the "chemical peels" that dermatologists and plastic surgeons have used for years. The peels, typically trichloroacetic acid, phenol, resorcinol, and salicylic acid, help remove undesirable signs of skin aging, such as discoloration, roughness and wrinkling. The chemicals cause the skin to lose its outer layer, or peel off, revealing a fresher-looking layer of skin. Known as chemical exfoliation, the procedure is done in doctors' offices so that doctors can control the process and prevent deep skin burns from the highly acidic solutions. Cosmetic manufacturers began to market similar but milder versions of these chemical peels containing AHAs for salon and at-home use around 1989. They quickly caught on, and by 1992, mass marketing had begun. Today, says Lisa Berger, a cosmetic sales manager for a Hecht Co. department store in Washington, D.C., "every [cosmetic company] has AHA products. There used to be only three product lines; now there are 20." The AHAs used most often in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid, although there are others, and many are used in combination. Increasingly, says Zoe Draelos, M.D., a dermatologist in High Point, N.C., manufacturers are using poly-AHAs, which have larger molecules, and ingredients such as salicylic acid. According to Draelos, who consults for several large U.S. cosmetic companies, these products may produce less skin irritation. Typically, AHA products sold to consumers have an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less. The concentration of AHA products used by trained cosmetologists may run between 20 and 30 percent, while those used by doctors can range from 50 to 70 percent. Though sold to consumers mainly in face and body creams and lotions, AHAs also can be found to a lesser degree in other cosmetics, such as shampoos and cuticle softeners. Available everywhere, from discount pharmacies to fine department stores, the products typically range in price from a few dollars to as much as $60 a bottle. Product Status Some in the cosmetic industry have suggested that AHA products are more than simple cosmetics, coining the term "cosmeceutical" to describe them instead. Under the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, cosmetics are defined as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Drugs are defined as products intended for treating or preventing disease and affecting the structure or any function of the body. They are subject to premarket review and approval; cosmetics are not. "The term 'cosmeceutical' is not recognized by law," Bailey says. "These products, depending on their intended use, would be regulated either as cosmetics, drugs, or both as cosmetics and drugs." FDA has a particular concern about AHAs because, unlike traditional cosmetics, AHAs seem capable of penetrating the skin barrier. In reviewing the limited data on AHAs, FDA concluded in a 1996 report that certain formulations of AHA products can affect the skin in a manner similar to that of chemical peels--that is, increasing cell turnover rate and decreasing the thickness of the outer skin. The effect depends on the product's pH level (a measure of its acidity), the AHA concentration, and the AHA vehicle cream, as well as how the product is used (for example, frequency of use and where on the skin it is applied). Sun Sensitivity An additional concern arose as FDA prepared its 1996 report on AHA safety: Some people who had reported adverse reactions cited increased sun sensitivity. In addition, one industry-sponsored study found that participants whose skin was exposed to 4 percent glycolic acid twice daily for 12 weeks developed minimal skin redness with 13 percent less ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure than normal. Three participants developed minimal redness with 50 percent less UV exposure than normal. Another study that looked at the effects of glycolic acid on production of sunburn cells (markers for UV-induced skin damage) found that people who received the AHA product in the presence of UV radiation experienced twice the cell damage in areas where the AHA had been applied than those who were treated with the non-AHA product. FDA's concern is that people who are sensitive to sunlight may be particularly susceptible to UV rays, which can damage the skin and, over a long period, can cause skin cancer. In 1997, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel--the cosmetic industry's self-regulatory body for reviewing and addressing safety of cosmetic ingredients--concluded that the AHA's glycolic acid and lactic acid and their related chemical compounds are safe for use in products intended for consumer use when: the AHA concentration is 10 percent or less the final product has a pH of 3.5 or greater (lower numbers indicate greater acidity) the final product is formulated in such a way that it protects the skin from increased sun sensitivity or its package directions tell consumers to use sunscreen products. For AHA products used by trained cosmetologists, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel concluded that formulations of glycolic acid and lactic acid at concentrations of 30 percent or less and a pH of 3.0 or greater intended for only "brief" use at one time followed by thorough rinsing and daily use of sun protection are safe. The panel's conclusions actually serve as guidelines for cosmetic manufacturers, Bailey says. "This means that each manufacturer of an AHA product should conduct appropriate testing on their products to measure whether or not the product increases the sensitivity of the user to UV radiation and, if so, should add sun protection to their product and warn consumers to take extra steps to protect themselves at all times." Meanwhile, FDA continues to study AHA safety. Later this year, scientists with the National Toxicology Program and FDA will use hairless mice to study the effect of AHAs on the risk of cancer associated with sunlight and UV radiation. The study will run for about three years. Depending on the outcome of FDA's investigation, Bailey says, the agency may or may not take action against AHA products. "The absence of action by FDA to date doesn't mean that there won't be any in the future." Use with Care Considering the questionable safety status, FDA and dermatologists advise consumers who use AHA products to follow these precautions: Always protect your skin before going out during the day. Use a sunscreen product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Wear a hat with a brim of at least 4 inches (about 10 centimeters). Cover up with lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Buy products with adequate label information: for example, a list of ingredients to see which AHA or other chemical acids are in the product; the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, which can serve as the contact if a problem or question arises; and a statement about the product's AHA concentration and pH level. The first two pieces of information are mandatory; the third is optional. Consumers can call or write the manufacturer, however, to get information about a product's AHA concentration and pH level. Buy only products that comply with the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel's 1997 recommendations--that is, products with an AHA concentration of 10 percent or less and a pH of 3.5 or greater. Do a skin-sensitivity test on a patch of skin if you are a first-time user of any AHA product or are using a different brand or a product with a different concentration or pH than you are used to. Stop using the product immediately if you experience adverse reactions. Signs of adverse reactions include stinging, redness, itching, burning, pain, and bleeding or change in sun sensitivity. Even mild irritation is a sign that the product is causing damage, FDA's Bailey says, despite what the manufacturer may indicate on the product label. "Cosmetics shouldn't sting or cause irritation," he says. If you have an adverse reaction, see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can tell you whether an adverse reaction is from the product or is an indication of an underlying disease, such as skin cancer. Dermatologists also can recommend appropriate skin-care products, and they will report your case, keeping your name confidential, to FDA's adverse reaction monitoring program. You also can report your adverse reaction yourself to FDA. Reports can be made to local FDA offices, listed in the Blue Pages of the phone book or to FDA's1ffice of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-532-4440 . + Have the label and any other packaging information on hand. Be prepared to give the name of the product, the name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and any identifiable product code numbers. Also be prepared to state where and when you bought the product, if you can remember, and whether you saw a doctor. "We'd like to know about it even if it's only a mild reaction," Bailey says. Bailey adds that these precautions are important until AHAs' safety is better known. "We are told that AHAs are here to stay," he says. "But they are not reviewed for safety before they are put on the market. And we don't have enough information to say that they are safe." Paula Kurtzweil is a member of FDA's public affairs staff. Ingredient Terms Here are some ingredient terms that indicate a cosmetic contains alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Alpha hydroxy acids: glycolic acid lactic acid glycolic acid + ammonium glycolate alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid + ammonium alpha-hydroxyethanoate alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid alpha-hydroxycaprylic acid hydroxycaprylic acid mixed fruit acid triple fruit acid tri-alpha hydroxy fruit acids sugar cane extract alpha hydroxy and botanical complex L-alpha hydroxy acid glycomer in crosslinked fatty acids alpha nutrium Beta hydroxy acids: salicylic acid * beta hydroxybutanoic acid tropic acid trethocanic acid Alpha and beta hydroxy acids: malic acid citric acid * From a chemist's perspective,salicylic acid is not a true BHA.However, cosmetic companies often refer to it as a BHA and,consequently, many consumers think of it as one. Approved Treatments for Signs of Aging, Sun-Damaged Skin These are the only products that have been studied for safety and effectiveness and approved by FDA for treating signs of sun-damaged or aging skin: Renova (tretinoin emollient cream). This vitamin A derivative, available by prescription only, is approved for mitigating of fine wrinkles and mottled darkened spots and roughness of facial skin in people whose skin does not improve with regular skin care and use of sun protection. Renova does not eliminate wrinkles, repair sun-damaged skin, or restore skin to its healthier younger structure. Also, the safety of daily Renova use for longer than 48 weeks has not been established, and it should not be used by women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Renova has not been studied in people 50 and older or in people with moderately or darkly pigmented skin. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) lasers. These medical devices are approved for treating wrinkles. The procedure requires removal of facial skin in a layer-by-layer manner. It is performed under anesthesia by a doctor in an outpatient surgical setting. --P.K. For More Information FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Information Line 1-888-723-3366 FDA's Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Website: Backgrounder on Alpha Hydroxy Acids in Cosmetics Information About Cosmetics For more information, consumers can also call toll-free 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332). Questions concerning the content ofthis article should be directed to FDA's Office of Public Affairs. . This is a mirror of the page at http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/298_ahas.html + Updated Contact Information: CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) Phone: 301-436-2405 Email: Cosmetics Foods Home | FDA Home | HHS Home | Search/Subject Index | Disclaimers & Privacy Policy | Accessibility/Help

Face Scrub Other products

Amazon.com: Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub: Beauty Your Store Beauty See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Browse Brands & Products | Free Gifts & Special Offers | Fragrance | Makeup | Skin Care | Bath & Shower | Hair Care | Men's Grooming Search Amazon.com Beauty Skin Care Makeup Fragrance Bath & Shower Hair Care Men's Grooming Health/Personal Care Web Search This item is not eligible for Amazon Prime, but over a million other items are. Join Amazon Prime today. Already a member? Sign in . or Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . See larger image Share your own customer images Mario Badescu Kiwi Face Scrub Other products by Mario Badescu More about this product Price: $15.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days. Ships from and sold by bluemercury, Inc. . Customers who viewed this item also viewed Mario Badescu Drying Cream Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion Explore Similar Items Product Description Product Description Containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Kiwi Face Scrub will help lighten skin discolorations and exfoliates. Exfoliating regularly with this scrub will prevent dulling build-up and blackheads that cause breakouts. This great new face scrub will give visible results in short term use. Product Details Product Dimensions: 4.0 ounces Shipping Information: View shipping rates and policies Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item. ASIN: B0007MYMW8 Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,508 in Beauty (See Top Sellers in Beauty ) Yesterday: #9,350 in Beauty This page was created by a seller. Customers who bought this item also bought Mario Badescu Hylauronic Eye Cream Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Soap Mario Badescu Oil-Free Moisturizer Mario Badescu Botanical Facial Gel Explore Similar Items Customer Reviews Be the first person to review this item . So You'd Like to... Fully Recover from a Stressful Day : A guide by Shandrala , ... always seeking a better way Create a So You'd Like to... guide Look for similar items by category Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Exfoliators > Dry & Sensitive Skin Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Exfoliators > Scrubs Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Face Treatments > Dry Skin Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Face Treatments > Exfoliating Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Face Treatments > Normal Skin Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Face Treatments > Oily Skin Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Oil & Blemish Control > Cleansers, Scrubs & Face Washes Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Oil & Blemish Control > Masks & Scrubs Beauty > Products > Skin Care > Face > Skin Lighteners This Item and You Write a Review | Write a So You'd Like To... Guide | Tell a Friend About This Item | Rate This Item Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. If you need help with an order, please contact Customer Service . Please mark as many of the following boxes that apply: Product information is missing important details. Product information is incorrect. The page contains typographical errors. The page takes too long to load. The page has a software bug in it. Content violates Amazon.com's policy on offensive language . Product offered violates Amazon.com's policy on items that can be listed for sale. Comments or Examples: Examples: Missing information such as dimensions and model number, typos, inaccuracies, etc. bluemercury, Inc. Privacy Statement bluemercury, Inc. Shipping Information bluemercury, Inc. Returns & Exchanges Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Pet Supplies Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Automotive for Amazon.com Home | Directory of All Stores Our International Sites: Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | Japan | France | China Help | Shopping Cart | Your Account | Sell Items | 1-Click Settings Investor Relations | Press Room | Careers Conditions of Use | Privacy Notice © 1996-2006, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates

Great skin is something

Cosmetics Information Article Navigation Back To Main Page Click Here for more articles How to Have Great Looking Skin by: Kim Beardsmore (c) Kim Beardsmore Great skin is something that nearly everyone can cultivate. Our skin is affected by our: . Genes . Inner nutrition - what we eat and drink . Exercise . General health and well-being . Emotional health, and . Outer nutrition - how we take care of our skin While we can't alter our genes, we can improve our skin by making the necessary adjustments in the areas we can influence. Read on to discover the basic components of a healthy outer nutritional plan for your skin. If you seriously want great skin the very first thing to do and wear a hat and good quality sunscreen when out in the sunshine. Having said that, let's move on to understand the next three basic foundations to great skin. If you want your skin to look and feel great, careful cleansing is very important. This should be done first thing in the morning and last thing at night to remove pore-clogging dirt. Don't cleanse enough and you could find yourself prone to spots. Cleanse to often and you could be stripping away essential oils and be susceptible to dry skin or even eczema. Understanding your skin type (normal, dry or oily) and using a cleanser to match is the best foundation for great looking skin. Remember to rinse your face with warm water after using a cleanser, as any residue will continue to work on the skin if not completely removed. Our grandmother's used soap and water?isn't that good enough? Soap is not very good at removing makeup because it does not contain enough oils to dissolve the staying power that most cosmetics have today. Remember the 'tight' feeling after your have washed your fact with soap? Soap can be very drying on your skin and may wash away essential oils. Another reason not to use soap is that it is not matched to the natural balance of our skin. Soap is generally alkaline, whilst skin is naturally acidic. The second step to great outer nutrition for your skin is to tone. Toners are designed to remove any last traces of cleanser, while also helping to tighten and refine pores and prevent the build-up of dead skin cells. After toning your skin should fee and look revitalised and refreshed, and ready to be moisturised. Again you will need to apply a toner that matches your skin type. The third foundation step is to apply moisturiser to help restore the moisture loss caused by the drying effects of sunlight, central heating, wind, cold and pollution. A good daytime moisturiser would contain a sunscreen and will be easily absorbed into the skin. At night you should use a richer, more nourishing cream, as this is when your skin more readily absorbs moisture. Despite the plethora of products on the market and the myriad of additives?. the most important ingredient of any moisturiser is water! If water is just splashed on the skin it will not say there. Moisturisers are basically oil and water emulsions which contain a humectant (a substance added to another to make it moist), which attracts water and helps 'fix' it in the upper layers of the skin. Moisture that is lost firm the skin needs to be replaced quickly so that the surface of the skin is kept both soft and smooth. The living cells in the layers need water so that they will not shrivel up and die. A moisturiser can protect the skin by providing a varier between the skin and the external environment. It also prevents the loss of moisture from the deeper layers of the skin. Should people who have oily skin use a moisturiser? Moisturisers are particularly recommended for people with dry skin but everyone can benefit from using a moisturiser. You simply need to ensure that you choose the correct moisturiser for your skin type. People with oily skin should choose a moisturiser that hydrates their skin whilst helping absorb any excess oil. About the author: ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kim is successful a weight loss coach who will cut through the diet-hype and ensure you find consistent results: week in, week out.You will learn how to stabilize at your goal weight and never 'diet' again. No public 'weigh-ins', meetings that cost you money or fads...simply long term results. You can receive a free, no obligation consultation. Visit today: http://leanmachine.org/?refid=GreatSkinGen-16030 Would you like to earn money from home? http://free2liv.com/?refid=EA-567883386 Circulated by Article Emporium ©2005 - All Rights Reserved

BOTOX ® Cosmetic in

BOTOX® Cosmetic Welcome Kit Sign-up Page – BOTOXCosmetic.com Welcome Kit Search for a physician who administers BOTOX ® Cosmetic in your area. Get the facts on BOTOX ® Cosmetic and register to win the ultimate vacation to a beautiful beach-front resort and spa. Complete the form below to receive a free welcome kit, offering information about treatment with BOTOX ® Cosmetic a simple 10-minute non-surgical procedure that many men and women are using to make a noticeable difference in their frown lines between their brows. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary treatment in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. If you are concerned about your privacy, please see our Privacy Statement . Fields in bold are required. First name Last name Address line 1 Address line 2 City State AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VI VT WA WI WV WY ZIP Your e-mail Gender Male Female Age range 18-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-65 Please choose one: I have never tried BOTOX ® Cosmetic. I tried BOTOX ® Cosmetic once. I receive BOTOX ® Cosmetic regularly. Yes, I would like to receive the exclusive BOTOX ® Cosmetic quarterly e-mail newsletter. I want to be among the first to learn about new BOTOX ® Cosmetic information, special offers, and other exciting news from BOTOX ® Cosmetic. To see how we may use the information you provide, please review our Privacy Policy. The photos featured on this Web site are of actual BOTOX ® Cosmetic users. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX ® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is administered by physicians and is available only by prescription. Please see the full prescribing information . © 2004 The photos featured on this Web site are of actual BOTOX ® Cosmetic users. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is indicated for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe frown lines between the brows in people 18 to 65 years of age. BOTOX ® Cosmetic should not be used in the presence of infection at the proposed injection site(s) and in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. Patients with neurological disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may be at increased risk of serious side effects. The most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop and nausea. BOTOX ® Cosmetic is administered by physicians and is available only by prescription. Please see the full prescribing information . Home | Prescribing Information | Privacy Statement | Contact Allergan | Site Map © 2005 Allergan, Inc. Irvine, CA 92612 ® and ™ marks owned by Allergan, Inc.

Skin Treatment

Clear Up Skin Care Check out the Clear Skin Regimen for a free, non-commercial acne treatment program. Clear Skin Regimen Medications Acne scars Success stories Frequently Asked Questions Adult acne Message boards My acne treatment history Back acne Picture gallery Product/treatment ratings Links Acne.org is teaming up with Clear Up Skin Care, the country's first non-profit outreach program to promote clear skin and self-esteem among adolescents. Volunteer teachers from Clear Up Skin Care visit middle school health classes in the Los Angeles area to talk about acne, acne treatments, and positive coping skills. Acne.org donates a proven step-by-step regimen to clear the skin, and I am personally donating hundreds of sample tubes of Clear Skin Regimen Gel . Recently, due to strong Clear Skin Regimen Gel sales I was also able to donate another $1000. Together, Acne.org and Clear Up Skin Care aim to relieve the shame of acne by offering an open, comfortable environment for teens to learn about and discuss acne with volunteer educators. We hope that the program will spread throughout the country. If you would like to learn more about Clear Up Skin Care, visit their web site or write DebiByrnes@clearupskincare.org . The organization is looking for volunteer educators as well as monetary support. Clear Up Skin Care is a non-profit organization and depends on donations to keep it going strong. Please consider donating to the organization through the paypal link below. All donations are fully tax deductible. Clear Up Skin Care's program description and mission are below: Program Description The Clear Up Skin Care program develops and disseminates information about acne, how it affects teens both physically and emotionally, and teaches methods through which teenagers can build their self-esteem and increase their feelings of self-worth. We became a non-profit in 2002. We are starting off slowly, at Madison Middle School in North Hollywood, CA, where we give a series of three presentations to 7th and 8th grade students during their health class. The first presentation provides students an opportunity to learn about the causes and treatment of acne. The second and third presentations explore the connection between physical appearance and self-esteem. Currently there is a total lack of information available to youth about skin care and acne prevention in the public school health curriculum. Ms. Venus Lindo, a counselor at Madison Middle School states, “The Clear Up Skin Care program is a beneficial experience for early adolescents. They are able to obtain information they would not get any other way." The presentations offer free, informative, and accurate information about acne and building self-esteem. The program empowers teens to understand that they can control how they take care of themselves, which will help them feel positive about how they look, how they feel, and what they are able to achieve. Clear Up Skin Care is beginning to fulfill an important need as demonstrated by a 7 th grader’s comments about the program, “I learned a lot about skin care and self-esteem. Thank you – you really helped me.” Mission Being a teenager is not easy; it is a phase we endure during which everything seems to be in a continual state of flux – emotions, friendships, and self-esteem. If acne is added to the mix, the life of an adolescent can seem almost unbearable. We developed Clear Up Skin Care to help teenagers learn more about acne and how to care for their skin. But more importantly, we help them realize that everyone has aspects about themselves that they wish they could improve. As we grow and mature, these aspects can also come and go. What is most important is that we like who we are inside. When we are able to accomplish this, we are able to accomplish almost anything we desire. If you are interested in participating or finding out more about Clear Up Skin Care, please visit our website at clearupskincare.org . © 1997 to 2005, Daniel W. Kern Site map Clear Skin Regimen Medications Acne scars Success stories Frequently Asked Questions Adult acne Message boards My acne treatment history Back acne Picture gallery Product/treatment ratings Links