Evaluating Common Ingredients Contained in Dietary Acne Supplements: An Evidence-Based Review.

Objective: Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition treated with various medications targeting different aspects of its pathogenesis. Though increasing in popularity, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not evaluate the safety or efficacy of dietary supplements marketed for the treatment of acne, calling into question the veracity of their labels. This review aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of ingredients in popular acne supplements. Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted on 13 popular supplements marketed for acne, found through a Google search. Their ingredients, prices, ratings, and existing literature on efficacy and safety were analyzed. A literature review was performed regarding the most common ingredients contained in these supplements. Results: The most common ingredients in acne supplements were probiotics, diindolylmethane (DIM), vitamin A, vitamin B complex, and zinc. Despite the increasing popularity of dietary supplements, including those for skin health and acne, the absence of FDA regulation and evidence-based data raises concerns about their safety and efficacy. The safety of acne supplement ingredients raises significant worries, with reported cases of thrombotic events and adverse effects, even during pregnancy. The lack of standardized labeling and clear dosing information further complicates the understanding and potential risks of these supplements. Additionally, there is a potential for interactions with other medications, yet this information is often not provided on the product labels. Limitations: A Google search was used to identify popular acne supplements. Search engine algorithms determine the ranking and presentation of results based on various factors, such as popularity, keywords, as well as user preferences and location, thus posing a potential sampling bias. Conclusion: It is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize evidence-based information when counseling patients regarding the use of acne supplements.

Race and socioeconomic status in substance use progression and treatment entry.

This study examined trajectories of progression from early substance use to treatment entry as a function of race, among inpatient treatment seekers (N = 945). Following primary race-contingent analyses of use progression, secondary analyses were conducted to investigate the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on the observed differences. African Americans reported significant delays in treatment entry relative to Caucasians. Racial differences in alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine use trajectories were observed. Accounting for SES rendered observations of accelerated use among African Americans nonsignificant. However, inclusion of SES failed to mitigate the marked racial disparity in treatment entry.