There is now a pill for pimples and here’s how it works
This story is brought to you by Innovitelle.
I had pretty bad acne during most of college years and my early twenties. The first piece of makeup I ever bought with my own money was concealer because I couldn’t stand the sight of my blemishes! I was much more of an introvert back then because the acne affected my self- confidence. I was so desperate that I even agreed to undergo a deep chemical peel which made my facial skin fall off in chunks for a week; I regret it up to this day. I went to see a dermatologist who prescribed oral medication to regulate my hormones but it didn’t quite work out.
Thankfully, after years of experimenting with products and my hormones just finally calming down by themselves, my skin is now fairly clear save for the occasional stress-related pimples. Those were dark, dark days. I realize how lucky I am to be in an industry that constantly educates about good skin health practices and the latest innovations in skincare! That being said, I have an interesting piece of news for you: there is now a pill that aims to cure pimples and keep them from coming back. It's now available in the Philippines, and here's what you need to know.
Lactezin® is a clinically-tested over the counter drug which uses a natural milk-derived antibacterial ingredient, Lactoferrin, combined with Vitamin E and Zinc to reduce skin oiliness, comedones (pimples/whiteheads/blackheads), and promise better complexion in as early as two weeks. If you are looking to minimize skin irritation and get that natural glow, you may take this oral supplement twice a day for best results. It is manufactured by Innovitelle, the personal care arm of Unilab which makes the top Vitamin E supplement in the PH, Myra.
So what is lactoferrin exactly? Stay with me here. It is a protein naturally derived from milk and has been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It works by binding with iron - the nutrient needed by bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms to grow. It is able to fight off these skin-emies by getting rid of the source, and also helps to reduce the inflammation and redness caused by pimples.
One box contains eight pills
The Vitamin E in the pill is the antioxidant component that protects the skin from sun damage. The Zinc, on the other hand, aids also in healing pimple lesions and skin renewal. It is the breakthrough combination of these three ingredients that makes Lactoferrin unique.
I know how stressful it can be to have pimples, especially the kind that feeds on the bacteria that develops from uncontrollably oily skin. There's no cure for being oily but there are ways to manage it by having a consistent skincare routine, blotting whenever needed, and getting a boost from a supplement. Oiliness may be forever but pimples don't have to be a part of your life!
If topical solutions or hormone-regulating pills are no longer working for you (if at all), you might want to ask your dermatologist about Lactezin®. It’s available over the counter but I would still recommend talking to a PDS (Philippine Dermatological Society) doctor to make sure it’s appropriate for your condition. Here’s to better #skinhealth!
Sources:
1.Farnaud S, Evans RW. (2003). "Lactoferrin—a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial properties".Mol. Immunol. 40 (7): 395–405.
2. Kim J et al. (2010). “Dietary effect of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on skin surface lipid and clinical improvement of acne vulgaris”. Nutrition.26(9): 902-
3. Keller KL, Fenske NA. (1998). “Uses of vitamins A, C, and E and related compounds in dermatology: a review”. J Am Acad Dermatol. 39(4 Pt 1): 611-25.
4. El-Akawi Z et al. (2006). “Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition?”. Clin Exp Dermatol. 31(3): 430-4.
5. James KA et al. (2009). “Emerging drugs for acne”. Expert Opini Emerg Drugs. 14(4): 649-59.
6. Dreno B et al. (1989). “Low Doses of Zinc Gluconate for Inflammatory Acne”. Acta Derm Venereol. 69(6):541-3.
