NEW RESEARCH SAYS TOPICALLY APPLIED L-CARNITINE EFFECTIVE IN TREATING OILY SKIN
Skin is the body’s largest organ and conditions affecting it, such as oily skin, can impact a person’s self-esteem. But Dr. Joshua Fox, founder and director of New York & New Jersey based Advanced Dermatology P.C., wants those dealing with an oily skin condition to know about promising new research which shows that when applied topically, L-Carnitine, an amino acid produced naturally in the body, is effective in treating oily skin. “The prospect of using a compound found naturally in the body is good news for those who require treatment for their oily skin condition,” reports Dr. Fox.
Causes of Oily Skin: The cause of oily skin is the substance sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands. For those with oily skin, the overproduction of sebum gives the skin an unwanted shiny, oily appearance. “Genetics and hormones play a role in whether or not a person has oily skin,” says Dr. Fox, “but diet has little or nothing to do with it.”
The Study: The study, conducted by Beiersdorf AG, Research and Development, Skin Research in Hamburg, Germany, aimed to identify an active substance to reduce sebum production by regulating fat metabolism in a natural way. The results were reported by the National Institute of Health’s MedLine Plus.
“L-Carnitine is an amino acid building block for proteins that helps the body produce energy, improve heart and brain function and assists with many other processes,” explains Dr. Meryl Joerg, Director of Advanced Dermatology PC Manhattan. “It has been used as a supplement for strict dieters and vegetarians and to improve muscle and vascular performance to name just a few of the already tried and successful applications. “
While the L-Carnitine research offers promising treatment for oily skin, Dr. Joerg suggests that following a skin care regime may prevent or minimize the need for treatment.
Contact your dermatologist if oily skin persists: Oily skin often leads to acne. There are numerous topical medications that can address this problem and decrease some of the oils. These include topical antibiotics, retinols, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and many other prescription medications available by prescription by your dermatologist. Lasers and chemical peels reduce oiliness. “And now, topically applied L-Carnitine offers those who need it, a natural compound to treat oily skin,” concludes Dr. Fox.
Joshua Fox, M.D., F.A.A.D., founder and director of New York & New Jersey-based Advanced Dermatology, PC & the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery. Meryl Joerg, M.D., F.A.A.D., is the Director of Advanced Deramtology PC, Manhattan.