From: "Linda Sy MD"
Date: Tue Mar 16, 1999 12:53 am
Subject: [rosacea] Re: Acne Control Oil Gel
Hi Matija,
Thank you for your posting. I do want to hear bad as well as good responses
to my products. With those who did not react favorably to my products, I
specially would like to know how and why. This is because I want to keep
improving and this is the only way to do so and to learn. It was by
listening to patients that I got into product development in the first
place, and I still have a lot to learn. Please don't hesitate to reply to my
analysis of your response, if you disagree.
1) Since you were not a "charter" volunteer in the project, you started
several products all at once. In retrospect, that was a mistake. I sent the
volunteers a couple of products each mailing precisely to allow time for
their skin to respond. For example, the oil was sent in the first mailing
because I wanted the inflammation calmed down and allow the skin to
"normalize" before trying moisturizers etc. The oil is the only product I
suggest to patients with inflamed, weepy, burning skin and ECZEMA. I doubt
very much that you will be "allergic" to petrolatum - in 24 years of
practice, I have never seen one case. As a matter of fact, petrolatum is
used as a vehicle for patch testing in contact dermatitis. Magazine articles
by non-MD's tend to brain wash people about petrolatum, mineral oil, causing
acne - I refuse to succumb to that kind of pressure. There are many variants
in ingredients - purity, brand, percentage, not to mention other ingredients
in the formulation. One should learn not to be dogmatic, not to generalize
and to think independently. BTW, Zia Wesley Hosford, who was the founder of
Zia Cosmetics, and I had quite a few discussions re this topic of mineral
oil, petrolatum etc. I like, respect and know Zia personally. Her late
father (and her mother) were my patients. She is no longer connected with
the company and has happily retired with her husband David in Colorado. We
still correspond regularly.
2) I don't know how much oil you used. I believe that for skin that is
oily/combination type, 1-2 drops on wet skin should suffice.
3) It is important to follow the oil application with a light moisturizer
before you apply the Acne Oil Control Gel. I have a feeling that you did not
like using the moisturizer because of the oil content in it. The AOCG does
contain alcohol and a betahydroxy acid (salicylic acid) but the third
ingredient which is a moisturizing gel is the critical reason why the
volunteers could tolerate the product.
4) Psychology plays a big role in treatments. If one has a pre-conceived belief
(hence, less faith) about certain ingredients, one tends to create a foregone
conclusion. I admire the commitment of the volunteers who first freaked out but
did not drop out and persevered. They made a sacrifice in order to find some
answers not only for themselves, for me but for the group.
5) Were you using other products at the same time?
6) Lastly, I wish to caution this group not to be so
adventurous as to compound their own products. Both physicians as well as
pharmacists these days, are not well trained to write compounding
prescriptions not to mention formulating products. It is not that simple.
There are many factors to be considered such as product stability,
compatibility of ingredients, microbiological contamination (very important
in this group) and clinical effectiveness. Please do not be penny-wise and
pound-foolish. You have enough problems with your skin without causing more.
Linda Sy M.D.
Linda Sy Skin Care
http://www.lindasy.com
Voice:Toll-free 877-Lindasy (546-3279)
FAX: 925-939-5207
-----Original Message-----
From: ruizdelvizo@_.com>
To: rosacea-support@_.com>
Date: Saturday, March 13, 1999 4:51 PM
Subject: [rosacea] Acne Control Oil Gel
>Hello All,
>
>I've heard on the board that lots of folks have had great results with Dr.
Sy's Acne Control Oil Gel (ACOG). I'm very glad that it's worked out for
you.
>
>I used some of it myself since I get those bumpies along with the redness.
Unfortunately, it didn't work out well. After a few days, my skin felt
tight, red and irritated. It made my lips very sensitive too. I thought my
lip would crack and bleed -- that has happened to me using particular
lipsticks.
>
>I stopped using it a few days ago and my skin is still a bit irritated from
it. I think BHA's and/or the alcohol base it's in is too rough for my skin.
>
>I hesitated posting this about Dr. Sy's products since she is so helpful
and wonderful to us. I thought, however, that she would appreciate honest
feedback since she is still learning various aspects about our condition.
>
>I would guess her products may be useful for those with rosacea alone,
without secondary conditions like eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.
>
>I'm so glad that she and Dr. Nase have taken a professional interest in us.
I know I'm not the only one who has learned so much from them. They have
both improved my understanding of rosacea immensely. Thanks to both of
them!! Matija