On September 17, I had the good fortune to appear on NBC-TV’s "The Today Show" to introduce my new book, The Acne Prescription.

The segment was outstanding. The producer chose four women with moderate to severe acne, who followed my 3-Day Acne Jumpstart Program diet closely for five days. In addition, they took my targeted supplements and applied the topical anti-oxidants I formulated specially for treating acne.

Only recently has mainstream research confirmed—contrary to decades of dermatologic dogma—my long-standing contention that acne is a systemic, inflammatory disease. To treat and prevent acne successfully we need to embark upon a three-tiered anti-inflammatory program in which each tier enhances the effectiveness of the other two:

1. Anti-inflammatory diet
2. Supplements with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity
3. Topical anti-inflammatory therapies.

Today, I’d like to address two key elements of the topical treatments tier—and the importance of hydration.

Traditionally, acne has been treated—counterproductively—with topical therapies that are actually pro-inflammatory (promote inflammation). This is especially bad news for adult women, whose sensitive skin reacts very negatively to these harsh topicals. In my dermatology practice I have had great results with a number of topical therapies for treating acne. Although most people familiar with the Perricone Program associate alpha lipoic acid and DMAE with their ability to fight visible signs of aging, I have also found them to be excellent in treating acne. Traditional over-the-counter topical therapies such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulphur are effective, but irritating. Instead, to quell the inflammation, I combine unique ingredients such as alpha lipoic acid and DMAE.

• Alpha Lipoic Acid: When alpha lipoic acid is abundant in the cellular environment, the cell is better able to produce energy, and conduct critical functions, including cellular repair. This enhanced energy production also helps the cell resist the destructive effects of oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin’s sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. This is particularly important to acne patients, whose sebaceous glands do not function optimally. I always recommend that acne patients take alpha lipoic supplements and apply a topical lotion that contains alpha lipoic acid.
• DMAE: Many of my acne patients are also plagued by large, unsightly pores, which can actually absorb foundation make-up, making the skin appear pitted. As my readers know, I recommend the natural anti-aging agent DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) to most people, to increase the appearance of skin tone. And, my acne patients have learned that topical DMAE lotion can actually help decrease the appearance of large pores. When DMAE is applied daily, even patients with the largest pores develop a porcelain-like appearance.

When consumed in sufficient quantities, water exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on our bodies. And, when we combine adequate water intake with an anti-inflammatory diet, we see a very rapid reduction of inflammation throughout the body—with visible results on the skin. Believe it or not, I have seen dramatic improvement in patients’ acne—just by increasing their water intake.

For decades, patients have been told that diet plays no role in acne. In reality, diet has everything to do with the onset, severity, and persistence of acne lesions. In future newsletters I will discuss the foods and beverages that most effectively clear the skin and keep it clear: high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, and low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.