Pimples and zits can be tricky to get rid of, and they’re even more tempting to pop. You already know that popping is a complete no-no.

There are potential benefits to ice on pimples, but the question is whether this method is effective enough to fully clear up your breakout for good.

How it works

Icing pimples can work by reducing swelling in inflammatory forms of acne. These include:

Ice is unlikely to work for noninflammatory types — these are also known as blackheads. By reducing the inflammation of your pimples, you’re directly reducing the size. In theory, gradually reducing the size of your pimple with ice can eventually make it go away entirely.

When used on inflammatory acne, ice also has the potential to decrease redness, thereby making your pimples less noticeable. It can also treat pain that occurs with cystic and nodular acne. This is due to the short-term numbing effect ice creates.

Despite such benefits, there’s no research available to indicate that ice alone is an effective treatment for pimples. Ice may be considered as a part of a smart skin care routine that includes:

How to use it

Icing your pimples seems like a straightforward process, but there are some things to keep in mind before applying it to your skin. First, you’ll want to make sure you cleanse your skin, just as you would do before applying any other type of product.

Before placing the ice against your skin, wrap it in a thin cloth or thick paper towel.

Apply the ice to your pimples in two minute increments only. You can start trying this for two minutes after your morning and evening face cleanses.

What to know before you try this method

Icing your pimples over time can encourage debris to rise to the surface of your skin. As tempting as it might be, you should never pop the gunk out of your pores. Picking at your pimples at any stage can make them spread. What’s worse, the popping and prodding process can also lead to scarring.

It’s easy to get caught up in working at a pimple with ice and forget the potential dangers of applying frozen materials to your skin. To prevent frostbite, it’s important to only apply ice in short intervals. While frostbite is more commonly associated with being outside in extreme temperatures for too long, it can also occur when using cold packs, ice, or other frozen items against your skin for long periods of time.

It’s always important to ask a skincare professional what is the best method for caring for your skin. Ice is a great way to reduce inflammation but it’s not going to make acne go away by itself. The only way to do that is by following a regular routine and making sure you are using the correct products designed for your skin. To learn more, go to our website to book your appointment today or give us a call at 801-800-6602.

One of the most stressful parts about having acne is feeling like people are looking at you and judging you for having it. While acne is the most common skin condition that more than 40 million Americans deal with at least once during their lifetimes, that fact doesn’t make it feel any easier to cope most days.

Today we’re going to be sharing some methods to help you feel your most confident using makeup techniques and the right products to keep your skin healthy and beautiful.

1. Start Fresh

This step will lay the foundation for the rest of your makeup to sit perfectly on your skin. For a clean cleanse, try ​Gentle Wash​ for everyday use. If you feel like you need a bit more exfoliation, this exfoliating cleanser ​BPO Wash​ will do the trick a few times a week.

2. Tone and fight acne

Once your cleanser is applied and rinsed off well, don’t forget to ​tone​ to remove any remaining debris. You will also want to apply ​acne-safe skincare products​ to fight blemishes.

3. Moisturize and protect

To help protect the moisture barrier on your face, use this ​Moisture Gel​. And don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun using this acne-safe Sunguard​.

4. Apply Primer

Using just your fingertips, apply ​primer​ to ensure that your makeup goes on smooth and stays on all day.

5. Apply concealer to problem spots in a criss-cross pattern

Apply a generous amount of concealer for ample coverage. This ​concealer comes in a tube with an applicator that can be directly applied to the skin or you can use a clean ​makeup sponge​ to avoid cross-contamination from broken out skin.

6. Blend the concealer by gently patting it

Using the applicator or clean fingers, carefully press your concealer, blending it onto each blemish. Try not to rub it or you could end up with streaks.

7. Blot your base with tissue

Absorb any excess makeup by lightly pressing a tissue into your skin, allowing you to get as natural a finish as possible.

8. Use a makeup brush to apply liquid foundation

While other steps can be done using your fingers, a ​makeup brush​ for this step will help create a more even, airbrushed appearance. Start off with a little product and build from there to avoid going overboard.

9. Set your makeup

After waiting a few minutes for your makeup to “cook” or set itself, apply either a ​Loose Powder ​or a translucent ​Blotting Powder​ to ensure it stays put for the rest of the day.

10. Use a finishing spray to seal your look

A setting mist like this ​Setting Spray​ will not only help your makeup last but also break up any “cakeyness” caused by the heaviness of your makeup.

Once these steps are completed, apply the rest of your makeup. A ​bold lip or eye (don’t forget ​eyebrows​!) will help distract from any bumps that may be visible. Then you’re ready to go!
To really get your skincare routine right, we recommend you visit us in person so that we can recommend the perfect products to help keep your skin clear.

To book your appointment today, call us at 801-800-6602 or click on the link here to book online​ whichever works best for you.

It’s generally best practice to take everything you hear (or read on the internet) with a grain of salt. Hopefully, you already have a skincare routine that you do every morning and night but there might be some things that you do (or not do) based on the advice you’ve heard over and over again from the media. You might be shocked at things that seem to be ‘common knowledge’ that are actually not true at all.

Myth 1: Steam from Hot Water Opens Your Pores

The idea that warm or cold water effects your pores is an age old saying that is simply not true. The truth is that your pores are technically always open. There are plenty of benefits to steam, including increasing moisture levels in the air which helps prevent dry and cracked skin, but that’s about it.

Myth 2: Cosmetics are Completely Unregulated

According to the FDA’s website, they do in fact regulate cosmetics to make sure they are not adulterated or misbranded. They also make sure that products are safe for consumers and are properly labeled. This means that any ingredients or color additives must be approved for before use and some products even have to be manufactured in FDA regulated facilities. All of this is to ensure that the products you consume, including cosmetics and skincare products, are safe for your use.

Myth 3: Products Can’t Expire

Food isn’t the only thing on your shelves that can expire. The truth is, cosmetics can expire and can actually be harmful if used after their expiration date. Over time, ingredients break down. Expired products can also grow bacteria which can cause breakouts. The best rule of thumb is to throw makeup out after 6 months. Skincare expiration dates can very so check for dates on your containers or product boxes. Most skincare products will expire after 2 years.

Myth 4: If it Burns, that Means it’s Working

This saying usually goes along with “Beauty is pain” and “No pain, no gain.” But the truth is, if a product is burning your skin, unless otherwise directed by a professional, it’s probably best you remove the product with a cool damp washcloth. When it comes to skincare, tingling is normal. Burning and stinging are not. If the pain or irritation doesn’t go away within a few minutes, contact a trusted skincare professional on how to move forward as you could potentially be having a serious allergic reaction.

Myth 5:  Natural, Organic, or Chemical-Free Products are Best

Oftentimes when a cosmetic product says it’s natural or organic it really contains essential oils and extracts which can in turn cause irritation and breakouts. These ingredients can also break down faster over time, creating more irritants. Chemicals are in everything (technically they are everything) and something that says it has no chemicals is already misleading.

Trying to recognize every ingredient on a label can be exhausting and unnecessary, since common and benign ingredients can often have different names. Take Vitamin C for example. Different variants can be ascorbic acid, ascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbate, and even (5R)-[(1S)-1,2-Dihydroxyethyl]-3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2(5H)-one. All the same thing, all different words for plain old Vitamin C. Which just goes to show that just because the name of an ingredient is harder to pronounce does not mean that it’s bad for you.

Whether you have questions about the ingredients in your products or even if you just have general questions about skincare, give us a call at 801-800-6602. We specialize in clearing acne and we want to help you be educated on what works best for you. To book an appointment today, click here

Parabens have been causing quite the controversy in the recent decade. From studies showing links to cancer, to some countries instigating outright bans against it, it’s definitely been making headlines. But what exactly is it and is it really that bad for you?

Parabens’ first appearance in food grade items and cosmetics was in 1930 when scientists realized that products that may require being stored for a while need some sort of protection against bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

What they discovered is that parabens are easy to make, hypoallergenic (fun fact: there has only been about 1 reported case of paraben allergy since their creation and distribution), and incredibly inexpensive to make. This resulted in a large portion of the products we use today containing some sort of paraben as a preservative and antibacterial agent.

The most common forms of parabens are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, isopropylparaben and isobutylparaben. As a whole, they are used around in 44% of consumer products today. This includes everything from beer, sauces, desserts, soft drinks, jams, pickles, frozen dairy products, processed vegetables, flavorings syrups, makeup, shampoo and conditioner, and shaving products. Parabens have even been found in blueberries as a naturally occurring preservative.

Because of their recent and extensive scrutiny, the FDA and CDC are required to test and report paraben amounts and side effects in consumer products every quarter and are now scrambling to find replacements. This task has been anything but easy. Parabens are a gentle chemical whereas some of the new replacement preservatives can be harsher and more dangerous in larger quantities.

So what started all the commotion about parabens in the first place? What was the cause of all the concern?

It turns out parabens were found in breast cancer cells, which led some scientists to publish research that construed that parabens were the cause of the cancer. This resulted in huge public backlash.

The truth is, large quantities may trigger estrogen disruption, which causes hormonal fluctuations. But more recent studies have found that because of the parabens’ membrane solubility it’s likely that that’s the reason why they were present in the cancer cells, not because they were actually the cause of the cancer itself.

Finally, we can rest easy knowing that parabens do not cause cancer and only cause estrogen disruption in very high quantities, much more than the average person consumes in their lifetime.

Here at Skintherapy, we take great measures to make our skincare products not only safe, but effective and gentle. We want to make sure you are always getting the most out of your products.

While most of our products contain preservatives that are not parabens, we do want you as a consumer to be aware of what ingredients that may adversely affect your skin if you suffer with acne. So we have compiled this list for you.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at 801-800-6602. If you are ready to get started on our game changing skin routine and products, book your appointment here.

Sometimes it can feel like acne occurs with no rhyme or reason. While the main cause of acne is genetic/hormonal reasons, there can be physical and environmental aspects at play as well. Noticing the patterns of when your acne occurs will help you keep breakouts from happening as frequently and intensely.

Here’s a list of things you may not have thought of before that definitely cause breakouts and what to look out for:

1. Tanning
Of course it’s common knowledge that sitting in the sun too long, particularly without sunscreen causes some pretty severe reactions, not just sunburn, but also skin cancer. But what’s really going on when it comes to acne? While you’re lying there getting your tan on, the sun is drying out your skin and triggering excess oil production which leads to your skin breaking out.

2. Your boyfriend’s beard
The smoothness of your face brushing up against the roughness of his face irritates the skin and increases oil production. Increased oil production means breakouts for your skin.

3. Touching your face
You may have heard this before, but here’s a gentle reminder that touching your face is bad for acne-prone skin. Your hands transfer oil and dirt onto your face which clogs your pores and causes breakouts.

4. Your perfume
As if you needed one more thing to worry about making you break out! But sadly, this one can be easily missed. Your perfume has oils and ingredients that don’t necessarily play nice with acne prone skin.

5. Travel
From changes in humidity to airplane air filters, this one can be hard to pinpoint exactly. Was it the food, the water, or the weather of your new location? Of course travel shouldn’t be avoided just because of a breakout so it’s very handy to have a good routine in place and products to take on the go with you to manage any impending circumstances outside of your control and help keep your skin happy.

6. Your cell phone
Sanitizing your phone with a Clorox wet wipe or something similar at least once a week will help bacteria from gathering and multiplying on your devices and being transferred on to your delicate skin.

7. Using too many aggravating skincare products
Raise your hand if you’ve ever used St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Of course you have, we all have! It’s one of those you probably picked up thinking, “My skin needs to thoroughly cleaned. This will do the trick!” But this product in particular is simply too much. Put the harsh scrubs away and take a look at these instead.

8. Your makeup remover (or lack thereof)
Every night you should be washing your face: 1) for the sake of removing your makeup and excess oil and dirt and 2) to prep your skin for your nighttime routine. This helps tremendously in reducing breakouts.

We know you have lots of questions when it comes to getting your skin clear so give us a call at 801-800-6602 or book your appointment today to meet with us in person.

Have you ever fallen down the rabbit hole of so-called acne cures and treatments? It may start off just browsing but soon enough you’re hundreds of pages deep into a single Google search with no end in sight and ending up with more questions than you originally started with.
What leads you to diving so deep down that rabbit hole in the first place?
The insecurity that comes with having acne can be crushing. Not to mention any scars that leave their permanent reminders once the acne is hopefully gone.
So what really helps? What do you really need to know about acne?
In this post we will be discussing routine because that is the foundation for clearer, acne-free skin. To learn more about diet, exercise, and other things that affect acne, you can check out these links.

Simple Daytime Routine

1. Cleanse

The first and one of the most important parts of your routine is cleansing. If you are not cleansing every morning, you are missing a crucial step to good skincare.

2. Tone

This will help wipe away any residual cleanser and prep the skin for other products through hydrating and calming the skin.

3. Moisturize

You probably already know how important it is that your skin stays hydrated, but did you know you still need to moisturize, even if your skin is oily? While it’s normal for those with acne to also have oily skin, it’s still important to moisturize to help your skin protect itself.

4. Active

In your early years of having acne you’ve probably tried something with an “active ingredient” like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. While these do help with acne, it’s common for some of these store-bought products to also contain pore cloggers. While they can help in some respects, they can also make acne worse. Many of these products advertise themselves as “spot treatments.” We don’t think you should just spot treat pimples and blackheads when you can proactively prevent acne by using actives on the entire affected area.

5. Sunscreen

If you have skin, you need sunscreen. Not only will this protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun, but it will help prevent redness and dark spots from getting worse due to exposure. Sunscreen is always a must, even if you are indoors or it is cloudy outside.

6. Primer

Primer not only helps you achieve a more matte look for your overall complexion, it will help your makeup stay on and last longer.

7. Makeup

These days, makeup can be tricky. You want something that will work. You want something that will make you look and feel good. But unfortunately, many name brands contain pore cloggers. Always be on the lookout for ingredients that can be harmful for your skin. Check out this Pore Clogging Ingredient List to help you keep your skin safe.

Simple Nighttime Routine

1. Cleanse

Cleansing at night is the number one most important part of a good routine. This takes care of all the debris and oil that has built up on the skin throughout the day.

2. Tone

To help get any residue off your skin, you’ll want to make sure you are toning to keep skin even and help hydrate.

3. Moisturize

Moisturizing at night will help the skin keep a healthy natural moisture barrier while you sleep.

4. Active

And last of all, at the end of the day you want to use a different kind of active to help prevent new acne from forming and help heal acne that has already started. So if you use an alpha hydroxy acid during the day, use an active at night as well like benzoyl peroxide.
Always remember you can call us if you have any questions at 801-800-6602. If you are interested in booking your first professional appointment with us, click the link here.

Acne by itself can cause strife but the after-effects can be just as damaging and far more long-lasting. Acne scarring usually happens when you pick at your skin. This is particularly bad for middle or high schoolers who simply don’t know or can’t help going after their pimples and blackheads. Of course, the best remedy for acne scarring is prevention--as in, resist picking entirely. But if it’s too late, fret not, there are some things you can do that actually help minimize and reduce scarring as time goes on.

1. Know what works better for your skin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid or Glycolic Acid.

These products help rejuvenate the skin. They will not only help keep your skin clear of acne but they will also help reduce dark spots and scars. The reason it is important to know which one will work best for you (or even if you should use both at the same time) is because they can be drying. One or the other will work better for you in the long run and it’s important to know which works better for your skin.

2. Sunscreen

Protection from the sun is vital for helping your scars, redness, and discoloration not get worse. Lots of sun is never really good for your skin, but particularly bad without some sort of sunscreen that is noncomedogenic. This one works great and is long lasting.

3. Eating less refined sugar and fast food, including booze and dairy

Bad food reacts poorly with your skin. Think of it like having diabetes; refined sugar, highly saturated fats, and booze increase your glucose and make your body work extra hard. It ends up showing on your skin. When it comes to dairy, those added hormones just don’t mix well with human ones. The best thing you can do is avoid these triggers which will help keep acne at bay which in turn helps reduce discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

4. Peels and light therapy

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, peels and light therapy are your acne’s best friend. Chemical peels help even and smooth the skin and allow products to penetrate more deeply, which deters acne and reduces scarring and inflammation. These are the most noninvasive yet effective method for smoothing your acne irritated skin.

5. Here’s the truth:

If you have ice pick scars and indentations, those will take a long time to heal and almost no amount of topical products will get rid of them completely. Indented scarring generally calls for lasers or microneedling. For acne scarring that is red or brown in color you will need to invest in chemical peels with a licensed esthetician to help with those. Discoloration and mild surface scarring can be aided with a good skincare regimen as well and commitment. But as with all good things, they take time.
The most important thing to remember is that your skin feels worse to you than it actually looks. Most people don’t even notice scars, especially if your acne is under control already.
You are beautiful. And the key to dealing with scars is self-confidence. Just because you have acne or scarring doesn’t make you any less valuable as a human being and the people who mind it don’t have any control over how you deal with it. Your choice is to be the best you can be, acne scarring or not.
The beautiful thing is, we can help you on this journey so you’re not dealing with it alone. Whether it be discoloration, scarring, hyperpigmentation, acne, or dark spots, we’re here for you and we’ve helped countless others in the process of clearing them. Our deep understanding will help you through it. We know how hard it is and if you’re reading this, you can choose a tried and true method of progress. For more, check out our Results Page.

While it is common for acne to develop in the beginning stages of maturation (between the ages of 10 and 13) it’s not totally uncommon for it to start later and last longer for some people, particularly if you have oily skin.

Mild acne is characterized by having fewer than 20 whiteheads or blackheads, fewer than 15 inflamed bumps, or fewer than 30 total lesions. If you have 20 to 100 whiteheads or blackheads, 15 to 50 inflamed bumps, or 30 to 125 total lesions, your acne is considered moderate to severe.

The type of acne you have determines how long it will take to get clear. Mild acne can take 3 to 6 months to get fully clear. Moderate to severe acne can take 6 months or sometimes longer depending on the severity.

But what is it really like growing up with acne, or getting it later in life?

Everyone has good and bad phases when it comes to their acne but either way, it can end up making you miserable. Since it usually starts in middle or high school, the social aspect of school and events can seem understandably discouraging. It feels as though everyone is looking at you and possibly judging you. This feeling doesn’t go away with age if you have acne however, if anything it only increases those feelings.

Dating can seem especially intimidating. Acne can make you feel inadequate and insecure. Particularly around being physically close to someone.

Unfortunately, having acne can affect your life in many unhealthy ways. Some may develop depression for lack of wanting to be social. Things even as frightening as suicidal thoughts have been known to occur.

If you or your child has acne, it’s not something that typically just goes away on its own. While this can be the case for some lucky people, most have gone to far more drastic measures to get rid of acne, such as taking dangerous prescription drugs like Accutane. A drug that can cause feelings of depression to increase in a short period of time.

Having acne can be a constant battle of trying to find products that help or even resorting to prescriptions. It can be a daunting task to figure out the puzzle of fixing bad skin. Many people go years or even decades trying to make their skin better.

But that doesn’t have to be you.

It can be hard for people who don’t have acne to understand the struggle. But the struggle is definitely real. Oftentimes it can feel like acne is ruining your life and your confidence. It can be hard to think of anything else. The ugly secret about acne is it’s not just about vanity--it’s also an issue of mental and emotional health as well as physical wellbeing.

Here at Skintherapy we pride ourselves on our ability to not only clear acne, but keep your skin blemish-free. It requires commitment to make this happen, but most of our clients are happy to take on a regimen that really works in the long term as well as the short term.

If acne has been affecting your life in the aforementioned ways, it may be time to try something new. You don’t have to wait until it gets worse or see if it magically clears up on its own. We’re a team of master estheticians who are more than qualified to help you with your skin. Click here to learn more and here to book your appointment today. So you can be truly free from the struggle and pain of having acne.

You’ve probably seen videos or advertisements of those white paper masks that are so popular right now. The ones with the holes cut out for your mouth and nose? Yeah, those ones.

Many others have made it onto the scene as well, whether it’s charcoal, clay, rose, mud, sheets masks. But are they really good for your skin? In this article we’ll go over whether these work for acne and what you can do about it.

I think we can all agree that skin care is not to be taken lightly. A good cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are a must. Some face masks can be complementary beyond that, but they’re not necessarily essential for healthy skin. It all depends on the product and your skin type.

Face masks occlude the skin, which is going to create a natural barrier between your skin and air. Which means that the product only goes into the skin. This makes it penetrates deeper and the effects are stronger as well as fast acting.

For a boost, we like to use our Oxygen Cream Mask. It not only helps detoxify deep down in the skin but it also helps with cell regeneration by adding oxygen back into the pore, which is great for people who suffer from dry skin.

But as you can imagine, the main problem with some face masks is that they can have added fragrances or oils, which can make the product smell good but otherwise don’t have any benefit and can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Not all masks are designed for those with acne, so be wary of ingredients that clog pores and make your acne-prone skin worse in the long run.

Always use masks and new products with caution if you have sensitive skin. Masks are intended to be used only 2-3 times a week and a good skincare routine is so much more than that. Using a product only a few times a week by itself will not heal your acne. And depending on what the product contains, it can hurt more than help.

To go along with that, if you’d like to start out with a good acne-friendly mask, try our Melon Exfoliating Mask. It will help exfoliate and hydrate. This is the perfect mask for those who just want to add a little extra oomph to their current skincare routine.

Some masks can deliver a quick fix, but it’s not likely to last. Others are good for oiliness or redness but it’s unclear if it’s actually the mask itself that’s helping, or just having something cooling and wet on the skin before being washed off. Any benefit you see from using a mask depends on the underlying skin issue you have and ingredients in the mask itself.

This is why we recommend our Sulphur Healing Mask for those who are particularly struggling with acne. It’s great for oily skin, inflamed acne, and spot treating pimples. This mask helps heal and minimize oil and acne on the skin.

Last but not least, another important thing to remember is that if you have questions about a particular product, it’s best to ask your esthetician before using it.

To reach out to us about any of your acne or skin care related questions, give us a call at 801-800-6602. Or give us try and book your appointment here.

When your skin gets dry, it responds by creating more oil. This extra oil can clog pores, giving you pimples. Not moisturizing if you have oily skin can actually make your skin produce more oil because it’s dry and this can cause your skin to look even more shiny.

Skin has what is called a "moisture barrier." This is the barrier of the skin that is responsible for keeping moisture in and bad bacteria out (keeping in mind that there's always a mix of yeast and p. acnes bacteria, among others, present on the skin). However, this barrier can become stripped away, which makes skin lose moisture at a rapid rate, leading to the production of more sebum (oil) to "compensate," as well as more bacteria to feed on the dead skin cells and sebum. As a result, skin becomes more sensitive, dry, oily, dull, and potentially broken out. It also will heal slower and respond more viciously to skin remodelers (actives such as AHA, BHA, BP, sulfur, and tretinoin).

The most common culprit of this is a stripping cleanser. Your skin should never feel dry or tight after cleansing. It should feel clean, bouncy, and comfortable. You shouldn’t feel like your cheeks or forehead may crack if you make a face. Avoid stripping cleansers, and try this Gentle Wash instead.

Other offenders in the line-up to consider are actives, irritating ingredients such as essential oils and fragrances, and clay masks.

When looking to solve dehydrated skin or a “stripped” moisture barrier, the first thing to consider, and the most obvious, is moisture content. Do you drink adequate amounts of water a day? This doesn’t mean chugging water all day long, but you should be drinking at least 8-ounce glasses of fluid every day.

Another facet of moisture is how much moisture is around your skin and what is on your skin to drink that moisture up (and hold it to the skin itself.) For people in drier environments or simply those of us prone to dry or dehydrated skin, we highly recommend investing in a humidifier (warm or cold.) For those that use one virtually every night, it makes a noticeable difference in how plump your skin remains throughout the day and night.

All skin, even oily skin, needs to be moisturized. It’s also necessary to take into account the other things that you are using on your face. If you are cleansing daily, as you should, and not following with moisturizer then there is a very good chance that you will strip your moisture barrier and damage your skin. If you are using any acne treatments and not moisturizing, then it's not a matter of chance, you will harm your moisture barrier. Dermatologists are not estheticians, they are trained to diagnose skin ailments, not recommend routines.

The best thing you can do for oily or dehydrated skin is use a light moisturizer every day and night as well as cleansing. There is this option for Moisture Gel, which is perfect for this. Another good one is this Moisture Cream, which offers some balance for more oily skin types.  The moisture cream can also be mixed with a couple drops of our Healing Moisture Drops product to add more hydration.

We hope this helps you find the right products and regimen to help your oily or dehydrated skin. Always feel free to give us a call at 801-800-6602 with any questions or concerns you might have.

There are a lot of little things to keep in mind when it comes to preventing acne. A big one is cleanliness, but not just of your skin. You also want to think of things that regularly come into contact with your face. Here are a few things to remember while on your journey of getting clear skin and keeping it clear, from cleanliness to clearing acne from the inside out.

1. Wash your pillowcases, sheets, towels, and scarves

Keeping these items clean routinely will help reduce harmful bacteria coming into contact with your face. We recommend using detergents that will facilitate clear skin like Tide Free, All Free, and Arm and Hammer Free.

2. One that note, remember to wash your glasses

Other items that you may not have thought about would be your cell phone, headphones, helmet, and glasses. Glasses need to be washed every day with a mild soap like Johnson’s baby wash. Other items that touch your face need to be wiped down regularly with an antibacterial wipe.

3. Cleanse your face twice a day

This one is especially important for all you makeup lovers out there. Getting rid of dirt, sweat, and makeup at the end of the day is key to getting clear skin, as well as starting the day off right with a freshly washed face. Try Gentle Wash for starters. Washing every morning and night will help keep breakouts away.

4. Watch out for your hands

Picking and scratching your skin are definitely no-nos, but touching your skin in general can also have negative consequences. Always wash your hands before touching or washing your face.

5. Remember to be gentle with yourself and your skin

Having acne is something that some people are born with and some people aren’t. Remember that it’s okay and with patience and the right routine and products, your skin can be clear. This also goes to say that overcleansing can be as damaging as not cleansing at all, so be gentle with yourself on all fronts; physically, mentally, and emotionally.

6. Clear skin comes from the inside too

Diet, sleep, stress, hormones. All these things can have an impact on good skin. You want to watch out for foods that are high in hormones and avoid situations that stress you out. Drinking lots of water is huge as well as getting enough sleep at night. Try sleeping with an eyemask (that you wash regularly) and earplugs. You’ll be amazed at how taking care of these aspects of your life affect your skin and consequently, your wellbeing.

7. Use ice to calm skin and breakouts

This is a tip that not many people know about but greatly reduces redness and irritation. Giving your skin an ice bath for 1-2 minutes a day helps reduce inflammation as well as helping pores open up so products can penetrate deeper.

Some of these habits you may have heard before or seem obvious, while others you probably haven’t. We hope these highlights some habits help you establish a good foundation for healthy skin care. For more info and tips, follow us on Instagram at @utahacneclinic.

We also love meeting new clients! Reach out to us on our website at https://acnetreatmentskincareslc.com/acne-services/ and give us a call at 801-800-6602 with any questions or concerns you may have about acne and skincare.

Microdermabrasion has two different methods that may be unreliable when it comes to helping sensitive or acne prone skin. In this article, we will explain what they are, what they are used for, and what the potential risks are when using them for aiding acne.

The first method of microdermabrasion is called Crystal microdermabrasion.

During treatment, super-fine crystals are sent from a receptacle in the microdermabrasion machine, through a tube, and to a glass or stainless steel wand. Via the wand, the crystals are sprayed over the skin (think of it as controlled sandblasting for your skin.)

The crystals are then sucked back up simultaneously and deposited into a different receptacle and thrown away.

Aluminum oxide (corundum) crystals are typically used because they are nearly as hard as diamonds. Magnesium oxide, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and even sodium chloride (salt) crystals are sometimes used as well.

The second method is called Diamond-tip microdermabrasion. It is a newer procedure, but one that quickly gained popularity as a crystal-free microdermabrasion option.

Instead of using crystals to exfoliate the skin, a wand with a diamond-encrusted tip is passed over the skin. The diamond tip abrades the skin and, like the crystal version, the exfoliated particles are then vacuumed away through the same wand.

So, to continue the analogy, if crystal microdermabrasion is like sandblasting the skin, diamond-tip microdermabrasion is like using sandpaper.

The procedure is noninvasive, but it can cause side effects. These include burning, stinging and swelling, as well as increased sensitivity to sunlight. For people with sensitive skin, the procedure can potentially cause more intense problems.

For future reference, when considering if microdermabrasion is right for you, here’s a list of times when microdermabrasion probably isn’t the best solution:

  1. You’re using Accutane
  2. You have moderate to severe inflammatory acne
  3. You have rosacea
  4. You’re in the midst of a cold sore breakout
  5. You have a rash, wound, or other skin irritation
  6. You’re using other topical retinoids
  7. Your esthetician nixes the idea

When it comes to things like acne, particularly active acne, it is best if you use a different method of caring for your skin. With microdermabrasion, you are at risk of spreading acne or irritating it further, which will be uncomfortable during the procedure but also might result in a breakout afterward.

If done incorrectly, these procedures can also cause other skin issues such as milia (from particles of crystals getting stuck under the skin) or worst case scenario, an infection.

Microdermabrasion is most often used to address things like dullness in the complexion, uneven skin tone, uneven skin texture, age spots, dark spots that can form after acne clears up, melasma, a common issue that forms dark spots or patches on the skin, or scars.

If your sole reason for microdermabrasion was to clear up acne, you’re in luck. Microdermabrasion isn’t considered the first line of defense against acne.

You’ll get much better results from tried-and-true acne medication and a proper skincare routine. It’s always a good idea to talk to your esthetician before committing to any sort of procedure or program that will affect your acne. Give us a call today for a consultation at 801-800-6602

It’s not hard to find horror stories online showing the results of a bad facial. This post is not to scare you, but to let you in on what to look for in an esthetician and common risks that come with getting spa facials.
 
Good skin is most importantly about having a solid routine, not about the occasional facial. Typically, a spa will recommend getting facials every week or once a month. There is really no clear-cut answer to their benefit. For some less acne-prone people this may work and be an enjoyable experience. For others it can become a detriment.
 
Many spas use essential oils and scented lotions which can be bad news for acne. Though they are meant for relaxation, products such as these will be massaged deep into the skin. This in and of itself can cause irritation as well as increase susceptibility to breakouts. You can’t always be sure that the products they are using will not include some sort of pore-clogging ingredients.
 
Spa facials are more about pampering than fixing skin issues. It can be hard to tell what products they will be using, which makes finding an acne safe facial all the more problematic, especially is your skin is sensitive and reactive.
 
We wouldn’t recommend going to a spa for skin related issues such as acne. Although if you do, it is always a good idea to talk to your esthetician beforehand about what your skincare routine is. Don’t be afraid to ask an esthetician what their experience is in dealing with acne.
 
No matter what, you won’t get clear skin by getting just one facial, which is likely to do more harm than good. The only sure-fire way to help acne is by getting an experienced esthetician who specializes in acne. The products that you use every day will determine how clear your skin will be. With any skincare routine, the key is consistency and quality of the products.
 
Although facials can be relaxing, they are not a necessity to get acne under control. In fact, they aren’t even the best way to get acne under control.
 
The best option for getting acne under control is to find the right esthetician. Then the next step is getting the right skincare products that moisturize while simultaneously combating acne. This can seem like no easy feat, as you’ve surely tried many different methods for dealing with your acne.
 
Look for an esthetician who really understand acne and has the tools to help yours improve. Improving acne is not an immediate process. It helps to have someone in your corner who really knows what to look for and what to recommend.
 
Healing acne is about the right routine at the right time with the right products. Improving your skin is a daily process. While practicing good skincare takes time, it does not have to be exasperating. Use a trusted professional’s experience and guidance to help you find a method that works in the long term with as few risks as possible so you and your skin can be happy and healthy.

Though it can be a struggle to find the right cleansing routine, there are a lot of ways you can do it wrong, which we will address in this post to help you get the most out of your skincare routine. The right cleansing process will help you avoid breakouts and even help reduce scarring.
 
The first tip is we’d like to recommend is that you only wash twice a day. We know it can be tempting to wash more often, particularly if your skin is oily. But washing too often results in over drying your skin and stripping it of its natural oils, which can lead to breakouts and irritation.
 
This is because acne is not caused by having dirty skin, although that is a commonly held belief. Acne is a genetic condition or sometimes a hormonal imbalance. This means that washing more often won’t necessarily cure pimples or blackheads.
 
Another point that we cannot stress enough is to be gentle with your skin. It might seem like an apricot scrub would be best for exfoliating, but it really does more harm than good. Harsh scrubs can leave your skin irritated or inflamed and can lead to scarring.
 
The best cleansers are generally more mild depending on your type of acne. A good place to start would be a Gentle Wash like this one. It is safe to use because it is noncomedogenic which means none of the ingredients are pore clogging. It is gentle enough to use around the eyes to remove makeup as well.
 
For those with more oily skin or moderate to severe acne, we recommend the BPO Wash, which has the added benefit of being 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide. This is a more exfoliating cleanser to help lift dirt and oils out of the pores as well as being noncomedogenic and safe for acne prone skin.
 
The best routine for cleansing your face is to start by pulling your hair out of your face and then washing your hands. With your skin wet or damp, gently massage a dime sized amount of product in circular motions for 30 seconds. Make sure to keep the cleanser out of your eyes, particularly if you are using it to remove eye makeup. Rinse with lukewarm water (not hot, as that can be drying) and pat dry with a clean towel.
 
Another little known tip is that you want to avoid using a washcloth instead of your fingers to wash. The reason for this is because washcloths are much more rough and can cause irritation as well as harboring bacteria or harsh laundry detergents.
 
When washing your face, you want to be extra gentle and soft. Think of it as the ultimate self care. When your skin looks good, you feel good. This point will help you have the best skin possible and fewer breakouts in the long run.
 
For more tips on healthy skin, visit the Education page on our website. To get even more help on good skincare routines and clearing acne prone skin, visit us at Skintherapy or give us a call at 801-800-6602.
 
 

The question we are going to answer in this article can be a little bit embarrassing for most people. Similar to having acne, it’s one of those unspoken problems that feels like talking about it will only make it worse somehow.
 
But we are here to remind you that having unwanted hair is completely normal and can be relatively easy to deal with. Although it’s not typically a topic of daily conversation, it is something that we want you to feel comfortable discussing freely with your skincare professional.
 
There are a lot of options for getting rid of unwanted hair, but the most popular are shaving and waxing. That is because they are the most accessible, cheapest, and the easiest to do.
 
While waxing may be a preferred option for some because of the longer regrowth periods, it’s not always the best. It is clearly the more painful choice, as it rips hair out at the root. It also causes the most irritation to the skin. Particularly when skin is sensitive, it is more prone to acne or ingrown hairs, which can become incredibly inflamed or even infected as a result of the pulling and ripping motion of waxing.
 
Shaving, on the other hand, usually only causes irritation if the skin is being too exfoliated or dried out. An easy way to avoid over exfoliating is to use exfoliating cleansers a little less or shave less frequently. Sidenote: you obviously do not want to shave directly over active acne, as that can increase the risk of spreading the infection to other parts of your skin.
 
The best method of shaving is to use a disposable single blade razor and only use it once. This is to prevent infection and the spread of harmful bacteria. Typically, we would recommend to always shave with the grain of the hair, as this creates less friction on the skin. This is also the safest method of dealing with unwanted hair as long as you are using new razors every time.
 
Please know that the old wives tale you may have heard about hair growing back thicker, darker, or scarier are simply not true. This is because the fine, translucent hair on your face is vellous hair and is found on your face, chest and back. This is totally different from terminal hair, which is far coarser and grows on your head, underarms, pubic area and brows. Because vellous hair is so fine and different from terminal hair, cutting it or shaving it does not make it grow in thicker or feel stubbly afterward. Men’s facial hair is terminal hair, ours is vellous.
 
If it becomes a concern, to help deal with ingrown hairs and shaving irritation, you can use BPO Scrub to help soften the skin and loosen the hair. This help you get a closer shave. Then use Gentle Wash for the actual shaving part to reduce friction. While there are different skin types, and a variety of acne prone triggers, it’s important to be aware of any ingredients you put on your skin. Using the products mentioned above, you will have peace of mind knowing that there are no pore-cloggers in your shaving regimen, decreasing the likelihood of ingrown hairs, irritation, and breakouts.
 
Let us know if you have any other questions by giving us a call at 385-274-0671. Or you are welcome to book an appointment with us on our website at Acne Services.
 

Microneedling is the process of creating many tiny microchannels in the skin. These channels fill in with new scar tissue which the body then uses  to connect the tissue adjacent to each opening, creating a mold for building new skin cells.

Acne discolors the skin as well, with red or light brown patches resulting from the infected pores and scarring. The cells continue to replicate damaged skin, and the only way to correct this is by introducing a tool that is both replenishing and cleansing.

Microneedling is one of the most effective ways to kick start the rejuvenation process. The body responds to the creation of tiny micro-openings in the skin by accelerating the production of new tissue, as well as collagen and elastin. Performed repeatedly over a set period of time, microneedling can significantly improve the skin tone and texture.

Microneedling improves scars in these 3 key ways:

Before getting treatment for your acne scars, it is important to clear your acne. New acne breakouts can lead to new acne scars. Having acne also means that your skin is inflamed. Inflammation reduces the effectiveness of treatment for acne scars.

Whether the results be lightening blemishes, scarring, or fine lines and wrinkles, microneedling is one of the least invasive ways to care for these problems. Downtime is quite minimal compared to other treatments and won’t cause unhealthy downsides like lasers, bleaching, strong chemical peels, and fillers can.

For example, with procedures such as laser therapy, things like acne scarring are treated with intense heat. The problem with this is that temperatures over 109 degrees can trigger a shock protein. This results in an increase of collagen. This sounds like what you’d want in this type of procedure, but research is finding that the skin may behave negatively long term, say 10-15 years down the road. This is due to introducing too much heat, “shocking” the skin, and causing an overload of inflammation. On top of that, darker skin naturally absorbs more heat. This can cause burns, or worse, more scarring.

It’s important to know what will keep you safe and acne free. We always do our best to share with you our research and firsthand accounts of what will work for you now and long term.
Check in with our office if you have any questions about getting your acne under control.  We can also advise you when scar treatments are right for you. Give us a call at 801-800-6602 to schedule a consultation.

Microneedling uses tiny needles to penetrate the skin to stimulate collagen growth. This procedure can help with many skin conditions, including:

This method for dealing with skin issues was first introduced in 1995 and has since been gaining in popularity for its effectiveness and short downtimes. Your first appointment for the procedure might look something like this:

Here is a firsthand account from someone who has had the procedure done:

“The day of my first session, I was excited, but I was still nervous about the aftereffects. I'd heard that it would look like intense sunburn with raccoon eyes. The physician assistant, applied a topical lidocaine, which numbs your skin. She left it on for about 20 to 30 minutes, which is a little longer than usual, since I was so nervous. The actual microneedling feels like more of a tickling. The only time I could feel any poking is when it was on active acne. So the most recent session I had, she went a little bit deeper with the needles where I have intense scarring, like a chicken pox scar on my temple. It still didn’t hurt, but it felt like I was being poked. It’s bearable for sure. The benefits definitely outweigh any discomfort felt.”

Initially, minor side effects are to be expected from this procedure. These include redness, bruising, and inflammation. However, these should clear up within a few days.

During the first few days after your microneedling procedure, you’ll want to avoid direct sun exposure and rigorous exercise. Exfoliants and alcohol-based skin products can also make side effects worse, so you should avoid these.

It’s also possible to experience acne breakouts after skin needling. However, these should be mild and clear up on their own. Avoid picking at your skin, as this can lead to further scarring.
The severity of microneedling side effects also depends on how you prepare for the procedure. Tanning or direct sun exposure can irritate your skin, making inflammation worse. Drinking plenty of water the day before and during the hours leading up your treatment can also reduce the chances of bruising and inflammation. You’ll also want to come to your appointment without any makeup on.

Unlike more invasive skin therapies, microneedling is considered quick. Many people choose to go back to work the day after their treatment, depending on their side effects. You can apply a lightweight powder if you want to camouflage any bruising or redness 24 hours after the procedure.

A master esthetician may not recommend microneedling for your acne scars if your acne has not been clear for at least 6 months to a year. It’s also not recommended if you have rosacea or eczema, as the procedure can worsen your symptoms.

Although tons of research has been done on the subject, it took awhile for researchers to understand that ultimately, acne comes down to genetics. Certain genes cause overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells. Because of this, acne can’t be cured, only controlled. Which means for some people, they will have to deal with it for most of their lives.

For that percentage of people, there are a lot of options out there for dealing with their acne but dismally few that actually show promising results.

Here we want to share a little bit of what we know about acne:

1) Acne is more prevalent in women
Women are more likely to develop acne during puberty, around the time of their cycle, during pregnancy, and during menopause. What do all these things have in common? You guessed it, high amounts of hormones! Which brings us to our next point.

2) Hormones play a big part
You’ve most likely noticed that acne begins for most people at puberty and tends to go away for most people when puberty is over. For others, however, this stage never ends, continuing well into adult life. While women are more likely to have acne triggers because of hormones, men can be affected too. An example of hormones causing acne for men would be those taking anabolic steroids.

The high doses of androgens and testosterone can cause acne on the jaw, back, and chest.

3) Acne can be affected by lifestyle
Things like food, exercise, sun exposure, and makeup can make your acne go from bad to worse in no time. For more info on these topics, visit our Education Page.

4) Acne can be controlled
After what you’ve been through on your acne journey up to this point, this probably seems hard to believe. Most people who have acne have tried every OTC medication on the shelf, gone to dermatologists, and might have even tried strong medications and antibiotics. But there are definitely more effective ways to treat acne.

5) Some people never grow out of it and that’s okay
Acne affects 50% of women between the ages of 20-29 and 25% of women between ages 40-49. For adult men, the numbers aren’t quite as high but seeing as how 85% of teenagers go through it, we can safely assume that almost everyone has dealt with it at some point in their lives.

It’s sad to say that most people believe that acne is strictly linked to hygiene. If that were the case, we would have solved it long ago! Many who suffer with acne have tried everything in the book, including harsh chemicals and medications. It’s just not that easy.

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes for eliminating acne, but there are treatment plans that work wonders. Just take a look at our Results Page to see for yourself what a good regimen can do.
Finding what truly works for clearing your acne takes time, patience, knowledge, and the commitment to routine with products that are proven to help. There are no overnight cures for acne. But with a little help from your friends here at Skintherapy, we can make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

In this post, we are going to be discussing the use of different hair products and their effect on the scalp and skin. At the end, we will also have a user friendly guide to help you choose the most beneficial products for you and those who suffer from acne-prone skin.

Now, when it comes to hair dye, many people report experiencing breakouts after dyeing or coloring their hair. This is because regular chemical dye contains many irritating ingredients that affect the face more than the scalp. Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a common dyeing agent, can cause dermatitis on sensitive skin.

If your skin is sensitive, you could try a henna-based dye instead, but ALWAYS check the ingredients before using a product to make sure it doesn’t contain anything that could be harmful to your skin.

The most common reaction to hair dye that people experience is dermatitis, however, depending on what’s in the ingredient list, it can clog pores and cause breakouts as well. Because acne is caused by overproduction of skin cells and sebum in the pore, it would make sense that any chemical in the product that inhibited the pore would also facilitate acne. And that is why it is crucial to check before you use.

When it comes to other hair products like mousse, gel, or putty, there is a real risk of developing what we call “Pomade Acne” which is caused by those products touching the face, such as if you have bangs or if you touch your hair and then your skin immediately afterward.

The biggest risk when it comes to shampoo and conditioner, however is that while they are being rinsed out, oily rich products can drip on your forehead, shoulders, and back causing acne breakouts.

Again, it is critical to check the ingredient list for any pore clogging ingredients when it comes to products that you use.

Now, onto the good stuff.

What can you use for your hair that won’t break you out?

For shampoo and conditioner, the best place to look would be these two products: Fast Food and Ultramoist by AG Haircare. You can purchase them online or in store from Ulta or Got Beauty but these are literally the only safe shampoo and conditioner that we have been able to find. We have scoured products near and far for safe hair products and these are the only winners.

But when it comes to the rest of hair products in general, we don’t have all the answers, we can only hope to arm you with the knowledge and ability to check on these things for yourself and make an educated decision on what will work best for you.

We don’t know everything yet, but we are always on the lookout for the best products for you, especially when it comes to your skin. Also, we’d love for you to reach out to us if you find a great hair product that doesn’t contain pore-clogging ingredients. We love to share good things!

Just be careful, play it safe, remember not to touch your face too much, especially after touching your hair.

For more information, visit us here to set up a consultation. Give us a call at 801-800-6602 if you have any questions.

All of us have hormones. They regulate our inner workings to help us perform bodily functions, from the most basic to the most complicated. Some people’s hormones are more in balance than others and this imbalance can cause a variety of problems with our adrenal glands, pituitary, and thyroid. But can hormones affect your skin as well?

Most of the research done on hormonal acne has been targeted toward women. With monthly cycles and other factors such as menopause, there seems to be a stronger correlation for the female experience with this type of acne. Not to say that male acne can’t also be affected by hormones, but for the most part it is largely more obvious in women for a longer period of their lives.

When it comes to acne, the androgen hormone is in charge of testosterone. Men and women both produce testosterone (and estrogen) and both sexes need it to function. However, women are often sensitive to extraneous testosterone in their bodies because they can’t use it all for their general operations. That excess testosterone doesn’t just sit around though. It’s in circulation— and it has to go somewhere.

Enter the skin. The skin has androgen receptor cells. This is where excess testosterone often goes to be purged. And the skin gets rid of it—often with cystic breakouts.

Hormonal acne for women is most often prevalent just before or during the menses cycle, when hormones are at their highest, although it can occur during ovulation or even after the period is over.

This type of acne generally appears along the chin and jawline. Unfortunately, because it is caused by factors within the body, it is considered noninflamed, which means that the acne doesn’t typically want to come to the surface. It stays deep in the skin, and presents itself in the form of a cyst.

Cysts are large and painful fluid-filled bumps that can tend to leave scars behind. They are caused by the buildup of excess sebum and oil but usually cannot be extracted because of how deep they are. For the most part, these bumps go away on their own with the help of proper products and the end of the cycle.

Acne caused by hormones presents itself pretty regularly in adolescents going through puberty as well. This sudden spike in hormones causes the skin to create excessive amounts of oil, dead skin cells, and sebum making teenagers break out like there is no tomorrow. The correct skin regimen, however, can help mitigate much of this so as to keep scars and other lasting effects of acne at bay.

Another large factor in hormonal acne is found in one of our most common food products: dairy. Milk is loaded with growth hormones that are given to the cows to produce more. When these end up in your body from drinking milk, it ends up wreaking havoc on your hormones, often causing breakouts and cystic acne.

The best way to tell if your acne is hormonal is to consider the following factors:

If you think you might have hormonal acne and you have tried everything under the sun, you want to give us a shot. We can schedule you a consultation today to help prevent and assist even the worst hormonal acne. Check out our results page to see the difference for yourself.

Give a call 801-800-6602 or schedule your appointment online today.

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