Acne can be frustrating and embarrassing, but for people with sensitive skin the challenges of breakouts are often complicated. That’s because most acne treatment options include harsh ingredients that can cause even more irritation, redness, and pain. These dos and don’ts for treating acne with sensitive skin can help you get clearer skin without making skin sensitivity worse.
Cleansing is the first step to getting clearer skin, but many cleansers marketed for eliminating breakouts come with harsh ingredients that can make skin irritation worse. Look for cleansers that have glycerin or ceramides, two ingredients that increase hydration and provide an added barrier against outside irritants like pollution. Avoid alcohols, sulfates, and other synthetic or chemical ingredients, which can cause even more irritation. And don’t forget to use a daily moisturizer designed for sensitive skin to boost skin hydration.
Many people think that harsh scrubs and exfoliating cleansers are better for removing dirt and bacteria that can lead to acne. But for someone with sensitive skin, these irritants can damage the outer layers of skin, causing inflammation and increasing skin’s sensitivity.
Anytime you try a new skincare product you should test it out in a small area to check for a reaction. This is definitely true if you have sensitive skin, because your skin might be more prone to breakouts, rashes, or other negative side effects. When you know it won’t cause an allergic reaction, start by using it every other day (about three times a week) to make sure your skin can tolerate it without getting too dry or irritated.
More isn’t always better, and that is definitely true for treating breakouts on sensitive skin. There are dozens of different products available today, and many come with expensive-looking packaging or marketing campaigns to make you believe they can cure your acne. But using several different products at once can irritate sensitive skin, and in some cases the active ingredients could actually work against each other. Instead, talk to a skincare professional who understands what products will be effective and how to use them.
Anyone who suffers with acne or who wants to try out new products should consult a skincare professional first. That’s especially true for someone with unique skin concerns, like sensitivity. A skincare consultation can help you discover the best products and the right ingredients to clear up acne and breakouts without causing more damage or increasing inflammation or irritation. Schedule your consultation online today to learn more about what high-quality acne-fighting skincare should be in your daily routine.
If you have browsed beauty blogs or looked into skincare routines lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of content about serums. So what exactly are they, and how do you incorporate them into a daily skincare routine to maximize the benefits? Here is a basic overview of the benefits of serum, who should be using it, and how to make sure you get the most out of it.
Serums fall into a broad category of skincare. Most are lighter than typical lotions or creams, often in the form of a gel or liquid. The active ingredients in a serum are more concentrated, giving your skin a big boost in one specific area, such as reducing dark spots, targeting acne, or enhancing skin’s “glow.” Serums are not new in skincare, but they are experiencing unprecedented growth. Results from the 2021 State of the Beauty Industry report showed 15% to 24% growth for face serums and facial cleansers, the highest among any of the specific beauty categories.
Adding a serum to your routine can be very beneficial. Some of the most common ingredients found in serums, and their specific benefits, include:
One challenge with adding a serum to your routine is finding one that addresses your skincare needs and is worth the cost. Unfortunately, there is little oversight in the industry, so companies can overpromise on results without the high-quality ingredients to back it up. For that reason, it’s important to purchase serums from skincare companies committed to product quality and results.
When you’re ready to add a serum to your routine, the first step is to figure out what serum(s) you need. That depends on your skin type and concerns—such as acne, dullness, dryness, or wrinkles. A skincare consultation can help you get the answers to both of those questions.
Next, you need to understand how and when to apply the serum so it can absorb completely into your skin for the most benefit. Generally, your routine should go:
Moisturizers are thicker and heavier, so they could block some of the serum from getting deeper into your skin. What time of day you apply a serum also matters:
If you still need help figuring out your skincare routine, talk to one of the skincare specialists at Skintherapy today by scheduling an online consultation.
By now everyone knows that sunscreen is an essential part of your skincare routine in the summer. When you are outside on a hot summer day it’s easy to understand why—you can feel those UV rays penetrating and burning your skin within minutes. But it can be harder to remember that you still need to protect your skin from UV rays in a colder climate during the winter months.
There are several reasons people forget sunscreen in the winter. For starters, you probably are wearing clothing that covers most of your skin’s surface. You also won’t always feel your skin getting warm because the air outside is cold. The sun is farther in the southern sky, which means its rays might not feel as potent as they do in the summer months, and there are fewer hours of daylight so the “peak” sunlight hours are shorter in winter.
The skin on your face is often the only part of your body exposed to the sun in winter. Using skincare products with built-in SPF can help you stay protected.
If you’ve ever skipped sunscreen on a cloudy summer day, you probably learned your lesson. Just because you don’t see the sun doesn’t mean those ultraviolet (UV) rays aren’t getting through. There are actually two types of UV rays:
UVA rays are better at penetrating clouds, which means even on a cloudy winter day you can still be at risk.
UVB rays are more likely to reflect off the surface of the snow when you’re outside participating in winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. SPF sunscreen provides extra protection on your face, neck, and arms (if they’re exposed) to prevent sunburn.
You might think that staying inside in the winter is a great way to protect against sun damage, but it’s not a foolproof plan. UV rays can still penetrate glass, which means if you ride a bus, drive in a car, or sit near a window in your office during the day, you might be exposed to ultraviolet rays. Fortunately glass does block UVB rays well, but it doesn’t block UVA rays as well. Additionally, some research shows that blue light from screens could harm your skin. SPF sunscreen can protect your skin in both cases.
The ozone layer—part of the stratosphere between 10 and 20 miles above the Earth’s surface—absorbs UV radiation from the sun, specifically harmful UVB rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer. The concentration of ozone molecules is lower in the winter months, which means there is less protection from those harmful rays. SPF products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays are essential to prevent excess skin damage in winter, and reduce your risk of skin cancers.
Learn more about protecting your skin and discover how to keep your face healthy, even in winter, by talking to our skincare experts at Skintherapy.
Winter is a tough time for your skin, but with the right skincare routine you can overcome the dry air and dreary days to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. The key is knowing which products to use, and how to adjust your normal routine to account for harsh weather. These tips will help you maintain a healthy beautiful glow throughout the year.
Common irritants like alcohol and fragrance can amplify skin irritation. This leads to redness, as well as itchy, dry, and flaky skin. If your skin is sensitive, it’s also a good idea to avoid fragrances, since these ingredients can cause irritation too.
Having a regular skincare routine can significantly improve skin health—that’s true all year round, but especially in the winter months. Regularly cleansing skin to remove dead skin cells, using a gentle toner, serum, and moisturizer at least once a day can prevent damage from harsh winter conditions. It’s much easier to keep skin healthy than to try and repair it after it gets damaged.
Sometimes it’s difficult to remember sunscreen in the winter months, especially if you live in a colder climate. You probably aren’t planning to do any sunbathing in that sub-30-degree weather, but the skin on your face is still exposed. The sun’s rays are just as potent in the winter as they are in the summer. In fact, the sun’s rays can be even more damaging if you’re outside participating in winter sports, because the sun reflects off the snow. So keep your face and neck covered every day by using a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 to 30 SPF.
If you put moisturizer on whenever your skin seems dry, you might be missing some of the benefits. Your skin will absorb more of the moisturizer when it’s damp, so adding moisturizer soon after cleansing your face, or after you get out of a bath or shower, means more of the hydrating benefits will get into your skin layers.
While you sleep, your skin is repairing the damage from the previous day. So first, you want to make sure you get plenty of sleep. Second, talk to a skincare consultant about adding an extra step to your nighttime skin routine to include serums, masks, or toners that have moisture-boosting ingredients.
Many people think about skincare products to take care of dry skin, but supplements and diet can also play a role in skin health. Take a supplement product that includes skin-boosting ingredients like omega 3, 6, and 9. Examine your diet as well, and add healthy fats like avocados, nuts and seeds, and lots of fruits and veggies. Then make sure you get plenty of water so your whole body stays hydrated.
Find out more ways you can improve your skin with high-quality products formulated to improve skin texture, reduce acne breakouts, and give you the glowing skin you want. Schedule a consultation with a Skintherapy professional today.
Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that has gotten a lot of attention when it comes to skincare. But what is it, what benefits does it provide, and how should you be using it in your skincare routine (or should you be using it at all)? We’ll cover the basics to help you decide.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring group of sugar molecules (polysaccharides) that are already present in your body. It works to provide moisture to your skin, as well as cushioning and moisturizing your joints and other connective tissues. As you age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in your body declines. This can lead to skin that looks dry, or increase the appearance of wrinkles on the skin’s surface. Other lifestyle and environmental factors, like smoking or living in areas with high air pollution, can accelerate the loss of this ingredient in your body.
To prevent the damage that comes from declining hyaluronic acid, you can supplement your body’s natural stores. Many people do that with topical serums and creams (although it’s possible to do it by taking oral supplements as well, but most people prefer the convenience of applying it to skin).
When you use a hyaluronic acid, the sugar molecules bind to water to increase the amount of water present in your skin cells. In fact, the molecules can absorb about 1,000 times their weight in water, making them a super-moisturizer for your skin. Without moisture, your skin will appear dry and flaky, and it can be more vulnerable to damage from the environment, like sun and pollution. With more moisture content, skin is healthier and has a stronger barrier to resist damage. It also looks more plump, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
There are three main types of hyaluronic acid that you will find in most skincare and beauty products:
Depending on your needs, you can look for hyaluronic acid serums, moisturizers, and even cleansers. Check the full ingredient list before you buy to make sure there are no allergens in the product that would irritate your skin. If you can find serums or creams that also have vitamin C, the two can work in tandem to improve moisturizing effectiveness.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, you should avoid any HA products with:
If you’re curious about HA and its benefits, talk to one of our skincare specialists at Skintherapy. We can help you sort through all the different hyaluronic acid options to find the one that’s perfect for you.
A proper skincare routine should include moisturizer, and that seems pretty straightforward. You just get a moisturizer and apply it to your face to keep it from getting too dry, right? Wrong. Hydration is one of the key aspects of healthy skin, but slapping on some lotion you found on the drugstore shelf isn’t necessarily the best option. Here are four common mistakes people make when it comes to moisturizer, and how you can adjust your routine to ensure that your skin gets all the hydration it needs to stay healthy.
Moisturizer acts as a barrier between your skin and the outside world. Applying moisturizer without cleansing the skin first could actually be doing the opposite of what you want—sealing in irritants like dirt and bacteria. Cleansing first clears away that stuff so the moisturizer penetrates deeper layers of skin and provides better hydration.
Additionally, your skin is most absorbent when it’s damp, so wait to apply moisturizer until after a shower or after washing your face to get the most benefit.
Some people with oily skin (incorrectly) believe that moisturizer will make things worse. In fact, not using moisturizer might be contributing to excess oil. When skin is too dry, it overcompensates by producing more oils, leading to acne breakouts. Skipping moisturizing could create a vicious cycle of too little hydration, overproduction of oil, and more breakouts.
However, it is important for people with oily and acne-prone skin to use moisturizer with ingredients that will fight acne. If you’re not sure what kind of moisturizer you need, talk to a skincare professional to find a product that will limit breakouts and help your skin.
There are plenty of things that can disrupt your skin’s moisture content. Cold weather, UV rays, hot water, dry air, and products. As you get older, your skin also has a harder time holding onto the lipids in your skin layer that capture and hold moisture. Regularly applying moisturizer keeps lipids from getting damaged, which can lead to dry skin. It’s harder to repair that layer once it’s damaged so regular application is essential.
Perhaps the most common mistake people make with facial moisturizer is not knowing what product(s) to use. There are a lot of options, and the right one depends on skin type and concerns:
If you’re still confused and frustrated trying to figure out what moisturizer to use, talk to a skincare professional. They can help you find the right products made with high-quality ingredients designed just for your skin. Schedule a Skintherapy consultation today.
You’ve probably seen a lot of advertisements about the benefits of exfoliating products. Many exfoliating ingredients today are added to cleansers so you can conveniently use them in your regular routine. So what is an exfoliating cleanser, and do you need one?
Cleansing is an essential step in your face wash routine, and everyone should be using a basic facial cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other things that get on your skin throughout the day. There are a variety of different types of cleansers, including water-based cleansers, gel cleansers, cleansing wipes, and foaming cleansers. Some are designed for specific skin types, such as oily or dry skin.
Exfoliating cleansers are different from typical face wash. They still have ingredients to cleanse your face, but have a second ingredient that removes dead skin cells. There are two ways to do this:
It’s also important to distinguish these cleansers from facial scrubs. Scrubs usually contain more exfoliating ingredients and should only be used occasionally. Most exfoliating cleansers are gentle enough to use every day.
Exfoliating cleansers are beneficial as part of your facial cleansing routine because they can help remove stubborn dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. If these cells remain, they can mix with dirt and oils that clog your pores and contribute to acne blemishes. Some exfoliating cleansers also reduce bacteria on the surface of your skin, which helps reduce breakouts.
When you clear away all the dead skin cells, it also lets your healthy skin show through, which can give you an instant “glow.” Plus your other skin products can more effectively penetrate your skin when you clean out the dead skin cells, oils, dirt, and anything else that might cause clogged pores.
Exfoliating cleansers are a great addition to most skincare routines, but only if you have the right products and use them at the right times. Use an exfoliating cleanser once a day at the beginning of your skincare routine. Follow with toner, serum, and moisturizer based on your skincare needs.
The most important thing to keep in mind before adding an exfoliating cleanser to your routine is that everyone’s skin is different. Exfoliating cleansers will affect skin differently for oily, dry, or combination skin. If you have serious breakouts, you also don’t want to use an exfoliating cleanser that might irritate the skin and make your breakouts red and painful.
It's best to talk to a skincare professional before trying any new skincare regimen, including exfoliating cleansers. Schedule a personalized online consultation today with Skintherapy Skin care & Acne Clinic to discuss your needs and find the right exfoliating cleanser.
You have probably seen it a lot in advertising—the promise that a specific product can “shrink” your large pores. It’s something that many brands and skincare companies advertise products that will shrink or minimize the look of pores. The problem with this claim is that it’s actually not possible to shrink pores. It’s a persistent myth that you can somehow change the size of your pores, and it’s important to understand why this isn’t the reality.
Pores are small openings in your skin that provide essential oils to moisturize skin and keep it from drying out. The ones connected to large sebaceous glands (which secrete sebum oils) naturally appear bigger. These pores are often more visible on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Pores also secrete sweat when your body gets hot, which is a natural method for keeping your skin cool. Without them you would overheat and eventually die.
The size of your pores is largely based on genetics. Just like your height and the color of your skin, hair, and eyes, your pores are part of your DNA. There is no way to make large pores get smaller, and no facial care products can alter your DNA, which is a good thing.
A quick online search reveals millions of results in a search for “how to shrink pores,” but these are all based on myths that are shared and persist in beauty circles. Common (but misguided) recommendations on shrinking pores include:
Neither of these quick-fix recommendations actually alter the size of your pores. They may temporarily change the appearance of pores, but within a few minutes or hours your pores will revert back to the way they looked before.
While you cannot shrink pores on your face, you can use products that will provide better care for your skin and improve your overall skin health. When pores are clogged with dirt, oil, and bacteria they get swollen and may appear larger than normal. Sun damage can also make pores appear larger by removing collagen, elastin and moisture that keeps skin plump and healthy.
Simple solutions for keeping your pores clean and healthy include:
If you have questions about skincare and how to improve the health of your pores, talk to a skincare specialist at Skintherapy today to discuss your concerns. Book a consultation online to get started.
Two common ingredients that are widely used in acne-fighting products are salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Perhaps you noticed these two products in different creams, face washes, and serums and wondered what the difference is between the two, and whether one is more effective than the other. We’ll go over some of the key differences and when each ingredient is most appropriate for your skincare routine.
Salicylic acid actually does not treat acne itself. Instead, it targets the cause of acne by dissolving the skin cells that sit on the surface of the face, neck, and chest. Those dead skin cells are one of the primary culprits for clogged pores, which are at the root of many breakouts. When they mix with oils on your skin and dirt or bacteria, you’ll see breakouts. Salicylic acid also works to remove some of the excess oils on your skin surface, smoothing out skin texture and improving skin appearance.
Salicylic acid works best for blackheads and whiteheads, which are caused by clogged pores but don’t have associated inflammation or bacteria.
Salicylic acid can cause some skin dryness because it removes excess oils, which can leave skin feeling tingly or itchy. If you notice hives, peeling skin, or a stinging or tingling feeling after using it, stop and talk to a skincare professional to figure out if there are other options. If you are allergic to aspirin, do not use salicylic acid.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial face wash that kills the bacteria that causes acne (Propionibacterium acnes, or P. acnes). When you use it as a topical agent, it can eliminate skin conditions that are more conducive to acne development. You apply it topically (to your skin) and it can work quickly to kill bacteria and clear up your skin. It works both preventively to keep skin from developing acne, and as a spot treatment to fight breakouts.
Since benzoyl peroxide has antibacterial properties, it works best for pimples and pustules that result from bacteria in your pores, which causes inflammation and a breakout.
One of the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide is dry skin. It usually causes more dryness than salicylic acid, so it might not work for people with very sensitive skin, or those with another skincare condition like eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Talk to a skincare professional about any skin conditions you have before using benzoyl peroxide.
The other common concern people have is stains or bleaching. The active ingredient in benzoyl peroxide can stain or bleach clothing, towels, and hair. Wash your hands after use and avoid getting the product on fabrics.
Before you use benzoyl peroxide with retinoids, such as retinol or tretinoin, or with abrasive cleansers, talk to a skincare professional because the active ingredients can cause a skin reaction if used incorrectly.
To find out more about what skincare products would work best for your breakouts, it’s important to talk to a qualified skincare professional. They can identify the type of acne you have, and help you select which product will work best. In some situations they may also recommend a combination of salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Schedule your online consultation today with Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic.
There is a lot of information out there about treating acne on your face and neck, but that’s not the only place that you can have acne. Since acne is your body’s inflammatory reaction to clogged pores, you can get it anywhere on your body where there are pores (which is basically everywhere).
The most common places to find acne besides your face are:
While body acne might not always be as visible as the stuff on your face, it can still be embarrassing and even painful. Here are four ways to effectively eliminate it when it comes up.
Any effective treatment regimen first begins with an analysis of the problem. It’s not always as straightforward as just needing to shower more or cleanse your skin better. Body acne can be the result of:
Body acne occurs when pores get clogged with dirt, oils, and bacteria, and your daily routine might be making that worse. Evaluating your daily routine to try and control the things you can (lifestyle factors) can help clear up body acne.
The most common lifestyle factors that lead to body acne are workout routines and products you use for hair and skin.
If you get sweaty during your workout and wait a long time to shower, bacteria has a chance to build up on the skin. Wearing synthetic fabrics can also keep bacteria and sweat right next to the skin. Switch to cotton workout clothes, and make sure to shower right after your workout.
Another lifestyle factor is the products you use. Your hair and body care products could be clogging your pores with heavy oils. Try switching up your routine to avoid these products and see if your body acne clears up.
Most people use soap or body wash to cleanse skin. While this works for general cleansing, basic soap products are not designed to fight body acne. Instead, you need a face and body scrub that is specifically designed to fight acne with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. An exfoliating product can also help remove dead skin cells and other things that clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Sometimes you can do everything right and still have body acne. When that happens, it’s best to talk to a skincare specialist who can help you identify the type of body acne you are experiencing and find high-quality products that effectively clear up your skin. Schedule an online consultation with a Skintherapy specialist today to get advice on how to clear up your body acne today.
Find the best skincare products and learn more about how to fight body acne by scheduling an appointment with a skincare consultant at Skintherapy today.
Every season can present unique challenges for your skin. Just like the weather changes, so do your skincare needs. Let’s talk about some of the most common myths about skincare and acne treatment in the summer.
Fact: Acne is not affected by the amount of sun that your skin gets, so getting a tan will not clear up your acne. If your skin looks darker it might change the appearance of your acne, but it doesn’t address any of the underlying causes or issues. In fact, getting a tan—and a sunburn if you’re not careful—can damage your skin and increase the risk of melanoma (skin cancer).
The best way to clear up acne is not by going out in the sun, it’s with effective acne treatment products and a consistent skincare routine. And anytime you go out in the sun you should be using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against sunburn and sun damage.
No matter how light or dark your skin is, it can still get damaged from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. You should always wear sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun. However, if you are going to put sunscreen on your face it’s important to make sure it’s good for your skin and won’t cause breakouts.
Fact: This myth likely comes from the idea that opening up your pores (in a steam room or with a hot towel) can help pores release dirt and bacteria, but it’s not based in fact. Sweat could actually make your acne worse if it traps bacteria and dirt inside your pores and you don’t clean it out properly.
After being outside when it’s hot, and getting dirty and sweaty, it’s a good idea to cleanse your face so dirt and oils don’t get trapped in your pores.
Fact: Drinking water is a great thing to do, and it’s important to get at least eight glasses of water per day for your body to stay hydrated. Drinking more water is also good for your skin health, but just drinking water might not be enough to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated. Dry skin can have an excess buildup of dead skin cells that clog pores and make breakouts worse.
Find a high-quality moisturizer to use in the mornings and at night to keep your skin from getting too thirsty. If you live in an area with higher humidity, talk to a skincare specialist about which products can help your skin to stay healthy without making your skin oily.
Just like there are several different types of acne—blackheads, whiteheads, hormonal/cystic acne, comedones, papules, pustules—there are also different types of treatment. The right treatment for your acne can vary depending on what is causing your breakouts, your skin type, and many other factors.
One of the most common treatments for acne is called a “spot treatment.” We’ll discuss how these treatments work, and when it’s best to use them.
Acne spot treatments are different from your nightly skincare routine of cleansing skin, applying toner and other serums. These treatments are specifically designed to target a new blemish when it appears and try to speed up the process to eliminate pimples. Some of these treatments work overnight, while others blend into your skin so you can use them during the day.
Most spot treatments work by delivering a powerful dose of acne-fighting ingredients to the spot where you are breaking out. Some also have added benefits of reducing redness or swelling around the area so the blemish won’t be as obvious.
While they can be useful for occasional surface-level papules and pustules (the ones with a white part that pops up above your skin), they are not effective in treating all acne. Acne spot treatments don’t work as well for:
It’s also important to note that acne spot treatments are not necessarily a miracle cure that will make your blemishes go away immediately. Acne appears as inflammation, redness, and eventually pus coming up to the skin’s surface because your skin is trying to eliminate bacteria or other stuff inside your pores. Depending on where it is in the process, spot treatments may still take time to work.
Another common issue that people encounter with spot treatments is simply not knowing what to use and when to use it. There are dozens of over-the-counter medications to choose from that contain one or more ingredients to fight acne:
The key to finding a good acne spot treatment is understanding exactly what is causing your acne and which ingredients can most effectively fight it. Using the wrong one will either not work at all, or it could irritate skin and make blemishes worse. A skincare professional can help you understand your acne and figure out which products will work to clear up skin faster.
Skintherapy offers a variety of products for acne spot treatment. Some of our top products include:
The estheticians at Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinic offer online consultations and personalized skincare treatment plans. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your virtual visit today.
Experiencing a severe acne breakout can be embarrassing, but for some people a blemish doesn’t just go away when the pimple clears up. Acne scars can last for several weeks, months, or even years after your acne is gone. So how can you get rid of acne scars or prevent them from happening? Here are some helpful tips and effective acne scar treatment options.
Most acne scars are the result of inflammation that causes pores to swell and break through the walls of the follicle. The scarring could be short-term if it’s minor damage to the follicle that can heal. However, when the walls of the pores become significantly injured the infection can leak into nearby cells and cause further damage. Other things that can lead to acne scarring include:
When your body tries to heal the damaged tissues it produces a protein called collagen. If there isn’t enough collagen to fill in the area that was damaged it can leave an indentation. If your body produces too much collagen, it can raise the area of the skin and leave a permanent bump.
As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and while Benjamin Franklin was not specifically talking about acne when he said that in the early 1700s to his fellow Philadelphians, it still applies in this case. Preventing damaging acne in the first place can help you avoid the need for more treatment later. It’s not always possible to prevent it entirely. But when you start to see frequent or severe acne it’s best to consult a professional to get the products that can help you address it. Over-the-counter products are not designed to help with severe and scarring acne, but a consultant at Skintherapy can discuss your individual needs.
The good news is that if you have scarring you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune on facial treatments. At-home treatment with the right ingredients can help your skin heal naturally over time, the most common of which are:
However, it’s critical to get the right treatment in the right concentration to address your specific scarring. That’s where a consultation with a skincare professional comes in.
If at-home treatments aren’t enough to help with your acne, there are other options:
All these treatments should be done by a professional in a safe setting (they’re not DIY projects). Talk to Skintherapy to learn more about these and whether they are the best choice to treat your acne scarring.
You may have heard people raving about microdermabrasion and wondered if it was a good option for you. This popular skin treatment is relatively simple, and it provides a ton of benefits for your skin. Let’s talk about what it is, and some of the main reasons you should schedule a microdermabrasion session with an aesthetician in Salt Lake City.
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive skin procedure that uses an abrasive device and crystals or diamonds to exfoliate your skin. It removes dead skin cells from the top layer of skin and leaves your face looking and feeling clearer, brighter, and healthier. It’s a relatively simple procedure, and only takes about 20 minutes when you have it done at a local spa by a licensed aesthetician. You can also choose to follow it up with a peel, soak, or other treatment. Overal it’s one of the simplest ways to refresh your skin once or twice a month.
Just about all skin types can benefit from microdermabrasion. This procedure offers several perks for your skin:
There are some at-home microdermabrasion tools, but it’s important to know that’s not the same as getting the procedure done at a spa or clinic. At-home kits are less powerful and will not penetrate as deeply into your skin, which means the results won’t be as noticeable. It’s also important to consult a professional before you get microdermabrasion to reduce the chance of a negative side effect or problem during the procedure.
To add microdermabrasion to your routine today, contact Skintherapy in Salt Lake City.
Hormones are a part of life for both men and women, and as they fluctuate they can lead to embarrassing and even painful hormonal acne. This type of acne can occur in your teen years or later in life, especially for women who experience fluctuating hormones as a result of pregnancy and eventually menopause, and who are more likely to experience thyroid problems.
While hormonal acne is not the same as other acne, like many other breakout concerns, you need to find the right skincare routine and possibly make some lifestyle modifications. A skincare professional who treats all types of acne can help you figure out the right approach.
Most hormonal acne will appear along your jawline and chin, although it can appear in other places. In addition, a common sign that it is hormonal (and not more traditional acne vulgaris) is cystic acne. It appears as large, irritated, and painful red bumps deep under the skin. It’s also more like to leave a scar behind without proper treatment. If this is the type of acne you’re experiencing, most over-the-counter treatments won’t be as effective, and you will benefit from seeking treatment from a skincare specialist.
Using quality products to treat hormonal acne can help significantly in your ability to control it. Ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids have been shown to be effective at addressing this painful condition. Your best option is to schedule a consultation with a skincare specialist to identify exactly what you need and find the right products rather than just trial-and-error that could even make hormonal acne worse.
There are also some medications that a dermatologist can prescribe to help treat hormonal acne. While these can be effective at eliminating or significantly reducing breakouts, they won’t always be the best option. Medications often come with side effects that can be difficult to deal with, and in some cases the medication ingredients may not be safe to take during pregnancy, which is a time when hormonal acne commonly flares up for women.
In most cases, it’s easier (and sometimes safer) to develop an effective skincare routine to address hormonal acne so you won’t have to deal with the side effects of prescription medication.
There are a lot of advertisements for “natural” remedies, especially for hormonal acne. While plant-based or natural remedies won’t have the side effects of some prescription medications, there is often very little (or no) research behind the effectiveness of these therapies. In addition, natural remedies that promise to “balance” your hormones often use plant-derived ingredients, which have different hormonal structures than your body’s natural hormones. Natural remedies may also interfere with other prescription medications, so you should never take supplements without first talking to your primary care doctor.
To learn more about products and therapies for your hormonal acne, contact our skincare specialists today.
Have you noticed redness and small pimple-like bumps on your skin that flare up from time to time and could take weeks or months to go away? Many people mistake these for traditional acne and treat them with the usual products—cleanser, toner—while covering them up with makeup to hide the redness and irritation. But it could actually be a condition called acne rosacea, which requires a different type of treatment. Here are three things you should know about acne rosacea to avoid the embarrassing and sometimes painful condition.
While traditional acne tends to peak around your teenage years when your body is experiencing a change in hormones that increases oil production, acne rosacea usually affects people over the age of 30 and is not a result of poor hygiene. The specific cause is unknown but it’s more likely to occur in:
When you experience acne rosacea you usually have “flare-ups” that could last a few days, or even a few weeks or several months at a time. You will notice facial redness that is usually concentrated around the center of your face (nose and cheeks), caused by swollen blood vessels. Most people also develop swollen bumps that look like pimple and are either red or contain pus, and can make your skin feel tender and warm.
The specific cause of a flare-up is not always easy to determine and it can be different for everyone. It may be caused or exacerbated by:
Understanding when you have acne rosacea is important to get the right treatment. Unlike other acne or breakouts, this condition is not just caused by excess oil production and wearing certain makeup or using certain face cleansers could actually cause the breakouts and flare-ups to get worse. A skin consultant can help you figure out if you have acne rosacea and identify the appropriate products to treat the condition, including ones with salicylic acid like our Exfoliating Serum #1 and our Oily Skin Toner.
You can also get advice to help identify the triggers and actively avoid things that might cause a flare-up in the future, along with finding makeup and gentle cleansing products to minimize irritation.
Schedule a virtual skin consultation today to learn more about acne rosacea and how to properly treat it.
A growing trend among skincare enthusiasts and celebrities alike is the use of LED light therapy to improve skin. If you’ve been wondering about whether it’s something that would benefit your skin, here’s a quick overview of the treatment and the benefits.
LED (which stands for light-emitting diode) light therapy was first invented by NASA as a way to help plants grow on shuttle missions in space. Today it’s widely used by esthetician to reverse the signs of aging. They use a variety of different red and blue light wavelengths—red for anti-aging, blue for acne treatment—to address skincare concerns. LED light boost collagen and tissue production so it’s also been shown to help with:
While it wasn’t intended as a skincare treatment, this type of therapy has been shown to have many benefits.
Safety: LEDs do not contain any ultraviolet light, which makes it a safe option to use regularly, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. They also don’t cause burns or other skin damage. Therapies like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and anti-aging laser treatments can all lead to painful and unsightly burns.
Little to no side effects: while there is a risk of some side effects, they are minor and only include a chance for inflammation, redness, or rashes after the treatment. No long-term side effects have been reported.
Quick: LED light therapy is a simple procedure and takes only about 20 to 30 minutes. Initially your esthetician may recommend treatment about once a week, but after about 10 treatments you can space that out to just come once every few months for maintenance.
Affordable: LED light therapy treatments are extremely affordable in the long run, making them one of the best options for anti-aging and acne treatments. However, since you will need frequent (probably weekly) treatments initially, the up-front cost to start LED light therapy can be higher than some other options.
It’s important to know that LED light therapy isn’t going to be the best option for everyone. Some people may not be able to get this treatment because of severe acne, the potential for interaction with medications, or other active skin disorders. Before you start an LED light therapy protocol, talk to your doctor and your esthetician about your medical and skin history. The results also are not guaranteed, and while it has shown promise for many people, it’s not going to be a magic bullet to solve all your skin ailments.
Call us today to schedule your consultation and discuss whether LED light therapy should be part of your skincare routine.
Acne is a really broad term that is used to describe a wide variety of skin ailments, and it’s something that millions of people deal with every year. You’re most likely to experience acne in your teen years, but it can linger into your adult life as well. There are actually several different types of acne, though, and understanding each one can help you identify the right treatment and options to get rid of it.
All types of acne are the result of pores or follicles that get clogged with excess bacteria, sebum, or dead skin cells. The pores get clogged and acne is your body’s way of trying to clear it out. The most common types of acne are:
No matter what type of acne you have, in most cases it forms the same way. Inside your pores right under the surface of your skin are sebaceous glands, which have an oily substance that helps keep skin and pores moisturized. If dirt, oils, dead skin cells, or other things clog the area they can attach to the sebum that comes from your glands and block the pore, resulting in an accumulation of bacteria and dead skin cells under the surface that appears as a pimple.
There are a lot of things you can do to try and keep your skin healthy, but sometimes it’s more than just washing it every night. Stress, genetics, excess oil, hormonal changes, and more can have an impact on your skin and the production of sebum. Some things you can’t control, but for the things you can it’s important to have a good skincare routine that includes:
If you struggle with acne, call Skintherapy to learn more about the treatments we offer to help clear your skin and help you feel confident and happy.
Hundreds of myths circulate about what factors cause acne. How do you know which ones to believe?
One of the most common perceptions is that wearing makeup causes acne – but, does it?
The answer, as with most questions concerning pimples and breakouts, is that makeup can cause acne, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. In fact, there are many high-quality, acne-safe makeup products available today.
When you’re fighting unsightly breakouts, your first inclination might be to cover them up with makeup. But, if you’re not careful, you could be causing more problems than you realize.
Literally dozens of factors can combine to create the perfect environment for increasing oil production, clogging pores and triggering the inflammation that inevitably leads to acne.
Poor-quality cosmetics can become a trigger for anyone who experiences breakouts. But, for most acne sufferers, their makeup is only one small part of a much more complex problem.
Not removing your makeup – or removing it with the wrong cleansers – might make you think your cosmetics are to blame for your breakouts. Thoroughly cleaning your face before bed is one of the most important steps for getting acne under control and keeping your skin clear.
If your cosmetics are old or contaminated with bacteria, you could be breaking out as a result. Skincare experts advise throwing away any cosmetics that are more than six months old, as bacterial contamination can happen with even the highest quality products.
Finally, if you aren’t washing your hands thoroughly before applying makeup (or any skincare product), you could be transferring acne-causing bacteria to your skin as well as into your makeup.
For most acne sufferers, finding a high-quality makeup that doesn’t contain any pore-clogging ingredients is the first step. But many cosmetics contain fragrances, dyes and other products that can cause inflammation.
Some of the ingredients it’s best to avoid generally include parabens, silicone, alcohols and acrylics. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. You can check out our extensive list of pore-clogging, acne-causing cosmetic ingredients here.
The best way to find the right cosmetics and skincare products for you is to consult with an esthetician that specializes in acne treatment. Because no one-size-fits all solution exists today, an acne treatment clinic can determine the underlying causes of your breakouts and help you address those – rather than prescribing harsh medications that do nothing but treat symptoms.
In northern Utah, call on the experts at Skintherapy. Our Salt Lake City acne treatment clinic provides a highly personalized level of treatment. We can help you find the right products to help get your skin clear and keep it clear. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your personal consultation to discuss acne-safe makeup.
When you suffer from acne, you go through much more than breakouts on your skin. This condition can devastate your self-esteem and make you sit home alone, afraid to show your face to the world.
Seeing a dermatologist can, unfortunately, be very expensive. And, for those people who don’t have health insurance – or insurance that covers specialized treatments – seeking help for getting their skin clear can seem cost prohibitive.
What about acne treatments you can do at home, by yourself? Can you truly treat your acne without seeing a doctor? Let’s explore the benefits and risks of the DIY treatment approach for acne.
If you ever watch television, you see commercials for all kinds of creams, gels and “systems.” These products range from a few dollars at the drug store to monthly subscriptions that cost hundreds of dollars every few weeks.
Do a quick internet search and you will find literally thousands of “home remedy” type treatments. These range from the simple (rinsing your face with apple cider vinegar) to the ridiculous (making a face treatment paste from barbeque charcoal briquettes). You could spend months trying these folk remedies, home acne treatment systems, creams and pastes with nothing to show for it but a bigger problem and a smaller wallet.
You might get lucky now and then and discover something that eases your symptoms for a time. But, inevitably, the problem will come back.
The most important fact to remember about this skin condition is that one size does not fit all. Although the underlying mechanism for what causes breakouts is the same, the reason this condition exists varies significantly from person to person.
Until you identify the root cause of the problem, you can only treat acne symptoms. And, unless you have the education and experience to identify the issue, that is simply not possible for you to achieve at home.
Treating your skin condition at home is hopeless without the guidance of a professional. But, as we know, seeing a doctor is expensive and time-consuming. Worse, dermatologists often prescribe harsh medications that pose the risk of side effects and interactions.
Consider seeking help from an esthetician who specializes in the treatment of acne. Rather than going immediately to expensive, risky medications, an esthetician will take the time educate you about acne and identify the real problems that are causing your breakouts. Armed with that knowledge, they can recommend a comprehensive treatment routine that attacks the problem at the source.
In Salt Lake City, the Skintherapy acne treatment clinic offers a better option for getting your skin clear and keeping it that way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about why we are the perfect alternative to treating your acne at home.
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