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.
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.
The health benefits of probiotics are well known in the medical community, but did you know that using a probiotic can help get your acne under control and keep your skin clear?
Doctors prescribe probiotics to patients for certain conditions but, if you visit a medical doctor or dermatologist for breakouts, the chances are slim that he or she will recommend this proven approach. Instead, you are more likely to end up with harsh creams or medications that pose the risk for harsh side effects and negative interactions.
Taking a more holistic approach to treating acne – including using beneficial supplements like probiotics – is a great alternative. As your skin problems fade away, you’ll enjoy not just clearer skin but better overall health and well-being.
Probiotics deliver live “good” bacteria into the body.
At any given time, your body contains both good and bad bacteria. When your body is properly balanced, the good bacteria keep the bad strains under control and prevent them from making you sick. But factors like diet, lifestyle and genetics can allow your body to become imbalanced.
Taking probiotics boosts your body’s own ability to maintain that critical balance. This allows you to maintain optimal health and avoid a variety of problems. Although we typically think of probiotics as being used to treat digestive ills, research shows that they are also effective for supporting oral health, preventing colds and allergies, and treating and preventing skin problems.
A couple of decades ago, doctors automatically prescribed antibiotics for acne treatment. Today, we know better for many reasons, not the least of which is the increasing ineffectiveness of antibiotics due to overuse and not using these medications as prescribed.
Although the theory behind using antibiotics is relevant – antibiotics kill bacteria and bacteria is a major contributor to acne – using these drugs does nothing more than treat the symptoms. Once you stop taking antibiotics, your skin breaks out again because the root cause of the problem hasn’t been addressed.
By using probiotics, you provide your body with more natural abilities to ward off the overgrowth of bacteria that we know can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and pimples. It also helps keep inflammation at bay – another important contributor to acne.
Although most people will benefit from taking these supplements, it’s always recommended to talk to a professional skin expert.
At Skintherapy in Salt Lake City, our estheticians are experts in treating acne by addressing the causes – rather than simply treating the symptoms. After carefully evaluating your skin and talking at length with you about a variety of factors, we might recommend other topical treatments and creams to protect the skin and prevent the overgrowth of bacteria. We may also recommend taking probiotics as a part of a healthy, balanced diet.
Contact us today to learn more about our Salt Lake City acne treatment clinic, or to schedule your personalized consultation appointment.
Among those who deal with acne regularly, and even those with fewer such issues every now and then, blackheads are a well-known and common occurrence. So named for their color and appearance on the face or other skin areas, blackheads are unpleasant to look at and can be uncomfortable to deal with as well.
At Skintherapy, our acne treatment services include the prevention and removal of blackheads among several other skin treatment areas. Let’s go over exactly what blackheads are, what gives them their appearance, and how you can limit and remove them.
Known medically as an “open comedo,” a blackhead is a clogged pore on the skin caused by inflammation, bacteria, excess sebum and excess proliferation in the pore. Blackheads, unlike other forms of acne, have a wide opening at the surface, allowing you to see the actual contents of the blockage directly underneath the skin.
Blackheads can take place on anyone’s skin, even people who don’t normally have major acne breakouts. They can form anywhere on the face, but are most common in the “T-zone” that makes up the center of the face – this is because this area is most oily and promotes blackhead formation most easily.
Blackheads take on their color due to oil, dead skin cells and other debris that are packed into them – debris that oxidizes and turns black over time. This, combined with the large opening we mentioned above, makes them perhaps the most unsightly form of acne out there.
A couple general areas to keep an eye on when it comes to blackheads:
If you are dealing with blackheads, your esthetician can be a major assist here. They can perform professional-quality extractions, the kind that – unlike many home extractions, which can actually be detrimental to the effort – do not spread any bacteria or cause additional inflammation by moving debris around to other areas of the skin. These extractions involve compressing the pores and slowly squeezing the debris out, then sanitizing the area and using proper products to prevent future blackhead issues.
For more on blackheads and how to remove and prevent them, or for information on any of our acne treatments, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
There are several negative habits that may contribute to acne breakouts, and one of these relates to mistaken attempts to clear it up: Picking at or popping pimples. While it may seem like a good idea in the moment, and feels like it accomplishes something and gets rid of a negative mark, popping pimples yourself is not advised and actually will likely worsen your breakout.
At Skintherapy, we provide a wide range of acne removal and treatment options for those who want to rid themselves of these breakouts. What’s the problem with self-popping, and what are some of the potential negative outcomes? Most importantly, what are some healthy alternatives that will help limit the breakout? Here are some basics to understand.
When a pimple becomes inflamed, like it often is before we decide to pick at it, it’s engorged with sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria and generally a pus of some kind. When you put pressure on the area, then, you’re creating even more pressure than there already is in this area, forcing those various pieces of debris down further into the skin follicle.
But, you might be thinking, I’m squeezing pus and debris out of the pimple – isn’t that good? For starters, this debris can spread bacteria to other nearby skin areas. For another, even if some pus is moving out of the area, it’s a sure bet that even more is being pushed down into the dermis, worsening the breakout.
In addition to potentially worsening the breakout itself, popping pimples is one way to worsen your blemishes and even risk long-term acne scarring damage. Enough squeezing can actually turn a pimple into a more serious blemish type like a cyst or a nodule, potentially serious and painful marks that are due to infection in the dermis.
In addition, each time the skin is damaged this way, its ability to heal itself properly reduces. Healthy tissue is lost over time, and the greater the damage, the higher the risk of this loss. Either dark marks or full-on depressed acne scars can develop.
What are some safer methods for attempting to get rid of these marks? Here are a couple suggestions:
For more on why popping pimples at home is a mistake, or to learn about any of our acne treatment services, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
When treating acne, it’s important to have a solid handle on what works and what doesn’t for your issues. All patients have slightly different acne-related symptoms and concerns, all under the backdrop of typically causes and exacerbators of acne that are familiar to most people who have suffered from it.
At Skintherapy, we’ve noticed that there are unfortunately a number of major myths and misconceptions out there about acne – from what causes it and worsens it to how it can be treated. With our acne treatment services, you’ll be exposed to the truth about various acne causes, plus given the right tools to clear up your latest breakout. Here are a few of the most common acne-related myths, plus the proper information to set you straight.
Many with acne are aware that one potential cause can be the oils and other liquids found in your skin – this is not a myth, as oils are indeed a common risk factor in acne formation. However, some acne sufferers take this information and run in entirely the wrong direction with is, assuming that if they simply dry out their face and limit the presence of these oils, acne will clear up no matter what.
Unfortunately, this isn’t how it works. Drying out the skin doesn’t actually have much of an impact on the pores, which is where these oil concerns are to begin with. In addition, it will create sensitivity and flakiness on the skin, making it both unsightly and uncomfortable in many cases.
Another common misconception with acne is that its only cause is dirty skin – while the cleanliness of the skin does play a role here, it’s far from the only factor. But unfortunately, this myth leads many patients to vastly overdo things when it comes to cleansers, soaps and other facial cleaners. This may actually irritate and worsen your acne rather than clearing it up.
Instead of doing this, target your cleansing properly. Use the right kind of cleanser, including one with benzoyl peroxide or another sensitive material if your skin needs it. You shouldn’t need to perform basic cleansing more than once or twice a day.
Multiple areas of research have proven that, while chocolate has a bad reputation for causing acne, this reputation is unfounded. Chocolate is not a cause nor an exacerbator of acne – but many other foods, such as those high in salts or iodides, absolutely are. Areas like greasy food (fast food especially), high-fat dairy, kelp and many others should be avoided or limited as much as possible. In addition, if you take vitamins or supplements on a daily basis, check their quantity of iodides and scale back on these if possible.
Finally, understand that sunscreen is very important to wear if you have acne, just make sure it does not contain any pore clogging ingredients. Sunscreen stops acne spots from pigmenting, plus provides hydration to the face during the day between cleansings.
For more on debunking the common myths out there about acne, or to learn about any of our acne treatment services, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
When it comes to acne, particularly for teenagers and young adults, there’s a specific connection between this condition and hormones in the body. Hormone fluctuations are a direct cause of acne, and these age groups experience the largest changes in these areas and therefore deal with this with the greatest frequency.
At Skintherapy, we’re here to remind you during all acne prevention and treatment services that hormones aren’t just a concern for younger people, however. The term “hormonal acne” is used to describe acne that develops in women around the time of their monthly menstrual cycle, and this specific cause for acne comes with a few notable symptoms and differentiators in some cases. Let’s go over all the basics you need to know about hormonal acne, including the groups at risk and some treatment methods available.
Hormonal acne is on the rise in the last few decades, some of which is due to worsening average diets and lifestyle habits, but some of which is also due to changes in the way female hormones are impacting broad groups. But how do hormones cause this sort of acne?
In many cases, the body is producing too much of a given substance, often testosterone or other androgens that should only be made in limited amounts for women. In some situations, these hormones will combine with other acne triggers like bacteria and dead skin cells, creating an even higher acne risk for women at this time of month.
Like with other forms of acne, the primary risk group for hormonal acne breakouts is young women in the teen and adolescent ranges. However, since women have several hormonal shifts during their life which include pregnancy, breast feeding, perimenopause and menopause, they may encounter hormonal breakouts into their 40s and 50s. Acne overall may affect over three in four teens, and teen girls are at particular risk during the parts of the month closest to their period.
However, it’s important to note that when it comes to hormonal acne, women of all ages can experience it. It can even take place in women who had no acne as teens, but are now developing it later in life.
In some cases, hormonal acne will appear a bit differently than other forms. For one, the presence of whiteheads and blackheads tends to be limited – women over 20 who get hormonal acne will usually see it in the form of red, inflamed papules around the chin and jaw area.
In addition, hormonal acne tends to show up on the cheeks and forehead. Bumps or pimples will often last for weeks even with treatment.
There are a few avenues to treating hormonal acne, some of which may overlap:
For more on treating hormonal acne for women, or to learn about any of our acne treatments, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
At Skintherapy, we take a comprehensive approach to your acne treatment and skin care. Through a combination of various products tailored to your needs plus our LED Light Therapy Treatment, we’ll help you with a full consultation and subsequent appointments that will establish a strong skincare routine and work to clear your skin of any acne concerns.
There are several specific services out there in the realm of skin and acne care, and in some cases these may help supplement parts of our treatment. Two such treatments are microdermabrasion and chemical peels, both of which can have fantastic benefits for several areas of skin care. But it’s also important to understand that these services should not be used as full-on substitutes for an acne control program, but rather as complementary pieces. Let’s look at the simple steps we recommend for acne control, plus how these services might fit into the picture for you.
When it comes down to it, acne control is really about three primary factors:
Some skin is naturally more oily than other skin, and those in this position have to work to control this. Others may deal with pores that are larger than usual, or may be more prone to buildups of dirt or dead skin. Now let’s look at how these additional skincare services play into this picture.
Microdermabrasion is a procedure used to help renew and replenish skin texture and tone. It’s often used on things like wrinkles, lines, sun damage and related skin damage areas, with an abrasive surface applicator that sands away outer layers of skin, helping new skin grow in. It’s great for many skin types (virtually all but hypersensitive skin), and is also used in many cases by those looking to limit the signs of aging on the skin.
When it comes to acne, microdermabrasion is not a standalone treatment. It does not directly help clear the pore of oil, bacteria or other buildups. It can, however, help with clearing away acne scars and improving the appearance of the face after acne has already been controlled using our products and homecare program. It should never be performed on acne before this point, as it actually risks spreading harmful bacteria to other areas of the face and touching off breakouts in other areas.
A chemical peel involves applying a specific chemical solution to the skin, one that uses acid to help exfoliate the skin. There are a wide range of chemical peels available, including some that are good for oily and high-acne risk skin.
Like microdermabrasion treatments, though, chemical peels are not meant as standalone acne treatments. They can help clear out dead skin elements that may be contributing to pore blockages, but they will not address the full scope of acne causes. They’re also often used for post-acne care treatment for limiting redness, scarring and hyperpigmentation issues.
For more on how microdermabrasion and chemical peels are less primary acne treatments and more supplementary, or to learn about any of our skin or acne care services, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
There are a number of factors that may impact the presence of acne on the face, whether for high-risk teens or people in other age groups. One major area here is the foods and drinks we consume, which can play a big role in several areas of bodily health and appearance, including the potential for acne.
At Skintherapy, our acne services include a full consultation that will cover several areas, including how the foods and drinks you consume might be impacting your acne and skin care. One particular buzzword in this area is “junk food” – what exactly do we mean when we use this term, and what are some examples of junk foods that are particularly harmful for acne sufferers?
When we speak about junk food within the realm of acne and skin care, or really in any format, we’re talking about food that has a lot of calories and often tastes very good – but is badly lacking in positive nutritional value. This might take several different forms, from packaged food to fast food and many other types. It all essentially comes down to the way the food was made and the ingredients used in it. In many ways, we’re really just saying “unhealthy” food when we use the junk food term.
Research has shown numerous times throughout the years that junk food can have a direct impact on the skin, and particularly people who suffer from acne. The primary reason for this: It tends to contain high quantities of the exact elements that promote acne.
One such element is oil, which is known to settle on the skin and block the pores when it’s overly present in the body. Junk food also tends to contain high degrees of sugar and salt, which create inflammatory reactions in the body – acne is one such reaction. Every time you consume junk food, you’re stressing your body’s ability to filter these ingredients out and stay balanced from a skin care perspective.
There are many foods and beverages that may fall under the junk food classification to some degree, but there are a few we’ll identify here in particular:
What’s one common characteristic of all these foods? They’re bad for both your overall health and your acne risks. With this in mind, a general reduction of these foods is good for multiple reasons.
To learn more about how junk food impacts your acne and skin care efforts, or for information on any of our acne products or services, speak to the staff at Skintherapy today.
The desire for perfect, blemish-free skin is one everyone in our modern society strives for. You see pictures of splendidly perfect skin everywhere on Instagram, Facebook, magazines.
But what’s that, you say? More acne? Scabs? Dry skin? It sees like no matter what you do, you are stuck with pimples and bumps.
Some may resort to picking. At least that way, you have control over something. At least that way, you can see a difference, feel a difference.
Picking at your acne can be a form of self-harm. The actual name for it is Dermatillomania and it affects many people with acne and even some without the acne. There are two kinds of Dermatillomania, one of them is an addiction and the other is a compulsion.
A compulsion to pick stems from feeling a sensation in or on the skin that makes you want to pick at it to make the sensation go away. This sensation stems from factors usually inside the body like bad reactions to food, medication, stress, and lack of sleep. People with a compulsion sometimes don’t even realize they are doing it. They just go at it when they get an itchy feeling or some other trigger.
An addiction to picking comes from trying to manage stress in an unhealthy way, or simply because picking feels good. The desire to pick generally comes from wanting perfect skin, so the picker will use any means necessary to even out and flatten blemishes. They believe this will help their appearance when the opposite usually happens. People who are addicted to picking will feel a general sense of relief or a rush when they are finished picking. Think of it like a form of managing stress; they do it to escape their thoughts or problems for a little while and in process, damage their skin.
The need to have some sort of control over reality is often a big factor for people who pick at their skin. It is also a form of perfectionism, and sometimes it may be from other underlying factors like OCD, although that is not always the case.
Managing picking depends on whether you are addicted to picking or if it is a compulsion but the remedies can be very similar.
With an addiction, it’s best to focus more on reconditioning your mind and thoughts that lead up to the picking. Many of the ways to remedy this are similar to other addictions. Changing up your routine, avoiding people and places that make you want to pick, and even changing your diet can all help tremendously in managing the picking tendency.
To manage the compulsion to pick, there are usually a few environmental factors that need to be changed in order to stop. Adding consistency is a huge step. Sleeping and eating routines should be carefully looked at, as those can cause the “itch to pick.” Also considering what foods and medications may be triggering the desire is helpful so you can manage them better. Looking at what goes into your body will help you better understand any imbalances within that lead to compulsion.
Having a guide to help you work through these issues is important to not feel so alone when dealing with an addiction or a compulsion. Sometimes it can be hard to see that there is a problem and having someone else there to show you what the problem is and how to deal with it, is extremely important. But the most important factor of all is that YOU decide to quit. It’s not about anyone else until you make the decision to stop.
The only way to stop picking is to realize that you want to stop. But it doesn’t hurt to have some help along the way. Call us at 801-800-6602. We not only help with acne, but we offer support to those who want to quit picking and get clear skin in the process. We can help you manage the stress that comes from picking by making acne less of a problem. Whatever assistance we can offer for you to obtain clear skin, free of acne and picking scars, we are here to help. Making an appointment is the first step! UtahAcneClinic.com.
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