Exfoliation is often essential to maintain clear and smooth skin. Exfoliating cleansers combine the benefits of both cleaning and refreshing the skin while also removing dead skin cells for a bright complexion.
Many people like to use face scrubs as part of their skin care routines. The tricky thing about exfoliation is it can either work wonders for your skin, or it can destroy your skin barrier. While cleansing is a crucial step in any daily skincare regimen, exfoliation is also essential to maintain clear and smooth skin but most people don’t need to exfoliate daily.
Your skin cells are constantly being renewed – this natural process typically occurs on a monthly basis. As a result, dead cells are pushed to the surface of your skin. These cells can accumulate in your pores, leading to the formation of blackheads, a dry, flaky appearance, and of course, acne. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that exfoliation can leave your skin looking brighter by sloughing off all those dead skin cells for you and even enhance how well your topical skin care products work by improving absorption.
But the truth is, it’s easy to overscrub. Done incorrectly, physical exfoliation can irritate your skin, causing redness, dryness, or worsening breakouts. Any scrub that contains large, irregularly shaped particles damage the skin, causing tiny microtears in its surface. Common culprits include ground up shells, fruit pits, and volcanic rock. Microtears gradually weaken the skin’s surface and make it more prone to sensitivity. With daily use, especially if you are scrubbing vigorously with these ingredients, the skin loses its ability to restore itself and look healthy. This issue is made worse if the abrasive scrub also contains an irritating fragrance, whether it’s natural or synthetic.
It’s essential to consider your skin type and its individual needs when choosing an exfoliating cleanser. To achieve the best results, it’s important to opt for the ingredients that work with your skin and recognize the ones to avoid. For physical scrubs, it’s best to use a dime sized amount to moist skin and gently massage in a circular motion. Make sure to be gentle because if you apply too much pressure or use too harsh a scrub you can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (additional red marks or scars.) Rinse off with water and follow up with your daily product routine
from there.
For physical scrubs, aim for 1-3 times per week depending on your skin’s sensitivity level and the recommendations of your esthetician. We all crave amazing clear skin but don’t overdo exfoliation, especially if you notice irritation. Sometimes a little scrubbing goes a long way.
Always consult your skincare specialist when it comes to the products and usage for your skin care routine but particularly with a product like a scrub, we want what’s best for your skin. Check out our BPO Scrub for an ingredient-safe designed specifically for exfoliating dead skin cells. To see if this product is right for you, give us a call at 801-800-6602 for a consultation or book an appointment online to find out more.
If you’re prone to acne, you may have tried a few different remedies and methods to cleanse your skin, including face washes. A face wash is important for managing acne as it rids the dead skin cells, oil, dirt, makeup, and sweat, which cause breakouts.
As key as a face wash is to any skin care regimen, it’s a given that there are tons of different acne face washes available. Luckily you’re not alone in selecting the right one for you.
Benzoyl peroxide reduces excess oil on the skin and removes dead cells that can clog pores. These attributes make it ideal for those with inflammatory acne—red, painful bumps and blemishes. If it’s just a few whiteheads and blackheads you’re dealing with, it may not be the best ingredient for you, since it can be quite drying. But it can be very effective at both treating active acne lesions and preventing new ones, especially if you pair it with a salicylic acid.
To get the most out of your benzoyl peroxide face wash, here are some tips to help you get started:
It works best when used continuously
Benzoyl peroxide works to treat acne by helping to kill the existing acnes bacteria inside your pores. It does not increase your body’s ability to fight the bacteria when you’re not using it. That’s why it’s best to use it continuously—for the treatment of existing blemishes, and the prevention of new ones.
It doesn’t work overnight
When you’re using benzoyl peroxide for acne, it’s important to be patient. It might take a few weeks (longer, in some cases) to see improvement. For most, it proves to be well worth the wait.
It’s best to ease into it
To help mitigate irritation when you start an acne regimen that uses benzoyl peroxide, start slowly—an hour or two a day—to see how your skin reacts. As we mentioned earlier, some minor irritation is normal. That said, if a product causes burning, swelling and itching that worsens with each use, it could signal an allergic reaction, and you should stop using it immediately and notify your Skintherapy esthetician.
More isn’t necessarily better
You’ll find that benzoyl peroxide products range in concentrations from 2.5% to 10%. Depending on the severity of your acne, you may want to start with the lowest concentration and work your way up. Your esthetician can help you decide what works best for you according to your skin.
Interested in trying a BPO wash for your acne? Click here to check out our 2.5% BPO Wash. Keep in mind products with active ingredients work best under the direction of an expert.
For a more in depth look into what Skintherapy can do for you and your skin, start by giving us a call at 801-800-6602. We can answer any questions or concerns you have and help you find a regimen that works.
To book your appointment today, click this link and get started. We are happy to meet with you in person or virtually to help you get your skin clear.
How often should you wash your face? We’ve all become accustomed to washing our hands often, many more times a day that you would likely ever think to wash your face. It can feel mysterious-how much is too much and how much is too little?
On one hand, you want to get rid of the dirt and bacteria that accumulates on your skin and causes breakouts but you also don’t want your skin to get dried out, itchy, and raw like your hands can sometimes be.
Ideally you want to be washing your face twice a day, every morning and night. This gets rid of grime, sweat, and makeup that can build up in your pores during the day and then freshens your skin after a night of sleeping to help get rid of bacteria and dead skin cells to ultimately prime your skin for your morning routine.
In most cases, overwashing can be as bad as underwashing but washing twice a day gives you a good balance to your routine to keep your skin clear and breakout-free.
Some important tips to keep in mind when it comes to washing your face:
Washing should never leave your skin dry or flaky
If you notice that your skin is too dry, flaky, red, or sensitive after washing it may be that the cleanser you are using is too exfoliating. Using a gentler cleanser will help keep your skin and its moisture barrier healthy.
Cleansing oils can add more oil to already acne prone skin
Particularly if you already have acne-prone skin, skip the cleansing oils. Introducing even more oil can cause worse breakouts than you might usually have. For oily skin, you may want to try a more exfoliating cleanser to help get those oils up and out of the skin.
It’s all about balance
You should use a cleanser that helps exfoliate and and remove impurities but won’t strip the skin of all of its natural oils.
Remember, all topical acne treatments work best on freshly washed and thoroughly dried skin. It’s important for everyone but particularly those with acne-prone skin to avoid washing with typical soaps. Many soaps have harsh chemicals or perfumes that may irritate the skin and cause dryness. It’s best to use a face wash that’s specifically formulated with ingredients to prevent acne if you have frequent breakouts.
For starters, good skin care is all about products. At the end of the day, what you put on your skin is just as important as how you use it and how often.
The best cleanser you can begin with is this Gentle Cleanser. Gentle enough to even remove eye makeup, it can be used night and day and won’t dry your skin out. While at the same time powerful enough to clean impurities from sensitive and oily skin to help keep your skin clear.
For a more detailed approach on how to handle your skin care, give us a call at 801-800-6602 or book your consultation online today. We are professionals trained to help you get your skin clear with some of the most effective acne-specific formulated products on the market. Reach out with any questions or concerns and we would be happy to help you get started on your journey to clear skin.
The word retinol has become such a common phrase in the skincare industry that most people have it in their routines or will use it for its anti-aging properties. It's arguably the most famous and effective anti-aging ingredient but can also treat a handful of other common skin hang ups including texture, dark spots, and acne. The question is, what is it really and what does it do?
Retinol is the purest form of vitamin A. Vitamin A helps the skin rebuild itself and assists in the healthy promotion of collagen and elastin formation by stimulating fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen in the dermis) making skin look firmer and more plump.
Retinol is a close cousin to retinyl palmitate, though it is about 20% more potent. Retinyl palmitate was created before retinol but they do not achieve the same effects. Similar, but not quite the same. Most skin types are far more tolerant of retinyl palmitate because it is the least irritating of the retinoid family.
Retinyl palmitate, sometimes called vitamin A palmitate, it's the least powerful retinoid and an option for those with extremely sensitive skin who want to experience the benefits of retinol in their skincare routines, without the irritation. Despite the fact that retinyl palmitate is mild, it can still improve the same skincare concerns a retinol would. But there is one catch. Retinyl Palmitate boosts collagen in the skin, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and smooths the texture of the skin the same way that a stronger retinol would. But while gentler retinoids like retinyl palmitate are effective and you still get the benefits, it usually takes a little bit more time.
Even though retinyl palmitate is comparatively mild, it's still recommended you introduce it into your nighttime skincare routine slowly. It’s best to start with one night a week and build up slowly, adding just one additional night each week and build up to as often as your skin can tolerate. If you’re experiencing a little irritation or dryness, then back off a little from there. While some people can use retinyl palmitate every night, other people can only handle it three times a week. It ultimately just depends on your skin and what it can tolerate.
Since retinyl palmitate is so gentle, side effects like itching, redness, and peeling are rare, but typically minimal if they do happen. If you have extremely sensitive skin or a condition like rosacea and eczema, it's best to use with caution or avoid retinyl palmitate all together to ensure you don't experience irritation.
To try retinyl palmitate yourself, here is an excellent product recommended by skincare expert Jil Goorman called Deluxe Plus Exfoliating Serum. This product works wonders, especially when under the guidance and instruction of our Skintherapy estheticians. As suggested above, it works amazingly for your anti-aging concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.
For your personal skin consultation Skintherapy knows the importance and benefits of using the correct products for your needs. Please give us a call at 801-800-6602 to start your consultation today whether it be online or in person. Click here to book your appointment today.
Skin picking is a hard habit to break that many who suffer from acne have to deal with. It’s called Excoriation disorder, dermatillomania, or chronic skin picking and it impacts as many as 1 in 20 people.
Sometimes there are no specific causes for skin picking. It can develop over years or become a habit when you are bored, anxious, or simply unaware (such as when you are simply touching your face while watching TV or studying.)
While there are many reasons why you may start picking, here are some of the most common reasons:
Feeling anxious or being deep in concentration can make you yearn for a sense of control. Picking a pimple can bring a sense of satisfaction when you spot a bump or have an itchy pimple and decide to pop it on your own. Then this can lead to infection, more pimples, and scarring. It’s common to pick your skin when you are stressed out, which causes your skin to break out, which leads to more picking. Truly a vicious cycle.
The biggest reason for picking is the sense of urgency in wanting clear, smooth skin. Perhaps you feel like your skin looks better when the pimples are picked and slightly flatter (better for pictures and wearing makeup, right?)
But this can end up creating excessive scar tissue in and around the pore, hyperpigmentation, and scars that can’t be broken down by procedures and products. Picking your skin usually doubles the time it takes to clear the infection from that particular pore because the scar tissues has to be broken down first before the rest of the zit can be professionally extracted.
Tips on how to stop picking at your skin
You can’t pick your skin if you have a mask on! Not only will using a refreshing, clarifying face mask keep you from picking at zits, but it will help rejuvenate and cleanse your skin to prevent future breakouts and help soothe the ones you may already have. Check out our amazing masks here for any skin or acne type.
Skintherapy offers professional extractions for when you have a breakout or even just one pimple. This is a breath of relief for when you need to bring smoothness back to your skin but don’t want to spread infection and pus to other pores on your face. Preventing scars and the build up of scar tissue and extra pigmentation can help you feel better about the health of the look of your skin instead of potentially making it worse.
It’s too easy to get caught up in the close inspection of your face for pimples. Sooner or later the temptation gets to be too great and your end up picking one and then maybe another. Eventually you realize your face is a mess of now bloodied zits. The best way to avoid this cycle is to avoid the mirror. If you catch yourself starting the cycle of inspecting and examining your skin, take a deep breath and step away from the mirror.
Avoid making the problem worse by taking preventative and proactive measures to help make your skin look and feel better in the long run.
No one wants to help you achieve clear skin more than we do! Book your first appointment (or a return appointment if you’ve worked with us before!) by clicking on this link. We’re happy to take appointments and consultations over the phone as well at 801-800-6602.
Your skin is the barrier between the outside world and your body. It’s exposed to all kinds of things throughout the day—pollution, dirt, sunlight—and all of these things can cause damage to your skin. Protecting against these environmental hazards is an important part of skincare. One of the best ways to create a barrier is with sunscreen.
Every time you go outside, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, and your face is usually exposed all the time (unless you wear one of those floppy sun hats around all day, every day). The amount of time it takes for the sun to damage your skin will vary depending on your skin type and level of pigmentation, but for most people, it only takes about 15 to 25 minutes before ultraviolet rays penetrate the skin and damage the underlying layers. This leads to premature signs of aging and can put you at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Adding sunscreen to your morning skincare routine can protect your skin from damage.
Sunscreen application should follow your normal cleansing routine, usually after you use a cleanser and toner, but before you apply any makeup. This allows the ingredients to penetrate the layers of your skin and be absorbed enough to offer adequate protection. Applying makeup before sunscreen might block absorption, which will reduce sunscreen’s effectiveness.
There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to choose a sunscreen for your face:
SPF is a measure of how much UV-blocking power your sunscreen has. Higher SPF offers more protection. For example, an SPF of 30 will protect your skin for 30 times longer than it would normally take for your skin to burn—if it takes 20 minutes for your skin to burn without any sunscreen, SPF 30 offers about 600 minutes of protection or 10 hours. For most people, an SPF of 30 offers plenty of protection, but there are SPF formulations that are higher (40+) if you prefer it.
Applying sunscreen is essential, but you need to find the right formulations to avoid clogging pores and causing acne. Choose a sunscreen that is specially designed with quality ingredients that won’t lead to more breakouts or cause your existing breakouts to get worse.
The other skincare products you are using, such as cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers can affect when you need to apply sunscreen. A virtual consultation can help too, and a skincare expert can ensure you are using the right sunscreen to fight acne and avoid breakouts.
Shop our line of acne-safe sunscreen products at Skintherapy Skincare & Acne Clinics online today to protect your skin from UV rays.
There are a lot of factors that can impact whether you experience breakouts, and one of the most common concerns that people have is whether their acne could be causing (or worsening) breakouts. The answer is yes, makeup can definitely affect breakouts. Much of that depends on the quality of your products, and whether they contain ingredients that clog your pores.
For many women, the first instinct when you start to see acne forming on your face is to reach for your base or concealer to cover it up. The trouble? This can start a vicious cycle of more or worsening breakouts, which means you will need more makeup for a longer period of time. In fact, many skincare specialists will recommend that you avoid using makeup at all when you have acne because of the harm it could cause. Unfortunately that leaves you to deal with unsightly and sometimes embarrassing acne without anything to mitigate it.
Most of the makeup you purchase off the shelves of drugstores, grocery stores, or even bigger beauty store chains and big-box stores has ingredients that can clog your pores. This exacerbates existing breakouts (making them last even longer or cause more skin irritation) and can put your skin at risk of developing more breakouts in the future if it causes oil and dirt to get trapped inside your pores, leading to bacteria and inflammation.
Fortunately you don’t have to go completely makeup-free just because you are experiencing breakouts. The key is to find products with the right ingredients that don’t cause or make acne worse. Finding acne-safe makeup usually means shopping on skincare websites where the products are specifically formulated to prevent clogged pores.
But beware, many makeup brands may say they don’t clog pores, indicate they are “for acne”, “dermatologist tested”, or “organic”, while their formulations are still filled with pore-clogging ingredients. We recommend our makeup line from Jil Goorman Beauty instead. None of our makeup formulations contain pore cloggers because we specifically created them to address the skin concerns of people who suffer from acne.
We believe it’s better to stick with skincare products that have extensive research behind them and skincare specialists to help you figure out which products are best. Ready to ditch your acne-causing makeup? Shop the full line of Jil Goorman Beauty today to find acne-safe products that prevent breakouts.
Most of the time, social media and acne seem like they don’t go together. Everywhere you look, there are pristine airbrushed pictures of people living their best lives. It can often feel like acne doesn’t fit into that standard.
Research has shown that out of 1010 teens (15-19 years old) who were surveyed about how acne impacted their social media usage, 86% said they have or have had acne before. 68% said they or their peers alter their photos to hide their acne and 58% said they offered to take the photograph to avoid being in the picture.
Acne anxiety has been amplified by social media, a tool that was created to connect us to each other. But acne anxiety doesn’t have to control your life or your social media pages.
Acne positive social media pages and hashtags have been growing in popularity lately--and for good reason! Some feature personal stories of the journey through struggling with acne. Others talk about tips and awareness of what brings about breakouts. All of these posts feature different skin textures, types of acne, and how to overcome feeling like you can’t be in the picture. Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when posting on social media or even taking pictures of yourself to help you feel more confident and comfortable:
Life isn’t perfect and sometimes your skin isn’t either. The important part to remember is that you have value regardless of what your skin looks like. You are allowed to accept the flaws and love your skin.
You can’t always change how your skin looks and feels with makeup on. Those of us with textured skin from acne realize this early on. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t look and feel beautiful. If makeup makes you feel better, by all means, do you. Loving your skin is a journey for everyone. Believe in yourself that you can take that first step toward being comfortable in your own skin.
You bring something rare and wonderful into the world with or without acne. You can find your confidence and fully believe all the amazing qualities that you are. You can laugh, smile, and take pictures without fear of what you look like. Because in those moments, you are at your most beautiful.
When you invest your own money into products and don’t see immediate results, sometimes it can be discouraging. A lot of times, we look for quick, cheap, easy fixes that may only work temporarily or not at all. That’s why excellent skincare and working with an a professional who just treats acne is worth the investment from the very start. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and realizing that your skincare is actually working for you instead of against you makes the entire journey worth the ride.
For more inspirational tips, tricks, and results follow us on Instagram at @utahacneclinic. Remember, we can help treat your acne without prescription medications or Accutane in our clinic. To book an appointment, whether it be your first or your hundredth, click here. You can always give us a call and ask questions at 801-800-6602. Visit our website to view our products, before and after photos, and more educational posts!
Acne associated with friction of fabric touching your skin (like a hat, mask, or helmet) is called acne mechanica. We all have tiny little hair follicles on our face, chest and back, and wearing anything that creates friction and pressure can irritate the hair follicles and result in an acne flare.
While vital for helping protect yourself and others from viruses and bacteria, face masks are causing an increasing number of cases of acne mechanica. We’re here to share some tips on how to prevent acne mechanica from wearing a mask, whether you wear it for 8 hours a day or less than one.
Using a gentle face wash before putting on a mask and going out can help wash away dirt and oil that could get trapped and become a breeding ground for bacteria and acne. Be careful to avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin.
Even wearing a little makeup can contaminate your mask pretty quickly. Masks also act as occlusive barriers which means that makeup can become trapped and lead to breakouts. Makeup residue can also soil the fabric of your mask.
Keep a rotation of clean masks on hand to avoid wearing the same mask before washing. This will help keep dirt and bacteria from rubbing against your face.
When washing your mask, use a fragrance free detergent and lay flat to dry. Fragrance within fabric can be an irritant, so you definitely don’t want it on your face especially for long periods of time.
Well, what if it’s too late and you already have acne that you suspect is caused by wearing a mask? Here are a few tips to help once acne mechanica has already set in.
A scrub could cause additional skin irritations if your acne is being caused by friction. This benzoyl peroxide cleanser can help reduce acne-causing bacteria on your skin.
Irritation can be compounded by dry skin. Using a light moisturizer can help ease the effects of friction and restore balance to your skin.
If you have acne, whether it be for a long time or just a short period, you’ve heard not to touch your face before as to not exacerbate it. This is doubly true now. Help your skin heal more quickly by not picking or touching it.
Thank you for reading our tips for preventing helping care for acne caused by wearing a mask. The next step to getting your skin clear is to visit us by booking your appointment at our website. We can help develop a customized routine for clearing your acne, no matter what the cause. You are also welcome to give us a call at 801-800-6602. If you prefer, we also offer online consultations to suit your needs and comfort.
Everybody wants to look beautiful and attractive. Looking good is a great way to boost your confidence. It helps you face the world with poise and conviction.
But when you are pregnant, things are a little different. It is not just about you anymore. It is also about your unborn baby.
Everyone's skin and pregnancies are different. If you’ve noticed a sudden change in your skin, your doctor should be your first stop for a treatment plan and you should always consult them before trying a new product yourself.
At Skintherapy, we have helped many pregnant and breast-feeding women control their acne but we also work with your doctor to ensure the products and services are safe for both you and your child.
What is Safe to Use During Pregnancy
Many products are considered safe for moms, including benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely recommended acne treatment medications and most physicians consider it safe to use during pregnancy. It can work wonders for breakouts on the face, back, and shoulders, though you should keep it off your chest if you’re breastfeeding.
There are other options, too, if you prefer a more conservative approach: You could also use a serum with mandelic acid, because it’s derived from almonds. These are some suggestions of products that we may offer to help but we will consult with your doctor first before recommending what might work best for you.
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
For parents or soon-to-be parents who are finding their pimples especially distressing, the experts recommend seeking professional help to get to the root cause and to establish an effective acne plan. If you’re beyond pregnancy and lactation, there are also many effective treatments available. They may take time, but something will work for you. And if you’re expecting, think of it this way: Pregnancy acne is essentially a sign of a good thing—it’s because you’re pregnant.
Luckily, hormonal acne and acne that occurs during pregnancy doesn’t have to impact your life. There are still acne treatments out there that you can use during pregnancy. At Skintherapy, we are happy to discuss your options with you and keep your doctor included in the consultation to make sure you are safe with our Clear & Acne Free Program™.
To book your consultation with Skintherapy to help get your skin clear, click here or give us a call at 801-800-6602. We also offer online consultations!
Acne can happen at any time during a person’s lifetime but what about those who already have acne and then become pregnant? To add to the discomfort of sometimes painful blemishes, you now have morning sickness, swollen feet, and additional hormones streaming through your system.
For most pregnant women, the hormonal shifts during pregnancy can be less than comfortable. Not only is your body changing on the outside, but on the inside as well. Hormones like progesterone and androgens increase exponentially during pregnancy. For those with acne, this can make it even worse. This is because androgens increase sebum production, which in turn clogs up the pores and causes more breakouts and increases their severity.
Pregnancy acne usually starts around the 6 week and lasts through the first and second trimester but for those who started out with acne already, pregnancy usually doesn’t result in the “glowing skin” that some women talk about. Acne, blotchiness, and facial swelling are all pretty typical outcomes of pregnancy. The question is, what can you do to get and maintain clear skin while pregnant?
The main acne treatment to avoid during pregnancy is Accutane. Accutane can be a very powerful medication to treat acne, but for anyone who is pregnant or is trying to become pregnant, it can cause severe birth defects and health issues for the baby. It is strongly advised not to use products containing large amounts of Vitamin A, including Accutane, retinols, salicylic acid and most chemical peels.
While many acne products are not good to use during pregnancy, there’s still hope.
Most acne medications are too intense for those who are with child or planning to start a family but there are options for topical products that can safely help keep breakouts at bay, even while pregnant.
Even if you don’t have acne but are planning on becoming pregnant, pregnancy acne is a real thing that you should be aware of. Another thing that most people don’t consider when pregnant, is how to manage acne while nursing your baby, when hormone levels can still be out of whack and cause breakouts.
What will help most during this time is an acne program that can work with any changes in your life, including one of the biggest changes one can experience in your lifetime: pregnancy. Your health and safety are your number one concern as well as ours.
At Skintherapy, we have a dedicated team of acne experts who can help customize a skincare routine to help you navigate your skin during this important time in your life. Pregnancy may be uncomfortable in many ways but acne doesn’t have to be one of them.
Not only do we have acne safe products, we also have pregnancy safe products. We can help you build a routine that will keep your skin and your baby safe during pregnancy. We will also work with your doctor to get his or her approval on our approach. If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, consider giving Skintherapy a call at 801-800-6602 to help you find the right program and products that work for your skin. If you’d like to book your appointment online, you can click this link here. And to find more information about acne and our program, click here.
Sometimes it’s hard to know what your skin really needs to be as healthy as possible. This article will help answer those questions by providing these evidence-based tips on what you can do to get the glowing, acne-free complexion you want.
Most acne can't be treated with over-the-counter products most effectively. If your acne isn’t clearing up you may want to work with someone who specializes in acne. There are topical treatments that can wipe out acne better than the OTC remedies and a good Acne Expert can create a plan for you that will deliver results. Even if you feel like you’ve already tried everything to clear your acne.
You Don't Stick Long Enough to a Regimen
Inflamed skin takes time to calm down and heal. Give yourself at least 3 to 6 months on a regimen to see results. And make sure you apply treatment to the entire affected area. If you spot treat, the bacteria could grow elsewhere.
Some people go cold turkey once the worst of their breakouts are over only to find their acne flares up again. Once your skin clears up, it's important to keep up your regimen so you can continue having clear skin.
If you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, don’t skimp on washing your face as part of your morning and evening skin care routine. In a study that focused specifically on face washing, participants were asked to wash their face one, two, or four times a day for a six-week period. At the end of the study, there was a significant improvement in the acne lesions of those who washed their face twice a day. The participants who only washed their face once a day had the greatest increase in pimples. Plus those that washed more then twice a day became dry and really irritated which made their acne worse.
The aisles at most drugstores are packed with all sorts of facial cleansers. Trying to figure out which one is right for you can be overwhelming. When it comes to choosing the “best” cleanser, fancier may not necessarily be better.
Having a trained acne expert help you select the best cleanser for you can mean the difference between being overwhelmed with all the options and having one easy solution to your acne problems.
Although there’s limited research on the connection between your diet and your skin, several studies have shown that foods with a high glycemic index may be linked with acne.
In a large study from 2009, more than 2,000 participants were placed on a low-glycemic diet. Not only did they lose weight, but 87 percent of the study’s participants also found they had less acne.
To cut back on foods with a high glycemic index try to:
These are just a few tips to remember to help get your skin clear. To read more about how to get clear skin, click here. When you are ready to start our acne clearing program click here or give us a call at 801-800-6602 to book your appointment. As always, stay safe, stick to your routine, and we’ll see you soon!
While there’s no cure for PCOS, it’s important to know that there are things you can do that can help. One of the main things to consider is your diet.
Diet has more impact on your overall health than almost any other factor within your control. So what should you be on the lookout for?
It’s important to remember that your hormones and how you process nutrition will change as you get older, starting with when you come of reproductive age. Diet also plays a role in maintaining the body’s endocrine system which means that as you grow older, your dietary and health needs will likely change. Women with PCOS may find relief and healing from their PCOS symptoms by paying closer attention to what they eat--and what they don’t eat.
In addition to high levels of male hormones, women with PCOS may also develop high levels of the hormonal insulin. Cells don't respond well to the high levels of hormones (androgens and testosterone), which causes insulin resistance, making insulin build up in the blood.
Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance. In fact, more than 50 percent of those with PCOS develop diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40. Diabetes is directly related to how the body processes insulin.
Following a diet that meets a person’s nutritional needs, maintains a healthy weight, and promotes good insulin levels can help people with PCOS feel better.
Foods that Help
Three diets that may help people with PCOS manage their symptoms are:
Not only will these diets help your hormones, insulin levels, and nutritional needs but they can also help you control your acne. PCOS often creates too many hormones in the body. This increases sebum and skin cell production which can cause acne.
At Skintherapy, we are committed to helping you clear your acne and giving you all the best resources to do it. We offer consultations to help guide you and many other products and services with one goal in mind: To help you achieve luminous acne-free skin.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 801-800-6602 to book your appointment today or ask us any questions about acne and our program.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which certain hormones are out of balance. These imbalances typically show up as irregular menstrual cycles, a higher level of androgens (a type of hormone including testosterone) in the body, and small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause symptoms including excess facial and body hair, mood changes, and acne. It can also make it difficult to become pregnant, and may significantly harm a person’s overall health if left untreated.
PCOS can look and feel different for everyone. Some of the most common PCOS symptoms are:
PCOS symptoms may start around the same time as a person’s first period. This can lead people to think their cycles or symptoms are normal when they might not be. If symptoms appear around the same time as a first period, or if periods are consistently irregular 2–3 years after starting, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider.
PCOS sounds like it’s exclusively a disease of the ovaries, but it’s not. While PCOS does affect the ovaries and ovulation, it’s actually a full-body endocrine and metabolic disorder that is closely tied to insulin resistance.
The Four Different Types of PCOS
According to Lara Briden, a Naturopathic doctor and insightful women’s health expert, there are 4 different types of PCOS. Below we will discuss what those are and how they can impact your health.
Insulin Resistant PCOS
For some people with PCOS, hormonal imbalances are likely caused by insulin excess. Insulin, the hormone important for processing sugar/glucose, also acts as a signal to the ovaries to produce testosterone. When someone is insulin resistant--when they have a lower sensitivity to insulin for processing glucose--their body adjusts by making more insulin. This leads to higher levels of testosterone, which can slow or stop the growth and release of eggs from the ovary, and suppress the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone that go along with a functioning menstrual cycle. About a half to two-thirds of people with PCOS have been found to be insulin resistant--a group which may also tend to experience more symptoms and health complications of the disorder over time.
If your menstrual cycles were regular before taking birth control, then it could be a temporary situation of "post-pill" PCOS. There is some evidence that stopping oral contraceptives can cause a short-term delay of fertility, but there has not yet been research into the possible condition of "post-pill" PCOS. Typically this is seen in women who started certain types of oral contraceptives while still young, and then experience both a delay in re-establishing regular ovulation and a temporary surge in androgens and androgen-excess symptoms, such as acne.
The theory of women with PCOS having more inflammation than normal is due to higher androgens which in turn stimulate more insulin production. Higher insulin levels contribute to weight gain which only causes more inflammation. Thus a vicious cycle ensues for women with PCOS.
Inflammation can also be caused by diet, which can induce oxidative stress to stimulate an inflammatory response (even without weight gain). A diet high in carbohydrates is associated with a pro-inflammatory response. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet may counteract some of the inflammation in women with PCOS and help improve both metabolic and reproductive aspects.
When hormones are elevated--as is pervasive in PCOS--symptoms of androgen excess begin to manifest. For some women, this affects their menstrual function and fertility. For others, they continue to menstruate but struggle with physical changes like unwanted hair growth, weight gain, and acne.
This means that a woman with PCOS symptoms could have normally functioning ovaries with no cysts and no insulin resistance, yet still fit the symptomatic profile of the syndrome.
There is some controversy over whether elevated androgens cause insulin resistance or if insulin resistance happens first. The most likely answer is “it depends.” Some women likely develop insulin resistance first, while others develop elevated androgens first.
There is still a lot to learn and research when it comes to PCOS but one thing is clear; it can affect your skin and your health. We hope this post will help you be more aware of different aspects of your health that can also have an impact on your skin.
For all of your skincare questions and needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 801-800-6602 or click here to book your appointment online so that we can assist further in getting your skin clear and keeping it clear.
Those who have acne scars have wondered at least once in their lives, “Is there any way to get rid of them?” That question and more will be answered in the following blog post.
The important thing that we will touch on first here is, what’s the difference between microneedling and nano treatments?
Microneedling
Microneedling uses 12 small (33 gauge) needles to create micro channels in the skin that stimulate the cells’ response to injury. Normal healing begins the moment of tissue injury. Blood components spill into the injury, causing platelets to come into contact with the cellular matrix. This triggers the release of clotting factors, growth factors, and several kinds of collagen fibers. Phagocytosis occurs when neutrophils enter the area and remove foreign material, bacteria and damaged tissue. Microneedling is not recommended for people with skin cancer, pregnant, open lesions, a compromised immune system, on anticoagulants or blood thinners or severe rosacea. Microneedling is backed by years of testing and can help with the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, improvement of stretch marks, minimize pore size and improve the skin texture and tone. It is also known to work really well with melasma (pregnancy mask) as it does not use heat to to risk post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation.
As opposed to nano treatments:
The nano cartridge head uses 81 silicone tips. These microscopic hairlike cones (not needles) claim to enhance topical product absorption. However no evidence-based published studies show data that enhanced penetration is a measurable outcome. So, the benefit of using such nano treatments remains theoretical at this point and no science to back it’s claim. The nano treatments are definitely less invasive treatment and plumping of the skin can create smoothness and instant gratification for the short term.
Nano needling is safe to use on all skin types as it does not use heat to risk post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation as the melanocytes remain intact (as long as post care is followed).
The main difference between nano treatments and microneedling is that nano treatments only work on the epidermis with a needleless alternative. While microneedling is capable of penetrating much deeper into the skin. While this may sound a little scary, this is actually a good thing when trying to improve acne scarring. Microneedling is able to accomplish everything you want out of a skincare procedure involving needles; deeper penetration so that products can do their job better and better results for improving acne scars and fine lines and wrinkles.
The way that microneedling is able to accomplish this is not only by penetrating tiny needles deeper into the skin than nano treatments but also by stimulating collagen production by creating tiny “micro injuries” to the skin.
The easiest way to explain the difference between nano treatments and micro needling is that nano treatments could be called “epidermal plumping via mechanical agitation.” Microneedling on the other hand has the science behind its technology which can actual work to improve acne scar recovery by stimulating collagen growth and improve overall skin appearance.
As always please don’t hesitate to reach out at 801-800-6602 if you have any other questions about your personal skincare routine or acne problems. We are here to help! Also don’t forget that you can also book virtual appointments with us here and order products on our website here.
Have you heard about chemical peels for your skin? If you just heard the name you might think that they are something you want to avoid. In a world where “all-natural” and “organic” are buzzwords for what you put on your face, the idea of adding chemicals might seem counterintuitive. But today’s chemical peels have been revamped from their painful origins back in the 1990s, and today can actually be really good for your skin. Chemical peels have many benefits that provide clearer, healthier-looking skin when you’re done.
One of the biggest benefits of chemical peels for someone with acne-prone skin is their ability to help clear up existing breakouts and, when combined with the correct products, help prevent new breakouts in the future. Peels that include salicylic acid or Jessner’s peels with salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinol, and other exfoliants can penetrate deeper into your skin than your daily facewash to unclog the pores and erode the oils and other things that lead to breakouts. Some peels can also address old acne scars better than resurfacing lasers or other treatments, and they’re safe for all skin tones and types.
The benefits of a chemical peel can last much longer than just the 30 to 60 minutes it takes to get it done. Chemical peels lift away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Those skin cells were probably covering up the healthy skin underneath and preventing your skincare products from penetrating the surface to work properly. Removing the dead cells makes way for healthy cells that are more receptive to the products that will make your skin glow.
When the top layer of skin is eliminated during your chemical peel, it signals the skin below to start making new, healthy cells. It also signals your body to product hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally-occurring substance in skin cells that retains water to keep tissues lubricated. When your cells have the right amount of lubrication, they appear plump and healthy instead of dry and damaged. This also has the added benefit of reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Clear skin is more than just skin without acne, and chemical peels provide several benefits to address all aspects of skin health. The peels dissolve the connection between dead skin cells on the surface, removing a layer of skin that leaves behind smoother, softer skin below. They are also one of the best ways to address melasma that causes dark spots, leaving you with a more even-looking skin tone.
Find out more about the benefits of chemical peels and how they can help you take better care of your skin by calling or scheduling an appointment today.
Blackheads and pimples don't only appear on the face. There are plenty of other places those breakouts can pop up. The chest, neck, shoulders and upper arms, and even the butt are all common places to get pimples. Back acne is so common it even has its own name: bacne.
If you're dealing with back and body acne, know that it's completely normal and you've got plenty of company. Body acne can happen to anyone, both teens and adults.
Body acne is caused by the same factors that trigger facial acne, namely overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells, and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.
Here's how acne pimples develop: When oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the follicle, or what we commonly call the pore, it can create a blockage. This blockage becomes a blackhead and can progress to an inflamed pimple if bacteria invade.
Body acne is generally confined to the back and the upper half of the body, as opposed to your legs.
Like the face, the upper half of the body has many sebaceous glands, so the follicles are more likely to become plugged with excess sebum and dead skin cells.
Certain articles of clothing, sports equipment, and other gear may be triggering your body breakouts. Rubbing or pressure on the skin, combined with heat and/or sweat, can irritate and inflame follicles and cause a specific type of acne called acne mechanica.
If at all possible, try to avoid sources of friction while you're trying to heal body acne. These include tight-fitting clothing, too-snug collars, backpacks, purse straps, and athletic pads or gear. Students may want to carry their books in a handheld bag instead of wearing a heavy backpack.
Sweat can also irritate body acne. To minimize irritation, tone your sweat off immediately after sweating. This can be done by making toner pads. place them in a zip lock bag and take them with you to the gym or keep them in your car. Wiping off first is best and then getting into the shower as soon as possible after exercising. A thorough, but gentle cleansing—preferably with a mandelic scrub or benzoyl peroxide wash—is best.
If body acne doesn't bother you all that much, that's great. But if it does bother you, know you're not alone. Many people say they feel embarrassed or ashamed of their body acne, and take great pains to cover affected areas.
You may choose clothing that reveals as little of the breakouts as possible, avoiding tank tops or sleeveless shirts and deep necklines. You might even consider quitting recreational sports or not participate in certain activities because of breakout embarrassment. It's hard to enjoy yourself at the pool if you're feeling self-conscious about baring your skin in a swimsuit.
Body acne can be especially hard if you're a teen. Undressing in locker rooms or choosing a prom dress can be frustrating and can affect your self-confidence. But all of these feelings are completely normal. You're not being vain. Acknowledge these feelings; don't feel like you have to justify them or talk yourself out of them. Then, start on a program and good routine for body acne to get those breakouts under control.
Body breakouts can be frustrating. Finding a program that works can seem even more frustrating, especially after you've tried several with little improvement. Good daily care for the skin on your body is the backbone for your acne to get clear. While a trip to your doctor or dermatologist may seem like a hassle and may not yield the results you are looking for, booking an appointment with Skintherapy has helped hundreds of people control their acne. The best part is, you won't be buying OTC products that won't work for you and you'll be happier with the results you get.
To book your appointment today, click here. Or give us a call at 801-800-6602 to get started.
Despite their differences, razor bumps and acne have some similarities in how they present themselves. Both acne pimples and razor bumps can become infected with bacteria. The immune system responds to these bacteria by causing swelling to occur around the blocked pore. Although this inflammation is a natural response to bacteria invading the body, it can be very noticeable, causing embarrassment and spoiling your appearance.
Some of the most easily recognizable types of acne are whiteheads and blackheads. In both cases, the white or black head of the pimple is actually sebum trapped in the pore. In the case of whiteheads, the sebum is trapped under the skin, but blackheads are open to the skin surface, so the sebum oxidizes and turns black.
The difficulty comes when acne pimples become inflamed, as they can then look very similar to the small red swellings known as razor bumps. If in doubt, try stopping shaving for a few days to see whether this stops new bumps appearing. If you keep getting just as many pimples, your problem is probably acne. If the problem goes away when you stop shaving, it is likely that you are suffering from razor bumps – and you might want to consider changing your shaving technique so that you can enjoy the smooth feeling of a clean-shaven face without worrying about razor bumps.
So how do you go about avoiding both razor bumps and potentially making acne worse?
Step 1: Prep Your Face
First things first: Wash away dirt, grime and dead skin cells. Essentially, you want to remove anything that might create friction — which is what causes razor burn, irritation and potentially even more acne — when you slide the razor across your face. Taking a hot shower before shaving also softens the hairs. This is another plus, since the softer your hairs are, the less they’ll pull when you go to shave.
It’s also worth considering an exfoliating cleanser, since they help push dead skin out of the way so the razor can glide more smoothly. On top of that, exfoliating lifts the hairs. Think about it — if your hairs are lying flat against your face when you shave, the razor is going to tug on them (which is extra painful when experiencing a breakout) rather than slicing neatly through them. Keep in mind, however, that it’s best to exfoliate lightly when dealing with acne-prone skin to avoid causing excess irritation.
Step #2: Pick the Right Products
Once you’ve showered and exfoliated, apply a Gentle Cleanser, which will act like a slippery barrier between the razor and your skin, meaning less friction and less damage to your face. And don’t be afraid to really lube up and shave the way the hair grows; When you don’t apply enough cleanser, you end up using pressure to get a closer shave, because the blade isn’t gliding across your face like it should. That pressure is one of the biggest causes of irritation and redness, which can quickly turn into breakouts when you have acne-prone skin.
Step 3: Pick the Right Razor
As far as razors go, it’s best to use a single-blade razor, which is the best razor for sensitive skin. Additionally, a dull blade can exacerbate those effects because older, duller blades require additional pressure to shave your stubble, and more pressure equals more irritation. So be sure to use a fresh blade every time you shave.
There’s a lot more information on our blog to answer any basic questions you have about acne. For the best care to help with your acne prone skin, give us a call at 801-800-6602 or begin by booking your appointment online.
Acne mechanica is any type of acne that is the result of material or objects touching you face. When your pillowcase isn’t laundered or changed regularly, a build-up of dirt or oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back onto your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.
The truth is, you should wash your sheets at least once a week.
Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but we like this number because it’s frequent enough to avoid building up levels of contamination you really need to worry about, but it’s also pretty realistic for many people.
That’s just a general number, though. A myriad of factors determine if you should wash your sheets more often than once a week based on your lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
That’s especially true if you don’t have easy access to a washing machine and dryer. We get it.
We also strongly advise you always wash your face before bed, even if you only applied a serum, moisturizer and sunscreen during the day. That will help ensure that you’re not putting a dirty face on a dirty pillowcase, at the very least. If you can squeeze in a shower before bed to slough off dead skin cells, that can be helpful, too.
If you want to take further precautions, making your bed daily is an excellent idea. As you make your bed, tiny dry particles your sheets have accumulated fall to the floor. Then it’s a job left to your vacuum.
Finally, if laundry is the bane of your existence, you might want to consider buying more sheet sets so you don’t have to wash them as often. Where there’s a will (to avoid the drudgery of laundry day), there’s absolutely a way.
Beyond these tips, another thing to consider is what kind of detergent and fabric softener you are using and make sure they don’t contain pore-clogging ingredients. It's always better to use fragrance-free detergent. To help prevent static electricity accumulating on your clothes in the dryer and avoid using fabric softener in general, you might want to try using a ball of tinfoil instead.
We hope these tips help you prevent unwanted acne that comes from sleeping with less-than-clean sheets and pillowcases. For more information on how to prevent and clear your acne, check out our other blog posts. To schedule an appointment with us, click here, or give us a call at 801-800-6602.
You are probably already familiar with the most common type of acid recommended for acne sufferers: Salicylic Acid. But just because it’s a common product doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the best type of acid for your skin and your specific type of acne.
In this post, we’ll share with you why acids are so good in the fight against acne, the different kinds of acids we offer, and what they will do to help your skin get clear.
First off, why acid?
The word ‘acid’ may have you immediately thinking of a laboratory and scary chemical burns. But when used in the right concentrations, acids are actually some of the most beneficial ingredients available in skincare.
Everyone has at least heard of salicylic acid, but what is it actually? Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that can help treat acne by exfoliating the skin and helping to dislodge dead skin cells that can clog pores. It's available at Skintherapy in a concentration of 7%.
The cells in the lining of the hair follicles of people with acne tend to multiply quickly, and stick to one another. Acids work by dissolving the cement that holds those sticky cells together in the clogged pores.
Don’t forget, it's also important to use products that help moisturize, protect from sun damage, and don’t include pore-clogging ingredients to help maintain the skin's natural barrier function and improve the overall health of your skin.
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a crystalline compound that occurs in sugarcane, unripe grapes, and beets. This acid is often used to assist with scarring, skin discoloration, and even signs of aging. It does this by effectively removing the outermost layer of dead cells from the complexion, resulting in brighter, fresher skin. Acne results from pores becoming clogged with dead skin cells. Glycolic acid combats this by “ungluing” those dead skin cells from each other, smoothing the skin and helping reduce acne.
This chemical is low is pH which means that it is higher in acid. The result of this is that it may not be the best for sensitive skin types or those with rosacea. However, for those who don’t have either of those types of skin, it can work wonders! Here at Skintherapy, we offer this product in a 10% concentration, helpful for those suffering from blackheads and clogged pores.
What is Retinyl Propionate?
Retinyl propionate, or vitamin A, helps prevent and assist with damage caused by the sun. It is a compound that stimulates the production of new blood vessels which in turn helps your skin’s natural regeneration process to repair damaged cells. This chemical, when used topically reduces dark spots and congested pores by stimulating collagen growth which is great for fine lines and wrinkles as well as breaking down dead skin cells in clogged pores.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds, but is more gentle. It works to accelerate cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin on the surface that can lead to dull complexions. It also strengthens collagen, one of the building blocks of the skin’s support network that gives it firmness.
Malesma is a common skin condition in which light to dark brown or greyish pigmentation develops on the face. Mandelic acid has been shown to reduce melasma by as much as 50% in four weeks, resulting in a more evenly colored complexion. Mandelic acid’s antibacterial properties are extremely helpful in treating acne. It also helps to regulate sebum production and in turn decrease the occurrence of breakouts. Mandelic acid has even been shown to benefit those who suffer from cystic acne or keratosis pilaris and we offer it in concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%.
Although benzoyl peroxide is not an acid, it does work to destroy acne-causing bacteria in your pores. Also known as BPO, it works primarily as an exfoliating agent by increasing the turnover of the skin and removes the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells from the pores. It comes in 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations that are to be used for those suffering from moderate to severe acne.
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful ingredient that is effective against all kinds of acne lesions (blackheads, whiteheads, and big red pimples). It is bactericidal, meaning it kills bacteria, rather than simply slowing down their growth. It also works very quickly and is a great first line treatment for acne.
What We Recommend
We offer an assortment of products with these crucial ingredients for aiding acne prone skin. To start, we always recommend that you book an appointment so that we can offer you the most beneficial products for your specific type of acne. As you can see, there are many different options and it’s vital that you use what works best for you and your skin regularly.
To learn more, visit our Education Page or give us a call at 801-800-6602.
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