Perioral Dermatitis is a skin condition that look like a combination of acne and rosacea. It usually starts with a bumpy rash or dryness around the mouth area and may spread to the rest of the face and neck. In some severe cases it can even spread all the way down the back.
The exact cause is not known but generally it can be linked to steroid overuse and certain ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate which exists in some toothpastes (here’s a list of best SLS-Free Toothpastes). Other triggers can be food related, stress, allergies, or hormones.
Many dermatologists recommend antibiotics to treat Perioral Dermatitis, but it can often be treated with topical products and a watchful diet. Often antibiotics take over a month to start working, so finding the right products to get started is important.
The most effective method for dealing with Perioral Dermatitis that we have found is the Exfoliating Serum Lite, which works great for sensitive skin, like that of most people who suffer from Perioral Dermatitis. It’s a mandelic acid that not only helps with this disorder, but also helps ease redness, irritation, and acne.
We also advocate certain diet changes, like eating fewer acidic foods like tomatoes and strawberries. Foods like these can trigger more breakouts in the long run. Avoiding foods high in processed sugar also helps.
Oftentimes, Perioral Dermatitis can show up out of nowhere, even sporadically overnight. It starts like a small rash and will generally develop bigger, dryer spots that are not helped with just an over-the-counter moisturizer. For best results, stop any use of occlusive products and replace them with something like this Moisture Gel.
Topical corticosteroids (including hydrocortisone) appear to be one of the biggest risk factors when it comes to this condition and it is vital to discontinue use of them on the skin. If you have been prescribed them by a doctor, ask for a good alternative to use instead.
It’s a good idea to get an appointment with a trusted esthetician or dermatologist as soon as the rash forms to mitigate the effects. The good news is it is not contagious and can be taken care of after a period of time.
A Staph infection can be tricky to spot because it can look similar to acne. The difference lies in that Staph quickly becomes incredibly inflamed and there isn’t an obvious border where one lesion ends and another begins.
It’s important to know that the Staphylococci bacteria lives on the skin of 20 to 30% of healthy adults but only affects a small percentage of the population. It usually only causes infections and disease if the immune system is compromised (HIV or diabetes) or if there is a cut or abrasion on the skin and the person is a carrier of the harmful strains of this bacteria.
It can be a scary thing to deal with, but it can be dealt with. It can occur more frequently for people who shave a lot and accidentally nick the skin. Also for people who workout, particularly if the workout is in a martial art where skin is rubbing against mats or against other people’s skin, where it can be transferred easily. Showering after any workout is also a must.
As mentioned above, Staph bacteria is typically harmless. Most people live with it on their skin in some form or another and it never bothers them. There are over 30 different strains and only a couple of them are dangerous. So how do you spot it?
It usually looks like a boil or a giant pimple. It can also look like a rash and is quite painful. If it becomes hot to the touch and spreads rapidly, it could be infected with the dangerous strain of Staph bacteria so it’s worth it to get a second opinion. It’s also worthwhile to note that this bacteria lives mostly on the skin and inside the nasal passages, as they are more sensitive areas.
If you think you may have a Staph infection, you will want to speak to a doctor on this issue. Many times, they will recommend an oral antibiotic which should help immediately with the infection. They may also suggest that you are hyper diligent with your hygiene and keep your bedding and clothes as clean as possible. Depending on how bad the infection is, the doctor may also see about getting you an IV drip for supportive care.
Getting this checked out early is of the utmost importance because if the most virulent strains of Staph infect the blood somehow (via cuts or food poisoning), symptoms will be more severe and require immediate medical attention. For these reasons, never extract or squeeze pimples or boils as they can become infected with the Staph bacteria and it will spread rapidly. The more critical symptoms include but are not limited to; fever, chills, pain in the abdomen or on the skin, blisters, impetigo, redness, diarrhea, nausea, and swollen sores that ooze pus.
This bacteria is no joke! Getting help if you think you may have a Staph infection is crucial to long term health. However, they can also be recurrent, meaning once you stop taking antibiotics, it could come back. So catching it early and taking the proper precautions to avoid future infection is very important.
It is imperative to talk to your doctor about this condition if you have these symptoms or have a boil or rash that just won’t go away. It could literally save your life.
Here at Skintherapy, we are Master Estheticians. We are not doctors and we cannot treat Staph infections in our clinic. However, if you come to an appointment and we feel like your acne may be coupled with suspicious infected lesions we will make a doctor referral for you prior to working on your acne. Give us a call at 801-800-6602 or visit our website to book at appointment to treat your acne.
Folliculitis is a skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed and infected. It occurs most frequently in places that are shaved such as the beard area and legs. It can also appear on arms, back, and buttocks. Looking very similar to acne, it can sometimes turn into a worse and more serious skin condition such as a staph infection.
Possible long-term side effects of folliculitis are:
The causes of folliculitis may vary, much like the causes of acne (besides hereditary factors, acne can be caused by certain foods, products, and exercising without wiping sweat off.) Some of the most common causes for folliculitis include:
Symptoms of folliculitis can be similar to acne, which is why they are often treated in a similar manner. The symptoms include the following:
Prevention is your best weapon against folliculitis. With that being said, waiting too long to have this skin condition checked out can result in the more permanent side-effects like those mentioned above. Here is how to prevent folliculitis:
Once you know the causes of folliculitis, it can be simple to look out for and get the right remedies. Folliculitis does not have to be a lifelong problem for you. Especially if it is caught early on, your skin can be saved from itchy red bumps and pus-filled blisters. Use the information above to help your skin condition or simply give us a call at 801-800-6602 today.
The experience most people have with acne is this; calling a dermatologist and scheduling an appointment, at that appointment, the doctor spends 5-10 minutes looking at your skin and then suggests you take some sort of antibiotic, contraceptive, or other medication. These medications often have uncomfortable short and longterm side effects, so most people end up not taking all of them, or only taking them for a short time before giving up. If you have experienced this yourself, you are definitely not alone.
The short answer to the question of whether or not you need medication to treat acne is a simple no. But the real answer is infinitely more revealing.
The bold statement we make here at Skintherapy is that acne can be treated at the root without medications. How, you ask? With a regimen of the proper products and lifestyle changes.
If you grew up with acne or even got acne later in life as an adult, you know the struggle of dealing with it every day can get tiresome. The question of whether or not you should get on medication is unfortunately a common one, but that doesn’t have to be the answer for you. You can accomplish the beautiful, clear skin you want without ever taking a single pill or antibiotic.
We are confident in the fact that we can help get your skin clear with the proper commitment and process. That is why we are here. As experts, we have a unique outlook on acne and how to care for it. That’s because the issue isn’t just “skin deep.” There is a lot going on underneath the skin and you need someone who knows what to look for so they can minister the correct products and services for you.
This goes beyond a simple “Let me have a look at you.” Here we take pride in getting to the root of the issue causing your acne specifically, whether that be food, makeup, cleansing routine, products, or even the laundry detergent you use. Everything has the ability to help or hinder your skin clearing progress. You want clear skin, you want to be able to take a look at everything in your life and decide whether it’s getting you closer to that goal, or further away from it.
After working with hundreds of people, helping them get their skin clear and seeing the drastic change it makes in their everyday lives, that’s how we know it works and that it is worth it.
You may not know where to start when it comes to your acne. You may be scared. Lots of people are when they’re just starting out. There is so much information out there on the subject. It can be hard to know where to begin.
There is a lot to caring for acne, but you don’t have to do it alone. We have the tools you need and they don’t require you to take medications with ill side effects or any other pill or medicine. Your skin can get clear without all that. All it really takes is an initial appointment for you to see the effectiveness of working with a true Acne Expert.
To book your consultation, click here.
As a teen with acne, your dreams are made up of days where you no longer suffer from embarrassing breakouts. Adulthood is the ticket out of Zitville, at least you hope anyway. Adult acne is classified as having acne over the age of 25. At that point, your teen years are behind you and you thought you were done with this acne stuff. But think again.
Some acne sufferers start having breakouts in their young tender years while others don’t start breaking out until much later in life. Why is it that some people’s acne clears up as time goes on while others are surprised with breakouts long after their teen years?
The truth about acne is, nobody really knows why it starts young for some people and later for others. It could be hormones. It could be a change in products you are using. Or it could be how often and how aggressively you are cleansing your skin. Anything from diet to stress can trigger a breakout no matter what age you are.
So let’s examine some of the ways that acne can be helped, no matter what age you are.
By now you are probably aware that products are a huge part of helping or hindering your acne. With every new product you pick up at the store or online, there is the plea in the back of your mind, “I hope this doesn’t make me break out.”
So many people have been there and the constant game of roulette is not fun. If you’re looking for products that are guaranteed not to break you out and in fact, will only help your acne get better, try these on for size:
This toner helps calm redness as it hydrates and removes sweat, dirt, and dead skin cells from your pores.
This face wash is gentle and effective in cleansing the skin without being too drying. Perfect for any skin type.
This sunscreen is not only soothing while it prevents sunburns, but also has natural ingredients that keep your pores from becoming clogged.
With these products, you are likely to experience some improvements right away because they are not drying or over exfoliating. That is another big problem among acne sufferers: cleansing too much. With the Gentle Face Wash mentioned above, using it once or twice a day won’t make you dry out, but will effectively cleanse the skin of irritants. When looking for products to help acne, it is usually best to err on the side of gentle at first. This way, you can gauge how aggressive you need to go with products to get the results you want.
The reality is, when you are dealing with something as complicated as acne, you want to make sure you are getting the best treatment advice from the most knowledgeable source.
Dermatologists, as helpful as they might be, may not have the time or the patience to deal with your specific case of acne as you see fit.
Let our team at Skintherapy be the ones to help you get your skin back on track. Whether it be adult acne or teen acne, we are here to help.
Reach out to us here on our website or check out our social media pages (@utahacneclinic on Insta) to get more info and start your journey to clear skin.
Want to know some secrets to clear skin? Read on for solid advice on how to keep bothersome acne from intruding on your life.
1. Working Out: Good for Your Body and Your Skin
New year, new you, right? The gym is a great place to develop strength and fitness, but did you know it is also good for your skin? According to dermatologist Ellen Marmur, working out promotes blood circulation, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin, cleansing it from the inside. Take special precautions though, because if you don’t cleanse or wipe sweat and dirt off your skin after a workout, you may be in for a breakout.
2. Thinking of Starting a New Diet? Try eating more Omega-3s!
Omega-3s have been around since the dawn of time. They exist in foods like blueberries, walnuts, and spinach. So-called “health foods” and natural products like leafy veggies. Rather than calling them "health foods," which sounds like something only your personal trainer would eat, we should just be calling them everyday foods. Omega-3s are important for a healthy life, but they are also vital to clear skin. Here is another article detailing why they are so important, but mostly just remember that there is a balance to clean eating and clear skin and omega-3s could be the missing link.
3. Getting Those Zzzs is More Important than You Think
Researchers say that for every hour of sleep you lose, body function goes down by 14%. That’s a lot, considering how much you need your body to operate at prime levels to live a good, happy life. One of the first things to go when you lose out on sleep is your body’s ability to revitalize your skin. That’s why after a night of no sleep, your face looks splotchy and sunken in. It can also cause breakouts if you are consistently not sleeping well or long enough. Try relaxing meditations before bedtime so you can snooze easier.
4. Drink More Water!
Drinking water helps your skin remove toxins. Researchers at UW Health in Madison, WI say that “Your skin is an organ, just like any other part of the body. Skin cells, just like any other cell, are made up of water. Without water, the organs will certainly not function at their best.” Many people report that after drinking lots of water, their skin has a radiant glow. As if there weren’t enough reasons to drink plenty of water, there’s one more: healthy, beautiful skin!
5. Meet Your New Best Friend: A Professional Esthetician
Many people who suffer from acne turn to dermatologists to help with their skin, only to find that their skin doctor may not have time to see them as often as they need to achieve the desired results. Others figure they might as well try the store brand products or even the ones they see in commercials on TV. Both end up with the same result: you still have acne, only this time, you’re wallet is lighter and your skin hasn’t changed, or may even be worse off than it was before. This is why it is vital for you to start working with someone who really knows what they’re doing when it comes to your skin. Jil Goorman founder of Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic knows what it takes to clear unwanted acne and she’s had success with hundreds of clients. There’s a lot to be said about working with a professional who has the time, knowledge, and products that will give you the clear, beautiful skin you desire.
6. Cleansing 2x a Day is Key
Your daily routine is an important factor in the health of your body and skin. While there are many things to remember when trying to keep your skin clear, one of the most important is that you wash your face twice a day; once in the morning when you wake up, and once at night before you fall asleep. This ensures your skin is clean for the rest of the day and that it is also clean for a good night’s sleep. Clean skin is crucial to clear skin. Just this one habit will dramatically improve the quality of your skin.
7. Your Hair Product and Your Acne
If you have long hair, it tends to touch your face more than you realize. And if your hair products have pore-cloggers like the ones listed in this article, you are sure to experience more breakouts. Just be aware of not only what you’re using on your face, but also what’s going on your hair as well. Products like this are sure to keep your skin clear and your hair soft and luxurious.
You're about to start a big chapter in your life and there's a buzz of excitement in the air. And there’s so much to do!
Planning a wedding is no joke. You've got to find a venue, decide on your invitation list, choose a ring for your hubby-to-be, find a caterer, flowers and decorations, the whole nine. Where does a young bride start?
Sometimes (okay, a lot of times) planning a wedding can be stressful, even if you have a fantastic plan with plenty of time to get things in order.
But secretly, your main concern isn’t necessarily the wedding. You may be an adult about to make one of the biggest commitments of your adult life but your skin has gone into full breakout mode. This is the most important day of your life and acne is fiercely rearing its ugly head.
You didn't ask for acne and you've waited for years to "grow out of it" but sadly that day never came. The stress of planning and maybe even some rogue hormones have made a mess of your skin. It sucks and it seems it’s out of your control to fix it. You may have even tried many remedies; all the OTC products you can think of, dermatologists, retinol, and even organic items you heard about or read about on the internet.
You want this problem to be fixed--the sooner the better.
Now, what if I told you that you could hang out with your new husband on your honeymoon without (gasp) wearing any makeup at all?
The reality is, all your pimples could virtually disappear before your big day. All it takes some time. And it’s so worth it.
So buckle up my friends, because I am about to tell you how.
We all know acne is hard to control, so a lot of people turn to medications like Accutane for help. But medications can have bad side effects and sometimes don't even work at all.
So where do you turn to prepare not only the wedding itself but to ensure you have great photos featuring you with beautiful skin?
Here is the solution.
The path to clear skin isn't a quick one, no matter what you read on the internet. Achieving clear skin is a process that takes time.
How much time, you may ask? Try 3 to 6 months. That's because that's how long it takes for good products to really sink deep into your skin and work their magic to make those breakouts and blackheads vanish at the source.
Skintherapy’s program is a process that not only turns your skin into a flawless work of beauty but also keeps your skin clear for the rest of your life (including your marriage.)
Acne is manageable and it's possible to have skin so clear you won't have to think twice about whether or not to wear makeup to the beach or anywhere else you choose to honeymoon. All it takes is some time and some professional guidance.
You don't have to figure out this acne problem alone. Skintherapy can help get your skin 100% clear so you have one less this to worry about on your big day.
The only question is how do you get started?
With Skintherapy, we have designed a process and a line of products that you use daily to clear unwanted acne. They work so effectively, you will be wondering why you didn't start sooner!
The best way to get started is to book an appointment. If you aren’t already acquainted with our website, here is the link to book your first appointment. Want to see some of the amazing results for yourself? Click on this link to see how other’s skin has been transformed and yours can too!
The sooner we start working on your skin together, the sooner you will be ready to face your wedding day all smiles and beautiful, flawless skin.
They say there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to acne, which is the adage that it’s “just a phase. You grow out of it. It won’t last forever.”
It’s these popular beliefs that keep kids going. In fact, if you ask many adolescents, they might tell you that their acne will just go away on its own eventually. Which is the case for some people. But the truth is, for most folks, acne doesn’t just go away once you hit a certain age.
Many people believe that acne is caused by skin not being cleaned well enough-- as if acne is caused merely by being dirty and is easily fixed by simply cleaning the skin. The fact of the matter is the true culprits are hereditary and mostly have to do with hormones. This is why teenagers are so likely to break out. It is due to the dramatic fluctuation in hormone levels during adolescence. Testosterone increases, triggering the secretion of excess oil in the sebaceous glands. Bacteria and dead skin get trapped in the pores, resulting in acne breakouts.
Adult acne, on the other hand, is caused by slower skin turnover that happens along with excess oil production, sweating, and hormonal changes that come with getting older.
It’s estimated that 80-85 percent of teens experience acne breakouts. Adult acne, which is characterized by flares and remissions throughout your entire life, is fairly common amongst those who have suffered from adolescent acne.
Things that can affect adult acne range from stress levels to the food you eat, what cosmetics you wear, and how much sleep you’re getting. To make matters worse, if you are a woman, acne is much more likely to last longer and be more severe than it would be for your typical male counterpart. This is due to fluctuating hormones, changes in testosterone levels, birth control, and even menopause. Approximately 25% of men are affected by adult acne, whereas 50% of women experience it at least once in their lifetime.
Now, when we are asked how long it takes to clear acne with our treatments here at Skintherapy, our usual response is 6 months to a year. How do we get those results in such a short period of time?
Most people need one form of treatment or another to fully treat acne. We implement a wide range of options, giving us the opportunity to provide a regiment that doesn’t over-dry or under-deliver. Proper use of topical treatments, such as toners, moisturizers, and ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are essential to help control breakouts and prevent scarring.
It is good to remember that acne has no cure, but it can be cleared away with the right treatments. In some people, acne clears soon after leaving their teenage years behind. However, most people are not that lucky.
For most people who work with us, our acne treatments produce positive results within the first 3-6 months of starting. We help people keep their acne under control, even those who didn’t get to see the end of their acne until their senior years.
It is good to keep in mind that there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce flare-ups and help control your acne. Eating well, sleeping well, and keeping stress levels low are great ways to combat breakouts. Also, remember to be careful what kind of makeup you’re using and avoid pore-cloggers in your products.
If you want to see the results the typical person has working with us, check out this page of our website. For any questions, or to set up an appointment, give us a call at 801-800-6602. We are located in Salt Lake City, UT.
Who doesn’t love a delicious slice of pizza on a Friday night? Or an appetizing cheeseburger while out to lunch with friends? Greasy foods have become a staple called “American Food” and rightly so. There’s nothing more American than throwing some hot dogs on the grill and serving them up for the whole neighborhood. These types of foods are delicious. That’s why they’re so popular. The only problem is they’re heavy in omega 6 essential fatty acids and incredibly laden with grease and other ingredients that aren’t conducive to a healthy diet or healthy skin.
Let’s take pizza, for example. Pizza is usually made with iodized salt, which aggravates acne. Another prime ingredient (or culprit, if you will) in pizza is cheese. Cheese contains dairy, which contains IG1 or insulin-growth factor and over 60 different hormones. These hormones occur naturally whether the cow is organically raised, fed, etc. or not. Since all cows which produce milk are pregnant all milk products are laden with extra hormones naturally. Extra hormones competing with human hormone levels means more breakouts for the acne prone person.
As you can see, it’s not as cut and dry as “Do greasy foods make me break out?” as much as “What ingredients in food could make me break out?”
Internally, greasy foods don’t do much for you health-wise, as I’m sure we’re all aware. Externally, greasy foods can give you a nice little breakout around your lips, cheeks, and chin if you’re not careful, as grease is great at clogging pores. This is not to say you should avoid these foods altogether. Just be aware of how often and how much you consume them. Plus take an interest in what other ingredients these foods might contain. Iodized salt, Canola Oil, Soy Bean Oil, Milk products etc., are all known aggravators of acne.
While we suggest reducing the amounts of greasy foods you enjoy you might consider adding supplements to your daily routine also. Even if you already have a good handle on what foods you consume and just want to add something to help with your acne, you might want to consider taking the following vitamins and supplements.
Healthy Skin Formula
Healthy Skin Formula is a vitamin supplement cocktail that has been recommended by skin care professionals for over 15 years. It’s got zinc, vitamin A, selenium, and more to boost your skin’s health and beauty.
Fish Oil
Earlier in this article, I mentioned how American foods are high in omega 6. Omega 6s are highly inflammatory, and therefore cause a lot of acne in adults and young adults. Fish Oil contains omega 3, which balances out all the inflammation in your diet. It helps calm acne and gets your skin clear faster.
Culturelle Probiotic
Want to help your digestion in the best way possible? Include Culturelle Probiotic in your diet. It aids in digestion and adds good bacteria and probiotics to your system. Probiotics are good for reducing breakouts and can help those who have been on long-term antibiotics.
For more help in creating the best lifestyle for clear skin, visit our office 1817 S Main Street, #18 Salt Lake City, UT 84115. Or click here to book your appointment today.
Many people who suffer from face acne may also, unfortunately, suffer from acne on their body. Although they are not mutually exclusive, often if you find yourself with one, you might also find yourself dealing with another.
Similar to face acne, body acne cannot be “cured” but can only be treated. And best of all, the effects can be lessened with a few careful precautions and some means of dedicated treatment.
So before you reach for the prescriptions or miracle cures, take a look at the list below at potential irritants and best-known treatments for body acne.
1. Friction
When it comes to acne on your back, chest, and shoulders, friction could be the culprit. Particularly in places where a strap for a backpack or purse rubs against your skin. Another thing you want to avoid is tight clothing. Not only is there a lot of friction when clothes are too tight, but they also don’t allow your skin to breathe. Sweat and dirt can easily become trapped in the pores and cause nasty breakouts.
2. Laundry Detergent
One big thing you can do to lessen breakouts
has to do with how well rinsed your laundry is. Detergent can be a pretty big factor in acne flare-ups. A way to avoid this irritant is to rinse your clothes twice in the washer before placing them in the dryer, or just simply use less detergent. Fragrance-free detergents are the best at helping your skin stay clear, and another good thing to do is change bedsheets and pillowcases at least once a week.
3. Clean shirts
If you’re anything like most people, you might not think twice about throwing a shirt you’ve worn once back onto a hanger in the closet to be worn again. But this exact thing might just be the reason you’ve been having such a hard time calming all the bacne (and various other forms of body acne.)
Try wearing a new shirt every day and even changing into a clean shirt at night before you go to bed, especially if you use treatments and products on your skin that you don’t want to spread all over your bed sheets. While we’re on the topic of changing shirts, do you workout? Because if so, driving home in sweaty clothes probably isn’t doing your skin any favors. Try wiping your body off with some pads soaked in toner at the gym and then changing into a clean shirt after your workout to avoid all that sweat staying on your skin any longer than necessary. And ladies, if you haven’t in awhile, don’t forget to wash your bras.
4. Hair Products
It’s a fact that some hair products have ingredients that can be great for hair but can be comedogenic for the rest of your body (especially your back) once they start running down.To avoid this, buy hair products that don’t have pore cloggers in them and pin your hair up in the shower so conditioned hair is not rubbing on your skin, basically just adding more oil to your pores. Make sure your body wash is acne safe and noncomedogenic and save washing your body for the end of your shower.
5. Exercise
The basic rule of thumb is that if you have body acne, you want to avoid excessive amounts of sweat sitting on your skin too long. This tip is definitely not meant to deter you from working out as long and as hard as you please, just bear in mind that the longer sweat stays on your skin, the more likely you are to break out. It’s important to get the sweat off immediately. A shower isn’t always an option, but having toner pads to wipe off excess perspiration helps a ton.
All of these are great things to keep in mind when considering how best to deal with embarrassing body acne, but nothing is going to help more than some good noncomedogenic products and a set treatment plan.
Right now, during the first week of December 2017, we will be launching our Body Acne Starter Kit! We’re excited to have this opportunity to help our readers and followers gain more control over their stubborn body acne with nonpore clogging products. Included in the body acne kit will be the following:
1-8 oz bottle of our BPO wash
2-1 oz bottles of 10% acne cream
2-1 oz bottles of our Exfoliating Serum #3
1-1.7 oz bottle of our Moisture Cream
1-2.5 oz bottle of our Sun Guard SPF
The first 50 kits sold will also get FREE toner!
The Body Acne Kit also includes step by step directions on how to use the products and lifestyle guidelines to help you get on the path to clear skin. To find more info on this promotion and other acnegrams, follow us on Instagram at @utahacneclinic. If you are looking for a way to speed up the process of clearing your unwanted acne, schedule an appointment at our clinic located in Northern Utah. We will set you up with a deep cleaning and extractions to get your skin more clear and beautiful than you ever thought possible.
The definition of oxidative stress is “an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.”
But what does that mean in correlation to your acne?
Studies have shown that oxidative stress is caused by foods and other consumed substances (like cigarettes, for example) that promote inflammation and adversely affect acne.
Some of the oxidative stress-inducing fare includes things like hydrogenated fats, alcohol, high amounts of sugar, preservatives, drugs, chlorinated water, pesticides, and pollutants (of water, air, or food.)
Oxidation reduces your body’s ability to cope with toxins and pollutants, forcing your body into a state of stress. Stress can happen under physical or emotional circumstances as well and can damage cells, proteins, and even DNA. As you can imagine, this can cause many health problems, including; fatigue, acne, headaches, susceptibility to infections, and even cancer.
So what can be done to combat the impact of oxidative stress on your health and your skin?
Nutritional medicine is becoming an apparent method of dealing with and healing many of the negative processes in the body that cause many ailments. It is believed by researchers and scientists studying acne, that diet is strongly correlated to the appearance of acne and breakouts.
Studies show that higher antioxidant intake combats the derisive effects of the Westernized diet, which includes mostly omega 6 and hardly any omega 3 (which are the dietary antioxidants) and improves health and skin problems caused by oxidative stress.
The word ‘antioxidant’ has become a medical buzzword. And for good reason! It is something sorely missed in our modernized diet, as antioxidants mainly exist in nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin E. Studies at a university in India found that oral vitamins E and A taken daily led to significant improvements among young adults with long-term acne.
While the supplements are great to take, they should be taken under controlled supervision to ensure safety. However, there are many foods that can be implemented into your diet that provide a similar benefit.
These foods include:
It is common for oxidative stress to cause many serious health problems, including acne. It is important to note that the less fast food you eat and more foods rich in antioxidants you consume, the better off your skin and body will be.
These foods and supplements mentioned in this article, will not only help your skin but will tackle problems that go much deeper, resulting in a healthier anatomy on top of clearer skin.
For even better results in clearing your acne, reach out to us for a consultation with a professional esthetician who can guide you with the correct vitamin dosages, lifestyle changes, and treatment plan for your acne. Here is the link to try out a way to clearer skin and a healthier way of dealing with acne today.
If you have acne and have ever smoked or had a habit of smoking, there are some interesting facts that you should know. By this point, you’ve probably heard everything there is to know about the ill-effects that smoking tobacco has on your body, but what about the effects it has on your acne?
On top of that, what about the effects of smoking other substances, like marijuana? Today, we’ll be sharing some insight on what those effects are and how they relate to your breakouts.
Tobacco
In 2001, the first official study of the correlation between smoking and acne was done by Dr. Torsten Schafer at the University of Munich. Before that, the theory that smoking could affect acne wasn’t really paid all that much attention.
What Dr. Schafer found was that 1) acne is most prevalent in smokers and 2) there is an unmistakable relationship between the number of cigarettes smoked and the severity of the acne.
One of the chemical reactions in a person’s body is that of stress. Some may even smoke to alleviate said stress. But smoking increases oxidative stress and does one other interesting thing to the human body: increases testosterone.
Smokers have as much as 15% higher testosterone in their bodies. Testosterone increases the production of sebum in the skin, which creates an overproduction of dead skin cells, clogging up pores and causing breakouts.
Marijuana
According to an article by the Huffington Post in 2013, marijuana has some of the same chemical reactions in the body as tobacco. The most notable being that it causes a significant increase in testosterone, and therefore sebum production in the skin. For marijuana smokers, the percentage of testosterone was in the range of 3-5%, which is a significantly smaller percentage than that of the average tobacco user but still may cause breakouts.
Another factor relating to acne when it comes to smoking marijuana is that it may cause you to reach for sugary snacks. There is definitely a link between acne and high glycemic index foods, so that is something to keep in mind.
Also, be aware of the laws in your country/state when using this substance.
Vaping
There hasn’t been a lot of long-term research done on vaping in general, but as it stands now, for people who were heavy smokers before vaping, there seems to be a significant decrease in breakouts. Whereas for people who never smoked before, vaping sometimes aggravates acne.
Vaping does cause chemical reactions in the body, of course, and any change in lifestyle might cause some disturbances in your skin, but all in all, the jury is still out on how vaping affects acne.
While smoking tobacco is one of the worst things you can do for your acne, switching to a vape can help decrease breakouts. When it comes to marijuana, be wise of local laws and bear in mind that for most, it still causes acne to flare up.
Most use smoking as a means to alleviate stress, and while it may have some short-term upsides, the downsides outweigh them by a landslide. Consider quitting smoking for all of the health benefits--including healing your acne.
Many people worry that drinking coffee will trigger a breakout. You’ll find all sorts of information out there about what coffee does to the body and skin, but here is some information to think about when it comes to that nice, steamy cup of coffee some of us love and can’t live without.
Coffee contains one of the highest sources of antioxidants for North Americans, along with strawberries, blackberries, and cranberries. Antioxidants are good at protecting lipids against oxidative stress, which is correlated to acne. For those who drink coffee regularly, it can even dampen the responsiveness of the enzyme that is responsible for activating cortisol (the “stress hormone”) in the bloodstream.
Not only does coffee relieve stress, it also promotes a longer life. In a study done by Iowa Women’s Health, they found that 1 to 3 cups of black coffee per day corresponded to a 24% reduction in heart-related death or illness and a 33% reduction in death related to any condition based on inflammation.
Coffee has been reviled by some, and others may not even like it, but that doesn’t change the scientific proof. Despite suggestions made by some internet sources, acne isn’t aggravated by coffee. If anything, black coffee promotes better insulin levels in the blood, which is good news for acne sufferers, and bolsters longer life spans.
(Note: Keep in mind that these studies are based on cups of home-brewed coffee (black with no creamer) and they do not include major chain coffee sizes, which contain 5x the caffeine content per cup.)
So keep enjoying that hot cup of goodness if you like, my friends. Coffee is here to benefit you!
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your hair as long and shiny as a model’s, then you may have heard about the magical phenomenon of biotin. Same if you’ve ever wanted stronger nails and better skin--biotin is the recommended supplement, right? It says it right there on the bottle.
What’s all the hype about anyway?
In this post, we’ll be covering 6 interesting facts about biotin, and then go over the potential harm it can do to your skin if you are even the slightest bit acne prone and sometimes, even if you have never had acne before.
Starting with...
Fact #1: Most people get enough biotin in their diet, as it exists in many everyday foods.
Fact #2: Biotin deficiency is extremely rare.
Fact #3: There are no known cases of overdosing on Biotin, as it is water soluble and flushes out of the system easily.
Fact #4: Biotin, B7, and Vitamin H are all the same thing.
Fact #5: Raw egg white contains avidin which naturally inhibits the effects of biotin.
Fact #6: Long term use of antibiotics may hinder the integration of biotin in the body by killing off healthy gut bacteria.
So what does all this have to do with your acne?
If you are not biotin deficient (as in, losing your hair and having brittle nails), eating raw egg whites every day, using antibiotics for a long period of time, or pregnant, there is really no reason to consider taking a biotin supplement. Foods like bread, chocolate, egg yolks, fish, nuts, oatmeal, meat, poultry, and whole wheat all contain more than enough biotin to keep your body healthy.
So why are biotin supplements so popular?
Biotin is essential in keeping your skin, hair, nails, and body organs healthy there’s no doubt about that. But most people are misinformed as to how much of it their body actually needs. The recommended dosage of biotin supplements is 30 mcg per day. But your body already produces that much on its own.
There is little scientific research that supports the claim that biotin actually makes your hair grow longer and shinier (unless you take it in mass quantities), but it does do something interesting to your skin: it makes it overproduce skin cells.
Acne is generally caused by bacteria and dead skin cells clogging the pores. So what happens when an acne prone person starts taking biotin? Typically, more acne. Or even cystic acne, even if you have never had it before.
The safest way to avoid the potential dangers of biotin supplements is to simply avoid taking them altogether. Unless you’re in a small group of specific people who need more than the average amount of biotin for daily life, there is no scientific research saying that it will help your skin and hair on its own. But trust me, your skin can definitely do without it.
To learn more about supplementation and how to clear your acne without prescriptions click here.
Marketing geniuses would love to have you believe that their most famous acne clearing products are safe and do exactly what they advertise--clear your skin. But sadly, this is simply not the case for the products we are about to review in this article.
Many doctors and dermatologists are prescribing products for your acne that either aren’t going to work as well as they should, or aren’t going to work at all.
Today we’ll get into the reasons why these products don’t work and what you can use for your acne that actually works.
The first one we’ll start with is Cetaphil. According to Cetaphil’s website, it is a “Gentle Skin Care Product” that is “clinically tested and proven to cleanse, hydrate, and protect acne-prone skin.”
That’s all fine and dandy until you look at the list of ingredients in their product.
According to the experts, here is a list of ingredients that will clog your pores.You’ll notice that the ingredient sodium laureth sulfate is on there. Guess what Cetaphil has in it? Sodium laureth sulfate.
Although sodium laureth sulfate only scores a 3 out of 5 on the pore clogging scale (0 being non clogging and 5 being extremely clogging), it still makes you wonder, how have they gotten away with marketing this product to be good for acne for so long when it clearly isn’t?
It’s unfortunate that such products are being branded to help acne, when in fact, it will just make it worse.
The next surprisingly pore clogging product is Clearasil. Yes, you read that right. Clearasil has been branded the expert and leading acne control product for teenagers. But what's really going on in their formula?
They do have some good stuff going on, although it's in such low doses, it's hard to say if it will actually help clear your skin.
For example, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide do help in treating acne. But Clearasil also contains myristic acid and lauric acid, which scored 3 and 4 respectively on the pore clogging scale.
Clearasil is the first product that many people turn to when they first get acne and for some, it might actually help. But for many, it only exacerbates the problem and makes a bad situation worse.
Next off, we have Retinol A. Although this product is available under many different names, including Retin-A and Tretinoin, don't let them fool you. It is branded as a medication used to treat acne and usually has to be prescribed by a doctor in order to obtain it, although it can also be purchased online.
On Web MD, Retinol A is said to work by affecting the growth of growth of skin cells and admits that it may make your acne worse at first but will get better after 8-12 weeks.
The reality is that it makes your acne worse because it contains isopropyl myristate (which scores a staggering 5 on the pore clogging scale) and stearic acid (which scores a 3 on the pore clogging scale.)
Last on our list is Coconut Oil and its derivatives. Acne is caused by a buildup of oil in the skin. Therefore, it seems strange to claim that coconut oil does something to help with acne.
The popular website, Healthline.com, claims "Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps kill the bacteria that cause acne."
Lauric acid rates at a 4 on the pore clogging scale. Whether or not it possesses the qualities to kill bacteria on your skin (which is not what causes acne in the first place anyway) the mere fact that it contains such a pore clogging ingredient makes it less than convincing when it comes to clearing up your acne.
The upside about coconut oil about it is that it smells really good! But it's just not so great for your skin, unfortunately.
These are just a few of the expertly branded products that claim to help acne but really don't. We suggest you do your own research and don't fall for the hype when it comes to selecting products to help with your acne.
Now if you really want to get your skin clear, schedule an appointment with us. We have individualized products and treatment plans that you can't get anywhere else and have been tried and proven to help get skin clear and maintain clear skin for life.
What are you waiting for? The next step is finding out what will work to get your skin where you want it to be.
Click here to set up your appointment today.
International research has shown that lack of sleep is one of the biggest aggravators when it comes to acne (The Clear Skin Diet, Alan C. Logan and Valori Treloar.) When you are sleep deprived, your adrenal glands, levels of cortisol, and insulin levels are disrupted. This makes you more stressed, less likely to get a good night’s sleep, and creates more skin and acne problems.
The trick to getting better quality sleep (and more of it) is to create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. You want to feel like your bedroom is a space of quiet tranquility, away from the world. This space should be free of clutter and distractions. Let your bedroom be your oasis.
Now that you’ve done that, here are 4 tips to helping you get into better, more healthy sleep patterns.
Ditch the Daytime Naps
When you nap, especially in the afternoon, this can disturb your regular sleep cycle and make it harder to fall asleep at night. It may cause you to toss and turn for a lengthy period of time, or even make it impossible to fall asleep at all. As tempting as it is to take a quick nap in the afternoon, it will help keep your skin get clearer if you don’t.
Go to Sleep at the Same Time Every Night
Sleep schedules are paramount when it comes to getting adequate sleep. You want to make sure you’re getting a good 7-8 hours each night. To do this, try going to sleep when you start feeling tired and letting yourself wake up naturally. This will give you a good indication of how many hours of sleep you need to feel good. Allow yourself to get that much sleep every night.
Cut Back on Drinks and Food at Night
Heavy meals definitely don’t help you feel comfortable at night when you’re trying to get your relaxing on, so try to avoid them. It is intuitive to avoid caffeine in the evening but you also want to avoid using alcohol to help you fall asleep. Best to put the bottle away 4-6 hours before bedtime.
Read a Book Before Bedtime Instead of Your Phone
An excellent way that I have found to prime me get to sleep at night is to put my phone away 30-45 minutes before bed. Instead, reading a book is a better way to calm the mind into relaxation and forget about the worries of the day. It will also help to loosen up your muscles and prime your body for a good night’s rest.
While sleep is one of the most important, yet most often overlooked ways to help get your skin clear, the number one most important thing you can do for your skin is to get customized products and regimen to get your skin acne-free. We know how important it is in decreasing stress when you don’t have to worry about how your skin looks. That’s why we are here to help! Click here to set up an appointment with our world class estheticians and see how we can help you get your skin clear today.
Understandably, one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to acne is that it can be easily treated by taking the pill. I mean, acne is caused by hormone imbalances and birth control has some of those same hormones in it, so that should help, right?
Not exactly. When it comes to your acne, you’re looking at a long list of potential causes. Not all of them are hormone related.
The number one cause of acne has nothing to do with hormones and has everything to do with your genetics. Most people are simply born with acne. And unfortunately, that can’t be fixed by taking a pill.
It is a dangerous game when it comes to trying to treat acne with birth control. Because of the varying amounts of hormones in each brand of pill, there are some that are more likely to trigger breakouts than others. But, as a general rule, it can be a little tricky to get the right one that won’t make your acne worse instead of better.
Here is a list of birth controls and their side effects when it comes to potentially helping or hurting your acne.
The truth is, if there were a little pill that you could take to completely rid your skin of acne, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to you. I’ve worked with people suffering from acne so long and tried so many different methods of treating it that a single pill would be a life changer for many of my clients.
In reality, acne doesn’t usually work that way. Your skin needs a lot of one on one attention to become completely clear. There isn’t a magical pill you can take that will vanquish your acne once and for all. The tried and true methods take time and patience.
My clinic cares about getting your skin clear. We want our clients to feel confident and successful when it comes to controlling their acne. We have created not only a line of products to ensure the clarity of your skin, but we have also devised a treatment plan that works on a variety of skin types. Even better is the fact that if you need to be on birth control, for birth control reasons---then we help you find an acne safe pill.
If you are tired of searching for a miracle pill to correct your acne, try seeing us today. We will treat you like the individual you are, instead of giving you a blanket method to see if it helps. We know how to treat acne in a way and it’s not a gamble like taking the pill.
Now that summer is finally here, we all get to relax and spend our days stretched out beside a pool or beach, drink in hand. Or at least, that’s what we wish we could be doing all summer. It’s hard to resist outdoor adventures when the weather is beautiful and the days are long and seemingly endless.
Here’s the thing though: not to be a damper on your summer, but you’ve got your skin think about. There is a lot that goes on in the summer sun that you need to be aware of to protect your skin and prevent skin damage or potentially making your acne worse.
But we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of tips to help you get through the summer with happy, healthy skin.
1. Sunscreen
I started with this one because, while it is obvious that you should wear sunscreen while hanging out by the pool or being outside all day, what isn’t so obvious is that you should be wearing sunscreen all day, every day. Rain or shine. Inside or outside. The sun can be tricky, as UV rays can still damage your skin even if it’s cloudy or raining outside and UVA rays can come through your windows when you are inside.
The importance of sunscreen is tremendous, especially if you have acne. Long-term sun exposure can cause extreme dryness and can also cause breakouts.
To protect your skin, find a sunscreen that has a high SPF formula. It is also vital to avoid products that contain ingredients such as shea butter, as they can clog your pores and invite breakouts.
A prime example of a good sunscreen to use would be one like our Sun Guard SPF 30, as it has all the elements mentioned above without the pore-clogging effects of most supermarket products.
2. Occlude Your Skin When You Go Swimming
To occlude means to “block” or “stop up.” When I say you should occlude your skin, naturally that sounds counterintuitive to the first tip in this post, which is to avoid products that clog your pores, but let me explain.
When you go swimming, iodides in pools and salt in the ocean can dry your skin out excessively. Not to mention bacteria and germs floating around just waiting to sink into your poor, unsuspecting pores.
Therefore, you must protect your skin by using products like Aquaphor before entering a swimming pool, ocean, or any body of water containing iodides or salt. This will help your skin stay safe from drying, bacteria, and iodides, which are harmful and can cause acne to flare up.
3. No Sweat
Of course sweating is a natural byproduct of summer. Being outside is one of the best parts about this time of year. But did you know that letting your sweat sit on your skin can cause breakouts? Because it definitely can.
Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum and dead skin cells. Sexy, right? Especially when you want to look good in a new outfit when you’re on your way to a summer pool party. But when you let sweat sit on your skin, it invites more dirt, bacteria and other unwanted particles to stick and get stuck in your pores.
Do yourself a favor and grab a good acne safe toner. You can take a couple cotton pads soaked in toner with you anywhere and wipe away that sweat and dirt as you go. This is perfect for hikes, working out, or just a day out and about in the sun.
4. Suntanned or Sunburned?
When you’re at the pool or the beach this summer and your friend inevitably hands you a bottle of SPF 14 with coconut oil, you’re going to have a choice to make. You can either take that bottle and throw it into the nearby ocean, or you can slather it on your skin and hope for the best.
My recommendation is that you do neither and bring your own sunscreen. To ensure the health of your skin, you must avoid sunburns at all costs.
It’s imperative for many reasons, but the most important being that sunburns break down the pore, cause extreme dryness, and of course, cause skin cancer.
Don’t make the same mistakes that other people do with their skin; when it comes to sunbathing, you can still get a tan by using a high SPF sunscreen. It will protect your skin and potentially save your life.
But most of all, enjoy the weather and we hope these tips help you stay safe and keep your skin healthy this summer.
For more information and skincare tips make sure to read the rest of our blog under the education section at UtahAcneClinic.com
Do you struggle with acne? Every year, thousands of people invest in a variety of acne treatments including over-the-counter products, prescription creams, antibiotics, and even Accutane. According to this study done in 2016 by the Society for Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association, Statistic Brain Research Institute, the total annual spending on acne treatments in the U.S. was $3,020,000,000!
This is what the top acne prescription treatments by annual sales looked like…
| 1 | Isotretinoin (Accutane) | $1,200,000,000 | |
| 2 | Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control Pills like Ortho Tri-Cyclen) | $421,000,000 | |
| 3 | Oral Antibiotics (Vibramycin) | $150,000,000 | |
| 4 | Dapsone (Aczone) | $140,000,000 | |
| 5 | Spironolactone | $118,000,000 | |
| 6 | Adapalene (Differin) | $91,000,000 | |
| 7 | Tazarotene (Tazorac) | $90,000,000 | |
| 8 | Tretinoin (Retin-A) | $88,000,000 | |
| 9 | Azelaic Acid (Azelex) | $85,000,000 | |
| 10 | Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzac AC) | $45,000,000 | |
| 11 | Clindamycin (Cleocin T) | $70,000,000 | |
| 12 | Erythromycin (Benzamycin) | $70,000,000 | |
| 13 | Sodium Sulfacetamide (Klaron) | $19,000,000 | |
If people are spending this much money on acne treatments every year, why are they not seeing better success rates with clearing their acne?
I can personally attest that 90% of the people who come into my acne clinic have already tried clearing their acne with oral antibiotics or some form of Clindamycin and Tretinoin.
Beyond that, around 50% have tried Accutane more than once. We know that acne can be challenging to treat and that's why so many acne sufferers are still frustrated and discouraged when it comes to finding an acne treatment that really delivers results and helps them feel better about their skin.
As a Master Esthetician, I have a good idea why these patients are not getting their acne cleared. I know what works for people and what doesn’t, based on years of treating acne in a completely different manner than your average Dermatologist does. What I have to say is by no means me throwing your medical doctor under the bus---this is just what I have discovered through years of research and development.
Your dermatologist is incredibly busy. Most dermatologists are scheduled out three to six months in advance, with only enough time to see an individual a few times a year. They don't just treat acne--they diagnose and treat more than 3,000 different diseases. These diseases include skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, and nail infections. If we look at the 3,000 different diseases these doctors treat, some are even life threatening. But acne is different. Yes, acne is a hassle and embarrassing to most, but it is not life threatening. Doctors tend to think of it as mere cosmetic misfortune.
Many people are under the impression that acne needs to be treated by making a visit to their doctor or dermatologist, where they will get on some antibiotics and get their acne under control.
The truth is, acne treatments have made significant progress and almost any type of acne can be treated with some patience and an individualized treatment plan.
What I’m here to tell you is, you don’t need to turn to antibiotics or Accutane to clear your painful and discouraging acne. With a simple appointment, we can help you turn your acne into clear, beautiful skin you can be proud of.
At my office, we take the time to really understand your skin so we can recommend a home care plan that works best for you. Unlike the typical dermatologist visit, we make time to see you frequently and provide the fastest skin clearing regimen possible. With carefully designed products that are hand selected for your acne, we’re confident your skin will get clear and stay clear.
So come see us today and let’s get started!
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