If you have acne, ICE is a cheap, helpful treatment. Here’s why: With acne, there is bacterial infection and inflammation. With that, there’s a rush of white blood cells to the area. But these white blood cells also deliver an enzyme that breaks down the follicle wall. THAT results in prolonged healing time. To interrupt this cycle, freeze water in Dixie cups. Ice your face twice a day (yes! directly with the ice dome) for a minute, two minutes if you can stand it! Refreeze the cup for reuse. As ice is used up, simply peel down the paper cup to expose more. Your Blemishes Will Heal Much, Much More Quickly!
Here’s a Quick Tip for Acne!
Skin Care for Winter Weather
Winter weather, with harsher temperatures and the drying effects of heat in our homes and workplaces, can wreak havoc on our skin. Often, the effects lead to chapped hands and lips, along with drier than usual skin all over. Here are some tips for soothing and protecting your skin through these winter months.
In order for your skin to protect your body, it has to be flexible — elastic — and this happens only when skin is hydrated. Our skin is made of up to 35% water. Each day we lose about a pint of that water through TEWL–transepidermal water loss. Water leaves the body by way of evaporation and diffusion.
In winter when environmental humidity levels drop, TEWL spikes a dramatic increase thanks to drier air that actually draws moisture from the skin. This moisture loss decreases the body’s natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) which results in red, itchy, flaky or chapped skin.
It’s best to begin with exfoliation. The benefit of topical moisturizers will be greatly improved when the skin’s surface layer is free of dead skin cell build-up. For some, it may be necessary to use a chemical exfoliant every day. Cleansers that contain a low percentage of glycolic acid are a good choice. Bathing and showering should be done in warm water only, and should be brief. Long, hot showers deplete your body’s natural moisturizing factors. An exfoliant cleanser should be applied with an inexpensive washcloth. They tend to have a rougher texture which encourages proper shedding of cell build-up. Using plenty of cleanser on a very wet washcloth, cleanse in small circular motions over the entire body. Gently. Let the washcloth do the work. Your skin will look smoother and softer and this exfoliation will actually improve your skin’s health overall.
Now it’s time to moisturize. There are a multitude of choices in lotions and moisturizers. Bear in mind, these bring temporary relief, no matter how well they may be marketed to try and convince you the products are actually “healing” dry skin. Moisturizers and lotions are considered cosmetic products, so they are not under the scrutiny of the FDA and are by no means a prescription or cure. They do not *add* moisture to the skin. They *do* help restore the skin’s barrier function and will cover any tiny cracks in the skin’s surface, providing protection.
Even so, look for these buzzwords:
Humectants ~ attract water from the dermal layer and hold it in the outer layer of the skin, much like your skin’s NMFs. Aloe vera is an excellent, natural humectant.
Emollients ~ increase skin’s flexibility and smoothness as they lubricate. They produce the silky texture in moisturizers and lotions. Look for the ingredients lanolin, isopropyl palmitate or jojoba oil.
Occlusives ~ slow the rate of TEWL, thereby preserving moisture. Look for petrolatum or silicones.
Remember, your skin is the body’s largest organ and your first defense against infection. Caring for your skin should be a priority, no matter the time of year. Drinking plenty of water and including other liquids in the diet greatly improve moisture from the inside out. And always, regardless of the time of year, it’s important to wear sunscreen ~ every day ~ to protect yourself from UV’s harmful effects including skin cancer, and to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamins & Supplements for Troubled Skin
Tackling troubled skin, including acne, often takes a combined effort between how you care for your skin, what products you use (or don’t use!), and what you eat (or don’t eat!). In addition, there’s often a boost in clarity of the skin and overall skin health with the use of over the counter (OTC) vitamins and/or supplements. The following products are part of the recommended support system for clear, healthy skin.
Methylsulfonylmethane (commonly called MSM) is an organic sulfur compound required for development and maintenance of connective tissue. It is found in our nails, skin, and tissues. This mineral builds collagen and cartilage, provides support for healing scars, detoxifying tissues and is an anti-inflammatory. Read more info at recommended brand website: Rich’s MSM torpedo caplets at richdistributing.com. Take as directed.
Those suffering with acne often have lower than normal levels of Zinc, an essential trace element. Evidence shows that supplementing with zinc monomethionine (the form most readily absorbed by the body for use) has a similar effect as antibiotic therapy in the treatment of inflammatory acne. Recommended dosage is up to–but not exceeding–100 mg daily. OptiZinc 30mg from Source Naturals (60 caplets for just $7) is available at my shop, to be taken up to three times daily. Zinc should be taken with food for effectiveness and to prevent stomach upset. Overuse of zinc supplements may deplete other essential minerals; therefore, zinc supplements should be taken only until clear skin is achieved.
High Quality Fish Oils or High Quality Flax Oils are necessary for hormone regulation and directly affect sebum production and regulation. For acne sufferers, Omega 3′s help reduce the intensity of acne breakouts and shorten their duration. They are particularly effective for hormonal breakouts on the chin and jawline affecting women during their menstrual cycle. Arctic Pure Source Naturals Omega 3 Fish Oil (60 tablets, $22) is recommended and available in my shop. Barleans’s flax oil (liquid–without lignin) is recommended and available directly from their website, along with more info, at barleans.com. Take as directed.
Barley powder contains trace minerals the body needs to build a healthy immune system. It contains enzymes that help balance the pH of the body. A pH that is out of balance directly impacts inflammation. Inflammation is ever present in acneic skin conditions. The brand name Just Barley is recommended, to be taken 2 tablespoons in water or unpasteurized orange juice daily. Available from Pure Planet (along with lots more info) at pureplanet.com.
If you have been on prolonged antibiotic therapy (see article below about such “treatment” for acne), you will want to consider a good probiotic. While antibiotics kill harmful bacteria in our bodies and are prescribed to treat illnesses and infections caused by bacterial organisms, the downside is that they also kill the “friendly” bacteria in our bodies that promote gastrointestinal health. Taking a probiotic supplement can restore your body’s supply of good bacteria. Recommended brands include FloraSMART or Ultimate Flora available at renewlife.com, or DrOhhira available at drohhiraprobiotics.com. Use as directed.
A multivitamin is recommended for overall good health and nutritional support. It is best to choose a brand free of iodine (as iodine can aggravate acneic skin). Recommended multivitamin supplements: GNC Women’s Ultra Mega Multivitamin Without Iron & Iodine available online or at GNC stores. Take as directed.
For more information about getting clear skin ~ and keeping it that way ~ please schedule a private consultation for personalized skin care recommendations and to purchase OTC supplements mentioned above.
The Stress Factor and Stress Relief
The number one aggravating factor in acne flare-ups is stress. Breakouts tend to follow things like cramming for finals, emotional upset, or in anticipation of an upcoming special event like prom or a wedding. Stress produces inflamed blemishes in two ways. One is immediate. The other, delayed.
Here’s the why to it all.
In the delayed reaction the culprit is the release of hormones by the adrenal glands when provoked by stress. These glands secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine which stimulate an over-production of sebum, the natural oil in your pores. Couple that with dead skin cell debris in the pore. Result? An inflammatory breakout. This delayed eruption can occur up to two weeks following a stressful event.
What about breakouts that happen overnight? Under stress, the body’s natural resistance is lowered, interrupting the healing process. Dr. James Fulton, known as America’s most compassionate acne doctor, tells us that inside timeworn, acne-weakened follicles, there is a constant cycle of breaking, leaking, healing, and repair. A single night without sleep or an event riddled with stress results in the congestion and impaction of the pores. The weakened follicle then breaks down. White blood cells rush in with enzymes to devour the debris. Unfortunately, the enzymes are ineffective against the hardened debris known as keratin. They do, however, dissolve more of the follicle wall, and an acne flare-up is underway immediately.
Here’s your action plan. Accept that *self-care* isn’t selfish! Relax. Take time to play! Grant yourself permission to say No. Only offer or accept an obligation to help others when you truly have the time and energy needed to commit. Otherwise, just say Not Now. No explanation needed.
Take a look at what is stressful to you. Once you’ve determined your triggers, do what you can to avoid them. For the rest, learn to change your reaction to those triggers. Your perception of the event, and your response to it, can make all the difference. Define what a stress-free or a stress-less life would look like for yourself. Imagine your ideal leisure activities, who you want to spend time with, how best to care for your self. Creating this image will help you make your life become so.
Allow yourself to step back and breathe. Each morning and again before retiring at night, just sit a few minutes and listen to yourself breathe. No special training or equipment required! Breathe. And listen to the inhale. . . exhale. You’ll be more relaxed and able to face the day each morning. And at night, you’ll unwind and get a good night’s sleep.
Commit to the idea of self care. You’re worth it!
~ Before and After ~
Before ~ November 9, 2009
Products, by themselves, will not solve your troubled skin. You need an acne expert to guide you. I’ll monitor your progress and make adjustments to your home care regimen through the process. During your in-office treatments, twice monthly, there will be a specific focus for what your skin needs at that time. Sometimes your skin will need more anti-bacterial action and other times, you may need more hydration. I’ll assess your skin prior to every treatment, and take photographs so we can both watch your transformation.
There is a balance to achieve between pushing for clarity while maintaining the integrity of the skin. It’s very important for me to see you every two weeks to find out where you are in the process. There is almost always a change, at each visit, in how you use your home-care products in order to stay ahead of your skin’s ability to adapt to topical treatments.
Together, we can make it happen. For most clients, it takes three to six months to get completely clear. Then you’ll have your own “After” pictures to post on Facebook. All smiles.
After ~ January 20, 2010
She *now* says, “Love sporting nothing but mascara and lip gloss”.
Follow her journey to clear skin at her blog http://acnejournal.wordpress.com/
There’s a Glitch Somewhere!
So, you think you’ve tried it all. Let me explain why “it all” isn’t working to get your skin clear.
There is No Such Thing as a CURE for Acne. No matter how good the marketing companies are for these products you see on the shelves of every drug and discount store, know it is just that. Marketing.
Acne is a chronic skin condition in which there is a glitch in the function of the pores. It is *not your fault* that your pores don’t know how to behave! Beyond that, most every over-the-counter product you’ve tried that doesn’t work contains one of two treatment ingredients. Either 2% salicylic acid or 5% benzoyl peroxide. Though these ingredients may dry your skin on its surface, the results are only temporary. As a licensed esthetician, I’m able to supply you with professional products that are for your very specific needs, and that are far more potent (and therefore, effective) than anything you can buy at the drug store or discount store. That’s key.
Let’s have a look at one of the many OTC acne products. Marketing for this particular treatment reads like so:
. . . this powerful acne kit is clinically shown to significantly reduce all signs of acne in just 4 days. . . .
This ad gives the impression that in just four short days, neither you — nor anyone who knows you — will be able to tell that you have acne. Not so. Read again. It merely claims. to reduce the signs. of acne. In my professional opinion, here’s what they are actually saying to you: This product is going to dry out the surface of your skin and hide your blemishes. For a minute.
What you NEED to hear. And understand. There is nothing that will rid your skin of acne. What I can do, is help you control your acne and get clear skin through a home care regimen designed for your needs and the type of acne you have, plus in-office treatments to control outbreaks. I understand acne. And I will teach you what I know. Getting clear skin is a process. It takes more than 2% salicylic or 5% BPO. I’m here to coach you along, to make adjustments to your skin care regimen as needed for the best, quickest clear skin results. Getting rid of acne doesn’t happen in four short days. It’s a process that takes three to six months. If you’re frustrated with all the OTC treatments you’ve tried. If you have a cabinet FULL of ineffective products. If you are willing to do what it takes on a daily basis, I have the answer for you. We can fix this glitch in the way your skin functions. And you will have clear skin, once and for all.~ Announcing MIRABELLA! ~
Exclusive to Salon Couture and Solutions Acne & Skin Care, Mirabella is good-for-you mineral make-up!
Get the look you want, from natural to glamorous!
Come and see!
Use a make-up table with everything close at hand and don’t rush; otherwise you’ll look like a patchwork quilt. ~ Lucille Ball
Zinc for Clearer Skin
Zinc is an essential trace element for humans. There is evidence that it is similar to antibiotics in improving the condition of inflamed acne. The mineral works to reduce inflammation and also slows sebum production.
It is well understood that excess salt (also known as sodium, iodine, or iodide) can be detrimental to the healing process in those who suffer with acne. Researchers are also beginning to hone in on exactly which foods have acne-fighting powers. Reducing the production of sebum in the pores and lessening inflammation is key. And that’s the benefit of zinc. It can be found in the whole gamut of foods: fruits, vegetables, nuts and in meat and proteins. Great sources of zinc include: almonds, blackberries, raspberries, and pomegranate; asparagus, lima beans, okra, and peas; cashews, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds; and in cheddar cheese, chicken, eggs, yogurt, turkey and beef.
Don’t see anything you like in the suggestions above? OptiZinc supplement is available at my office (60 tablets, $7). While the effective dosage is not clear, most studies indicate 50-100mg daily. The OptiZinc tablet available for purchase is 30mg. Taking more than 100mg daily may lead to deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals. One of the reasons I like OptiZinc is that it contains copper which is one of the minerals that can be depleted by taking zinc supplements.
Once your skin is completely clear, it is not longer necessary to take OptiZinc. Zinc supplements should not be used as a preventative for acne. What you put into your body to help fight acne can be just as important as topical treatments. Often, a combination of both is needed to get acne under control and to achieve clear skin. Reducing your intake of salt, and increasing the amount of zinc in your diet may be the solution, along with a customized home care regimen using products from Face Reality.
Exciting News!
So happy to announce, I have relocated to a new shop!
My friend, Carrie Keller, has opened a brand new salon:
Salon Couture
4104 N. Roan, Suite A
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
[Look for the yellow awning].
Gorgeous place! Awesome stylists! Incredible energy in there~
You’re going to love the new space. I do.
Accutane, Lasers & Antibiotics. Oh, My!
Received a call from a new client last week, yet another who is considering the use of Accutane as a last ditch effort to clear their skin. Back in April, I wrote an article for Voice Magazine for Women and it was available in their online archives until just this month. So, here it is. Read on!
These are three treatments clients tell me have been recommended to them, or that they have tried, for treatment of acne, without success.
Accutane. The original manufacturer, Roche, has withdrawn it from the American market, though the generic is still available. In their publication “intended for U.S. audiences only”, Roche admits Accutane can cause birth defects and may cause serious mental health problems including depression, psychosis, and suicide; stomach problems causing severe pain, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, diarrhea; bone and muscle problems causing pain in joints or muscles, and possibly stopping long bone growth in teens. For the entire article, use your favorite search engine. Keywords: Roche Accutane withdrawal.
Laser treatment. Research is very limited. The American Academy of Dermatology explains: The use of lasers to treat acne is still in the investigational stage and may not be the first choice for treating acne. If you are considering a laser or light therapy to treat acne, you should know: Controlled studies with a large number of patients are needed to know which therapy is best for which patient and to evaluate the effectiveness of each therapy. Consistent results have not been obtained in research studies. A determination needs to be made regarding long-term side effects and to find out if results last after treatments are discontinued.
Finally, antibiotics. We’re all familiar with the over-prescribing of antibiotics. Bacteria can develop resistance to the effects of antibiotics and long term health risks are unknown. Plus, antibiotic treatment for acne is mostly ineffective. While antibiotic use may help bring a severe outbreak under control, it does not solve future flare-ups. Antibiotics can have side effects such as upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, possible permanent staining of the teeth, and vaginal yeast infections in women.
Controlling acne (there is no cure) is a matter of exfoliation, use of an antimicrobial that delivers oxygen to the pores, professional extractions, and ongoing care with an acne specialist until the skin is clear. Efficacy is higher, and the risks do not threaten health or life. For a look at one of my client’s journey, click the link on the right to read her story at: Operation Clear Skin.
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Operation Clear Skin
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