Author Archives: Carol Ryland, LE

Zinc for Clearer Skin

Posted on March 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

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.

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Posted in Acne, Antibiotics, Skin Care, What You Eat!, Zinc

Accutane, Lasers & Antibiotics. Oh, My!

Posted on November 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

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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Posted in Accutane, Acne, Antibiotics, Basic Acne Information, Laser, Uncategorized

It IS a Big Deal. I’m here to help.

Posted on September 17, 2010 | Leave a comment
I’m not going to believe you if you tell me having acne is no big deal. Self-confidence is challenged with every glance in the mirror. It can make people feel ugly.  Some acne sufferers feel so self-conscious that they stop hanging out with friends. Some adults with acne call in sick on the worst of their acne flare-up days because they are too embarrassed to be seen in public. Studies show that having acne sometimes leads to depression and anxiety, social withdrawal, and poor body image. There is often a marked reduction in self-confidence, decreased self-esteem, issues with anger, embarrassment and frustration.

Dr. John Y Koo, a San Francisco dermatologist and psychiatrist shares some of his clients’ thoughts:

“I think that if I had more self-esteem about the way I looked, I think I would have been more outgoing. I would have gone to more parties. I probably would have been more outspoken in class and would not have felt so insecure about going up and speaking in front of a group of classmates.”

”It is really humiliating to feel like I have no control over my acne. I hold my head down, and I am ashamed to look at people; I feel so embarrassed. I am 25 years old and to be acting this way is very frustrating.”

“I feel like I don’t look right no matter how hard I try to dress up and look nice—there is always that area of pimples there, and it is very unsettling. There really hasn’t been a day gone by that I don’t think about it, or look at my face…. Should I spend that much energy on it? I could be doing other things…instead of wasting 5 to 10 minutes every day looking at my face in the mirror, or playing with it, picking at my acne.”

Clients may feel like they’ve tried every over the counter treatment, and many have been under the care of a dermatologist, sometimes for long periods of time.  Parents may have the idea that the best thing to do is wait it out. That’s just not true. Even if the child outgrows their troubled skin, the damage is already done.  There may be long lasting issues regarding self-esteem and social anxiety.

Helping clients get clear skin also helps relieve the psychological issues that can accompany it. It IS a big deal. I’m here to help.

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Posted in Acne, Acne & Self-Esteem, Depression, Dr. John Koo, Johnson City, Skin Care

Acne Basics & Professional Care

Posted on August 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

Acne doesn’t have to be endured. There’s help. Right here. That’s good news to the teen who’s been told that they’ll outgrow it. For some, acne does resolve on its own, but often leaves behind scars, both physical and emotional. For others, acne persists well beyond the adolescent years. There is no cure, but acne can be controlled. Once good control is achieved, clear skin can be maintained.

Acne is an inherited disease of the follicles of the skin. If your parents had troubled skin, you likely will, too. But it isn’t your fault! Acne isn’t caused by a lack of cleanliness. It isn’t caused by eating chocolate or even greasy foods. Breakouts on the forehead are not caused by oily hair. Having acne doesn’t mean you are sexually active, or that you’re sexually frustrated. Yet these are some of the myths that persist.

Here are some basics. Normally, the follicle (also called a pore) sloughs off a single layer of dead skin cells and oily debris into the environment each day, completely unnoticed. But for those with acne, pores shed up to five layers each day. The body isn’t able to keep up so the excess is stored, forming a bump. Each day, more buildup is added. You might feel a hot spot before the blemish even appears. If you pick at it, the follicle wall often breaks, you’re not able to get all the gunk out anyway, and next thing you know, you have a much bigger problem (a sore with a scab) that takes longer to heal than the original blemish.

Now the good news.  Breakouts, even severe cases, can be controlled, and clear skin maintained until the overactive pores resolve to normal behavior. Dr. James Fulton, active in skin care research for 30+ years, wrote the book Acne Rx. He was an acne sufferer himself, as were his children.  Following his recommendations, we are able to create the delicate balance to achieving healthy, clear skin. Aggressive exfoliation, anti-microbial action, moisture and sun protection are all key in your home care regimen. In-office visits twice monthly help interrupt the cycle of outbreaks. An enzyme mask is used, professional extractions are performed and topical treatments applied.  At each visit, I’ll assess your skin’s condition, monitor your progress, determine whether a change in home care products is needed, and answer as many questions as you’ve got.

There are tons and gobs of acne treatments at every drug and discount store.  If you’re looking for a quick fix, just know it doesn’t exist. Getting clear skin usually takes three to six months. It requires your commitment to home care and office treatments. My coaching you through the process comes at no extra charge. So, if you’re frustrated with all the over the counter products that promise clear skin and fail, I’m here for you.  My clients have seen exceptional results. You can, too.

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Posted in Basic Acne Information, Dr. James Fulton, Myths, Skin Care

Summer Sizzle!

Posted on August 6, 2010 | Leave a comment

With Summer comes the inevitable increase in sun exposure. Longer daylight hours and fair weather means we spend more time outdoors enjoying leisure activities. But, year round, we accumulate exposure to damaging UV rays in what is known as incidental sun exposure.

Incidental sun is the kind of exposure to UV rays that you receive unintentionally throughout your daily activities. This includes walking to and from your vehicle. Time spent behind the wheel. Sitting near a window at your office. Walking to lunch, or to the park.

Those minutes here and there add up. For most people, incidental sun exposure accounts for up to 80% of their *lifetime* exposure. THAT is why, as a skin care professional, I recommend you protect your skin with adequate clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or above) ON A DAILY BASIS.

Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation on products. Visit their website for a list of adequate sunscreens: http://www.skincancer.org/seal/

For tips on sun safety, visit the American Cancer Society website:

http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/BeSafeintheSun/index?ssSourceSiteId=null

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Posted in Skin Care, Sunscreen

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Check out this Video!

Posted on July 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

Found this on YouTube. This is the place in California where I took my specialized acne care training!

This.  Is what I do. And I love helping people get clear skin!

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Posted in Acne, Skin Care

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*~* It’s Prom and Wedding Season*~*

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

Whether you’re the Prom Queen or King, the Bride or Bridesmaid, even if you’re the Groom, there’s still plenty of time to get your skin clear before the Big Day!

Troubled skin is the result of a combination of factors. First, you really do get to point the finger at your parents! If they had acne, they’ve likely passed it on to you. But, beyond your genes, there’s the actual dysfunction of the pores that creates zits, pimples, bumps, whatever you like to call them.

In all the areas where your skin functions normally, it remains smooth and unblemished. These areas shed a single layer of dead skin cells each day, completely unnoticed.  But the pores that are clogged have gone haywire!  These cranky pores shed more than five layers of dead skin cells each day.  This makes congested pores underneath, and when bacteria gets out of whack, next thing you know, you’ve got a zit. Or two. Or an entire population!

This problem is made worse because the bacteria and debris are trapped under the skin’s surface without oxygen. And that’s the key to unlocking awesome-looking skin! We need to exfoliate (gently remove) the top dead surface layers.  This allows the treatment product to penetrate the pores that are clogged, and also allows oxygen to get in and destroy bacteria.

Let me have a look at your skin. I guarantee you’ll have a positive experience, AND CLEAR SKIN in the shortest amount of time possible! Call me today for an appointment! I’ll hook you up with home care products that will take 5 to ten minutes of your time twice a day.  In the office, we’ll do an acne treatment every two weeks or so.  These treatments hydrate your skin and open clogged pores for extractions.  It’s necessary to get all the debris and bacteria extracted by a professional, rather than squeeze on pimples yourself.  When you do pick, you most likely only get the top portion out, leaving a broken follicle wall, a scab to deal with, and bacteria to rebuild another pimple.

Different skin types and the degree of acne requires different products and treatment. That’s part of the reason why most over-the-counter products don’t work!  They’re made for the masses., and only work for a certain percentage of people.  I’ll customize your skin care regimen for you, and we’ll keep in touch. I want to get you on the strongest products possible to get quick results.  Some people see a difference within a week and have clear skin within just a couple weeks.  Some client’s conditions take several weeks to clear, and they may need to have their regimen changed as their skin adapts. But, fewer than 10% of cases are considered “difficult”, meaning they would take 6 months or longer to really get under control.

So, what’s the risk of this course of treatment?  You might have some temporary skin irritation. That’s it.  And if you’ll stay in touch with me, I can tweak your regimen right away to alleviate the dryness or irritation. That’s the advantage of professional care.

If you have troubled skin, I want to be your professional acne treatment specialist.  I believe the best and most efficient way of clearing acne is through the systematic use of non-prescription topical products along with twice-monthly professional treatments. Your clear skin is my ultimate goal.

You’ll look awesome in those prom and wedding pictures!  You better believe it!

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Posted in Acne, Skin Care

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It’s the Salt!

Posted on December 14, 2009 | Leave a comment

Some of your favorite foods may aggravate your acne! Though most experts agree that chocolate and greasy foods do not cause acne, we do know that excessive, long-term ingestion of iodide (also known as iodine or salt) whether in drugs or in food, can induce acne. Excess iodine is excreted through the oil glands which irritates the pores and causes acne flare-up. Iodine is especially irritating to the susceptible pores of the acne-prone person, but large enough amounts can induce acne in anyone.

In the early part of the 20th century, iodine deficiency was quite common in the United States. However, this problem has since been almost completely resolved by the use of iodized salt. Also, iodine is now added to animal feed, which has increased the iodine content of commonly consumed foods, including cow’s milk.

Iodide is showing up in very unexpected places. Vitamin, mineral, and food supplements are some of the biggest offenders. Vitamin and mineral companies also often add kelp, seaweed or algae. If you take supplements, read all labels and shop for a brand that does not contain high levels of iodides (also listed as potassium iodide).  Dermatives (found online) and GNC Women’s Ultra Mega without iron and iodine are iodide free.

Iodide Content in Food (parts per million of iodide):

SALT:
Iodized Salt (1/4 tsp)   100
Seasoned Salt   40
Non-Iodized Salt   19

SEAFOOD:
Kelp   1020
Cod   87
Crab   33

DAIRY:
Cheddar Cheese Spread   27
Milk   11
Butter    26
Mozzarella Cheese   13

MEAT/POULTRY:
Beef Liver   325
Turkey   132

VEGETABLES:
Asparagus   169
Broccoli   90

MISCELLANEOUS:
Tortilla Chips   80
Potato Chips   40
Power Bars & Sports Drinks
While it is not necessary to completely eliminate these foods from your diet, be aware how much you are consuming.  Cutting back on the worst offenders may be a good idea.

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Posted in What You Eat!

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Debunking the Myths

Posted on October 14, 2009 | 2 Comments

Myths abound regarding the causes of acne. Let’s see what we’ve got here.

Myth 1: Dirty skin causes acne.

Debunked: Acne has absolutely nothing to do with cleanliness. Blackheads and blemishes are created from the inside out, not from surface dirt. In fact, trying to scrub away blemishes only aggravates the pores and causes more breakouts.

Myth 2: Chocolate and greasy foods make you break out.

Debunked: This is some serious old-school thinking. Clinical studies have proven time and again that. Chocolate. Does. Not. Cause. Acne. Yet this myth persists. As for greasy foods, it isn’t the grease, but rather the salt in some greasy or fast foods. Excess iodine (aka salt/iodide) is excreted through the pores. For those who are prone to acne, this crystalline excretion aggravates already weak follicles.

Myth 3: That hair hanging in your face? It’s causing zits on your forehead.

Debunked: Not so! Naturally oily hair that lays against the skin isn’t the problem. You need to know, though, that some ingredients in skin care and hair care products are known to clog pores, even if the label says “won’t clog pores” or “non-comedogenic”.

Myth 4: Tanning cures acne.

Debunked: While sun exposure may cause drying and peeling of the skin which seems to improve breakouts, the risk of developing skin cancer is increased without the proper use of sunscreen protection. Besides, by tanning (either in tanning beds or in nature) you’re just asking for wrinkles and age spots.

Myth 5: Squeezing and picking pimples makes them go away faster.

Debunked: If only this were true! The healing process is actually slowed or halted due to the pressure and friction of trying to “get it all out” yourself. You can actually push bacteria and the impaction deeper into the pore. And, if you break the surface of the skin, you make a sore there which takes much longer to heal. Keep your hands off your face! For some, that’s easier said than done. If you need help to stop this habit, check out www.StopPickingOnMe.com.

Myth 6: Having acne means you’re either sexually active. . . or sexually frustrated.

Debunked: The idea that teens develop acne because they’re either having sex or are frustrated due to lack of it, is absurd.  It is merely coincidental that the age at which most acne subsides happens to be the age at which many young people marry, during the early to mid-twenties, and become sexually active.  Acne is a function of the pores of the skin, and not the act of sex.

Myth 7: Only teenagers have acne.

Debunked: It’s a shame that so many believe acne is just a phase to be endured during adolescence. “You’ll outgrow it” is the last thing a teen needs to hear. What about now? And what about those whose acne persists beyond their teens?

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Posted in Myths, What You Eat!

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