What she SAID was, “I feel like a first class idiot for believing the tanning salon hype.”
Check out this funny, though it could’ve been dead-serious, blogpost.
http://www.kendragarden.com/2011/10/aint-no-sunshine.html
Posted in Acne, Skin Care, Sunless Tanning, Sunscreen, Tanning Beds, Tanning Salon
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!
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.
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 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.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.
Posted in Acne, Antibiotics, Skin Care, What You Eat!, Zinc
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.
Posted in Accutane, Acne, Antibiotics, Basic Acne Information, Laser, Uncategorized
| 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:
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. |
Posted in Acne, Acne & Self-Esteem, Depression, Dr. John Koo, Johnson City, Skin Care
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!
Tagged Acne, clear skin, professional skin care, prom, wedding
