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
Stress stimulates the adrenal gland which promotes oil production. This over-production of oil leads to clogged pores. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to develop proper sleep habits and reduce stress. Find the relaxation techniques that work for you. Here are some tips from Help.org.
stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm
Posted in Basic Acne Information, Skin Care, Stress
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!
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.
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 ~ 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
| 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
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.
