Check out this funny, though it could’ve been dead-serious, blogpost.

http://www.kendragarden.com/2011/10/aint-no-sunshine.html

stress_relief_meditation_yoga_relaxation.htm

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.

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.

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.

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

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.