Acne is a common skin condition which affects everyone at some point. The condition can be triggered by many factors such as hormones, some medications, irritants and illnesses. Hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. An overproduction of sebum, a buildup of dead skin cells and an accumulation of bacteria, is the process that creates this condition which can appear on your face, neck, shoulders, chest, back and shoulders.
It’s common for those with acne to scrub their skin yet this action actually makes acne worse. Use gentle products and a gentle touch when cleansing. Wash twice a day and after sweating.
Don’t use an abrasive cleanser, regardless of the hype in product advertising.
Avoid products that irritate the skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Let your skin heal naturally by avoiding the urge to pick, pop or squeeze breakouts. This will leave scarring and will take longer to heal. Try to keep your hands off your face throughout the day to avoid flare-ups.Avoid the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages the skin increasing your risk for melanoma by 75%.
Schedule an appointment with an esthetician for an analysis and skin care treatment with products tailored to your specific needs when your skin does not have eruptions and pustules, known as cystic acne. Proper skin care and diet can greatly improve acne breakouts.
If your condition persists and you have scarring or darkening skin then it is best to see a board-certified dermatologist for a medical treatment protocol. For more information on acne visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website.
Throughout history women have put their health at risk with many homemade cosmetics. In some cultures women used arsenic, lead, mercury and even leeches to give themselves the pale appearance that was deemed beautiful in those times. Oh my! Thank goodness we’ve come a long way from the days of using toxic and deadly mixtures so that we can enhance our looks. Today the cosmetic industry is a multibillion dollar business which must meet strict government regulations regarding what can and cannot be included in products and they must follow safe manufacturing guidelines. You should be aware that there are, however, still companies that test their products on animals.Skin Care Brands That Test on Animals
American Beauty Avage Aveeno Avita Avon Avon Mark Bobbi Brown Botox Cosmetics Cetaphil Clean & Clear Clearasil Clinique CoverGirl Darphin Paris DDF – Doctor’s Dermatology Formula Differin Dove Estee Lauder Flirt Garnier Nutritoniste Good Skin Labs L’Occitane L’Oreal Paris LaMer Lab Series Skincare for Men Lubriderm M.A.C. Mary Kay Maybelline New York MetroGel, MetroCream, MetroLotion Neutrogena Neutrogena Canada Noxema NuSKin Olay Origins PanOyl Pond’s Purpose Refissa Renova Retin-A Micro Retinoids RoC RoC Canada Rodan and Fields SK-II Smashbox Tazorac Vaniga Vaseline VivtePrivate Label Skin Care Products
Signature products in a salon or spa can help promote marketing for their “home spa” program and increase their revenue but they should be avoided when it comes to skin care products. Branded products have an established identity developed by a manufacturer and usually have a national or international name and value. You should be cautious as to what products you are putting on your face. Skin care products are so specialized, diversified, extensive and intensive that they require extensive R&D (research and development) behind them. If you choose to buy them please read the labels carefully first.Product Container Facts:
Glass or acrylic containers with airless pumps are best for maintaining the integrity of the product. Darker glass preserves the integrity of natural formulations. Plastic should be avoided as it is porous and formulations diminish quickly. Jars offer the greatest risk of contamination and diminished formulations due to being opened often and exposed to contaminants.
Q: When should I replace my beauty products?
A: All beauty products do have a shelf life. Here is a suggested guide to follow:
Concealer Up to 12 months
Powder 2 years
Creams & 1 year
gel cleansers
Pencil eye liner Up to 3 years (if sharpened regularly)
Eye shadow Up to 3 years.
Brushes Wash every 2-3 months in mild detergent
Sponges Wash weekly and discard monthly
Foundation 12 months (water based),
18 months (oil based)
Lip liner Up to 3 years
Lipstick Some say 1-2 years and others say up to 4 years. (if it smells toss it)
Mascara Toss after 4 months. (it lasts longer if you don’t pump the wand)
Q: What are the basic steps for my skin that I should do every day?
A: 1. Remove your makeup, dirt and any cosmetic residue with a gentle remover.
2. Wash with a cleansing product suitable for your skin.
3. Apply a toner to balance the pH and prepare your skin for a moisturizer.
4. Apply a moisturizer (hydrate, protect and revitalize).
5. Apply sunscreen, unless your moisturizer is a sufficient combination.
Q: Are there skin moisturizers that work better than others?
A: Ointments are usually better than creams, which are better than lotions due to the overall proportion of water and oil.
Q: What do you recommend for those who have rosacea that gets worse during the winter?
A: A dial application of a facial sunscreen of at least 30 SPF is necessary since you are still exposed to ultraviolet light during colder weather. Many moisturizers and cosmetic products now have sunscreen in them. Avoid ingredients such as alcohol, witch hazel, fragrance, menthol, peppermint and eucalyptus oil.
Q: Antibacterial soap makes my hands really dry, what can I do for them?
A: Apply a thick moisturizer after washing your hands. Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitize.
The simpler your skin care regime the more likely you are to stick to it. Don’t change facial products too frequently as they take time to show results and you will be exposing your skin to too many ingredients. Be sure to drink plenty of water daily to keep your body and skin hydrated and of course eat a healthy diet and get adequate sleep.
When asked recently what I felt were the most important things one could do for healthy skin I answered, “Don’t smoke and use sunscreen.”
