Hormonal acne…what exactly is it?

The terrible acne age begins when puberty hits. Our sebaceous glands overact and the hair follicles build up bacteria, causing acne lesions and papules or pustules. 

Large acne cysts are usually caused by hormone changes from puberty. Females and males also respond to hormones from stress throughout life called DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone.) It’s a precursor to male hormones secreted by the adrenal gland located above the kidneys. 

Women will notice more break out before menses with the surge in female hormones right before menstruation starts. There is a definite hereditary component to all acne, especially severe acne in the cystic form. 

Generally acne is treated with both topical and oral antibiotics as well as treatments to decrease inflammation such as anti-inflammatory injections and liquid nitrogen to destroy a lesion.

Today acne is wonderfully treated with our miracle substance—glycolic acid, which removes the clogging top layer. Clinage carries a wonderful product. The follicle is unroofed and disinfected without destroying the skin. The treatments can be topical or deeper peel treatments for in office or spa use. 

After using glycolic substances first, all other substances applied will work and penetrate much better such as topical antibiotics and Vitamins A, C and Niacinamide. 

Next time we will tackle how adult acne is and how it is different from hormonal acne.

What can take the place of microdermabrasion and why?

The easy answer-- a special natural substance called glycolic acid, which is derived from sugar cane. It’s effective, safe, non-toxic, easy-to-use and versatile.

Microdermabrasion is a rigorous form of mechanical exfoliation.  Micro particles are dispersed into the skin surface to topically abrade the surface’s dead skin layer. Machines utilize suction to remove the particles.  Different non-toxic particles can also be used.  The top dead layer, the stratum corneum is removed and the pores are cleaned out.  It puts stress on superficial blood vessels with its abrasive nature and suctioning. However, to the naked eye one may not see the surface injury.  Some look at this as a benefit to stimulate cell growth.  Any low pH or acidic products will burn the skin. Most anti-aging substances tend to have a lower pH so this can be a problem with advanced skin injury possibly leading to scabbing and hyperpigmentation.

There is a much easier alternative, which can be used at home and daily. Glycolic acid, derived from sugar cane is a key anti-aging and anti-acne alternative. It’s the number one substance used in advanced medical skin care today.  

If a cleanser carries enough of this active ingredient and a gentle massage is used simultaneously to the skin surface, the dead layer will merely melt away. 

The bond that holds the cells together breaks apart and the tiny glycolic molecules go into the pores and unroofs oil, sebum and dead skin cells

thus leaving the skin smooth and radiant with pores clean, clear and refined.  Acne breakouts are reduced as oil production is controlled.  

Glycolic acid is also contained in lotions, gels, and home glycolic peels which are now available to the public. Another benefit—the skin’s surface is not injured with this daily cleanser.

These products, such as Clinage’s are diverse and allow for different percentages.  They are available to the public as at- home glycolic peels with special ingredients to enhance cellular changes and encourages collagen building with an increase in elasticity, refined pores, lightened pigmentation and dark spots.

The cost is minimal compared to expensive doctor visits or other treatments available. So seriously consider the easiest, most effective approach to new skin. 

Additionally, these products and treatments, good for men and women, are safe to use on all skin types from fair to dark skin, from sensitive to oily skin. Stop aging, clear acne and keep your skin maintained each day. You are certainly worth it. 

Until next time……

Clean, even-toned skin is always in fashion!

It’s Fashion Week! Fashion starts with our best face and skin forward.  All the wonderful makeup products in the world cannot take the place of healthy, glowing skin.  Great skin care should start early in life and never stop.  We know the basics—stay out of the sun and drinking plenty of water but there is more…..  Cosmeceuticals allows us to keep beautiful smooth even plump radiant skin.  They are medical grade substances for beauty purposes and they work!  Cosmeceuticals, such as Clinage allow us to keep all of the layers of our skin healthy and prevent acne. It’s accomplished when you truly change the skin structure—not just the surface—with good lotions and creams.   With cosmeceuticals, we build our own collagen and elastin deep within the layers of the skin and remove the dead skin layer, which dulls our skin. We must gently exfoliate almost daily in order to keep the dead layer off and our pores unplugged, breathing and refined.   Using products which contain key substances such as Glycolic Acid (sugar cane acid), Vitamin C (form of Magnesium C), Vitamin A, Niacinamide and Vitamin E consistently creates a perfect palate. In turn, you’’ll use less makeup. Smooth, even-toned skin with small pores is what all makeup artists love to start with.  Concentrate your beauty dollars on great advanced skin care instead of bags of makeup to conceal your skin. You’ll look more youthful and healthy.  So let’s embrace 2013 and celebrate Fashion Week by asking yourself, “What am I going to put on my skin today?” “What am I going to wear?” Until next time…….