TREATMENTS FOR ACNE THAT WORKS

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are filled with large amounts of oil and dead skin cells. In fact, suffering from acne does not just affect a person’s self-esteem and self-image, but it can also be an indicator that you need to make certain changes to your lifestyle. It is your body urging you to take better care of your health. There are different acne treatments out there. Some of them you might have tried with little to no results. This is mostly due to the fact that you do not fully understand what type of acne you have and, thus, are unable to identify the best way to deal with it.

Here are some tips, as well as acne treatments, that work wonders.

1. Identify your acne

The very first step to treating acne is identifying what type of acne you have. Different types of acne have different causes and thus need to be treated differently.

a.    Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne comes around at a certain time of the month when your hormones are fluctuating. You can identify hormonal acne by the fact that it is usually a sprinkling of zits around the bottom half of your face seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

b.    Whiteheads and blackheads

Both of these acne types are a result of clogged pores. You might be wondering what exactly clogs your pores and the answer to that is the oil your face secretes. The difference is that whiteheads have thin film covering the oil while blackheads occur in larger pores which allow the trapped oil to oxidize and have that black color

c.    Inflammatory acne

Everyone is familiar with this kind of acne. Whether it is a large pimple with pus trapped inside or smaller pimples that are inflamed and painful, this type of acne is caused by bacteria on the face.

d.    Cystic acne

Cystic acne is mainly caused due to genetic or oil gland issues and cannot be treated with the usual acne treatments such as antibiotics or gels.

2. Medicines used

After understanding the different kinds of acne, you can take the necessary steps to treat your case. Most of these cases of acne can be treated using simple over-the-counter topical creams and lotions that contain certain active ingredients. Usually, an effective treatment will include retinoid, which comes in the form of gels, creams, and lotions. You will also find a range of antibiotics to treat inflammatory acne which is, as mentioned above, the result of bacteria. Salicylic acid, which is found in a range of grains and comes in liquid form that you can apply topically to the area you have acne in one to two times a day for the desired results. In fact, some medicines include a couple of these substances at the same time to rid you of acne as quickly as possible.

3. Alternative methods

After identifying what kind of acne you have, you might be surprised to find out that the medication listed above won’t have satisfactory results. You do not have to lose hope though, because there are some alternative methods to get rid of your acne once and for all.

a.    Supplements

Taking supplements to get rid of acne is one of the most popular alternative methods used by people. This is because taking alternative supplements that contain vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and D, is quite beneficial for your skin. Not only will they help with any acne on your body, but they will also regulate your body’s functions and give you stronger immunity to help fight off any bacteria and viruses.

b.    Laser therapy

Laser therapy is another method that people use to get rid of both acne and acne scars that are left over from past breakouts. It can be quite expensive, however, to go for sessions regularly so people usually choose to undergo laser therapy as a last resort.

c.    Dieting

Believe it or not, dieting can help you with acne. Acne can sometimes be caused by an excess of oil secretions which is a result of eating junk food regularly. Limiting your intake of unhealthy food and allergens, such as berries and chocolate, will have a serious effect on acne-prone skin

4. Home treatments

If you do not want to use medication, you can also try home treatments that have a noticeable success rate.

a.    Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, like most kinds of vinegar, has antibacterial properties, so applying a generous amount of inflammatory acne will kill bacteria and make the pimples go down at a faster rate.

b.    Natural masks

One of the most popular masks to make at home is a honey and cinnamon mask. Both of these ingredients, which most people readily have at home, are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. This means that they work wonders on your skin after a couple of applications.

c.    Tea tree oil

Although more on the expensive side, tea tree oil is a natural remedy that works well to give your skin a luminous and smooth look.

d.    Green tea

Green tea can be used on your skin in two ways. You can first brew the tea and leave it to reach room temperature. Then you can apply it onto your skin using a spray bottle. You can use the leaves to make a green tea and honey mask to calm down any inflammation and get rid of acne-causing bacteria.

e.    Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is found in many face creams and lotions already, but you can use its pure form on your skin just like green tea to decrease inflammation.

These are some of the best ways to deal with any type of acne you might have. Do not be afraid to experiment with different natural treatments and supplements at the same time to ensure that you are free from any acne that you might be suffering from. No matter what, rest assured that using these treatments will ensure that your face remains acne-free for a very long time to come if used regularly.

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DERMATOLOGIST EXPLAINS WHY YOUR SKIN FREAKS DURING PREGNANCY

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. While some women are “unicorns” and experience the best complexion and hair of their lives, others feel as if their skin has been “hijacked” and that virtually every day brings something foreign or unknown emerging on their face or body. Dr. Sheel Solomon is a Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Board- Certified Dermatologist. She is a mother to two young children and understands first-hand what a woman’s skin and hair go through during pregnancy. Here she shares common concerns and what a woman can do postpartum to regain skin and hair status quo.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks. Growing that fast can leave you with stretch marks, especially on your belly and breasts, two areas that grow the most. Stretch marks can also show up on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. The marks often start out reddish or purple, but after pregnancy, they gradually fade to white or gray. “Unfortunately, there’s no way to prevent stretch marks. There’s not a cream, lotion, or “mommy” potion that can do that. If that’s the claim on the bottle, don’t be duped,” says Dr. Solomon.

"The Glow"

It isn’t an urban legend. It's real and it's awesome. “Because of increased blood flow and expanded capillaries, at some point in your pregnancy, your skin will effortlessly start to beam. People will likely notice that something is just different about you, and your skin will probably never experience so many compliments again, says Dr. Solomon.

In addition to added blood circulation, pregnancy hormones cause your skin to naturally retain more moisture, thus giving you your radiance. This is one of those side effects that we wish would stick around, but it's likely that it will eventually fade as your hormones level out. It's always a good idea to keep your skin hydrated with a rich lotion or cream, Dr. Solomon says, especially if it makes your skin feel better, look smoother and more toned, and helps the itchiness that can come with your growing belly.

Skin tags

These small, loose, harmless growths of the skin can appear anywhere on your body during pregnancy, but most commonly pop up under the arms and breasts. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, but they can easily be removed after pregnancy if you want.

Varicose and spider veins

Varicose veins are those blue or purple veins that usually, show up on the legs, and spider veins are the tiny red veins that may appear on your face when you're pregnant. The good news: Both usually clear up after your baby is born. In the event that they don’t, Dr. Solomon explains that Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution directly into the vein that causes them to shrink.

Acne

Zits aren't just for teenagers: Many moms-to-be also get acne throughout their pregnancy, even if they've never had it before. Dr. Solomon explains that “Two things conspire to cause breakouts, which tend to hit sometime around week 6 of pregnancy: hormone surges, of course (in this case, progesterone, which causes your glands to increase acne-causing secretions of oil, called sebum) can clog up pores and cause bacteria to build up, leading to breakouts. And your body is also retaining more fluids, which contain toxins that can lead to **acne.”

Cholestasis of pregnancy

Dr. Solomon cautions that “There are times you shouldn’t ignore itchy skin. Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver disease that results from high amounts of pregnancy hormones affecting the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder. This condition occurs in the third trimester and can cause severe itching over the whole body. It’s often worse on the palms and soles of the feet and causes patients to feel miserable and be unable to sleep. Cholestasis of pregnancy also may be accompanied by jaundice (a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes).”

A simple blood test can verify if you have cholestasis of pregnancy, and oral medication may treat it. Delivery also cures it, so OB-GYNS may induce labor when you are closer to your due date.

Melasma and linea nigra

If you develop dark splotches on your face, you could have melasma or the mask of pregnancy. This skin condition affects up to half of pregnant women and is also responsible for linea nigra, a dark line that runs down the belly.

Hair and nail changes

You may notice that your hair suddenly seems thicker and fuller or that your nails grow faster during pregnancy. These changes are due to pregnancy hormones. Unfortunately, you may also find that hair starts to grow where you'd prefer it didn't, including on your face, chest, and belly.

Quick Tips for Post Pregnancy Skin

Hydrate with water

Do yoga and practice relaxation techniques 

Use an oil free moisturizer to avoid acne

Avoid direct exposure to the sun to control pigmentation and wear a good broad-spectrum high SPF sunscreen 

Use a good under eye cream for puffy eyes and dark circles

Exfoliate your body all over with a gentle exfoliator stimulate circulation

Don’t stop taking your prenatal vitamins. They also are beneficial to the health of your skin, hair, and nails, as they provide iron and calcium.

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DON’T TRY THESE SKIN CARE DEVICES, GADGETS OR TIPS AT HOME WARNS DERMATOPATHOLOGIST

Life hacks, DIY tricks, and at home devices that are meant to “mimic the effects of in-office skin care treatments are all the rage right now. They are posted on Instagram, YouTube, and all over the Internet. While some are very constructive and budget-friendly, others are ineffective or downright dangerous. We asked Dr. Gretchen Frieling, who is a Boston area Dermatopathologist, to highlight several highly publicized methods that should bear the warning, “don’t try this at home.”

Dermaplaning - Dermaplaning is a cosmetic procedure that removes the top layers of your skin. The procedure aims to remove fine wrinkles and deep acne scarring, as well as make the skin’s surface look smooth. It uses an exfoliating blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face.

The Risks - Anecdotally, the risk of infection, complications, and experiencing pain during home dermaplaning is higher when you do it yourself.  “If you have acne, there is a chance that the blade could nick a pimple,” says Dr. Frieling which means it would take longer to heal. In addition, the tool used for dermaplaning is not a safety razor like what we ladies shave with. The device or tool used to accomplish the dermaplaning on the face is made of a sharp blade with a handle or wand.

At home “Derma-Rollers” for MicroNeedling” Aestheticians and dermatologists use derma rollers on clients to increase elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and help with discoloration. Professional treatment can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200 per session. According to Marketwatch, “A trend report for 2018 from lifestyle site Pinterest says it’s seen a 345% increase in posts for the “derma-roller” over the past year.”  Dr. Frieling is not in favor of using the tools at home because, “the needles aren’t big enough to penetrate the proper holes into the skin, so you’re essentially damaging your face for no reason. And without proper sterilization, derma rollers can harbor harmful bacteria causing infections, breakouts, and can trigger skin conditions such as rosacea, which causes redness and bumps on the face; eczema, itchy inflammation spots; and brown patches on the skin.”

Injecting Botox or other “Black Market” Filler into Your Face - First, even if you were able to get your hands on “real” Botox or filler such as Juvederm or Restylane® it’s almost like putting a firearm in the hands of someone untrained at shooting.  There is no safe way to give yourself Botox. You can’t trust what you’re buying, and even if you could, no amount of YouTube-ing will ever adequately teach you the skills you need to inject it. First, you need to know where to inject the substance. The answer is not to point the needle at the fine lines. After all, you’re relaxing muscles, not filling in wrinkles. Injecting Botox requires an understanding of facial muscles. You need to know which muscles should be relaxed for the desired results and where to target them. Second, you need to know how deeply to insert the needle and how much of the mixed substance you should apply in any given location.

Incorrect injection practices can lead to a host of complications, including eyelid drooping (ptosis), excessive swelling, excessive bruising, and a greater risk of infection. In fact, the infection may become so severe that it becomes a staph infection, an infection that spreads throughout the body and causes a variety of diseases. In any case, recovery will be longer, and the results may not be what you intended.

Lip Plumper Suction Devices - We have Kylie Jenner to thank for these! They are much less expensive than filler in the lips but with a far shorter shelf life. Dr. Frieling’s verdict: “Overuse of suction cup lip plumpers can cause misalignment of the teeth due to the outward pressure of the suction. Devices such as these can also cause swelling and bruising of the lips (and sometimes permanent scarring) when used excessively. The advice is to use these devices sensibly and with caution.”

At home acne extractors - The county has become obsessed with popping pimples thanks in part to the success of the TV show “Dr. Pimple Popper.” Acne extractors sold online, and people are using them at home. But should they?  Picking causes scars or scabs by ripping off the top layer of skin, whereas extracting by a professional pulls out the fluids or solids inside a pimple. It's far more sterile, sanitary, and cleans the pore of extra debris. Why can’t you simply do this yourself? Acne extraction, be it white or black heads, is a ‘don’t try this at home procedure.’ It’s a one-way ticket to scarring, infection and even more breakouts. Only through a professional facial will your skin be prepped and steamed correctly for extractions – by the hands of a trained, licensed esthetician. Skin that has not been adequately prepped for extractions may be resistant, requiring more pressure and manipulation. If used too aggressively, the pressure of the extractor tool can inflame and even bruise the skin. Additionally, a skin care professional is well-practiced in gentle and efficient movements to maximize results while minimizing potential harm.

Cuticle Cutters -Trimming or cutting cuticles during a manicure is purely cosmetic and doesn't benefit the nail in any way. In fact, it's actually harmful to your nails. “The small area of skin is there to protect your nails from infection. When this skin is removed, your nail is left unprotected from bacteria and fungus. Dr. Frieling recommends pushing back the cuticles by applying cuticle remover on each nail.

Chemical Peels - Chemical peels are designed to work by removing part of the top layer of skin to reveal fresher skin for a more youthful appearance. Many products containing low concentrations of acid are sold through beauty retailers and drug stores, and are often safe to use. People also are treated with peels using a higher concentration at medi-spas or doctor’s offices.  When it comes to alpha hydroxy acids or (AHAs) like salicylic and glycolic acids, a concentration of 10 percent or less is safe for home, and more than 30 percent should be reserved for a professional environment, according to a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel. Like many substances, illegal concentrations of chemical peels can be purchased online for substantially less than they would cost in a doctor’s office. But what price do you pay for a “bargain?”  According to Dr. Frieling, “the dangers of experimenting with a medical grade peel at home are numerous and can include: extreme pain in the form of stinging, actual burns to the skin, blistering, scarring, changes in skin color, infection.” What’s more, a skin care professional will determine if you are even a candidate for a chemical peel and possibly rule you out if you have taken the acne medication isotretinoin in the past six months, have a dark complexion, have a personal history of ridged areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids), have abnormal skin pigmentation, have a history of frequent or severe outbreaks of cold sores.

Dr. Frieling says that there are worthwhile “skin care hacks,” DIY recipes for the skin, and some at home devices that are safe and effective. Before buying into the latest Instagram sensation, consult with your doctor first to make sure that you are a good candidate and that what you are considering is safe and effective.

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SKIN CARE TIPS FOR GYM RATS

PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash

With Memorial Day fast approaching, many are even more focused than usual on their bodies and getting them into tip-top shape at the gym. While exercise has multiple benefits, very often workouts and great looking skin don't go together.  We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Board-Certified Denver plastic surgeon and anti-aging expert, to give tips on how you can get the six-pack and still have glowing, acne free skin. 

Sweat Itself Does Not Cause Acne 

First, "It is important to know that sweat itself does not cause acne," says Dr. Shah. He explains, "Professional sportsmen are predisposed to accumulating dirt and bacteria in their pores during and after workout periods. If left without proper cleansing this can cause worsening in skin conditions like acne and dermatitis."

Avoid Makeup

These days a gym visit almost doesn't seem to "count" unless one Instagrams it. This often leads women to wear makeup to the gym. Just don't. Dr. Shah says, "Most makeup will clog pores by not allowing the skin to breathe naturally during workouts. A better option is a tinted moisturizer if you are self-conscious about your skin tone."

SPF

If you're going to be outdoors, apply a light moisturizer with SPF to keep your skin protected from UV rays.  Make sure to choose a lightweight product as not to clog up your pores. Look for words like "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free" to know that your sunblock won't cause acne.

Don't Touch Your Face at the Gym!

Cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, these all breed bacteria. Touching them and them wiping beads of sweat off your face is a sure way to spread bacteria that can create new breakouts. Make sure to bring a towel for this instead of using your hands.

A Flowing Mane of Hair is Not Your Friend During a Workout

When you are working out it is a good idea to keep hair out of your face by styling it into a bun or rocking a dry and clean sweatband. Sweat and dirt can get transferred from your hair onto your face. If you haven't washed your hair and you use hairspray or other hair products, these can also splash onto your pores along with perspiration. This can cause irritations and breakouts.

How to Choose the Right Gym Towel

An old rag won't be effective at absorbing sweat. However, you don't want a gym towel that is as absorbent as a bath towel you would use to dry off your body after a shower at home. Dr. Shah says that "The gym towel should be a happy medium — absorbent enough to keep your face dry during a workout, but not so thick it clings to bacteria even after a wash."

Wear Loose and Comfortable Gym Clothes

"Spandex is tight clothing that can lead to skin infections from bacteria and fungi," warns Dr. Shah. "Wear loose attire that will also help wick away the sweat preventing it from being absorbed by your skin." Just google "sweat-wicking workout clothes."

Reduce the Redness

Calm down a flushed face with your redness control remedy made up of a little bit of iced green tea and a spray bottle. "You'll cool down your skin and add in a few extra anti-oxidants in the process," says Dr. Shah.

After your workout

Dr. Shah stresses, "Wash your face immediately after your workout. You don't want a mixture of dirt, oil, and bacteria clinging to your skin, affecting its pH, and clogging your pores. If you are exercising in a park where there is no sink, bring cleansing facial wipes with you."

Moisturize Post Workout

No matter your type of skin, after cleansing you must moisturize. Dr. Shah says that "Skipping this essential step can unknowingly dehydrate your skin causing your oil-producing glands to overcompensate by producing an oversupply of oil. Use a moisturizer that's been produced for your specific skin type and condition immediately after cleansing for the best results."

Skip the Hot Shower

Sure, your muscles are sore, and you're in the mood for a hot shower after a workout. Dr. Shah points out that, "Hot water strips skin of vital oils, leaving you with dry, itchy, dull skin." Exfoliate more often to avoid "Bacne." Breakouts on your back or chest are particularly common for "gym rats." To avoid this, use a gentle body scrub three times a week. Dr. Shah says, "This will keep pores clear and skin functioning well."

Save Your "Superhero" Products for Night

Save serious treatment products for bedtime. Dr. Shah points out that, "Even seemingly normal skin can experience much more sensitivity right after a workout.  You may want to wait until redness decreases by bedtime to use your super-active acne or anti-aging treatment products."

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.