Why Is My Acne Not Going Away?

There is no cure for acne but you can control it.  If  you are struggling to get clear and stay clear there are several things to look at.  

Using your products consistently and exactly as your acne specialist instructs you is key.  Topical products can effectively keep you clear if you are consistent.  If you skip your routine, even every now and then, you will struggle to get clear and stay that way.  

If you tend to run out of products often and have to go a few days without treating you allow new comedones to form and they will eventually reach the surface and show up on your skin.

If you change your routine without consulting your acne specialist you could cause skin irritation that may result in missed days of product usage.

If you choose to use non-recommended products that contain pore cloggers you will struggle to get clear.

Following all the lifestyle suggestions from your acne specialist is crucial to maintain clear skin.  The are some things to pay attention to:  

Avoid dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, milk and whey

Avoid soy in all forms

Avoid peanut butter, peanut oil and corn oil

Avoid vitamins and supplements containing iodides, potassium, kelp and biotin

Do not use fabric softeners or dryer sheets

Avoid sushi and seaweed, especially shell fish such as shrimp, crab, lobster and scallops

Avoid iodized salt

Get enough sleep and reduce your stress

Avoid friction on your skin such as wearing hats, helmets, holding your phone between your shoulder and your face, etc.

Avoid low-dose birth control pills

Discuss any prescription drugs you are taking with your acne specialist

Faces Plus Skin Care and Acne Clinic has successfully helped many acne sufferers get clear and stay clear.  Call today and allow us to assist you.

What Do I Do Now That My Acne is Clear?

When a client who suffers from acne asks "When can I stop doing this?" there is no easy answer.

When I inform an acne sufferer that I cannot tell them when they can stop treating, the look on their face is one of horror.  Every acne sufferer will grow out of it, we just do not know what age that is for each individual.  Once an acne sufferer has attained clear skin and it remains clear for at least 6 months they can sometimes reduce the strength of their products.  If they were on a 5% benzoyl peroxide, they might be able to begin using a 2.5% strength.  If they were using a peeling agent twice a day they may try once a day.  If the acne begins to return, they should go back to using the stronger skin care routine.  Acne is a frustrating, inherited disease that takes determination, dedication and patience to clear, BUT IT CAN BE CLEARED.

The Mystery of BB Creams

Do you know what BB cream stands for?  I was not sure so I researched it.  BB cream stands for blemish balm, blemish base, beblesh balm or beauty balm.  These balms are mainly sold in Asia and are making a strong mark in the Western market.

Apparently, they are an all-in-one facial product purported to replace serums, moisturizers, primers, foundations and sun blocks.  They come in a variety of formulations. 

As a licensed aesthetician and acne expert this immediately causes my skepticism to rise.  No product is a wonder product and can solve all skin concerns.  If a product claims to treat acne, wrinkles, be anti-inflammatory, soothing and provide intense moisture it would have so many ingredients in it you wouldn’t be able to afford it and it might possibly have the cure to cancer with all those chemicals in it.  When products are created the manufacturer is responsible for listing the ingredients on the packaging.  This is called an ingredient deck.  The lower the ingredient is listed on this deck the amount of said ingredient is miniscule.  Hence potentially having no effect whatsoever.  This is actually an entirely different discussion.  But, if the catch phrase on the product says “Vitamin C” but that is the last ingredient in the deck, it probably contains very little.  This is called angel dusting.

Be aware when manufacturers make claims to solve all your skin care concerns with one product.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Acne

If you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome it is likely you suffer from acne.  This can be a very complicated issue and you should research it thoroughly before choosing the treatment path that fits you and your lifestyle.

PCOS involves the female reproductive system and the pancreas, along with insulin resistance and can have many different symptoms for each individual sufferer.  Physicians generally will prescribe an oral drug called metformin or various birth control pills.  As with any prescribed drug there can be side effects. 

If you suffer from PCOS and are not interested in taking oral drugs strictly monitoring your diet can help.  Eating a diet that is organic, rich in whole grains and eliminating simple carbohydrates, dairy and foods containing “white” carbs can allow you to control your PCOS without oral drugs.

If you think you suffer from PCOS consult your physician and do your research.  Check out this web site for help.  http://www.pcos.insulitelabs.com.

If you have acne along with the PCOS you can clear your acne without drugs.  The right topical agents, used religiously and in the right regimen will have your skin clear in 3 months.

Spironolactone and Acne

Do you suffer from acne and your physician has prescribed Spironolactone?  I see many clients who inquire about this.  Mostly it is clients who suffer from cystic acne or have polycystic ovary syndrome and acne.

Spironolactone is a synthetic steroid and diuretic used internally to treat high blood pressure, fluid retention, hirsutism, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and hormonal acne in women.  It is also found in some birth control pills for its anti-androgen effect,

It is sometimes used topically, in very low doses, to treat acne, hair loss and inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  It is also used orally to assist with cystic acne.  Because Spironolactone is basically a diuretic and assists the body in eliminating excess fluids and salts this may be one reason it can help with cystic acne.  Salt is an aggravator of acne.  Some acne suffers are so desperate to have clear skin they are willing to accept the side effects (i.e., weight gain, larger breasts, thinner hair, abnormal menstrual cycles, mood swings, leg cramps, etc.).

The side effects of Spironolactone can far outweigh the benefits and it is being used less and less.  If your physician wants to prescribe this, please do your own research and make your decision based on what you find.  WebMD is a good place to look.

Skin Conditions Affecting Hispanics/Latinos

The most common skin trait amongst the Hispanic population is a tendency for hyperpigmentation.  Hispanics genetically have more melanin in their skin.  Some of these conditions are described below:

Melasma (also known as a Pregnancy Mask).  This is a result of too much sun exposure and a fluctuation in hormones.  The best prevention is daily use of sunscreen.  Treatments are available such as chemical peels, topical retinoids and lasers.  However, some of these treatments have resulted in more hyperpigmentation. 

Vitiligo is a different kind of pigmentation condition suffered by Hispanics.  This is actually a loss of pigmentation and leaves white marks which are highly susceptible to skin cancer.  Hyperthyroid and autoimmune conditions are usually the cause of Vitiligo.  Skin grafts are sometimes suggested but generally, treatment is non-existent.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is another skin issue for Hispanics.  This condition is usually the result of an injury to the skin, acne, burns, insect bites, laser treatments, and microdermabrasion.

Skin Cancer.  This is just as common in all skin types.  Those with darker skin erroneously believe they are not as likely to get skin cancer and tend not to wear sunscreen.  They are less likely to have yearly screenings and the cancer is diagnosed at later stages.  Having darker skin does not mean you have less of a chance of getting skin cancer and that you do not need to wear sunscreen on a daily basis.

What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous Hyperplasia is a very common skin condition that is really nothing to be worried about.  I see clients daily who have this condition and are frustrated by it.  These lesions show up mostly on the forehead, cheeks and nose and appear as whitish-yellow or skin-colored papules that are soft and vary in size from 2-9 mm.  The cause is an enlargement of the sebaceous (oil) gland.  Other than being frustrated by them, there is nothing to be concerned about.  They present no immediate health threat.  If you are really bothered by these consult your physician as there are options to treating them such as laser or cauterization.  Be aware these lesions may reoccur following removal and scarring is possible unless the entire sebaceous gland is removed.  Another type of treatment used is Accutane or Oral Isotretinoin.  I do not recommend this treatment as it can leave lasting health complications later in life such as digestive issues and once the medication is stopped the lesions may return.  Yes, Sebaceous Hyperplasia can be cosmetically irritating to those who have it, but it is not a health threat.