At Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics, we care about your health and well-being and want to help you feel good, inside and out. When it comes to acne, changing your skincare routine could soothe and calm your skin. Here, you can find our guide to creating a healthy, beneficial plan to treat acne.
We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the other effects of acne first. The effects that sink deep into the body and wrap around your heart and soul.
Acne can cause more than breakouts. Studies show that acne can also take a toll on one’s psyche. Many say their self-esteem suffered after developing acne. Some people with acne withdraw from people in their lives. The severity of the acne doesn’t seem to matter. Acne can have [a] negative effect on self-esteem and relationships whether one has mild or severe acne. One large study found that having acne can lead to depression and thoughts of committing suicide. Other studies show that treating acne can alleviate these feelings. –American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD)
We want you to know that we see you. We will always see you. And we will do whatever we can to help you see yourself as the beautiful being that you are.
Reading this, you’re taking the first step toward a healthier and more confident you! Start your skincare journey by adjusting your routine to treat your acne. If you find that these changes do not help your acne, please reach out to a dermatologist who can help you further.
What Is Acne?
Let’s establish what acne is. Dermatologist Dr. Anna Axelson explains, “Red, raised lesions occur when too much oil and dead skin cells clog pores, which triggers the body’s natural inflammatory response. Hormonal influences also play a big role, which is one reason women may notice acne around the time of their periods, during pregnancy and around the time of menopause.”
Change Your Routine
Changing your skincare routine to focus on habits and practices that do not irritate your skin is a terrific way to turn the corner on acne. That’s why we’ve assembled these guidelines.
1. Morning Wash
Wash your face every morning with a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser. Apply the cleanser to your skin gently with your fingertips, and use lukewarm water. Never, ever scrub at your acne! This will only aggravate your skin, making your acne worse.
2. Apply Acne Treatment
After your wash, steer clear of irritating products like astringents and toners with alcohol, and go straight for your acne treatment. Typically, a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatment is best in the morning.
3. Choose Makeup and Products Carefully
When purchasing makeup and skincare products, the AAD recommends looking for things that say:
- Won’t clog pores
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-acnegenic
- Oil-free
These types of products are less likely to irritate your skin and cause inflammation. However, it is always important to pay attention to any sensitivities and discontinue use of a product if you have any type of reaction.
Remember: Don’t ever share makeup.
4. Leave Your Skin Alone
Keep your hands off your face throughout the day. Do not pop or pick at any blemishes as it will only further irritate your skin and cause scarring. Let them heal naturally. Additionally, should you perspire heavily or go for a workout, pat your skin with a clean towel instead of wiping at it roughly. Shower/wash your face after sweating profusely to prevent clogged pores.
5. Pay Attention to What You Eat
Research suggests that adhering to a low-glycemic diet helps significantly with acne. Whereas, cow’s milk (not yogurt, cheese, or ice cream—just milk) can aggravate and cause more acne. It is important to pay attention to what you eat and its effects on your acne.
Additionally, according to Nuffield Health, “Almonds, blueberries, avocados and kidney beans are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation. This may make your skin less likely to develop the painful and inflamed spots that can make life miserable.”
6. Shampoo Regularly
The oils from your hair and hair products can also affect your pores. Be sure to wash your hair regularly. Consider showering after exercising and at night to remove products from your hair.
If your acne is mainly on your forehead and temples, you might be dealing with pomade acne. This can be due to the oils and ingredients in your hair products. Steer clear of products that contain “petroleum, lanolin, beeswax, coconut oil and castor oil.” Or you could have a sensitivity to something else in your products. Try something new to see if your skin improves.
7. Moisturize & Use Sunscreen
Many acne treatments will dry out your skin “to prevent acne formation.” It is important to moisturize your skin to keep it balanced. If skin becomes over-dry and irritated, acne can worsen. Moisturize with a product that won’t clog your pores, is oil free, and non-comedogenic.
In addition, always wear sunscreen! It should already be a part of your daily routine. Sunscreen is even more important if you are using acne treatments as they can tend to cause photosensitivity.
8. Night Wash
Wash your face again each night. Remove all makeup, and gently cleanse your face again before your beauty sleep. Use just your fingertips and lukewarm water.
Remember: Never sleep with makeup on.
9. Second Treatment
Night is a good time to apply your second acne treatment of the day. Adapalene or retinol are wonderful evening treatments. With a retinoid, allow 20 minutes for the treatment to sink in before applying your nighttime moisturizer.
Remember: With each of your acne treatments, it is important to give the product some time to work.
According to the AAD, “You want to use a product for 6 to 8 weeks. It takes that long to see some improvement. If you don’t see any improvement by then, you can try another product. Complete clearing generally takes 3 to 4 months.”
10. Consistency is Key
The only way to see change is to remain consistent and patient. As with anything else, there is no quick fix; consistency will eventually lead to the results you’re looking for. Don’t be hard on yourself and don’t give up. Be patient and measure your expectations. If after 3 months you aren’t seeing any change, talk to a dermatologist to come up with a new plan.
…Time For Step Two
You’ve taken the first step toward clearer skin and greater confidence. We’re proud of you! We hope you’re proud of you too. Now it’s time to put this information to good use. All of these suggestions are simple and cost very little time or money. Try the plan for at least 3 months to see if there’s an improvement. No matter what, you should be delighted with yourself for taking action! At any point, if you need guidance or information, make an appointment with a dermatologist.
How Else Can Advanced Skin + Body Help?
We have a few more tips and tricks that are available through our clinic and medi spa in Lincoln, NE. We’d like to share them with you!
The Stellar M22™ IPL (intense pulsed light) Photorejuvenation
Intense pulsed light therapy, in cooperation with your acne regimen and treatments, has shown “great promise in treating acne. Some patients with severe acne cysts have seen clearing for years…” according to AAD.
The Stellar Mss™ IPL reduces bacteria, sebum formation, and capillary vessels (which lessens inflammation). It is a non-invasive procedure, so you can go back to your day. It is slightly painful but well worth it. It’s typically recommended to have 3–4 treatments in monthly intervals that are customized for your skin type and goals.
Silymarin CF by Skinceuticals
SkinCeuticals is one of our favorite lines of products, and the Silymarin CF Serum is an amazing acne treatment. Glamour Magazine explains, “Blemish-prone skin tends to have higher levels of sebum and lower levels of antioxidants.” CF uses a formula of 0.5% silymarin (milk thistle extract), 15% l-ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid and 0.5% salicylic acid to prevent the oil oxidation that leads to breakouts.
Charcoal Geneo+ Super Facial
So what’s the big deal about adding charcoal to a facial? “If you ask Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., charcoal is like a Dyson—vacuum, not blow-dryer—for your pores. ‘It sucks up everything by electrically drawing out bacteria, dirt, and oil from skin,’ she explains to Allure.” Our Charcoal Geneo+ Super Facial uses a charcoal-infused serum to purify and balance oily, acne-prone skin.
Time To Come See Us!
If you need to schedule a facial or IPL treatment at our Lincoln, NE spa, contact us today!
Or sign up for our Facial Membership! You’ll get one Geneo+ Super Facial, one add-on, and a lash or brow tint each month.
Our goal is to support our clients to look and feel their best! If you have been thinking about another transformative treatment, schedule a consultation today! And for more info on all things beauty, health, and aesthetics in Lincoln, NE, and beyond, be sure to read our blog.