New Suppliments at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic

If you understand the cause of acne then it makes sense that taking zinc and selenium for acne is beneficial.  The good news is that when zinc and selenium are taken in combination with other acne products and acne treatments that your acne specialist recommends, you’ll see better results. 

Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic has started carrying a new line of supplements to ensure the best results while working with one of our skin therapist. 

Read below and learn the FAQS about the 'Healthy Skin Formula' and why it should be part of your acne treatment plan and how their daily usage will benefit you and your skin. 

Who should use Healthy Skin Formula? Healthy Skin Formula is indicated for patients with mild to moderate acne. The product is suitable for patients 12 years or older. This nutraceutical is ideal for individuals who do not eat a well‐balanced diet on a consistent basis. Because of the poor dietary habits of people who are 15‐30 years of age, Healthy Skin Formula is particularly well‐suited for patients in this age group. 

Who should not use Healthy Skin Formula? Nutritional supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women. Healthy Skin Formula contains vitamin A. If you are presently taking Accutane® (isotretinoin) for the treatment of acne, please refrain from taking Healthy Skin Formula until the end of the treatment cycle. Please refer to the Directions section for more information on precautions and contraindications. 

How do prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications for acne differ from nutritional supplements? Natural medicines tend to be milder, safer and are far less likely to cause negative reactions. Many topical treatments for the care of acne and inflammatory disorders of the skin are available. While effective, these regimens contain products that generate activity primarily on the outer layer of the skin. Although the topical approach represents the foundation of good skin care, it also makes sense to address what is going on internally. That’s because what is put inside the body is just as important as what is applied externally. Other acne treatments, including prescription medications such as antibiotics and Accutane®, can have powerful activity along with significant side effects. 

Can diet affect acne and other skin problems? Yes, for certain types of acne and skin problems. This question has garnered significant debate in the medical community. However, it is widely believed that in addition to genetics, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction have an impact on a person’s health status. While hormones can directly impact acne, studies have shown that some acneic patients have intestinal toxemia (toxins build up in the intestine as a result of poor nutrition). Other studies have found that patients with psoriasis and eczema improve their condition with alpha‐linolenic (Omega‐3) essential fatty acid supplementation. It simply makes sense that the quality of nutrients consumed will affect the quality of an individual’s skin. 

What is the primary benefit of using Healthy Skin Formula? Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with nutrients that promote skin health, reduce sebum production, enhance inflammatory control and have antiseptic properties. 

What makes VitaMedica’s Healthy Skin Formula product unique? Healthy Skin Formula is designed to address each of the stages of acne. Although an inflammatory skin condition such as acne can strike at any age, its onset is most often related to a change in hormones. Excess androgen production can cause the sebaceous glands to excrete more sebum. Healthy Skin Formula contains zinc to help regulate testosterone – the primary hormone involved with acne. The supplement also contains vitamin A (carotenoid and palmitate form) to promote normal epithelization of the skin cells and reduce sebum production. Sebum production in turn clogs the follicle and allows a bacterium called p. acnes to build. The result is inflammation and either a white or black head forms depending on whether the pore is closed or open, respectively. Healthy Skin Formula contains MSM – which acts as a natural anti‐microbial. Selenium and bromelain are included in the formula to help with inflammation. In other instances, acne can be as a result of a toxic overload of the system. Healthy Skin Formula includes several herbs which help to detoxify and cleanse the blood and skin. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with vitamin A. Why is vitamin A important for acne? Vitamin A plays a role in skin health because it is needed for the maintenance and repair of epithelial tissue, of which the skin and mucous membranes are composed. Vitamin A stimulates growth of the base layer of the skin cells. It also helps cells to differentiate normally and gives them their structural integrity. Vitamin A plays such an important role in dermal health that many topical acne medications are derivatives of this.  

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with vitamin A from palmitate and a carotenoid source (Betatene®). Why are both forms provided? Both forms are provided to ensure safety and efficacy. As a fat‐soluble nutrient, vitamin A is stored in the liver and fatty tissue of the body. This creates a concern if too much of this vitamin is taken over time (e.g., upwards of 50,000 IUs on a daily basis, for over 3 months). While Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with a modest dose of vitamin A (12,500 IUs total), it is provided in both the palmitate (7,500 IUs) and carotenoid (5,000 IUs) form. While palmitate is directly available as vitamin A, carotenoids must convert into vitamin A. For the few carotenoids that have vitamin A activity (e.g., beta‐carotene), the conversion process is not very efficient. For example, six to twelve times more beta‐carotene is required to convert into one retinol unit of vitamin A activity. For this reason, toxicity is not an issue with a carotenoid source. By providing both preformed vitamin A (palmitate) and a natural, mixed blend of carotenoids (Betatene®), Healthy Skin Formula delivers an efficacious, yet safe dose of vitamin A to support healthy skin function. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with zinc. Why is zinc important for acne? Zinc is a trace mineral that is essential for protein synthesis and collagen formation. Zinc is also very important for the health of the skin. Zinc is involved in the proper metabolism of testosterone, the principal hormone involved in the genesis of acne. The mineral is also involved in vitamin A function, wound healing, immune system activity, inflammatory control and tissue regeneration. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with selenium. Why is selenium important for acne? Selenium is an antioxidant that works to protect other antioxidants such as vitamin E and is important in keeping tissues elastic. Research has also shown that a deficiency in selenium may play a role in inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Selenium functions in glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which is very important in preventing the inflammation of acne. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with chromium. Why is chromium important for acne? Chromium is a trace mineral that works with insulin in the metabolism of sugar and is needed for energy. Chromium also improves glucose tolerance and enhances insulin sensitivity. This is important for some acne patients who do not metabolize sugar properly. 

I noticed in the Supplement Facts panel the word “chelate” after each mineral. What does chelate mean? In general, our bodies absorb vitamins without much difficulty, but minerals are not absorbed as well. Chelation is a process that combines a mineral with an amino acid. This process of chelation enhances the absorption of minerals by “fooling” the body into thinking it is absorbing the amino acid attached to the mineral. The mineral is pulled into the body along with the amino acid, ensuring its absorption. Chelated minerals are more expensive because of the extra step required to attach the amino acid to the mineral. However, this expense is worth it due to the improved absorption. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with bromelain. Why is bromelain important for acne? Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme (digests protein) that is extracted from the stem of the pineapple. When taken in a therapeutic dose, bromelain is helpful in reducing inflammation which often accompanies an acne flare‐up. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with MSM. Why is MSM important for acne? MSM or methylsulfonylmethane is a natural form of organic sulfur that is necessary for collagen synthesis. MSM is very important in building the sulfur amino acids methionine and cysteine. MSM is also a natural antiseptic that works as an antimicrobial. By keeping skin cells soft, MSM allows skin to detoxify. MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages the repair of damaged skin. The combination of MSM and vitamin C works faster to heal wounds. 

Healthy Skin Formula is formulated with a number of herbs. Why are these herbs included and what is their importance for acne? The skin has a number of functions including temperature regulation, protection of the underlying tissues, fat storage, and immunity. Along with the kidneys, the skin also plays a role in eliminating toxins from the body. In fact, the skin is often referred to as the “third kidney”. The elimination of toxins through the skin can promote the development of acne. A number of herbs including burdock, dandelion, yellow dock, and Oregon grape, which are included in Healthy Skin Formula, are known for their potent cleansing properties of the skin and blood. 

What is the recommended dosing for Healthy Skin Formula? The recommended dosing of Healthy Skin Formula is 2 capsules per day, taken with food to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal upset. The capsules may be taken together or in divided doses. 

Keep your eye out for more about the new VitaMedica supplements we are carrying in our clinic, Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic, and how they can benefit you while working with one of our specialists.  

Back and Body Acne Treatments

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How to Get Rid of Body Acne

Out of all the types of acne, body acne can cause acne sufferers the most heartbreak and embarrassment. It is not uncommon for people with breakouts on their backs and chests to shy away from public outings. If you have suffered from body acne, you've probably thought twice about wearing a strapless dress to a school dance or going shirtless at the pool. You probably constantly fear that people will notice your acne.

It really doesn't seem fair does it? As if suffering from acne on your face isn't enough, you also have breakouts on your back and chest? Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic understands and  we want to help you clear your body acne! We want you to be happy and confident in your own skin and we have the knowledge on body acne, as well as a successful technique in clearing breakouts to promise real results. Please read below to see a little bit about how we help clear client’s skin when they are suffering from body acne.

What is the first step in clearing your skin?

Like all acne, understanding the type of acne that you have on your body is the key to treating it. This is why it is just as important to work with an Acne Specialist while treating your body acne as it is when treating the acne on your face.

Once we understand the type of acne you are suffering from, we start a program of the right amount of exfoliation and topical antibacterial action to begin the process of preventing the formation of micro acne lesions.

If you have red body acne that is painful and pustular, we will start you on a program of less aggressive exfoliation and more aggressive antibacterial work.

If your body acne is more timid with a non-inflamed, bumpy texture and lots of build up and blackheads - you need to be on a program of high exfoliation and less antibacterial work. Different variations of our scrubs, benzoyl peroxide creams, mandelic serums and other alpha-hydroxy acids are going to kick your body acne to the curb. You just need to make sure to use them in the right way, every morning and evening.

Some extra tips and habits to help clear body acne.

1.     Make sure you are washing your shirts and sheets in acne safe detergent like Cheer -Free, Arm and Hammer Free. Detergents that are fragrance free are best.

2.     Wear breathable fabrics. You want airflow to your problem areas and as little sweat as possible. (This is especially important while you are sleeping.)

3.     Stay away from whey or soy protein. We often see inflamed body acne in relation to frequent use of whey or soy protein shakes and/or steroid use in body builders or athletes. These products act like hormones in the body and if taken in excess can trigger acne flare-ups.

Should you be coming in for professional treatment when fighting your body acne?

Absolutely! We usually see the best results in our clients after three months of consecutive professional treatment and consistent use of our topical products. Extractions will absolutely help clear your body acne!

Remember, body acne can be successfully cleared by taking the correct steps and using the right products on your chest or back acne. Come see us at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to Safely Get Rid of Whiteheads

            In our last post, we talked about what whiteheads are in comparison to other types of breakouts and pimples. In this post, we’d like to take some time to talk about the basics of clearing up whiteheads and how to do that in the safest way possible.

            Whiteheads can be one of the most difficult types of acne to maintain a clear complexion with and the most effective way to rid yourself of whiteheads for good is to be super aggressive. The aggressiveness that is needed to maintain a clear complexion can often be dangerous for your skin.

            If you are an acne sufferer, who deals with whiteheads you’ve probably had reoccurrences with your breakouts many times with many different products. Whiteheads often come back after about 3 weeks or so of using new products. This is because your skin gets used to products and then you loose all of your acne stopping powers.  

            The truth is that getting rid of whiteheads can be a more difficult process than you think and it takes a lot of work. This is why using an acne specialist is so crucial. To ensure that you are maintaining clear skin, without whiteheads - you need to follow an aggressive treatment plan. This plan includes habitual use of strong ingredients like mandelic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin A and benzoyl peroxide. At the Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake, we can help you use the best products in the most beneficial ways. The key to banning whiteheads is to ensure that you are using the strongest products that your skin can tolerate. This is where we see danger in clearing whiteheads - using these products in the wrong way can severely dry out your skin. With many years of experience we are confident that we can create a treatment plan for each of our clients that is both safe and effective for clearing whiteheads.

            Although these products are effective in producing and maintaining clear skin, they can cause major irritation to skin if used in the wrong way. While we do suggest an aggressive approach in treating whiteheads, we do not suggest going it alone. Please let us help you achieve clear skin the the safest and most effective way possible.

 Call Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City today!

     

"How To” With Priia Cosmetics: Covering Blemishes

We all know that concealer is a sure fix when it comes to blemishes. Luckily, Priia has an acne safe concealer that you can depend on for a quick fix with a blemish - but what do you do when you are out of concealer? Let’s go over how to cover a blemish with our favorite Priia Essential Cover Loose Mineral Foundation.

This is an extremely simple technique that really works wonders for covering up a red spot or pimple. You may even start relying on your loose powder foundation more than your concealer when a blemish pops up at the most inopportune time.

 Heres what you do!

Just take your loose powder and apply it to your entire face as you normally would. (We recommend using the skin-loving flat top foundation brush from Priia!) After waiting just a few minutes for your foundation to work into your skin and start complementing your natural chemistry, take your concealer brush (check out Priia’s taklon concealer brush) and dip it into your loose powder. It’s best if you really work the minerals into the brush. Once you have a good amount of powder on your brush pat the problem area gently until the blemish is completely covered. You need to make sure not to swipe or cover any area outside of the blemish “lines.” Finally, blend the covered blemish just a bit so that you can’t tell it has been covered more than the rest of your foundation. You are all set to go! No blemish in sight!

The PRIIA Essential Cover Loose Mineral Foundation has a lot of benefits when being used as a concealer. First, since you are using the same product for both a concealer and a foundation - you wont ever have to worry about mismatched spots on your face. Women often choose concealers that are too light or dark for their skin tone and foundation, this can really botch your makeup. By using this loose powder technique, you will be sure to have an even skin tone every time you cover a blemish.

To learn more about the benefits of this technique visit priia.com. To learn how to prevent blemishes in the first place, schedule an appointment with the Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic ofUtah to start fighting your blemishes and acne today.

 

The Truth about Protein Supplements and Acne.

More than 90% of my new clients don’t realize that protein powders, as well as protein bars can bedetrimental in achieving acne free skin. Protein is a tricky subject because the supplement is considered to be highly beneficial for most people, but a lot of protein supplements will actually cause breakouts. 

As someone who suffers from acne it is important to stay away from both, whey protein and soy protein. Whey protein is one of two main ingredients in milk and essentially considered to be dairy. Dairy is a huge no no for acne sufferers, therefore - whey is also a no. Whey also contains IGF-1, which causes your skin to produce excess oil, shed skin cells at a quicker rate &glue dead skin cells together inside your pores before they can escape normally. Soy protein can increase estrogen levels in males and females and should be avoided as more estrogen is never good while trying to keep your skin clear.

While protein supplements are popular, and in fact beneficial to most athletes or anyone that desires more daily protein intake - it is crucial for acne sufferers to stay away from soy and whey protein all together.

 

Luckily, for those of you who are still interested in the benefits of protein, there are a few new options.

 

Sunwarrior Classic Protein - is a vegan plant based protein powder that contains all essential and non-essential amino acids. Unlike most whey and soy based protein powders, this one is dairy-free as well as soy-free.It will not trigger acne.

 

 

 

Trader Joe’s Hemp Protein - Another handy protein powder that is fine for acne sufferers to use.

 

Jay Robb Egg White Protein – This product was safe for acne prone skin until the recipe recently changed. Now, it contains biotin and iodides and shouldn't be used by those of us that suffer with acne.

 

Unfortunately recipes and ingredients change quite often in acne safe products. See Why you should check ingredients in your cosmetics to learn more about the lack of restrictions on product ingredients.

 

One of the biggest benefits of working with an acne specialists is knowledge on products like this. As an acne specialist, I have the knowledge to steer by clients away from potential products, foods and makeup that may contain ingredients that will potentially make their acne worse or halt the acne clearing process.   

Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Salt Lake City will personally guide you through your acne clearing journey,  visit us at www.UtahAcneClinic.com