Top Tips for Managing Acne While you Sweat.

Most physical activity will cause sweating.  Although sweating doesn’t cause acne it can definitely accelerate the growth of more bacteria and pimples if not handled correctly.  Here are five tips we suggest you follow to help keep breakouts in check;

1. Wipe off immediately after physical activity.  Use facial wipes or toner pads to remove the sweat on your face, neck and behind the ears.

   We suggest keeping these  items in your gym bag or car for quick accessibility.

2. Shower off body sweat.  Of course if a shower isn’t available wiping down your body with toner pads is the next best thing.

3. Wash your gym supplies after every use.  Make sure you are washing your gym towel, yoga mats and gloves after each use.

   Also, wipe your machine with a sanitary wipe before and after your workout.

4. Don’t touch or pick at your face or body especially if your working out at a gym. You’re most likely touching weights, dumbbells, machines that aren’t sanitized at the gym.

   Keeping your hands off your face or any active acne will help avoid introducing staph bacteria into your skin.

5. Wear breathable clothing. If you like to wear tight-fitting clothing while working out, you might run into the issue of your sweat causing skin irritation under the arms, groin, chest and back. Try to avoid staying in sweaty clothing after your workouts, Shower thoroughly.

If you would like more help controlling your acne Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Utah can help get your clear.  Schedule an appointment today 801-800-6602

Quick Skincare Tips for Your Acne Prone Tween or Teenager

It’s no surprise that most individuals first taste of acne is at the start of puberty.  As puberty arrives bodies go through many different changes.  One change is the increase in the gonadotropin hormone levels in both girls and boys.  This triggers a cycle in those who are acne prone -of more sebum, excessive skin cell production which clog’s the pore and creates a perfect place for bacteria to grow.  This is where acne starts and the cycle from the beginning of a zit to when it reaches the surface of the skin can take three to four months.

Since most acne appears during puberty.  Typically age 9 for girls and age 11 for boys, I suggest teaching your child some healthy skincare habits beforehand.  when the acne hits you’ll have a teenager who has a good foundation of following a simple skincare routine which can help immensely in controlling their acne.  

Cleansing

Get your kids cleansing their face on a regular basis.  Clean hands and a very mild face wash is all they will need. Start by having your child cleanse in the morning either in the shower or after they brush their teeth.  Once they are consistent with cleansing in the morning add a night cleansing to their routine. 

No picking

Picking at pimples can become a bad habit quickly.  I’ve seen lot’s of “pickers” in our clinic.  One of my first priorities is to get that client to stop picking because it spreads bacteria and can cause scarring. If it seems that your child or teenager is picking maybe inquirer about the reason behind this activity.  We see picking in our clinic attributed to boredom anxiety or embarrassment over their acne. 

Moisturizing

Keeping skin moisturized is important for everyone.  I always suggest moisturizing in the morning and at night. This step would follow cleansing.  However, if this is too many steps for a younger child to follow just moisturize at night.  Reason being is that the next step “ Sunscreen” can double as the morning moisturizer.

Sunscreen

Teach your child and teenager to always wear sunscreen during the day as the last step in their skincare routine.  Sunscreen helps prevent sun burns which can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles and premature aging later in life.

Have more questions about clearing acne and helping your tween or teenager have clear skin?  Visit our website at UtahAcneClinic.com or call us at 801-800-6602

Omega 3 Fish Oils/DHA for Acne Prone Skin

                               

                                                            

You may have read our last post about the new Healthy Skin Formula we have started carrying or if you’ve made a recent visit to our clinic, you may have noticed the three new supplements on the shelves of “Acne Safe Products”.  

Here’s the FAQS on the Vitamedica Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil, and all the ways it can benefit your skin, body and mind. 

Who should use Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil? VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil is indicated for individuals of all ages – from toddlers to seniors – who do not obtain sufficient amounts of Omega‐3 fats from their diet. Because fish oil supplements inhibit the development of the inflammatory prostaglandins, the supplement is particularly beneficial for individuals who have inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis.  

Who should not use Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil? Fish oil supplements have an excellent safety track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning a nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics, pregnant or lactating women. If you are having surgery, Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil should be discontinued 2 weeks prior and for 2 weeks following your surgical procedure. Caution: In some individuals with oily skin, supplementing with fish oil can exacerbate the condition. Please refer to the Directions section for more information on precautions and contraindications.  

What is the primary benefit for using Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil? The Omega‐3 fatty acids found in Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil play a crucial role in cardiovascular health and brain function, as well as normal growth and development. Thousands of studies published over the past 35 years, have consistently shown that the Omega‐3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) found in fish oil are important to health throughout every stage of life. Specifically, DHA plays a critical role in maintaining healthy functioning of the nervous system and the eyes (particularly the retina). EPA may be associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease; Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other conditions of mental deterioration; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and other behavioral problems; mental health conditions including aggression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression and schizophrenia; and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.  

What makes VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil product unique? A superior quality product at an excellent value. While a wide variety of fish oil supplements are available today, VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil provides one of the highest levels of fish oil per softgel (1 gram). This means that fewer softgels need to be taken on a daily basis in order to obtain the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (1.5‐1.8 grams). Unlike most retail brands, the ratio of VitaMedica’s EPA to DHA is 2:1 (500 mg/250 mg); a proportion that research has confirmed provides all the positive benefits of fish oil. Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil is ultra‐refined and molecularly distilled to eliminate contaminants and ensure no fishy aftertaste. In addition, the enteric coated softgels are ideal for those who experience nausea or reflux from taking fish oil.  

What is it important to take a fish oil supplement? Because the two fats in fish oil – EPA and DHA ‐ confer a number of well‐substantiated health benefits. During the past decade, quite a bit of research has been conducted in the area of health especially as it relates to fat consumption. The net result is that while the amount of fat consumed in the diet is important, the quality of fats consumed is even more important. In short, most people get too much of the unhealthy fats such as saturated, trans‐fats and partially‐ hydrogenated fats. What’s more, because of the modern day diet, most American’s do not get an adequate intake of a group of unsaturated fats called Omega‐3 fatty acids. These fats are important because they are associated with health‐promotion. Two Omega‐3 fats that are particularly important for health promotion include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both EPA and DHA are found in deep, cold water fish like salmon and mackerel. Given that the food sources of EPA and DHA are limited, supplementing the diet with a fish oil supplement is prudent. Supplementing with an Omega‐3 fish oil supplement like VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil also provides internal lubrication to the various organs of the body including the skin.  

How does fish oil differ from flax seed oil? Flax seed oil belongs to a family of unsaturated fats called Omega‐ 3 fatty acids. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of alpha‐linolenic acid. Alpha‐linolenic aid is one of the two essential fatty acids our bodies need and therefore must be obtained through either diet or supplementation. The American diet tends to lack in this essential nutrient because it is not widely available in the food supply (good sources include the oil derived from flax seeds and walnuts). Like flax seed oil, fish oil also belongs to the Omega‐3 family of fatty acids. Certain types of fish oil are high in two unsaturated fats – EPA and DHA. EPA helps to promote the favorable prostaglandins ‐ hormone‐like compounds that play a role in blood pressure, water retention, platelet stickiness, blood clotting and the inflammatory response. The brain is comprised principally of the fatty acid DHA. Numerous studies have pointed to the beneficial effects of supplementing with DHA in the treatment of attention deficit disorders in children and in memory problems with patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Should I supplement with both flax seed oil and fish oil? Yes. The primary purpose for supplementing with flax seed oil is to obtain a sufficient quantity of the Omega‐3 essential fatty acid alpha‐linolenic acid. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) must be obtained through either diet or supplementation. However, because alpha‐linolenic acid is not widely available in the food supply, most Americans are deficient in this nutrient. Another reason for supplementing the diet with flax seed oil is to shift the balance in favor of Omega‐3 vs. Omega‐6 fatty acid consumption. Like the Omega‐3s, the Omega‐6s are a family of polyunsaturated fats. However, most Americans obtain sufficient quantities of the Omega‐6 fats because their seed oils (e.g., corn, soy, safflower) are widely available in the food supply. An imbalance of Omega‐6 to Omega‐3 consumption leads to the development of unfavorable prostaglandins which promote inflammation, platelet stickiness, and water retention.  

The primary purpose for supplementing with fish oil is to increase the dietary intake of two conditionally essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Although we can make both of these fatty acids from the essential fatty acid alpha‐linolenic acid, the conversion process inefficient. And, if the diet is high in Omega‐6 fats, which is true for most Americans, the conversion process is even less efficient. Supplementing with EPA and DHA fish oil is important because it promotes the favorable prostaglandins which help to reduce inflammation, platelet stickiness and water retention.  

How does cod liver oil differ from fish oil that is high in EPA and DHA? Cod liver oil in liquid and supplement form has been around for many years. While cod liver oil provides a good source of vitamins A and D, it is not a significant source of EPA or DHA. In particular, these two polyunsaturated fats are associated with health promotion particularly cardiovascular and brain health. If you are looking for these health benefits, then you should supplement your diet with a supplement like VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil.  

I’ve seen EPA only and DHA only formulas. How do these differ from a formula that has both EPA and DHA? The answer is partly related to product benefits and to marketing. EPA plays a role in cardiovascular health whereas DHA plays a role in brain health. Formulas that are EPA specific are generally marketed as cardiovascular supplements and may also include other heart health nutrients like vitamin E and garlic. Formulas that are DHA specific are generally marketed as brain health supplements and may also include other brain nutrients like ginkgo biloba. Since these two fats are often found in nature in combination, it makes sense to supplement with both to ensure both cardiovascular and brain health.  

 What is the recommended dosing for VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil supplement? For overall health and wellness, the recommended dosing is 1‐2 softgels per day, providing 750 – 1,500 mg of Omega‐3 fish oil. For cardiovascular benefit and to reduce inflammation, the recommended dosing is 2‐3 capsules per day, providing 1,500 – 2,250 mg of Omega‐3 fish oil per day.  

Does Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil need to be refrigerated? No, but refrigeration may extend the shelf life. Oils derived from polyunsaturated fats need to be handled with great care as they can quickly turn rancid. In particular, these delicate oils are particularly susceptible to light and heat. While liquid formulations are typically sold in opaque containers and require refrigeration, softgel formulations like VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil do not require refrigeration. This is because the lightly colored amber softgel helps to protect the oil from light. In addition, natural vitamin E has been added to protect the oil from oxidation. To ensure product freshness, each label of Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil includes a stamped lot number and date code. This ensures that you obtain a product at its peak. While the product does not need to be refrigerated, storing the bottle in a cool, dry place with the cap tightly closed will ensure that the product will remain fresh.  

I’ve tried to take fish oil supplements in the past, but I can’t stomach them. Does Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil leave a fishy aftertaste? No. Fish oil supplements have come a long way since the days when moms gave their kids cod liver oil. New manufacturing techniques have also helped to minimize the “fishy” aftertaste that is often associated with fish oil supplements. The fish oil used in VitaMedica’s Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil supplement has been extracted using the most up‐to‐date production methods. The oil has been ultra‐refined and molecularly distilled to remove any fishy aftertaste. Many patients have remarked that VitaMedica’s product does not create any gastrointestinal upset. If you feel that this may be a problem for you, a suggestion is to refrigerate the capsules. The cold capsule further reduces the likelihood of causing any GI upset.  

For more info about omega-3 fish oils and EPA/DHA, and how they can benefit you and your skin while working with one of our acne specialist at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic, check out our recent posts “Fish Oil for Acne”. 

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.