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

Sugar and Acne

If you're acne prone, you may want to try cutting back on empty carbs and sweets. Researchers are revisiting the connections between diet and acne and a growing body of evidence suggests that eating a diet rich in high glycemic index foods may be tied to flare-ups. 

 "High glycemic index foods are typically processed foods, high in white flour," explains nutrition researcher Jennifer Burris of New York University. Examples include white bread, pasta, crackers and white rice. The glycemic index is basically a system of measuring how fast your blood sugar rises after eating a specific amount of carbohydrates, so sugary foods such as soda, juice and candy bars are all on the list, too. 

  

In a paper published in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Burris and her colleagues review 27 studies on nutrition and acne. Some of the more convincing evidence comes from a few recent studies of teenagers and young men (aged 15-25 years) who had acne. After the participants followed a low-glycemic-load diet, researchers documented decreases in inflammatory acne lesions. The studies were small, but the findings were significant. 

  

So what explains this connection? Researchers say foods that spike blood sugar can also increase hormones. The hormones can stimulate oil production and mimic testosterone, which in turn, can trigger acne. "It's like a domino effect," says Burris. 

  

Burris and her colleagues say more research is needed to nail down cause and effect between eating high-glycemic-load foods and developing acne. So far, the studies point to a correlation. (The research also states that dairy products might be a trigger. Check out our blog on dairy for more information and research) 

  

Still, it's interesting that after years of dermatologists dissing the notion that diet and acne are linked, there's new thinking on this question. 

There are lots of factors involved in acne. In addition to diet, stress is also a likely part of the equation. But, it's important to understand more about how the foods we eat influence the risk — or severity — of acne, especially since it's a condition affecting more than 17 million Americans. 

Theories about diet and acne have a long history. Going back to the 1800s, and as early as 1931, researchers had discovered links between acne and carbs and impaired glucose tolerance, as some of the newer studies have documented as well. 

And what about the old advice to, “steer clear” of chocolate? Back in 1969, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association dispelled the association between chocolate and acne. But this study is a bit flawed. 

Why? Well, as part of the study, participants with mild to moderate acne consumed either a milk chocolate bar or a placebo (a bar without chocolate) every day for a specific period of time. At the end of the study, the researchers determined that chocolate did not affect acne development. So, cocoa? It may be off the hook. 

  

But, since the placebo bar had just as much sugar as the chocolate bar, perhaps it was the sugar that was exacerbating the acne. Or maybe the way the researchers measured the outcomes was not very precise. Burris says it's just not clear what the true connection between chocolate and acne might be. She points to the flaws in the chocolate study as an example of why it's important to take a new look at the old assumptions about diet and acne. 

 Of course, if sugar is your Achilles heel, you may want to consider bringing in some additional reinforcements, and making other dietary changes.  

  

So, with these potions, you can have your cake and eat it, too — in moderation, that is. 

Get help with your acne and learn more about diet and breakouts by visiting our website at UtahAcneClinic.com

 

Acne Scarring-How Should I Treat My Scars?

Acne Scars
 
Acne can be a devastating disorder – not only is it frustrating to have active acne in the form of spots, redness and pustules, these lesions can leave their mark in the form of scars and dark spots.

Before we talk about acne scarring, let’s address the difference between scarring and dark spots. Clients often talk about their “scarring”, but quite often what they really mean is the darkish red marks left over from an acne breakout. This is not “scarring”, this is actually called hyperpigmentation – also called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH. 

When we talk about scarring, we mean marks on the skin where it is pitted. There are many different types of acne scars.

Icepick: Looks like an ice pick has been pressed into the skin. It is generally small in diameter, but can be shallow or deep.

Box: Looks somewhat like a chicken pox scar with more rounded edges. It can be small or large in diameter and is fairly deep, though not usually as deep as icepick scars.

Rolling: Looks like a smooth indentation in the skin. These scars can be deep or shallow, but are generally shallower.

Hypertrophic: Also known as keloids, which are the excess growth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. These types of scars usually take a more aggressive medical modality to see results. The following is a list of those modalities, most of which are performed in a doctor’s office:

Subcision (aka Subcutaneous incision) is a technique in which a depressed acne scar is lifted to the skin surface with a surgical instrument such as a tiny scalpel or needle. The deep portions of the scar are released and the surface elevates with the wound repair process. Several treatments are usually necessary and are performed under local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. This procedure causes bruising which fades after about 1 week.

Fillers There are various types of fillers used for acne scars. We will mention a couple of them – Restylane®, a clear, synthetic gel made with hyaluronic acid. Silicone is another filler commonly used on acne scars. Both Restylane® and silicone are injected into acne scars to raise the surface of the skin and give a smoother look. Fillers do not last – they are a temporary solution to acne scar removal.

Scar Excision (aka Punch Excision) is a surgical method of treatment uses a scalpel or punch to remove the scar. Under local anesthesia, the scar is excised and the skin edges are then sutured together. The newly produced scar eventually fades and may not be noticeable. If it is noticeable, it is more amenable now to resurfacing techniques. Excision
is typically recommended to patients with deep pitted scaring.

Punch Elevation is a surgical method of treatment that uses a scalpel or punch to excise the base of the acne scar leaving the walls of the scar intact. The excised base is then elevated to the surface of the skin and attached with sutures, steri-strips, or skin glue. This method lessens the risk of color or texture differences as can be seen with graft replacement, and lessens the risk of producing a visible scar as can be seen when wound edges are sutured.
Laser Skin Resurfacing

Ablative lasers: Using the Erbium:YAG or CO2 laser, the skin is removed layer by layer which eliminates the scar’s surface. Simultaneously, heat produced from the laser tightens the skin, which helps to smooth out the scars. This method has a significant recovery time and is used less frequently since the advent of the Fraxel™ laser.

Nonablative lasers such as fractional laser, Smoothbeam and pulsed dye lasers do not remove layers of skin, but instead penetrate through the skin in an attempt to stimulate collagen growth from underneath the surface of the skin.

Dermabrasion or surgical skin planing, is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes or “sands” the skin with a rotary abrasive instrument which improves its contour and gives it a smoother appearance. Recovery from this treatment may take several weeks; but if done by someone skilled in this technique , the results can be very good.

The red marks left over from acne are frustrating – it’s bad enough to have acne, but then to be left with the red marks and scarring?  It’s just not fair.  At Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic, we tell our clients that only time can fade the redness.. and it does.  It takes time, but the redness will eventually go away with the right product, and a dedicated client. Pitted and keloid scarring may take more aggressive procedures like the ones listed above. Once we clear your skin, if you are unhappy with what scarring is left behind, we will recommend seeing a cosmetic dermatologist and refer you to only the best! 

What you need to know about Sunscreen

With the summer months in full swing, questions about sunscreen become greater and more of a concern for almost everyone.  

Physical, chemical, mineral, zinc or broad-spectrum? 

These days there are what seems to be hundreds of different sunscreens on the market. But which one is best for you? And how will it affect your acne? 

Physical Sunscreens mean that they physically block your skin from UV rays. They will often use minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If your acne prone skin is sensitive, look for a sunscreen that uses mostly zinc oxide. Don’t be afraid of its “chalky-white” reputation. Many companies have developed “clear” zinc, which has made physical sunscreen more wearable. 

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays. They are easily applied, with little to no appearance and a pleasing finish. You can recognize these sunscreens by their active ingredients: avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate, among others. Chemical sunscreens are not usually recommended for sensitive skin. 

You may have heard the term “broad-spectrum.” This refers to the UV rays, UVA and UVB. Your skin needs protection from both. A way to remember this is:  

• UVA is responsible for Aging 
• UVB causes Burning. 

 When shopping for a sunscreen, it’s always best to look for broad-spectrum coverage. Zinc oxide blocks both UVA and UVB rays which makes it an ideal choice. Chemical sunscreen formulas vary, but the label will state if it provides broad-spectrum protection, so be sure to keep an eye out for this. 

Whether you choose a physical or a chemical sunscreen be sure to apply it rain or shine, indoors or out, as the UV rays of the sun are able to penetrate clouds and windows. 

For those of you battling blemishes, daily use of safe sunscreens not only protects your skin from the damaging rays of the sun and maintains hydration; it also keeps those post-breakout marks from becoming a permanent fixture on your face.  

We at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic offer a variety of different non-pore clogging sunscreens to suit your skin type and preferences and would be happy to help you find a safe one if your struggling with acne prone skin. Visit us at UtahAcneClinic.com

Milk....Will it Make Acne Worse?

Finally medical researchers have affirmed that dairy products do worsen acne. How does milk affect acne and what are the precautions to be taken? Many of our clients at Skintherapy Skincareand Acne Clinic wonder why it’s so important to cut milk out of their diets. Here is a great article on why dairy is bad for the acne-prone. 

Is milk bad for acne? – Dr. Hanish Babu, MD

As early as 1949, Robinson had published a study in the South Medical Journal that stated that the majority of the1925 acne patients in his study that kept a food diary reported that milk was the commonest food that was associated with their acne flare ups.

  

His study was relegated to the background when two studies by Fulton et al (1969) and Anderson (1971) failed to find any association between acne and chocolates, milk, roasted peanuts and cola. Both these studies were later discredited because of the small number of subjects, a shorter duration of follow up and inadequate choice of controls chosen for comparison.

More recently, Adebamowo and his colleagues from the Harvard University found positive relationship between milk consumption and acne eruptions in a survey conducted among 47,335 nurses. Their study was interesting as it revealed a stronger association with skim milk than whole milk, indicating that the fat content of milk may not be the reason for acne flare-ups. Similar observations were made among high school teenagers in other studies as well.

 How Does Milk Affect Acne?

The reason for the negative effects of milk products on acne is thought to be due to the presence of hormones and biologically active substances in the diary products. Most of the consumable milk is produced from pregnant cows; the main reason for high levels of hormones in milk. Hormonal levels are also high in just delivered cows and cows treated with bovine growth hormones.

  

Allergy to milk protein resulting in an inflammatory reaction and blockage of the hair follicle and sebaceous glands has also been cited as a contributing factor for worsening of acne following consumption of milk.

 Iodine fortified food is given to the cows to fight infection and iodine solutions are liberally used to cleanse the udders and milking equipment in the dairy farms. This may result in higher than normal levels of iodine content in the milk and other milk products. For acne sufferers this is bad news, as iodine, iodides and other halides have been shown to worsen acne eruptions in a number of studies.

 It is now clear that milk contains a number of substances, which act as acne triggers.

 Hormones in Milk Responsible for Acne Flare Ups

Milk, especially those from pregnant cows and just-delivered cows, contains high levels of hormones like progesterone and precursors of di-hydro-testosterone. Increased levels of these hormones increase the sebaceous gland activity and the oily sebum output, resulting in aggravation of acne in teens.

Other hormones present in milk are also implicated as culprits in worsening of acne. The most frequently involved hormone is the IGF-1(insulin-like growth factor). This is present in organic milk and milk from cows treated with bovine growth hormone. IGF-1 levels are increased in the body in response to increased secretion of insulin. IGF-1 has a stimulatory effect on the sebum production in the sebaceous glands, one of the main events in the development of acne.

 The effect of IGF-1 in response to increased insulin levels in the blood is also thought to be the cause of high incidence of acne following consumption of refined carbohydrates, the so-called high glycemic index foods. The same mechanism is responsible for the increased prevalence of acne among women suffering from the polycystic ovarian syndrome.

 It will be interesting if a few studies are undertaken to see whether milk derived from home grown cows fed on natural feeds and grass has any adverse effects on the natural course of acne.

As the food-acne relationship is no more a myth, acne affected teenagers would do well to avoid excessive intake of diary products and other food items that affect acne.

References:

•     Bowe PW, Joshi SS, Shalita AR. Diet and acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63:124-41

•     Ferdowsian HR & Levin S. Does Diet Really Affect Acne? Skin Therapy Letter 2010;15:3:1-2

•     Robinson HM. The acne problem. South Med J 1949; 42:1050-60.

•     Adebamowo C, Spiegelman D, Danby F, Frazier A, Willett W, Holmes M. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52:207–14.

 For more information about how to get clear skin, go to UtahAcneClinic.com. Our Skin Therapists will also go over other food and supplements to avoid during your consultation. 

Hair Care Products and Acne

During this series on pore clogging ingredients, we have talked extensively about many different products that you use on your face, but what other types of products cause breakouts? Your hair comes in direct contact with your face most of the day, so your hair products are going to affect your acne. In fact, using acne safe products on your hair is just as important as using acne safe products on your face.

 Hair products without pore-clogging ingredients are a bit tricky to find. As far as we know, there is no special brand that creates shampoo, conditioner, etc specifically for acne prone skin. This means that we need to check all the ingredients on every bottle of hair product we buy and use.

 Natural Products:

Some clients decide to go a very natural route and make homemade shampoo to keep their skin safe or buy their hair care from a health food store. However, just because the products were handmade or from a health food store does not mean they are safe for acne prone skin. Always check ingredients before purchasing or creating a product to make sure it is safe and will not clog pores.  Our pore-clogging list is available at UtahAcneClinic.com.

If you would like to use products with a more natural base it is rather important to watch out for the following ingredients. These are great natural oils that can be very beneficial for those who do not suffer from acne, but they will cause breakouts if you are acne prone.

Cocoa butter

Mink oil

Wheat germ oil

Olive oil

Coconut oil

Coconut butter

Soybean oil

Caster oil

Other essential oils

Not So Natural Products:

We also have clients who use Pureology, ColorProof and some AG HairCare products without aggravating their acne. If you would like to go this route with your shampoo and conditioner, please check every individual bottle of product you use for new and unsafe ingredients.

If you are suffering from acne and have questions about the products you are using or on how to ultimately clear your skin, please call the Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City. We are here to guide you on your journey to a clear complexion.

Fighting Acne and Dry Skin

 

The best way to clear acne is to fight your breakouts with the right products. To be successful in controlling acne you may need to implement more aggressive products like creams and serums with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Although these products are the key to success in clearing your skin, they can cause you to dry out.

Most acne sufferers think that drying their skin out is the best way to be aggressive in fighting acne. The reality is that dryness is not the answer to clearing skin, but rather a consequence from product use. Dryness is common in all people who are fighting acne, especially in the winter.

So, the real key to success in clearing your skin is to fight your breakouts and your dryness at the same time! You need to be doing this because dry skin actually aids in breakouts. When your skin is dry, you naturally produce more oil. This is because your skin is trying to make up for lost moisture. Excess oil is never good for acne sufferers.  

If you are working on clearing your acne on your own, there are some simple things that you can do to keep moisture in your skin. (We suggest these habits to our clients as well.)

1.     Make sure to drink a lot of water.

2.     Shower in warm water, not hot!

3.     Don’t over cleanse. Only wash your face in the morning and night. If you are working out, use toner to get rid of extra sweat and make sure to moisturize afterwards.

4.     Make sure to always use moisturizer, even if your face does not feel dry.

Just like clearing acne, keeping moisturized is easiest and most successful when working with an Acne Specialist. Our clinic located in Salt Lake City will help you find the perfect balance of acne fighting ingredients and moisture. We will be with you every step of the way and make slight changes in your regimen to ensure the best progress and clearing outcome in your skin. Here’s a more detailed look at the steps we take to keep our client’s skin from drying out while fighting their acne.

 1.    We understand that some dryness will happen while using our products. These products are not sold over-the-counter so they will be stronger. While it is important to realize that there will be some dryness, we can help you manage the dryness while your skin is getting used to the products.

2.    We will ease you into using the stronger products. You need to take your time and use lighter products before you start using the most aggressive creams and serums. We will ensure that you are taking baby steps so your skin doesn't have severe reactions.

3.    We will put you on a water-based hydrator right away. Our Moisture Gel is a great layer to add under your sunscreen in the morning and benzoyl peroxide at night. This is a moisturizer without oil that will not cause the benzoyl peroxide to stop doing its job.

4.    We might suggest that you take a 1-3 day break from your routine if your skin is getting extremely dry. After your break, you will start right where you left off. Although a break may be helpful, too many breaks will stop you from clearing. If you have chronic dryness, we will change up your daily product routine and ensure you are not drying out while you are clearing up.

At  Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City, we are here to help you clear your skin in the best way possible. This includes keeping your skin from drying out. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment today!