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

Pore Clogging Ingredients: Foundations

Foundation is an everyday thing for most women and with a million different types of creams, powders and liquid foundations on the market - you can usually find the most perfect shade and coverage for your skin. Finding your everyday product is a tricky thing because foundations come in all shapes and sizes - but it is especially hard if you have acne prone skin, because you have to check every ingredient in your products on top of everything else.  

If you have been keeping up with our blog posts, you should already know that using products with pore-clogging ingredients will cause you to break out. This is why we urge anybody with acne prone skin to check and double check all ingredients in their products. Since foundation is in direct contact with your entire face, everyday - it is especially important to make sure you are using a product that is safe for your skin.

 Unfortunately, some of the most popular foundations right now are unsafe for acne prone skin. Read on to learn about some products that you shouldn’t be using and why.  

Laura Mercier: Many of Laura Mercier’s foundations contain pore-clogging ingredients such as hydrogenated coco-glycerides which is Coconut Oil. It would be a great decision for acne sufferers to stay away from these products. We have seen breakouts with the tinted moisturizer among other foundations. Even the mineral powder is not safe for acne prone people.

 Tart-Amazinian Clay: This product contains potassium chloride, which is on the pore-clogging list. This foundation will cause you to breakout.

 Urban Decay: Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup contains sodium chloride, this ingredient is rated high on the pore clogging list. It is not safe for those of us who are acne prone.

 Nars: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is made with algae extract, another pore-clogging ingredient. It’s hard to stay away from the shades that Nars has in foundations, blushes and bronzers because they really are beautiful--but if you’re acne prone these products will cause you to breakout.

MAC: MAC Studio Fix, MAC Mineralize Foundation, and MAC Select Sheer Loose Powder, just to name a few all contain different pore-clogging ingredients from Sodium Chloride to Wheat Germ Oil.  Although all of us love MAC products, these types of foundations are not suitable for those of us who suffer from acne.

If you want a foundation that is not only safe for your skin, but also beneficial in fighting your acne, use Priia Minerale-Derm.  Priia has a loose powder foundation as well as a cream stick which provides amazing coverage and wouldn’t clog your pores. Along with foundations, Priia also makes a beautiful bronzer “Vacation in a Jar” and many wonderful shades of blush, lipsticks and concealers.  The entire line of Priia Minerale-Derm makeup is 100% acne safe and will never contain pore-clogging ingredients.

If you would like to learn more about clearing your acne and using the best products for your skin, gives us a call or visit our website at UtahAcneClinic.com were located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Rundown on Clear Skin: Lifestyle Changes to Deal with Acne / Part 2

In our last post, we introduced the first set of lifestyle changes that you will need to achieve clear skin. In this post, we will go over the last 4 changes you need to make in your everyday program to keep your pores clean and skin clear. We urge you to start practicing these habits every day, as soon as possible - but we do warn you that these lifestyle changes are not enough to clear your skin. You also need to start a guided regimen of extractions and product use right away. When you pair these lifestyle changes with our clearing program, you will achieve clear skin.

1. Make sure you are using the correct birth control.

While many people assume that birth control will automatically clear your skin, the reality is that many birth controls can actually cause your skin to break out. Overall, it is best to avoid low-estrogen birth control pills. Please see our post on Acne and Birth Control to learn more about the safest birth control methods for acne sufferers. In general, we suggest staying away from IUD’s, implants and birth control shots. Please consult our list of safe birth control methods before choosing your pill. 

2. Always, always, always check the ingredients of your cosmetics.

If you suffer from acne, you cannot use cosmetics OR hair products that contain pore-clogging ingredients. Products that contain pore clogging ingredients will absolutely make you break out. Please see our list of pore clogging ingredients and make sure to check the products you are buying every time you purchase them. 

3. Wear your sunscreen!

While the best way to keep your skin safe from the sun is to limit your exposure, we do understand that sun exposure is just a part of life. Really though, the sun is great and the best things happen outdoors, so if you can’t limit your time in the sun - make sure to wear sunscreen every day. We ask you to do this because sun exposure damages the follicle, causes hyper pigmentation, skin cancer and premature aging. Too much sun exposure can also cause “solar acne” later in life. Acne sufferers also see more breakouts in warm climates with heat and humidity.

4. Protect your skin when you swim!

When swimming in pools make sure to protect your skin with Aquaphor. Most pools will contain Iodides and Chlorine because of their disinfectants. The Iodides and Chlorine can remain in the water and cause breakouts for swimmers. If you protect your skin with a layer of Aquaphor, you are less likely to breakout and irritate your acne prone skin.

 Remember that you should be making these changes while working with a Skincare and Acne Specialist who can guide your journey to a clear complexion by implementing deep cleansing treatments and finding the right product for your acne type. Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Salt Lake City can help.  Give us a call

The Run Down on Clear Skin: Lifestyle Changes to Control your Acne / Part 1

If we have said it once, we will say it a million times again - the best way to clear acne is to consistently use the correct products. While we absolutely suggest using  these products to keep your pores clear, there are a few things you can do at home that will help with your breakouts while using our product regimen.  

Over the next two posts, we are going to discuss a few lifestyle changes that are proven to support our clearing process and keep your pores clean. You should be making these changes while working with Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City. We will add safe extractions and a guided program of product use to your new lifestyle choices and your acne won’t stand a chance against the both of us together!

 Here are the first 4 changes you need to make at home. Keep an eye out for our next post - where we will discuss the last 4 lifestyle changes. All together, these 8 new habits will become essential in clearing your skin.

 1.    Stay away from iodides like iodized salt.

You've probably heard that staying away from chocolate or greasy foods will help keep your skin clear, but those aren't the most dangerous foods for acne sufferers. In reality, iodides are the real problem. Please watch out for food, vitamins and sports drinks that contain iodides, iodine or potassium iodides. This includes too much shellfish, seaweed, fast foods and dairy products.  

2. No “high androgen” foods.

Foods that are “high androgen” include peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ, shellfish & organ meats. These contain hormones that irritate acne. Skip the peanut butter on your morning toast from now on! Almond butter is a better choice.

3.  Consult our list of pore clogging ingredients when buying your cosmetics.

You need to start looking at all the ingredients in your makeup, body wash and hair products. Stay away from products that contain these ingredients. We suggest using Priia Cosmetics, which you can get at the Skintherapy Acne Clinic.  

4. Change the way you do laundry.

First, please only use fragrance-free detergents such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free or Arm & Hammer Free. Make sure to check your detergents like you check the ingredients in your cosmetics. You also need to eliminate all fabric softeners, especially on your pillow cases. Fabric softeners leave a waxy residue on your sheets that can clog pores on those of us who are acne prone. We suggest using dryer balls if you are still worried about static in your laundry. 

In the end, lifestyle changes can be just as important to your clearing process as our products. You will need both to achieve clear skin and we will provide continual support to you in both areas. Please give us a call and schedule your appointment to learn more about clearing your skin!