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.

Tinted Moisturizers and BB Creams....Are They Acne Safe?

 

As times are changing and everything around us moves forward, makeup has followed suit. Moisturizers, concealers, and SPF have joined forces to create many different types of tinted moisturizers. These are often called CC and BB Creams and most of these new products are really exciting for women because they eliminate steps in your daily routine, as well as save you money. But, are these products safe for those of us that suffer from acne? 

 Most of the rules that apply for other products and acne sufferers also apply to these new products. If you suffer from acne, you need to check all the ingredients in your makeup before you put any type of tinted moisturizer or cream on your face. Most of the new creams are actually not okay for those of us that suffer from acne. Below are some examples of some popular tinted moisturizers that are not safe for acne prone skin.  See our pore clogging list on our website at UtahAcneClinic.com

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30: This is a very popular tinted moisturizer, but it contains Algae Extract - so acne sufferers need to stay away. 

Cover Girl CG Smoothers SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer: Cover Girl products have long been loved because of the cost and coverage, but those of us who suffer from acne can not enjoy the benefits of this CG smoother because it contains Isopropyl Palmitate. This pore clogging ingredient will make you break out. 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer: This is another popular drugstore beauty product that most women really benefit from, but it also causes breakouts. The Isopropyl Isostearate in this product is not safe for acne sufferers. 

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 2: If you suffer from acne, stay away from this cream. It contains Ethyhexyl Palmitate and that is a pore clogging ingredient. 

So, is there any 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 product that acne sufferers can use on their face? 
Unfortunately, there are not many products like this for those of us that suffer from acne. We have most of our clients achieve the tinted moisturizer look by mixing the Priia loose powder foundation with our safe moisturizer/sunscreen. This is defiantly a great technique for acne suffers and will not cause any breakouts. 

To learn more tips and tricks about makeup and acne, call the Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic located in Salt Lake City today! We can't wait to see you for a consultation and start clearing your skin!

Coconut Oil - Don’t Let The Hype Fool You-Pore Clogging Products: A Series

Coconut oil has exploded in the beauty market this year and while you probably have some friends that swear by the stuff for moisture, smell, etc. - it is a no no for acne sufferers.

With the popularity of coconut oil, many people have preached that this creamy oil can clear acne among all it’s other uses. Unfortunately this claim is not true. The thought behind coconut oil and clearing acne is that coconut oil contains acids with antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that help kill yeast and parasites. This boosts your immune system to fight infections. In theory, this fight against infections would also fight against acne breakouts. 

We know, it would be such a simple fix if coconut oil did help acne sufferers, but this theory is flawed because of the molecule in coconut oil. It is a very small molecule and it will CLOG your pores. Simple as that -  PLEASE BE AWARE - coconut oil is going to clog your pores, it is highly comedogenic. We have seen clients who have used the oil before coming into the clinic with increased breakouts where they slathered straight coconut oil or products containing the oil on their skin.

You need to stay away from any form of this stuff if you are acne prone! This includes shampoos, lotions, makeup products, etc.  Do not use coconut masks for your hair and stay away from “off the shelf” products that contain the oil.

We suggest you consult our list of pore clogging ingredients before buying any type of beauty product from the store and never let the hype of coconut oil touch your skin.

Below, we have listed some popular hair products that contain coconut oil. Please notice that coconut oil is in all types of hair products- including masques, mists, leave in conditioners, etc. As an acne sufferer you are required to check all ingredients in all of your products, even if they are the same brand.

Pureology Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque

The Pureology Precious Oil Softening Hair Masque is not safe for acne prone skin because the masque uses coconut oil to repair fading hair color and generally dry hair. This product is a great example of changes in product ingredients throughout the same brand. Pureology does have  acne safe shampoo and conditioner that many acne sufferers use daily. If you would have just assumed that this hair masque was safe because it was made by Pureology, you would have encountered breakouts within a few uses.  Always check the ingredients, even on products you have used before.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler
Coconut oil is one of 17 organic ingredients in this leave-in conditioner that detangles, hydrates, and strengthens hair. But will not be a friend to anyone who suffers from acne.

Carol's Daughter Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum

The headlining “up and coming” new oil called  monoi oil, comes from an exotic mixture of Coconut oil and flowers. Not a hair oil I would recommend if you’re acne prone.

Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner

Kiehl’s is a well known brand that works wonders on most skin and hair, but this conditioner will not work to keep acne sufferers safe from breakouts. This hydrating and lightweight conditioner contains coconut oil and will cause breakouts around the scalp.

Aveda’s Sun Care Soins Soleil

This water resistant spray contains coconut oil, palm oil and shea butter. Again, not safe for acne prone skin even though it’s a hair care product.

If you want to clear your acne, you need to use the correct products for your skin as well as your hair. SkintherapySkincare and Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City can put you on the right path towards clear skin find us at UtahAcneClinic.com and on Instagram at Skintherapyacneclinic.

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!

"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.

 

Tips for Treating Shaving Bumps & Acne

 If you are male and you shave your face - you might find that you experience a bumpy rash after trimming your beard. Shaving bumps can be common in men & we see this rashy reaction a lot at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic of Utah. If you suffer from Pseudofolliculitis Barbae, shaving bumps or acne on a regular basis - we can help you! Give us a call and schedule an appointment to talk with a trained acne specialist about the best methods to keep your skin clear at all times.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae is caused by inflammation in the hair follicles. Specifically, shaving bumps happen when hair gets trapped in the follicle. While working with you on treating your breakouts we would suggest some of the following habits.

1.     Never use electric razors: All brands and all models tend to be ultra-irritating no matter how strongly they are advertised to be "gentle" or "made for the neck.” Instead use a single blade razor.

2.    Always prep with warm water: If you prepare your face (or any area you’re shaving) with warm water, your skin will become more manageable due to hydration. The heat will also soften the hair, making the shaving process easier in the first place.

3.    Use the right products: The right shaving cream will help immensely to ensure that your razor will glide over your skin safely. It is also important to use safe, non pore-clogging face washes to keep your entire face clean before and after you shave. As specialists, we can suggest the best shaving creams as well as provide you with the correct face washes to reduce the potential for irritation.

4.    Go with the grain: You’re more likely to get bumps if you tend to shave close. Try to get into the habit of shaving with the grain – this usually means shaving down rather than up.

5.    Use a toner: Toners are post-cleansing products that are designed to get rid of any extra cleanser or dead skin cells that may linger after you wash your face. Our Skintherapy Acne Clinic toners are great to use as after-shaves. We also have moisturizers, mandellic serums and other products formulated with benzoyl peroxide—which can start killing acne-causing bacteria before it gets into your open follicles.

6.    Use Ice: Always ice your face after you shave. Icing is a huge help with inflammation and redness. Ice the area you previously shaved for about 2 minutes.

To learn more about clearing your skin and treating your shaving bumps visit us at Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Utah.

How to Get Rid of Blackheads

You've heard the term blackheads before - your friends could use the term regularly - your co- workers may talk about them at the office and your older sister never seemed to shut up about them while you were teenagers, but do you actually know that much about what a blackhead is? Read on for a few facts about blackheads and how to get rid of them.

 According to the US Library of Medicine, “blackheads are small, dark spots on the skin, caused by a small blockage in the opening of a pore.”

Blackheads have been considered to be the beginning of acne and much like all forms of acne, blackheads develop due the over production of dead skin in the pore, oil and bacteria.

How Blackheads are Formed

Sebum lubricates the hair and skin, and usually drains from pores. If the sebum/oil becomes blocked by excessive dead skin in the pore then bacteria begins to build up with no opening to the surface of the skin, a whitehead appears. A blackhead forms if the pore opens to the surface of the skin, allowing air to enter.

Why Blackheads are Black

Blackheads are dark in color because sebum contains melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color. When melanin is exposed to air - it turns dark. The dark color of blackheads does not mean they are dirty, and although scrubbing does help with blackheads, it will not completely remove them.

 Why blackheads on the Nose seem to come right back

Blackheads can show up anywhere on the face. As a skincare professional I mainly hear complaints about blackheads on the nose and under the lower lip.  Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips seem to be popular with blackhead sufferers. However that product doesn’t remove blackheads. Instead, the Biore Pore Strips remove sebaceous filaments from the nose.  You see the body produces these filaments in both the nose and lower lip area and they can be easily lifted out of the pore manually or with a strip.  They also return quickly because they are not blackheads and should be in the pore.

The Difference

Sebaceous filaments will be all the same size, extract and then return very quickly.  Blackheads will not be uniform in size compared to sebaceous filaments.  The blackheads need to be extracted and do not release as easily from the pore.  Blackheads may return but not as quickly as the filaments.  However, blackheads can be controlled by using the correct skincare products at home along with professional extractions.

If you are suffering with blackheads or searching for a way to eliminate blackheads and control acne Skintherapy Skincare and Acne Clinic in Salt Lake City can help.  Our Acne Specialists are trained in managing all types of acne including blackheads.  Give us a call.

Facts about Hormonal Acne

Hormones play a rather crucial part in most of my women client’s acne. In fact, more than 60% of acne-prone women will suffer with acne breakouts while going through hormonal changes. This includes events such as monthly periods, birth control changes, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

The majority of a women’s life is subject to many hormonal changes. Unlike men, who go through one huge hormonal change during puberty, we experience hormonal changes during pregnancies, breastfeeding, menopause and more. Women can actually suffer from hormonal imbalances on a monthly basis due to periods. Women have about one-tenth the androgens (“male” hormones including testosterone and DHEA-S) men have, but these androgens can contribute to acne for some women. Why? Because estrogen levels drop around two weeks after menstruation, testosterone and androgens stimulate the oil glands. This causes oil production to increase, making an acne flare-up much more likely.

The good news , female hormonal acne can be controlled.  The majority of my clients who previously suffered with monthly breakouts find that by using the right products and working with an acne specialist, like myself we can control those monthly breakouts from happening.

On the other end of the spectrum if you are a women trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are breastfeeding, Skintherapy Acne Clinic can work with your current situation and help minimize your hormonal acne.  We utilize safe acne treatments and the right products during your journey and we will work with your doctor to get their stamp of approval.  Hormonal acne can be extremely frustrating, but it can be treated and controlled so that you can keep hormonal acne and flare-ups at bay during your child bearing years.

To learn more about how to treat hormonal acne, contact Skintherapy Acne Clinic  in Salt Lake City.  Or for more information visit UtahAcneClinic.com

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

 

 

How to Cure Acne

 

You’ve dreamed of having clear skin but are still suffering from acne. You may have been a teenager when you got your first pimple and it may very well have followed you into adulthood.  You have probably tried products and programs which promised a cure to your acne but that promise never happened. You may have gone as far as taking some crazy prescription drugs such as Accutane, but those pesky pimples came back. Let me tell you why.  Acne can never be cured, but rather managed.  Think of diabetes as an example for comparable treatment patterns as acne. With the correct lifestyle choices, skincare and treatments, your skin can maintain a clear complexion, just as blood sugar can be maintained with the correct treatments and dietary habits. Although acne cannot be cured, an acne specialist can help you achieve clear skin by helping you control the acne with a personalized treatment plan.

Is there an Acne Cure?

Acne stems from genetic traits therefore it cannot be completely cured. If you are prone to acne, it usually runs in your family and unfortunately you can’ just throw out these traits.  A person without the acne trait sheds skin cells once a day in each pore, while those of us with the acne trait, shed skin cells up to seven a day. These skin cells clog our pores, ultimately causing acne and leaving us without an absolute cure.  

So if we can’t stop our skin cells from shedding, how do we maintain clear skin? This is a great question which many professionals, even dermatologists haven’t figured out.  However, an acne specialist just treats acne, and is an expert in the field of controlling acne.  An acne specialist will never offer you a cure.  Instead, they will clear out your pores and then use the correct products to keep the pores clean and your face clear.   

Here is what an acne specialist can do that’s different from a doctor, dermatologists or any other acne option available.  How do I know this? I’m an acne specialist. I’m also a previous employee of multiple doctors and dermatologist who haven’t had time in their busy schedules to really give their acne patients the attention they need. Most doctors see up to 40 patients per day so spending about five to ten minutes with each patient is the norm. But as an acne specialist we have the time to spend with our acne clients. In fact, we talk about everything that could be impacting their acne problems.  We start with a few lifestyle changes, to eliminate the use of any product or food that will intensify acne. This includes using shampoo, makeup, lotion, and laundry detergent without pore clogging ingredients. It also means staying away from milk or anything high in salt, among other things. Then, we start a routine of bi-weekly extractions and chemical peels, as well as a routine of using the correct products at home. Depending on one's progress every other week, we make subtle changes with product to ensure the safest and most successful clearing process. Eventually, pores are all cleared out and the habitual product use keeps them that way!  

For most people, the clearing process takes about 12 weeks, but every case is different and it can take various versions of the same treatment plan to get your skin clear. Using an acne specialist, who has worked with many skin types and acne types, is the best way to ensure the most successful plan for you! Without an absolute cure, the help of an acne specialist is the surest way to achieve results and treat your acne! 

To learn more about starting your successful acne treatment plan, call the Skintherapy Acne Clinic of Salt Lake City.  We are Acne Specialists we care and we can help!

 

How to Treat Acne on Black Skin

Ethnic Acne & Dark Spots

Acne affects people of all races & while acne can be treated on all skin types, acne treatments for darker skin tones need to be carefully monitored and managed.  

 Why?

Darker skin tones have more “active” melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells in the dermis that create pigment. Since these cells are more active, they are more likely to form pigment from any action at all, even during their treatments for acne.

 Deeper Skin Tones:

People of Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African and Asian decent have skin that can differ significantly when discussing dark spots and red spots left over from acne breakouts. 

These marks tend to be more stubborn and last longer in darker skin toned people. 

Along with stubborn marks and hyperpigmentation, people of African and Asian decent can produce hyperactive healing, which leads to Keloid Scars ( raised scars.) So when treating acne it is important to take into consideration the healing patterns of these clients to avoid anything that could prompt long lasting scars.

What to do if I have dark skin and acne?

The best advice is to work with a professional, or acne specialist who understands the character difference between skin types and ethnic skin tones.  This will ensure the safest approach and a successful clearing process. 

Remember clearing acne is not a one size fits all process.  That is why at Skintherapy Acne Clinic in Salt Lake City, Utah, we use products formulated to provide safe, effective results while working with you on a personalized basis until your skin is clear!

There is no need to worry about the fact that you have ethnic skin and acne. We have treated all skin tones and have the perfect process waiting for you to take advantage of and finally get rid of your acne.

Before and After Acne Treatments on Ethnic Client.



Before Skintherapy Acne Clinic



After Skintherapy Acne Clinic

 

Before Skintherapy Acne Clinic

After Skintherapy Acne Clinic

To learn more about how to treat acne on all skin types, please visit Skintherapy Acne Clinic in Utah.