What Causes Acne?

Acne is caused by Genetics and Hormones. Some Steroids, and contraceptives can cause acne since these medications both affect hormone levels. Pore clogging cosmetics that do not allow the skin to breathe or are occlusive on the skin will contribute to clogging pores. Dirty makeup sponges are loaded with bacteria so change them often. Wash pillowcases often as well, and wipe down cell phones daily. Stress raises your hormone levels as well and can have an affect on acne for sure. Menstral Cycle, again hormones.

Another reason is dead skin cells on the top layer of skin preventing oil from secreting through hair follicle. This causes a "traffic jam" in the pore. Dead skin cells block and hold in oil and debri which turns into bacteria and whala! You now have a black head, white head, or a pustule ( the icky ones full of yucky stuff) and you are frustrated! We need to keep the dead skin cells exfoliated so oils can secrete naturally. Do not over exfoliate! Too much will cause your skin to freak out and actually produce more oils to compensate for the oils that you are stripping away. Moderation and a GENTLE exfoliation are key. Please do not use St. Ives Apricot Scrub on your face. It is too harsh and actually tears your skin and spreads the bacteria. Image has a wonderful enzyme mask and manual scrub for the face.

You need to get on a skin care regimen that will

1. Cleanse appropriately for your skin type & condition. Do not use a creme or milky based cleanser, these are too heavy and will clog your pores. Use a gel based cleanser with ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, Benzoil Peroxide, Sulfur, glycolic Acid.

2. Exfoliate- You need to speed up your cell turnover to prevent the " traffic Jam" from happening in your pores. This will also give your complexion a fresh glow by  ridding dull lifeless skin cells and unvieling the fresh new ones underneath. Two needs met at one time, yay!

4. Repair & Manage Acne-  Managing Acne means maintenance and you will probably want to clear up any hyperpigmentation problems after getting the acne in under control'

If you have hyperpigmentation ( red or dark spots) from former acne, we have treatments & products for that. Skin lightners to lighten "acne scarring" with Hydroquinone seem to have the fastest and best results.

Precautions

• Switch to a mineral make-up line. All natural minerals allow your skin to breath and function normally, does not clog pores, and believe it or not, it gives really great coverage. Come to the Salon and get a color match.

• Wash face in the AM & PM everyday with correct cleansers. Do not over wash because this will cause your body to produce more oils because your are stripping away its natural oils.

• Wash pillowcase often

• Wipe down your cell phone daily

• Use a gel cleanser with key ingredients of glycolic, salicylic

• Incorporate Salicylic Peels once a month to shrink pore size and reduce excess oil production into your skincare regimen.

• Avoid creamy or heavy moisturizers or sunscreens on face. Choose oil free Broad Spectrum.

• Skin will build up an immunity to even the best acne lines so its a good idea to switch up your skin care regimen every so often.

• Change your make up sponges often. You are applying make up over acne ( bacteria) and you are spreading it all over your face with the sponge! AHHH! Sponges are cheap.