Archive for April, 2009

Pregnancy and Acne

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

It’s a common fact that pregnancy can make acne-prone skin worse. The hormonal fluctuations can really wreak havoc with the skin.  As far as using products to help keep the acne at bay, we require a list of ingredients that they should avoid while pregnant from the client’s ob/gyn. We have found that most doctors will allow the use of benzoyl peroxide.

Another area of consideration besides topical products however, are the pre-natal vitamins that women are required to take while pregnant. Many of them have high levels of iodides which can really irritate the follicle walls and make acne worse. Two brands of pre-natal vitamins that do not have iodides are as follows:

  • Duet DHA - Rx only along with Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements
  • Stuart Natal Pre-Natal Vitamins (which are over the counter).

As far as in-clinic acne treatments are concerned, since we cannot use our mild chemical peels solutions on pregnant women, we now have microdermabrasion treatments that can give the exfoliation needed while treating acne.

For more information about acne and getting clear go to our website.

Face Reality Acne Clinic

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Posted in Acne Skin Care, Pregnancy and Acne | 2 Comments »

One Diet Drug That Can Makes Acne Worse

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Recently, I had a client who was taking the drug phentermine to help her achieve her weight-loss goals. She had a combination of inflamed and noninflamed acne for which we had given her an aggressive home care routine. Even though we were treating the acne aggressively and strengthening her homecare every two weeks, her skin just wasn’t making any progress.

She then decided on her own to stop taking the  phentermine. It was amazing how quickly the inflamed acne subsided. Really, within just a few days of stopping, her skin looked completely different. We now are working to clear up the little bit of noninflamed acne she has left.

Always let us know if you are taking any medication, or start taking any medications while you are working with us. It can make the difference between clear skin and not.

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Posted in Acne Skin Care | 1 Comment »

It Looks Like Acne But It’s Folliculitis

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009
a typical case of folliculitis that looks just like acne.

a typical case of folliculitis that looks just like acne.

There is a skin condition called folliculitis that can look just like acne. It looks like small, noninflamed bumps that frequently shows up on the forehead, but can be anywhere on the face or body.  This skin condition fooled me for years; and I remember being so frustated that this “acne” wouldn’t respond to acne treatments or products. Oftentimes, people can have a combination of both acne and folliculitis.

What is folliculitis?
It is an inflammation of the hair follicles most often caused by a fungal or yeast infection. It can remain dormant for long periods of time and then flare up with humid weather. There are bacterial forms as well and one must be tested to know which it is. (However, trying to find a doctor to test for it has been extremely exasperating - they think it’s acne too….). We can tell that is folliculitis by the way it extracts much differently than an acne lesion. Also, if it’s a condition that “comes and goes” then that is a clue that is is folliculitis and not acne.

It can be caused from the extended use of antibiotics, the use of steroids, oily skin, humidity, occlusive clothing, heavy moisturizers and the use of hot tubs/spas.

How to treat folliculitis

  • Mandelic cleansers and serums are great as an antifungal remedy.
  • Keep the affected areas dry - applying “Gold Bond Powder” can help keep the skin dry (on the body).
  • Avoid sugar and yeast containing foods (bread, alcohol, processed/frozen foods, sandwich meat and dairy).
  • Cotton clothing and cotton sheets are best. Avoid use of fabric softener.

For more information about this condition and for acne, go to our website.

Face Reality Acne Clinic

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Posted in Acne Skin Care, Folliculitis | 15 Comments »

Omega 3 Fish Oil to Reduce Inflammation

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that many of us who suffer from chronic inflammatory acne may benefit from taking relatively higher doses (1000-1700mg) of purified omega- 3 oils present mostly in wild ocean fish such as salmon, mackerel, cod and herring.

Omega-3 oils are anti-inflammatory and the body utilizes them in many ways. Of particular relevance to acne sufferers, they may help regulate hormones and in addition help to shorten the intensity of your breakout.

Our estheticians have found the supplements to be particularly helpful with the hormonal breakouts around the chin and jawline area that women suffer during their cycle.

Please note: that although there is no known toxicity associated with using fish oils over long term, you should check with your physician particularly if you have a chronic underlying illness or are pregnant.

We now carry a high-quality fish oil supplement Source Naturals to help with your acne. Our fish oil capsules are of therapeutic quality and are enteric coated to help assimilate the omega-3‘s in the most efficient way possible. In addition they are formulated not to have a fishy after taste and are guaranteed burp free.

Please take 1capsule/2 capsules with the lightest meal of the day.

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Posted in Acne Skin Care | 1 Comment »

Hello faces!

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Welcome to Face Reality Acne Clinic Blog! We are excited to bring you up-to-date information on getting your skin clear and keeping it clear. We will be touching on other aspects of skin care as well - healthy skin is our passion and we want to share it.

If you have stumbled across this blog without seeing our website first, know that we also have tons of articles there that are of interest to the acne sufferer.  Face Reality Acne Clinic

We welcome comments on our posts - we are looking forward to dialogueing with you about your skin care concerns.

Cheers

Laura

Posted in Acne Skin Care | No Comments »