Acne is an inherited disorder of the pores where dead skin cells shed faster than normal, leading to the formation of microcomedones. The acne-prone pore sheds up to five layers of dead skin cells per day and the body just can’t keep up. These turn into blackheads or congestion under the skin, or inflamed pimples, pustules, and cysts if bacteria is present.

Acne can take up to 90 days to form, so it may take several months to control and clear it. A customized home care regimen and regular treatments from a Certified Acne Specialist can help. Adjustments to the regimen and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding pore-clogging ingredients and reducing stress, may also be necessary. Consistency and commitment to the regimen are crucial for success, and progress will be closely monitored to ensure the best results in the shortest amount of time.

Regular skin assessments every 2-4 weeks allow for adjustments to home care to be made, preventing skin from becoming used to products and ensuring effective treatment without dryness or irritation. Failure to make adjustments can cause progress to stall, and if you are unable to attend treatment, contacting an Acne Specialist for new instructions is important.

To achieve clear and healthy skin, follow a custom home care regimen twice daily, receive treatments and assessments from an esthetician every two weeks, and make lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding pore-clogging ingredients in skin and hair products. A Certified Acne Specialist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your regimen as necessary for optimal results. Regular assessments ensure your regimen remains effective without causing irritation or dryness. Contact your specialist for home care adjustments if unable to attend treatments.

REST AND STRESS

Stress stimulates the adrenal gland which promotes oil production that can lead to clogged pores in the acne-prone individual.

SUN EXPOSURE AND ACNE

Although sun exposure causes drying, it also damages the follicle, causes dark spots, skin cancer & premature aging. Always wear SPF in any weather.

LAUNDRY TALK

Fabric softeners can cause skin irritation & clog pores for acne-prone skin. Try anti-static dryer balls instead. Fragrance-free detergents are a better choice to avoid irritation, and always check for pore-clogging ingredients in your detergent.

BIRTH CONTROL + HORMONES

Many birth controls may aggravate acne-prone skin due to higher levels of different hormones, but some forms are used to treat acne. Discuss the best birth control method for you with your dr. Progesterone hormone replacements and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can also exacerbate acne.

BREAKOUTS NEAR MOUTH

Check ingredients in lip balms, toothpastes, & facial tissues, as many contain pore-clogging ingredients. Ask you Skin Specialist fo recommendations.

RESIST PICKING OR SQUEEZING

Rub ice on breakouts for a couple of minutes, 2x day. IMPORTANT: if you pick, squeeze, and break the skin, that scab will leave a red or dark mark that will be there for months longer than if you left it alone.

PILLOWCASES

It is important to change pillowcases often. Oil & other products (such as hair care) can leave build up & contribute to clogged pores.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Prescription drugs that may exacerbate acne include some topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, thyroid medications, fertility drugs, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfiram, and drugs that treat ADD/ADHD.

MORE

Using recreation drugs like marijuana can exacerbate acne. Coal tars, grease, chlorine, potassium chloride and dioxin can exacerbate acne.

Checking all products for pore-clogging ingredients such as hair care, body & hand soaps & lotions, fragrance, etc. used in your daily life can make a huge impact on skin concerns.

Eliminating foods or food groups completely is not the goal, but moderating is recommended. Everyone’s acne triggers are different- this is a guideline of common foods known to trigger acne.

MAY AGGREVATE ACNE PRONE SKIN SUBSTITUTE SUGGESTIONS

Iodides & Iodized salt (substitute with sea salt, unidolized salt, Celtic salt)

Milk (organic + nonfat) (substitute with almond, coconut, rice milks)

Cheese (substitute with nut cheeses)

Whey or soy protein (substitute with pea protein, egg white powder, hemp)

Soy products: tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame, soy sauce

Seafood: shellfish, cod, scallops (substitute with fresh water fish: lake trout, bass, catfish)

Spirulina, chlorella, blue-green algae

Kelp, miso, seaweed (including supplements)

Vitamins with iodides, iodine, kelp, potassium iodides, biotin, B12

Peanuts, peanut butter (substitute with almond butter, nut butters

Peanut oil, corn oil, canola oil (substitute with olive oil, coconut oil)

Shellfish

FOODS ASSOCIATED WITH EXCATERBATING ACNE & INFLAMMATION

Trans Fats- cakes, pies, cookies, biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, margarine

(stick/tub), crackers, microwave popcorn, donuts

Overheated fats- baked foods/fried at high temperatures

Excess sugar

Omega-6 oils- most vegetable oils

SUPPLEMENTS FOUND USEFUL IN AIDING ACNE RECOVERY

Anti-inflammatory Supplements- Zinc Monomethionine

Omega 3 Fish Oils

Probiotics for gut health support

FOODS THAT MAY SUPPORT SKIN CLARITY/ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPORT

Supportive foods- ceylon cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, green tea (especially matcha)

Antioxidant “Helper”- selenium rich foods, brazil nuts, pinto beans, halibut, wild-caught salmon, oats, navy beans, chicken, spinach

Anti-inflammatory Support- turmeric, ginger

Foods high in B3- cremini mushrooms, tuna, chicken breast, fish (halibut, salmon, sardines), leafy greens, asparagus

Foods high in Omega 3- fatty fish, salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel, anchovies, herring, white fish, omega 3 enriched eggs, walnuts, deep leafy greens, spinach, kale, watercress, blueberries, hemp seeds, mustard seed, Brussels sprouts, winter squash, navy beans

Well balanced low-glycemic diet

Following is a list of reminders that you may need to consider during your program based off your Acne Specialist’s recommendations, home care regimen, and treatment plan.

ACNE MED PRECAUTIONS

Do not use Acne Med on your neck or eye area as it will cause irritation.

Do not use eye cream or moisturizer around the eyes or neck to avoid Acne Med product transfer.

Allow your Acne Med to dry before going to bed. When you are wearing acne med all night, it will get on the pillowcase.

Smile line area tends to be the most sensitive area on the face and will be the first place you see irritation and dryness. You can put a very thin layer of Vaseline on this area to occlude it for a few days and then resume product use there.

Do not wear Acne Med when you are exercising or sweating to avoid irritation.

Acne Med will bleach fabric, so we suggest wearing a white shirt and using white pillowcases. Wash your hands with soap after using it to avoid bleaching towels.

Allergies to benzoyl peroxide are rare. Dry skin does not constitute an allergic reaction; rather an allergy is characterized by itching, swelling or burning associated with a rash (similar to a mild case of poison ivy dermatitis). If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using Acne Med and contact us immediately.

Use religiously. If you skip a day or two, or only spot treat, it gives a chance for acne to form. You will never get clear if you skip your home care.

Expect your skin to get a bit dry while getting used to the Acne Med. This is normal; however, if your skin gets uncomfortably dry, please contact us so we can adjust your home care regimen. Do NOT just stop using your Acne Med until the next time you have an appointment.

It is important to avoid use of this list of ingredients to avoid in all skin care, acne care, makeup, and hair products. Do not ever put anything on your skin or your hair without checking the ingredients first, even if it says “Won’t Clog Pores” or “Non- Comedogenic” on the bottle.

Natural oils can be some of the worst offenders, like cocoa butter and coconut oil which are found in many “organic” skin care lines. Other oils such as jojoba, olive, and lanolin are mildly comedogenic and can be a problem if formulated with other comedogenic ingredients. Some prescription products like the cream form of Retin-A have pore cloggers. Many over-the-counter acne medications also have pore clogging ingredients. Oil-free” products can be comedogenic.

Check your products by using our acne safe product checker here.