Treating acne can be quite a challenge because there are multiple factors that come into play. When I am treating my clients, I use a holistic approach that addresses ALL concerns related to acne: hormones, genetics, excess skin shedding, oil control, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Traditional acne treatments such as Accutane, antibiotics, and prescription creams only offer temporary relief (I like to call this the “band-aid approach”). Focusing on the root causes of acne, which can be more than one, has had the most success not only for my personal skin journey but also for many of my clients.
Common things I have my clients start with include checking their homecare products such as lip balms, shampoo/conditioner, hair sprays/gels, and lotions they apply daily. Most of these popular brands for these items are high in pore-clogging ingredients that worsen acne. Common lip products like Vaseline, lanolin, and Aquaphor are known to clog pores.
Adjusting your diet to include anti-inflammatory foods and foods low in androgens and iodides has significantly shown to improve skin and gut health. We call this the gut-skin axis. The gut-skin axis is the relationship between the gut and the skin and how it plays a role in our gut microbiome. Foods high in androgens (which are mostly dominant in males) are known to cause more inflammation and increase oil production. This can include peanuts, peanut butter, and peanut oil (yes, that includes Chick-fil-A!).
By Sierra Reynolds, Master Aesthetician
Lifestyle choices that can affect acne include smoking habits, work environment, stress levels, rest, detergents, birth control, picking at skin, sun exposure, swimming, pillowcases, chemicals, and so much more.
Recreational drugs, such as marijuana, can also affect acne. Marijuana is high in androgens, which can cause more inflammation and oil production. In general, smoking causes depletion of collagen and dehydrates the skin.
When I am treating a new client for an acne consultation, I like to have a detailed and in-depth conversation about what to expect, how I can help with the clearing process, and what is needed from my clients for compliance. The clearing process can be frustrating and time-consuming (on average, 3-6 months), but I am here to hold your hand each step of the way to make the process as smooth as possible.
Book with me in Ballston! See you soon.