Clear Skin is Possible!
Hi, my name is Cielo, and I suffer from acne. It is a chronic inflammatory dis-ease that can stem from/get aggravated by: viruses, bacteria or yeast overgrowth, toxins, internal imbalances, constipation, food intolerance, medication, malnutrition, hormonal imbalance, poor diet, poor hygiene, incorrect product selection, friction, repressed anger/emotions, stress and lifestyle choices, among many things.
Topically, acne can formed by a combination of retention hyper-keratosis (excessive thickening of the skin), excess oil production and propionibacterium acnes (acne bacteria). Holistically, acne can be a true blessing in disguise because it is a form of communication from your body to you, telling you what it needs to be corrected internally.
I have done extensive research due to my lifelong battle with acne, from home remedies to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to Western Esthetics. I have done everything from Accutane to a complete holistic approach. There is no easy end-all cure for it, and each individual has their own unique makeup, but I've found out that it is manageable and you can have clear skin despite how persistent your current or past breakouts have been. I use an integrative approach of topical and internal care with lifestyle tweaks. Here are some tips that can get you on your journey to a more confident you. (Check out my before and after photo.) For my recommended products, click on the highlighted links through Amazon.
FIRST: take this Acne Quiz to find out the root of your acne by Dr. Stacey Shillington.
Topically, acne can formed by a combination of retention hyper-keratosis (excessive thickening of the skin), excess oil production and propionibacterium acnes (acne bacteria). Holistically, acne can be a true blessing in disguise because it is a form of communication from your body to you, telling you what it needs to be corrected internally.
I have done extensive research due to my lifelong battle with acne, from home remedies to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to Western Esthetics. I have done everything from Accutane to a complete holistic approach. There is no easy end-all cure for it, and each individual has their own unique makeup, but I've found out that it is manageable and you can have clear skin despite how persistent your current or past breakouts have been. I use an integrative approach of topical and internal care with lifestyle tweaks. Here are some tips that can get you on your journey to a more confident you. (Check out my before and after photo.) For my recommended products, click on the highlighted links through Amazon.
FIRST: take this Acne Quiz to find out the root of your acne by Dr. Stacey Shillington.
Clearing Regimen
1. CLEANSE
Wash with a gentle, non-medicated, non-drying gel cleanser morning and night.
2. EXFOLIATE
Since acne sufferers tend to produce 5x more skin than the average person, we need to exfoliate more regularly. Use a 10% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) pad or serum every other night to reduce excess skin that can lead to pore build up. If you have more resilient skin, or more persistent acne, exfoliate nightly.
3. TREAT BACTERIA
Proliferation of acne bacteria is what triggers the infection which turns into a pimple. Minimize acne bacteria with a 5% benzoyl peroxide treatment and apply every other night, alternating with the AHA. If you have more resilient skin, or more persistent acne, apply nightly after exfoliation. If your acne is consistently severe, you may need to level up to a 10% benzoyl peroxide treatment.
For clean beauty advocates, use a 5% tea tree gel treatment (or make your own DIY tea tree gel). Tea tree works a bit slower, so be patient.
REDUCE EXCESS OIL
4. Use an oil-free moisturizer and limit oil in your entire regimen as much as possible. For certain types of acne, oil can feed fungus and bacteria and can lead to more breakouts. Oil and water don't mix, so boosting your hydration levels will calm oil production, so I suggest using a water-based serum like hyaluronic acid and/or an organic aloe vera gel underneath your moisturizer, daily, morning and night ON DAMP SKIN. Another note-worthy serum is one containing niacinamide, aka Vitamin B3, which helps to decrease sebum production and can reduce pore size. (Apply all serums on damp skin for better absorption). SPF daily is a MUST. A loose mineral SPF absorbs oil and won't clog your pores.
BREATHE-ABLE MAKEUP
5. If you wear makeup, I highly encourage you to wear mineral makeup and avoid using heavy cream foundation/concealer. Makeup is a key offender in causing acne and many are made with petrochemicals that are congesting and can make you more sun sensitive with out the use of an SPF. (Know anyone who sun bathed with baby oil? A huge DON'T.)
NOTE:
Remember, acne is chronic and even after you clear up, daily maintenance is still required. Start modestly and work up to your skin's tolerance to avoid adverse reactions or purging. Also, do not pick - it will worsen your condition. Rub ice on it instead, avoid touching your face and see a licensed professional for regular facials with sanitary extractions.
Now, continue below to clear your skin from the INSIDE.
Fave Supplement for Hormonal Acne:
DIM (Diindolylmethane): derived from cruciferous vegetables, this helps your liver detox excess estrogen and xenoestrogens (hormone mimickers) which can lead to estrogen dominance which side effects include cystic acne, weight gain, PCOS, or worst case scenario, cancer. Learn more about the amazing benefits of DIM. Use as directed. Check out my internal care page for better results.
Post Acne Scarring:
For atrophic scarring (indentations) I recommended, not only professional microneedling, but at-home microneedling. The home results are great and cost friendly. I recommend checking out Banish Acne Scars Banisher stamp. Check out the site for before and after photos or on their Instagram account.
Wash with a gentle, non-medicated, non-drying gel cleanser morning and night.
2. EXFOLIATE
Since acne sufferers tend to produce 5x more skin than the average person, we need to exfoliate more regularly. Use a 10% alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) pad or serum every other night to reduce excess skin that can lead to pore build up. If you have more resilient skin, or more persistent acne, exfoliate nightly.
3. TREAT BACTERIA
Proliferation of acne bacteria is what triggers the infection which turns into a pimple. Minimize acne bacteria with a 5% benzoyl peroxide treatment and apply every other night, alternating with the AHA. If you have more resilient skin, or more persistent acne, apply nightly after exfoliation. If your acne is consistently severe, you may need to level up to a 10% benzoyl peroxide treatment.
For clean beauty advocates, use a 5% tea tree gel treatment (or make your own DIY tea tree gel). Tea tree works a bit slower, so be patient.
REDUCE EXCESS OIL
4. Use an oil-free moisturizer and limit oil in your entire regimen as much as possible. For certain types of acne, oil can feed fungus and bacteria and can lead to more breakouts. Oil and water don't mix, so boosting your hydration levels will calm oil production, so I suggest using a water-based serum like hyaluronic acid and/or an organic aloe vera gel underneath your moisturizer, daily, morning and night ON DAMP SKIN. Another note-worthy serum is one containing niacinamide, aka Vitamin B3, which helps to decrease sebum production and can reduce pore size. (Apply all serums on damp skin for better absorption). SPF daily is a MUST. A loose mineral SPF absorbs oil and won't clog your pores.
BREATHE-ABLE MAKEUP
5. If you wear makeup, I highly encourage you to wear mineral makeup and avoid using heavy cream foundation/concealer. Makeup is a key offender in causing acne and many are made with petrochemicals that are congesting and can make you more sun sensitive with out the use of an SPF. (Know anyone who sun bathed with baby oil? A huge DON'T.)
NOTE:
Remember, acne is chronic and even after you clear up, daily maintenance is still required. Start modestly and work up to your skin's tolerance to avoid adverse reactions or purging. Also, do not pick - it will worsen your condition. Rub ice on it instead, avoid touching your face and see a licensed professional for regular facials with sanitary extractions.
Now, continue below to clear your skin from the INSIDE.
Fave Supplement for Hormonal Acne:
DIM (Diindolylmethane): derived from cruciferous vegetables, this helps your liver detox excess estrogen and xenoestrogens (hormone mimickers) which can lead to estrogen dominance which side effects include cystic acne, weight gain, PCOS, or worst case scenario, cancer. Learn more about the amazing benefits of DIM. Use as directed. Check out my internal care page for better results.
Post Acne Scarring:
For atrophic scarring (indentations) I recommended, not only professional microneedling, but at-home microneedling. The home results are great and cost friendly. I recommend checking out Banish Acne Scars Banisher stamp. Check out the site for before and after photos or on their Instagram account.
Acne Tips
- Do not take a solo Biotin supplement, here's why.
- Don't touch or pick your face- it causes more breakouts
- Keep hair out of your face (bedtime-sleep with a high bun)
- Clean cell phones and glasses daily
- Wash your pillow case and makeup brushes weekly
- For makeup, go mineral: it is non-comedogenic
- Get rid of your magnified mirror (a picker's delight)
- Don't wear makeup while working out and wash your face immediately afterwards
- Maintain stress levels with gentle exercise, meditation and pampering
- Be dedicated to your skincare/internal care routine
- Avoid plastics-they contain hormone disrupting BPA
- Routinely wash your hands/use a non-toxic hand sanitizer
Professional Treatments
I highly encourage monthly facials for maintaining clarity, hydration, even-tone and cell renewal.
Visit me at Face Haus West Hollywood.
My Treatment Suggestions:
Visit me at Face Haus West Hollywood.
My Treatment Suggestions:
- World of a Difference Facial
- Beam Me Up (LED Light Therapy by LightStim)
- Universal A-Peel (Superficial Chemical Exfoliation)
- Buff Love (Microdermabrasion Physical Exfoliation)
- Power to the Pores (Full Face Extractions)
- Have a Blast (Oxygen Treatment)
Patience
Good things take time, so please be patient, refrain from judging or criticizing yourself and allow the process to unfold in your body's own unique way. Every body is unique and has its own healing timeline and root causes. Love and support your body as much as possible. Focus on your greater well-being by putting yourself first and everything else will fall into place. xoxox, Cielo
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