Posts Tagged ‘zits’

BEHIND BEAUTY: The Truth About Adult Acne

Once I was out of my teen years, I thought I’d be acne free… No such luck. Adult acne can continue well into your 20s, 30s and beyond.

Unlike teenage acne, which is primarily triggered by hormonal fluctuations, Adult Acne can be triggered by a variety of causes. Clogged pores, Stress, hormones, inferior cosmetics, skincare and styling products, all contribute to adult acne.

Using inferior products is one of the largest Adult Acne causes. Some ingredients in non-professional makeup, hair and skin products can irritate skin, especially for sensitive skin. Oil based makeup and hair products can clog pores causing blackheads.  Once clogged, bacteria can grow inside the pore, causing it to erupt into a nasty red blemish. Instead, consult an esthetician to help you replace your acne-causing products with professional ones that help you achieve a clear complexion.

A regular exfoliation routine is a key component in preventing breakouts and keeping your skin glowing. By regularly removing the dead skin cells from the surface, you reduce the chance they will end up clogging your pores.

Some hormone fluctuations, especially the release of cortisol caused by stress, are another cause of adult acne. Additionally, Women are likely to see intermittent breakouts through till menopause a few days before their periods due to natural hormone fluctuations.

Whether your diet influences your breakouts is a hotly debated topic in the esthetics industry. Even science can’t seem to make a decision. The latest research out of Australia suggests that foods with a high sugar content may be more likely to cause breakouts. Additionally, some research suggests that dairy products may be the culprit. It can be confusing trying to sort through all the research out! However, most estheticians agree that the majority of food related breakouts are the result of an allergic sensitivity and can be caused by a variety of factors. By embracing foods with higher nutrient value, such as vegetables and fresh fruits, your diet can improve your overall skin health.

Contact with unclean surfaces, such as cell phones, pillow cases, and hands can increase the amount of bacteria on the skin leading to more frequent breakouts. Make sure to wipe down your cell phone thoroughly at least once a week. Launder your pillowcases on a regular basis. Some estheticians recommend changing them up to 3 times a week! Finally, try to keep your hands off your face. Our hands are in contact with some pretty dirty surfaces throughout the day, computer keyboards, public transit rails, doorknobs and more! Avoid spreading bacteria by washing your hands frequently.

• Invest in a cleanser that will completely remove makeup and regulate oil production.
• Exfoliate with a gentle mask or scrub. If you prefer a chemical exfoliant, try a gentle AHA/BHA peel.
• Apply a Benzoyl Peroxide product directly to healing blemishes
• Opt for a clay based or  soothing masque to prevent skin irritation from treatment

Adult Acne should not be treated the same as teenage acne. As you age, your skin ages with you. The products that were effective in your teens may actually worsen acne for mature skin. If you’re not seeing the results you’d like with your home care, consult your local esthetician. She will be able to recommend a routine specific to your skin.

We recommend the following kits:

VivierSkin Oily or Acne Prone Skin System (6 PC)
Obagi CLENZIderm Acne Therapeutic System Normal-Oily Skin
GM Collin 3 pc Travel Kits – Acne

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

How to Talk to your Teen about Pimples

Zit, Pimple, Acne, Blemish- We’ve all had our fair share of nasty visitors. Over time, I’ve come to accept that, no matter what I do inevitably, one will pop up when I least expect it. Now, acceptance took a long time, as did my own acne journey. How do you prepare a child for the world of the Blemish Battle?  How to explain that first nasty surprise can kick off a decade of frustration? By helping your teen to understand where pimples come from and giving them the skills to treat them, you’re aiding their first steps toward skin care independence.

First, Be Prepared.

Make sure you’ve scheduled enough time to have a complete conversation, demonstrate the products, and answer any questions that might arise. Sometimes things are more complicated then they seem, a conversation about that pimple may be an opening for your child to talk about other, underlying body image issues. Instead worrying about being late for to soccer, give yourself enough time to let the conversation evolve. Also, make sure you’ve created a distraction free zone. Turn off your cell and focus. This can be a pivotal moment in your relationship, make sure your child is your complete focus.

Remember, you do not want to make your child feel worse about their pimples. Instead aim to create an environment that is positive and empowering. Be Open. Listen. Share your Journey. 

Also, you know that prom picture where you have that pimple on your nose? The one hidden in the back of your closets… try bringing that too. We’ve all had a red monster pop up at an inconvenient time. Be prepared with an amusing or embarrassing anecdote about your own experience.

Make sure to bring an Acne Treatment Starter Kit suitable for your child’s skin type.  Read the instructions beforehand. This way, you will be prepared to demonstrate the product and understand what each step is supposed to do.  Most treatments take at least 4 weeks to be fully effective. Don’t be discouraged if your child doesn’t see immediate results, instead encourage them to give the product the “4 week test” and then decide. Often, it can take a few tries before finding the perfect product.

Some of our Favourite Acne Treatment Starter Kits:

Obagi CLENZIderm Acne Therapeutic System Normal-Oily Skin
Obagi CLENZIderm Acne Therapeutic System Normal-Dry Skin
Laboratoire Dr Renaud Clear Up Starter Kit – Kit de départ Clear Up
Murad Skin Care Acne Complex

Next, Explain Clearly.

Teenage acne is primarily caused by hormone fluctuations. It usually strikes between the ages of 10 and 13 and continues into the early 20s. The body is starting to produce different hormones to help with growth. Often, the skin produces too much of a protective oil called sebum. When sebum builds up on your skin, it can trap dead skin cells and bacteria in the pores. Once inside the clogged pores, bacteria rapidly multiply causing the red, swollen bumps we call pimples.

All of which sounds pretty gross. However, it’s important to know that these are usually naturally occurring bacteria that live on everyone’s skin. Having acne does not mean that skin is “Dirty” or “Bacteria Ridden”.  Often, Acne prone teens will be teased for being “Unclean”. This may lead to over scrubbing the face, which can actually make the acne worse!

Other things that can make teen acne worse?

• Stress – Being overly stressed out can cause more pimples through triggering the glands to produce more oil.
• Menstrual Cycle/Period – Talk about hormone changes! The internal shifts right before your period can cause sudden breakouts.
• Diet – A very controversial topic, many people feel your diet can influence but not eliminate acne. Avoid greasy or oily foods and swap out sugary pop for water.
• Oil Based Makeup, Suntan Oil, Hair Oils, and any other extra Oil – Adding more oil to your skin either deliberately or accidentally can result in an increased number of clogged pores.
• Popping Existing Pimples – This spreads the bacteria across your skin, increasing the likelihood of another breakout.
• Over Scrubbing – Like popping, this helps to spread the bacteria across the skin. Instead, use a cleanser twice a day as recommended.

Acne is the single most common skin condition, affecting almost everyone at some point in their lives. Reassure your child with some of your own experiences. Remember that Prom picture we talked about? This is the opportunity to share it. Most likely, your child’s acne experience will be similar to your own. Give them a heads up and let them know how you managed.

Finally, Give Them The Tools.

Start with a simple kit, especially for younger children. Make sure the routine includes a cleanser, active acne- fighting toner, and moisturizer.  To make sure the acne-fighting ingredients in the toner are effective, it needs to be applied to clean skin. Also, you want to lock in the treatment with a moisturizer.

A fantastic new product is the BB Cream. Originating in Germany and gaining popularity in Korea before arriving in North America. An “All-In-One” Cream,  BB Creams are often a moisturizer, primer, sunscreen, foundation, pimple preventer, imperfection hider and anti-aging helper. It’s great if you’re not quite ready to let your child out of the house in full makeup, but understand the confidence boost of an even completion. Designed to be subtle, even teenage boys have had success with  BB Creams! Just make sure to properly colour match to keep it looking natural. Our most popular are the Jane Iredale Disappear Camouflage Cream with Green Tea Extract and Yonka Tinted Protection BB Cream: Creme Teintee.

If the acne progresses from the occasional breakout to constant redness, make sure to take your child to a dermatologist. A professional has access to stronger treatments. and will be able to investigate as to whether there is a deeper cause to your teens acne. Pay attention to any dosage requirements and make sure your teen doesn’t exceed them.

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Countdown to Glowing Skin for the Holidays

The countdown to Christmas has started which means that the countdown to Christmas parties has also started.  We all want to look our best during these festive occasions so I’ve put together an express skin makeover that will have your skin glowing right through till the new year!

Take it from dull to radiant with exfoliation

If you are like most people, you would like to say that you are exfoliating regularly, but the truth is that it gets put off more often than not.  It’s hard enough to drag yourself to the bathroom to wash your face before bedtime and in the morning when you’re racing to get to work? Forget it.

Normal to Dry Skin

Use a gentle exfoliator (not a harsh scrub) everyday for a week for a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.

Yonka Gommage 305

Normal to Oily & Acne Skin

Use an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid everyday for a week for a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.  The salicylic acid will help to dissolve excess oil and clogged pores leading to brighter, clearer skin.  For acne skin, avoid scrubs as they can irritate the skin and spread infection.

B. Kamins AHA & BHA Gommage

Cure your affliction with a serum and a mask

Think of your serum and mask like your skin’s medicine.  Whatever is bothering you most about your skin, choose your serum and mask accordingly.  Use your serum every day, twice a day.  Use your mask daily for a week as a jump start and then twice a week to maintain.  If your main concern is bringing radiance back to your tired, dull skin, choose a brightening serum and mask.

Phytomer White Lumination Remineralizing Lightening Mask

Pimple problem

If your pimple is infected (white inside, sometimes painful, sometimes itchy) it needs to be extracted in order to heal quickly.  If you can’t make it in to see your esthetician for professional extractions, you will have to do it yourself at home.  Instead of squeezing it until it pops open (which leads to a big, noticeable red spot and later turns into a scar), make a small opening and gently press the white fluid out.  A sterilized pin or extraction tool works and a disposable lancet works even better.  Once the pimple has been extracted you can apply a product which contains an antibacterial ingredient such as tea tree oil.  Now you must leave it alone and let it heal.  Don’t touch or pick at it and you’ll be surprised at how fast it disappears completely!

Skeyndor Clear Complexion Spot-Less Patch

Now that you have a fresh, clean, and clear canvas, your makeup will go on beautifully and look flawless!  If you’d like to indulge on holiday drinks, be sure to drink plenty of water too to maintain your skin’s hydration levels.

For more skin tips or for product recommendations for your skin type, don’t hesitate to leave a comment or to contact one of our estheticians!

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

 

 

 

How to get rid of pimples and get clear skin

Pimples can be the most frustrating and difficult skin issue to deal with.  Having acne brings down our self confidence and on some days we just feel like hiding rather than leaving the house.  Our skin can break out for many different reasons including hormonal imbalance, excess oil, clogged pores, and excess bacteria.  Here are a few key steps to maintaining clear skin using the Celazome Clinical Skincare O-Plex System:

1. Proper cleansing to purify and prepare the skin

 

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Wash with Complex Origanum (AM+PM) – contains salicylic acid & Egyptian geranium

 Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Mist with Complex Origanum (AM+PM) – purifying toner contains oregano oil & Egyptian geranium

2. Exfoliation to keep surface of the skin clear of debris and to allow active ingredients to penetrate easier

Celazome Clinical Skin Care Gly-Clear Cleanser (AM or PM, 3 days per week) -  exfoliating cleanser with alpha hydroxy acids and green tea extract

5. Treatment with anti-bacterial and oil-balancing ingredients (tea tree oil, sulphur, camphor…)

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Target Facial Treatment (AM, PM up to 3x daily)

6. Hydration and sun protection

 

Celazome Clinical Skin Care O-PLEX Acne Treatment Lotion (AM, PM) – a light, exfoliating hydrator with retinol & salicylic acid

Celazome Clinical Skin Care naturalSkin Finishing Powder (AM) a non pore-clogging mineral powder with natural sun protection

More tips:

•Don’t pick at your skin because this can lead to permanent scarring

•Don’t touch your skin unless you’ve washed your hands

•Sanitize your telephone regularly with alcohol if it touches your face

•See an esthetician for professional extractions if you have infected breakout and deep clogged pores

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

How to use concealer to cover up any type of imperfection

We all have (or have had) some sort of imperfection that needs covering up.  Using concealer sometimes requires the artist in us to come out (and some of us have a better artist inside than others!).  Let’s look at some tips for using the best shade and texture for covering up each type of imperfection:

The blasted blemish!

•yellow neutralizes red so choose a color with a yellow base

•use a concealer with built in bacteria-killing ingredients like tea tree oil, green tea, zinc oxide, or benzoyl peroxide

•clean your concealer brush with an antibacterial soap & water or brush cleaner in between each application to prevent the spread of infection

•dry mineral powder can when applied with a concealer brush for an added SPF (to prevent post inflammatory scarring or ‘brown spots’)

Best Blemish Concealing Picks:

 

Jane Iredale Zap & Hide Concealer,  Jane Iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner

The dark under eye circle with blue-purple tones

•Peach neutralizes blue so choose a peachy-colored concealer

•If you have lines/crow’s feet use a creamy texture as dry textures tend to emphasize lines

•Try to match the shade of the rest of your face – many people make the mistake of going really light under the eye which looks too obvious

Best dark circle picks:

Jane Iredale Active Light Under Eye Concealer, Jane Iredale Circle Delete Concealer

The bruise with blue, purple, red, or yellow tones

 

•Use a thick, full coverage concealer

•Peach neutralizes blue/purple, yellow neutralizes red, and lilac neutralizes yellow

•Apply concealer in layers and follow each layer with an application of mineral powder to set

Best bruise covering picks:

Jane Iredale Disappear Camouflage Cream, Jane Iredale Corrective Colors, Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Mineral Powder

 

Applying concealer is always easier when you use the right tool.  If you find you are having a hard time getting your concealer to look right you may need to get a good concealer brush.  I also recommend that you finishing concealing one spot before you move onto the next, this way you won’t accidentally walk out of the house with a glob of concealer on you that hasn’t been blended in!

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog!  Feel free to post your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!