Healthy Exfoliation Part 2

Exfoliation and Acne Prone Skin

When dealing with acne, many think "drying" up the oil is the first line of defense.  Aggressive facial cleansing is next in the acne fighting arsenal.  Proper cleansing is important.  As is balancing excess oil.  However, proper exfoliation is VITAL in resolving acne and preventing future breakouts.


What is Acne?

Acne is a condition in which a follicle becomes blocked by dead skin cells.  This blockage causes inflammation and can lead to infection.  The infected follicle often erupts which manifests as a "white head" pimple.  Many infected and erupted follicles are referred to as a "break out".  A follicle that is  inflamed and infected below the surface of the skin is known as cystic acne. A blocked follicle that does not become infected, yet remains blocked with dirt, oil and debris, is called a comedone or "black head".  Black heads are not necessarily considered "acne".  However, a comedone can lead to an inflammed follicle.  And those who suffer with acne often deal with black heads.

Chemical vs. Mechanical Exfoliation for Acne

Although, mechanical exfoliation techniques work well for anti-aging concerns and can reduce the appearance of acne scarring, it is not our recommendation to fight or prevent active acne conditions.  We recommend chemical exfoliation via glycolic resurfacing treatments and our amazing Marini Refine Peel.  Home care using a glycolic resurfacing (exfoliation) product is also an important weapon to battle acne on a daily basis. Glycolic acid penetrates the the follicle deeply, breaking down the blockage and allowing the debris to come to the surface to be sloughed off.  Because glycolic acid involves bringing debris to the surface, there is an expected period of skin acclimation.  The duration is different for everyone.  However, if you experience breakouts, due to the clearing of a follicle, it will be less inflamed and heal more quickly.  Speak with your esthetician if breakouts persist. We have a variety of products for resistant acne conditions.


Exfoliation for Dry Skin

Dry skin will often cling to the surface of your skin, creating a dull complexion.  We recommend using the Skin Zyme mask.  This product offers gentle exfoliation, leaving the skin looking polished smooth.  Our Skin Zyme mask has the ability to digest dead skin cells without harming sensitive or irritated tissues.  Often dry skin can be easily irritated and feel sensitive.  So, Skin Zyme's gentle proteolytic enzyme action from Papain (Green Unripened Papaya) is a great fit for those dealing with dryness.  We also offer a WONDERFUL Express Facial using the same ezymatic technology, for those on the go.

Exfoliators to Avoid

We highly recommend staying away from ultra gritty over-the-counter or drug store exfoliating products such as, the infamous apricot "scrub".  These products are too abrasive for delicate facial skin and can cause more harm than good.  Also avoid home "remedy" or Pinterest "recipes" for exfoliating scrubs or masks.  These recipes often call for ingredients such as, lemon juice, baking soda, or various vinegars.  Putting these products on your face can disrupt your skin's natural acid mantle, causing a host of problems.  Not to mention, none of these exfoliation techniques are medically validated as effective ways to lighten hyperpigmentation, reduce the appearance scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, or clear up acne conditions.

Before choosing an exfoliation product or service, please let us guide you according to your personal areas of concern.  We encourage you to schedule a FREE skin consultation by calling 209-369-9191 or by clicking  HERE to schedule online.

Skin Accumax...Clearing Acne from the Inside Out!

We are so excited to announce a new project here at the Studio! We have recently been introduced to a new Skincare Supplement by our partners at Jane Iredale Skincare Makeup. We have never carried anything like this here at the Salon. Please watch the short video posted above for an introduction to Skin Accumax!

 This product got our attention for three reasons:

1. This skincare supplement is the ONLY product (outside of their own make-up line) endorsed by Jane Iredale Skincare Make-up, a company we have partnered with and trusted for over 10 years.
2. We have seen many testimonials from people who have started Skin Accumax and seen amazing results in their skin all over the body, as well as in their hair and nails.
3. Our skincare professionals here at the salon believe that healthy skin starts from the inside out. We encourage our clients to practice healthy diets along with their clinically proven skincare and pharmaceutical grade make-up to get the best results in their skincare. Therefore, a skincare supplement makes sense to add to your healthy lifestyle!

Even though this product has amazing reviews and countless studies, we have decided to have our own study here at the salon before we commit to carrying it and offering it to our clients. We have chosen two clients with different skincare issues to try Skin Accumax. This will be a 4 month trial, starting Sept 1 ending in January. At the beginning of each month we will post a blog that will contain:

1. Before & After pictures
2. Testimonials and notes taken by the clients themselves documenting changes they see in their skin.
3. Testimonials and notes taken by our Skincare Professionals here at the salon, documenting changes that they see.
4. AccuFACTS (a fact about Skin Accumax that will answer any questions you may have.)

AccuFact: 
Skin Accumax is a skincare supplement that is suitable for all skin types as well as problem skin. As it works from the inside, not only face but the skin ALL OVER your body will reveal its natural radiance. Scientists have blended a very specific combination of vitamins with a special phytonutrient identified in cruciferous vegetables. This precise concentration of active ingredients has a powerful effect on the health of the skin and has been patented.

Here are before pictures of our clients at the baseline of starting Skin Accumax. 

Client #1 is 26 years old and has been struggling with acne since he was 12. He is currently using Jan Marini's Skin care management system and Duality which has helped control the breakouts significantly and also minimized deep acne scars. He is hoping that using a supplement will take his skincare regime to the next level by working inside out. He will continue to use his topical skincare regime along with the supplement.

Client #2 is 19 and has been struggling with cystic acne since she was 13.  She is currently using a face wash by nuetrogena. She is hoping that Skin Accumax will help control her oily skin and along with that have fewer/no breakouts. She also tends to break out on her shoulders and back and would like to see that clear up as well. Healthy hair and nails could also be a side effect of using the supplement which would be an added bonus for her.

 "I've taken vitamins all my life. I believe in their ability to improve your overall health, now I believe in their ability to improve the health of our SKIN! I discovered Skin Accumax in England and immediately know that it was a perfect compliment to our makeup. During the year that we've been using Skin Accumax, we've seen amazing results. I've added it to my regime just because it makes my non-problem skin look and feel better! Skin Accumax is, in fact, a food for everyone's skin." -Jane Iredale

Our team of estheticians here at The Make-up & Skincare Studio are excited to put this product to the test and we hope you will follow along weekly via Facebook,   and Instragram (follow us @skinpros) and check back here on our blog for a monthly update! If you have questions please call anytime at 209-369-9191