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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: How to Beat Acne

Local blogger and esthetician gives the formula for a calm and clear complexion.

Nothing brings more faces into the doors of our Eagle Rock spa at The Loft than men and women fighting acne. Many are disenchanted—a person suffering from acne has often tried dozens of solutions, without success.

The most effective acne solution can be achieved by first identifying which specific acne conditions are present. There are four different types of acne—each with its own solution.

A common concern is the presence of inflamed red blemishes that do not come to a head. In the case of women, there can be just one or two that arrive with their monthly cycle (or they can be a consistent problem). This is a pattern that is common in adult women—and with men who get acne on their backs.

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To treat acne, start with anti-inflammatory measures such as calming spot treatments, masks, and ice. Then, use antibacterial products such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid applied directly to the blemish. Don’t apply elsewhere, especially if you suffer from dry skin. Physicians sometimes prescribe women birth control medication to address this specific type of acne.

Blackheads are another common problem. This one is easy to treat. A combination of salicylic acid products and facial treatments such as extractions and microdermabrasion keep pores fresh, tight, and clear.

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Another issue is congested skin and a bumpy texture. This is not unusual for smokers and anyone under stress, but it is easy to resolve. Daily use of exfoliating products such as glycolic acid creams—or retin-A for thicker skin types—will refine the texture and open pores to relieve them of trapped oil. Exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion and dermaplane also offer quick relief. Obviously, making healthy choices and managing stress are important, too.

The most challenging type of acne involves a mix of issues, such as whiteheads, in combination with inflamed blemishes, blackheads and clogged pores under the surface. Calming measures are the first step anytime inflammation is involved. Don’t rely on overly-astringent, anti-bacterial measures without calming the skin first. For less severe conditions, BPO, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid offer relief. Monthly facials with extractions help immensely. For more serious conditions, your esthetician will refer you to a nurse or physician for prescription solutions.

Both common sense and research link diet to the onset and outbreaks of acne as well. A healthy diet rich in minerals and deficient in toxins—such as caffeine and sugar—is a great formula for keeping your skin looking its best.

In short, the best move is to stop and think. There are literally thousands of products and numerous treatments marketed as “anti-acne”—and many of them won’t be appropriate for your particular concerns. If anything, they will actually make your condition worse.

So, slow down and identify just what’s happening with your skin—and your body—to ensure you make the right choice. 

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