Age Spots, Acne, Sun Damage and Retinol

Anyone who has lived in sunny southern California knows what that constant sun exposure can do to the skin. Those who have suffered from acne and the resultant scars have similar concerns with uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Forms of vitamin A are the best for correcting age spots, acne and its damage, and sun damage. Vitamin A for the skin comes in two forms.

• Retin A
• Retinol

Retin A comes by prescription from a dermatologist. It is expensive and does one thing – exfoliates the skin. It is usually drying, can feel a little harsh, and there’s a lot of topical irritation and inflammation.
Retinol is sold by skin care professionals and is contained in small amounts in some over the counter products. Retinol is a form of vitamin A or Retin A and has been proven to be effective against acne, aging and hyper pigmentation of all kinds without the cost, harshness, irritation or inflammation of Retin A. Additionaly, retinols contain antioxidants to help correct skin damage.
Come in or call and let’s discuss the best way for you to treat that hyper pigmentation.

Acne Prevention & Skincare Tips

What exactly is acne?
OK that may bit of a basic question but let’s answer it anyway.
Acne is a common skin condition which occurs due to inflammation or infection of the sebaceous glands in the skin. The condition is characterized by pimples, black heads and white heads. Acne is mostly seen on the face, neck, back or upper arms of a person.

What are acne scars?
Once your acne has healed, you will notice a red mark on your skin which looks like a scar but is actually a post-inflammatory change. Mostly, the redness is part of the healing process and will disappear in 6 to 12 months without a sign. However, if acne lesions develop repeatedly in the same area, then the healing takes place abnormally leaving behind a permanent scar.

Ice pick scars are sharp, narrow and go deep into the subcutaneous layer. In this case, the skin looks like it has been picked with an ice pick and hence the name.

Boxcar scars leave a deep angular dent in your skin which is quite similar to chickenpox scars. These scars mostly appear when your skin is destroyed due to seriously inflamed acne.
Rolling scars occur when the bands of tissue developed between the skin’s surface and deeper structures begin to pull at the skin, giving the skin a rolling, ‘wavy’ appearance. These scars look like pits or depressions on your skin.

How do you treat acne?
There are many self-help tips that you can follow to control acne and prevent scarring.
First of all, keep your hands off your face when you see a pimple. A few moderations to your lifestyle will go a long way in keeping the unwanted pimples at bay. Eat a balanced, healthy meal, sleep well and drink lots of water.

Keep your face as clean and oil free as possible. Use a cleanser to wash your face at least twice a day. This will reduce the irritation and sensitivity of the skin.
Exfoliation is a good way to open the pores without being harsh on your skin. There are several mild exfoliating scrubs available in the market which will gently remove the outer layer of your skin allowing your pores to breath.

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical procedure that can repair, restore and refine the skin by gentle exfoliation and polishing. This FDA approved procedure is a progressive method of refining the skin’s texture while tightening the layers below the surface. Blood flow is increased for collagen and elastin reformation. All with minimal discomfort and no recovery time.

Here at Tamara’s Skin Care of Yorba Linda, we offer treatments beginning at $95 each, or a session of six sessions begin at $510, when paid for and booked in advance. Microdermabrasion treatments can be added to other treatments, beginning at $45.

This technology can be performed on all areas of the body and can be used on all skin types.

What are some tips to prevent acne?
Clean your face regularly.
Whether you have acne or not, it is important to keep your face clean. Washing your face removes not just dirt, but also dead skin cells, oil and other impurities. Always use warm water and a mild face wash. A body/deodorant soap may irritate your skin and if your skin is already inflamed, it is sure to get worse.

Use moisturizer.
Your face tends to become dry once you’ve washed it. Always use a moisturizer as this minimizes the peeling of skin and dryness.

Beware of hair products.
Using hair sprays, gels and fragrances or harsh chemicals on your hair will multiply the occurrence of acne on your face, as these ingredients may drip on your face, blocking the pores. If you have oily hair, wash it as often as possible, especially if you are prone to acne and if you have long hair, keep it out of your face.

Periodically avoid cosmetics.
Use of cosmetics such as foundation, powder or blush should be avoided during a pimple breakout. If you absolutely have to wear it every day, then opt for oil-free cosmetics which come without added chemicals.

Hands off your face.
Try and keep your hands off your face. By touching the pimple or popping it, you are just irritating the already inflamed skin, which will result in some more infection. This also means that you will end up with a scar on your face for four weeks instead of just five days.Call Tamara's in Yorba Linda to make an appointment today! (714) 470-2329.

Steps to Solve Adult Acne

Be Gentle In Your Cleansing.
Harsh cleansing will have no effect on the basic causes like overactive oil glands. In fact, it can increase the inflammation. Over-cleansing can also increase inflammation by overdrying the skin.

No Squeezing or Picking
Keep a hands-off approach and resist squeezing any blemishes. Bacteria can be introduced creating more inflammation and possible scarring. Instead schedule regular facials with a skin care professional who does extractions.

Use Targeted Topicals.
A skin care professional or dermatologist can suggest an acne treatment plan that includes a benzoyl peroxide wash for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and two topicals, an antibiotic like clindamycin (from the dermatologist) and a retinoid gel or cream (I suggest retinols because, although derived from the same base they replenish vital moisture-binding components and provide superior antioxidant action). Both retinoids and retinols are designed to unclog pores, releasing trapped oils, and encourage cell turnover.

Products containing salicylic acid are also effective in uncloging pores.

Remember that with all of the methods you are exfoliating exposing more sensitive new skin that must be protected by sun screen.

Consider in-office procedures.
Chemical Peels can help treat acne. Usually a series of monthly treatments is needed, followed by occasional follow-ups.

Another option is an LED blue light treatment — also known as Photo Rejuventation (LED light-emitting diodes) where a special light is shined on skin after a topical medication has been applied.

Blemishes - Why They Happen

An important part of preventing blemishes is understanding why they happen.

A blemish is an inflammatory lesion of the sebaceous land. These are the glands situated at the root of the hair follicle in the dermis. As the ducts of these glands become plugged with the waxy oil (sebum) comedones (blackheads) and whiteheads (milia) form. They are frequently infected with bacteria, causing welts, deeper lumps and pimples.

There are three main factors that contribute to a formation of a blemish:

1. Sebum. this oily substance lubricates the surface of the skin and helps prevent external dehydration. When an overabundance of sebum is produced it fills the sebaceous duct. this extra sebum serves as nutrients for bacteria, which creates an environment for clogged pores (blackheads).
2. Bacteria. Causes infection and inflammation .
3. Enclosure. Is a thickening of the sebaceous duct wall preventing sebum from being wicked away creating a closed environment.

To prevent breakouts:

• Maintain a daily home skin care regimen.
• Use professional grade skin care products recommended by your esthetician. 
• Get regular facials.