Body Acne: Causes and Remedies

by Kendra W Posted on May 9, 2013

Although acne is most commonly associated with the face, it is common to have acne on the body, especially the chest and back.  The causes are the same: the pores of the skin become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil.  Acne can occur anywhere there are hair follicles and sebaceous glands (the oil producing glands); therefore, the entire body except the palm of the hands and soles of the feet are susceptible.

Despite being caused by the same combination of oil and pore-clogging dead skin cells, body acne is harder to treat.  The skin on your body is thicker than that of your face and has larger pores.  Additionally, the constant contact with clothes that may have dirt, sweat and excess oil increases the chance of pores being clogged.

However, there are simple precautions and remedies for body acne.  First and foremost is prevention.  Although acne is never caused by poor hygiene, cleansing your body of excess dirt, oil and dead skin cells keeps the pores from becoming clogged.  Pimples occur when bacteria infects these clogged pores.  Keeping your skin clean will remove any bacteria, decreasing the chances of breaking out.  Showering daily, especially after exercising is especially important.  Use a mild soap with a sponge or loofah, and be sure to cover every part of your body.  Additionally, do not remain in sweaty, dirty clothes longer than necessary, and shower as soon as possible.

Exfoliation will help rebalance your skin and prevent future breakouts.  Through exfoliating, you will rid the body of excess dirt and dead skin cells, removing many of the problems.  Additionally, you will be promoting skin turnover and allow for the rejuvenation of new skin cells, making your skin look great and getting rid of any lingering red, irritated areas.  You only need to exfoliate once a week.

However, do not cleanse or exfoliate too much.  If you shower too often, the oil in the body becomes out of balance.  Too hot of water will dry out your skin, which can cause breakouts.  Additionally, harsh antibiotic soaps and scrubs can irritate your skin rather than cure the acne.

To treat breakouts, you can use some topical medication, just like for facial acne.  You can choose from either antibacterial gels that kill the acne causing bacteria. Another topical medicine, retinoids, unclogs pores.  However, these products may cause irritation, so use with caution.  Additionally, you can use other topical aids to treat acne, including alpha-hydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and even tea tree oil.  These typically are used as ingredients in other products, like soaps and lotions.  Because the skin is tougher, you can try using multiple treatments.  However, do so sparingly and try one at a time until you know how it works with your skin.

For extreme breakouts, you can opt for oral medication.  Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause the outbreaks; however, use sparingly as bacteria can build up a tolerance and antibiotics have some side effects.  Additionally, for some women, taking birth control pills can help cure body acne.  Because estrogen plays a role in the skin’s oil production, an imbalance of hormones can cause acne, so taking birth control will rebalance the hormones and stop the problem.

In addition to hygiene and medication, having a healthy diet and limiting stress will reduce your body acne.  Foods high in antioxidants and skin benefiting vitamins, like vitamin A, will boost your skin’s health from the inside out.  Omega-3 fatty acids also benefits your skin and prevents acne by balancing oil production.  Stress can cause your body to excrete extra oil, increasing the chances of developing acne.  Therefore, find ways to decrease the stress in your life, like exercise and meditation.

Although unsightly, body acne can be treated.  It is just important to find the right balance between prevention and treatment and irritating the skin.  Always try products one at a time to see how your skin reacts.  Also, remember that sometimes it takes time for the body to rebalance and heal.

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How to Treat Combination Skin

by Kendra W Posted on April 30, 2013

Having oily or dry skin is a pain, but treating them can seem simple compared to combination skin.  Combination skin typically is a mixture of both oily and dry skin, although sometimes other skin types combine, like rosacea and dry skin.  Instead of choosing to treat combination skin as either oily or dry, there are some hints on how to get your combination skin looking and feeling great.

Combination skin can be caused by a variety of factors.  Genetics can play a role, as can lifestyle, nutrition, and skin care products.  The most active oil glands in the face are in the nose, chin and forehead areas, also known as the T-zone.  For some people, these oil glands produce excess oil while the cheek and eye areas don’t, causing a difference in skin texture and moisture levels.  Treating the oily T-zone area with harsh product can often cause the other areas to become irritated, dry, red, and flaky, often exacerbating the skin differences.

Even if you don’t naturally have combination skin, using the wrong products can cause your skin to become a mixture of skin types.  A product that does not treat your skin correctly can cause the oil production in your T-zone to go on overdrive, while causing the rest of your skin to become dry and irritated.  Using too harsh or too oily of a product on your skin can also cause other skin problems, like acne and over dryness, which is why it is so important to know your skin type and use the appropriate skin care products.

To test your skin to see if you have combination skin, just simply wash your face and leave it bare for an hour.  Then, take a tissue and dab your T-zone area and your cheeks.  Anywhere that you dab and oil comes off, you have oily skin.  If one part of your skin has excess oil and another doesn’t, then you have combination skin.

What products should you choose for your combination skin?  The best products are ones that are specifically geared towards combination skin.  Alternatively, you can use one product for your T-zone and another for the rest of your skin.  Because combination skin is so complicated, it is even more important that you use the correct product on your face.

The best way to handle combination skin is to follow a regimen with products that will balance the skin, healing the various concerns.  As with any beauty regimen, you should always start with cleansing your skin.  A gentle cleanser that is gel based will be great for both the dry and oily patches of skin.  For severe differences in skin, cleanse the T-zone area twice a day and the dryer areas only once.  After cleansing your skin of excess dirt, oil and other pollutants, you can follow it with a toner.  A toner can support the skin and repair any damage; however, make sure it is a gentle one with skin-repairing ingredients like antioxidants rather than irritants like alcohol or witch hazel.  Though having a toner is not a necessary step in a skincare regimen, it can often help in rebuilding and fixing problems in your skin.

After cleansing (and using a toner if you choose), use a moisturizer.  Even oily skin needs to be enriched with a vitamin dense moisturizer.  However, with combination skin what moisturizer to use is a really tough question.  Your dry skin needs an intense moisturizer, while your oily skin needs an oil-free, skin boosting lotion.  Finding a product made specifically for combination skin is the easiest solution.  These will enrich the dry skin while balancing the oil in the T-zone areas.  Another choice is to use two different products.  You can use an intense moisturizer for dry skin on your cheeks, and a light, oil-free one for the oily skin on your T-zone.  If the skin around your eyes is dry, be sure to use an eye cream formulated for the sensitive eye area, and then use a lighter lotion everywhere else.  Don’t forget to use sunscreen as well.  Either find a moisturizer or foundation with SPF, or use a light, oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least 25.

As with any skin type, exfoliation is a great part of your beauty regimen because it helps to balance skin and aids in skin’s recovery and cell turnover.  By regularly exfoliating, you will look younger and more radiant, and your combination skin will move toward balancing out.  It is only necessary to exfoliate once a week, and the best ingredient for combination skin is BHA.

The acne and blemishes that the excess oil in your T-zone cause needs to be treated as well, but too harsh of a product will wreak havoc on the rest of your skin.  Benzoyl peroxide helps to target and kill acne-causing bacteria, which is great for acne.  However, it is a very harsh ingredient and you want to avoid it on other parts of your skin.  It is best to only use acne products on the oily areas, or even just to spot treat breakouts.

Combination skin can seem like pain, but with the right skin care products and regimen, you can balance your skin.  Play around with using different products or finding ones made for combination skin.  Once you have figured out the best products for your skin, you will find your skin looking young, radiant and balanced.

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The Effects of Menopause on Skin

by Kendra W Posted on April 4, 2013

Aging is a natural part of life that negatively affects the skin by slowing down cell turnover, leading to dull looking skin. The sun and other environmental pollutants often damage skin cells, adding to the skin’s dull appearance and also causing wrinkles. For women, menopause expedites this natural aging process, causing even more skin problems. Protecting your skin from an early age will decrease the effects of menopause, keeping you looking younger longer. There are also some important tips to keep your skin looking young and beautiful even during and post-menopause.

Menopause decreases the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body. Many of the messages the body sends to the skin are carried through estrogen; therefore, it has an active role in several vital skin functions. Among estrogen’s skin dependents are the fibroblast, which produces collagen and elastin; the keratinocyte, which protects the skin; the melanoctyes, which keep the skin tone even; the sebaceous gland, which produces the skin’s oil; and hair follicle production. Because estrogen is so active in the skin’s function, the decrease in estrogen during menopause causes many negative changes to the skin.

The decrease of estrogen in the body causes a deficiency in the collagen and elastin produced, meaning the skin is not longer as tight as it used to be, leading to sagging and deep wrinkles. Additionally, the lack of estrogen decreases the glycosaminoglycans, which are the support system that fill out the skin, increasing the sagging look of the skin. The lack of elastin post-menopause causes the skin to be less elastic, which adds to the sagging look of the skin. Another negative effect is that the dermal isn’t as thick as it once was, causing it to be more susceptible to damage. In order to counter these issues, once you hit menopause you should look for products that encourage an increase in collagen production. Creams with Vitamin A or Retinol strengthen skin and stimulate collagen. Additionally, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids increase the thickness of the epidermis, improve the glycosaminoglycans that help fill out the skin, and normalize the skin’s tones. However, these hydroxy acids make you more susceptible to the sun, so it is essential to wear a good sunscreen. A low concentration is all you need.

Estrogen decreases also affect the oil production in the skin. Older skin loses its ability to retain water due to a reduction in the barrier function of the epidermis. Because estrogen is essential in providing the messages to the oil production in the skin, the decrease of estrogen means there is a decrease in oil production, including hyaluronic acid, causing dryness. The thinness of the skin and lack of water added to a lack of natural moisture leads to rough, dry skin. One way to counteract the dryness of menopause is to moisturize all over, especially the face. Look for moisturizers made for mature skin that contain ingredients like rose oil. Also, using products with hyaluronic acid will help return this essential oil to the skin, tightening, firming, and improving your skin’s texture. Additionally, taking fish oils will hydrate your skin from the inside, especially if you start the regime pre-menopause.

The lack of estrogen means testosterone is now the more dominant hormone, causing acne and facial hair. The imbalance of hormones leads to an imbalance of the oil-producing glands. The testosterone stimulates the sebaceous glands to secrete a thicker sebum, which can lead to oily skin and acne in some women. Creams using antibiotics like benzoyl peroxide will help decrease breakouts. The now dominant testosterone can also cause many women to start growing hair on their face and other unwanted places. Waxing, shaving, and bleaching are all ways to decrease unwanted hair.

Estrogen helps monitor melanin production, which evens your skin tone. Once estrogen decreases, the areas that have been more exposed to UV rays over the years will begin to produce melanin that has been held in stasis by estrogen. This causes the brown age spots in the face, hands, neck, arms, and chest. Products with alpha hydroxy acid and Vitamin A or Retinol will help diminish these age spots. Menopause also decreases the pigment in skin, making it even more susceptible to the sun. Between the sun’s damaging UV rays that cause premature aging and fine wrinkles and potentially cancer, it is always good to slather on the SPF. With the added changes due to menopause, it is all the more important.

Some studies have shown that hormone therapy during menopause can help counter the negative affects on the skin. However, hormone therapy just to treat the skin is not a recommended action. Hormone therapy has its pros and cons, so only use it if your doctor recommends it due to the overall affects of menopause on your body. However, with or without hormone treatment, the tips suggested above will help your skin look ageless. Some experts also suggest that using skincare products containing plant-based estrogens like soy and yam may also rebalance hormone levels and boost collagen production.

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Spring Beauty Tips

by Kendra W Posted on March 26, 2013

With the passing of the vernal equinox, it’s officially Spring!  Spring is a transition from the harsh conditions of winter to the sunny, warm days of summer.  With spring’s arrival, hemlines shorten and more skin begins to be revealed, making it the ideal time to start preparing your skin for summer and swimsuit season.  Here are some beauty tips to help with the change and keep you looking radiant all spring long.

  • Foot scrub—As warm weather approaches, so does sandal season, so it is time to prepare your feet.  You can opt for a professional pedicure, especially at a salon that will include a good foot and calf sugar scrub.  Alternatively, you can do an in-home pedicure for similar results.  Look for a scrub made for feet, as they have the toughest skin and need special treatment.  After scrubbing, be sure to moisturize, again preferably with a lotion specific to feet.
  •  Exfoliate your whole body, including your face.  Exfoliation is an
    mportant part of your beauty regime in every season, but it is especially helpful in the skin’s transition from winter to spring.  Exfoliation evens out the dry patches of skin and gets rid of the flakes winter has left behind.  Don’t just exfoliate the face, as spring is prime time to exfoliate the whole body, especially the arms and legs, to prepare it for being seen.  Look for a good body scrub and use it about once a week in the shower with a loofah.  Exfoliating will rid your body of any flakes and encourage skin cell turnover, balancing the skin’s moisture levels and rejuvenating it.  Your skin will be ready for short skirts, sleeveless tops, and even bathing suits.  Full body exfoliation will also prepare your skin for any skin removal or self-tanning you might be planning.  Although exfoliating is key for both the face and the body, don’t use the same exfoliant for both.  Using a scrub with small beads, like a sugar scrub, is perfect for the body but can be too harsh for the delicate face.  Also, be careful not to over scrub!
  •  Change your moisturizer—The dryness of winter can make us reach for a rich, creamy moisturizer.  As spring approaches, the dryness starts to fade and the air becomes more moist, and with it the skin.  As the skin transitions from the harsh conditions of winter to the more gentle spring, moisturizing the skin is still key.  Don’t forget to moisturize your whole body, especially the elbows, knees, hands and feet.  These areas of the body are often forgotten in the winter because we don’t see them.  Prepare them for being bare through a good daily moisturizing routine.
  • Time for sunscreen—Although you should wear sunscreen all year round to protect your skin, the dark, short days of winter often make sun protection an overlooked step in the everyday beauty routine.  Now that the days are getting longer, and the sun is starting to shine brighter, it is time to reincorporate sun protection in your routine if you’ve been a bit lapsed.  The easiest way to do this is through a moisturizer or foundation that features SPF, especially 30 and higher.  Don’t forget to protect your sensitive eye areas with dark, oversized sunglasses.  If you are spending the whole day outside, add a fabulous looking, wide brimmed hat to ensure your face is protected.
  • Spring cleaning—Spring is a time of renewal, and with that often comes the idea of spring cleaning, getting rid of the old.  Spring is the perfect time to do the same to your makeup and skin care products.  Like anything, makeup and skin care products have an expiration date, so take the time to look through your products and throw out anything that is expired.  Additionally, take the time to get rid of any products that you don’t use anymore, that have irritated your skin, look caked on, highlight imperfections, don’t suit you, or anything else.  A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in a year, toss it!  Also throw out old makeup sponges that can contain bacteria.  Similarly, wash out your makeup brushes, as they can also hold onto old bacteria.  By tossing out the old products, it opens up room in your makeup bag for the new, bright colors of spring.

Take the turn of the season as a time to reflect on your beauty regime and to make the necessary changes.  Even if it is not quite time for skirts, sleeveless tops and sandals, now is the perfect time to prepare your skin for the warmer months that will soon be here.  The new colors blooming also allow for more color in your makeup and wardrobe.  Enjoy the season!

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Beauty Tips for Oily Skin

by Kendra W Posted on March 14, 2013

Shiny, oily skin not only leads to large pores, white heads, black heads, and breakouts, it also attracts dirt and dust which can easily clog pores and cause even more breakouts.  To add to the problem, oily skin also causes makeup to not last long, leading to numerous applications throughout the day, which can also cause breakouts.  This never-ending cycle can seem hopeless, but there are solutions.  There are numerous factors contributing to oily skin, like humidity, genetics, hormone changes, nutrition, pollution, and poor face care.  Oily skin can be temporary, especially in humid, hot climates, or it can be a permanent problem.  Either way, there are ways to curb the oil in your skin, leading to a beautiful, shine free face.

  • Confirm your skin type.  Before altering any beauty regime, make sure it matches your skin type.  Too harsh or too mild of soaps, moisturizers, and other products can exacerbate problems rather than fix them.  To ascertain whether you have oily skin, there is a simple test: how many times a day do you feel you need to blot your face?  If you have oily skin, anytime you blot, there will be moisture on the tissue, unlike dry or even normal skin types.
  • Proper nutrition can help.  Although it is an old wives tale that chocolate and greasy foods can lead to oily, acne-prone skin, it is true that what you eat affects your skin.  A possible cause of oily skin is a lack of vitamin B5 and B2, so eating foods rich in these vitamins can counter the oily affects from the inside out.  Nuts, beans and whole grains are great foods enriched with these vitamins, and lemons and kiwifruits have also been shown to help clear skin.
  • Cleanse morning and night.  Proper cleansing is important for all skin types, but it is especially vital for oily skin.  Cleansing morning and night clears away excess dirt and oil that can cause breakouts.  The best cleanser for oily skin is gel based, as it better absorbs excess oil.  Look for a cleanser for oily skin to help ensure it won’t over dry your skin.
  • Use a Toner. Toner, or astringent, is an important component of your skin care regime if you have oily skin.  Toner lowers the skin’s pH and rids it of any excess oil and dirt.  For most skin types, alcohol dries out the skin too much, but for those with oily skin it’s a great help.  You only need to use it about once a week.  The best type of toner is alcohol based with salicylic acid.
  • Don’t forget to moisturize. Moisturizing might seem counter intuitive if you have excess oil.  However, many moisturizers contain sunscreen and important vitamins and minerals for skin health.  Instead of skipping the moisturizer completely, find one that is light, oil-free, and specific to oily skin.  Serums, retinoid creams, vitamin A creams and sulfur creams have great moisturizing, skin boosting properties.
  • Use a mask.  Masks, especially clay mud masks, are another way to rid the skin of excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells.  Clay based masks are more gentle than chemical based masks.  They also diminish the appearance of large pores, although they don’t actually minimize them, along with nourishing the skin.
  • Exfoliate. Deep cleaning is important, and exfoliating is a great way to make sure your skin gets a good, deep clean.  Exfoliating removes the excess dirt and dead skin cells, helping to prevent breakouts.  It also helps restore the balance of the skin’s natural oil production.  Once a week is all that is necessary for exfoliating.
  • Wear the right makeup. Make your makeup stay on longer by following these tips: Start with a primer after you’ve cleansed but before you’ve applied any foundation or powder.  For eyes, use a primer made for eye makeup to decrease eye makeup from creasing.  When it comes to powder, only use it on the shiny areas, and only sparingly, as too much powder will increase oil production instead of cutting it down.  Carry blotting paper with you to use throughout the day when you start to feel oily, but instead of rubbing, just gently blot.  Invest in oil-free, long lasting makeup to ensure long lasting wear.

Follow these tips and you will notice a huge difference in your skin.  Your body’s natural oil production will start to balance, leaving you with radiant, glowing skin that isn’t too shiny.

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