With kids heading back to school, it is a great time to talk about acne. Acne affects so many people, of all ages too. Acne occurs when pores are blocked by oils, skin cells, and normal bacteria, causing inflammation. It may be a skin issue, but it can affect someone’s social life, confidence, ability to focus, etc. Many are embarrassed by their skin and don’t want to go out. Here are some easy tips on how to clear up your skin before the new school year:
Morning:
1) Cleanse with a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic or glycolic wash.
We recommend:
• CS&L Acne Wash (comes in 5% and 10% benzoyl peroxide)
• CS&L Dual Action Cleanser (contains both glycolic & salicylic)
• CS&L Clarifying Pads (teens love these! contains both glycolic & salicylic)
OR from your local drugstore:
• Clearasil Ultra® Acne+Marks Wash and Mask
• Clearasil® Daily Clear® Daily Pore Cleansing Pads
2) Apply a gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide to specific problem areas
We recommend:
• CS&L Acne Gel (comes in 5% and 10% benzoyl peroxide)
OR from your local drug store:
• Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Gel (contains 2% salicylic acid)
3) Use a light moisturizer with SPF
We recommend:
• Elta Clear UV 46 (great noncomedegenic sunscreen, moisturizer combination for people with oily or acne prone skin)
TIP: Avoid make-up, if you must wear make-up look for water-based, oil-free make-up and be sure you remove it fully at the end of the day.
Evening:
1) Cleanse with a benzoyl peroxide, salicylic, or glycolic wash.
We recommend:
• CS&L Acne Wash (comes in 5% and 10% benzoyl peroxide)
• CS&L Dual Action Cleanser (contains both glycolic & salycilic)
• CS&L Clarifying Pads (teens love these! contains both glycolic & salycilic)
OR from your local drugstore:
• Clearasil Ultra® Acne+Marks Wash and Mask
• Clearasil® Daily Clear® Daily Pore Cleansing Pads
• Clearasil Ultra® Overnight Wash
2) Apply a gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide to specific problem areas
We recommend:
• CS&L Acne Gel (comes in 5% and 10%)
OR from your local drug store:
• Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Gel (contains 2% salicylic acid)
3) Use a light skin moisturizer—it is important to moisturize because acne products can dry out your skin. Without a proper moisturizer, your skin will produce extra oil to compensate for the dryness.
We recommend:
• CS&L Oil Free Moisturizer
• CeraVe PM
OR from your local drugstore:
• Clean & Clear Oil-Free Dual Action Moisturizer
Extra tips:
• Avoid touching or rubbing your face since this can make acne worse. Don’t lean your face on your hands. Try to keep your cell phone from touching your face–our hands and phones may carry oils and germs that can irritate blemishes.
• Sweat can also make acne worse. After sweating, gently wash your skin—this is a great time to use the Charlotte Skin & Laser Clarifying pads.
• A few times a week, you can apply a clay based mask.
We recommend:
• Glytone Acne Facial Mask (contains sulfur to calm inflammation)
• Skin Ceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask (helps clear clogged pores)
Still not working?
Try a chemical peel.
Chemical peels with or without pore extractions can significantly improve acne and are often an integral part of an acne treatment plan. Peels helpful for acne include Jessner’s, glycolic and salicylic acid (or beta- hydroxy), tretinoin and TCA. Combination peels can increase efficacy and target specific problem areas such as hydroquinone to dark areas. Peels are scheduled every 2-3 weeks until your skin is clear, then quarterly or monthly peels are recommended for maintenance.
You may need prescription medicine. Make an appointment with a dermatologist to help you find the right solution.
CSP CS&L Smarty Deal!
During the month of August all Charlotte Skin & Laser acne products are 20% off!
This includes: CS&L Dual Action Cleanser, Acne Wash, Acne Gel, Clarifying Pads, & Acne Kit.
Back to School Peel: Perfect for the kids going back to school! They can get their skin ready to face the new school year! $60, 30 minute chemical peel
(age 22 & under only, offer expires 8/31/2012)
