Finally-The Clear Skin You Deserve

Did you know that according to the American Academy of Dermatology, at some point up to 85% of teens and up to 40% of adults suffer from acne?

If you have a personally experienced acne, or know someone who has, you know what a negative impact it can have on self-esteem and confidence, in addition to the physical discomfort. The teenage years are an especially critical time in a young-person’s social and emotional growth, and unfortunately, studies have shown strong links between appearance and peer relationships. Fortunately, there are options to treat the condition, rather than just cover it up.

What exactly IS acne?

Acne is the result of sebum (oil) and/or dead skin cells blocking pores, therefore preventing oxygen from entering the pore, and creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This creates an imbalance between ‘good’ bacteria and ‘bad’ bacteria, which triggers inflamation and the start of the acne cycle. From there, over the course of a couple days to a couple weeks, the inflamation and infection turn into the visible signs of acne: blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, nodules, and/or cystic acne.

What causes acne?

You’re probably wondering what causes the blocked pores in the first place. Well, there are many potential causes, including overproduction of sebum, dry skin, stress, hormonal fluctuations, environment, climate, dietary sensitivities and intolerances, medication, and genetics. A common scenario is hormonal fluctuations causing an increase of sebum, which combines with dead skin cells, and blocks pores. Acne is complicated, and while it is not curable, fortunately it is treatable.

Ok, I have acne. How can I treat it?

One of the most effective ways to treat acne is consistently using an effective multi-med therapy. This means using the right ingredients, in the right quantity and formulation, and in the right order, to deliver results over time. Most acne treatments try to combat blemishes once they’re visible on the surface of your skin. However, with multi-med therapy and the right products, it is possible to take a preventative approach and treat the whole acne cycle before breakouts even surface!

Historically, it was thought that the same acne treatment could be effective for any age skin. However, with more recent research, we have learned that the causes of acne and most effective treatments vary, based upon the age of the skin.

Here is what we now know. Younger (tween/teen/young adult) skin tends to be more resilient and have a faster skin cell turnover. Acne is often caused by hormonal fluctuations and presents itself along the T-Zone or full-face. Teen acne can be stubborn, and therefore may require a stronger treatment.

Adult skin tends to be thinner and more sensitive. Add hormonal fluctuations and a slower skin cell turnover, and you have a recipe for blocked pores – often along the jaw line, mouth, and chin. Additionally, adults often have other skin concerns such as aging, enlarged pores, dryness, and sensitivity, so it makes sense that they would need a different type of treatment. Consider the common acne-fighting ingredient Benzoil Peroxide, for example. It can be one of the most effective ingredients, but it’s intensity can be too much for more mature, sensitive skin, therefore causing dryness and irritation. However, a milder formula may not be strong enough to tackle teen acne.

A dermatological solution for young skin

With so many acne treatments available on the market today, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whatever you end up chosing, you’ll want to make sure it is safe, clinically tested and proven, and has a money-back guarantee in case you are dissatisfied.

Call me biased, but as an Independent Consultant with Rodan + Fields, I recommend our Spotless Regimen and Unblemish Regimen for Acne. I represent these products because I believe in them, not the other way around.

Rodan + Fields is the brainchild of Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields. These two Stanford-trained, world-renowned dermatologsts have made it their mission to provide effective, dermatological skincare solutions without a trip to the doctor’s office.

We want to give everyone access to dermatology-inspired skincare so they can experience the personal confidence that comes with a healthy, clear, even-toned complexion. That’s why we created Rodan + Fields.

Dr. Katie Rodan + Dr. Kathy Fields

Spotless is specifically designed to fight acne and reduce the appearance of oil in young skin, in just two simple steps. It uses a proprietary, break-through technology (BP02) to infuse Benzoil Peroxide with oxygen in a formula that delivers the oxygen deep into pores. This starts killing the acne-causing bacteria and preventing new blemishes even on day 1.

The first step is a Daily Acne Wash – an exfoliating cleanser with Benzoil Peroxide. This will help sweep away dead skin cells and eliminate acne before it starts.

The second step is the Acne Clearing Treatment – a proprietary dual-chamber pump that delivers the BPO2 deep into pores to kill bacteria and clear the skin. This step also contains powerful yet gentle ingredients to minimize redness and red or dark post-acne marks.

I mentioned clinical trials because you have a right to expect your skincare will do what it says it will. In an independent 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study of the Rodan + Fields Spotless Regimen, 87% reported an improvement in size (height) and redness of acne after just one day, and 100% reported an improvement after one week.

Two minutes, two times a day, to clear skin.

A dermatological solution for more mature skin

As an adult dealing with acne (so unfair, I know!), you probably have additional concerns. You’d love to get rid of the blemishes, redness, and soreness, while also minimizing the signs of aging, right? The Rodan + Fields Unblemish Regimen could be your solution.

Unblemish is specifically designed to address mild to moderate adult acne and aging in a 4-step formulation.

Step 1 is the Gentle Exfoliating Acne Wash with gentle exfoliators and Salicylic Acid to provide a deeper clean, penetrate pores to clear adult acne, improve uneven skin texture, increase radiance, clarity, and cell turnover, all while soothing the skin to reduce the appearance of redness and inflamation.

Step 2 is the Clarifying Toner, with mild alpha-hydroxy acids to brighten skin and minimize the appearance of pores, and Hyaluronic Acid to help plump the appearance of the skin.

Step 3 is the Dual-Intensive Acne Treatment. This is a unique dual-chamber system to deliver blemish-clearing Benzoil Peroxide, while nourishing and hydrating the skin with Hyaluronic Acid, and reducing visible redness with Pomegranate Extract, and Chamomile.

Step 4 is the Shine-Free Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen which helps defend against UVA/UVB rays while controlling shine, and brightening skin with Vitamins C and E.

In an 8-week Unblemish clinical study, 72% of adult acne participants reported seeing a visible improvement in acne concerns after just 1 week, with numbers jumping to 94% after 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, 97% reported an improvement in oiliness and smoothness, 74% reported an improvement in radiance and clarity, 68% reported a more even skin tone, and 61% reported improved plumpness and fullness.

The verdict

While acne can be challenging and complicated, it is no longer necessary to think it is an unavoidable growing pain! There certainly are solutions. Email me to arrange a free skincare consultation and I can share some options specific to your condition. And regardless of what course of treatment you choose You have many options when it comes to treating acne and you deserve to find a real solution.

Resources

• http://www.ricci.myrandf.com
• http://www.rodanandfields.com
• “Spotless & Unblemish FAQs,” Rodan + Fields
• “This is the Surprising Age When Most Women Get Acne,” Women’s Health Magazine, by Alexandria Gomez
• “Checkup on Health: Teen Acne,” UC Davis Health, by Philip Lamb, M.D.