While some may consider the development of acne in the teen years to be a normal occurrence, that doesn’t make it an easy or desirable experience for the individual faced with it. There is hope! With the help of an experienced esthetician, you can get on the path to clear skin, no matter if you have a few blemishes, or are dealing with a severe case of acne. Getting on a customized, personalized skincare plan is key. What Causes Teen Acne? First, remember that you’re not alone. Eighty-five percent of teens experience some level of acne. Most often, it’s caused by an overproduction of oil due to hormonal shifts during puberty. The good news is that teen skin is resilient and teen skin cell turnover is more rapid. Looking for some tips to help that you can take on at home? Read on. What Can Be Done at Home to Care for Acne? Explore the Skin Solissful Skincare Products Managing acne in teens mainly hinges on proper cleansing and reducing that oil produced. Acne usually rears its head between the ages of 11-14, with the onset of puberty. It may first show as clogged pores and blackheads forming in the t-zone. If you see this starting, make an appointment for a consultation to get ahead of things as soon as possible. Cleansers for this age group could be gentle. And the skincare routine should be something simple that the individual can stick to consistently. Our gentle cleanser and silky cream cleanser are very good options. A hydrating, alcohol-free toner with soothing properties after cleansing is perfect for removing remnants of the cleanser.  Our hydrating toner is very popular for all our clients, teens, and adults. Should I Still Moisturize? The toner should be followed up with a moisturizer. Two moisturizers are important to the routine: one with sunscreen for daytime use, and one without for nighttime use.  For clients with oily skin, our Matte Tint is a great choice.  However, SPF is a very personal experience, especially if you are not used to it.  We carry quite a few options for this same reason.  Acne-safe sunscreen is also very hard to find so sometimes you will need to try out a few before you find the one you love. Spot treatments are a great option for someone experiencing blemishes at a young age, allowing them to just get treatment where needed.  These should generally be suggested by a licensed professional once they have evaluated your skin type and the type of acne you are experiencing.  Not all acne is the same and we should never assume it is all treated as such.  Sometimes taking the matter into your own hands can be more harmful than helpful.  How Can I Treat Congested Skin? For those experiencing a lot of congestion, your routine may be a little different, and it may need some additional exfoliation.  Exfoliation can be very helpful but in many cases over usage and too much of it can harm your skin.  See a licensed esthetician to get on a customized skincare routine. More Severe Teen Cases Acne often becomes more severe around the age of 15. Sebaceous glands are kicked into overdrive so limiting oil production is essential. This is also when chemical exfoliation may begin. A cleanser should have either exfoliating or oil-absorbing elements. And cleansing both morning and evening, as well as after breaking a sweat, is important. A hydrating, oil-free toner with antibacterial properties to balance the skin is best to use after the cleanser. Additional Help for Teens with Acne Using a vitamin C serum under your sunscreen in the morning provides great antioxidant benefits to protect from UV damage. It can be beneficial for teenagers experiencing acne as it helps inhibit the pigmentation that causes lingering acne scars. Our bright c serum is a stable form of vitamin c and should be introduced if you have acne once you have been on a homecare routine for a bit.  It would not be an initial product to add.  Salicylic acid (BHA) is an acid (chemical) exfoliant and a key ingredient to look for. It’s oil-soluble, meaning it can get inside the pores to clear them out and curb oil production. A salicylic acid serum works well for clearing congestion and eliminating superficial acne such as whiteheads, pustules, and papules. Mandelic Acid (AHA) is another chemical exfoliant and is amazing for acne. It’s known for its great anti-bacterial properties, reduction of inflammation, and amazing for hyperpigmentation. When someone overproduces oil, their instinct is often to use drying products and to skip moisturizing. This can create the opposite of the desired result, leaving skin dehydrated and flaky, and even oilier because your skin will try to make up for the dryness. Use a light, oil-free lotion or if you’re extremely oily, you can also try an oil-free gel moisturizer.  Again, your morning product should absolutely include something with appropriate SPF. Masks can be a great skincare addition for teens. A hydrating mask, can be beneficial when you are adjusting to actives that may dry you out initially or an antibacterial mask can be used any time breakouts flare and you are experiencing a lot of inflammation. Good Habits to Practice That Help Prevent Teen Acne Always Wash Your Face After Exercising. Cleanse your face any time you work out or sweat (in addition to morning and evening). Focus especially on cleansing areas where sweaty sports equipment rubs up against the skin. This will help prevent breakouts from forming in the first place. Change Your Pillowcases. Do this often to keep from reintroducing oil and bacteria to the skin’s surface. Treat Body Acne Too. Many teens develop acne on the body as well as the face. Learn how to manage body acne. Avoid Bar Soap. Ingredients found in bar soap can be drying and surfactant-based which are sometimes very harsh.  Generally making them high pH which will create dryness and irritation. Don’t Pick! It’s sure to cause damage. Your best bet is to schedule a facial with a professional esthetician (like me). That picking may have taken you a second to dig at but it may take months to clear and worst. You may be spreading bacteria and SURPRISE, in a month or two you have a whole new cluster of breakouts that showed up to say…hey I am here LOL Most importantly, don’t stress. Navigating acne can be confusing for teens and their parents. But rest assured, spending a little time and effort upfront to establish a consistent skincare routine will benefit you for a lifetime to come. Please reach out to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation. I can help! Let's Get Started!

Chugging chlorophyll, slugging your face, DIY microneedling. STOP! Before you follow the skincare advice of influencers on TikTok, do some research. While this social platform is a lot of fun and does have some useful tips, it also has a lot of misinformation or misguided DIY suggestions. Let’s look at some TikTok Myths regarding skincare and the pursuit of healthy, youthful skin. Can drinking chlorophyll get rid of my acne? You’ve probably seen the TikTok influencers encouraging followers to consume chlorophyll to detox the body and get rid of acne. This is a myth. Drinking chlorophyll-infused water to get rid of acne or improve your skin can worsen your skin condition. While chlorophyll is an antioxidant able to fight off free radicals, drinking chlorophyll water creates concentrated amounts in your body, which is unhealthy. It can be destructive to your skin tissue and cause photosensitivity. The liquid chlorophyll can accumulate in the lining of the blood vessels of your skin, causing rashes, hyperpigmentation, or worse. Drinking chlorophyll may cause pseudoporphyria, unsightly, painful blistering of the skin, according to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Chlorophyll, however, can be beneficial for acne patients undergoing controlled, photodynamic therapy only. This should never be a DIY treatment. Just eat leafy, green vegetables and get your chlorophyll naturally, in the right dosage. Can Vaseline™ on my face at night help me look younger? Slugging is when you slather petroleum jelly on your face at night to “seal in” your skincare products. Slugging reportedly is a popular K-beauty trend and it’s one TikTok fans love to perpetuate, claiming it helps give you younger-looking skin. We do not recommend slugging! Slugging may cause acne and/or worsen acne. Skin occlusion, or applying an impermeable barrier over your pores, can set off outbreaks. For people who are prone to acne, slugging can exacerbate their skin condition. (Also, do you really want all that gunk on your pillow?) Can I Do Microneedling at home to treat acne? While microneedling can promote skin cell regeneration, which may help diminish hyperpigmentation and acne scars, it should not be done at home. Furthermore, you never want to microneedle skin that has active acne. You are puncturing your skin and opening it to infection. Your home will not be a sterile environment. You should not have microneedling done unless you've first tried skincare products to treat these conditions. A Pure Skin Pro Organic CIT Facial Treatment mimics microneedling through a natural blend of unique plants combined to meet your unique skin needs and applied as a finely milled powder. An organic CIT facial helps treat elastosis, pigment, scarring, acne, and signs of aging. This is an affordable alternative to microneedling which is done by a licensed esthetician. There’s no puncture in your skin and it’s all done using equipment and implements that are cleansed and sterilized with hospital-grade disinfectants or are made to be disposable. SCHEDULE AN ORGANIC CIT FACIAL Berks County, don’t turn to TikTok for acne treatment I am a licensed esthetician specializing in acne and rejuvenating treatments performed in my Reading, Pa., studio. My acne treatment program is a four-step plan toward acne-free skin, customized to each client. This acne treatment program entails a professional consultation, product customization, customized treatments, and maintenance. I even offer online acne treatment coaching/consultation. Learn more about the Pure Skin Pro Acne Treatment Program and let’s start a conversation about sensible skincare and acne treatments that actually work. SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Acne and Pregnancy Blissfully happy with a baby on the way but don’t love the acne popping up on your skin? Read on and we’ll explore just why you may be experiencing breakouts and how to best get a handle on them — and safely. The WHY There are two likely causes as to why you may be experiencing pregnancy acne. First, around your sixth week of conception your hormones dramatically increase, notably progesterone, which causes your glands to produce more oil secretions, leading to acne as pores are clogged with dead skin cells and bacteria builds. Second, your body is retaining increased fluids, which can reduces fewer toxins release that can result in breakouts. Getting Clear The good news is you don’t have to live with acne, even in pregnancy as there are safe and effective ways to treat it. That’s where we at Pure Skin Makeup & Skincare Studio comes in. Remember that the best way to treat acne is to not ignore your condition. We can help to evaluate your skin — even virtually — and recommend a treatment plan and customized products that are safe for pregnant women to use along the way. Our plan may even help to determine specific foods to add to your diet, or to pinpoint those you should avoid altogether. As trained esthetician I can help to determine what your acne triggers may be in an effort to reduce and ultimately eliminate them. Our goal is to help you and provide you with detail information to discuss and always approve with your doctor. We’ll also want to be sure you’re drinking plenty of water to flush the previously mentioned toxins from your system.  Clearing the skin of acne is not an overnight process, but when you’re armed with a customized treatment plan and you remain committed to the effort, it can absolutely be done and we’re positive you’ll be thrilled with the results. Ready to get started? We are here for you. Visit Pure Skin Makeup & Skincare Studio online at www.pureskinpro.com and click on the “Acne Program” link to schedule a consultation. You can find us by calling 484-243-0771 or email info@pureskinpro.com.

Most people are aware exfoliation is an important part of a healthy skin care routine. But if you are dealing with acne, your skin care needs are different. You may be wondering: "How often should I exfoliate my acne-prone skin?" Experts typically recommend exfoliating 2-3 times per week if your skin is prone to acne. Depending on the severity of your acne, you may need to reduce that to 1-2 times per week. Each individual's skin has unique needs, so there's no simple answer. Read on to gain a clearer understanding of what your unique needs may be. Can Exfoliating Cause Acne? Typically, exfoliating does not cause acne. In fact, in most cases, exfoliating can help minimize acne when performed properly as part of an acne treatment program. Beware though, if exfoliating is done improperly or too often, it can bring on problems. If you use a scrub, use as directed and be gentle.  Scrubs can irritate your skin and compromised your skin barrier if abused or used incorrectly. AHA's and BHA's are also good choices for exfoliation, They should be introduced initially 1-2 times a week or as directed by your acne specialist.  How Can I Tell If I'm Exfoliating Too Often? While it may feel tempting to exfoliate frequently, too much exfoliation can cause problems. Here are a few indicators to look for that may indicate you are exfoliating your acne-prone skin too often: Dry, flaky skin Skin becomes more oily (to compensate for loss in natural oils) Red, sensitive skin Increase in pimples, especially small ones What Is The Best Exfoliator For Acne-Prone Skin? An exfoliating cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is often recommended for use when exfoliating skin that has acne, as long as the acne is not inflamed. Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antibiotic that works by delivering oxygen to the areas of your skin where bacteria from acne are thriving, and since acne can't survive in an oxygen-rich environment, this essentially eliminates acne at its source. Applying this antibiotic, along with the manual action of gentle scrubbing and exfoliating, can work wonders in many individuals with acne-prone skin. Another option is Exfoliating Mandelic Cleanser, Mandelic acid is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and it provides antibacterial and antifungal benefits, making it ideal for treating inflamed acne. However, since each person's skin has unique needs, we recommend consulting with an acne treatment specialist to help you decide what type and frequency of exfoliation would be best for your skin. Benzoyl Peroxide Exfoliating Cleanser Exfoliating Mandelic Cleanser

Out of all the different skin conditions that affect people, acne is the most common. In fact, it’s almost certain that we will experience acne, in one or more of its forms, during the different phases of our lives. This pernicious skin condition has various different causes and presents a wide number of symptoms. If you’re suffering from acne but have been unable to diagnose the underlying cause of it— even after trying multiple medications, treatments, and products— then the info in this blog might help explain what’s going on. As improbable as it sounds, your gut (gastrointestinal tract) MIGHT be the reason for your acne. Yes… poor health conditions in the gut can result in chronic outbreaks of skin conditions like acne. But! If your gut is healthy, that may be the missing key to having clear skin. Let’s Talk About How The Gut Affects Your Skin And Causes Acne A ton of scientific research has been done on the subject, establishing a solid link between nutritional deficiency, gut health, and acne. The condition of the human gut and skin health are closely related to one another. If you have an unhealthy gut, it can show on your face. Recurring skin issues may point to the existence of a gut problem. Too often we neglect this underlying reason, ignoring the possibility in favor of medications and products that treat the acne topically… but sometimes, the main cause of the acne IS the gut. An unhealthy gut can result in the manifestation of acne, eczema, rosacea, inflammation, and various other skin conditions. Your gut microbiome hosts several viruses and bacteria that flourish in your intestines and invite skin issues. These bacteria and viruses can develop dysbiosis as a result of an imbalanced microbiome, and that condition can lead to skin problems like acne. The main reason for dysbiosis is a leaky gut. A leaky gut allows larger infectious molecules to flow from the gut into the bloodstream, where your immune system contains the infection… but not before the infectious waste leftover from the process is shed through the pores, affecting the lining of the skin. That can cause unhealthy skin conditions. Literally, an infection from your gut will show on your face as acne. Let’s Dive Deeper Into The Prevention Of A Leaky Gut And How You Can Prevent Acne By Addressing The Health Of Your Gut If you want to get rid of skin conditions or acne, then pay heed to the health of your gut. Include friendly fibers in your diet. Engage your body in healthy exercise and protect your energy by de-stressing the body. You may need to take action to cleanse your gut, and take precautions to keep it clear. Start by focusing on your diet. Balanced and super food items can help to heal your gut, almost as if by magic: Eat Right. Add healthy food items like fiber, plant-based food, wholegrain, pulses, fruits, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli to your diet and cut out processed food items. Highly processed food can cause inflammation in the gut. Refresh your biome. Prebiotics and probiotics can do wonders to improve the health of your gut. Food items like onions, radishes, oatmeal, garlic, and yogurt are super healthy items that can help to clear the gut and heal the skin. Moving your body can also have a good impact on the health of the gut. Daily exercise improves the movement of the gut, supercharges the metabolism, and makes the gut feel relaxed. Remove the food allergens from your diet. Notice which foods are worsening your acne and remove those food items to keep the gut and skin clear. To clear out the gut, you need to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is also a vital key to getting clear skin. When you’re properly hydrated, your increased water intake removes toxins from your body and thus clears out the gut and helps you to have healthy clear skin. Focus on managing your circadian rhythm. An imbalanced sleep cycle can also damage your gut as well as the other organs that directly affect your skin. Practice a good sleep routine, minimize the use of screens before going to bed, and get enough sleep to strengthen gut cells. Develop your ability to manage stress. Anxiety directly impacts your body’s digestion, and too much of it can lead to bad gut health. Stay calm and get clear skin by clearing out your gut. Practice these tips and tricks and your gut health will rebound in no time. You can always clean your skin on the outside, but practicing a plan to maintain good gut health can enable you to clean your skin from the inside out, resulting in better overall health, heightened skin care, and the true expression of your inner beauty... in the form of unblemished skin and a clear face. That’s where we at Pure Skin Makeup & Skincare Studio come in. We can help to evaluate your skin — even virtually — and recommend specific foods to add to your diet, or to pinpoint those you should avoid altogether. We’ll also want to be sure you’re drinking plenty of water to flush acne-causing toxins from your system. Ready to get started? We are here for you. Visit Pure Skin Makeup & Skincare Studio online at www.pureskinpro.com and click on the “Acne Program” link to schedule a consultation. You can find us by calling 484-243-0771 or email info@pureskinpro.com.

Acne is the most common skin condition in the nation and can occur at any stage in life. While primarily impacting teens, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that acne is on the increase in adults. When oil and dead skin cells clog your skin’s pores, it causes acne. Hormonal levels have a lot to do with acne, but sometimes the issue is compounded by bacterial concerns, presenting as blackheads, cyst-like lumps, or blockages in your hair follicles. You can tell if acne is hormonal or bacteria by its severity if flare-ups occur during hormonal imbalances, and whether topical treatments resolve the issues, or if systemic medications are needed. Let’s break down how to tell if acne is hormonal or bacterial and look at treatment options. Hormonal vs Bacterial Acne While the initial cause of your acne is likely hormonal, clogged pores from oil and dead skin cells can become infected. This then becomes a bacterial issue.   When topical methods used to treat hormonal acne fail, it could mean you have bacterial acne. Moderate or severe bacterial acne may require oral antibiotics, provided by a board-certified dermatologist, to reduce infection, or birth control to reduce the overproduction of sebum. However, an acne treatment program under the guidance of a licensed esthetician can effectively combat hormonal acne before it gets to the severe bacterial stage. While a monthly acne treatment can be very helpful for clients, receiving an acne treatment or clarifying acne treatment once a month or less will not clear your skin in the way a dedicated acne treatment program such as Pure Skin Pro can. Hormonal Changes and Acne Our bodies produce sebum, an oily substance that helps protect the surface of our skin. Sebum is mostly concentrated on our face, scalp, and chest because it travels through the ducts of our hair follicles. But let’s not dive into the gross details of how oil travels up our hair shafts… The bottom line is that sebum production will increase or decrease depending on hormonal fluctuations. So, a teen going through puberty may experience sebum overproduction, but this can also be blamed on a reaction to certain medications, an increase in stress levels, your menstrual cycle, increased exposure to UV rays, or your genetic history. Hormonal acne and bacterial acne can occur at any age. The good news is that Pure Skin Pro can determine effective, customized acne treatments with options that best suit your skincare needs. Your Acne Is Different Everyone’s skin is unique. Acne, its causes, and its treatment are different for everyone. Retinoid, AHA’s, BHA’s, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide are some of the most effective products available to treat acne.  While all these products can be found over the counter, their success in treating your acne will depend on their proper use and application and the current condition of your skin. You will need a dedicated program with prescribed home care using products specific to the needs of your skin. Face and body acne treatments may involve multiple electrical modalities, resurfacing solutions, and Organic Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) and possible LED light therapy. Schedule a new client consultation and treatment. This is the best way to learn more about the acne treatment program and what to expect. Meet Virtually With An Acne Treatment Specialist

Butt acne, even though it remains hidden from mostly everyone in your life, is still an embarrassing and concerning skin issue. So you, like many of my clients, might be wondering if the latest beauty treatment called “booty facials” can help treat pimples on the butt. Yes! A booty facial, butt facial, fanny facial…whatever you want to give it, can help treat butt acne. There’s better news. Booty facials with Pure Skin Pro can also help with pigmentation or acne scars on your bum. Before we explore what a booty facial includes, we should first get to the bottom of the issue (pun intended; wink). Why Do I Have Butt Acne? Clogged hair follicles can become infected with bacteria resulting in a skin condition called folliculitis. There are constantly bacteria on your skin. With proper, diligent care, it usually doesn’t become an issue. However, our bums are areas where bacteria have a better chance for growth and it’s an area sometimes forgotten in our daily skincare routines. Tight clothing, sweat, chafing, and insufficient exfoliation and cleansing will exacerbate butt acne, which can cause unsightly bumps and pigmentation. A skin condition called keratosis pilaris may appear as butt acne, but it’s just a buildup of protein. It can cause raised bumps, though, which seem like constant goosebumps or tiny pimples, which leave your skin feeling rough. What Is a Butt Facial? A Booty Facial, or butt facial, from Pure Skin Pro involves cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if needed), treatment serums, and a mask. It might sound contraindicative to exfoliate the skin with acne, but in most cases, exfoliating can help minimize acne when performed properly as part of an acne treatment program. (Read How Often Should You Exfoliate Acne-Prone Skin?) In fact, butt facials or quite similar to “regular” facials. I use helpful topical antibiotics and cleansers during Booty Facial treatments to help prevent future outbreaks and unsightly pigmentation. Can You Get Rid of Acne Scars on Your Butt? Washing your buttocks at least twice a day can help prevent butt acne. For those who exercise regularly, it’s crucial to wash this area as soon as possible following a workout. Sweat from your daily yoga routine or weightlifting regimen provides the perfect environment for harmful bacteria. It is possible to reduce acne scars and dark pigmentation on your buttocks. I recommend my Booty Facial, which treats skin issues like acne, dryness, and pigmentation. If more extensive treatment is needed, it’s best to schedule an acne treatment consultation so that we can begin a dedicated program that goes beyond clarifying treatments and may entail LED light therapy to reduces scarring and hyperpigmentation while reducing inflammation. Contact Us When Should I See a Specialist About Butt Pimples? If pimples on your butt are worsening, painful, or harming your self-esteem, you should consult a trained esthetician.  Acne management is my specialty. Skin is skin; there’s no need to be embarrassed about tackling pimples on your body. If you’re in or near Berks County, book your Booty Facial soon and start treating your whole body with the skincare it deserves.