ACNE DO’S AND DONT’S

One of the biggest skincare myths is that acne is just a teenager’s problem. But, in fact, regardless of age, pimples can span a lifetime and it requires good maintenance, and most importantly, patience. While there is no universal, one-size-fits-all fix, there are certain steps you can take to lessen―and hopefully eliminate―acne during all phases of life.

Acne is like the worst kind of house guest―it shows up uninvited at  the  least  convenient  time, overstays  its welcome, and leaves a mess after it’s gone; No matter how honed your skin care routine is, or how old you get, you never seem to be completely free from it.

We all know that acne can be caused by excess sebum, pollution, cosmetic products, hormones or even genetic predisposition. It is inevitable for a vast majority, and now we’re  breaking down everything you need to know about  controlling adult acne and how to get clear and smooth skin:

WATER THERAPY
Don’t forget to drink eight glasses of water a day. It makes a big impact on your entire body, including your skin.

CLEANSE DAILY
The first and most important rule isn’t groundbreaking: remember to wash your face. Cleansing and treating your skin twice a day is the best way to keep breakouts away.

USE THE RIGHT TONER
Choose a toner that is best suited for your skin type and a product that won’t clog your pores.

EXFOLIATE GENTLY
Scrubbing your face raw with grainy exfoliating products can do more harm than good. Use an exfoliating soap that is safe and gentle on skin. Do it not more than 2-3 times a week.

USE AN EXTRA BOOST
On a daily basis, you cleanse, tone and moisturize; but sometimes your skin needs an extra little care. When your skin feels stressed out or drier than usual, that’s when a serum comes into play.

SUNNY SHADE
Look for a sunscreen that won’t trigger your breakouts and is mild for your skin type.

COMBAT WITH CAPSULES
Worried which kind of capsules can help save those confidence-sucking mammoth of skin issues? Choose one that contains Lactoferrin, LinumLife Extra and Zinc Gluconate that work together to prevent and control acne.

SEE A DOCTOR
If you’re still experiencing breakouts, especially if you have big, angry pimples, visit your doctor. Your exact treatment will depend on what the doctor learns after examining and talking to you.

DO NOT PICK, POP OR SQUEEZE
Squeezing those blemishes can lead to scarring and an open wound can get infected.

DO NOT IRRITATE WITH TOOTHPASTE OR RUBBING ALCOHOL
Applying toothpaste or rubbing alcohol is more likely to cause irritation and dryness than treat the actual pimple.

DO NOT FORGET TO WASH YOUR PILLOWCASE
Dirt and bacteria can transfer from your pillowcase and anything else that touches your face, and clog your pores. Wash your pillowcase once a week.

DO NOT SKIP YOUR MOISTURIZER
The idea that acne-prone skin doesn’t need moisturizer is a myth. In fact, if you skip the moisturizer, you’re likely adding to the problem. Instead, choose a very gentle, oil-free cream that will help hydrate your skin.

DO NOT SWITCH UP PRODUCTS TOO OFTEN
Keep your skincare routine simple. The more you introduce new products into your regimen, the more likely you are to cause the breakouts.

DO NOT OVERINDULGE IN DAIRY AND GREASY FOODS
Excessive ice cream, yogurt, milk, cheese, chocolates and greasy food consumption might cause you to breakout, too. Cutting back on these products can help clear up your blemishes.

DO NOT STRESS YOURSELF OUT
Avoiding stress is practically impossible, but overly hectic life can lead to more breakouts. Consider taking up a hobby that helps you relax―even if it’s for a short period each week.

Dealing with acne can be tough! It can take some time and a dozen of trips to the dermatologist to discover how to get rid of acne effectively on your skin. At SkinStation, we’ve pretty much made it our life mission to figure out the best tips and solution to get your skin look and feel its best.

BREAKTHROUGHS FOR BREAKOUTS

Introducing the AcneX line―ultimate solution to your acne problems 

SpotLite Treatments for Age Spots and Acne Marks

Acne scars can be one of the biggest skin care concern of many. As we grow out of acne, we get to face the next struggle, acne marks.

Ugly age spots often appear on exposed body parts, usually the face and arms. Skin cells create melanin to protect our skin from the UV rays. The overproduction of melanin causes those pesky brown spots to budge in our skin. Whether they show up immediately in the form of freckles or years later as the result of long-term sun damage, they can be persistent and hard to treat.

These dark spots are considered the new wrinkles. Wound marks, pregnancy, pollution, hormonal changes, hereditary factors, even gritty scrubs and light bulbs can all contribute to having uneven skin tone. But essentially, acne scars are the worst confidence-sucking mammoth of skin issues. It plagues the best of us.

Acne is caused by excess sebum. Anything can cause our sebum production to become overly stimulated―this produces oil, which then mixes with things like the hairs on our skin or dirt; our pores then become clogged. Bacteria can then get trapped inside the pores and multiply. This causes swelling and redness—which is the start of acne. Factors like pollution, cosmetic products, medications, hormones and genes can also cause acne.

What makes it even worse is that these ugly little heads can then turn into scars which develop when recurrent inflammation from deeper cystic lesions damages the collagen in our skin. Pricking breakouts the wrong way can cause long-term damage.

That said, there’s a plethora of medicated and over-the-counter products that promise to do the job of fading those marks, but only an ultimate solution can help promote even and radiant complexion. Enter the dark spot corrector: DERMAX Professional SpotLite Serum. If you don't already have one in your skincare regimen, it's about time. This product is designed to diminish small areas of discolorations by targeting stubborn age spots and acne marks, without stripping off your skin in the process.

DERMAX SpotLite serum reduces small areas of discolorations

                                                                                                                                                     
Visit us and consult for free with our doctors at any SkinStation, DERMAX Laser Center or Blushing Beauty branch, on how to use best SpotLite Serum with SpotLite Laser. You’ll be kissing those age spots and acne marks goodbye in no time.

New Korean Treatment for Acne Scars and Wrinkles

SkinStation brings to the Philippines groundbreaking treatment from Korea that addresses acne scars, wrinkles, and enlarged pores. AirLift treatment is now available in SkinStation clinics nationwide. People who have to deal with rolling, box, or ice pick scars caused by acne as well as other common skin problems now have an effective solution that they can turn to.  

“The intradermal dissector ingeniously uses air to treat deep scars and acne scars. The procedure also helps reduce fine lines, stretch marks and facial pores, as it rejuvenates the skin," Dr. Karen Javier-Jusay of SkinStation said.

This machine introduces two pounds of air pressure to the intradermal layer of the skin. This breaks the attachment of scars and wrinkles, releasing the fibrotic strands that connect the scars to the underlying tissue. The treatment promotes collagen formation caused by wound healing and leads to visible improvement to the skin. 

Dr. Jusay also says that the AirLift treatment is much more effective than existing procedures that are available in the country. "Compared to subcision, the intradermal airlift uses controlled air pressure to break the fibrous strands, hence there is less probability of hematoma and bruising."

She further differentiates AirLift from Carboxytherapy which uses carbon dioxide gas to treat similar skin problems. Since the said procedure does not use significant air pressure it is not able to produce the same results as the AirLift procedure. 

Aside from effectively aiding in the eradication of scars and wrinkles, the treatment is also relatively quick. The AirLift procedure normally takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the area that is being treated. It can also be done in conjunction with treatments like Collagenesis (dermal roller) or CO2 fractional laser to produce faster results. 

For more information about AirLift treatment, visit a SkinStation clinic near you. 

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Before AirLift

The subject had a few ice pick and rolling scars caused by acne, aside from this she also had a few enlarged pores.

 

After AirLift

After undergoing the AirLift procedure, the subject's scars and pore enlargement had marked improvements.

 

This article was published in The Manila Bulletin, Lifestyle Section on August 8, 2017. The author is the CEO of SkinStation, DERMAX Laser Center, and Blushing Beauty. He received the 2011 Outstanding Chemist Award from Professional Regulations Commission for his achievements in the field of cosmetic chemistry. He can be reached at fred.reyes@skinstation.ph.