Struggling with acne?

If you're exhausted from trying product after product without seeing lasting results, you're in the right place. As an acne specialist, I believe clear skin is possible with the right education, professional guidance, and a customized treatment plan. Browse these free resources to start learning what your skin really needs and how to set yourself up for long-term success.

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What is acne?

Acne is an inherited disorder of the pores where dead skin cells shed much faster than normal. Normal pores shed approximately 1 layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore. Acne-prone pores shed up to 5 layers of dead skin cells per day, causing buildup. This buildup forms a microcomedone, which is where all acne lesions begin. That microcomedone turns into blackheads or whiteheads under the skin; and if bacteria is present, it feeds on the dead skin cells and oil, creating inflamed pimples or pustules, and possibly cysts. This process can take up to 90 days.

  • Because it takes up to 90 days for acne to form, you may still have 90 days of acne that will surface. Our acne products and protocol will keep the new acne from forming that would surface 90 days from now. In most cases, the Face Reality Skincare Program will have your acne under control in about 3 to 6 months, depending on your type of acne. Some types of acne take longer to clear. Your Acne Expert will customize a home care routine that takes at least 5 things into consideration: acne type, skin type, skin color, skin sensitivity and environment. The biggest part of the clearing process is your commitment to applying your home care routine as instructed and following recommended lifestyle where possible.

  • • Use your customized routine of home care products exactly as directed

    • Receive treatments and/or check-in with your Acne Expert every 2 weeks

    • Follow any recommended adjustments to your home care routine as directed

    • Follow lifestyle recommendations where possible, including diet, recommended supplements, stress management, and pore-clogging ingredients in skin, hair, and cosmetic products.

    Your progress will be closely monitored by your Acne Expert who will make sure you have the best home care routine for your skin and will make adjustments, if necessary, to get your skin healthy and clear in the fastest way possible.

  • During the first 6 to 8 weeks, your skin is assessed every 2 weeks to see if we can make your routine a bit stronger. We do not want your skin to get used to products, but we also do not want the routine to be so strong that your skin gets dry and irritated. This method will keep your skin on the path to clearing while maintaining optimal skin health. It’s important to know that if adjustments are not made, progress may stall. If, for some reason, you cannot make it in for a treatment, contact your Acne Expert to get the next set of instructions for home care adjustment.

  • Very mild corrective peels are used to boost the home care along with extractions of existing acne. If your skin is dry or irritated, we will opt for an enzyme treatment and extractions

  • Professional treatments are an important part of your Acne Bootcamp journey and are recommended every 2 to 4 weeks to help keep your skin progressing. Existing Acne Bootcamp clients receive a customized 45-minute Express Acne Facial for $75 per treatment, with each visit tailored to your skin's needs and including either a hydrating facial or customized chemical peel, plus thorough extractions.

    To make staying consistent more affordable, I offer a Buy 2, Get 1 Free Express Acne Facial package. You'll pay $150 for two treatments and receive your third treatment at no additional cost, bringing the average cost to just $50 per visit.

    It's also important to remember that professional treatments are only part of the process. Approximately 80% of your results come from your home care routine. During your consultation, you'll receive a customized regimen of six professional-grade skincare products designed specifically for your skin. Your complete home care system is approximately $250 and is an essential investment in achieving clear, healthy skin.

    To purchase the Buy 2, Get 1 Free package, scroll down to the Gift Certificates section and select "Buy 2, Get 1 Free Express Acne Facial.

Lifestyle Choices That Can Affect Acne

  • Get enough rest and reduce your stress. Stress stimulates the adrenal gland which promotes oil production that can lead to clogged pores in the acne-prone individual.

  • Fabric softeners (liquid or dryer sheets) leave a waxy residue on pillowcases, towels, wash cloths, sheets, and any other fabric comes into direct contact with the skin. This residue

  • Detergents with fragrance can cause skin irritation. Fragrance-free detergents are a better choice. Remember to check the ingredient list of the detergent you choose and against Face Reality’s Pore Clogging Ingredients list below.

  • It is good practice to change your pillowcases often. Oil and other products (such as hair care) can leave build up and contribute to clogged pores.

  • If you are using a pore-clogging (comedogenic) hand lotion then leaning your face on your hands or sleeping on your hands, this could exacerbate your acne

  • There is some evidence that water softeners can lead to acne, especially those containing high amounts of potassium chloride

  • Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine which can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers. Consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly over your sunscreen before you get into the pool.

  • Although sun exposure causes desirable scaling and drying, it also damages the follicle, exacerbates dark spots, and causes skin cancer and premature aging. Always wear sunscreen, even if it’s overcast and/or raining.

  • Recreational drugs that may exacerbate acne include marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines (speed).

  • Coal tars (roofers), grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters), chlorinated industrial chemicals, and dioxin can exacerbate acne.

  • Many lip balms, toothpastes, and even facial tissues have comedogenic ingredients in them. If you see breakouts around your mouth area, one of these products may be the culprit. We recommend petroleum jelly as a lip balm and toothpaste without SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Many well-known tissue brands are infused with things like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and SLS, all of which will clog the pores.

  • Rub ice on pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day. IMPORTANT: if you pick, squeeze, and break the skin, that scab will leave a red or dark mark that will be there for months longer than if you left it alone.

  • Forms of birth control that contain low doses of estrogen can be higher in androgen hormones, and that combination may aggravate acne-prone skin. Certain forms of birth control are FDA approved to treat acne. Please speak with your doctor about the birth control method that will be best for you. You should also familiarize yourself with the benefits and risks of any birth control. Progesterone hormone replacements may exacerbate acne. If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it can cause hormonal changes and breakouts

  • Prescription drugs that may exacerbate acne include some topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, thyroid medications, fertility drugs, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfiram, and drugs that treat ADD/ADHD.

    Other topical prescription drugs that must be discontinued at least 14 days prior to receiving a treatment or starting Face Reality Skincare active products include Azelex, Finacea, Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, Clindamycin (Cleocin-T), Erythromycin (Erygel), Dapsone (Aczone). This includes any topical treatment from Proactiv or Curology, that is not benzoyl peroxide only.

    If you are taking oral Isotretinoin consult your Acne Expert for guidance on how long you must wait after discontinuing use prior to starting treatments and active products.

Food and Supplements That Can Affect Acne

This is a guideline only. We are not asking you to eliminate foods or food groups completely; we do suggest you cut back and moderate some food types. The “May Aggravate Acne-Prone Skin” group has been a problem for many people who experience acne. We also know that some people have trigger foods such as citrus, but this is not across the board.

Pore-Clogging Ingredients

Below is a list of ingredients that can be found in skincare products, makeup, and hair products that can clog your pores and may exacerbate acne. Always check the ingredients of any non-Face Reality products you use on your skin or hair, even if it says “Won’t Clog Pores” or “Non-Comedogenic” on the bottle.

Natural oils can be some of the worst offenders (like cocoa butter and coconut oil) and are found in many “organic” skin care lines. Other oils such as jojoba, olive, and lanolin are mildly comedogenic and can be a problem if formulated with other comedogenic ingredients. Some prescription products like the cream form of Retin-A, as well as many over-the-counter acne medications also contain pore clogging ingredients. “Oil-free” products can be formulated with pore-clogging ingredients. The following list is meant as a guideline

• Acetylated Lanolin

• Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol

• Algae Extract

• Algin • Butyl Stearate

• Carrageenan

• Cetyl Acetate

• Cetearyl Alcohol + Ceteareth 20

• Chondrus Crispus (aka Irish Moss or Carageenan Moss)

• Chlorella • Coal Tar • Cocoa Butter • Coconut Alkanes

• Coconut Butter

• Coconut Oil

• Colloidal Sulfur

• Cotton Seed Oil

• D & C Red # 17 • D & C Red # 21

• D & C Red # 3

• D & C Red # 30

• D & C Red # 36

• Shark Liver Oil (Squalene)

• Shea Butter

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

• Solulan 16

• Sorbitan Oleate

• Stearyl Heptanoate

• Steareth 10

• Decyl Oleate

• Dioctyl Succinate

• Disodium Monooleamido PEG 2- Sulfosuccinate

• Ethoxylated Lanolin

• Ethylhexyl Palmitate

• Glyceryl Stearate SE

• Glyceryl-3 Diisostearate

• Hexadecyl Alcohol

• Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

• Isocetyl Alcohol

• Isocetyl Stearate

• Isodecyl Oleate

• Isopropyl Isostearate

• Isopropyl Linolate

• Isopropyl Myristate

• Isopropyl Palmitate

• Isostearyl Isostearate

• Isostearyl Neopentanoate

• Sulfated Castor Oil

• Sulfated Jojoba Oil

• Wheat Germ Glyceride

• Wheat Germ Oil

• Xylene

• Stearic Acid Tea

• Spirulina

• Kelp

• Laminaria Digitata Extract

• Laminaria Saccharina Extract (Laminaria Saccharine)

• Laureth-23 • Laureth-4

• Lauric Acid

• Mink Oil

• Myristic Acid

• Myristyl Lactate

• Myristyl Myristate

• Octyl Palmitate

• Octyl Stearate

• Oleth-3

• Oleyl Alcohol

• PEG 16 Lanolin

• PEG 200 Dilaurate

• PEG 8 Stearate

• PG Monostearate

• PPG 2 Myristyl Propionate

• Plankton

• Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

• Potassium Chloride

• Propylene Glycol Monostearate

• Red Algae • Seaweed

• Soybean Oil (Glycine Soja)

Home Care Instructions for Weeks 1 and 2

Day 14 Instructions:

If you get to Day 14 before your next clinic appointment, you will proceed to Cleanse, Toner and use Advanced Acne Med all night (in the absence of dryness and irritation). Let Advanced Acne Med absorb and dry for at least 60 seconds before adding a moisturizer.

Advanced Acne Med Precautions

• Not on Eye or Lower Neck: Do not use Advanced Acne Med on your neck or eye area. The tissue in the eye and neck area is delicate, and Advanced Acne Med will irritate the skin too much.

• No Eye Cream: Do not use eye cream or moisturizer around the eyes or neck because the Advanced Acne Med will migrate through the cream and cause irritation and possible swelling.

• Eye Irritation: Allow your Advanced Acne Med to dry before going to bed. If your eyelids get irritated, try changing your pillowcase more often. When you are wearing Advanced Acne Med all night, it will get on the pillowcase.

• Smile Lines: This area tends to be the most sensitive area on the face and will be the first place you see irritation and dryness. You can put a very thin layer of Vaseline on this area to occlude it for a few days and then resume product use there.

• No Working Out: Do not wear Advanced Acne Med when you expect to perspire, as in exercising, physical labor or getting hot in the sun. If you are wearing it, wash it off or it will irritate your skin.

• Will Bleach Fabric: Advanced Acne Med will bleach fabric, so we suggest wearing a white shirt or T-shirt when using it. Use white pillowcases when you start wearing it overnight. Make sure to wash your hands with soap after using it to avoid bleaching towels.

• Allergic Reaction: Allergies to benzoyl peroxide are rare but do occur occasionally. Dry skin does not constitute an allergic reaction; rather an allergy is characterized by itching, swelling or burning associated with a rash (similar to a mild case of poison ivy dermatitis). If an allergic reaction occurs, stop using Advanced Acne Med and contact us immediately.

• Use Consistently: If you skip a day or two, or only spot treat, it gives a chance for acne to form. You must do your home care routine consistently to reach and maintain clear skin.

• Expect Some Dryness: Expect your skin to get a bit dry while getting used to the Advanced Acne Med. This is normal; however, if your skin gets uncomfortably dry, please contact us so we can adjust your home care routine. Do NOT stop using your Advanced Acne Med until the next time you have an appointment— when in doubt, call us.

Remember!

• If anything tingles more than a “2” or stings/burns, do NOT use that product. Wash it off and contact us.

• Apply sunscreen every day whether you are going outdoors or not.

• You can use Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser to remove your makeup, or you can find a non-comedogenic micellar water.

• Avoid perfumed or medicated shaving creams and aftershave lotions. Ask your Acne Expert for the Shaving Tips handout if you get shaving irritation.