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With 2015 reaching its end, many people like to reflect on all that has happened in the past year. The change in dates also offers us an opportunity to look forward to the future, setting goals and making resolutions to improve the quality of our lives in both small and larger ways. Because maintaining healthy skin is work like anything else, setting attainable goals can go a long way in achieving measurable improvements.
With all the sweet foods at our fingertips during the holiday season, temptation is around almost every corner. While everyone should allow themselves to indulge from time to time, those with acne-prone complexions might find themselves paying for it on the surface of their skin for days.
Many people blame their acne on sugar and although no single food is the cause of the condition, certain things we eat, including sugar, can affect the way our bodies react. The condition of acne is due in part to a hormonal imbalance that takes place within the body.
With so many food-centric holidays happening this time of year, enjoying a marvelous meal with friends and loved ones isn’t hard to come by. During the holidays, sources of temptation and opportunities to indulge are plentiful. For those with acne, certain foods might trigger breakouts. With a little knowledge and creativity, you can make any holiday meal work in your favor by including foods that benefit the appearance of your skin and contribute to your goal of being acne-free!
For those with acne, there are certain foods we have been warned to stay away from since our teen years to avoid making the problem worse. The main culprits on the list are usually dairy, greasy foods, like pizza and fries, and sugary foods, including chocolate. At the same time, we have learned over the years that certain types of chocolate have a number of health benefits, so how true is the myth that your candy bar is causing your acne?
When people think of acne, red, irritated bumps often come to mind. What many of us do not know is that there are several types of acne symptoms that fall into different categories. Most people reflexively reach for the pimple cream to zap their zits, or even worse, attempt to squeeze the blemish into oblivion. Take a few minutes to learn about what appears on your complexion, how to avoid making your acne worse and how to take charge of treating your acne in the most effective way.
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to catch up with friends and family. For many, however, the season comes with a slew of social commitments, commuting through busy airports, or entertaining a house full of guests.
The stress of the season can really do a number on your skin, especially when paired with the dry, cold air. Keeping your face clean and moisturized can go a long way to help breakouts from ruining your good time. However, when it comes to treating acne, it’s what’s on the inside that counts; acne is an external manifestation of an internal disorder - so even though topical tips may help temporarily, it won’t go away until you deal with the internal issue of acne.
With just about everyone on social media these days, the prospect of a potential photo op is always right around the corner. Between holiday parties and visiting with friends and family, you can find yourself in front of the camera even more now than ever, and for those with acne, you don’t have to hide in the back if you’re embarrassed by a breakout.
With all the filters and editing tools available to bring our best photo forward, it’s tempting to edit afterward. However, with some non-comedogenic makeup, clean hands, and a little practice, you can create a flawless finish to serve as a temporary quick fix!
Proper hydration is one of the fundamental components of health and most people are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. The vast benefits of water on the various systems of the body range from regulating a healthy weight to reducing muscle cramping, and so much more. One of the greatest benefits hydration has to offer is the role it plays in the healthy functioning of the skin.
Over the last few years, a new skincare tool has been all the rage for people spanning the entire spectrum of skin types. Offering users a deep clean, a variety of facial cleansing brushes claim to deliver a healthy glow and a blemish-free complexion. But are these brushes doing more harm than good for acne-prone skin?
Designed to give users the cleanest clean possible, brushes work to remove dirt, grime, makeup and bacteria with the help of oscillating bristles or heads. Intended to keep pores clean in a similar style to microdermabrasion, brushes offer an at-home exfoliating treatment that was previously only available at the hands of a dermatologist or aesthetician.
Leftovers are always in abundance on Thanksgiving. This year, don’t fret if you buy in excess. Many common Thanksgiving ingredients can be used in DIY skincare solutions such as masks or scrubs.
The most important thing to remember during the busy holidays is to adhere to your skincare regimen and that includes taking your daily dose of AcnEase®. It’s also helpful to supplement your skincare routine with a delicate scrub or nourishing mask when your skin suffers from stress or other times when it doesn’t receive the proper care. The holidays are one of those times when we are often too busy to dedicate enough time and energy to ourselves and our skin.
Thanksgiving is not only a time to be grateful, but a time to recognize the special people that have made a difference. AcnEase® would like to thank all of you for your interest in our product and having faith in our commitment to you.
As the holiday season approaches, we become busy with holiday gatherings, shopping, and travel. It’s easy to fall behind in your skincare routine, which is something we work so hard for the rest of the year. While the focus of Thanksgiving is appreciating and celebrating the things we are thankful for, let’s include our skin and nurture it too!
Is your skin familiar with those red, swollen bumps that are painful to the touch and impossible to conceal? If so, your body’s response to inflammation may be working overtime, and among other things, your complexion is paying the price.
What exactly is inflammation? Inflammation is a natural response by the body in an attempt to protect itself from foreign irritants, such as bacteria, chemicals, or even foods that one’s body may be inclined to reject. Inflammation is a common part of the healing process and usually subsides once the foreign element has been addressed. In terms of acne symptoms, an inflammatory response can result in red, swollen bumps on your face that are often painful and irritating.
Acne, and its associated problems, is probably one of the most discussed and misunderstood health concerns. The reason may be because we typically try to identify ONE factor, culprit or villain responsible for our misery and frustration. We want to understand what causes all those blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and painful cysts, and so we place the blame on our diet, puberty, the environment, etc. If we can just pinpoint the exact problem, then we can cure ourselves of our acne, right?
When we think of the physical effects that a lack of sleep might have on our appearance, most people immediately think of puffy eyes, dark circles under the eye, or a sallow complexion. What many don’t realize is the relationship between a lack of sleep and the health of our skin, including the potential impact on the condition of acne. By avoiding our internal clock and our body’s natural circadian rhythm, we create a condition far more complicated than we may realize.
Getting the proper amount of quality sleep is just as important to our bodies as food, water and oxygen. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and cleansing the skin of any dirt or makeup before going to bed are all essential aspects in keeping our skin healthy and looking its best. This is especially important for those who are acne-prone.
Over the last few years, many people have become largely aware of the benefits of adding freshly squeezed juice to their diet. From combating colds to fighting fatigue to better overall health, people are turning to their juicer to help remedy what ails them. One of the lesser known benefits of juicing is that it helps fight acne.
There are many fantastic fruits and veggies that are great for the skin. The natural properties found in many juice recipes are a healthy option for those who do not meet the recommended daily serving of fruits and veggies. The widely popular “green juice” is well-known for flushing toxins from the body.
For many with acne, the pesky bumps that come with the territory can be an endless source of frustration. The symptom of the acne condition appears on the skin as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, each coming with their own set of problems when looking to eliminate.
Typically, when a pimple appears on the skin, its natural course will run from anywhere between 3-7 days before disappearing. In the case of whiteheads and blackheads (a form of acne), however, the clogged pore never quite reaches an inflamed state, making it much harder to treat, or even temporarily conceal with makeup or spot treatments. Many are tempted to pick at or squeeze the infected area, which can lead to irritation or even infection. Others reach for a more harsh solution to remedy their woes, turning to pore strips, or even chemical peels to erase these annoying occurrences. What many people don’t know is that an easy and effective alternative can probably be found right in their own kitchens.
For those who love to celebrate the kid within, October can be the most wonderful time of the year. The larger than life attitude that comes with a costume-heavy and makeup-thick celebration such as Halloween allows many to let their wild side shine. Unfortunately, your skin might suffer the consequences and Halloween can prove to be a scary sight for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
With all the makeup, candy, trick-or-treating, dancing, and lack of sleep that surrounds Halloween, the conditions for the skin to break out are perfect. We don’t want all of the fun to catch up with your skin, so when preparing for the festivities this year, remember to be mindful of these common threats to clear skin.
Now that you have found the right makeup for your skin, using the Part One of the Makeup Guide, it’s time to get to the fun stuff...applying makeup! Whether you are looking to conceal blemishes and achieve a natural finish, or go all out with a dramatic look, these basic application techniques are practiced by some of the most popular makeup artists and are a cinch to master with some patience and practice.
No great work of art was ever created without the use of proper tools. Applying makeup is no different. Be sure to select the appropriate size and shape brush for each step and product. Using a clean brush to apply concealer, foundation, and powder is absolutely essential for those who live with acne. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. Ideally, clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. The process is simple and brief.
Shopping for makeup can be overwhelming. There are so many options to consider such as color, coverage and feel. When you tack on the added pressure of finding a formula that is suitable for acne-prone skin, experimenting with makeup can end up doing more harm than good.
While makeup shopping for acne-prone skin can seem daunting at first, it is certainly not impossible, especially when you know what to look out for. Whether you prefer to reach for high-end brands, or stick with the more economic formulas, you definitely have many opportunities to find the right solution for you.
The first step in shopping for the right makeup for acne prone skin is becoming familiar with some key terms.
Vitamins play an essential and vital role in the health of every living being. Whether we find it in the food that we eat, or the supplements that we ingest, the body relies on these important compounds in order to survive. Like anything sourced outside of ourselves, too much of a good thing can yield potentially harmful results.
Vitamin B 12 has extensive health benefits. Most notably, it:
Step into the skin care aisle of any beauty supply or drugstore and it’s obvious that topical acne treatments rule in terms of what’s popular amongst consumers. Most people with acne have done extensive research to find a solution to their problem. However, some people simply aren’t aware of the value of systemic treatment options, which affect the entire body. Yet other people have reservations or fears about taking an oral treatment, preventing them from ever giving this type of treatment a chance.
As acne treatment specialists, we understand there are many concerns that people have about taking a pill for their acne. We’ve included facts about the causes and formation of acne and an in-depth look at how AcnEase® affects acne and the body. We hope this will eliminate any potential anxiety associated with taking an oral treatment for your acne.
For those that don’t experience living with acne, the problems acne-sufferers face may seem minor and cosmetic. Because there is no proven cure for acne, people have been left to treat only the symptoms. Along the way, many myths and false beliefs have been developed, from the highly debated to the downright comedic. Here are just a few...have a look and see if any sound familiar to you!
Often times when we have acne, we’ll do anything to find (and try) products that will make it go away, quickly and easily. At first, we usually don’t consider some of the contributing factors that can make it worse. We actually spend more time trying different products in hopes that something works, and less time on analyzing how our daily habits could be affecting our skin.
Daily habits are so routine that we do them without notice sometimes. Habits can be tough to change but with practice, research shows that adjusting them can have a MAJOR impact on decreasing acne breakouts.
So let’s get right into it!
The Back to School and Fall season can be very stressful and busy, especially after the lazy days of summer. Although it can be an exciting time of year too, it can also wreak havoc on your immune system and your skin. Germs are everywhere, especially in the school environment and it’s difficult to stay away from them. By incorporating high-antioxidant foods like the MAQUI BERRY into your diet, your chances of keeping germs and illness at bay and obtaining clear, healthy skin improve significantly. And the best part is, it’s easy to do!
If you’re like most people, you are probably unfamiliar with this newly popularized super berry. The maqui berry, pronounced MAH-key, grows prolifically in certain parts of South America and is renowned for having the highest levels of antioxidants ever tested, to date. Let’s look into this amazing super berry, the benefits for you and your skin and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.
While there are many vitamins that are beneficial to your skin’s health, vitamin D stands out among them as your ally in fighting acne. Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and there are several reasons why it should be incorporated into your daily skincare regimen.
Vitamin D can help regulate your body’s insulin response, which decreases hormonal acne, relieves inflammation, increases antioxidant production and strengthens your immune system. All of these factors contribute to healthy skin. In addition, vitamin D is recognized for improving your mood and decreasing depression. This may assist in managing stress levels and therefore lower amounts of cortisol, a hormone, which leads to acne.
Chances are, when you consider having a cocktail or other alcoholic drink, the last thing on your mind is your skin. If you’re like most people, you are having a good time, enjoying the moment, spending time with friends and family, or savoring a delicious meal. What we’re about to tell you isn’t intended to squash your mood, but to help you weigh the consequences that indulging in alcohol may have on your health, appearance and acne-prone skin.
Even though acne isn’t caused by alcohol, there is an abundance of scientific data that proves that alcohol adversely affects your skin and other organs. Let’s take a look at the impact of alcohol on your skin, how it can exacerbate your acne and how to prevent any damage to your skin…or at least moderate the effects without becoming totally abstinent!
It is beautiful, decorative and very tasty...but can pineapple really help with acne breakouts, minimize acne scars and heal bruising left by larger acne cysts? Lets explore this amazing fruit and its many healing qualities.
Pineapple acts as an exfoliating agent and unclogs acne pores. Exfoliating naturally speeds up the production of new cells and this is also the same process that rejuvenates the skin. The enzymes found in pineapple fight damage from free radicals and also cleanse the skin by gradually dissolving the whiteheads, blackheads and dead cells on the skins surface. This also unclogs the skin and prevents buildup that invites bacteria, which begins the acne cascade.
If you have acne-prone skin, it’s vital that you avoid products that contain comedogenic ingredients. Comedogenic ingredients clog pores, it’s as simple and as complex as that! Skin oil, known as sebum, is produced by the sebaceous glands to keep our skin moist, but it also can get mixed with a number of “skin debris” such as dead skin cells, make-up, dirt and different ingredients of skincare products. When skin oil is produced in excess, the mix of sebum, dead skin cells and all other “ingredients” become too much to be naturally disposed by the pores and they get clogged.
When a pore becomes clogged, the sebaceous glands still produce oil but there is no way to remove the excess oil and dead skin cells. This can happen by internal buildup and/or be exasperated by external factors such as makeup or skincare products. There are specific ingredients that are more likely to clog pores and these are labeled as comedogenic. It is especially important for someone with acne-prone skin to avoid these ingredients.
Do you have whiteheads or blackheads? You may not think about it but - yes, this means you HAVE acne.
The first warning sign that indicates you may succumb to acne is actually oily skin. This condition results from over production of sebum (skin oil) by your sebaceous glands. As skin oil is necessary for heathy skin, too much of it may clog your pores (together with dead skin cells, dirt, and other “debris”), and actually become a first step in the “acne cascade”. This first step is marked by the occurrence of comedones also commonly known as or whiteheads or blackheads. When clogged pores became inflamed due to the presence of bacteria, the result is a formation of pimples or even cysts.
Buttne (butt acne) tends to be a hush-hush topic. However, it’s a real problem that acne sufferers must deal with, and without a conversation, it may never be treated correctly! Below, we take a look at how to prevent butt pimples and cysts.
They may be all the rage, but yoga pants can spell trouble if you’re trying to avoid buttne. One of the main problems with these comfy bottoms is their fit—they’re simply too tight. As your skin creates new cells, the old ones are, ideally, sloughing off. However, in yoga pants, this doesn’t occur. Instead, your dead cells are forced to stay on the surface of your skin, where they clog your pores and set the stage for a breakout all over your posterior. In addition, many yoga pants are made of material that fosters sweat rather than promoting adequate ventilation. Sweat will increase the incidence of dead skin cells and any other debris or dirt that “packs” the pores.