Sometimes, despite your best intentions, at-home care for acne just isn’t enough. Sometimes you need the advice and treatments of an aesthetician or a dermatologist. A facial may be a good idea, but make sure that you’re getting the right kind of facial. Some acne facials can actually make it worse! Here’s what to look for–and what to look out for.
* A good acne facial requires four steps– cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and sunscreen. The exfoliation can be mechanical ( a good scrub, like ZO’s Exfoliating Polish) or a device such as a crystal-free microdermabrasion. Particle-based microdermabrasion (like aluminum oxide) can inflame acne, nick the skin, spread bacteria and cause contamination.
* Crystal-free microdermabrasion is an effective treatment to rejuvenate skin, shrink pores, and most importantly, stimulate the regeneration of healthy skin cells (via the removal of dead skin cells). Here’s how it works: the dead or damaged top layer of the skin is gently exfoliated, while the dead skin cells are vacuumed away in a sterile, controlled environment. This procedures not only improves extractions, it makes the whole process much easier to tolerate, and less painful. The DiamondTome®, Hydra-Facial®, and DiamondPeel are a few of the devices that utilize a diamond tip wand and avoid particles.
* Steam is relaxing and makes extractions easier, but it’s horrible for your skin, especially if you have acne or rosacea. Because of the fact that steam enlarges the glands, it can actually cause acne.
* Either the Blue LED light or Red LED light can be very valuable. Blue wavelengths are very effective in killing the p-acnes bacteria, the major source of acne. You should see a noticeable reduction in acne lesions 2-3 days after treatment. The wavelength is critical to success. Devices that are purchased over-the-counter are not going to penetrate as deep as devices used by your aesthetician or dermatologist. Red lights reduce inflammation but should be used in conjunction with blue wavelengths.
* Tea-tree masks help tighten pores, reduce oiliness and can be a good addition to an acne facial.
Successful treatment for acne however, starts off at home. Be sure to use a cleanser designed for oily skin, cleanse for at least one minute, use an exfoliating polish, and an anti-bacterial topical. Occasional facials are not a good substitute for proper at-home daily care.
I have just begun using the products, and have noticed a difference already. The only area that is still dry are my eyes and i am using the eye cream, although I find that it is not as “liquid” or easy to apply without pulling my skin little. One customer referred to Elastiderm for her eyes. I’m wondering if that is a product that we can buy, and if so, would it help for me to use that first then go back to the Olluminate eye cream?
Hi, Michelle:
Glad to hear that you are using our products successfully.
Some people find that Elastiderm is more moisturizing; others prefer Olluminate. You can buy Elastiderm from many websites, but it is not offered on ZO’s site.
Elastiderm is made by Obagi Medical Products, which of course was founded by Dr. Obagi, but is a different entity than ZO Skin Health.
If you’re happy with Elastiderm, you may want to continue using it, or when and if you’re ready, switch back to Olluminate.
Please stay in touch, and let us know how you are doing!
Thanks.
Donna Queen
President
I am interested in beginning the ZO skin health DNA repair program but my concern is that we are going to try to conceive in April. Would using it over the next 2 months pose any potential harm to a future pregnancy due to the retinol?
Thank you,
Kerry
Hi, Kerry:
Congratulations on your plans!
There’s no problem with using the DNA Repair Program at this time. In a few months we’ll be introducing a product called Radical Night Repair-Plus—and I wouldn’t suggest using that product while pregnant or lactating.
Thanks for your care!
Donna Queen, President
First of all clean your face with milk then try these tips: mint leaves half cup grind the, one tea spoon white flour,egg white mix them and apply it to your face for 20-25 minutes once a day only 15 days and get ride of acne and oily skin.
Make a paste of salt in vinegar. Rub it on the pimples. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with little warm water. Make a paste of neem leaves with turmeric powder. Apply on affected area. Wash it off after 20-30 minutes with lukewarm water. This is a good cure of acne.
wheat grass juice is also good for acne; try this regularly. SandAL wood,rose water,mint juice–mix them and apply on effected area.
Rub garlic paste on effected area.Rose water,boric acid, glycerine. Mix it in the bottle and save. Apply on your face with cotton 5 times a day.
Use these tips with patience but please try these one by one not all together. Always use face wash for face and do’nt use towel. Control your stomach problems; eat salads. vegetables and fruits.