Important Acne FAQs

What is acne?
Acne is a controllable disorder of the follicle evolving from the buildup of dead skin cells and the increased amounts of oil that stick together and sludge up in the pores of genetically inclined individuals. The acne bacteria feeds off of this mixture which leads to inflamed conditions. Acne comes in two basic types and varies in severity from individual to individual. 1. An inflamed condition normally associated with soreness, redness, swelling, pus formation, etc. 2). A non-inflamed condition usually accompanied with closed comedones (whiteheads) and open comedones (blackheads).

Are teenage and adult acne the same?
For all practical intent, it is the same disease, and the result of overly active sebaceous glands combined with an excess of dead skin cells. But in many cases, differences in adult skin and teenage skin require different overall treatment programs. Your skin care professional will determine the best overall program for your specific skin.

Myths about acne
Acne is NOT caused by poor hygiene or poor diet. Some foods may aggravate acne - or cause breakouts (allergic reactions) that imitate acne. Overall nutrition is important, drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet.

The 2 factors of acne
Every skin type produces sebum (oil) and have dead skin cells. Acne occurs when there is an excess of sebum and dead skin cells- to clog pores and allow the acne bacteria to grow. The key is to keep the skin in balance, with a proper exfoliation of dead skin cells and to control the sebum's effect on the skin.

Acne and dry skin
Dry skin has an excess of dead skin cells, that may not naturally exfoliate properly. These excess dead skin cells can mix with sebum to clog pores and create acne.

Moisture and acne
Remember that moisture is water, not oil. Acne-prone skin needs moisture to help the dead skin cells stay soft so they will exfoliate naturally - and to prevent the skin from producing more sebum.

How can I control my acne?
Through the continued use of a properly prescribed skin regimen for home care; and corrective in-salon treatments on a regular basis. Under these circumstances, you can expect to be controlled in approximately two months. Most acne conditions, if left untreated, will worsen and increase the chance of scarring. Each treatment is private and relaxing and will bring you a step closer to having clear skin.

Why doesn’t simply cleansing my face with an appropriate cleanser twice a day clear up my acne conditions?
Since the comedone (blackhead) is formed below the surface of the skin, it cannot be affected by topical, non-penetrating, surface products, such as a cleanser. Acne is not caused by having a “dirty” face and cannot be washed away. Only products that are specifically designed to penetrate into the pore and loosen the impactions will be successful in clearing up an acne condition.

Dark Spots
Many acne prone people experience spots of dark discoloration caused by the inflammation from acne. These are topical, but may take weeks for these dark spots to fade. There are several products designed to help prevent and to help the pigmented scars heal faster. The use of sun protection products will help.

What will I experience during a professional in-salon treatment, and how does it benefit me?
With a proper DermaPrint™ Skin Analysis, your acne specialist will recommend a series of corrective treatments on a weekly basis for the first two months. The treatment will consist of the following: • Deep Cleansing Massage (if appropriate) • Exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells) • Extraction (removal of any impactions) • Application of Therapeutic Mask • Application of Antibacterial Serum • The treatment series programs are designed especially to clear skin with both inflamed and non-inflamed acne.

In between treatments, how do I maintain or improve my acne condition at home?
Your acne specialist will recommend a home care regimen designed for treatment of your specific acne condition. The regimen will most likely include: • Benzoyl Acne Wash or Pumice Cleansing Scrub • Alcohol Free Antiseptic Toner • Soothing Antiseptic Mask • Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or 10% • Moisture Balancer, Whitening Serum, Hydrocortisone and Healthy Skin Vitamins may also be recommended by your acne specialist to complete your individual home care program.

Are there any facts or precautions I need to know about using products containing Benzoyl Peroxide?
Yes, here are some facts to be aware of: • Begin use of Benzoyl Peroxide at the level recommended by your acne specialist. Exceeding the recommended time limits may cause discomfort. • Do not use any other products in conjunction with what your acne specialist has recommended during treatment. • During the initial weeks of therapy, you will experience some dryness, redness, itching, flaking, tightness and mild peeling. This will subside as your skin adapts to the products. • Avoid the eye area completely. • Benzoyl Peroxide may bleach hair and fabrics. • All products should be kept out of reach of children.

What can be used if someone is allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, or has sensitive or dry skin?
Your acne specialist has the option of recommending the Only Yourx Salicylic Acid products that are a welcome alternative for these particular acneic skin conditions. The regimen will most likely include: • Medicated Gel Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid • Medicated Toner with 2% Salicylic Acid • MultiVitamin Acne Clearing Lotion with 1.5% Salicylic Acid or Acne Clearing Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid • Appropriate mask from the Only Yourx Clinical Skin Care line • Appropriate moisturizer from the Only Yourx Clinical Skin Care line.

Be sure to follow the regimen of treatment planned by your acne specialist.

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