Back-to-School Skin
Summer is slowly wrapping up and schools are starting to get back in session. For some, it may be dreading the long hours of unending homework, but for others it can be a struggle with your skin and getting back to school with a rough complexion. It is TOUGH being a teenager. Even without acne. Issues with acne and breakouts affect more than just the skin, it impacts self-esteem and self-confidence. No time is a good time for a breakout – even a little one, but as the back-to-school season sneaks up on us there is even more reason to help get a handle on struggles with acne.
At Total Skin & Beauty Dermatology Center, we want teens and students to feel comfortable in your skin. If you have acne scarring, acne prone skin and are stressed about being back at school with breakouts, here are a few great in-office procedures, products and basic tips we can offer to manage your skin:
PROCEDURES
Microdermabrasion/DermaSweep
DermaSweep to the rescue! Quickly calm acne flare ups and restore skin’s healthy appearance with a targeted combination of DermaSweep’s 3-in-1 gentle bristle tip exfoliation and increased circulation, leaving skin smoother, clearer and calmer. This treatment can help clean congestion and blemishes for a more vibrant complexion.
Microneedling/SkinPen
SkinPen is the first FDA-cleared microneedling device to safely and effectively treat facial acne scars. This is a microneedling procedure that helps to improve your skin’s appearance by stimulating its natural ability to produce collagen and repair itself. With as few as three non-invasive treatments spaced 30 days apart, an enhanced skin tone and texture and improvement in the appearance of large pores and acne scarring is improved for six months after the last treatment.
Teen Acne Facial
This extensive facial features exfoliation, deep pore extractions, and a custom deep-cleansing facial mask. Clean out those clogged pores and leave the skin looking fresh and ready for the big first day.
Extractions
This treatment is necessary to physically remove blackheads, whiteheads, or milia which are deeply embedded under the skin. Extractions loosen the pore opening by applying pressure with a special extracting instrument. This procedure is done by a licensed and skilled aesthetician and is less likely to cause scarring or damage to the skin that may occur if you try to remove them yourself. Extractions give a head start to your topical and oral medications by physically removing the problem instantly, rather than using a topical treatment which might take several weeks to achieve results.
PRODUCTS
5% or 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
Our Total Skin & Beauty Benzoyl Peroxide Washes provide a therapeutic, soap-free wash which will effectively cleanse and treat acne-prone skin without over drying or irritation. It is available for purchase in our Cosmetic and Aesthetic Center, or online in a 5% or 10% strength.
Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5%
This is a perfect antibacterial ‘spot treatment’ Acne Gel for treating certain small problem areas. It is also available for purchase in our retail center or online.
Glycolic/Salicyclic Acid Pads and Cleansing Wash
These acne fighting cleansing pads and face wash are specially formulated to unclog pores and accelerate the removal of dead skin cells that can interfere with the proper oil drainage of the skin. These products are available for purchase in our retail center or online.
Dr. James Krell suggests, “Try a benzoyl peroxide cleanser daily if you have red bumps or pus bumps. If you have mainly whiteheads and blackheads, I suggest a salicylic acid cleanser. If you have multiple red bumps (inflammatory acne), you may need a short course of oral antibiotics or a course of Isotretinoin.”
Make sure you cleanse your face twice a day. Use a gentle cleanser in the morning, however, your evening cleanser will need to be one designed for oily/acneic skin. Hit the shower after dance, sports or the gym, be sure to wash your face thoroughly.
Moisturize your skin inside and out, even if you have oily skin. The truth is oil and moisture are different; however, the lack of moisture can throw off the balance of your natural oil production. As a result, the body overcompensates by producing more oil. You can opt for an oil free moisturizer if you are concerned about being too oily.
DON’T try to pop pimples! Popping pimples can lead to deeper, more painful acne and can even lead to scarring. Plus, fingernails contain bacteria and germs that will make matters worse. The best plan of action is to keep washing with a good cleanser. Try and be patient. It takes time for treatments to work, but it will also continue to fight off future acne and breakouts.
Make sure you are getting your “beauty sleep”. At night, your skin goes into repair mode. Receptors spring to life within the blood vessels and grab amino acid molecules (the building blocks) to help build more collagen, additionally, fluid and toxins are drained from the body. Without a recommended 7-8 hours, the skin does not get repaired and that is when skin related problems begin to surface more frequently.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Don’t forget to keep drinking some good old H2O. As a guideline, divide your weight in half to determine how many ounces of water you need to consume daily. Your body and skin will thank you!
Sometimes acne requires oral medications or products that are stronger than you can find over the counter. Regular visits to a dermatologist can help you put your best face forward all year long. Our physicians and staff can help determine the type of acne you have and the best treatment options to get you on the path to clearer skin. Be sure and check out our monthly specials page for ways to save on products and procedures.
We wish all of our patients a great school year. If we can help with any skin concerns, call 205-933-0987 for an appointment or request online.
