Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on April 1, 2013 at 6:59pm

Hi Tracy:

I'm LIS (Laughing InSide), because it really isn't funny.  Isn't this what every client wants?  Immediate results before the prom, wedding, pictures, etc., but hurry and get me some results, despite the fact I'm on all sorts of meds from the derm.

The Funacea is an azaleic alternative (supresses the androgen hormone,  plus works on pigment), adapalene is a vitamin a product, and clindamyicyn is the antibiotic.  Then, let's top it off with the medical VI peel.  Obviously these aren't working and she is coming to you.

I sympathize with you because this is the most unrealistic situation.  (1) You are going to have to talk her off the ledge of the prescription drugs, (2) talk her out of the med-spa VI peel, and (3) convince her to follow your protocol.

I suggest starting from the beginning of healing the skin and slow down on the antibiotics, vit a, and peeling.  Let's go back to the root cause.  What is causing the acne?  At the age of 17, its an overproliferation of sebum (because thats what happens in puberty), and under exfolation/hygiene. 

Can we take her off all prescriptions?  Let's start with some enzyme work; could we do two, 15-minute enzyme treatments a week?  Gently exfoliate and extract, plus drive some hydration in (yes, I've done this in 15 minutes).  I'm also going to suggest Green Tea Cleanser, Blemish Cleanser 3 times a week, Retinol Scrub, Cucumber Toner, Light Aloe Moisturizer.  Let's start a series and see what happens.

Tracy: I realize you have an uphill climb in front of you.  Lay out your best natural alternative to the medications and medical peels and see if she will go for it (given the fact you are going to see her twice a week).  Be honest, loving and truthful.  I find clients follow me because I'm up front with them.  I don't dispute them, but I simply ask why they are seeking my attention when they have the medical attention in front of them?  I will put my heart and soul into treating people.  I will research and give it my all.  I'm not a doctor, but I am passionate.  As my customer, you would know I am up at night thinking about you.

I think this is what sets us apart from everyone else.  Care about her, check in with her, love her, and hopefully she will follow your advice (since she has many other alternatives she's using).

PS:  If prom is Saturday night, find some awesome makeup, such as Jane Iredale or Youngblood that will cameflauge the breakouts and create a flawless complexion, yet not clog the skin.

Permalink Reply by Tracy Watson on April 1, 2013 at 7:17pm

This does get me quite nervous to say the least. Ugh!!! They believe the peels have helped some, but she has quite the scarring.

Wow you have a load of advice this is so.........much appreciate it.

She might be willing to come in 2x a week. What enzyme would be best do you think to start with? Could I do one before prom?  She has not had a peel for 2 months.

Ok would this be what our 15 min enzyme peel would look like

2x cleanse with green tea cleanser, blemish cleanser

exfoliate with retinol scrub

enzyme peel

Hydrate with the light aloe

Thank you again

What do you think of the pads to help her with the pigmentation?

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on April 1, 2013 at 7:29pm

Tracy:

Yes, go with your two cleanses as mentioned above, then do Coconut enzyme twice a week for 7 minutes.  Perform any extracts, tones, moisturizer, and SPF.  I think it will calm the skin, without overexfoliation.

Regarding the pigmentation, let's get the acne cleared up before you start working on pigmentation, so hold off on the glycolic pads.

Just do the best you can, with the most caring heart.  I am going to tell you that sometimes people follow people who care.  I've had people ask me "why didn't my derm or MD spend this time with me explaining my skin?"   I believe in doctors, but I believe in myself too.  Put a good skin care company behind it and that will help you all the better.  Best wishes!

Permalink Reply by Lisa VanBockern on April 1, 2013 at 7:34pm

PS:  I suggest attending our 2-day Skin Tensive class, taught by Dave Waggoner to learn more about acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma, oxidative stress, bi-layers, etc.  This class is free and focuses on skin physiology (80% skin physiology, 20% how ingredients work with the skin).  All you need to do is pay for your trip to Phoenix and lodging, the breakfast/lunch is by Skin Script.  It's an amazing class.

 

Permalink Reply by Tracy Watson on April 1, 2013 at 7:40pm

I really would love attend. I should check on a ticket and make it a little vacation to boot

Permalink Reply by Sara Kathleen Bohlmann on April 3, 2013 at 9:16pm

I wish there was a "like" button for this response! Written and said so well, Lisa!

Permalink Reply by Megan on April 2, 2013 at 8:06am

Hi Lisa-

How many times a week with the retinol scrub?  I am thinking for my son- I am trying to keep him on (LM) low maintenance! He has blackheads, papules and pustules. He has it all - it gets better then all of a sudden it goes down hill...any suggestions would be awesome. I just ordered the LED mask too.

Permalink Reply by Sheila Gordon on April 2, 2013 at 10:09am

I would look at diet too!  High salty foods, dairy, iodides can all aggravate acne.  Also anything he is using, check for pore cloggers.  Think about zinc and fishoil supplements, check vitamins for iodides too.

Lisa, would the scrub be ok with pustules and papules?  I know it is amazing for black heads...but you may hve to get the inflammation down first. 

ICE inflammation 2 xs a day..you can freeze water in dixie cups to make it easier. 

I had tight clogged pores and some monthly inflammation and since changing my routine, knock on wood it's been better the last month.  My routine is a bit complex, but here is what I have done,

Changed Makeup (obviously not what your son has to worry about :) )

Checked all products for pore cloggers and you can find a list on FaceReality Acne Clinic

Taking liquid omega, checked all supplements for iodides or things like seaweed, etc

Skin Care

Glycolic Cleanser Am

Scrub 2-3xs a week (Mandelic Scrub from Face reality, but I am sure retinol SS scrub would be great too, I am just experimenting)

Blemish pads AM

Vit C and Ageless serum

Light Aloe and sunblock

PM-Blemish Cleanser

Gly pads

Mandelic serum or Vit A serum

Benzoyl Peroxide or SS spot treatment

I am still working on soe clogged pores around chin area but overall the appearance has changed tremendously.  I should have documented better with pictures!!

Permalink Reply by Cindy Greenwood on April 8, 2013 at 6:08am

There is now solid research being put out that high-sugar, high-dairy diets DO contribute to acne.

I have to say that I am not a fan of putting these girls on anti-biotics. If there is candida/yeast overgrowth that will just make it worse.

I just WISH that people would at least TRY a more holistic approach BEFORE jumping into drugs,

Both moms and their teens want an instant fix though, and until they have exhausted the DIY and derm approach and are willing to invest time and money, they are sporadic, noncompliant clients. Or worse, they want to try everything at the same time!

It makes me so sad. :(

Permalink Reply by Sheila Gordon on April 2, 2013 at 10:10am

If you can get her in before prom, maybe consider doing some LED and High frequency treatments??

Permalink Reply by Tracy Watson on April 2, 2013 at 5:16pm

Here is her response 

 its much better than it was a year ago! Do you have a link for these peels? The salicylic does not work for her, we have already tried that, we have tried lots of natural products and vitamins! The retinol (which she is using) does work!

what do you think

Permalink Reply by Natalie on April 8, 2013 at 11:15pm

you have to let them know not all products are created equal as far as the percentage and other ingredients so one glycolic could be to string and one not enough etc. Tell her the peels/enzymes you use are professional and explain how they work as far as chemically. That the scarring will get worse if you go to harsh to soon so if they want results then start slow and ( I personally think the coconut enzyme or a pumpkin would be good with a light peel and she has to get on the right home care routine. Exfoliation and hydration is a must along with diet etc.

Natural products may not work for acne but there is a reason they are so strict about getting preg...they are no good. You cant control what she uses at home but keep an eye on her and use best judgement with all the ideas above!

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