What is acne?
For most, acne is an inherited condition of the skin in which the skin cells inside pores shed faster than can be expelled leading to clogged pores. Normal pores shed about one layer of skin cells a day. Acne prone skin can shed up to five times that amount. The build up of dead skin cells, called “hyperkeratosis” leads to plugs within the pore or “microcomedones.” Clogged pores create the perfect anaerobic environment for the P.Acnes bacteria. This bacteria feeds on the oil from your skin and proliferates. It’s important to note that OIL is not the cause of acne; it’s just one thing that contributes to the problem.
Because acne is a DEAD SKIN CELL PROBLEM and starts with the formation of microcomedones deep inside pores, it is crucial to use products that are able to penetrate the pores to kill bacteria and expel excess dead cells. Our acne products do just that!
What should I expect at my first Acne Treatment and Consultation?
Our acne specialist will diagnose your specific acne type (inflamed, non-inflamed, hormonal) and identify factors that may be causing your acne. You will receive a packet with valuable information about ingredients, food, habits and lifestyle choices that aggravate acne as well as a list of acne-safe make-up recommendations. You will be asked to bring all of the products you use to your first appointment so that we can check for pore-clogging ingredients. After a thorough skin analysis, we will perform extractions and do a light treatment peel to kick-start the clearing process. We will design a customized home-care routine using products with “acne safe” ingredients and set up a treatment schedule that fits your budget.
How long does it take to get clear skin?
While many clients see an improvement in their skin within the first month, it usually takes about 4-6 treatments over a 3-4 month period of time to get at least 90% clear. This is because it takes 30-90 days for existing acne impactions to make their way to the surface to be extracted. We will recommend some key products to help flush out your pores and keep them from filling back up. For some people it might take 6 months to get clear depending on the severity of your acne.
How often should I come in for Acne Treatment?
In order to get clear as fast as possible, we recommend coming in for acne treatment every 2 weeks for 12 weeks until your skin condition is stable. or during the first few months. The purpose of treatment is to accelerate exfoliation, extract acne plugs as they surface, hydrate the skin and assess your home care routine.
Why do you adjust home care routine every two-four weeks?
Acne skin has the ability to adapt to products. We want to strengthen your homecare routine every few weeks to stay ahead of your skin’s ability to adapt and keep pushing your skin to get clear. If you are unable to come in that often, we’ll still get you clear, it will just take longer.
Does acne treatment work?
Yes! The Face Reality Acne Treatment Program has a 90% success rate. Sounds gimmicky, right? But their protocols and treatment plans have been tested and refined over the years. They have been treating clients at their acne clinic in California since the early 1990s with many happy and clear-faced customers. Now they train estheticians all over the country in their methods to spread the love!
What is the key to clear skin?
Your diligence using the right acne-safe products and getting regular professional acne treatments with extractions is the key to clear skin!
How is your acne treatment program different?
- The Face Reality Skincare line offers a range of products in different strengths that can be customized to treat your specific type of acne and severity (it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach).
- You have a personal acne expert to coach you through your specific skin problems. She is available to answer your questions anytime and walk with you every step of the way.
- We adjust your home-care routine every few weeks to “push” your skin to clear faster. (This takes monitoring so that skin doesn’t get too dry or irritated).
- The system addresses all aspects of getting your skin clear (lifestyle, diet, hyperkeratosis, bacteria), not just one area.
Can you get rid of acne scars?
What most people consider acne “scars” are actually red, purple or brown marks left behind by old acne lesions. These are not true acne scars. This is called Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and can be treated at our clinic with a series of light chemical peels and the right home-care products to lighten these marks. True acne scars are deeper and may look like an indentation or pitting. These will need to be treated by a dermatologist.
Why do I need professional products for my acne?
Many acne products you find at the drugstore that claim to be good for acne actually contain pore-clogging ingredients or simply stop working (if they help at all). Face Reality’s products are specifically formulated for acneic skin and are guaranteed not to clog pores. The products contain pharmaceutical grade ingredients that clear current acne and prevent pores from filling up again.
Will antibiotics clear my acne?
Unfortunately, it’s a growing trend for doctors to prescribe antibiotics or Accutane to patients without providing alterative options or addressing the root causes of acne. Antibiotics tend to work for a time on some inflamed acne, but only deals with the bacteria associated with acne, not the main issue of excess skin cells. Therefore, once you stop taking the antibiotic, your acne will come right back. It is also not safe to take antibiotics long-term.
What about Accutane for acne?
Accutane is a very powerful drug with dangerous side effects that can last long after you have stopped taking the drug. It dries you out from the inside and can leave you with permanently dry, sensitive skin. Additional side effects include possible birth defects, depression, psychosis, Crohn’s disease, internal organ damage, muscle and bone loss, central nervous system damage and immune system disorders – to name a few. Often, acne returns after stopping Accutane and multiple rounds are required. If you are considering going on Accutane, please consult an acne specialist and consider your options first!
