Although we recommend an integrative approach to all wellness and beauty goals, acne is definitely a condition that is best treated holistically. The skin is a direct reflection of what’s going on inside the body. There are a few triggers that could be contributing to acne. Some of the top culprits are stress, diet, hormones, and product choices.
Sometimes it’s a hard to know the exact cause but a holistic approach generally covers most of these. Prescription acne medications may be a necessary temporary solution in some situations but generally will not address the underlying problem.
First, let’s take a look at your skincare products. There are a lot of products out there and it can sometimes be a challenge to know where to start. Please just promise that you will not buy drug store brands. If these products are cheaper, there’s a reason why. Typically, the ingredients are more harsh and not as healthy. It costs more to develop products with more research and better ingredients.
We carry a professional, clean skincare line at citron, Glo Skin Beauty, that we recommend for our guests. I will go through a basic acne skincare routine that can be done using Glo Skin Beauty skincare. Even better if you can make this a relaxing ritual- light a candle, use some aromatherapy and a soothing warm facecloth to remove your products.
Morning Ritual
Remove Makeup
Using cotton rounds, remove makeup with the Gentle Makeup Remover.
Cleanse
Dampen skin with warm water and cleanse using the Clear Skin Cleanser. Remove gently with warm facecloth.
Tone
Apply the Clear Complexion Pads as your toner to balance and promote clear skin.
Spot Treat
Apply the Clear Skin Spot Treatment to the more problematic areas.
Moisturize
Apply the Oil Free Moisturizer powered by Lightweight, non-clogging moisturizer powered by algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and age-defying antioxidant
Protect
Apply the Oil Free SPF 40 to protect against sun damage and environmental skin stressors.
Eye Cream
Apply the Contour Eye Lift using gentle circular massage motions around eyes.
Evening Ritual
Cleanse
Dampen skin with warm water and cleanse using the Clear Skin Cleanser. Remove gently with warm facecloth.
Tone
Apply the Clear Complexion Pads as your toner to balance and promote clear skin.
Mask
Apply the Charcoal Detox mask to draw out excess oil and impurities. This would be the perfect time to meditate for 10 minutes.
Treat with Serum
Apply the Beta-Clarity BHA Drops, powered by retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for a clearer, brighter complexion
Moisturize
Apply the Oil Free Moisturizer powered by Lightweight, non-clogging moisturizer powered by algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and age-defying antioxidant
Eye Cream
Apply the Contour Eye Lift using gentle circular massage motions around eyes.
Acne Treatments at the Spa
We recommend first and foremost coming in for an initial facial so that our estheticians can analyze your skin under the mag lamp and discuss your skin care goals. From there we will tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
For mild acne we would typically recommend:
- 1 monthly Glo Detox Facial
- 1 Light Therapy Treatment per month
For moderate to extensive acne:
- 1-2 Glo Detox Facials per month
- 1-2 Light Therapy Treatments per week
- Mild-Moderate Peel (customized based on individual)
Stress
Sometimes it isn’t possible to change the events that cause stress in our lives but it is possible to manage the stress once its there. Here are a few of my favorite, most impactful ways to reduce stress.
MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction): This is basically the reduction of stress through meditation practices. If you’re a beginner, you can start with 10-15 minutes per day. Find a comfy, quiet place to sit and breath. The moment you observe yourself thinking, gently but firmly return your focus to your breath.
Stress relief through massage and aromatherapy is another important element of the Glo Detox Facial that creates a holistic approach to treating the underlying causes of acne.
Exercise reduces stress hormones and stimulates endorphin production which create an overall body relaxation. Exercise also increases blood circulation and heart rate which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Overall, there are lots of inner and outer benefits to exercising. Be sure to cleanse your skin before and after any workout to remove sweat and toxins from the skin.
Diet
When dealing with acne one of the root diet contributors is blood sugar. When blood sugar rises insulin production also rises. This leads to an increase in sebum production and androgen activity. Paying attention to your sugar intake combined with eating a balance diet will help. This will also help improve your gut microbiome which also contributes to acne.
Hormones
Hormones play a major role in both our skin and wellness. The major hormones that contribute to skin health are Cortisol (stress hormone) and DHEA-both adrenal hormones, melatonin (sleep hormone) and sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). Some of these hormones protect our skin from acne and aging while others contribute to these problems. For instance, when we are stressed, the cortisol hormone rises and creates inflammation in the skin which can lead to acne. The key is to keeping these hormones in balance.
As always, please reach out if you need any guidance.
xo, Christina
References
Cates, T. (2017). Clean skin from within: The spa doctor's 2-week program to glowing, naturally youthful skin. Fair Winds.
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