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May 28, 2024

Six Ways to Mess Up Your Acne Program

Six Ways to Mess Up Your Acne Program

Acne can be a beast and hard to get under control. If you have acne issues, I highly recommend you tune into episode 6 ways to f—- up your acne program / Mark Lees. You can hear it wherever you listen to podcasts. Here is a direct link.

Rebecca Gadberry and Trina Renea, hosts of the Facially Conscious Podcast, are back with an informative episode featuring Dr. Mark Lees, a renowned acne specialist based in Pensacola, Florida. In this episode, they delve into 6 common mistakes people make in their acne programs and how to avoid them.

  1. Treating Only What You Can See

Dr. Mark Lees emphasizes the importance of treating beyond visible blemishes. Acne involves underlying issues, such as micro-comedone development. Sometimes applying products like benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acids across the face helps flush out micro-comedones, preventing future breakouts.

 

  1. Using Pore Clogging Products

Identifying comedogenic ingredients is crucial. Websites and charts can help determine the comedogenicity of products. Fats, waxes, oils, and fatty esters are often comedogenic. Dr. Lees recommends lightweight, dermatologist-tested products and mentions a computer formula testing method for analyzing molecular structures.

 

  1. Managing Benzoyl Peroxide Effectively

 

While benzoyl peroxide is effective against acne, it can be drying. Trina Renea shares a tip from dermatologist Dr. Vicki Rapaport: Apply moisturizer before benzoyl peroxide. Dr. Lees suggests alternating nightly between benzoyl peroxide and non-comedogenic hydrators for better results.

 

  1. Seeking Professional Guidance

Trina Renea stresses the importance of consulting with acne specialists - estheticians and dermatologists for personalized acne care. Different forms of acne require specific treatments, and professional guidance ensures proper care tailored to individual needs.

 

  1. Failure to Be Consistent with Your Skincare Routine

Consistency is key in acne management. Regular skincare routines are essential for long-term results. Non-compliance, especially in teenagers, can hinder progress. 

  1. Failure to Plan for the Long Term

Impulse buying and inconsistent use of products can lead to setbacks. Having a long-term plan with a dedicated esthetician or dermatologist is crucial. Trina Renea emphasizes the importance of sticking to a plan.

Maintaining clear skin involves a holistic approach, addressing underlying issues, choosing the right products, and committing to long-term skincare routines. Dr. Mark Lees provides valuable insights for anyone dealing with acne, emphasizing the need for professional guidance and consistency.

For further details and in-depth information on acne care, check out Dr. Mark Lees' books, "Clearing Concepts" and "Skincare Beyond the Basics" available on Amazon.

 

SHOW NOTES

comedogenicity

acne

microcomedone

comedone

benzoyl peroxide

alpha-hydroxy acid

Retin-A

Tretinoin

Tazorac

glycolic acid 

lactic acid

salicylic acid

orbicularis

hormonal acne

P bacteria in acne

pH of the product

topical medication

grades of acne

blackheads

pustules

papules

cysts

milia

acnegenic reaction

 

Clearing Concepts Book

Skincare Beyond the Basics book