Welcome to SKin Theory Esthetics and our first of 6 modules guiding you through clearing inflamed acne. These are the same protocols we use in-clinic to clear inflamed acne clients. Clearing requires guidance and adjustments over the course of clearing which is typically 3-4 months. The first two weeks of clearing is our acclimation period. The following 4-6 weeks we will target bacteria and exfoliate the skin to clear the pores. The last 4-6 weeks is the turning point, followed by keeping skin clear by controlling acne from forming.
Inflamed acne is charecterized by redness, swelling, and pain, results from a bacterial infection within blocked pores. This leads to the formation of red, cystic, inflamed pustules. Painful to the touch, usually puss filled and can bleed. If around the lower face and jawline, it's mostly likely hormonal caused. Clears fairly quickly with the right products.
Ingredients used to stop the formation of acne comedones are ingredients that increase cell turn over, reversing acne retention hyperkeratosis. Active clearing ingredients that get to the root cause of acne can cause purging as the pores are flushed and contents are cleared and released. The more acne comedones under the skin (little bumps), the more there can be purging during parts of clearing as we increase usage or strength. All acne clearing ingredients that aid in clearing out the pore can cause purging as the skin is cleared out. Purging is normal and expected. The degree of purging is different for everyone.
We can control purging via extractions, adding in daily icing for 2 minutes in the PM after cleansing and taking Face Reality's Clear Skin Restore which contains zinc monomethanine. However, this is normal and expected to experience this. Clients often begin see noticeable clearing around week 6 but everyone is different. If you have more sensitive skin or other underlying conditions, the clearing is slower. Our goal is to have breakouts reducing in amount, severity and duration within 8 weeks. However breakouts will continue until you reach full clearing in 3-4 months. When beginning a new acne corrective, purging is normal and expected temporarily as the pores are cleared out and oil, dead skin cells and bacteria are expelled.
Book ahead a Virtual Consultation and Check-In in 6 weeks to tweak or modify based on your clearing and remainign concerns.
Cleanse: We start new inflamed acne clients on a super gentle cleanser that helps support the skin barrier and reduces any redness or irritation.
Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser
Tone: We start new inflamed acne clients on a hydrating toner to soothe and rejuvenate dehydrated skin.
Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner
Apply using a cotton round / pad
Correct: We start new inflamed acne clients on Face Reality Mandelic 8% Serum for normal skin and Face Reality Mandelic 5% Serum for dry or sensitive skin- begin use every other day.
Face Reality Mandelic 8% Serum
Face Reality Mandelic 5% Serum
Hydrate: We start new inflamed acne clients on a hydrator to deeply hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Moisturize: We start new inflamed acne clients on a an acne safe moisturizer.
SPF: We start new inflamed acne clients on a an acne safe SPF
1. Cleanse: We start new inflamed acne clients on a super gentle cleanser that helps support the skin barrier and reduces any redness or irritation
Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser
2. Correct: The first two weeks, we start new inflamed acne clients on Face Reality Advanced Acne Med 2.5% for dry skin and Face Reality Acne Med 5% for normal or oily skin using the timing schedule below to allow skin to acclimate and avoid irritation and unnecessary dryness. DO NOT SPOT TREAT. Use a dime to nickel-sized amount over the ENTIRE acne-prone area, avoiding the eye area.
Face Reality Advanced Acne Med 5%
Face Reality Advanced Acne Med 2.5%
Timed Acne Med Schedule:
- First 3 days: apply all over for 15 minutes
- Days 4-6: apply all over for 30 minutes
- Days 7-9: apply all over for 1 hour
- Days 10-14: apply all over for 2 hours
3. Rinse off
3. Tone: We start new inflamed acne clients on a hydrating toner to soothe and rejuvenate dehydrated skin.
Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner
Apply using a cotton round / pad
5. Hydrate: We start new inflamed acne clients on a hydrator to deeply hydrate and moisturize the skin.
5. Moisturize: We start new inflamed acne clients on a an acne safe moisturizer.
1. Take a 2-3 day break from Mandelic Acid & Acne Med to give the skin time to heal. During this break, focus on hydration and barrier repair by using soothing products like HydraRemedy and a Face Reality Clearderma Moisturizer.
2. Once the skin feels comfortable and hydrated again, resume the regular routine as before.
520 Hillside Ave. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Call 630 - 488 - 6334 | Text 929-305-1465