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*1 being needs improvement, 5 being excellent
Your Personalized Overview
Your skin profile is a combination of acne, potential discoloration, and darker pigmentation. Below are some of the keys to your skin:
Dark Skin - more likely to find yourself with a dark mark, or what's referred to as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne heals. Your skin is also prone to a specific type of bump-like scarring, called Keloid scarring.
More Oily Than Most - your darker skin naturally produces more oil than fairer skin people. This means you'll tend to look younger as you age, but it also means you have larger pores that are more prone to be clogged, resulting in blemishes. Controlling oil is often key for your blemishes.
Exfoliation - proper exfoliation can be largely beneficial to your skin type. We generally don't recommend mechanical exfoliation; instead, opt for products with ingredients such as Lactic Acid or Azelaic Acid.
Lightening - traditional dark mark lightening products such as Hydroquinone can actually bleach darker skin tones, so we recommend opting for more natural-based lighteners, such as products containing Vitamin C
Things That May Affect Your Skin
Hormones
When bulking and eating in a caloric surplus, insulin spikes from the increased carbohydrate load can usually result in inflammation and blemishes. If you are consuming Whey protein as well, the dairy content can also be a trigger for acne in many people. Try switching to soy protein instead, and always wash your face immediately after exercising to help prevent clogged pores.
Environment
Your living environment may be a cause of your acne. Pollutants, and the higher stress levels associated with your living environment can result in clogged pores and higher levels of inflammation. Although you may not be able to control the external, you can still be diligent about protecting your skin from the elements with a lightweight moisturizer.
Stress
Your higher levels of stress may be making your acne worse. Stress triggers inflammatory responses in the body, and also may cause your skin to produce more sebum, clogging pores. Daily exercise, mediation, and practicing relaxation techniques can help calm flare ups triggered by stress.
Beneficial Ingredients To Watch For
Salicylic Acid
effective for non-inflammatory acne, oil plugs, and discoloration
Green Tea
highly soothing and anti-inflammatory that may help with discoloration
Benzoyl Peroxide
when applied at 2.5% concentration and following a consistent, gentle regimen, BP can treat most mild to medium forms of acne
Vitamin B5 (Supplement)
some acne studies show vitamin b5 supplementation can help significantly decrease acne and control oil
Vitamin A (Supplement)
Accutane and Retinol are forms of Vitamin A - people with acne tend to be deficient and daily supplementation can help
Willow Bark Extract
natural antiseptic + exfoliant
Zinc Oxide
anti-inflammatory
Activated Charcoal
Detoxifying // Oil-Absorbing // Unclogs Pores // Reduce Blackheads
Aloe Vera
Antioxidants A, C, and E // Anti-Inflammatory // Soothes Redness and Irritation
Bentonite Clay
Detoxifying // Draws toxins out // Controls excess sebum