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*1 being needs improvement, 5 being excellent
Your Personalized Overview
Your skin profile is a combination of acne and potential discoloration. Below are some of the keys to your skin:
Lighter Pigmented Skin - more likely to find yourself with a dark mark, or what's referred to as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) after acne heals. Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you'll be exposed to the sun.
Control Acne First - before tackling dark marks, it's important to treat the underlying acne first so new marks can't appear. A combination of regular facials, diet shifts, and lifestyle changes can help make a big difference.
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.
Patience - 85% of your peers at your age will experience acne at some point. Your hormones are generally still in flux which can lead to blemishes, but changing various lifestyle and dietary habits can help stabilize these shifts.
Things That May Affect Your Skin
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.
Blemishes
If you have acne blemishes, you might notice red marks when they heal. This is known as PIH, or Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Treating the existing acne is essential, as well as wearing sunscreen to avoid dark marks from getting worse. A consistent exfoliating skincare routine can also help cellular turnover, which can help marks fade faster.
Sun Exposure
Your sun exposure habits may be making dark marks worse. Vitamin D is without a doubt good for the skin, but prolonged exposure without SPF can make discoloration worse, and prolong the process of fading. Always use sunscreen when going out, and try to abstain from tanning beds as well if you have discoloration.
Genetics
If people in your family have freckles or melasma, chances are, your skin discoloration may be caused by genetics, as 80% of skin conditions and skin type are usually inherited. This being said, ask your skin therapist about the Hydrafacial MD. The salicylic acid in the treatment can help fade the darker spots, while revealing a more even skin tone underneath.
Hormones
Your hormonal fluctations may be triggering discoloration in your skin. Fortunately, regular exfoliation can help greatly, as well as treatments that remove the top layer of the skin, such as the Hydrafacial MD.
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