FACE REALITY ACNE PROGRAM

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHAT IS ACNE?

Acne is an inherited disorder of the pores – pores that shed dead skin cells much faster than normal. Normal pores shed about one layer of dead skin cells per day inside the pore. The acne-prone pore sheds up to five layers of dead skin cells per day and the body just can’t keep up. This forms the microcomedone, the beginning of all acne. Taking up to 90 days, it turns into blackheads or congestion under the skin; or if bacteria is present (which just loves to feed on the dead skin cells and oil), it turns into inflamed pimples or pustules and maybe even cysts.

How Long Will It Take To Get Clear?

Because it takes up to 90 days for acne to form, you may still have 90 days of acne that will surface. Our acne products and protocol will keep the new acne from forming that would surface 90 days from now. The Face Reality Acne System will have your acne under control in about three to six months (in most cases) depending on your type of acne. Some types of acne take longer to clear.

Your Acne Specialist will customize a home care regimen that takes at least five things into consideration - your type of acne, your skin type, your skin color, your skin sensitivity and your environment. The biggest part of getting your skin clear will be your commitment to doing your home care regimen as instructed and following lifestyle guidelines.

EXPECTATIONS OF YOU:

• Your custom home care regimen twice daily

• Treatments and/or assessment from your esthetician every two weeks

• Home Care Adjustments – consistent adjustments to boost your home care regimen

• Lifestyle Adjustments - foods, medications, cosmetics, stress, and pore-clogging ingredients in skin and hair products

Your progress will be closely monitored by a Face Reality Certified Acne Specialist who will make sure you have the best regimen for your skin - making adjustments, if necessary, to get your skin healthy and clear in the fastest way possible.

What Are Adjustments to Home Care?

We assess your skin every two weeks to see if we can make your regimen a bit stronger. We do not want your skin to get used to products, but also not make the regimen so strong that your skin gets dry and irritated. This method will keep your skin clearing up. It’s important to know that if adjustments are not made, your progress may stall. If, for some reason, you cannot make it in for a treatment, you must contact your Acne Specialist to get your next set of instructions for home care adjustment. Very mild corrective peels are used to boost the home care along with extractions of existing acne. If your skin is dry or irritated, we will opt for an enzyme/steam with extractions. 

Lifestyle Choices Affecting Acne

• Fabric Softener. Do not use this in the washer and/or the dryer (no dryer sheets). The waxy residue gets on your pillowcases, towels, wash cloths, and sheets that have direct contact with the skin. The residue will clog pores of acne-prone individuals. If you want something to stop static cling in your dryer, you can get anti-static balls at Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, or online. Detergent Detergents with fragrance can cause skin irritation. Best to use fragrance-free such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free, and Arm & Hammer Free.

• No Water Softeners. There is some evidence that water softeners can lead to acne, especially those containing high amounts of potassium chloride.

• Swimmers. Swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine which can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers. We advise applying a thin layer of Vaseline before you get in the pool. Sun Exposure and Acne Although sun exposure causes desirable scaling and drying, it also damages the follicle, exacerbates dark spots, and causes skin cancer as well as premature aging.

• Always wear your sunscreen, even if it’s overcast and/or raining.

• Beware of Hand Lotions. If you are using a comedogenic hand lotion and then leaning your face on your hands (many do this in front of the computer) or sleeping on your hands, this could contribute to your acne.

Breakouts Around Your Mouth Area? Many lip balms, toothpastes, and even facial tissues have comedogenic ingredients in them. So, if you see breakouts around your mouth area, this is possibly why. We recommend Vaseline or Aquaphor for a lip balm and toothpaste without SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Many well-known tissue brands are infused with things like coconut oil, isopropyl myristate, and SLS, all of which will clog the pores.

No Picking or Squeezing!

Instead, rub ice on pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day.

IMPORTANT: if you pick, squeeze, and break the skin, that scab will leave a red or dark mark that will be there for months, making your skin look WAY worse than if you left it alone.

Birth Control and Hormone Replacement: Forms of birth control that contain low doses of estrogen can be higher in androgen hormones, and that combination may aggravate acne-prone skin. Certain forms of birth control are FDA approved to treat acne. Please speak with your doctor about the birth control method that will be best for you. You should also familiarize yourself with the benefits and risks of any birth control. Please see the Birth Control for Acne Simplified handout for more detailed information. Progesterone hormone replacements can be problematic. If you have polycystic ovaries, they can cause hormonal changes and breakouts.

Recreational and Prescription Drugs Recreational drugs: Marijuana, cocaine, speed, and steroids used by bodybuilders

Prescription drugs: topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, Lithium, thyroid meds, Quinine, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfuram, Phentermine, ADD/ADHD drugs. See handout if you want more information.

Chemicals Coal tars (roofers), grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters), chlorinated industrial chemicals, dioxin. This is being provided for informational purposes only. This is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Face Reality and Venustas Immortalis are not offering advice, recommending, or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information. Face Reality and Venustas Immortalis provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment

 FOODS

(This is a guideline only):

We are not asking you to eliminate foods or food groups completely; we do suggest you cut back and moderate some food types. The “Try to Reduce” group has been proven to be a problem for most acne sufferers. We also know that some people have trigger foods such as citrus, but this is not across the board.

Try To Reduce Acceptable Substitute Iodides Iodized Salt Sea Salt, Uniodized Salt, Celtic Salt Milk (including organic and especially nonfat) Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Rice Milk Cheese Nut cheese Whey or Soy Protein Shakes and Protein Bars Pea Protein, Egg White Powder, Hemp – still check for iodides and biotin before buying (Vega Sport Performance Protein & Perfect Fit are a few safe ones.)

Soy products: tofu, soy milk, tempeh, edamame, soy sauce Seafood, Shellfish e.g., cod, scallops Fresh Water Fish – lake trout, bass, catfish Spirulina, Chlorella, Blue-Green Algae Kelp, Miso Soup, Seaweed, Seaweed

Supplements: Vitamins with iodides, iodine, kelp, potassium iodide (also avoid Biotin and B12) Foods High in Androgens Peanuts, Peanut Butter Almond Butter or other nut butters Peanut Oil, Corn Oil, Canola Oil Olive Oil, Coconut Oil Shellfish Organ Meats including patè Supportive Foods/Beverages Foods/Beverages Ceylon Cinnamon Apple Cider Vinegar Green Tea especially Matcha 

Antioxidant “Helper”: foods high in Selenium Brazil Nuts, Pinto Beans, Halibut, Wild – Caught Salmon, Oats, Navy Beans, Chicken, Spinach Foods/Beverages Anti-inflammatory Support Turmeric Ginger Green Tea (especially Matcha) Ceylon Cinnamon Foods high in Vitamin B3 - Crimini Mushrooms - Tuna - Chicken Breast - Fish (Halibut, Salmon, Sardines) - Leafy Greens - Asparagus More Anti-Inflammatory Support Foods high in Omega-3 Fatty Fish Salmon Sardines Atlantic Mackerel Anchovies Herring White Fish Omega-3 Enriched Eggs Walnuts Deep Leafy Greens – Spinach, Kale, Watercress Blueberries Hemp Seeds Mustard Seed Brussel Sprouts Winter Squash Navy Beans 

Foods to Reduce Foods That Cause Inflammation:

Trans Fats - Cakes, pies and cookies - Biscuits - Breakfast sandwiches - Margarine (stick and tub) - Crackers - Microwave popcorn - Cream-filled candies - Doughnuts Overheated fats – baked foods/ fried at high temperatures Excess Sugar Omega-6 oils (most vegetable oils) and not enough Omega-3s Known Food sensitivities (examples – fruit, gluten)

A well-balanced low-glycemic diet can support all aspects of health, including your skin.

Skincare Supplements: The following supplements have been found to be useful in aiding your recovery from acne. Your esthetician may make recommendations based on the type of acne you have.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPLEMENTS

BIRTH CONTROL

Typically, forms of birth control are divided up as estrogen or progestin dominant and have varying degrees of androgenic (testosterone like) effects. Those with the potential for higher androgenic effects may exacerbate acne breakouts.

The FDA has approved the following types of birth control for acne:

• Ortho Tri-Cyclen (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol)

• Estrostep (norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol) (discontinued)

• YAZ (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol).

The FDA has concluded that birth control pills containing drospirenone may have increased risk for blood clots compared to pills containing other progestins.Other brands containing drospirenone include Beyaz, Gianvi, Loryna, Ocella, Safyral, Syeda, Yasmin, and Zarah.

Other common examples of birth control pills that are estrogen dominant and are less often associated with exacerbating acne that you may want to speak to your doctor about (list is not exhaustive):

• Brevicon, Necon, Tri-Legest Fe, Cyclafem 1/35, Ortho-Novum 1/35, Tri-Previferm, Kelnor, Primella 1/35, Tri-Sprintec, Modicon, Sprintec, Wymzya Fe, MonoNessa, Tilia Fe, Zovia 1/35

Common examples of birth control that is progestin dominant and are more often associated with exacerbating acne breakouts, though you should discuss with your doctor (list is not exhaustive):

• Alesse, Lessina, Nexplanon, Amethyst, Levora, Nordette, Apri, Linessa, Norplant, Azurette, Loestrin, NuvaRing, Cryselle, Lo-Feminol, Ortho Tricyclen Lo, Cyclessa, Lo-Ogestrel, Paragard/Copper IUD*, Depo-Provera, Lo-Ovral, Portia, Desogen, Lutera, Triphasil/Trivora, Kariva, Mirena or Skyla IUD, Velivet

*Hormone free, however, there have been reports of higher copper levels triggering acne.

Please speak with your doctor about the birth control method that will be best for you.

You should also familiarize yourself with the benefits and risks of any birth control. This is being provided for informational purposes only. This is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Face Reality and Venustas Immortalis are not offering advice, recommending, or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. Face Reality and Venustas Immortalis provides no warranty for any information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment

PORE CLOGGING INGREDIENTS

Below is a list of ingredients to avoid in all skin care, acne care, makeup, and hair products. Do not ever put anything on your skin or your hair without checking the ingredients first, even if it says “Won’t Clog Pores” or “Non-Comedogenic” on the bottle.

Natural oils can be some of the worst offenders, like cocoa butter and coconut oil which are found in many “organic” skin care lines. Other oils such as jojoba, olive, and lanolin are mildly comedogenic and can be a problem if formulated with other comedogenic ingredients.

Some prescription products like the cream form of Retin-A have pore cloggers.

Many over-the-counter acne medications also have pore clogging ingredients. “Oil-free” products can be comedogenic.

SHAVING TIPS:

• Don’t use disposable blades more than once or twice.

• Soak in alcohol for 2 – 3 minutes before use.

• Don’t attempt to use twin or triple blade "closer-shaving" razors.

• The first blade stretches the skin; the second (and third) shaves too close, cutting hair off below the skin line.

• When the skin bounces back, those hairs are set up to be trapped repeatedly under the skin every time you shave. Don't tweeze ingrown hairs.

• When tweezed hairs grow back (in two to three weeks), they are trapped under the skin line. Those areas become chronic ingrown.

• Don’t use a rotary shaver. Circular blade motion cuts the hair in every imaginable direction which can cause more ingrown hairs.

• Don’t shave upward, against the grain, or shave back and forth over the same place repeatedly in an attempt to get a closer shave.

• Do use a single edge, disposable razor with our Acne Wash as directed, or a sanitized non-rotary electric shaver, T-edger or clippers.

• Mandelic Wash or Ultra Gentle Cleanser can be used as well.

• Don’t forget to spray disinfectant on razors, clipper and/or T-edger blades, guards and attachments before and after shaving.

• Clippercide is available at beauty supply stores. Don't forget to take some with you to the barbershop.

• Do watch for barbershop sanitation (or lack of it).

• Do change your clipper or T-edger blades every six months and don’t share yours with anyone.

• Do scrub very gently (with recommended product only) for no more than 30 seconds.

• Blot your face dry (no rubbing) with a soft towel. Attention athletes: Don’t wipe off sweat; blot dry instead!

GETTING CLEAR & STAYING CLEAR

When your skin is not getting clear in the typical amount of time, we must become “acne detectives” to discover what may be hindering your progress. There are several areas that we address to find out what the culprit(s) is.

Listed below are the most common reasons why clients have difficulty getting clear.

Often, simple changes to your product usage and lifestyle habits can dramatically improve your skin. Product Usage You have at least a 90% chance of getting clear if you use your products exactly like we tell you to use them. The products do most of the job of getting your skin clear – we facilitate the process with treatments and extractions. Here are some reasons you may not be clearing in-regards to product usage:

• Are you using your products inconsistently or skipping your routine?

• Do you regularly run out of products?

• Do you check in with us to adjust your routine at two-week intervals?

• Do you change your routine without consulting your Acne Specialist first?

• Are you using non-Face Reality products?

• Are you using comedogenic makeup?

• Are you using comedogenic hair care?

• Are you taking the supplements recommended by a Face Reality esthetician?

Lifestyle Issues Here are several lifestyle issues we went over in your consultation that bear repeating. These may be contributing to your chronic breakouts:

• Are you using fabric softener in the washer and/or the dryer?

• Are you consuming dairy/soy products: milk, cheese, yogurt, and/or whey or soy protein shakes?

• Are you consuming sushi, seaweed, iodized salt, spirulina, or chlorella?

• Are you taking vitamins or supplements that may contain iodides and/or biotin?

• Are you taking any medications or drugs or have any medical condition that you haven’t yet disclosed to us?

• Do you regularly wear hats, helmets, or shoulder pads?

• Are you under more stress than usual and/or getting enough sleep?

• Are you on birth control pills or other hormonally-based birth control? 

We will do everything in our power to help you achieve clear skin, but client cooperation is an essential component of our program. If we are unable to improve the condition of your skin due to factors beyond our control, but within yours.