When I started my first Acne Clinic in 1987, we were the first of its kind in Cupertino, CA.  Having grown up with acne and finding relief with an esthetician, I understood the frustrations of this chronic problem as well as my clients.  Now, almost twenty years later, you would think a lot has changed wouldn’t you?  Well, there is certainly a lot more competition and products available. 

In spite of some new machines that aid in the treatment of acne the key to successfully clearing and controlling acne still comes down to the following:

·        A knowledgeable and committed esthetician who is open minded and learns about the condition and products available to clear up the skin.

·        A client recognizing that it takes a good four to eight weeks to see the "dramatic" changes.

·        A variety of active topicals that treat the problem – not everything works for every skintype.

What improves the odds of clearing quickly? 

·        Weekly exfoliation treatments at the spa or medical office. (peels, micros, enzymes, ect) – SELL A SYSTEM APPROACH and make it affordable!

·        Home Care Programs for skin type and grade of acne that includes a combination of actives, in addition to their basics, containing: Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinol, Anti-inflammatory creams and/or serums, Oxygen Creams or Serums,  Vitamin A derivatives that specifically help with acne, Sulfur, Resorcinol, Azelaic Acid, Witch Hazel Extract to name a few.

·        Switching to non-comedogenic makeup and avoiding any heavy creams or foundations.

·        Consistently communicating with the skincare specialist, who should be able to adjust, advise and adapt the products as the client moves into the "clearing phase".

No matter how many acne blogs, products, machines and web sites, nothing will replace a good esthetician with good products that work.   If this is you, then your job is to find ways to communicate your knowledge, and speak to as many teens and adults in your community that still suffer with acne and are as confused as I was almost twenty years ago. 

The question to ask yourself is:  Why haven’t they found me yet?

So, get out there…

Ellen