Published November 2015
by Katrina Rubin:
Acne is the most common of all skin disorders and almost everyone will struggle with it at some point in their lives. Most cases are mild and very easily cured, while other cases can range from moderate to severe to cystic.
Teenagers are most often the ones who fall victim to acne. And there it begins: the never-ending antibiotics, strong and drying lotions, topical medications and other harsh and chemical-filled products that get you pretty much nowhere. But just like everything else in nature, skin needs to be balanced. And when we can make that happen, then we have happy, healthy and glowing skin.Basically, if you use products that are very drying for the skin, the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) will get very dry and flaky, sending signals to sebaceous glands to produce more oil. This leaves you with dry, dead skin cells on the surface that block the follicles and make it impossible for the pores to breathe properly, and thus become clogged. That’s the picture-perfect way to get acne going. If you think that adding antibiotics to this mixture might do the trick, well, that could backfire at some point, too.
In the long run, this could mess up the flora in your gut and could lead to all sorts of problems later in life.
For a very basic routine, you will need an appropriate cleanser and a toner that will exfoliate and balance the skin. You will also need a moisturizer and a mask. You will need to use all but the mask in the morning and at night. Choose two days a week that work for your schedule to do the mask.
It’s also a good idea to find a competent aesthetician that will guide you, as they are the ones armed with knowledge of the ingredients and chemistry.
Beauty Pick of the Month:
Masque Vivant
Masque Vivant is an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. It purifies the epidermis, tightens the pores and regulates sebaceous secretion, leaving your skin with a clean and healthy matte texture.
DIY Beauty Tip
What we put ON our bodies is just as important as what we put IN it. To eat for beautiful skin, remember my top three guidelines:
1) Organic is always a better choice. Try to eat organically grown foods when available.
2) Choose well-balanced, home-cooked meals over fast food and takeout.
3) The real bad boys to look out for are sugar and refined grains. To avoid, eliminate processed foods as much as possible. Watch out for artificial coloring in foods as well.
Estonian-born, Katrina Rubin was a much sought-after image consultant and makeup artist in her hometown. Upon moving to the U.S. in 1991, she furthered her studies by becoming an esthetician. Her reputation for quality treatments, products and results is paramount and the cornerstone for her success. katrinatique.com