Are you in a funk when it comes to your skin? Does it seem like you’ve tried everything but have gotten nowhere? Are you experiencing some or all of the following:
- Acne-prone skin
- Breakouts
- Skin sensitivity
- Scarring and/or Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
If so, clear skin can certainly seem like an uphill battle, but MD Beauty Clinic is here to flatten the terrain. Let’s explore some of your options for targeting any and all of the listed concerns. Our graphic designer extraordinaire, Bridget, has graciously shared her experience with some of these struggles, and we’re breaking down the treatments that helped achieve her goals.
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The Breakout Story
Bridget has had acne since she was 10 years old. Even now, 27 years later, she finds that her skin fluctuates between moments of clarity and moments of breakouts, generally localized at and around her jawline. This is a very common experience, especially for women.
Regular and frequent hormone fluctuations make it so that our skin quality regularly and frequently, well… fluctuates. So if you’re experiencing frustration with the rollercoaster of states that your face likes to ride on a monthly basis—you’re not alone.
Along with acne breakouts, Bridget has experienced some hereditary rosacea and the dreaded scarring left behind by the breakouts. It’s also important to add that she has sensitive skin. This is a critical consideration for the intensity of treatment, especially when it comes tagretting acne. Acne interventions can be harsh and aggressive (just ask anyone who’s been on Accutane). Acne treatment is NOT for the faint of heart.
When dealing with sensitive skin, accommodations need to be put in place to ensure that we’re not doing more harm than good. We want to go hard on the acne and scarring, but we don’t want to compromise the skin barrier and patient comfort.
Viva la Skincare
Yes, you’re probably tired of hearing about the magic of skincare… and no, we won’t stop talking about the magic of skincare 😉
Skincare is just one of those things that once you perfect it, your life changes. I think the issue is that a lot of folks will assume a one-size-fits-all approach, but as we’ve said time and time again: everyone is unique. What works for someone else may not work for you.
Certain products work best in certain conditions, and most of the “science of skincare” involves trial and error. In fact, what works for you at one point in time, might not even work down the line! Your skin evolves, and your skincare should reflect that evolution.
That being said, it’s a good idea to explore what other people who have similar concerns to you are trying. In the modern skincare-conomy, there’s an over-abundance of information and interventions that can make it overwhelming to decide on a personal routine.
Here’s what Bridget’s been using on her skin to help guide your personal journey:
AHA Gel: Can be used every night to exfoliate the skin, promote cell turnover and collagen production. This product reduces the appearance of scarring and other blemishes for a more even look.
Super C: 100% pure Vitamin C treatment that can be mixed into the AHA gel or cream. It’s an antioxidant that reduces the look of hyperpigmentation and discolouration.
alternating with
Retinol Treatment 60: Retinol provides gentle but effective exfoliation. Similar to vitamin C, it has antioxidant properties, so these two products are NOT to be used together. Bridget worked her way up from the Retinol 30 (which we often recommend to those who have never used retinoids before) to the 60.
The Appeal of Peels
Chemical peels can help improve skin texture and appearance. They work by applying a chemical solution to the skin’s surface, which causes the top layer to peel away, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath.
Chemical peels can be customized to different depths, making them suitable for a variety of skin concerns, from mild exfoliation to deep rejuvenation. They can reduce wrinkles, sun spots, and uneven pigmentation. Peels may cause mild discomfort based on the severity of the product, and the recovery time similarly depends on the depth of the peel.
Remember, Bridget has sensitive skin, so her treatment needed to be modified to suit her. To start her off slowly, she was undergoing lactic acid peels, the gentlest of our options. Over time she was able to graduate to glycolic acid treatments increasing in concentration.
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General guidelines state going in for a peel every 4-6 weeks, though your provider will give you a more personalized recommendation according to your skin type. This way your top layer of skin has an opportunity to regenerate in time for your next appointment.
Microneedling for a Next Level Result
The Microneedling Facial has quite a few benefits, including targeting active acne breakouts. Bridget has had her first few treatments with it for her scarring, rosacea and collagen production. So far she’s had three facials.
Microneedling is pretty effective on its own, but when combined with a good skincare routine, and other non-surgical treatments, like peels for instance, it works wonders. If you’ve spoken with our aestheticians, you’ve probably heard them rave about it with good reason.
Your Skin Goals Can Be Within Reach
Hopefully we’ve re-instilled some of your faith in staying the course. It’s understandable that things can seem bleak when you’re not getting the results you want right when you want them. But good things come to those who wait…
With a little patience, appropriate education and resources, and lots of consistency, you too can get to a place where you’re content in the skin you’re in. Power through friends.
