by Elle | Sep 19, 2023 | Acne, Facials, Puresthetics, Skin Care, Skin Health
Ultimate Guide to Toners for Acne Prone Skin!
Balance Your Skin and Reduce Breakouts
Struggling with acne-prone skin can be challenging, but the path to clear, radiant skin is not out of reach. A dedicated skincare routine should always contain a toner. Incorporating the right toner can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of toners for acne-prone skin, exploring their benefits, key ingredients, and how to choose the perfect toner for your unique needs.
**The Benefits of Using a Toner**
Toning isn’t just an extra step in your skincare routine – it’s a game-changer for acne-prone skin. Here’s why:
- **Balanced pH Levels**: Acne-prone skin often has an imbalanced pH, which can exacerbate breakouts. A good toner restores the skin’s pH, creating an environment less conducive to acne-causing bacteria.
- **Pore Minimization**: Enlarged pores can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Certain toners contain ingredients that tighten pores, reducing the risk of debris accumulation.
- **Gentle Exfoliation**: Exfoliating toners with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or Mandelic Acid to help unclog pores, prevent whiteheads and blackheads, and promote cell turnover.
- **Hydration**: Acne-prone skin needs hydration too, but heavy creams can trigger breakouts. A hydrating toner offers moisture without overwhelming the skin.
**Key Ingredients**
When shopping for toners for acne-prone skin, focus on these powerhouse ingredients:
- **Salicylic Acid**: This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) penetrates pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, and dissolves sebum. It’s excellent for preventing and treating acne. Our Favorite Salicylic Toner!
- **Mandelic Acid**: This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is derived from bitter almonds. It’s known for its gentle exfoliating properties and targets hyperpigmentation. 3% Mandelic Acid Toner
- **Green Tea**: Known for its antioxidant-rich properties. It contains compounds like catechins that have been linked to various health benefits and anti-inflammatory effects. This ingredient soothes skin, reduce redness, and provide protection against environmental damage.
- **Glycolic Acid**: a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It’s widely used for its exfoliating properties, promoting cell turnover. Glycolic Lactic Toner
Toners can benefit both hyperpigmentation and fighting acne due to their specific properties and active ingredients that target these skin concerns. Let’s explore how toners work for each of these issues:
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin, resulting in dark spots or patches. Toners can help address hyperpigmentation in the following ways:
- **Exfoliation:** Many toners contain gentle exfoliating agents like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). These exfoliants help remove dead skin cells on the surface, encouraging the growth of new, even-toned skin cells and fading the appearance of dark spots over time.
- **Brightening Ingredients:** Some toners contain brightening agents like vitamin C or Mandelic acid. These ingredients work to inhibit melanin production and promote a more uniform skin tone.
- **Increased Absorption:** Toners can enhance the absorption of other products, such as serums or treatments formulated explicitly for hyperpigmentation. This allows these targeted treatments to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
Acne is often caused by a combination of factors, including excess sebum production, clogged pores, and the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. Toners can contribute to acne prevention and treatment through several mechanisms:
- **Exfoliation:** Exfoliating toners containing salicylic acid (a BHA) can penetrate into pores and help dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, preventing clogs and reducing the formation of comedones (clogged pores).
- **Oil Control:** Some toners are formulated to balance oil production and control sebum. Ingredients like Glycolic Acid or Mandelic Acid can help regulate oil secretion without overly drying the skin.
- **Antibacterial Properties:** Certain toners contain antibacterial agents, such as tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide, which target acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface, reducing the risk of breakouts.
- **Reduced Inflammation:** Toners with anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile or green tea can help calm redness and irritation associated with active breakouts.
- **Hydration:** Keeping the skin hydrated is essential even for acne-prone skin. Some toners provide lightweight hydration, helping to maintain the skin’s moisture balance without clogging pores.
It’s important to note that while toners can be effective in addressing hyperpigmentation and acne, they will vary depending on individual skin types and the specific toner’s formulation. Consistency is vital – regular use of the right toner can yield positive changes in the appearance of hyperpigmentation and acne over time. If you have severe hyperpigmentation or persistent acne concerns, contact us for more in-depth help!
**Choosing the Right Toner**
Selecting the ideal toner for acne-prone skin is crucial. Here are a few things to think about/look for when searching for the perfect toner for you!
- **Skin Type**: Consider whether your skin is oily, combination, or sensitive. Toners should be gentle yet effective.
- **Ingredients**: Opt for a toner containing acne-fighting ingredients that suit your skin’s needs. Read labels carefully.
- **Alcohol-Free**: Avoid toners with high alcohol content, as they can strip the skin and worsen inflammation.
- **Patch Test**: Before introducing a new toner, do a patch test to ensure your skin doesn’t react adversely.
**Incorporating Toner Into Your Routine**
Follow these steps for the best results:
- **Cleanse**: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.
- **Tone**: Apply your chosen toner with a cotton pad or your fingers. Gently pat it onto your skin.
- **Serums and Moisturizers**: Follow up with a lightweight, non-comedogenic serum and moisturizer.
- **SPF**: Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Acne-prone skin demands thoughtful care, and the right toner can be a powerful ally on your journey to clear, radiant skin. With the right ingredients and a consistent routine, you can say goodbye to breakouts and hello to a complexion that exudes confidence.
Remember, everyone’s skin is unique. If you’re unsure which toner is best for you, consider reaching out to us for help! Cheers to healthier, happier skin ahead!
by Elle | Sep 4, 2023 | Anti-aging, Puresthetics, Skin Care, Skin Health
3 Best Ingredients For Oily Skin
Your skin does most of its repairing and renewing at night, so it’s important to have a nighttime skin care routine that will help it do its job. When treating oily skin the key is to balance killing bacteria and keeping the skin super hydrated so it can heal properly.
A good nighttime skin care routine should include the following steps:
Remove makeup and sunscreen. This is the most important step, as makeup and sunscreen can clog your pores and prevent your skin from breathing. Use a gentle cleanser that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. Also I like for my clients to have a more “active” cleanser on hand that contains Hydroxy Acids or BHA’s such as Mandelic Acid Scrub/Wash or Benzoyl Peroxide Wash/Scrub depending on the severity of the acne.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and helps your skin absorb products better. You can use a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid, or a physical exfoliant, such as a scrub. This does not need to be done every day but should be done 1-3 times a week depending on skin type. A couple of my favorite granule exfoliants are Mandelic Acid Face & Body Scrub , Antioxidant Scrub
Serum
Serums are concentrated formulas that can help address specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, or acne. Look for serums that contain ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or other AHA’s..
Moisturize
Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and plump. Choose a moisturizer that is oil-free and non-comedogenic, and that is appropriate for your skin type. As a general rule, I always have a gel hydrator on hand to layer under serums just for added hydration and then a cream moisturizer on top to lock in that moisture. (One that is acne/oily skin safe of course)
Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs special care. Look for an eye cream that is formulated to hydrate and reduce the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles. Look for ingredients such as Retinol, Kojic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid.
Here are some of the best ingredients to use in your night time skin care routine:
Retinol
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is used in skin care products to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and other signs of aging. It can also help to improve the texture of the skin and reduce acne.
Retinol works by increasing the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity. It also helps to exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing newer, fresher skin cells.
Retinol can be used by people of all ages, but it is especially beneficial for people over the age of 30. It is important to start using retinol slowly and gradually, as it can cause some irritation in the early stages. I like for clients to begin a few times a week at night, then every other night, then every night, working the skin’s tolerance gradually.
We absolutely love Vivant’s Derma Gel for cell turnover, pigmentation and skin renewal.
Some of the benefits of using retinol are:
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
Improves skin texture
Reduces age spots and dark spots
Helps to prevent acne
Exfoliates the skin
Stimulates the production of collagen and elastin
Improves the skin’s ability to retain moisture
Use it at night, Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is important to use it at night and wear sunscreen during the day.
Avoid using other exfoliating products at the same time as retinol. This can irritate your skin.
If you experience any irritation, discontinue use and consult with your esthetician or dermatologist.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a medication that is used to treat acne. It is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) product or as a prescription medication. I like to use it as a spot treatment on active inflamed pimples, it is great to have on hand when inflamed pimples like to pop up.
Acne Spot Treatment
Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that causes acne and reduces inflammation, it is one of the most effective treatments for acne. It can help to reduce the number of pimples and it can also help to prevent new breakouts.
Benzoyl peroxide is generally safe for most people to use. However, it can cause some side effects, such as dryness, redness, and peeling. It is important to start using it slowly and gradually, and to stop using it if you experience any severe side effects.
Brown/Darker skin types need to be very careful with Benzoyl Peroxide as it can cause hyperpigmentation if it’s not balanced with enough hydration. Brown skin should not use BP over an extended period of time, only when they are experiencing inflammation.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that has many benefits for the skin. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used to address a variety of skin concerns. Niacinamide can help to reduce the production of sebum, which is the oil that can clog pores and lead to acne. It can also help to reduce inflammation, which is a common symptom of acne.
It also benefits the skin in these 4 key ways:
Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots. It does this by increasing the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color.
Redness and irritation: Niacinamide can help to reduce redness and irritation, which can be caused by acne, eczema, or rosacea.
Fine lines and wrinkles: Niacinamide can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity.
Moisturization: Niacinamide can help to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which can help to prevent dryness and flakiness.Antioxidant protection: Niacinamide is an antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging.
Caring for your oily skin is a delicate balance of reducing inflammation and keeping the skin’s hydration levels at optimum levels. You will also want to have regular deep cleansing facial treatments to extract any blackheads and skin congestion by a professional esthetician. Chemical peels are also a great treatment for oily skin.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask, we are here to help you achieve clear healthy skin!
