3Mar
28Oct
New Acne Scar Treatment Filler Available at Clear Clinic
Filling acne scars is a viable option for those looking to improve the look and texture of their acne scars. Dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, can be used to temporary improve the texture of atrophic acne scars. These fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid, which lasts 6-9 months once injected into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin’s dermis; once injected into the area of acne scarring, the hyaluronic acid dermal filler binds with water molecules to plump up the treated area. There's a new filler treatment available at Clear Clinic called Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) that uses growth factors in your own blood, rather than synthetic hyaluronic acid, to help collagen regenerate and stimulate new cell growth, which fills in the pitted areas left behind from acne scars. Injecting your own blood back into your skin may sound scary, but this treatment entails minimal pain and no downtime. The needle used is very tiny. At Clear Clinic, we use the patented SELPYHYL System to prepare the blood for injection. This system uses a unique centrifuge to collect and separate the PRFM out of the blood.What to Expect During Your PRFM Treatment
The entire SELPHYL process takes about 30 minutes. One of our trained skincare professionals will extract the blood from your arm. Your blood is then put into the centrifuge system to extract the "liquid gold," a gel-like substance of PRFM. The liquid gold is then expertly injected into the areas with acne scars on your face. It will take up to three weeks to see the results from your SELPYL PRFM injections. The results can last for years. For more information on SELPHYL and to see if this treatment is right for you, contact one of our patient representatives now.15Oct
Spot Removal: No Pain, A Lot of Gain
Acne sure has a way of leaving a lasting impression. Even way after the actual blemish is long gone, it can take weeks and sometimes months or years for that visible brown or red spot left in its place to go away. That spot has a name, it's called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This refers to the discoloration left on the skin after an inflammatory wound has occurred on the skin. The mark is the result of excess melanin production. Luckily post-inflammatory hyerpigmentation is not a true acne scar that leaves a depressed mark on the skin. In fact, most red or brown spots can be covered up with a good makeup concealer. However, there are some great in-office procedures and prescription skin care products that will clear up that spot much quicker than waiting for time to heal all wounds.Laser Genesis to Correct Dark Spots
For those looking for an entry level laser treatment, it doesn't get any better than Laser Genesis. During a Laser Genesis treatment, the skin is gently heated with a 1064nm short-pulsed laser, this does not hurt and in fact can feel relaxing. Laser Genesis is amazing at treating any redness on the skin associated with post-inflammatory hyperigmentation or even rosacea. While results can be seen with one treatment, it's ideal to get a series of five treatments for the best results. Laser Genesis also improves the overall texture and tone of the skin.Topical Dark Spot Correcting Treatments
A topical skin lightening agent that really does work is hydroquinone. We recommend patients use it to get their dark spots reduced and then switch over to a non-hydroquinone product, such as Clear Clinic Laboratories Enlighten Me. Another route to try is with a retinoid product, which accelerates skin cell turnover and helps fight acne as well as clears those brown and red spots.7Oct
F.A.S.T. Appears in October Issue of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
We are proud to announce Dr. Schweiger's pioneering F.A.S.T (Focal Acne Scar Treatment) technique is featured in the October 2013 issue of the prestigious dermatology publication Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD). In the article., Dr. Schweiger documents a series of acne scar patients he treated with F.A.S.T., which uses the fractional CO2 laser at higher energy levels, but focuses only on the focal areas of acne scars, while leaving the healthy skin intact. In the study, six patients were treated with F.A.S.T. Dr. Schweiger evaluated the patients post treatment at one and four weeks following the procedure. All patients had significant improvement of 40% - 70% at their four week follow up appointment and patient satisfaction was high. The overall conclusion is that F.A.S.T. offers acne scar patients increased effectiveness and faster healing times with no increased incidence of adverse reactions.Acne scars--especially those of the deep, pitted variety--can seriously impair an otherwise perfect complexion. The aftermath of active acne lesions can sometimes be as much of an eyesore as the acne itself. Those with acne scars understand the frustration of trying to cover them up with makeup or unsuccessful attempts with over the counter skincare products. Dr. Schweiger is thrilled with the results of F.A.S.T. In response to the increased demand of F.A.S.T., Clear Clinic is pleased to offer patients from around the country a unique opportunity to get F.A.S.T. with our Fly in for Clear Skin program.
30Sep
Oxygen: Your Secret Acne Weapon
For the millions of acne sufferers out there, wouldn't it be nice to find an ingredient that was guaranteed to banish your pimples? While there are indeed several ingredients that are proven to fight and kill the p. acnes bacteria, such as sulfur and salicylic acid it turns out that oxygen--you know, the stuff we breath, is actually a powerful tool when it comes to fighting acne. One of the best acne-fighting ingredients around--benzoyl peroxide--kills acne by introducing oxygen into the pores. The p. acnes bacteria thrives in an anaerobic environment--meaning an area without air. Another reason to keep your pores free of debris, which can seal off the oxygen and make it even easier for acne to exist.In a recent article in Health magazine, Clear Clinic's founding dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger was quoted on the skin-clearing benefits of the new oxygen skincare trend. “Acne comes from bacteria, and hydrogen peroxide has antimicrobial properties, so it could help give you clearer skin,” Dr. Schweiger says to the magazine. “And oxygen itself increases circulation and has wound-healing abilities.
So while simply applying a foundation with oxygen as one of its ingredients may not completely clear your skin, it can certainly help. But even more important is making sure whatever skincare products or cosmetics you choose in your regimen do not contain any ingredients that will clog your pores or irritate your skin. For maximum skin-clearing benefits, steer clear of mineral oil, cocoa butter and wheat germ oil. You also don't want any fragrances or dyes, which can irritate the skin. And more important than all else? Making sure you remove your makeup every night!
19Sep
Men: How to Tackle Back and Body Acne
Being a guy and taking care of your skin don't need to be mutually exclusive. It may sound like a distinctly female trait to pamper and care for your skin, but more and more men are getting in on the beauty game and with good reason when it comes to back and body acne. Just a little bit of maintenance goes a long way in terms of acne care. The key is knowing what to do and how to do it.Fighting Back and Body Acne at the Gym If working out is part of your daily routine, then chances are you're no stranger to pimples on your chest and back area. Always embarrassing and often painful, these inflamed cysts on your back and body can be treated and avoided if you cleanser thoroughly after your workout. We don't mean when you get home, we mean at the gym. Toss a body cleanser with 10% benzoyl peroxide in your gym bag and wash your entire back and chest with it. If you need to bring a brush with you to reach those hard-to-get-to places on your back, then do it. Make sure you dry off with a clean towel, not a dirty one that's been sitting in your duffel for a week. The acne bacteria likes to linger on fabrics and towels are their ideal breeding grounds. After you've toweled off, swipe your back and chest with a medicated treatment pad containing salicylic and glycolic acid to help say so long to dead skin cells, deep clean the pores and give your skin a nice, clean and glowing finish.
Book an Appointment For a Back Acne Treatment In-office acne treatments are not just for the face. In fact, many of them work just as well at ridding of body and back acne (aka bacne) as they do as treating pimples on the face. The best in-office procedures for back and body acne are the Isolaz laser, which uses a combination of vacuum like suction to clean the pores and blue light to kill the P. acnes bacteria. Another way to tackle stubborn back and body pimples are with medical extractions, which are not your typical spa extractions. At the hands of a medical professional, your skin is cleansed, steamed and then the extractions begin--all done with medical-grade tools and products. During swimsuit season, if you have an angry red pimple that's starting to form on your back or chest, book an appointment asap for a cortisone injection and said zit will never fully come to the surface.
12Sep
Treating Acne During Pregnancy
Not surprisingly, acne is the number one skin concern during pregnancy. Acne is caused by multiple factors, one of them being excess sebum production. When hormones in the body surge, as they do during pregnancy, this gives a green light for oil production. The frustrating thing is that many acne skincare products and treatments are contraindicated during pregnancy. This means they are thought to present potential harm to the fetus and should be avoided. Many prescription medications, including topical retinoids and oral tetracyclines are off the list during pregnancy, as are over the counter ingredients salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. So what can you feel safe using and doing during pregnancy to prevent breakouts? Here's a look:
OTC Acne Ingredients You Can Use During Pregnancy
All medications, even OTC medications, should be reviewed by your OB/GYN prior to using while pregnant or breastfeeding. One of the most common acne OTC medications, salicylic acid, is not recommended for use in pregnancy. However, lactic acid, green tea, sulfur and tea tree oil are considered safer to use during pregnancy. Benzoyl peroxide, the most commonly used OTC medicine for acne is “category C” which means its safety has not been tested in pregnancy, so we usually recommend avoiding it.
Prescription Medications You Can Use During Pregnancy
Some prescription medications, labeled “category B” for pregnancy, are considered safe to use while you are pregnant. Topical azelaic acid and topical clindamycin are both in this category and are used safely and successfully in our pregnant patient population for the treatment of acne. However, it is best to check with your obstetrician prior to using any medications while you are pregnant.
An In-Office Acne Treatment You Can Feel Safe About During Pregnancy
Isolaz is an in-office treatment that deeply cleans the pores with a gentle suction combined with a light that kills the acne bacteria. Isolaz is a quick and pain-free procedure. Most patients have no downtime, though some patients may be mildly “rosy” after the treatment. This can easily be covered with makeup Bruising is side effect that can occur but is quite rare. Isolaz treatments do not make your skin more sensitive to the sun and you may continue your normal skin care routine, even on the day of the treatment. It is our opinion that the Isolaz is safe for pregnant patients, as the light only penetrates a few millimeters below the skin. LED light is also safe for use during pregnancy; we often recommend a combination of these treatments for our pregnant patients. Always check with you OB/GYN to make sure that they approve of all light-based therapies
3Sep
Top 10 Back to School Skin Care Tips
It's officially back to school! This week marks the first day back for many students across the nation. There's no better time to get a fresh start on you and your kids' skincare regimen. We asked Julie Zuckerman, one of Clear Clinic's star personal acne coaches for her best tips for kicking off the new school year with a clear complexion. Here are her top 10 tips to remember for getting--and keeping--acne-free skin throughout the whole school year.
10. CRUNCH TIME: The slow summer pace is coming to an end and that’s why it’s even more important to get back into a routine! While setting an alarm again may take some getting used to, it’s crucial not to skimp on your morning steps. Make sure to leave yourself enough time to wash, apply medications and moisturize before leaving the house.
9. STAY SPF-PROTECTED: Even though you may be stuck in the classroom, it’s important to add an SPF to your daily skincare routine. Opt for a moisturizer with at least SPF 20 for everyday use and add a broad spectrum SPF 30-50 on top of makeup if you’ll be running outside from class to class.
8. SHAKE THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR SKIN: If you wear foundation, it’s probably time to retire the one you’ve been using all summer. New season, new foundation! Most people are unaware that bacteria start to build after months of use so the rule is to start fresh with foundation every three months.
7. HIT THE “SPOT”: Don’t overuse medication even with school stress-induced breakouts. A pea size amount is all you need, so spread it thin and don’t dry yourself out!
6. THE BREAKOUT BATTLEFIELD: Did you know that your hands carry an average of 800,000 germs every day? When you touch your face, you’re exposing yourself to harmful bacteria that cause breakouts. A few quick fixes are to sleep in gloves, never pick your face if you see a blemish and cover large magnifying mirrors. In addition to your dermatologist, your Personal Acne Coach should be the only “hands” allowed near your face.
5. THE BUILD-UP: Like your hair, your face, back and chest can easily be the target of product build-up. Be aware of which hair care products, and the amount, you’re using as oils can layer on top of each other making it hard for your skin to breathe ultimately causing breakouts.
4. DON’T PLAY DIRTY: The key to keeping a clear complexion is fairly simple – by washing your face thoroughly twice every day with a gentle cleanser, you’re doubling your deep, bacteria-fighting facial cleaning. Incorporate a Clarisonic for an extra exfoliation. And also be sure to remove all your makeup before hitting the pillows!
3. WORKOUT WARRIOR: If you’re active in after-school sports, you’re aware of the sweaty situations you find yourself in. Because breakouts can also be caused by sweat, it’s important to combat perspiration before and after it starts. One swipe of Clear Clinic’s ClearMe pads can keep breakouts at bay.
2. DON’T DRY OUT: Many acne medications can be drying and your skin may rebound by producing more breakout-building oils. Even if you’re sweaty or hot, it’s key to continue moisturizing and hydrating your skin with a “noncomedogenic” moisturizer.
1. GO TEAM!: Just like your sports coach, your Personal Acne Coach is there to help, guide and provide support for you – especially in times of hardship. Even when you’re busy between classes, extracurricular activities and enjoying a social life, it’s crucial to keep your Personal Acne Coach up to date with your skin’s state of affairs. They could be seeing signs of acne that you’re missing or provide you with different treatment options you haven’t considered. 29Aug
Have Acne? What You Eat Matters
Posted in Acne and Diet by .
When you suffer from acne, chances are you're willing to do everything it takes to get your skin clear and pimple-free. While there has been much controversy surrounding the question of whether diet effects acne, a few studies have pointed in the direction that watching what you eat could pay off in the end for acne sufferers. The AAD ran an article recently on the role of diet and the formation of acne. While they take the safe approach, saying more studies need to be conducted before the evidence is conclusive, there seems to be enough studies linking diet and acne to take special care in what you eat and drink. So what are the key foods to eat and not eat when a clear complexion is your goal? Here's a look:
Milk and Dairy Products
The studies that have been done have all shown a correlation between dairy consumption and acne breakouts. Interestingly, skim milk is more of a culprit than whole milk for acne breakouts. Doctors believe that it's the steroid hormones in milk that are contributing to the breakouts. One reason to choose organic milk and dairy products that have not been injected with hormones.
Low Glycemic Foods
Some pretty compelling evidence that staying off the carbs is good for your skin. A study looked at groups of hunter-gatherers that only ate meats, grains, fruits and vegetables and had no incidence of acne. The modern day diet, however, includes a hefty dose of high-glycemic foods, (ie foods with sugar, white flour and artificial flavors). The message here is that acne patients should eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. 19Aug
Five Facts on Isolaz Acne Treatment
Don't know what Isolaz is? Then it's time to educate yourself on this amazing anti-acne procedure that hits blemishes with a one-two punch. Isolaz Acne Therapy is a promising treatment that has acne sufferers overjoyed with results. In fact, A 2008 study showed that acne continued to improve for three months following a series of Isolaz treatments. The same study showed a decrease in both inflammatory (pimples) and non-inflammatory (blackheads and whiteheads) acne and reported that 82% of patients were moderately to very satisfied with their treatment.
Here are the top five facts you should know about Isolaz:
Isolaz Fact: It's Pain-Free!
Isolaz is a painless in-office procedure that clears out the pores with a gentle suction and kills the P. acnes bacteria using pulsed light.
Treatment is Easy...and Fast
Skin is sprayed with water prior to the Isolaz treatment. The Isolaz tip will be applied to the treatment area. The patient will feel gentle pressure and a warm tingle as the vacuum draws the skin in. A light is then flashed on the skin for a second to kill the bacteria. This process is repeated until all the areas are treated. Each Isolaz treatment takes about 15-30 minutes.
Isolaz Works on Everyone
Isolaz works well on all skin types—including light and dark skin tones and those with severe, moderate or mild acne.
There's No Downtime
There is no downtime with Isolaz, some patients experience a mild rosiness to the face.
Results Happen Fast
Results can be seen as early as 24-48 hours after the first treatment. Redness is reduced and active acne lesions are flattened and dried after the initial treatment. After a series of 4-6 treatments, there is a significant decrease in acne lesions and oil production.
