top of page

Acne Bootcamp

Acne Boot Camp is an intensive four- to six-month program designed to transform your skin through a holistic approach and dedicated effort. You'll need to use only the prescribed acne-safe products and change your diet, lifestyle, and makeup. Success in the program will depend on your commitment to making these changes, which will help you achieve healthier skin over time. The Acne Boot Camp includes an initial consultation and facial treatments every three to four weeks. The treatments will depend on the severity of the acne.

7-Day Acne-Clear Skin Challenge

June is Acne Awareness Month. Join our 7-Day Acne-Clear Skin Challenge to clear and improve your skin with expert guidance. During this time, you will connect with others, sharing tips and support as you manage acne. Check the link to see how you can participate. Let's get glowing!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Acne Boot Camp? The Acne Boot Camp is an intensive 4-6 months program designed to transform your skin through a holistic approach requiring dedicated commitment. Participants are guided to use prescribed acne-safe products exclusively, ensuring that their skincare regimen is tailored to address their unique skin concerns effectively. Beyond skincare, our Acne Boot Camp emphasizes the importance of comprehensive lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and the careful selection of makeup and other personal care products. This program's success hinges on the participant's willingness to embrace these changes fully, fostering healthier skin from within and paving the way for long-term, sustainable results.
 

2. What is acne? Acne is formed when the skin follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can occur for different reasons, such as hormonal changes, genetics, bacteria, and medications. When the follicles clog, they can form whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts, depending on the severity of the condition. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. 
 

3. Is Acne treatable? Absolutely. The earlier you start treatment, the lower your risk of repeat acne and scarring.
 

4. What are the different types of acne? Most acne are either hormonal, teenage, or adult.

​

5. What is Hormonal Acne, and how do I manage it? When hormone levels change, it can lead to various types of pimples, including blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. Androgens (like testosterone) and progesterone can trigger acne flares, while high levels of estrogen can reduce the likelihood of breakouts. Indicators of hormonal acne include:

  • Breakouts primarily on the chin, cheeks, and jawline.

  • Flares in response to hormonal fluctuations like menstruation and menopause.

  • Improvement with oral hormonal treatments like certain birth control and spironolactone.

  • Flares when starting hormone replacement therapy.

  • Improvement (or sometimes worsening) when using birth control.

  • Changes in breakouts in response to dietary changes.
     

6. What can make hormonal acne worse? Some things can worsen hormonal acne. Some of these we can control—like stress—and some we cannot.  

  • Although stress does not directly cause acne, it has been linked to worsening breakouts. Find ways to reduce stress, and your skin will thank you. 

  • Menstruation boosts certain hormone levels, which can lead to the overproduction of sebum.

  • Certain types of birth control or contraceptive pills can also affect hormone levels and acne.

  • An increase in testosterone or progesterone due to hormone therapy can trigger sebum production.

  • You can control pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients. Look for non-comedogenic ingredients that are oil-free and fragrance-free. 
     

7. What’s the difference between hormonal and fungal acne? Fungal acne, often known as folliculitis, occurs when excess fungus grows in the hair follicles, whereas hormonal acne results from hormonal fluctuations triggering the production of sebum—also at the hair follicles.  


8. What is Teenage Acne, and how do I manage it? Acne aka pimples, is common and a normal part of growing up—especially in the teenage years. In fact, around 85% of people have acne when they're teens. Acne can affect many places on the body, including the face, neck, shoulders, upper back, and chest. For some teens, acne is not bothersome. Other teens want to clear up their acne. A smaller number of teens have more severe acne, which is important to treat to prevent permanent scars. The hair follicles (pores) in the skin contain oil glands called sebaceous glands. The oil they produce is called sebum, which helps to lubricate the hair and skin. However, changes during puberty can lead to acne. [Source: www.healthychildren.org]

  • More oil = clogged pores. Increased hormone levels during the teen years lead to more sebum production, which can clog pores. 

  • Then, bacteria get busy. Unfortunately, a normal, healthy bacteria on the skin named C. acnes loves all of the extra oil and gets to work multiplying, causing redness and irritation.

Without treatment, acne takes about two months to go through its entire cycle, from a little clog to a full-grown pimple, and then to go away. Here are a few ways you can manage teen acne:

  1. Wash the skin twice a day. once in the morning and once in the evening. Use a gentle cleanser or soap with warm water, and avoid harsh or gritty scrubs

  2. Do not scrub the skin with rough cloths or brushes, as this can further irritate the skin. Remember that acne is not caused by dirt on top of the skin but rather by extra oil combined with bacteria inside the skin. It cannot be scrubbed off. Scrubbing can lead to dryness and irritation and make acne worse

  3. Avoid pinching, popping, or picking at pimples. Manipulating the skin can make acne worse and lead to infections or scarring.
     

9. What is Adult Acne, and how can I manage it? Androgens are a common contributing factor to adult acne. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 25% of adults in their 40s who identify as women experience hormonal acne. Because androgens aren't specific to any gender, anyone can experience breakouts due to hormonal changes regardless of whether they have acne-prone skin. Adult acne is likely due to one or more of the following reasons. [Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association]

  1. Fluctuating hormone levels: Women often experience fluctuating hormones around their periods, during pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause, or after discontinuing (or starting) birth control pills 

  2. Stress: Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens (a type of hormone). These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.

  3. Family history: Does a close blood relative, such as a parent, brother, or sister, have acne? Research studies suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. People who have this predisposition are more likely to get adult acne.

  4. Hair and skin care products: If you have adult acne, you should read the labels on your skincare and hair care products. Make sure that you see one of the following terms on every container: non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, oil-free and won’t clog pores. You want to make sure your moisturizer, cleanser, sunscreen, and all other products contain one of these terms. These products are least likely to cause acne. 

  5. Medication side effect: Acne is a side effect of some medicines. If you suspect that a medicine is triggering your acne or making it worse, continue taking the medicine, but talk with the doctor who prescribed it. Ask if acne is a possible side effect. If acne is a possible side effect, ask if you can take a different medicine. If you cannot take another medicine, you may want to see a dermatologist who can help you control the acne.

  6. Undiagnosed medical condition: Sometimes, acne is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Once the medical condition is diagnosed and treated, the acne often clears.

     

10. How can I take care of my skin to keep it clear of acne? By taking proactive steps to care for your skin and avoiding common mistakes, you can prevent future breakouts, maintain a healthy complexion, and save yourself the hassle of dealing with skincare troubles down the line.
 

11. Should I stop wearing makeup if I have acne? If you suspect your cosmetics may contribute to your blemishes, try to be makeup-free for a few weeks and observe the results. Check the ingredients in the makeup. 
 

12. What are some of the common acne skincare mistakes to avoid? These are some things you can avoid:

  1. Using harsh or comedogenic products: Products that are too harsh or comedogenic (pore-clogging) can exacerbate acne or cause new breakouts. Instead, opt for non-comedogenic and gentle skincare products formulated for acne-prone skin. Look for labels such as "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," or "suitable for acne-prone skin."

  2. Not using acne-fighting ingredients: Some people may neglect to incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help treat and prevent acne, into their skincare routine.

  3. Over-drying the skin: While acne-prone skin often benefits from keeping oil production in check, over-drying the skin can lead to irritation and trigger more oil production, potentially worsening acne. Stick to a simple, consistent routine with only the essential products your skin needs.

  4. Using too many products, especially ones with active ingredients, can overwhelm your skin and lead to irritation or allergic reactions. Stick to a simple, consistent routine with only the essential products your skin needs.

  5. Using abrasive physical exfoliants that can irritate acne-prone skin and exacerbate inflammation. Instead opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can effectively exfoliate the skin without causing irritation or inflammation.

bottom of page