It is best to avoid the following that are high in androgen activity and low in estrogen:

Only you and your doctor can determine what form of birth control is right for you. The above is just a basic guideline that should be used to initiate a conversation between you and your physician. If you are considering using birth control, it is important to know that it can be associated with a high risk of blood clots, weight gain, nausea, mood changes, depression and breast tenderness. Serious side effects include strokes, digestive issues and embolism.

Finally, it is entirely possible to treat acne without using birth control. If you have no underlying health issues that require you to be on birth control and are considering using birth control only to control your acne, please feel free to talk with one of the estheticians to get some additional perspective on how we can help you with the use of topical products and treatments.
*Although the Paragard/Copper IUD does not contain any hormones, we have observed that it has aggravated acne with our clients.

TIPS FOR MEN

Teenage Boys and Acne

As if the pressures of high school weren’t enough, you have to deal with pimples too?!

There are several things that can happen with hormonal changes in your teens. A sudden growth spurt, voice changes, hair on your face, underarms, and legs. And in some cases, acne! Hormones are not the cause of acne, but they do make it worse.

As we have discussed, acne is an inherited disorder of the pores. It starts at puberty when the oil glands start maturing. For a teenager, this is in the T-zone. A normal pore sheds about 1 layer of dead skin cells a day. But,someone with this disorder can shed up to 5 layers a day. All those dead skin cells combined with oil form a plug in the pore. This is how all acne starts.

Boys will tend to get acne earlier than girls, but will usually grow out of it more quickly. Girls tend to get it a few years later, but they won’t grow out of it until later as well. When hormonal changes get thrown into the mix, you may see a sudden increase in breakouts. An increase in the androgen hormone make the skin’s oil glands larger, in turn they start producing more sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that your skin naturally produces to help lubricate your hair and skin. When more of it is pumped into an already clogged pore, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Lo and behold, a pimple is born! Boys tend to have more inflamed acne (pimples, pustules and cysts) and these can cause scarring if not treated quickly and consistently.

These hormonal changes can make getting clear a bit more challenging. But with consistent exfoliation and use of benzoyl peroxide used correctly, breakouts can be reduced and managed.

Things to remember when dealing with teenage acne:

• Do your skincare routine every day! Just as you would use hand sanitizer to prevent getting sick from germs, you would use your skincare routine to prevent future breakouts. Not only will this clear your current breakouts, it will prevent new ones from forming.
• Don’t pick, squeeze, or scratch! We know it’s tempting, but you must resist! Messing with your face can spread bacteria, causing more breakouts, leaving behind scars and dark marks, or causing reoccurring pimples because of damage done to the follicle. Leave them alone and ice instead! You can do this to reduce inflammation: rub ice in a circular motion on each blemish for 2 minutes at a time. It really helps!
• Keep it clean! If you play sports or take part in other activities that make you sweat, wash your face as soon as you’re done. Bacteria love to feed on the moisture—make sure they don’t have anything to stick around for.
• Brush up on your Acne Knowledge! Check out the Acne Information Center on our website for tips on what else you can do to fight the breakouts.

We don’t believe in the “one size fits all” program that many other acne management systems use. Allow your Acne Specialist to create a customized homecare routine and treatments for your teenage skin and acne. Together, we’ll not only get you clear, but keep you clear.

Plan For Treating Fungal Folliculitis

• Antifungal Cleansers, shampoos and topical product.
• Oral antifungal supplements.
• Appropriate dietary changes.
• Exfoliation – regular but gentle peels.

Lifestyle Factors and Things to Avoid

• Discuss with your doctor whether you can stop oral and topical antibiotics. They are not necessary for us to clear your acne and antibiotics can contribute to folliculitis.
• Avoid use of very emollient or creamy moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, etc.
• Keep the affected area as dry as possible.
• For body folliculitis, avoid wearing constrictive clothing or clothing that doesn’t allow skin to breathe. Cotton is best.
• Avoid foods high in sugar, yeast and carbohydrates including alcohol, breads, candy, etc.
• Don’t use fabric softener or harsh detergents on sheets or clothing.
• Avoid using hot tubs or taking very hot showers or baths (especially for body folliculitis).

Antifungal Topical Products

• Supportive and active products that we recommend.
• Regenepure shampoo or other shampoos 1% or 2% ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione (make sure there are no pore clogging ingredients if you also have acne).
• Joesoef Sulfur Soap – the sulfur is anti-fungal.
• Topical zinc oxide can be calming and help skin maintain an optimal PH.
• Gold Bond powder for body folliculitis to help keep the skin dry.

Antifungal Supplements
Select one or two and rotate every few weeks: