Nkd Lashes, Waxing & Makeup

I know, it’s a sore subject and definitely a complex one. If you have browsed the aisles of your local department store or beauty retailer, you have found there are dozens of options to treat those annoying zits. And thanks to marketing (not so much ingredients) you have your work cut out for you in choosing the right regimen.

The fact is, there are only so many proven active ingredients to fight that pesky pimple or pimples. The rest of those “other” ingredients are mostly fluff and fillers, with perhaps one here and there that actually aids in the prevention and healing of break outs.It is advisable that an acne product contain at least one soothing or healing ingredient such as aloe, to calm the skin and decrease inflammation that is caused not only from the infection, but the aggressiveness of the active ingredients.

First, it’s important to understand the basic formation of a pimple. You need 3 major ingredients: Bacteria, Oil and Debris/Dead Skin. So, it would make sense that to fight breakout, you need to address all three concerns. Of course there is many ways to do so and not all options are right for some people. Some of these active ingredients can cause a negative reaction. Peeling and some redness is common; however, if you get small bumps and excessive peeling, stop using the product and don’t trying anything new until the symptoms subside.

Another tip is to introduce ONE new product at a time. (I know it’s tempting to start using those 5 new products from that “system” you just purchased!) If you don’t have a reaction after a few days, introduce another one. Otherwise, you will have no idea what caused the problem and perhaps you will stop using the very product that could have made a substantial difference in your skin. We are going to explore your over-the-counter and in-studio options here, rather then prescribed remedies. Of course your first defense is proper hydration, diet and plenty of beauty rest… but when you don’t have the perfect formula of internal health, here are your “topical” options.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Destroys the bacteria associated with acne. Beware that this product can bleach fabrics (so if you wear it to bed, be wary of your sheets and PJ’s) and also can cause excessively dry skin. BP takes about 4 weeks to work, and does not regulate sebum (oil) production or exfoliation. Available in cleansers, moisturizers and topical lotions. (If Benzoyl doesn’t work for you, Tea Tree Oil has been proven effective as an anti-bacterial ingredient to treat and prevent blemishes.)

Salicylic Acid: (derived from the bark of a willow tree) Corrects the abnormal shedding of skin cells and helps to unclog the pores to heal and prevent new pimples. It does not have any effect on actual oil production and does not kill bacteria. However, salicylic is soluble, which allows it to penetrate deep into pores of people with oiler skin to clear out debris. Salicylic is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) which works by exfoliating retained skin cells and loosening dead skin cell impactions. Available in cleansers, moisturizers, topical lotions and toners. Look for 1%-2%.

Nkd also offers an in-studio Cranberry Turnover Peel with a professional percentage of Salicylic Acid which can be very effective in treating moderate to severe acne. For more information, contact Crystal to see if the peel is right for you.

Glycolic Acid: (derived from honey and sugar cane) Unlike Salicylic Acid, which works from the outside-in, Glycolic works deeper into the epidermis because it is the smallest molecule of the AHA’s (alpha-hyroxy acids) and works by prompting the skin from the inside-out to shed excess skin cells. Over time, glycolic acid helps spur the growth of new skin cells and the renewal of collagen. AHA’s work by softening the stratum corneum (the outer most layer of your epidermis) and removing dead skin cells. One note—Glycolic may cause a reaction in more sensitive skin types because it penetrates deeply into the skin. For this reason, it tends to be a better option for dryer or more mature skin types. Look for at least 5% active ingredient for glycolic to work properly.

Lactic Acid: (derived from milk) Cleopatra is rumored to have bathed in sour milk to improve her skin… so what’s up with that? Lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHA’s available and known for sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting collagen renewal. For acne, it is effective at lightening discoloration and fading scars. For this reason, Lactic Acid Peels are a great option for someone who is looking to diminish the signs of previous skin problems such as breakouts or sun damage.

Nkd offers a “Rapid Results Package” ($195) that includes 6 peels (lactic, glycolic, salicylic or combination) booked over the course of 3 months that will drastically improve your complexion. Of course we recommend daily use of a sunscreen and a simple at home regimen to maximize your results.

Bottom line: If all these choices seem overwhelming and you are not exactly sure where to start with your skin care regimen, please contact us. We know that everyone’s different and we can help you get started on the right track to a happier complexion. Mention this blog post and save 25% on your first Nkd Signature Facial with Crystal and save 10% on your skin care purchase. BOOK ONLINE or call the studio at 508-581-0881 to get started on the path to healthier skin!

Salicylic Acid, combined with Glycolic can be very effective in treating blemishes. Check out “Blemish Spot Treatment” which combines the power of AHA’s & BHA’s in this topical spot treatment by Skin Script, which can be purchased at the studio for just $17, plus tax.