What Exactly is Sebum?
What Exactly is Sebum?

If you have acne, and have read up on its causes, you will find yourself coming across the word “sebum” quite a bit. We know that too much of it can lead to acne breakouts, but what exactly is sebum?

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. Our skin needs it in order to function, but too much of it can lead to acne, and an overly oily complexion. Other than the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, sebaceous glands can be found all over the body.

Fad or Fave? Can Applying Oil Benefit Acne?
Fad or Fave? Can Applying Oil Benefit Acne?

When most people think of oil in relation to acne, their first impulse is usually to steer clear of the slick stuff. In fact, much of the topical skincare industry owes it’s success to stripping skin of oil, promising hopeful acne-prone consumers a squeaky-clean complexion through a course of scrubs, wipes and treatments. Lately, a new trend is shaking things up in the area of acne treatment, using the very thing we’ve been taught to fear to treat our stubborn blemishes and breakouts. 


A Quick Guide to Managing Oily Skin
A Quick Guide to Managing Oily Skin

We all like to shine…. but not on our faces. So we often ask, WHY is my skin oily and WHAT can I do about it?

The oil you see on your face is called sebum. Produced by the sebaceous glands, sebum is actually a good thing, and is a necessary part of maintaining healthy skin. Sebum travels from the sebaceous glands to the surface through the pores to hydrate, moisturize, and protect the various layers that make up the skin. The face tends to be the oiliest part of the body as that’s where the majority of the sebaceous glands are located, anywhere from 2,500 to 5,500 per square inch!

Are Lasers and Light Therapy Effective Treatments for Acne?
Are Lasers and Light Therapy Effective Treatments for Acne?

People are always searching for the next big thing in skincare, from anti-aging technology to treatments that leave you looking like you’ve just returned from a relaxing vacation. For those with acne-prone skin, most are up for trying anything in the hopes of finding some sweet relief from stubborn breakouts.

Six Powerful Herbs and Spices That Help Deliver Clear Skin [DIY MASKS]
Six Powerful Herbs and Spices That Help Deliver Clear Skin [DIY MASKS]

For thousands of years, human beings have looked to the foods that grow naturally around them to fuel their bodies, bring people together, and even treat certain ailments, including acne. From using cloves to numb a toothache, to adding garlic to soups in a fight against the common cold, herbs and spices have been proven to help cure what ails us, all while adding a delicious dash of flavor to the dishes we eat everyday.

Is Birth Control Pill the Right Choice for Treating Acne?
Is Birth Control Pill the Right Choice for Treating Acne?

For women, the decision to take oral contraceptives is a personal one, with many reasons factoring into their decision. Many women use hormonal birth control (aka “the pill”) for the skin-saving benefits and for those with acne-prone skin, waking up to a face free of breakouts is reason enough to choose the pill as a way to manage their acne.

3 Important Ways to Control Hormonal Acne
3 Important Ways to Control Hormonal Acne

Acne affects nearly half of adult women and almost a third of adult men. Acne can appear at just about any age and 75% of all people suffer from acne breakouts at some point in their lives.

Acne usually makes its first appearance during adolescence, however, we’re seeing more and more adults suffering from acne breakouts. Statistical data also confirms that the number of adults affected by acne is steadily increasing. Acne affects people of all ethnic and economic backgrounds, making it one of the most widespread and “populistic” medical conditions in the world.

5 Ways for On-the-Go Teens to Be Acne-Free
5 Ways for On-the-Go Teens to Be Acne-Free

We get it - the life of a teenager is demanding and fast paced. There’s stress that comes with performing well in school and extracurricular activities, social pressures (including being involved in social media) and personal and/or family challenges. Couple this with the fact that teens are always on the go, and proper skincare is a bit tough to fit in. Instant gratification usually replaces taking preventative measures, and often times, many teens think acne will eventually go away by itself.

How to Treat Acne in a World Full of Teen Acne Products
How to Treat Acne in a World Full of Teen Acne Products

Many people associate acne with the teen years, and the constant hormonal changes associated with puberty. Most topical acne treatments, such as facial washes, lotions, and spot treatments, are advertised to appeal to teens, and the products are formulated to treat the type of acne that affects teens the most. However, the average age of those with acne is actually 26! With the teen market front and center, how can you keep a clear complexion in your adult years?

How AcnEase® Helps Treat Adult Acne
How AcnEase® Helps Treat Adult Acne

Acne can be a source of trouble for many people throughout their teen years. With hormones fluctuating, causing oil production to kick into overdrive, breakouts can be hard to keep under control. For many, this problem doesn’t simply go away once they reach adulthood, with some experiencing acne for the first time after they’ve outgrown puberty, which is known as “adult-onset acne.” Or, for some, acne can resurface as an adult.

Top 5 Causes of Adult Acne and How to Control It
Top 5 Causes of Adult Acne and How to Control It

When you’re still battling acne into your adult years, you’ve probably asked yourself this question many times - WHY?! Because so many tend to view acne as a teen problem, the issues surrounding adult acne aren’t commonly explained as well and addressed. This can be both frustrating and actually jeopardize your efforts to regain clear skin.

To choose an effective and efficient treatment for adult acne, it’s important to understand what causes the condition before you can begin searching for a solution. Reason being that acne is an internal issue that manifests itself externally.

Top 5 Ways to Keep Winter from Harming your Acne Prone Skin
Top 5 Ways to Keep Winter from Harming your Acne Prone Skin

For anyone with acne, you probably know by now that treating your skin is a job that needs to be done 365 days a year. However, many people don’t realize that as the weather changes with the seasons, our bodies do too, and this includes our skin.

Our skin is the largest organ on our body, and because it is exposed to the world, it also feels the effects of the elements, whatever they may be at any given time of year. During the cold months, the surface of the skin tends to dry out due to freezing temperatures, harsh winds, forced hot air, and an overall decrease in hydration, as people tend to need less water when they’re not sweating as much.

How to Conquer Dry Skin This Winter
How to Conquer Dry Skin This Winter

During the winter, people typically experience drier skin due to a number of factors, including cold and windy weather and central heating. The exposure to drastic temperature changes tends to dry out the skin (actually not just on your face but also on your entire body), often resulting in dead, flaky skin cells, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts in places you did not think you could ever break out. People who struggle with acne may experience flare-ups more frequently, and sufferers of eczema or rosacea may experience more intense symptoms such as itchy skin and redness in dry and cold weather, which may require a little extra care.

3 Ways to Turn Valentine Leftovers into DIY Spa Treatments
3 Ways to Turn Valentine Leftovers into DIY Spa Treatments

Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about the love, and lovers have been showing their affection to each other in the form of flowers, gifts, chocolates and cards since as early as the 18th century. While getting a nice set of jewels is one way to send some hearts a-flutter, others might appreciate a proper pampering to get themselves in a romantic mood.

When most people think of their go-to Valentine’s Day gifts, roses, chocolate and champagne top the list. After the holiday is over, these displays of affection can still keep spreading the love when paired with a little creativity and a few extra minutes. These decadent delights for the skin can make for an act of self-love and care that your complexion will be feeling well into the next week!

5 Nurturing Ways to Get Glowing Skin from Within
5 Nurturing Ways to Get Glowing Skin from Within

The month of February is rich in romantic opportunities, focusing on the love between two people. While this is a wonderful thing, how about focusing on the love you have for that other special person in your life? YOU!

The time we spend with ourselves can be the most rewarding and beneficial thing we do. Self-care is an empowering act, one that encourages us to take responsibility for our mind and bodies, get in touch with what we value and celebrate our self-worth. Making a commitment to lend some time and attention to ourselves is a sure fire way for our clear skin efforts to pay off in the long run.

How to Look Great Naked this Valentine’s Day with Acne
How to Look Great Naked this Valentine’s Day with Acne

When people talk about fighting acne, it’s usually the blemishes that affect the face that come to mind. Yet for many, these breakouts don’t stop at the skin that you see. Body acne is just as much an issue on the minds of the acne-prone, and with a holiday like Valentine’s Day coming up, the prospect of potentially snuggling up with a sweetie can be stressful.

The most common areas for acne to show up on the body appear on the chest, neck, shoulders, back, and butt. In the same way that it takes consistent work to keep our faces blemish-free, it takes at least as much effort to do the same for our bodies.

4 Super Bowl Comfort Foods Transformed to be Acne-Friendly
4 Super Bowl Comfort Foods Transformed to be Acne-Friendly

With the Super Bowl just around the corner, parties from coast to coast are already being planned. Chicken wings, pizza, beer and salty snacks are usually the go-to’s for most menus, and for anyone with acne, these greasy treats can not only trigger panic, but breakouts as well.

Much like the game of football itself, treating acne takes both offensive and defensive measures to achieve a win for your skin, combining treatment regimens to attack the acne cascade both from within, and on the surface.

How to Shrink Large Pores & Live with a Clear Complexion
How to Shrink Large Pores & Live with a Clear Complexion

The size of large pores may be a source of aggravation or obsession for those that deal with them on a daily basis. Hard to conceal and often associated with oily skin, the frustrations that come with large pores are more than cosmetic. In fact, large pores and the amount of breakouts that appear on the skin are more related than you may realize.

Naturally oily skin tends to come with larger pore size. Some medical sources believe that a larger pore is in an indication of a larger oil-producing gland, which results in skin that may be more oily than normal.

A Complete Guide to a DIY Spa Day for Acne Prone Skin
A Complete Guide to a DIY Spa Day for Acne Prone Skin

Now that the hustle of the holidays is behind us, many are left with our energy, complexions and bank accounts drained. Fortunately, treating ourselves to a little rest and relaxation can be as easy as wrapping up in a robe and heading to the bathroom or kitchen.

Creating an at-home mini spa session can be easier than most people realize. It only takes a little creativity, a few basic household items, and less than an hour carved out of the day. You’ll experience bliss on a budget and give yourself the gift of some much needed “me time” before tackling all that 2016 has in store.

Why Combination Therapy is the Best Way to Attack Acne
Why Combination Therapy is the Best Way to Attack Acne
Although the clinical manifestation of acne is quite simple and is seen as pimples on the surface of the skin, acne is actually a complex disease. What drives the formation of pimples is complicated and can be attributed to a number of things. For instance, women with over-productive adrenal glands can experience elevated levels of testosterone, an androgen, in their blood, which causes their acne.
How to Get the Best Results with AcnEase
How to Get the Best Results with AcnEase

If you have just started taking AcnEase®, congratulations! You’ll be comforted in knowing that we’re not just another trendy acne treatment that may only provide temporary results, at best. With zero side effects and a 96% success rate, this systemic answer to your acne is built on a relatively simple principle: Fight acne causes, not just symptoms. The cause of acne is inside your body- so take your fight inside. However, there are a few things to keep in mind that will ensure that you have the acne-free skin you deserve.

Tips for Surviving the Winter with Acne-Prone Skin
Tips for Surviving the Winter with Acne-Prone Skin

With the colder weather coming in, adjustments to our skincare routine should be made to compensate for the change in seasons. The drop in your thermostat and the forced hot air that gets turned on to keep us warm can have a negative impact on the condition of the skin. For those with acne, this drying effect can lead to more breakouts.

Our Most Popular Clear Skin Resolution Tips for 2016!
Our Most Popular Clear Skin Resolution Tips for 2016!

With 2015 reaching its end, many people like to reflect on all that has happened in the past year. The change in dates also offers us an opportunity to look forward to the future, setting goals and making resolutions to improve the quality of our lives in both small and larger ways. Because maintaining healthy skin is work like anything else, setting attainable goals can go a long way in achieving measurable improvements.

Sweet Holiday Treats for Acne-Prone Skin
Sweet Holiday Treats for Acne-Prone Skin

With all the sweet foods at our fingertips during the holiday season, temptation is around almost every corner. While everyone should allow themselves to indulge from time to time, those with acne-prone complexions might find themselves paying for it on the surface of their skin for days.

Many people blame their acne on sugar and although no single food is the cause of the condition, certain things we eat, including sugar, can affect the way our bodies react. The condition of acne is due in part to a hormonal imbalance that takes place within the body.

How to Make Your Holiday Meals Acne-Friendly
How to Make Your Holiday Meals Acne-Friendly

With so many food-centric holidays happening this time of year, enjoying a marvelous meal with friends and loved ones isn’t hard to come by. During the holidays, sources of temptation and opportunities to indulge are plentiful. For those with acne, certain foods might trigger breakouts. With a little knowledge and creativity, you can make any holiday meal work in your favor by including foods that benefit the appearance of your skin and contribute to your goal of being acne-free!

How to Eat Chocolate and Keep Skin Clear!
How to Eat Chocolate and Keep Skin Clear!

For those with acne, there are certain foods we have been warned to stay away from since our teen years to avoid making the problem worse. The main culprits on the list are usually dairy, greasy foods, like pizza and fries, and sugary foods, including chocolate. At the same time, we have learned over the years that certain types of chocolate have a number of health benefits, so how true is the myth that your candy bar is causing your acne?

What’s Your Acne Type? Learn the Different Symptoms and Take Charge of YOUR Treatment!
What’s Your Acne Type? Learn the Different Symptoms and Take Charge of YOUR Treatment!

When people think of acne, red, irritated bumps often come to mind. What many of us do not know is that there are several types of acne symptoms that fall into different categories. Most people reflexively reach for the pimple cream to zap their zits, or even worse, attempt to squeeze the blemish into oblivion. Take a few minutes to learn about what appears on your complexion, how to avoid making your acne worse and how to take charge of treating your acne in the most effective way.

How to Have the Best Holiday Season EVER – Even If You Have Acne
How to Have the Best Holiday Season EVER – Even If You Have Acne

The holiday season is a wonderful time of year to catch up with friends and family. For many, however, the season comes with a slew of social commitments, commuting through busy airports, or entertaining a house full of guests.

The stress of the season can really do a number on your skin, especially when paired with the dry, cold air. Keeping your face clean and moisturized can go a long way to help breakouts from ruining your good time. However, when it comes to treating acne, it’s what’s on the inside that counts; acne is an external manifestation of an internal disorder - so even though topical tips may help temporarily, it won’t go away until you deal with the internal issue of acne.

Get Camera-Ready with Tips to Conceal Any Type of Acne
Get Camera-Ready with Tips to Conceal Any Type of Acne

With just about everyone on social media these days, the prospect of a potential photo op is always right around the corner. Between holiday parties and visiting with friends and family, you can find yourself in front of the camera even more now than ever, and for those with acne, you don’t have to hide in the back if you’re embarrassed by a breakout.

With all the filters and editing tools available to bring our best photo forward, it’s tempting to edit afterward. However, with some non-comedogenic makeup, clean hands, and a little practice, you can create a flawless finish to serve as a temporary quick fix!

The Real Deal Behind Hydration and Breakouts
The Real Deal Behind Hydration and Breakouts

Proper hydration is one of the fundamental components of health and most people are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. The vast benefits of water on the various systems of the body range from regulating a healthy weight to reducing muscle cramping, and so much more. One of the greatest benefits hydration has to offer is the role it plays in the healthy functioning of the skin.

Facial Cleansing Brushes: Good or Bad for Acne-Prone Skin?
Facial Cleansing Brushes: Good or Bad for Acne-Prone Skin?

Over the last few years, a new skincare tool has been all the rage for people spanning the entire spectrum of skin types. Offering users a deep clean, a variety of facial cleansing brushes claim to deliver a healthy glow and a blemish-free complexion. But are these brushes doing more harm than good for acne-prone skin?

Designed to give users the cleanest clean possible, brushes work to remove dirt, grime, makeup and bacteria with the help of oscillating bristles or heads. Intended to keep pores clean in a similar style to microdermabrasion, brushes offer an at-home exfoliating treatment that was previously only available at the hands of a dermatologist or aesthetician.

4 Thanksgiving DIY Facial Masks for Acne
4 Thanksgiving DIY Facial Masks for Acne

Leftovers are always in abundance on Thanksgiving. This year, don’t fret if you buy in excess. Many common Thanksgiving ingredients can be used in DIY skincare solutions such as masks or scrubs.

The most important thing to remember during the busy holidays is to adhere to your skincare regimen and that includes taking your daily dose of AcnEase®. It’s also helpful to supplement your skincare routine with a delicate scrub or nourishing mask when your skin suffers from stress or other times when it doesn’t receive the proper care. The holidays are one of those times when we are often too busy to dedicate enough time and energy to ourselves and our skin.

5 Tips to Help Avoid Breakouts This Thanksgiving!
5 Tips to Help Avoid Breakouts This Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is not only a time to be grateful, but a time to recognize the special people that have made a difference. AcnEase® would like to thank all of you for your interest in our product and having faith in our commitment to you.

As the holiday season approaches, we become busy with holiday gatherings, shopping, and travel. It’s easy to fall behind in your skincare routine, which is something we work so hard for the rest of the year. While the focus of Thanksgiving is appreciating and celebrating the things we are thankful for, let’s include our skin and nurture it too!

Acne and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Acne and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Is your skin familiar with those red, swollen bumps that are painful to the touch and impossible to conceal? If so, your body’s response to inflammation may be working overtime, and among other things, your complexion is paying the price.

What exactly is inflammation? Inflammation is a natural response by the body in an attempt to protect itself from foreign irritants, such as bacteria, chemicals, or even foods that one’s body may be inclined to reject. Inflammation is a common part of the healing process and usually subsides once the foreign element has been addressed. In terms of acne symptoms, an inflammatory response can result in red, swollen bumps on your face that are often painful and irritating.

Why You Need to Know About Bacteria’s Key Role in Acne
Why You Need to Know About Bacteria’s Key Role in Acne

Acne, and its associated problems, is probably one of the most discussed and misunderstood health concerns. The reason may be because we typically try to identify ONE factor, culprit or villain responsible for our misery and frustration. We want to understand what causes all those blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and painful cysts, and so we place the blame on our diet, puberty, the environment, etc. If we can just pinpoint the exact problem, then we can cure ourselves of our acne, right?

Sleep Your Way to Acne-Free Skin
Sleep Your Way to Acne-Free Skin

When we think of the physical effects that a lack of sleep might have on our appearance, most people immediately think of puffy eyes, dark circles under the eye, or a sallow complexion. What many don’t realize is the relationship between a lack of sleep and the health of our skin, including the potential impact on the condition of acne. By avoiding our internal clock and our body’s natural circadian rhythm, we create a condition far more complicated than we may realize.

Getting the proper amount of quality sleep is just as important to our bodies as food, water and oxygen. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and cleansing the skin of any dirt or makeup before going to bed are all essential aspects in keeping our skin healthy and looking its best. This is especially important for those who are acne-prone.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Juicing for Acne
How to Maximize the Benefits of Juicing for Acne

Over the last few years, many people have become largely aware of the benefits of adding freshly squeezed juice to their diet. From combating colds to fighting fatigue to better overall health, people are turning to their juicer to help remedy what ails them. One of the lesser known benefits of juicing is that it helps fight acne.

There are many fantastic fruits and veggies that are great for the skin. The natural properties found in many juice recipes are a healthy option for those who do not meet the recommended daily serving of fruits and veggies. The widely popular “green juice” is well-known for flushing toxins from the body.

An Easy DIY Trick to Fight Blackheads
An Easy DIY Trick to Fight Blackheads

For many with acne, the pesky bumps that come with the territory can be an endless source of frustration. The symptom of the acne condition appears on the skin as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads, each coming with their own set of problems when looking to eliminate.

Typically, when a pimple appears on the skin, its natural course will run from anywhere between 3-7 days before disappearing. In the case of whiteheads and blackheads (a form of acne), however, the clogged pore never quite reaches an inflamed state, making it much harder to treat, or even temporarily conceal with makeup or spot treatments. Many are tempted to pick at or squeeze the infected area, which can lead to irritation or even infection. Others reach for a more harsh solution to remedy their woes, turning to pore strips, or even chemical peels to erase these annoying occurrences. What many people don’t know is that an easy and effective alternative can probably be found right in their own kitchens.

Simple Tricks to Treat Your Skin<br />with This Halloween<br />[DIY Exfoliating & Moisturizing Mask]
Simple Tricks to Treat Your Skin
with This Halloween
[DIY Exfoliating & Moisturizing Mask]

For those who love to celebrate the kid within, October can be the most wonderful time of the year. The larger than life attitude that comes with a costume-heavy and makeup-thick celebration such as Halloween allows many to let their wild side shine. Unfortunately, your skin might suffer the consequences and Halloween can prove to be a scary sight for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.

With all the makeup, candy, trick-or-treating, dancing, and lack of sleep that surrounds Halloween, the conditions for the skin to break out are perfect. We don’t want all of the fun to catch up with your skin, so when preparing for the festivities this year, remember to be mindful of these common threats to clear skin.

Makeup Guide for Acne<br />Part Two: Application
Makeup Guide for Acne
Part Two: Application

Now that you have found the right makeup for your skin, using the Part One of the Makeup Guide, it’s time to get to the fun stuff...applying makeup! Whether you are looking to conceal blemishes and achieve a natural finish, or go all out with a dramatic look, these basic application techniques are practiced by some of the most popular makeup artists and are a cinch to master with some patience and practice.

No great work of art was ever created without the use of proper tools. Applying makeup is no different. Be sure to select the appropriate size and shape brush for each step and product. Using a clean brush to apply concealer, foundation, and powder is absolutely essential for those who live with acne. Dirty brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria. Ideally, clean your makeup brushes at least once a week. The process is simple and brief.

Makeup Guide for Acne<br />Part One: What to Look For
Makeup Guide for Acne
Part One: What to Look For

Shopping for makeup can be overwhelming. There are so many options to consider such as color, coverage and feel. When you tack on the added pressure of finding a formula that is suitable for acne-prone skin, experimenting with makeup can end up doing more harm than good.

While makeup shopping for acne-prone skin can seem daunting at first, it is certainly not impossible, especially when you know what to look out for. Whether you prefer to reach for high-end brands, or stick with the more economic formulas, you definitely have many opportunities to find the right solution for you.

The first step in shopping for the right makeup for acne prone skin is becoming familiar with some key terms.

How to <em>Really</em> Cope with Teenage Acne from a Parent’s Perspective [EXPERT TIPS]
How to Really Cope with Teenage Acne from a Parent’s Perspective [EXPERT TIPS]
As a parent of a child who had acne as a teen, and as a natural medicine specialist who has helped thousands of teens overcome acne, I’m very aware of the emotional turmoil that comes with this bothersome skin condition. As adults, we know that acne is temporary but as a teenager, it can seem that the end of the world is rapidly approaching. It is painful to hear and witness the visible effects of teenage acne and how it negatively impacts your child. When it comes to acne, parents often don’t know how to console their child while assuring them they aren’t alone and that the problem is temporary and treatable.
Can Vitamin B12 Trigger Acne?
Can Vitamin B12 Trigger Acne?

Vitamins play an essential and vital role in the health of every living being. Whether we find it in the food that we eat, or the supplements that we ingest, the body relies on these important compounds in order to survive. Like anything sourced outside of ourselves, too much of a good thing can yield potentially harmful results.

Vitamin B 12 has extensive health benefits. Most notably, it:

  • assists in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose which fights fatigue and increases energy production
  • regulates the nervous system, which reduces stress and depression
  • promotes a healthy digestive system and protects against heart disease
  • aids in cell reproduction and the promotion of healthy skin, hair and nails
  • protects against cancers
5 Common Concerns About Taking a Pill for Acne
5 Common Concerns About Taking a Pill for Acne

Step into the skin care aisle of any beauty supply or drugstore and it’s obvious that topical acne treatments rule in terms of what’s popular amongst consumers. Most people with acne have done extensive research to find a solution to their problem. However, some people simply aren’t aware of the value of systemic treatment options, which affect the entire body. Yet other people have reservations or fears about taking an oral treatment, preventing them from ever giving this type of treatment a chance.

As acne treatment specialists, we understand there are many concerns that people have about taking a pill for their acne. We’ve included facts about the causes and formation of acne and an in-depth look at how AcnEase® affects acne and the body. We hope this will eliminate any potential anxiety associated with taking an oral treatment for your acne.

10 Beliefs Not to Listen to When You Have Acne
10 Beliefs Not to Listen to When You Have Acne

For those that don’t experience living with acne, the problems acne-sufferers face may seem minor and cosmetic. Because there is no proven cure for acne, people have been left to treat only the symptoms. Along the way, many myths and false beliefs have been developed, from the highly debated to the downright comedic. Here are just a few...have a look and see if any sound familiar to you!

  1. “Just pop it so it goes away!”

    At the sight of a breakout, many people get the initial urge to get rid of blemishes and move on. While popping a pimple may provide some immediate gratification, the lasting effects can be far more damaging. When you pop, the skin is torn open which creates an even larger opportunity for harmful bacteria to enter and often results in more blemishes, not to mention scarring. It’s always best to let breakouts run their natural course, and most will disappear in approximately 3-7 days.
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Complexion Acne-Free this Fall
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Complexion Acne-Free this Fall
Shorter days and cooler temperatures mark the transition from summer to autumn, and as we prepare to “fall back,” our skincare routine may be in need of adjusting, in addition to our clocks. While the hot, humid summer months are tough on many acne sufferers, the fall season is actually the most common time of year for many people to experience breakouts. During this transitional swing from summer to winter, drier air and harsher winds cause dry, dead skin cells to shed and clog pores, which can lead to blemishes.
7 Easy Tips That Have a MAJOR Impact on Decreasing Acne Breakouts
7 Easy Tips That Have a MAJOR Impact on Decreasing Acne Breakouts

Often times when we have acne, we’ll do anything to find (and try) products that will make it go away, quickly and easily. At first, we usually don’t consider some of the contributing factors that can make it worse. We actually spend more time trying different products in hopes that something works, and less time on analyzing how our daily habits could be affecting our skin.

Daily habits are so routine that we do them without notice sometimes. Habits can be tough to change but with practice, research shows that adjusting them can have a MAJOR impact on decreasing acne breakouts.

So let’s get right into it!

How to Use this Superfood in Your Fight Against Acne
How to Use this Superfood in Your Fight Against Acne

The Back to School and Fall season can be very stressful and busy, especially after the lazy days of summer. Although it can be an exciting time of year too, it can also wreak havoc on your immune system and your skin. Germs are everywhere, especially in the school environment and it’s difficult to stay away from them. By incorporating high-antioxidant foods like the MAQUI BERRY into your diet, your chances of keeping germs and illness at bay and obtaining clear, healthy skin improve significantly. And the best part is, it’s easy to do!

If you’re like most people, you are probably unfamiliar with this newly popularized super berry. The maqui berry, pronounced MAH-key, grows prolifically in certain parts of South America and is renowned for having the highest levels of antioxidants ever tested, to date. Let’s look into this amazing super berry, the benefits for you and your skin and how you can incorporate it into your daily routine.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D to Help with Acne
How to Get Enough Vitamin D to Help with Acne

While there are many vitamins that are beneficial to your skin’s health, vitamin D stands out among them as your ally in fighting acne. Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin”, and there are several reasons why it should be incorporated into your daily skincare regimen.

Vitamin D can help regulate your body’s insulin response, which decreases hormonal acne, relieves inflammation, increases antioxidant production and strengthens your immune system. All of these factors contribute to healthy skin. In addition, vitamin D is recognized for improving your mood and decreasing depression. This may assist in managing stress levels and therefore lower amounts of cortisol, a hormone, which leads to acne.

How to Reduce Acne Breakouts when Drinking Alcohol
How to Reduce Acne Breakouts when Drinking Alcohol

Chances are, when you consider having a cocktail or other alcoholic drink, the last thing on your mind is your skin. If you’re like most people, you are having a good time, enjoying the moment, spending time with friends and family, or savoring a delicious meal. What we’re about to tell you isn’t intended to squash your mood, but to help you weigh the consequences that indulging in alcohol may have on your health, appearance and acne-prone skin.

Even though acne isn’t caused by alcohol, there is an abundance of scientific data that proves that alcohol adversely affects your skin and other organs. Let’s take a look at the impact of alcohol on your skin, how it can exacerbate your acne and how to prevent any damage to your skin…or at least moderate the effects without becoming totally abstinent!

Pineapple: A Miracle Fruit to Help with Acne, Acne Marks and Acne Scars
Pineapple: A Miracle Fruit to Help with Acne, Acne Marks and Acne Scars

It is beautiful, decorative and very tasty...but can pineapple really help with acne breakouts, minimize acne scars and heal bruising left by larger acne cysts? Lets explore this amazing fruit and its many healing qualities.

Pineapple acts as an exfoliating agent and unclogs acne pores. Exfoliating naturally speeds up the production of new cells and this is also the same process that rejuvenates the skin. The enzymes found in pineapple fight damage from free radicals and also cleanse the skin by gradually dissolving the whiteheads, blackheads and dead cells on the skins surface. This also unclogs the skin and prevents buildup that invites bacteria, which begins the acne cascade.

Ingredients in Your Skincare Products
Ingredients in Your Skincare Products

If you have acne-prone skin, it’s vital that you avoid products that contain comedogenic ingredients. Comedogenic ingredients clog pores, it’s as simple and as complex as that! Skin oil, known as sebum, is produced by the sebaceous glands to keep our skin moist, but it also can get mixed with a number of “skin debris” such as dead skin cells, make-up, dirt and different ingredients of skincare products. When skin oil is produced in excess, the mix of sebum, dead skin cells and all other “ingredients” become too much to be naturally disposed by the pores and they get clogged.

When a pore becomes clogged, the sebaceous glands still produce oil but there is no way to remove the excess oil and dead skin cells. This can happen by internal buildup and/or be exasperated by external factors such as makeup or skincare products. There are specific ingredients that are more likely to clog pores and these are labeled as comedogenic. It is especially important for someone with acne-prone skin to avoid these ingredients.

Important Tips on How to Fight Whiteheads and Blackheads
Important Tips on How to Fight Whiteheads and Blackheads

Do you have whiteheads or blackheads? You may not think about it but - yes, this means you HAVE acne.

The first warning sign that indicates you may succumb to acne is actually oily skin. This condition results from over production of sebum (skin oil) by your sebaceous glands. As skin oil is necessary for heathy skin, too much of it may clog your pores (together with dead skin cells, dirt, and other “debris”), and actually become a first step in the “acne cascade”. This first step is marked by the occurrence of comedones also commonly known as or whiteheads or blackheads. When clogged pores became inflamed due to the presence of bacteria, the result is a formation of pimples or even cysts.

Everything You Didn’t Want to Know About Buttne
Everything You Didn’t Want to Know About Buttne

Buttne (butt acne) tends to be a hush-hush topic. However, it’s a real problem that acne sufferers must deal with, and without a conversation, it may never be treated correctly! Below, we take a look at how to prevent butt pimples and cysts.

They may be all the rage, but yoga pants can spell trouble if you’re trying to avoid buttne. One of the main problems with these comfy bottoms is their fit—they’re simply too tight. As your skin creates new cells, the old ones are, ideally, sloughing off. However, in yoga pants, this doesn’t occur. Instead, your dead cells are forced to stay on the surface of your skin, where they clog your pores and set the stage for a breakout all over your posterior. In addition, many yoga pants are made of material that fosters sweat rather than promoting adequate ventilation. Sweat will increase the incidence of dead skin cells and any other debris or dirt that “packs” the pores.

How to Deal with Pressure, Stress and the Effects on Acne
How to Deal with Pressure, Stress and the Effects on Acne

Who wants to deal with pressure or stress? I bet no one is raising his or her hand right now. We’re all subject to it at higher or lower degree at different times in our lives. Whatever the reason is – job, family, kids, money, health or personal concerns - unfortunately; this can take a toll on you physically—including your skin!

Here’s a look at the science behind stress and what it means for your acne. Additionally, we’ll take a look at physical pressure and the damage it can do to your skin as well, which is something many people tend to overlook in discussions like these.

A Helpful Guide to Getting Rid of Bacne (Back Acne)
A Helpful Guide to Getting Rid of Bacne (Back Acne)

Whether you want to go shirtless on the beach or want to wear a backless dress for a night out, bacne (back acne) can seriously put a damper on your confidence level. What’s worse, once it begins, it can be difficult to get your breakouts under control—bacne is one of the most stubborn types of acne!

If you’ve struggled with breakouts on your back for a short or long time, this guide will walk you through the breaking the cycle of this tricky condition. We’ll help you regain your confidence and provide you with some safe and effective tips that will put you on the path to becoming back acne-free TODAY.

Discover the Truth Behind Food’s Connection to Acne
Discover the Truth Behind Food’s Connection to Acne

As there are many "fake" diets and myths about how to stay slim and trim, the same applies to the relationship between food and acne. These days, food is not just a source of nutrition but also a source of comfort, a means to socialize, a status symbol, and the subject of vigorous and lengthy discussions, and we would like to add our own two cents to this subject from an acne standpoint.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your odds in the battle against acne, making some dietary changes might be the answer you need. We’ll examine the connection between food and breakouts, what you should consider eliminating from your diet, and what foods should be more abundant in your diet.

4 Acne Skin Care Rules You’ll Want to Follow Today
4 Acne Skin Care Rules You’ll Want to Follow Today

A good daily skincare regimen is one of the best things you can do for your skin in the fight against acne. However, finding something that works can be challenging. Here are four tips for developing a skincare regimen that will help your skin to become healthy, clear and radiant.

Regardless of the specifics of your cleansing and treatment regimen, it’s necessary that you are consistent! In order to see the results you want, make sure you follow your rou-tine both in the morning and at night. Also remember that seasonal changes and new product updates are a vital part of the normal and needed evolution of your regimen. When you change your skincare products every few days or jump on a new treatment every week, it won’t help your skin and it may actually be detrimental.

Which astringents are best for my acne-prone skin?
Which astringents are best for my acne-prone skin?

We hear this question quite often. Astringents are substances (both made by nature and by chemical synthesis) that have a special property of shrinking or constricting the tissue. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they are used in the beauty industry to shrink pores and smooth the skin.

For the same reason, many popular acne products also contain astringents. The problem begins when they contain powerful chemicals that have a tendency to “overdo” what you would expect an astringent to do. In some cases, the wrong astringent or the wrong use/application of an astringent may have an adverse impact on your skin’s health. Some potentially harmful ingredients found in astringents include salicylic acid, peroxide and glycolic acid.

3 Reasons Why You're Still Struggling with Acne
3 Reasons Why You're Still Struggling with Acne

June is acne awareness month, and it's important to celebrate those acne sufferers who have made significant strides in their fight with breakouts. However, there are still many out there who struggle to keep their acne under control. This article is dedicated to them!

If this sounds like your experience, please remember that you are not alone-there are many people out there who have put a significant amount of effort and perseverance towards beating acne for good. While everyone's situation is a little bit different, there are some common reasons why you're not seeing the results you want. Below, we take a look at three factors that may be holding you back in your fight against acne.

Don't Let Body Acne Get in the Way of Having a Great Summer!
Don't Let Body Acne Get in the Way of Having a Great Summer!

For anyone who's dealt with breakouts on the neck, back, arms, or chest, you know that body acne is much more difficult to get rid of than pimples or blackheads on the face. Even with proper treatment, it can be stubborn and hard to control. The reason behind the fact that body acne is more difficult to treat is that there are more hair follicles and more pores to be clogged on the back. A proper hygiene and skincare routine is also less freque for the body. These types of breakouts can have a major impact on your self esteem, especially during the summer months when swimsuits and other light clothing make body acne more visible.

3 Simple Ways to Make Your Skin Glow from the Inside-Out
3 Simple Ways to Make Your Skin Glow from the Inside-Out

If you've struggled with acne for years, it may seem like you'll never have the clear complexion you want. However, if you're smart and take the right steps, this couldn't be further from the truth! Keeping your skin healthy and acne-free requires a holistic approach-it's an issue that must be addressed from multiple angles, from both the inside and outside.

We've developed a three-pronged approach for treating your skin right that will have youcelebrating your radiant complexion in no time. In order to achieve the acne-free look you're wishing for, you need to address the underlying causes of your skin problems, learn how diet can affect acne, and find a cleansing routine that works for you.

Women's Guide to Having an  Acne-Free Summer
Women's Guide to Having an Acne-Free Summer

Summer is a fun time for a lot of reasons -barbecues, vacations, beach time and plenty of time outdoors. However, summer is not always the easiest on your skin, and if you're dealing with acne problems, this time of year presents some challenges. Thankfully, all is not lost - you don't have to stay cooped up indoors to save your skin! We've compiled this guide of helpful tips to help you and every women like you enjoy a fun, acne-free summer.

Rinse off after enjoying the pool. This may sound counterintuitive at first - if you've just spent time in the water, what's the point of rinsing off? However, your typical pool is filled with much more than just water, and common pool chemicals like chlorine, which can dry and sensitize your skin while possible left over bacteria may cause some inflammation in already irritated spots such as pimples or cysts. So rinse it off to keep it off (breakouts that is!).

Men's Guide to Acne-Free Skin this Summer
Men's Guide to Acne-Free Skin this Summer

Summer is almost here, and for guys that typically means they can spend more time outdoors. From cookouts, to camping trips, it seems like there's always a good excuse to get out of the house (or man cave) this time of year.

Unfortunately, all this extra time outdoors can be damaging to your skin's health and may even lead to breakouts that are worse than usual. No fears though-you're in luck! We've compiled a guide just for men to help you stay acne free. Here are our best tips for healthy, clear skin that won't have you missing out on any summer fun.