Plain English:

Acne is plugged, inflamed pores (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules) that develop on the body -- on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even upper arms. Sometimes we can thank (curse, really) our genes for this.

Scientific explanation:

Acne is a genetic disease that causes the pilosebaceous unit (hair follicle + oil gland) to malfunction. We all have three types of skin follicles in our skin: vellus, sebaceous, and terminal. The sebaceous follicle, only found in the face, upper arms, chest, and upper back is responsible for acne breakouts.

Yes! Partnering with a professional who works one-on-one with you is a big step. The Skin Fairy™ acne management program is our bread and butter. We'll first determine triggers and lifestyle factors that may be causing your breakouts.

In the meantime, below are tips for calming active pimples:

• Don't pick! Picking can be a reflex, but do your best to fight the urge. Picking can:

  • Introduce more dirt and bacteria to the area

  • Slow or prevent healing

  • Guarantee scarring

• Use ice on your breakouts. Glide the ice briefly over your skin 2-3 times a day. Icing can:

  • Reduce inflammation

  • Soothe cystic acne discomfort

  • Shorten life of breakouts

• Genetics (sorry)

• Consistent high levels of stress

• Pore-clogging ingredients in makeup and beauty products

• Certain prescription medications

• Imbalanced hormones

• Friction

• Picking

• Contact with industrial chemicals

You certainly can. However, teaming up with a professional reduces the frustrations of venturing out on your own. A licensed aesthetician can apply their deep understanding of the interaction between skin and ingredients to drastically speed up your skin clearing process.

I understand that you may have tried everything under the sun. Hundreds, even thousands, of dollars invested in your skin. The methods at The Skin Fairy™ are scientifically backed and have proven effective time and time again.

Hormonal imbalance and genetic pore dysfunction affects all ages. The American Dermatologist Association has found that over 60 million Americans have active acne, mild, or severe. Over half of this estimate are women over age 25.

While acne doesn't discriminate by age, race, or gender, the accompanying side effects are different as an adult. Redness, increased sensitivity, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be more extreme and last longer.

Absolutely. I've helped clients lighten and bright hyperpigmentation from old breakouts. We can also work on preventing scarring from current breakouts. Depending on the severity and type of scarring, I may be able to offer additional treatments or make an outside referral.

It's crucial. The stories are true. The healthier you eat, the more efficiently your body functions as a whole. For starters, you can't go wrong with:

• Plenty of water

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• A high quality essential fatty acid supplement

• A moderate sugar intake

• Avoiding foods that trigger acne

Enjoy a cheeseburger or your favorite treat, but remember balance is key! Diet will be discussed during your consultation.