Active and Inactive Ingredients for Acne

916SKIN - ACNE TREATMENT CLINIC... Drug-Free Acne Treatment Program in Chico, CA

Skin care product formulations, including acne care products, are divided up into two groups: active ingredients and inactive ingredients. Active ingredients are what provide you with results. They are action-driven ingredients. Skin that is acne-prone requires such actions as increased cell-turn-over, hydration, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial action. Whereas, inactive ingredients help preserve, deliver and give shelf appeal.

An effective acne skin care regime requires a acne system that has the correct active ingredients in the appropriate concentrations for your specific type of acne. This is where your Acne Specialist comes into play.

To schedule an Acne Skin Care Consultation in Chico, or to learn more about our Acne Treatment Program please call 916SKIN - Acne Clinic at (530) 680.2027

What is the Vivant Progressive ProPeel?

Vivant ProPeel in Chico is available at 916SKIN - Acne Clinic.
(530) 503.9169

WHAT IS THE VIVANT PROGRESSIVE PROPEEL?
Vivant Progressive ProPeel is a safe and effective, 4-step, medium depth chemical peel used in our Acne Treatment Program to address stubborn acne as well as aging skin. ProPeel contains lactic, salicylic, citric and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) blended with natural moisturizers.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VIVANT PROGRESSIVE PROPEEEL?
The Vivant ProPeel is highly effective in treating stubborn acne. Acne clears faster when using the ProPeel because it has the lifting power to open impactions and unveil fresh, healthy skin cells. The ProPeel is also an advanced anti-aging peel treatment due to its ability to smooth out fine lines and lift sun damage including post inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne.

To learn more about Vivant ProPeel or the Acne Treatment Program, call 916SKIN ACNE CLINIC to schedule a consultation with a Skin Health Practitioner. (530) 680.2027

Does Picking at Zits Really Cause Scarring???

To treat acne in Chico, CA without the use of prescription medications, please visit the
916SKIN - Acne Treatment Clinic website.

Yes, picking can cause acne scars. Picking at your zits creates inflammation, which can cause the skin to darken in the area where you have picked, leaving a brown or a red mark - also known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Most acne sufferers that have PIH, refer to this as acne scarring, but true acne scars develop from an explosion of bacteria that contaminates the deeper tissues. The deeper layer of skin known as the epidermis is supposed to be neat and tidy. That means, no bacteria wandering around messing the place up. When you push and poke at a pimple, the bottom of the the follicle can break, spilling all of its bacteria into the dermis. Very messy. The clean up crew, which are your white blood cells, have to push all the other tissue structures out of the way in order to clean up the mess. This is what causes the scarring. Box scars, pick scars, rolling scars... basically scars that have an indentation. When you have the urge to pick at your pimples - go grab an ice cube instead. Ice will help reduce the inflammation and alleviate the pain.

To schedule a consultation with an Acne Specialist 
please call the clinic at (530) 680.2027

Scrub-A-Dub-Dub Your Acne Away...

916SKIN - Acne Skin Care Clinic in Chico, California  provides acne products and acne care for mild to severe and cystic acne. For information on our Acne Treatment Program please visit our website.

Facial scrubs can be beneficial for those with blackheads, whiteheads, and non-sensitive skin. Make sure to use a scrub that has rounded granules or an ultra fine grit.

If you have any inflammation on your skin - forget about the scrub! First things first. If you have inflamed skin or inflamed acne lesions avoid scrubs and stick with a gentle cleanser. Scrubs will only irritate your skin and make your condition worse.

TO SCHEDULE AN ACNE CONSULTATION PLEASE CALL THE CLINIC: (530) 680.2027

Vitamins & Supplements That Benefit Acneic Skin

TO SCHEDULE AN ACNE SKIN CARE CONSULTAION 
PLEASE CALL: (530) 680.2027.

The nutritional supplements required for supporting clear acne-free skin, vary from one acne sufferer to the next. Selected supplements depend on acne type, lifestyle, and other existing health conditions. If you are prone to acne, the following supplements will benefit your condition - but they won't get you clear.

• Quality Fish Oil - Acne is partly due to a lipid deficiency in the skin. Essential fatty acids, including omega-3 from fish oil can help restore lipid cellular function for happy healthy cells. 
• Probiotics - Immunity begins in the gut. A healthy gut equals healthier skin.

Learn more about which nutritional supplements will benefit your acne!
Call 916SKIN: 530.680.2027

Pros & Cons of Cortisone Shots for Cystic Acne

Cystic acne treatment in Chico, Ca. without the use of prescription medications is available at 916SKIN... Acne & Wellness Clinic.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands - which sit on top of your kidneys. Cortisol helps regulate such events as exercise, blood sugar imbalances, and acute stress including inflammation.

Injectable cortisone is a synthetic product, but closely mimics your body's natural cortisol.  Dermatologists and health care practitioners may use cortisone injections as an anti-inflammatory to provide fast acting relief of the swelling and pain associated with nodular and cystic acne. Cortisone is injected directly into the cyst(s) or nodule(s).

PROS : Reduces inflammation and speeds the healing process.

CONS: Pain, tissue atrophy and hypopigmentation. Injections may be painful, but a topical numbing agent can help alleviate the pain. The tissue at the site of injection can atrophy (breakdown) and leave a depression mark in the skin. Over the course of a few months, the skin may return to its normal, healthy state. The skin may hypopigment (discolor/turn white) at the injection sites (see above photo). Hypopigmentation is permanent and can occur in both dark and light skin.

To learn more about our Acne Program, or to schedule an Acne Treatment Consultation, please contact 916SKIN - Acne Clinic at (530) 680.2027.

CYSTIC ACNE or NODULAR ACNE?

To treat cystic acne in Chico, Ca. without prescription medications please contact 916SKIN - ACNE CLINIC: 530.680.2027.

The terms nodule and cyst are often used interchangeably. While both nodules and cysts are similar in physical appearance and are both inflammatory acne lesions, their anatomical structures are different.

NODULAR ACNE:  A nodule is an inflammatory lesion that is deep. With a nodule, the bottom of the follicle erupts and the inflammation extends down into the dermis, or even as deep as the subcutaneous fatty layer. A nodule forms a painful lump in the skin, firm to the touch, that can be greater than 0.5 - 1cm in width and in depth.^1,2  Nodules may come and go over the course of weeks or even months.³ 

CYSTIC ACNE: A cyst is an inflammatory acne lesion that has a sac-like structure formed by epithelial cells. Cysts can develop when several follicles rupture and combine to form one large lesion about the size of the tip of your little finger. Cysts can also develop from severe inflammation of one follicle. Cysts are typically pus filled, made up of cellular debris, white blood cells, oil and bacteria . The contents of a cyst can be liquid, semi-solid, or solid.⁴  Cysts tend to be 1 to 5cm (yes, centimeters!) in size with a prominent central pore, and are most commonly found behind the ears and along the eyebrows.³ 

1. Callen, Jeffrey (2000). Color atlas of dermatology. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.

2. James, William D.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier.
3. Braun-Falco, Otto; et al. (2000). Dermatology. (2nd Ed.) Springer

4. Fitzpatrick, Thomas B.; Klauss Wolff; Wolff, Klaus Dieter; Johnson, Richard R.; Suurmond, Dick; Richard Suurmond    (2005). Fitzpatrick's color atlas and synopsis of clinical dermatology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical Pub. Division.

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Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion???

Microdermbrasion or Dermabrasion??? These two should NOT be confused!  While they are both devices for abrading the skin, microdermabrasion feels like a cats tongue stroking your face as you doze off into la-la land, while dermabrasion requires nothing less than local anesthesia.

Microdermabrasion in Chico, Ca. exfoliates the superficial layers of skin. It makes your complexion smoother, softer, and more healthy looking. Some devices infuse solutions as they exfoliate your skin. As an acne treatment, microdermabrasion is an effective complimentary tool for treating non-inflamed acne (blackheads & whiteheads) as well as mild acne scarring.  But, to see noticeable results, it needs done as a series, and to see even better results microderm is used in combination with professional skin peels. This procedure can be done at a day spa, med spa, acne treatment clinic, or physician's office at varying depths depending on who is performing your microderm.

Dermabrasion exfoliates too, but at a deeper level. Although the devices vary, generally a spinning disk sands off your skin - down to the live layers. At one time, dermabrasion was the gold standard for fine lines, wrinkles, scar revision, and acne scar treatment. But, with laser and stem cell technology, there are more effective methods for treating severe acne scarring. Following the treatment, your skin scabs over. The immediate downtime is approximately a week, while the skin may remain red for up to 3 months.

SKIN EVALUATIONS & CONSULTATIONS AT 916SKIN - ACNE CLINIC: 530.680.2027

The More My Skin Burns The Better, Right?

"The more my skin burns, the better right?"

First things first... DO NOT GO FOR THE BURN!!!

When it comes to acne treatment in Butte County, many people think that if an acne product burns their skin, it must really be working. Well, it's working all right! It's working on drying and irritating your skin, which will only set you back and potentially trigger more breakouts. If you are using a complete acne skin care system, it is common that certain products within that system may have some aggressive components, but by no means should your face get red or feel like it is on fire. Next time you use your products, monitor each product, and give it a rating between 1 and 10.  A one translates into no reaction at all... no burning, no prickling, no itching, or color change in your skin. Whereas, a ten translates into extreme burning, prickling, itching, or redness. On a scale from 1 to 10, your skin care products should range between 1 and 3. This is a great way to safely gauge "the fit" of a product. In order to get results, the first step is choosing products that fit your skin.

For information on our Acne Skin Care Program,
please call 916SKIN - Acne Clinic at (530) 680.2027

Acne Skin Care Testimonial

FOR A CONSULTATION CONTACT
THE ACNE CLINIC IN CHICO AT
(530) 680.2027
View acne testimonials.

"WOW WOW WOW. All I can say is Tatja at 916SKIN is AMAZING!! She is a total miracle worker. I have suffered from acne all of my life and finally getting it cleared years ago... I started breaking out again. Not to mention my hyperpigmentation from sun damage. I started going to see Tatja at 916SKIN - Acne Clinic after seeing what she did with my sister's skin... UNBELIEVABLE. It was a major transformation. My sister's skin was completely covered with acne, and after starting Tatja's acne program, she has the most beautiful, clear skin I have ever seen. It looks absolutely radiant. I live in Menlo Park, but decided to make the drive to Chico after seeing the results with my sis. I am still on Tatja’s regimen, and have never gotten more compliments! My acne is totally clear, my skin is more even and smooth, and the overall texture of it has definitely improved. And the best part is she's not even done with me yet!

I have completely put my trust in Tatja, and will continue to do so (and that's not my nature). I am a total skeptic especially when it comes to my face! But I totally trust her and feel very confident in her advice. She is also totally available to me if I have questions or anything, which I greatly appreciate. She is a top notch acne specialist and total pro. Plus, she's warm and friendly and very easy to talk to. Thank you Tatja!”

Skin Cancer Concerns for Acne-Prone Peeps

According to the U.S. National Institute of Health, melanoma is the deadliest form of all skin cancers. Melanoma is also the most common cancer in people between the ages of 20 and 30 years old, and is the primary cause of cancer death in women between 25 and 30. The biggest risk factor for melanoma is childhood sun exposure and blistering from UV rays.

Acne skin care products are typically formulated with ingredients that make the skin peel. Any type of peeling agent, whether it be a hydroxy acid, retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, or the like, will make your skin more vulnerable to the sun. While these acne products can work wonders on your skin, it is critical to take precautions against sun exposure - otherwise, you are likely to do more damage than good. Look for professional sunscreens from a med spa, dermatology center, or acne skin care clinic that contains at least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. Those labeled as such, are using the verbiage as a marketing strategy. Reapply sunscreen immediately after getting out of the water. Even if you are not swimming, be safe, and reapply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours - every hour to the area you are treating with your acne care products in Chico, Ca.

ACNE CONSULTATION WITH AN ACNE SPECIALIST: 530.680.2027

Will A Chemical Peel Make My Face Red?

Samantha on Sex & the City had the skin care industry seeing red when she appeared with a burnt face in an episode where she gets a chemical peel. Much time has passed since that episode, yet women still ask... will a chemical peel leave my skin red like Samantha's?

This depends on the type of chemical peel and the person's skin. There are many professional peels that leave the skin in a healthy state with no redness, no down-time, and great results. Chemical peels for acne and acne scarring in Chico, Ca. is available at 916SKIN - Acne & Wellness Clinic.

There are 4 classes of chemical peels: very superficial, superficial, medium, and deep. What sets one type of peel apart from another is the type of peeling solution used (ie: salicylic, trichloroacetic, glycolic , etc.), and the depth that the peeling solution will travel. How deep the peeling agent penetrates the skin depends on the following: concentration of the acid, pH of the solution, the number of chemical layers applied to the skin, as well as the amount of time that it takes for the chemical peel to neutralize.

Your acne treatment specialist may perform a spot test on the skin prior to your chemical peel, and will go over your medical history to help determine, which peel is best for your type of acne. Experience has shown that reactions to chemical peels are rare. But, when they do occur, even the most tolerant skin types can be affected.

Here is Samantha's famous chemical peel scene from Sex & the City.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgpFKCVZmVU

ACNE CONSULTATIONS AT THE ACNE CLINIC 530.680.2027

What Is Causing My Uneven Skin Tone?

Hyperpigmentation refers to the darkening of the skin in the form of patches, spots, or freckles. This type of skin discoloration is seen when melanocytes (pigment producing cells) produce excess melanin. Melanin is a type of pigment that gives skin and hair its color. While much of the hyperpigmentation experienced is due to ultra violet light brought on by sun exposure, there are several other factors that can influence melanocyte activity.

• Inflammation or other injury to the skin including acne vulgaris
• High cortisol levels including Cushing's disease and increased levels of other adrenocorticotropic hormones  (ACTH)
• Low cortisol levels including Addison's Disease or other adrenal deficiencies
• Increases in estrogen and progesterone
• A condition know as Smoker's Melanosis triggered by smoking
• High Iron levels

To treat acne in Chico, Ca. or the hyperpigmentation associated with acne scarring, 
please call the clinic to schedule an acne consultation at (530)680.2027.

How many times does a person touch their face?

Remember the quote from the movie Contagion?  
"The average person touches their face 2000 or 3000 times a day." 

As an Acne Treatment Specialist at 916SKIN, I observe people when they come into the acne clinic to see if they touch their face. Patients coming in for their initial visit almost always touch their face repeatedly throughout the consultation. How often? I've never counted. But, once it has been brought to their attention, and they begin progressing through the acne treatment program in Butte County, the face touching decreases substantially with most patients not touching their face at all.

The quote from Contagion was of particular interest to me, and my patients, too - I'm sure. I've been trying to find research that supports this statistic, but have not found anything up to this point. I submitted the question to the CDC. We'll have to wait to see if I get a response. Meanwhile, here's what I found. I won't bore you with too many details...

According to a study by Nicas in 2008, a group of 10 Berkley students touched their face an average of 16 times/ hour. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18357546

A published study in 1973, observed a crowd of a 124 people over the course of 30 to 50 minutes. Researchers observed 29 nose-pickers and 33 eye rubbers according to Nicas.

Wiki Answers falls in line with quote from Contagion, stating that the average person touches their face 3 to 5 times per minute, but I couldn't find any evidence to back up this statement.

ACNE CONSULTATIONS: 530.680.2027

Gluten Intolerence Testing

Although gluten intolerance is not well documented as an acne trigger, any type of intolerance to food or chemicals can trigger acne for those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. Eczema, psoriasis, and urticaria are common skin conditions that can manifest as a result of food intolerance.

A surprising number of people have developed an intolerance to gluten, a protein molecule found in wheat, rye, barley, and certain oat products. Gluten sensitivity can cause a vast array of symptoms - over 250 known symptoms. A patient who had spent the past 5 years of her life with chronic bloating and gas found her discomfort was alleviated and her stomach flattened out within just 1 week of eliminating gluten. Some symptoms can be difficult to live with if you are the sufferer of migraines, abdominal cramping, arthritis, or chronic fatigue. Cutting out gluten can be difficult for many people, especially since it is a staple food in the Standard American Diet that feeds us physiologically as well as emotionally (the gluten peptide can react with opiate receptors in the brain, there by mimicking opiate drugs). Gluten testing can determine your level of sensitivity (mild, moderate, or severe). Some individuals can kick their gluten intolerance entirely by avoiding gluten for a specific amount of time. Others, due to their epigenetics, must learn to live with the intolerance for the rest of their life.

If you are interested gluten testing, or any other type of food, food additives, functional foods, environmental chemicals, herbs, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatories
please contact the clinic to schedule a consultation at (530) 680.2027

How To Pop A Pimple

How many times have you tried to pop a pimple, and made a complete mess out of your face? Popping and picking pimples can leave long lasting acne scars and marks on the skin when not done properly. Having pimples extracted professionally can save your skin. An acne specialist or dermatologist uses professional products to prepare the skin, along with techniques that make acne extractions much easier. If you are determined to do it yourself, make sure to clean the area before and after the extraction to prevent infection. Washing your hands, wrapping your fingers in tissue, and avoiding the use of your fingernail will help protect your skin from hyperpigmenting.

For professional acne extractions in Chico, please contact
916SKIN - Acne & Wellness Clinic at (530) 680.2027

Preparing for Acne Scar Revision

916SKIN - Acne & Wellness Clinic treats mild to severe and cystic acne. To schedule a consultation with an acne specialist,
please call the ACNE CLINIC AT (530) 680.2027

When seeking expertise for acne scar treatment in Chico, there are several things you need to know...


1. The type of acne scars to be treated. Schedule an appointment with an acne specialist or dermatologist to determine the type of acne scarring. Often times, practices will offer complimentary consultations in hopes of gaining your business.

2. Familiarity of different types of acne scar treatments available for your particular type of scarring. Go to your consultation with an arsenal of knowledge, so you can ask questions that will help you determine if the acne scar treatment offered is the right one for you.

3. Realistic expectations of acne scar revision.

Once you have chosen a method and an acne care practitioner, make sure to follow your pre-procedure instructions to properly prepare the skin for treatment.