Secrets to relieve Acne and Cystic Acne

client of Indulge Salon, York, Pa suffering from facial acne as a teen

Acne that turns into Cystic is one of the hardest acne types to reduce or eliminate. At Indulge salon we have been able to achieve relief of cystic and agitated acne. This type of acne is demoralizing creates doubt and low self esteem after years of “dealing with this type of acne.

One of our young teenage clients came to us to figure out how to “get rid” of her acne on her face, shoulders and back. I was moved that she trusted me to guide her. I remember saying to her that this is a two way show with her maintaining certain behaviors and habits at home while I worked with her treatments weekly. After 1 year of working with her we both were able to see a huge difference in her skin texture, the reduction of cystic acne. The biggest difference has been in the winter of 2019 with introduction of some new treatments that allows her collagen to work more efficiently weekly. 

She has been on medications to fight the acne since ten years old, however; her parents were concerned about her organs as any parent would be. Eventually, she did stop taking medications because she was getting results working with our treatments. I must say in some instances medication will be needed but in her case, she found the results spoke for themselves. Her breakouts were less, her cystic acne was getting to be in just some selected areas vs all over the back and shoulders. 

Our team at Indulge Salon has worked together to help her achieve her skincare goals.

What is Cystic Acne?

It is the most serious type of acne. It develops when cysts form deep underneath the epidermis in the dermal layer. It feels bumpy appearing like a pimple but is not squeezable to release the bacteria to heal. The oil dead skin cells plus the accumulation of bacterial make happy bed fellows in the skin causing “congestion” or clogging of the pores. it gets even more complicated than just those elements, it just seems to get worse.

This type of acne tends to get worse in the teens because of hormonal imbalances, oily skin, and usually teens. I’ve personally worked with teens and adults that have this type of acne. It is emotionally charged every time our teens look at their skin. Their friends may have clear skin and when they look in the mirror they are more self conscience hopeful that for once in their life they will have smoother acne free skin.

shoulder acne plus scarring that was shown as of 2018

What does Cystic acne look like?

• looks like a boil type bump
• whitish almost clear on the top of the hard bump
• redness with irritation around the edges of the acne bump
• painful to the touch
• patches of the bumps surrounded closely by other bumps

This type of acne is not just located primarily on the face. It can be congested on the lower back, the top of the shoulders, the middle of the back where the bra strap connects and the neck and the arms. Bacteria can thrive near the bra strap in droves!! The behind the ears can be commonplace too!

Is medication for acne the answer?

In most acne cases originate at the dermatologist office because this is the first line of defense for teens and their parents. Parents are more concerned about the drugs that are administered that will affect the liver. I do want to add the benefits of some of the drugs that are given in severe cases. After this is consistently in the body system, we have found that using our facial services such as Hydra Clean, we found success in the reduction of acne breakouts, diminished cystic acne. The larger cystic acne bumps, rough textured skin start to smooth out.

Dermatologists can prescribe Accutane which is the most popular mediation used to treat acne. This ingredient is derived from Vitamin A, taken in tablet form. 85% of patients do see improvements with a few months. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is another alternative prescription treatment for cystic acne. This medication is used as a diuretic to help treat edema and high blood pressure. Of course professionals are looking for for medications to reduce ace and control inflammatory acne. This type is great for lower facial acne around the jawline. Oral contraceptives were and are a viable option in women. Its effective during the hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle. Birth control pills contain estrogen which helps regular the overall hormone levels and possibly reduce acne. They aren’t for everyone especially if you smoke, have blood clots and are trying to get pregnant.   Again, serious risks of taking this medication should be considered:

• acne worsening
• bruising
• more skin inflammation
• blood in the urine (this is extreme)
• muscle and joint pain
• headaches
• breast tenderness
• dizziness
• fatigue
• high blood potassium
• menstrual irregularities

Then after starting this and getting another type of problem due to the medication its a push pull situation to deal with the acne problem. Which do you solve first? Back to the doctor they prescribe an antiobiotic, other symptoms may occur such as nausea, diarrhea, sun sensitivity, vomiting and other symptoms.

Over the counter treatments for acne have some of the same generic ingredients however; when someone is experiencing and living with Cystic acne you need more strength, consistency of treatments that are topical and mechanical (physically cleaning the skin) the right ingredients.

How quickly can I see results from the right system?

After working with many clients that have cystic acne along with teenage acne, I was empathetic to their emotional needs and started to search for the best systematic way to manage the acne. I was getting referrals from dermatologists to manage cystic acne in the labia area which is even more painful in the genital area. We treat that area a little differently by waxing and keeping this under control. We will address this in another blog post.

Topical treatments are my very favorite treatments along with galvanic current that stimulates the skin cells charging them with energy that gets those bacteria ridden, clogged pores, and the dead skin cells off their proverbial “couch” and get them moving up to the surface to be discarded. Some retinoids that are prescriptive will cause the skin to constantly peel because they are topically applied daily.

We, my team and I have found that while the peeling action is very important to remove the dead skin that was dormant underneath, emotionally we don’t want to have that occur every day. We developed a system over a year period that has been successful with chemical skin peels with ranged levels for the time of the peel, along with various weekly treatments that kill bacteria, a prescribed skin care treatments that are managed monthly so that we are always breaking down the skin to encourage skin renewal then encouraging nourishment with the layering of vitamins in skin care. The goal of treatment acne and cystic acne is to get it managed if your skin is prone to it so that it will be reduced or eliminated because of both parties you and the new habits that we will teach you and work with you on for constant improvement of change.

Will the scars that I have stay forever?

We cannot promise that all of the scars will leave your body. Scarring will be diminished if you are under a consistent skin care treatment that is rigorous for effectiveness. Never pop cystic acne because this will likely cause scarring. Popping acne or cystic acne can cause the spread of bacterial infections. I’ve seen this and it is ugly for all involved plus the crying and emotionally scarring this leaves is worse than the scarring itself.

Unless the turnover of the cells is ongoing, the scarring will stay due to the lack of turnover of cells. We encourage the turnover with a variety of treatments such as:

1. Dermaplaning removes the surface levels dead skin and vellus hair
   

   Shoulder acne improved after 4 months of collectively using our products and at home maintenance

2. Hydra clean to kill bacteria
3. Variety of chemical peels that infuse Vitamin A derivatives into the skin during the process. See more info here
4. Micro needling
5. Laser resurfacing – we will refer to a dermatologist for this
6. Dermabrasion
7. Rhonda Allison skin care treatments that are alternated with the change of the skin texture
8. Guidance from our skincare professionals on daily habits

Home maintenance immediate suggestions you can integrate are:

1. Avoid inflammatory foods – visit some website that focus on this
2. Avoid picking your skin by figuring out your triggers of stress that cause you to touch your skin
3. Select makeup that is light and airy that won’t clog your pores – schedule a makeup consultation with our makeup specialists at 717846.4424
4. never go to bed with makeup on
5. wear your sunscreen with spf in daily before makeup
6. wash your face twice a day with the correct cleansers for day and for night
7. avoid picking your skin because this leads to cystic acne.
8. stress is linked to STRESS breakouts!

We have more to share with you that is not able to fit in this lengthy post. I love sharing success stories however we don’t have enough room here. Link to our facebook http://www.facebook.com/Indulgesalon

If you are interested in our 90 day system of treatments for an annual program, please contact 717.846.4424.

courtesy Brazilian Blowout model of double processed hair protected by Brazilian Blowout

Is your salon updated on NEW treatments to smooth unruly frizzy hair?

Over processed hair? We have a B3 treatment for you!

Need conditioning at a deeper level? We have a B3 Demi permanent treatment that will be like putting a gloss on your hair that gives shine and lasts up to 6 weeks.  OR

Try the regular Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment to protect double processed colored hair. This product I saw with my own eyes applied to the limp over processed hair, then the hair was blown dry then the hair was flat ironed. After the hair is processed and flat ironed, we are now taught to rinse the hair. After the hair is rinsed then style as recommended.

Results were nothing short of a miracle. the hair felt stronger. I could feel such a big difference in the hair since I just colored the hair the day before and blew it dry. The hair texture had changed to more smoothness versus a rough texture.

The Brazilian Blowout treatment will smooth the cuticle of the hair resulting in healthier, light weight and shiny hair.

There are alternatives to the types of Brazilian Blowout treatments starting with the original Brazilian Blowout. This type of treatment does NOT have keratin in it. This type of treatment has Camu Camu, Acai Berry are two of the super nutrient ingredients that are included in the amino acids that bind to the outside of the hair. What this means is that if you imagine pot holes in the road that are deep when you drive over them, your car will lean and then go upright. This is similar analogy to hair. If the hair has breakage or holes in it then the Brazilian Blowout will fill in the holes which is sealed by the flat iron creating a solid surface that makes the hair shiny. This treatment last about 12 – 15 weeks. Using the Brazilian products will help support your longstanding treatment. This is one of the most transformational treatments.

The Brazilian blowout can be adjusted with the type of curl you have or want to have. If you have the tighter curl the treatment will be customized to the wave without the frizz. The possibility of having the brazilian blowout can afford you the opportunity to still wear your hair curly or wavy just without the unruly frizz that comes with tighter curls.

courtesy of Brazilian Blowout results

Tight curls such as mixed textures especially African American hair that has the tightest curls that cushion at the scalp can be challenging for all parties.

This type of texture is hard to manage and usually is cut off, boxed braids or regular blow drying at a salon but misses the beautiful opportunity of having smooth hair. We can provide one of the types of treatments instead of going with a relaxer to keep some of the curl but allows the bulk of the hair to be:

1. moisturized with the amino acids decreasing rough texture to a smooth texture allowing the brush to go through without tearing out the hair
2. reduces bulk of the hair at the scalp and throughout mid length and ends
3. blow drying is faster
4. cumulative affects after continuing use

The results are nothing short of amazing once the treatment is completed. We will instruct how to manage your hair from that day forward to keep the results that you had achieved. We highly recommend continuing 4x per year. If you decide that you want to go back to your natural look, you just stop having the treatments done every 12 -15 weeks because it will have worn off. The hair is not altered permanently it will gradually wear off the more frequently the hair is shampooed without the supernutrients or follow up maintenance products used. If the hair is exposed to products that are non sulfate free plus strips the hair of vital nutrients, the brazilian blowout smoothing treatment will not be in the hair as we suggest.

If you are interested in having your hair free of unruly frizzy hair, contact us at 717.846.4424. Check out more information at our page www.indulgesalon.com

We have 3 locations to choose from to meet your needs

South York Colonial Square – 970 S George St, York Pa  717.846.4424

Indulge Salon – Stonebridge – 985 Far Hills Drive, New Freedom, Pa 717.227.2566

Indulge Salon – Lake Oconee – 1104 Market St, Greensboro, GA 706.999.9911

Red hair color is being showcased in media for the spring/summer season. Beautiful red base with hints of auburn with subtle flashes of purple reds, strawberry blondes or even glossed over with the copper red. I LOVE this red hair color collection!

Let’s take what you have and spice it up with some balayage or lowlights giving your hair some dimension and interest. Being a hair colorist gives so much satisfaction to change or transform a client’s hair. If you don’t want to permanently change the hair color, we can give you options by utilizing hair extensions to provide length, volume and thickness with as many colors as you would love to add. We can even add balayage or ombre’ colors to give an intensity to the color without the commitment.

What’s it going to take to get you to change it up?

Why don’t you take a few minutes to come into the salon for a consultation? We already know hair color but it might be great for you to see yourself in some new shades that bring excitement. Your skin color will look better. let’s add a new lips shade by Glo Minerals. We can give you a new haircut that will make your new red hair color sing!

If you don’t want red hair color, then you might want to read another blog post because this one is all about red hair color. Take a look at the picture to the right. This is an example of a client that wanted brighter copper red with some cooler tones.

Hair extensions were used to give length plus tonal change. These red hair extensions last about 4 – 5 months with the correct hair care management.

No matter if you want Terra Cotta hair color, Auburn red hair color, chestnut brown with red highlights, strawberry red hair color, we can make it happen. If you choose to rock out the hair with rainbow red mixed with pink, we can do it!

Time that is needed to remove old pigment is needed when you come in with old box color or from “another” salon. I found that removing the old color will give a better foundation for the new tones that we will be putting in your hair. We have this really cool color pigment remover that only removes the artificial pigment but doesn’t affect the natural hair color.

This process does take 45 minutes regardless of what we do to your hair, it’s all in the preparation. Sometimes, I get the client that says, “I’ve been here for 5 hours….” I respond with, “yes, you have but that is what it takes when we remove color, shampoo, the we have to condition it with the correct protein enriched color or filling the color with the missing pigment.” So when you are in the salon that long, know that good things take lots of time and lots of knowledge to get you the result that you are looking for.

I coach my team that we never rush the progress. You as a client need to prepare with expectations. No rushing, no pressure on the stylists because we may be working with other clients while you are processing but it doesn’t mean you are any less important. Clearly, we have a difficult job to do.

Our relationships with our clients are very important. This is why we let you know what we are doing every step of the way. We may have an assistant cleanse a few times, or another stylist may be applying color in certain areas. We do what it takes to care for your hair.

How do I make my red hair stay longer?

Unfortunately, red hair color is tough to keep in according to the FDA. The red dye is regulated in the United States. Mostly RED DYE #7 is questionable. The United States has gotten more creative with their dyes. There are only so many dyes that are used in hair color especially red hair color dye.

Over the years with advanced private training under my belt, I’ve learned that no matter which color is used in the red hair color zone, you will need to visit the salon within 2 – 3 weeks from the initial hair color application. Then we keep submitting the red glossy tones to keep the pigment in the hair. All I can say is that it’s totally worth the effort in the beginning for a long term result.

We have some color pigments that will stay what seems like FOREVER! Then when you want to try something new it won’t leave like a bad boyfriend. We do everything we can to remove the old red pigment so be 100% sure that you want red hair color because we will make it happen for you.

What if I get tired of my red hair color?

Good question. As I said in the previous comments be sure of which red hair color that you want. What if you decided that red is not for you? Whether it’s box color, salon color, it can be removed with a product that actually will lighten the pigment out of the hair. Depending on the health of the hair, this process may take multiple appointments. Red color that is lightening can get stuck in the orange stage which isn’t pretty. If this happens, we have to change the color to deposit to either enhance or neutralize the color for the time being.

As the hair starts lightening, the hair will go through layers of lightening like red orange, orange, yellow and depending on how light you want the hair it may decide to not lighten anymore than it can withstand. We will only lighten as long as the hair will keep it’s integrity.

Best products to use on red hair color.

So many to choose from to home maintenance products. the cool thing is that their are red hair color shampoo’s, conditioners and leave in treatments. when you find the perfect red that makes it easier to choose from. We recommend using a red color conditioner so that you can manage the red tones that suit you personally.

k about our color conditioner mixed specifically for your hair color needs. Use 2 – 3x per week for best results. Call 717.84.4424 for an appointment. Please bring photos of what you like or don’t like.