The exact cause of acne is not known. It is one of the most common skin disorders and can affect teenagers and adults. Acne occurs when the skin's pores are blocked. Certain factors can worsen the condition, such as cosmetic and skin care products that contain oils and petroleum jelly or using make-up tools (brushes, sponges, spatulas and palettes) that have not been properly cleaned and…

In working with acne in skin of color, the best tools in your aesthetic “tool kit” are an understanding of acne, an understanding of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ingredient knowledge, and most of all a partnership with your client to progressively achieve healthy, balanced, beautiful skin. The initial trouble with acne in skin of color is the actual lesion. The acne lesion is often observed as…

More and more, aestheticians and trained spa professionals are promoting and performing acne face and body services, joining dermatologists in co-managing this common, often disfiguring disease. As they expand their understanding of acne conditions, they also are questioning popular treatment methods and the topical compounds commonly used to fight acne. The next generation of care for acne will be a preventive and reparative approach of…

A woman looks in the bathroom mirror, taking inventory. Her skin has seen thirty-something summers, perhaps more. There is a nick of indentation at either corner of her mouth, a deepening line or two beside each eye, some expressive wear, perhaps, to the forehead. She touches these places and considers her options. Maybe a series of exfoliation treatments before her next birthday, maybe some wrinkle…