Clear Skin Chronicles - Medicated Topicals for Acne

Jul 18, 2024

Clear Skin Chronicles - Medicated Topicals for Acne

Introduction

  • Discussion on overproduction of oil due to daily use of benzoyl peroxide.
  • Misconception: dry skin with large pores often indicates oily skin overproducing oil to compensate for dryness.
  • Hosts: Katie Stewart and Chris Brown (Registered Holistic Nutritionists, Clear Skin Solution).
  • Guest: Ashley (On-Staff Holistic Aesthetician).

Key Topics

Impact of Medicated Topicals

  • Common Topicals: Benzoyl Peroxide, Trentinoin, Clindamycin, Topical Spironolactone.
  • Effects: Can be harsh, causing irritation and barrier damage.
  • Combination with other products (e.g., salicylic acid) exacerbates dryness and rawness.
  • Overuse leads to overproduction of oil and larger pores.

Mechanism and Side Effects

  • Antibiotics sterilize skin, removing good bacteria and leading to imbalance when stopped.
  • Trentinoin: Strong synthetic Vitamin A, causes irritation due to multiple conversions in the skin.
  • Overuse of benzoyl peroxide leads to overproduction of oil, enlarged pores, and mixed skin types (dry yet oily).

Miscommunication About Ingredients

  • Coconut Oil: Often feared but effective in formulations; fractions used in skincare are not pore-clogging.
  • Frustration with marketing that incites fear over natural ingredients.

Transitioning Off Medicated Topicals

  • Gradual Reduction: Reduce frequency, balance with nourishing products.
  • Ingredients to Look For: Ceramides, natural oils (jojoba, rosehip, seabuckthorn), probiotics.
  • Repairing Skin Barrier: Gentle exfoliation with fruit enzymes, nourishing serums, and oils.
  • Probiotics: Help rebuild skin microbiome.

Practical Tips

  • Budget Options: Single ingredient oils from health food stores, brands like The Ordinary and The Inkey List.
  • Recommended Products: Living Libations Cleansing Oil, Three Ships Blueberry Repair Serum, BeautyCounter’s Cocoboost, Eminence Recovery Oil.

Conclusion

  • Do not use medicated topicals as a first resort; focus on internal body health to avoid dependency.
  • Start with foundational gut health tips to build internal balance.

Next Episode Teaser: Q&A with Paige Ferman, COO of KW Inc.

Resources

  • Gut-Loving Cheat Sheet: Available in show notes for foundational health tips.