Acne is something that many of us have dealt with at one point or another. It can be frustrating and even embarrassing, but the good news is that there are ways to treat it effectively. As an Esthetician, I have a few favorite Lira treatments and products that I like to use when treating acne.
In this blog post, I’m going to share some of my top picks for of Lira Clinical products that work amazingly for acne in both the treatment room and your home care regimen.
For Skincare Professionals
SAL PULP: A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO LIRA TREATMENTS
When someone comes to my clinic for the first time to treat acne, Sal Pulp is usually my go-to introduction treatment. This peel delivers results and is great because even just one layer and a retinal seal can help to calm down inflammation.
BETA SAL AND RETINAL: A POWERFUL COMBINATION
Once we’ve introduced Sal Pulp, the next step is usually to start using Beta Sal and Retinol together in a layered form. I love using Beta and Sal together because the retinal seal really seals everything in and gives the skin an extra peel. They’re also amazing on their own.
Plus, my clients love to peel! During the peel process, I always like to offer the reminder to give it time. Your skin may not peel right away or even dramatically and just because your skin isn’t peeling doesn’t mean that it’s not accepting the acids, peptides, and plant stem cells in the product.
For Home Care
HYDRATION IS KEY, EVEN FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
One of the most common misconceptions that people with acne have is that they should not moisturize their skin. This thought process stems from the belief that since acne-prone skin is already oily, moisturizing will only make it worse. However, this is far from the truth.
In fact, the most common issue that people with acne face is an unbalanced pH level. Ensuring that you’re consistently hydrating your skin will help to balance the pH level and actually prevent your skin from producing excess oil.
Remember this: Your skin is smart and will regulate itself if you give it what it needs.
Bio Caviar Crème
Mystiq Iluminating Beauty Oil
That’s exactly why I recommend using products like Mystiq Beauty Oil and Caviar Creme, even for clients with acne.
In fact, every single one of my clients who has acne is using Mystiq Beauty Oil as a part of their night-time regimens.
Using Caviar Creme on even intense, oily cystic acne can be so beneficial. Plus, it has a light, non-greasy texture that won’t clog your pores or leave your skin feeling heavy or more oily.
I always recommend using these products at night, so that your skin can fully absorb all of the amazing nutrients and moisture. And trust me, when you wake up in the morning, your skin will feel so soft, smooth, and hydrated – they’re honestly my top favorite Lira products for acne-prone skin.
Ultimately, it’s all about being aggressive with your home care and giving your skin the hydration it needs.
AGGRESSIVE TREATMENTS NEED EXTRA HYDRATION
When clarifying treatments for acne, the skin definitely needs that extra hydration. That’s why I feel comfortable being a bit more aggressive with my peels in the treatment room when I know that my clients are using products like Caviar Creme and Beauty Oil at home and are going to be committed to their home care. We can all rest easy knowing that the skin will heal more effectively when it has the right products to support it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dealing with acne can be tough, but with the right treatments and products, you can see great results. For my fellow Estheticians that are supporting their clients with acne, I highly recommend trying Sal Pulp as an introduction to Lira treatments, as well as using Beta Sal and Retinol together.
Don’t forget that hydration is key, even for acne-prone skin. Having the support of your Esthetician, being committed to your skincare routines outside of the treatment room, and using hydrating products, like the ones recommended above will help give your skin the boost it needs to regulate itself!
Want more tips, recommendations, and the inside scoop on my most-effective protocols?
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
