I thought it may be most beneficial for everyone if I follow up with a bit more detail on what this means, and how to proceed if you get results as scary as mine.

See those red areas? Hot, right?

They can be a million things, from acne (which I DO NOT have) to inflammations, rosacea or spider veins. I do have rosacea – I just had convinced myself it had magically disappeared!
While I didn’t do so hot in ANY area, my one real red flag was the UV spot pictures above. UV spots are, essentially, sun damage.

They happen when melanin coagulates.

Lets just take a moment to ponder how gross that is even in random phrasing.

However, they are invisible to the naked eye…for now. My UV score was 49% – this percentage is meant to compare against others in VISIA database with my age/skin type who I scored better than; the scores for UV spots and porphyrins represent actual counts, with higher counts indicating more sun damage. So, yeah, that’s bad.

My goal? To take better care of my skin before I end up with photodamage, spots, or…in all likelihood, skin cancer. I’m going to wear SPF every day, no matter what! Even if it’s snowing. And, I think the reason this befell me is so I should impart upon all of you that you must do this as well. It’s really, truly, no joking matter!

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For the past month, every morning and evening, I’ve been following the Neutrogena SkinID skincare regime.

The truth is, I was graced with fairly good genes, and hardly ever break out normally. But the last few months, stress + poor habits (i.e. leaving on small bites and cocktails at events) was making a small but scary eruption take part on my face. Pretty soon, I even began to wonder if this was perhaps adult acne. Whatever it was, I wanted it GONE.

See the skin above? Minor in the way of breakouts, but major in the way of dull, sallow skin. I am young! I am cute! I am a beauty editor. This should NOT be.

I decided my very career depended on fixing what was broke before it was rendered unfixable, and went to the Neutrogena SkinID site, where I went through the process of filling out the personalized acne regimen. Then, based on the answers to the questions they asked, they sent me the treatment routine that would work with my skin, which I was to then use religiously.

The next day, my highly anticipated package from Skin ID arrived.

My 3-piece system was composed of Cream Cleanser #14, Anti Acne Treatment #32, and Moisturizer #53. There was also an included Spot Treatment that I used both AM and PM whenever I had actual breakouts (which tend to happen around the week of my period.)

Four weeks have gone by, and I have to say, I notice a difference. Check out the more recent picture above, with my hair pulled back so you can ONLY see my skin.

Can you see the difference? My skin has a healthy glow now – and there’s nary a breakout (even though I’m currently in that pre-hormonal stage!)

I’m happy – and now a card carrying believer.

This post was sponsored by Neutrogena skinID™ – The only Personalized Acne Solution made just for you.  Take your complimentary skinID™ Evaluation today!

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The latest example is Evis MD Platinum.

Just like what you may find at your facialist’s domain, this is the most powerful home handheld LED device available on the market today. It has intense light waves that help to eliminate mild to moderate inflammatory bacteria that cause acne.

If you’ve never had photofacials, you are missing out. They revitalized my skin, and I never had the opportunity to do it right at home. This way you save tons of money, too! The device is a little under $300, but you’ll spend more than that on ONE office visit the other way.

I love it…I’m hoping they send me one to play with permanently at home!

Image: Bonton

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As  I’m sure anyone whose ever been a teenager can well attest, acne is a major pain in the bum.

As it gets warmer, our tendency to sweat grows, and that also makes our pores clog with oil more: And thus, more breakouts.

How can we cut down our risk? There’s a bunch of stuff we can do!

Cleanse your face!

This may sound obvious, but if you don’t want clogged pores, make sure to cleanse twice a day. Also use the right cleanser for your face – if you have sensitive skin, make sure you use a regime made for that.

Use Toner

For the longest time, I had no idea what toner’s purpose was, but now I get it: Toner not only gets the last bits of dirt and makeup off your face, it also helps clean off the cleanser itself! This makes it easier for moisturizer to stick to it in the next step.

Hydrate!

Drink lots of water…believe it or not, it’s great for your skin

And speaking of hydration…

Make sure use moisturizer – it’s essential, even for oily skin!

Image: Sxc.hu

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Dr. VMVR explains, “Several factors can attribute to breakouts, so the first step towards blemish free skin is identifying the cause. Once the cause is targeted and accompanied with a proper skincare regimen, pimples will stop raising their ugly heads.”

Consider these causes and solutions from Dr. VMVR and soon you’ll be in the clear!

HORMONAL CHANGES… The fluctuation of hormones caused by the female menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, stress and even lack of sleep can all lead to flare ups. These acne culprits stimulate the sebaceous glands of the face, producing more oil, resulting in breakouts. Put a stop to hormonal breakouts by reducing stress and getting a good night’s rest. If the situation can’t be avoided, use skincare products that will counteract the problem. Dr. VMVR recommends a daily face wash such as VMV Id Skin Buffing Pumice and Salicylic Facial Cleanser ($22.00). This unique facial cleanser contains Salicylic Acid, clinically proven to reduce acne, Monolaurin, a natural coconut-derived disinfectant, antibacterial and antifungal that treats acne along as well as natural pumice with gentle cleansing agents.

FAMILY TIES… Researchers have found that 50% of adults that suffer from acne have either a parent, sibling or child who also gets outbreaks, drawing a link between genetics and acne. If acne seems to run in your family, Dr. VMVR recommends getting a head start on preventative care and adding anti-acne skincare products into your regime. Always look for mild and non-comedogenic moisturizers such as VMV Id Anti-Acne, Anti-Aging Face, Chest, Back and Body Exfoliating Lotion ($28.00). This anti-acne, anti-wrinkle acid lotion, contains a healthy dose of Salicylic Acid to provide an excellent anti-acne, anti-inflammatory treatment for both a deep pore cleaning plus antibacterial therapy. It works as a light, hydrating lotion that nourishes and moisturizes without clogging pores or adding shine.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT… Although no definitive conclusions have been made paralleling diet and dermatology, try avoiding any “trigger” foods such as those high in salt, processed foods and those that have a high glycemic index and contain polyunsaturatead oils. Dr. VMVR notes that diets rich in Omega 6 fatty acids produce arachidonic acid from which pro-inflammatory hormones are formed, ultimately leading to acne!

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Home remedies

Orange peel: This ingredient, mixed with water, can be used as a paste on your pimples as a natural way to zap acne.

Popular Products

Cetaphil: This respected line of skin cleansers and moisturizers can be an effective way to prevent acne.

Managing Stress

Back-to-school stress can trigger acne in teens: Don’t let the stresses of going back to school or starting a new school get the best of you and your skin.

Diet

Berries: Berries are "rated as one of best bets for good skin health" and are great sources for vitamin C and antioxidants.

Cleansing Systems

Use a soap with little to no residue: Extra residue that lingers on your face can keep pores clogged.

Natural, Organic and Herbal Remedies

Forums, Blogs and Websites

Behavioral Tips

Preparing for Acne Triggers

Hygiene

Surgery and prescriptions

Ingredients to Look For

I hope that piqued your interest enough to go check out the rest of the list.  If you suffer from acne, whether you are a teen or a hormonal adult, this is a great place to start your research.  You can spend hours and hours and hours link surfing from here.  Enjoy!

Image: Newscom 

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Have you used the original Zeno?  I have lusted for it for a long time, but I guess I just didn’t have the number of zits to zap for me to plunk down $160 for it.  I have tried it in the store though, and it was a neat experience.  I have had this on my shopping list forever, and always planned on getting one, but I think I have been lucky in the zits:special events ratio, so haven’t done it yet.

So now, the Zeno Mini has landed, and is a smaller version of the Zeno (which I didn’t think was too big in the first place), which runs on 2 AAA batteries, and is plenty small and unobtrusive enough to throw in your travel bag.  The deciding factor for me with this one is that the price tag is much lowered – to $89.  I have plenty of zits that are worth 89 bucks to get rid of, don’t you?

The technology in this device is proven to work.  The basic idea is that there is heat produced in the tip of this unit, and when applied to a pimple (not a blackhead or whitehead, but a real pimple), the heat will kill the bacteria inside.  The tip gets warm, but not uncomfortably warm at all.  And you do have to replace the tip after 45 uses (new tip costs $18.99).

So have you tried one of the Zeno models?  How about any other brands of this type of device?  What do you think about it?

Image: Zeno

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I just found the niftiest thing – if you aren’t a teenager dealing with acne, or God forbid, a nearly 40 year old woman like me battling it, you might want to pass this post on up.  But if you have the same issues as me, and are always looking out for the miracle product, there is a new and probably great one on the horizon. 

Check out skiniD, from Neutrogena Dermatologics.  I really love Neutrogena, they have always done me very well, and I am really excited to try this new line, available only online or via TV ordering.  Fun!  Anyway, hop on over there, click on “Lets Get Started” and they will ask you a pretty short and easy series of questions to determine your skin type, your lifestyle, and how you are used to dealing with your skin on a daily basis.  At the end of the 5 minute survey, they will show you the right products for your face (3) and give you the opportunity to purchase them.  There were three products recommended for me, totaling a whopping $39 bucks.  Nice mid range pricing and definitely worth a try.  I will let you know my results soon!  Let me know what you think if you give it a whirl!

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Their skin care line is broken down into skin types: 

• Purite Thermale – for sensitive skin
• Nutrilogie – for dry skin
• Thermal Fix – for dehydrated skin
• NormaDerm – for acne prone skin
• Oligo 25 – for dull skin
• Meokine – for signs of aging
• LiftactivPRO – for skin that has aged
• NeOVADIAL – for hormonal related aging – saggy skin structure
• Reti-C  for wrinkles and uneven complexion
• Dermablend – makeup for skin imperfections
• Capitol  Soleil 15 – sun protection
• Lipo-metric – body care for cellulite
• Lipidose – for dry body skin

Each of these lines have specific products geared towards a particular skin type/problem.  While the huge list above might be a little confusing, Vichy has covered nearly every issue that you might need covered.  For me, I would probably jump back and forth between the NormaDerm and the Purite Thermale for my cleansing regimen and use the LiftactivPRO for moisturization, as I have discovered that only using acne products is causing my aging (aged?  ugh.) skin even more problems. 

Right now I am using one of Vichy’s best sellers, the Detoxifying Rinse-off Foam Cleanser (from the Purite Thermale collection – $15).  To me, this feels more like a cream cleanser, is super easy to use and does a fantastic job dissolving makeup.  I alternate this with their NormaDerm Deep Cleansing Gel ($14), because I have all of those acne issues to contend with.  So far, this program is working really nicely for me – my skin is looking better and better every day.  We will see what happens when “that time” of the month rolls around where the pimples roam free.

My next purchase will be the NeOvadiol – as sagginess is something I have really been noticing lately.  Thankfully, Vichy Laboratories skin care products are really priced reasonably, making finding what is just right for your skin a little easier on the wallet.  A little more expensive than your general drug store brand but nowhere near some of the more luxe brands.  Vichy has a long and great history, and I am happy to see them showing up more prominently in the U.S.

Have you had experience with Vichy Laboratories products?  How did they work for you?

All images:  Vichy Laboratories

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Zeno is a handheld, portable electronic medical device that is clinically proven to make pimples disappear fast. For treating acne pimples, its the most scientifically advanced and effective device available without a prescription. Zeno applies a precisely controlled heat dose directly to the pimple through a metal pad. One treatment lasts 2½ minutes. Two to three treatments spread over 24 hours clear up most pimples quickly. Pimples occur when excess skin oil and flaking skin plug the opening of a hair follicle and create the ideal environment for acne bacteria to grow. Precisely controlled heat applied for a specific period of time causes the bacteria to self-destruct. When the bacteria die, the pimple goes away. Zeno is for people with mild to moderate acne. If in doubt, ask your doctor. Use Zeno at the first sign of a pimple. It works best when used on a pimple in the early stages of development. Also, the sooner pimples are cleared up, the less chance they have to leave scars. Other than some temporary skin redness following a treatment cycle, no other adverse side effects were reported. But should you experience any discomfort when using Zeno, discontinue use and consult your skin care professionalYour doctor may recommend other therapies, depending on the severity of your acne. Follow your doctor´s advice and use Zeno for the occasional pimple. The Zeno cradle is designed for plugging into a 120Vac/60Hz electrical outlet.

Have you tried this? Do I need this??? Amazon has the Zeno Acne Clearing Device with Free Shipping. Now might be a great time to check it out!

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