You Don’t Have to Walk Down the Aisle With Acne: Journey to Clear Skin Part I

Acne.

The dreaded skin condition that over 3 million Americans deal with each year. Acne does not discriminate, people of any race and at any age can get acne. Yes, typically the most common age group affected is teenagers and young adults, but acne breakouts can occur even into your forties and fifties. Acne’s timing tends to be cruel, you can go to bed with clear skin and wake up the next day to one or more inflamed, irritated, and sometimes painful bumps. A breakout at any time can be embarrassing, uncomfortable, or inconvenient but dealing with acne when you’re about to walk down the aisle is every bride’s worst nightmare.

With that being said, I’m about to take you on a real journey to clear skin.

Meet my younger sister Hilary, she is twenty-seven years old, a student, future teacher, and now a fiancé. She will wed her long-term boyfriend, Nick in March of 2019. Planning has been in full force considering the wedding is only a few months away. Venue is booked, menu finalized, dress purchased, shower and bachelorette party dates are set. All my sister needs to do now is clear her skin in time for the big day. Cascade MedSpa’s aestheticians, JD, is here to the rescue!

Hilary and I (Heather)

It was during a FaceTime conversation that I noticed my sister’s face had severe nodules (large, painful, solid pimples that are deep in the skin), several cysts (deep, painful, pus-filled pimples can cause scars), and pustules (pimples that are red at the bottom and have pus on top) scattered all over. While pointing out someone’s acne is considered extremely rude, I did so anyway (after all we are sisters). My sister explained that her acne has completely spiraled out of control and nothing seemed to be helping. In that moment I knew immediate action needed to be taken in order to have her skin clear before her wedding.

I had Hilary send me photos of her breakouts and I showed them to JD. Hilary lives in Minneapolis, so we had to start working on this from a distance. Per JD’s recommendation we first needed to get Hilary on a good, solid, and consistent skin care regimen. Both her AM and PM regimen are listed at the end of this post.

A close-up of Hilary’s breakouts.

Her first Cascade appointment is today, November 19, where JD will treat Hilary with the acne laser. This laser targets the acne bacteria generating energy in the form of heat that destroys the bacteria without damaging the skin. Her following appointments will include a series of microneedling, chemical peels, and IPL/BBL spot treatments for acne scarring.

I too struggled with severe cystic acne in my early twenties and after years of countless products, treatments and thousands of dollars spent my skin is finally clear. Acne can put a huge damper on your self-esteem. There is no “cure” for acne but thankfully there are treatment options for those who suffer. If you struggle with acne call or stop into Cascade MedSpa to schedule your complimentary skincare consultation and start your own journey to clear, healthy, beautiful skin.

Be sure to follow Cascade MedSpa on Facebook for blog post updates on Hilary’s progress!

Here is a peek at Hilary’s skincare regimen:

A.M. and P.M.

Cleanse with iS Clinical® Cleansing Complex

Cleansing Complex contains white willow bark extract which contains a source of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in most topical acne products because it helps to exfoliate and deep clean pores. The cleanser itself is clear, lightweight, and is excellent for all skin types.

A.M. Only

iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advanced +

Pro-Heal contains a scientifically advanced L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), combined with a superior form of Olive Leaf Extract and pure Vitamins E and A. This powerful formulation significantly increases antioxidant protection while helping improve the appearance of compromised, blemish-prone, and aging skin.

A.M. and P.M.

iS Clinical Active Serum

Active Serum is a best-selling product for iS Clinical. It is fast-acting, long-term, and a results-oriented formula. Not only is Active Serum excellent for blemish-prone skin it decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A cool tingling sensation is noted upon application and results can be seen within a couple of days.

A.M. and P.M.

iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

Hydra-Cool is a refreshing and powerful serum that combines superior antioxidants, bio-nutrients, and essential botanicals. It is formulated to rejuvenate, hydrate, and visibly soothe the skin. This serum is also a great product to use in conjunction with Active Serum for superior results.

A.M. Only

iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30

Many of us don’t think a daily sun protectant is essential to our skincare regimen, but to no surprise it is one of the most important. Taken from the Skin Cancer Foundation website, “Walking your dog, driving to work, and sitting in front of a sunny window are all examples of the type of sun exposure that you might not think of protecting yourself against — but over the years they can add up to wrinkling, leathering and other signs of aging, as well as skin cancer.” ¹

Extreme Protect SPF 30 offers advanced sun protection by combining broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and powerful antioxidants to diminish the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.

A.M. or P.M. – When Feeling Dry

iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion

Intense and rejuvenating this moisturizer is formulated with pharmaceutical grade botanicals, peptides, and powerful antioxidants. Reparative Moisture Emulsion helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth.