Many of us, myself included, have at one time or another experienced acne. In fact in the United States alone 40 to 50 million people suffer from acne. For some it may be a very temporary condition clearing as quickly as it appears. But for most it becomes a very stubborn skin condition that can be both physically and mentally scarring.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of acne but the key problems that occur in the pilosebaceous unit (the small lipid and hair producing areas and that make up your follicles or pores) are:

• Hyperplasia – excessive lipid (oil) production.
• Hyperkeratinization of the hair follicle – increased production of cells lining the follicle wall. The cells then fail to loosen away from the follicle wall this translates into a clogging of the follicle opening.
• Proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. You can have acne without the presence of P. acnes, however research has shown that it can be a contributing factor and may provoke and immune system response leading to increased inflammation.

As a result of the above listed conditions the follicle can then rupture and the bacteria and other debris that were trapped in the follicle spreads into the dermis causing more inflammation and oxidative stress.

These factors lead to open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). If inflammation is left unchecked, these minor skin eruptions can develop into papules and pustules. Finally, when inflammation occurs in the lower layers of the skin it becomes red and painful nodules. Upon reviewing the stages of acne you can see how critical it is to inhibit the inflammatory process.

The Glimpse regimen modifications listed below are just one way you may adjust your daily regimen to address your current skin condition, keep in mind there are numerous ways in which to customize your regimen to achieve your best skin.

AM Glimpse Regimen for Acne Prone Skin:

1. Cleanse – using Glimpse Gel Cleanser – using a quarter-sized amount of cleanser and tepid water add a bit of water to the cleanser. Work hands together to create a purifying foam and apply to face, neck, and chest. Continue to massage the cleanser over your skin for at least 2 minutes paying particular attention to your forehead, hairline, chin, jaw line and crevices of the nose. Remove cleanser with a clean cotton washcloth then rinse by splashing your face, neck, and chest with tepid water. Use a fresh cotton towel to pat your skin dry.

2. Talk to your physician. – If you are currently using a topical prescription for acne that you apply in the morning do so now following the directions given by your physician, if you are not using a prescription proceed to step 3. Do not immediately discontinue use of acne prescriptions doing so could cause a flare up of the skin condition, that coupled with the introduction of a new product could cause a significant break-out. I do feel confident that with the consistent use of Glimpse morning and night you will be able to reduce if not discontinue the use of your topical prescriptions. However, acne-prone skin is inherently sensitive skin and therefore must be treated as such and we need to acclimate the skin to Glimpse and then ease it off prescription topicals.

3. Treat – In the palm of your hand mix together one spray toner, 3 pumps serum, eight drops of Pericarp Oil smooth mixture over face and neck. For treating your neck and shoulders, which I recommend, you will need more of this mixture.

4. Hydrate – Yes acne prone skin needs hydration! In the palm of your hand mix two pumps serum with 2 drops Pericarp Oil and 1-2 pumps Moisturizing Lotion. During summer months or in humid climates this last step may need to be adjusted but it is important to remember that even if you have lipid rich (oily) skin you still need hydration, you either need to apply a second layer of Serum/Pericarp Oil with the ratio being more Serum to Pericarp Oil rather than the equal parts mixture listed in step 3 or apply the lotion/serum mixture listed above.

5. Repair – Using the Sheer Mineral Treatment mix a generous amount of Minerals in the palm of your hand with Pericarp Oil and one pump Serum, apply to affected areas. If you desire additional coverage apply one to three layers of the Minerals using the “Dry Application” technique (please see Mineral Treatment application techniques under the Mineral Treatment or Video section of this blog) over your Sheer Mineral/Pericarp Oil “primer”.

PM Glimpse Regimen for Acne Prone Skin:

1. Double Cleanse – using Glimpse Creamy Cleanser followed by Glimpse Gel Cleanser or using the Glimpse Gel Cleanser for both cleanses. Follow the cleansing instructions for the AM Cleanse and repeat for the second cleanse, remember be gentle. Do not aggressively scrub at your face it will aggravate the condition. Your skin needs TLC in order to start healing. If you choose to use the Glimpse Creamy Cleanser for your first cleanse use a quarter sized amount (you may need a bit more) work between your hands and smooth onto your skin. Massage the cleanser over your skin for at least 2 minutes paying particular attention to the congested areas of your face and neck. Remove cleanser with a clean cotton washcloth and follow immediately with a second cleanse using the Glimpse Gel Cleanser.

2. Talk to your physician. If you are currently using a topical prescription for acne that you apply in the evening do so now following the directions given by your physician, if you are not using a topical prescription proceed to step 3.

3. Treat – In the palm of your hand mix together 3 pumps serum and 10 drops Pericarp oil, smooth over face and neck using a drop of Pericarp oil and any inflamed lesions you may have.

4. Hydrate – Repeat step 4 from your AM Regimen.

5. Repair – Repeat the Sheer Mineral Treatment/Pericarp Oil/Serum combination from your AM Regimen, do not apply additional layers of the Mineral Treatment using the “Dry” Method.

Please remember, your skin is a very dynamic organ and what it needs varies from day to day. When you have become familiar with the formulas you will naturally start adjusting your mixtures, customizing them to deliver to your skin what it needs at that moment.