Anyone who ever suffered from acne during their adolescence knowns that in most cases, the condition improves with time. Yet often, as a result of the wrong treatment and/or the skin’s non-standard recovery, scars form, which remain long after the acne problem itself has been cured and badly impacting the physical appearance and quality of life. What exactly causes post-acne scars and how can the skin be rehabilitated and the scars eliminated?

The cause for the scar: the body’s inflammatory reaction 

Apparently the key cause for the scars’ development is the same major issue that characterizes acne – the chronic inflammation in the hair follicle and the sebaceous glands that surround it. That inflammation comes as a result of the body’s attempt to get rid of the acne bacteria, which build up in the sebaceous glands.

The problem begins as a result of increased secretion of the androgenic (male) hormones during adolescence when the sebaceous glands start producing high levels of sebum. In addition, the keratinocyte cells in them, which produce the protein keratin, excessively reproduce. As a result, more and more sebum is generated, and in conjunction, dead skin cells build up, which block the hair follicle. That situation creates the ideal conditions for acne bacteria to reproduce in the sebaceous glands, as this bacteria is anaerobic – a type of bacteria that cannot thrive in an oxygen environment.

At that stage, the body extracts an inflammation-boosting protein known as interleukin 1. That protein, which acts as a mediator from the immune system, transmits a message to generate inflammation, with the aim of removing the acne bacteria. Studies have shown that the inflammation’s intensity, and not necessarily the presence of the bacteria nor its concentration levels,

will determine the acne’s severity, and eventually the risk for forming scars.

When the inflammation is severe and/or the acne problem is not properly treated, a rapture may occur in the sebaceous glands – making the inflammation even more acute and generating pimples, nodules and purulent cysts. As a result, scar tissue may be formed around the affected areas during the recovery process. The scar is formed when the dermis layer, the skin’s deepest layer, is damaged. In an attempt to repair the damage that was caused, the body deposits new collagen fibers around the affected area. The problem is that the body cannot replicate the tissue to its former state and new tissue may have different texture and quality than the one surrounding it. In most cases, post-acne scars are not deep and resemble pimples. More rarely, bulgy scars remain, mainly on the chest and back. In addition to the skin’s texture, the scar also affects the skin tone and may show reddish or brownish-gray discoloration.

How is it possible to recover skin and prevent or eliminate scars?

Of course, the best possible treatment is prevention. The right treatment with the prompt help of a professional beauty therapist– including routine home treatments in conjunction with treatments at the cosmetic salon, will help prevent or reduce the inflammation and prevent cysts and nodules from forming, which may lead toscarring.

If scars have already appeared, they should be treated early. Even at that point, it is still possible to improve the skin’s condition dramatically. The sooner the treatment, the easier the tissue’s recovery and its quality will be maintained.

The professional cosmetic treatment for eliminating and preventing scars has two main goals:

Alleviating the inflammation’s intensity – first and foremost, in a condition when acne is still active, it is most crucial to minimize as much as possible the inflammation’s potency, which is the main leading cause for post-acne scars’ development. That goal focuses on a treatment during its first stage, which is relatively intense and mostly includes 2-4 treatments once every ten days. That, of course, in conjunction with routine home treatments.

The strategies being used to reduce the inflammation’s intensity are reducing the infectious capacity of the acne bacteria and deep cleansing the blocked pores, and in conjunction, balancing the sebaceous glands’ activity for less sebum secretion. That, by using advanced preparations that were especially developed for that purpose, such as our acne-treatment range of product, which are based on anti-inflammatory ingredients, including salicylic acid and shikimic acid, ingredients that work to reduce the bacterial activity such as probiotics, balancing substances such as rosebay extract, as well as the substances used to for skin rejuvenation such as zinc.

The skin’s recovery – the skin’s recovery already begins during the acne-recovery treatments, in conjunction with the treatment intended to reduce the inflammation’s intensity, and is a crucial stage for preventing scars, promoting the skin’s recovery and its rejuvenation, which also lasts after the active acne is healed. At that stage, treatment is provided approximately once every three months, and later on, at the end of the process, treatment can be provided once every month and a half or two months, during which, maintenance treatments are provided.

Some of the most important components that were found most effective for skin recovery from acne scars are azelaic acid, retinol and salicylic acid. Azelaic acid is known to inhibit melanin production in the skin, as well as reduce the changes in the skin’s tone in acne conditions. In conjunction, it works to curb the cells’-distribution rate, including the sebum-secreting sebaceous glands, and also curb the excess fat that is secreted from the sebaceous glands. It is therefore highly significant in balancing the skin and preventing clogged follicles. These qualities are also coupled with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity, which makes it an ideal ingredient for treating acne and preventing the spread and reproduction of acne bacteria.

Azelaic acid is a key ingredient in our New Renew Formula treatment Cream which contains high levels of it. This potent and multi-purpose Cream works to rejuvenate and recover the skin, lighten it and balance the sebum level. In addition, the unique formula also combines retinol and salicylic acid – two ingredient that also work to prevent scars development and promote their recovery. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, was proven effective in reducing the over-production of keratinocytes in the sebaceous glands and prevents the dead cells from blocking the hair follicles, thereby creating a less anaerobic environment that reduces the infective capacity of the acne bacteria and significantly inhibits the development of the affected areas.  In addition, retinol was found to help obscure acne scars. Salicylic acid is highly effective for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its major impact on the sebaceous glands. The synergy between these ingredients in the treatment cream of the New Renew Formula products, combined with vitamin E and alpha bisabol, works to achieve genuine results in the in the skin’s rejuvenation process and helps prevent and minimize post-acne signs, brightening the skin, recovering it and improving its tone and texture. Due to its multipurpose and broad range of action, the preparation is designated for wide range of target audience, mainly for mixed skin that is characterized by early signs of aging and post-acne.

As we witnessed before, the main cause for the development of post-acne scarring is the chronic inflammation that is formed in the hair follicles and the sebaceous glands. When the inflammation is acute and/or the acne problem is not properly treated, the sebaceous gland may be raptured, making inflammation even worse and causing pimples, nodules and purulent cysts. As a result, during the healing process, scarring may occur. The good news is that an early treatment with a preparation that involves ingredients that work to reduce the inflammation, rejuvenate the skin, recover and lighten it, such as azelaic acid, retinol and salicylic acid, and with the help of a professional beauty practitioner, it is possible to prevent these scars, minimize them and recover the skin. 

Maybe you have forgotten that you’ve tanned under last summer’s sun, but your skin hasn’t. While visible damages of tanning can pass after a few days, the sun leaves its mark and the damages caused by its harmful rays appear in older ages in the form of freckles, sunspots, pigmentation and early onset of wrinkles and fine lines. How to protect your skin and which products are most suited to your skin? The following article will clear things up for you:

Why is it important to protect the skin against ultraviolet radiation? 

Sun radiation is an integral part of our lives.  It provides our world with light and heat and is vital to life.  But these rays also fill a decisive role in the skin’s early aging.  They speed up the production of free radicals in the skin and induce a chemical reaction in the cells that causes accumulative damage, collagen and elastin destruction and the appearance of freckles, spots, pigmentation and wrinkles.  Excessive exposure to this type of radiation can also cause changes to the skin cells’ DNA, which fill a key role in the skin’s aging, and even induce skin cancer.

The main types of solar radiation we should avoid: 

1. UVB – these rays cause sunburns on the skin. This type of radiation is entirely absorbed in the epidermis – the outer skin layer and induces redness in the skin, peeling and burns when we expose our skin to the sun for too long.
2. UVA – these rays are the main cause of the skin’s early aging. This type of radiation penetrates the skin’s middle layer, the dermis, and induces collagen and elastin destruction. It affects vital structures in the skin and speeds up its aging. 

What effects does tanning have on our facial skin? 

Immediate sun damage: 

• Redness – mainly appears about two to six hours after exposure and starts fading within 24 hours.
• Sunburns – at various levels, according to the level of exposure.
• Freckles – may appear shortly after exposure.
• Pigmentation that appears immediately after exposure to the sun – this condition is mainly caused by an inflammatory process being created in the skin due to sun exposure and another factor, for example taking a specific medication.
• Rash – this condition is caused by the immune system’s reaction to sun radiation.

Subsequent damages:

• Dry, rough and textured skin without elasticity and vitality – caused by the impaired function of the skin to maintain moisture.
• The onset of freckles and pigmentation – often appears already in the twenties, which later become more pronounced.
• Accelerated aging of the skin – manifested by early onset and increased wrinkles and spots, loose and saggy skin. That is a result of damage to the collagen and elastin fibers.
• Dilation of the capillaries – as a result of damage to blood vessels.
• The development of skin cancer – repeated and prolonged exposures may cause DNA damage to the skin cells and a compromised immune system at the same time, causing skin cancer in some people.

How should the type of cream be suited to our skin type?
First, under FDA guidelines, for all skin types, a formula that provides protection against the two types of harmful sun radiation, UVA and UVB, should be used.  Those with fair skin are prone to get burns faster than those with darker skin. Therefore, they require sunscreens with a higher SPF.   In general, you should pick a product with an SPF factor of 30 or higher, and those who are at risk, or when going out for a long outdoor activity – sunscreens with an SPF factor of 50 or higher.  The Sunbrella range includes sunscreens that are suited to daily use and integrate moisture with the skin’s protection against UVA and UVB radiation.  The range includes products with sunscreens in two levels – SPF 30 and SPF 50+ for a specially high level of protection.  Each one of theproducts, at two protection levels, is also offered with a makeup-like cover.  Additionally, either product is also available in a “to-go” version, which you can carry in your bag.   The products’ range is characterized by a light texture, leaving the facial skin soft and pleasant. They’re quickly absorbed and maintain the skin’s natural tone without leaving a white layer on the facial skin. The products contain a hyaluronic-acid booster, which raises the moisture level in the skin and improves its texture and wrinkles’ appearance, as well as vitamin E, which reduces damage caused by sun radiation and improves the skin’s moisture level.  

Skin Spots and Pigmentation

Sun exposure – the key cause of skin spots and pigmentation is exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays (UV). When we expose our skin to the sun, skin cells known as melanocytes, which are found in the lower layer of the epidermis (the skin’s upper layer) generate high levels of the pigment melanin. This important pigment, which gives the skin its characteristic tone, has an important role – to absorb the sun’s rays that penetrate the skin and then reflect them back. That way, it stops them from damaging the skin’s cells. Yet excess production of melanin, particularly in accumulative sun exposure, causes hyper-pigmentation and the onset of brown skin spots.

Genetics – pigmentation problems are more common among those with dark skins compared to those with fair skins and their spots also stand out more. That is probably due to a genetic disposition.

Hormonal changes – skin spots and pigmentation are more common among women than men, as a result of the hormonal changes they experience throughout a woman’s lifetime, such as pregnancy or taking pills.

Medicinal issues – different medications affect the onset of pigmentation. The major ones are painkillers such as Nurofen, Advil, Adex, Voltaren and Naxyn; medication for treating acne such as Roaccutane, antibiotic medication such as Tatricilan; heart medication such as Amiodarone, Procardia, Cardizem and Dilacor; antidepressants, anti-anxieties and so forth.

Scars

Acne scars – acne vulgaris is one of the main reasons for the onset of scars in on the skin. These scars are known as “post-acne” and their main cause is a chronic inflammation that develops in the skin’s follicle and its surrounding mammary glands. In an effort to eradicate the acne bacteria that thrive in the mammary glands, the body generates an inflammation. When the inflammation becomes chronic and acute, or is not treated adequately, a fracture is formed in the mammary glands that causes an onset of pimples and pustular cysts. Often, the sores and inflammation may damage the dermis layer, the skin’s deepest layer, and as a result, disrupt the healing and recovery process with scar tissues forming around the lesions. These scars are mostly recessed and appear as pimples, but often bulging scars are formed (keloid scars), mainly in the chest and back areas. In addition to the skin’s texture, the scar also affects the skin’s color and may even cause reddish or brownish-grey spots.

Inflammatory conditions – even other inflammatory conditions in the skin may damage the dermis layer with scar tissue forming.

Genetics – although no specific genes that are responsible for that have been found, it seems that some ethnic groups, such as African-Americans for example, as well as those with dark skin in general, have a genetic predisposition for acne.

Smoking – cigarettes smoking impacts the healing process of sores and promotes inflammatory processes, which as a result may increase the propensity for scarring.

Skin spots and scars are the most common reasons for seeking a beauty therapist and dermatologists, and anyone who experienced them knows how they can affect the skin’s appearance. Furthermore, many surveys point out that these skin problems have psychological ramifications and they negatively impact the self-image of those who suffer from them.

What factors cause these skin problems, how do they affect the skin and how can they be treated to rehabilitate the skin?

How can these problems be treated and how can the skin be rehabilitated?

Scars and skin spots are challenging problems. Yet, an intervention of a professional beauty therapist at the earliest possible stage when it first appears, in conjunction with maintaining a routine home treatment, can have impressive and major results in the skin’s condition. The sooner the treatment, the easier the skin’s recovery is and the better the results will be. Mostly, in the first stages of treatment, it is important to get treated once every few weeks and then drop to once a month or every month later on.

Maintaining a home-treatment routine is equally important. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use Renew Formula’s treatment cream that works to renew and rehabilitate the skin, balance sebum levels, and at the same time lighten the skin. This unique formula involves a high level of azelaic acid with retinol and salicylic acid. Azelaic acid works to regulate the sebum and balance the skin, as well as brighten the skin and reduce changes in the skin tone that remain in the post-acne stage. In addition, it also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial action. Retinol and salicylic acid also work to prevent the onset of scars and promote their recovery, as well as renew and brighten the skin.

The synergy between these components acts to achieve real results in the skin’s renewal process and help prevent and minimize scars, brighten skin spots and improve the skin’s tone and texture. Because of its diversity and wide range of action, the product is intended for many types of skin, mainly for skins that show early signs of aging, scars and spots.

Skin spots and scars are common skin conditions that are the main reason for seeing beauty therapists and dermatologists. The causes for these two problems are diverse – from genetics and hormonal changes to environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking and taking medication. In order to achieve the most beneficial results for treating these challenging conditions, it is important to maintain professional treatment with the beauty therapist, and at the same time continue with routine home treatment with effective and professional products. The unique formula of Re-New Formula therapeutic cream integrates a high level of azelaic acid with retinol and salicylic acid, while their synergy makes treatment especially powerful with a range of beneficial effects on the skin.

How exactly do these three components work and why is their synergy so powerful?

Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, is considered the oldest form of acid. Therefore, this vitamin is water-soluble, it mainly works in a watery environment, such as the space between the skin’s cells. On the other hand, Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It mainly works in the fatty areas, including cellular membranes, which are made up of fatty acids.

The Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA) merges the best of both worlds – this vitamin-like substance, which is found in every cell of the human body, works to combat free radicals, in fatty and watery environments, which is why it is also known as a “universal antioxidant.” More than that, the antioxidating properties of the alpha-lipoic acid remarkably resemble those of Vitamin C and Vitamin E, while being thought to be the body’s natural reservoir for supplementing deficiencies in these two vitamins, which can replace some of their roles in situations when the body is deficient in them.

Therefore, it’s obvious that these three potent antioxidants complete each other and their common and mutual activity create a synergy that is far more effective than each ingredient separately. Furthermore, it seems that it’s not the only common property that these three ingredients have. It appears that each one of the components is also used as an important anti-inflammatory agent in the body, and together, all three components are particularly potent for relieving inflammatory processes in the skin’s cells, thereby accelerating the skin’s aging process.

Furthermore, both acids – Vitamin C and alpha-lipoic acid, each act separately and collectively with even greater potency for lightening the skin. Vitamin C blocks the tyrosinase enzyme, which is in charge of melanin production in the skin during sun exposure, thereby reducing the production of melanin levels that are responsible for pigmentation spots. Similarly, it was found that alpha-lipoic acid helps combat pigmentation damage by inhibiting the uncontrolled production of melanin in the skin. The three components also elevate the activity of the cellular repair mechanisms, thereby minimizing the damages being caused to the skin as a result of exposure to the sun’s ultra-violet rays, and can even help repair wrinkles.

Vitamin C and alpha acid have two common crucial properties: they’re both considered acids and they’re both one of the most potent antioxidants in nature. In the Renew Formula range, these two acids are integrated with another potent antioxidant – Vitamin E. The synergy between these three antioxidants creates a particularly effective treatment for the renewal of the skin that was affected by sun damage and the environment, and for slowing down the skin’s aging process.

In addition to the common properties, each of these three components also has unique features that make them super-components in repairing sun and environmental damage and in slowing down the skin’s aging process, as each component completes the other two. Vitamin C is vital for collagen and elastin production – the skin’s proteins that are in charge of its elasticity and firmness, and studies have shown that applying it on the skin increases their production even in older skins. Vitamin E works to improve the skin’s moisture levels and prevents dehydration from the epidermis, while the alpha-lipoic acid prevents the glycolysis process in the skin – a process whereby glucose bonds with collagen, creating a toxic effect that makes the skin less elastic, develops wrinkles rapidly, causing rigidity and making the skin susceptible to scars.

Studies that examined the use of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid when applying cosmetics products on the skin surface revealed that in order to achieve a higher level of efficiency, a relatively high concentration of them is required. The Renew Formula range is based on a particularly high concentrations of these three components, thereby maximizing their efficacy in these products, while their combination demonstrates exceptional results.

In order to make the products even more effective, the range also combines other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components such as green tea and alpha-bisabolol, additional lightening substances such as azelaic acid, a probiotic extract that strengthens the skin’s immune system, and anti-aging components that act to renew the skin such as salicylic acid and retinol.

High levels of the concentrated active ingredients in the Renew Formula range – Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Alpha lipoic acid generate a potent range with wide-ranging action that originated in their crucial common properties, as well as the synergy between the three. These properties include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity with a boosted activity of the skin’s natural recovery mechanisms. In addition, there are unique properties such as lightening, collagen-production support, maintaining the skin’s moisture and preventing cellular destruction. The combination of additional components, such as green team, alpha-bisabolol, and probiotic extract, even further increases that synergy and demonstrates impressive results in repairing the skin’s damage and its renewal, with a healthy-looking and more radiant skin than ever before.

Wrinkles and early aging
In a study published in 2014 entitled “Ultraviolet radiation and the skin’s aging”, researchers claim that sun exposure is responsible for 80% of the skin’s signs of aging, especially wrinkles and fine lines that appear on the skin, neck, and cleavage. How does it happen? Researchers explain that UV radiation accelerates the production of free radicals in the skin cells, which completely disrupt the skin’s protection mechanism and damage elastin and collagen, which form the supporting structure of the skin. The result: That structure gets loose and loses its organizational capacity, leading an onset of wrinkles and saggy skin.

Dry skin
That damage can be observed even in relatively young people. The increased production of free radicals also hurts the skin’s capability to maintain moisture, and as a result, it already begins to lose its vitality and appears dry, lacking moisture and elasticity already at an early stage.

Pigmentation
If you suffer from pigmentation from a young age then you’re not alone. These spots are the most common aesthetic reason for women to seek beauty therapists and dermatologists. Studies that used imaging technology on violet skin visually show major damage already in subjects in their twenties and even among teens and children. That problem is caused by an exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which triggers a counter-reaction in the cells, and as a result, melanin production by the specialized cells – the melanocytes. The story is simple: The longer exposure you have to the sun, the more melanin these cells will generate in order to protect the skin. For that reason, the skin appears tanned. But it’s a double-edged sword – that’s also the reason behind spots, as the spread of melanin particles is not always uniform and tends to build up in some areas of the skin.

Facial redness
Exposure to heat and UV rays also causes a major dilation of the facial blood vessels, especially in the cheeks, nose, and chin, providing a reddish and blushed appearance. Repeated exposure may cause irreversible damage to them, resulting in a permanent reddish appearance and dilated blood vessels, with possible onset of rosacea – a chronic skin disease manifested by heightened redness, dilated blood vessels, a burning sensation, swelling and oftentimes pimples. Although the disease has a genetic factor, exposure to the sun and extreme heat is one of the key factors that can trigger its onset.

Acne rash
If your skin is greasy and prone to acne, prolonged exposure to the sun may cause an acne rash. There are several reasons for it, mainly excess sweating in the heat and excess secretion of sebum by the skin’s mammary glands, thereby blocking the pores and causing a proliferation of the P. acne bacteria that are found within them.

Skin cancer
It’s no secret that sun exposure is a key factor for skin cancers, such as basalioma and carcinoma, which also contribute to melanoma. Based on research published in 2013, the risk for melanoma is especially linked to sunburns, especially when they appear at a relatively young age. Therefore, although skin cancers are mostly diagnosed in the fifth or sixth decades of life, the damage that triggers them is due to tanning in young ages. Even in these cases, the main factor is free radicals, which disrupt the skin’s protective mechanism against radiation damage. In repeated damage to the cells, the capacity to repair the damage is impaired.

How can you prevent the damages?
It should be noted: There’s no such thing as “healthy tanning”. In order to prevent the harmful effects of tanning, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and if you go out, apply sunscreen.

The Sunbrella range includes sunscreen products that integrate moisture, vitamins and sunscreens, and is suitable for daily use for the skin’s maximum protection against UVA and UVB radiation. The range includes products with SPF factors in two levels – SPF 30 and SPF50+, so that the level of protection can be suited to the skin tone and its level of sensitivity to the sun.

Alongside the UVA and UVB sunscreens, the products range contain vitamins C and E, which are known to reduce sun-exposure damage to the skin, as well as provide the skin with broad a protection that goes beyond sunblock. Sunbrella SPF50+ products also contain a hyaluronic-acid booster that raises the level of moisture in the skin and improves its texture and wrinkles’ appearance, thereby offering moisture with active ingredients with an especially-broad protection against the sun.

All the products are characterized by a light texture, leaving the facial skin soft and pleasant. It’s quickly absorbed and maintains the skin’s natural tone without leaving a white layer on the face and can therefore be used daily. Another major advantage in the range – each of its products, at the two SPF levels, SPF30 and SPF50+, are available in a makeup-like version. Additionally, each product is offered in a “to go” version, which allows you to carry the product in your bag and use it when you’re out in the sun, or reapply it when necessary.

Spring has come and the bathing season is just around the corner. The heat and the pleasant weather are tempting to go out to nature and the beach, take a tan and soak in the warm sun rays. But with the love for the beach and tanning, you should keep in mind the harmful aspects of the sun, and it’s not only about skin cancer but how tanning affects your facial skin over the years, especially in a sunny and warm country such as Israel. The 8 reasons that will make you stop tanning:

Sunburns
A red and burning skin is definitely unpleasant, especially if the burn is also accompanied by blistering. And it surely doesn’t make anyone’s skin more beautiful. In fair-skinned people, sunburns may already appear after a short exposure to the sun’s rays during peak hours (10:00 to 16:00).

How should the sunscreen be suited to our facial-skin type?

In general, you should choose a product with an SPF factor of at least 30. If you’re fair skinned and prone to burn quickly, you need sunscreens with an SPF factor of 50 or higher. In addition, if you leave home for an extended activity, you should take with you a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 50.

With all the fun in tanning, exposing the skin to the sun can take a heavy toll that will appear in both short and long-term damage, from sunburns through wrinkles and the skin’s early aging, pigmentation, redness, acne rashes and even skin cancer. To prevent the damage, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and if you do go out, protect the skin and apply a high-quality sunscreen cream. The Sunbrella range provides a quality solution from radiation – with products that offer maximum protection to the skin against the harmful UVA and UVB radiations, while offering high levels of moisture and vitamins that also contribute to the skin’s protection from radiation and are suitable for daily use. The products are also offered in make-up-like and to-go versions so that you can use them anywhere and at any time.