Skincare 101

Experts from the International Dermal Institute (IDI) offer advice to teens on common skins woes.

Hormones, homework and hotties--it's hard enough to deal without throwing stressed, broken-out or irritated skin into the mix. With the help of IDI skin expert and spokesperson, Annet King, great-looking skin is an achievable goal. Here are some helpful hints crucial to good skin care:

THE BASIC REGIMEN
The three most important skin care steps are:

1. CLEANSING
2. TONING
3. MOISTURIZING

BATTLE OF THE PRODUCT
Ugh! The breakout strikes again. The best way to stop skin from further out-of-control is to consult a professional who can provide insight on serious skin care and bad skin habits that need to be stopped. Top professional recommendations for superb skin include:

1. Finding the right skin products and eliminating products that contain potential irritants or comedogenic (blackhead causing) culprits, like Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, fragrance, SD Alcohol, soap, artificial colors.

2. Screen make-up, foundation and powder that can be packed with pimple-causing ingredients like the above (particularly Isopropyl Myristate.) This ingredient is used is many "oil free" products but actually irritates the follicle to produce more oil and dead cells. Make up can lay on the skin for up to 12 hours and applying more during breakouts makes matters worse.

3. The most overlooked breakout causing ingredients are in hair care products. Conditioners, hair sprays and hair gels almost all contain plastics, which can block pores and cause breakouts. The ingredients to be aware of are PVP, CVP and any copolymer ingredient. Scalp breakouts and chin acne are good indications that hair care products are the offenders. Many waterproof, sweat proof, or smudge proof cosmetics and sunscreens also contain these plastics. Wearing hair around the face also contributes to the problem.

4. Watch the Environment--UV Rays, seasonal changes, diet, poor nutrition and pollution can all worsen acne breakouts. Many teens think sitting in the summer sun will help dry up breakouts. But, while teh sun may temporarily mask acne, tighten up pores, or dry up the oil glands, the sun will also damage follicular walls and clog pores which will result in more acne that will usually surfaces three to four weeks after sun exposure.

5. Acne-causing Phones and Clothing! Synthetic fibers will create areas of friction and sports clothing is a big culprit. Breakouts on the shoulders, chest and back result. Cell phones or headsets can also cause frictional breakouts. Wear cotton, keep fingers off the face and sterilize that phone.

6. Eat Clean--Although no direct medical proof links a poor diet to breakouts we do know that the skin is the largest organ of the body and what we put in it shows on our faces. Skin experts and nutritionists feel that acne breakouts are a sign of toxicity and poor elimination. Keeping the body internally clean and functioning properly will help boost the immune system and clear up breakouts. Avoid or minimize the intake of, if you can, irritants like dairy products, coffee, carbonated sodas, chocolate and other refined sugars, alcohol, fried and processed foods.

Founded in 1983, the International Dermal Institue (IDI) serves as the foremost authority on professional skin therapy and is the premier provider of post-graduate education for professional skin therapists. With locations in the United States, Canada, The United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, IDI-trained skin therapists are recognized worldwide for their training, expertise and knowledge.