THE TRUTH BEHIND SILICONES

We all love silky hair, and makeup that will stay put even when we work up a sweat. The synthetic ingredient that’s responsible for those results is usually silicone. First introduced to beauty products in the 1950s, silicones are derived from a natural product called silica, but undergo extensive chemical processing before being added to our beauty products such as shampoos, conditioners & cosmetic products etc.
Silicones go by different names where dimethicone is one of the best-known and are modified into numerous different formulas in order to perform the specific role expected of them—waterproofing, retaining moisture, adhering colour pigments, protecting our hair and imparting smoothness, and making the application of skincare products feel silky—no tugging on the skin as it is spread on, and no oily, sticky feeling. They give our deodorants that velvety feel, allowing them to dry quickly, and they keep water-resistant sunscreens on our skin, even when we sweat or get wet.

What is Dimethicone?

Dimethicone is what the chemists like to call a silicon-based polymer—”polymer” meaning it’s a large molecule made up of several smaller units bonded together. Simply put, it’s a silicon oil, man-made in the laboratory and used in personal care products as an anti-foaming agent, skin protectant, and skin and hair conditioner.

Manufacturers like it because it makes products easily spreadable, so you get that feeling of the lotion or cream gliding over your skin, another way to describe is, it helps the product to spread as smooth as butter.  Dimethicone also helps form a protective barrier on the skin, and can fill in the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, which is why it’s often used in makeup primers.

Is it safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its use as a skin protectant ingredient in over-the-counter drug products. Furthermore, the Cosmetic Ingredient review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the data surrounding dimethicone, and assessed it as safe to use in personal care products. They determined that because of the large molecular weight of silicone based polymers such as dimethicone, it would be very unlikely for it to penetrate past the surface of the skin.

How Dimethicone affect your skin?

That artificial coating which caused by Dimethicone caused several issues:

• It traps everything under it, including bacteria, sebum, and impurities which could lead to increased breakouts and blackheads.
• The coating action actually prevents the skin from performing its normal activities for example sweating, temperature regulating, sloughing off dead skin cells, etc.
• Prolonged exposure to dimethicone can actually increase skin irritation, due to the coating property and because dimethicone is listed as a possible skin and eye irritant.
• Those with sensitive or reactive skin are at higher risk of an allergic reaction to dimethicone too.

These type of ingredients can actually exacerbate skin aging, here’s the reason:

• You’re inhibiting skin’s natural processes.
• You’re creating a dependency on the coating product, disrupting the skin’s own hydrating processes which in the end increases dryness, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
• The coating properties may increase breakouts, particularly if you’re susceptible to acne, which will lead to scars and dull looking skin.
• These ingredients have no benefit in boosting the health and vitality of the skin, thus letting aging take its toll.

What to do?

REMEMBER, double cleansing! This is very very important. Please do not expect any facial cleanser can do the job. Firstly you have to remove all make ups or sunscreen on your face using make up removal, preferably lotion which is liquid type. Then only wash your face with facial cleanser. This is why we called, double cleansing, put in mind too, do not overdo.

Let your skin rest, put on some calming & moisturizing mask. We find out a lot of our patients skip the step of applying toner before they apply the moisturizer on. If you want your skin to be healthy and radiant, never ever skip any step.

How our Skinartesse Laser can help you?

• improve congested, oily and sensitive skin.
• improve skin complexion
• brighten up the skin, you can see instantly after one session of the laser
• reduce the size of pores
• lighten scars which caused by acnes
• lighten dark circles, the darker shade around lips & even on lips

To enquire about Skinartesse Laser, you may contact the team here.

YOUR ACNE WANTS TO TALK TO YOU

Acne is often thought of as a normal part of adolescence. In Chinese Medicine, it’s believed that acne that flares up on different parts of your face represents health problems on different parts of your body. Although this is not a science but this theory can be helpful when you are helpless in treating your acne and this might help you to pinpoint a reason which cause your acne.

Toxins often cleanse through the skin, when the other eliminating systems are sluggish; hormonal imbalances over stimulate the oil glands and impurities in the blood will often affect the skin. All of these can clog pores. Acne is the body’s reaction to those clogged pores. Here’s what your acne trying to indicate about your health concern:

Upper Forehead

Digestive System & Bladder – Drink plenty of water to flush, eliminate greasy foods and refined sugars especially preserved or process foods. If you’re craving deep fried fatty foods, eat avocado or add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your dish. Make sure you consume plenty of fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Some of the best antioxidant rich foods or drinks include green tea, warm lemon water, and fresh berries. If your diet is not rich in naturally fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha, or kefir, consider supplementing with a probiotic capsule daily. Most pharmacies carry probiotic capsules.

Lower Forehead

Heart – Your heart is a massive organ that pumps blood through your entire body. It has a tough job and can become easily stressed due to poor diet, inactivity, and various mental and physical stresses. If you have pimples on your lower forehead make it a point to do regular cardiovascular exercises. Eating pomegranate and coconut oil will also keep your heart healthy and help clear this up.

Eyes, orbital area and between the eyebrows

Liver – Cut out the alcohol, greasy food and dairy. This is the zone where food allergies also show up first, so take a look at your ingredients. Besides all this, do 30 minutes of light exercise every day and get adequate sleep so your liver can rest. Cut back on greasy foods loaded with vegetable, soy, and canola oil, alcohol and dairy products. Avoid eating late at night as well. If you’re craving a late snack take a spoonful of raw honey or raw celery. This will let your liver rest while you’re sleeping. Eat more vegetables such as garlic, grapefruits, green tea, carrots, beets, green leafy vegetables, lemon and limes etc.

Ears

Kidneys – When kidneys are not taken care of, you’ll find these large, painful pimples on your ears that refuses to leave no matter what. Increase water intake, avoiding eating too much salty food & caffeine, & cleanse your kidneys with diuretics like parsley and water.

Nose

Heart – Check your blood pressure and Vitamin B levels. Decrease the intake of spicy or pungent food, cut down on meat and get more fresh air. Besides this, go for lower cholesterol by replacing “bad fats” with “good fats” such as Omegas 3 and 6 found in nuts, avocados, fish and flax seed. Besides that, our nose area is chock-full of dilated pores, check that your makeup is not past its expiry date or is skin-clogging and make sure that you do proper face cleansing.

Upper Cheeks

Lungs and Respiratory System – Stresses to the lungs are likely to cause flare ups in the upper cheeks and even break your capillaries. Even if you’re not a smoker you may have noticed an upper cheek breakout due to asthma, allergies, lung infections, staying in a polluted area. Try to avoid smoking and second hand smoke.

Lower Cheeks

Gum or teeth problems – Acne may appear in the lower cheek area as a result of gum or teeth problems. Avoid refined sugar and soft drinks. Oil pulling is a great technique and it is efficient in treating many gum or teeth problems. Eat fiber rich fruits and vegetables to strengthen your teeth and gums. Besides, you must change your pillowcase at least once a week, and wipe down your phone with an antibacterial wipe every few days.Always keep on top of your dental health, brushing, mouthwash and flossing twice a day and regular check ups at the dentist at least twice a year! Don’t just wait until you have a dental problem to make an appointment.

Side Of Chin

Hormones and genitals – This condition mostly affects women and it often indicates hormonal imbalance, caused by menstruation, birth control or diet high in soy. Emotional and physical stress also cause hormonal imbalance. Try to have enough & quality sleep not more than 8 hours, meditate, or do yoga. This will help you keep your mind focused and relieve stress. You can also increase the intake of essential fatty acids, such as omega 3. You can go for some herbs that will help you balance your hormones such as licorice, schisandra, holy basil, maca root, burdock, red raspberry leaves, rhodiola, milk thistle, green tea etc.

Center Of The Chin

Small intestine and stomach – Acne on the center of the chin can be related to digestion and to problems with the the stomach and small intestine. This can be directly caused by a poor diet and/or food allergies such as one to gluten. You may want to consider a whole foods cleanse for a week to assist with movement in the intestines.  To be more precise, you are what you digest. Probiotic deficiency and insufficient consumption of naturally fermented foods or probiotic capsules affect digestion, even though you may eat healthy and organic foods. Stress, insufficient sleep, and dehydration also affect stomach and small intestine. Sleeping well at night, drinking a lot of water, introducing lifestyle changes to reduce your stress, and doing yoga or meditation will help you fight chin acne.

Chest & Neck

Illness – Chest & neck areas are usually caused by stress, so be sure to figure out what’s stressing you out and try to eliminate that stress. It’s also important to be comfortable in your outfits. When areas around the neck flare up, it’s often caused by your body fighting off infections.

SKINARTESSE LASERS

WHY CHOOSE SKINARTESSE LASER?

No medication required

No downtime

No long recovery periods

Affordable

Long term results

Painless and no anesthesia required

Skinartesse Laser Peel encompasses the equivalent of having 4 chemical peels in one session, the outer most layer of the epidermis is safely removed with no downtime, or any complications like ablative alternatives such as Fractional Co2 lasers, and yet it still produces visible results immediately. This laser function treats:

• skin rejuvenation
• all types of acne problems
• improve skin elasticity
• reduce age spots
• large pores
• sun damaged skin
• reduce fine lines, wrinkles
• yellow, dull or oily skin
• lighten acne scars

Skinartesse Laser Toning is the application of specialized laser energy to reduce visible sin pigmentation and it accomplishes two major goals:

• Even-out your skin tone
• Improve your skin texture

The laser energy gently targets the melanin in the cells breaking it up for your body’s natural removal processes. Because the treatment is gentle, multiple passes are needed in order to target deep into the tissue.

ARE YOU A SUITABLE CANDIDATE? IF YOU WISH TO…

• Glowing youthful looking skin
• Have Acne under control
• Remove minor Acne Scars and redness
• Flawless radiant smooth skin

SKINARTESSE CINDERELLA, THE ULTIMATE SKIN TREATMENT 皮肤救星

Magical transformation to radiant skin, the Skinartesse Cinderella Skin Treatment

Everybody dreams of having whiter, brighter and beautifully even skin. A complexion with youthful elasticity and perfect hydration is now in reach, thanks to this unique treatment. All the ingredients are FDA approved and known to be safe for usage. Skinartesse Cinderella Skin Treatment helps to achieve:

• Hydration
• Whitening
• Brightening
• Pores reduction
• Face Lift
• Fine line reduction
• Improve pigmentation
• Lighten Scars
• Improves uneven skin tone

不可思議的美麗蛻變。就能拥有一張水潤通透的肌膚。

每一个人都想要拥有透白亮彩、輪廓分明、緊緻富彈性，如上了妆的肌膚。Skinartesse Cinderella 皮肤疗程所用的都是FDA 安全認證的著名成分，安全可靠。这个疗程可以达到得效果如：

• 保濕
• 美白均色
• 提升光澤
• 收細毛孔
• 輪廓提升
• 柔滑飽滿
• 減淡幼紋
• 減淡黑眼圈
• 改善眼部乾紋

Avoid milk for clear complexion

It is often recommended to drink 3 glasses of milk a day to promote growth and help keep our bones healthy. Milk is rich in proteins, fats, calcium, sugars, but there is also the abundance of precursors of testosterone, progesterone, insulin as well as other growth hormones that can contribute to acne prone skin.

Milk tends to be an active part of our Malaysian diets – from cereal in the morning to our coffees throughout the day. Some ways that milk triggers acne are:

• The testosterone in milk activates sebum glands to overproduce oils, therefore resulting in oily skin and the blockage of pores.
• Insulin in milk has an affect on the adrenal glands, which produces more oil and also impairs immune responses and low-grade inflammation from chronic stress.
• Testosterone and milk together, as a result, causes severe blemished complexions.
• The milk in sugar, known as Lactose, spikes our insulin levels. This harbours perfect conditions for acne.
• Milk causes a massive surge in insulin, which contribute to the increase in insulin and basal insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) plasma levels.
• Increase insulin and IFG-I activates acne target genes, which in turn activate androgen receptors.
• As a result, comedones (also known as black heads and white heads) are formed, followed by the over production of oil in the sebaceous glands, and the inflammation of follicles.

Whether it is milk you bought at the grocery, or organic milk, the overall composition of milk carry acne triggering compounds. In addition, the abundance of growth-promoting hormones present in milk are unsuitable for humans, which can cause other complications such as; obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

To reduce your acne, it is advised that you remove milk and other diary products from your diet. The restriction of milk consumption can increasingly contribute to attaining a clear complexion and increased health. There are a variety of other ways to intake calcium into our bodies, such as vegetables and beans.

For other acne preventative measures and to treat your current acne, contact our medical professionals at Skin Art Clinic and schedule your complementary consultation today. We can help you get to the root causes of your acne and provide you with effective medical solutions to treat it.

ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi, MD Now Available In Rachel Chew Clinic

Dr. Zein Obaji, MD is the quintessential skincare expert. His concepts and philosophies have created a new paradigm in the way Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons think about skin health.

Available at The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, Dr. Obagi’s new line of skincare products, ZO Skin Health, bridges the gap between therapeutic medical products and daily skincare.

Unlike traditional anti-aging topical skincare, ZO Skin Health works at the cellular level so that skin nourishes, repairs and maintains itself. ZO programs help you achieve optimum skin health by ‘layering’ retinol, anti-oxidants and vitamins to increase and enhance repair. Dr. Obagi recommends a 5-step approach with 3 steps (Activate, Stimulate, Calm/Nourish) that are truly unique.

THE CONCEPT
The ZO Skin Health Program is Dr. Zein Obagi’s step-by-step approach to help you achieve optimum skin health and vitality. The ZO Skin Health Program is defined by the ‘layering’ of retinol, anti-oxidants and vitamins to increase cellular stimulation and repair, thereby improving overall results. Healthy skin begins with the ZO Skin Health Programs.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Based on your concerns and skin condition, one of our Skin Care Specialists will recommend a ZO Skin Health Program for you. Every program offers you products that are designed to help:

1. Prevent skin damage and protect skin from future degeneration (Level 1)
2. Stimulate and repair existing damage (Level 11)
3. Aggressively rejuvenate skin with distinct chronological and environmental damage (Level 111)

Use your ZO Skin Health Program daily in order to see the best results.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
Immediately and over time, you will see a noticeable improvement in your lines and wrinkles, dark spots, tone, texture, firmness and elasticity. Underneath the surface, your skin will be healthier, so you can enjoy instant gratification and long-term benefits. With regular and continued use, ZO Skin Health Programs help you fight the signs of aging and achieve healthy and younger looking skin.

ZO Product Line

Step 1: CLEANSE
To improve texture, eliminate dullness and enhance the penetration of following steps, these ZO products remove impurities, neutralize free radicals and nourish with powerful anti-oxidants.

Products for Step 1
Offects Exfoliating Cleanser – Gently removes impurities and repairs surface damage with:

Vitamin E encapsulated beads

– Neutralize free radicals and exfoliate dead skin cells
– Targets excess oil

Advanced Lipopeptide
– Boosts skin’s natural production of collagen
Offects Hydrating Cleanser – Gently removes impurities and repairs surface damage with:
ZO Aggressive Anti-Aging Kit

Panthenol and Allantoin
– Lock in necessary moisture for a healthy complexion
– Stimulate the growth of healthy tissue

Advanced Lipopeptide
– Boosts skin’s natural production of collagen

Step 2: ACTIVATE
To increase the penetration of active ingredients, these ZO products polish off the top layer of dead skin cells and sebum from your skin so active ingredients can work harder.

Products for Step 2
Offects TE-Pads – Enhance the penetration of active ingredients, control oiliness, breakouts and remove dead cells with:

2% Salicylic Acid
– Exfoliates pore-clogging skin cells
– Reduces oiliness to help prevent breakouts

Botanical Extracts
– Calm and smooth skin

Offects Exfoliating Polish – Enhance the penetration of active ingredients, remove dead skin cells and sebum with:

Round Magnesium Crystals
– Slough off dry skin
– Improve skin texture (smoothness)
– Restore glow
– At-home benefits of microdermabrasion to activate and repair skin cells

Four Vitamins (A, C, C-esters and E)
– Provide a powerful anti-oxidant protection

Step 3: STIMULATE
To improve uneven pigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce collagen degradation and improve the elasticity of the skin, these ZO products work to improve cellular function and are at the heart and soul of Dr. Obagi’s skin rejuvenation philosophy.

All of these products contain retinol; it is the most active ingredient for stimulating and renewing cells. To restore skin’s vitality, basal cells need to be stimulation. When cell turnover (mitosis) is increased:
– Keratinocytes production is enhanced, (major cell type of the epidermis, making up about 90% of the epidermal cells)
– Dermis gets thicker
– Blood circulation is increased
– All skin functions are improved
– Collagen degradation (by enzymes called collagenases) is reduced
– Fibroblasts (which produce collagen and elastin) are stimulated
– Basal membrane is strengthened
– Epidermis becomes firmer, more elastic and with fewer wrinkles

ZO GroupDermal stimulation must be a continuous process. The benefits are needed all life long, but especially after age 30, when skin functions start to deteriorate. When the skin cells are stimulated, damaged and dead cells are “pushed” to the surface letting the new, healthy ones emerge. The result; skin is restored and rejuvenated.

Products for Step 3
Ossential Daily Power Defense – Daily DNA repair and anti-oxidant protection with:

Enzymes (Ultrasomes and Roxisomes)
– Encourage the skin’s DNA repair mechanism to self-correct

Powerful Anti-Oxidents
– Speed recovery from past UV damage
– Help prevent future photo damage

Retinol and Matrixyl 3000
– Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Even skin tone and improve hyper pigmentation
– Increase dermal thickness and firmness

Omega-6 Ceramide
– Lock in moisture
– Reduce inflammation

Ossential Growth Factor Serum – Collagen booster helps firm and tone with:

Proprietary Lipopeptides, Amino-Acids and Vitamins A, B & C Derivative
– Boost collagen production
– Increase dermal thickness and elasticity

Epidermal Growth Factor
– Stimulates cellular function
– Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
– Well tolerated by sensitive skin types

Retinol
– Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Evens skin tone and improves hyper pigmentation
– Increases dermal thickness and firmnessOssential Radical Night Repair

Ossential Radical Night Repair Plus – Restore functionality, skin elasticity and improve uneven pigmentation with:

Ultra-high concentration of Retinol: 1%
– 10 times the industry average
– Encapsulated time-release formula to increase penetration and reduce irritation
– Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Evens skin tone and improves hyper-pigmentation
– Increases dermal thickness and firmness

Vitamin C
– Boosts skin’s brightness, improves skin tone and clarity
– Provides anti-oxidant protection
– Continuously stimulates cells for optimal collagen production and elasticity improvement

Anti-oxidents (Vitamins C & E, Co-Q10)
– Neutralize free radicals to help reverse the signs of aging
– A Crithmum Maritinum Marine Extract
– Regulates sebum to help control acne and oiliness

Step 4: CALM & NOURISH
To soothe and calm skin after the surface has been exfoliated and potent concentrations have been applied, these ZO products are packed with anti-inflammatory agents to reduce any irritation and redness that can occur after using retinol and Vitamin C at high concentrations. They also provide advanced hydration with key nourishing ingredients.

Products for Step 4
Ommerse Daily Renewal Crème – Sooth, calm and nourish skin with:

Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Esters and natural emollients
– Nourish Skin

Advanced anti-irritant complex with Oat and Canadian Willow herb extracts
– Soothes and reduces inflammation

Retinol
– Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Evens skin tone and improves hyper pigmentation
– Increases dermal thickness and firmness

Advanced Oxysome Liposome System
– Delivers Vitamins C & E deeper beneath the surface
– Boots skin’s natural production of collagen
– Evens skin tone

Ectoin
– Protects skin’s immune system
– Protects against photo aging and the formation of sunburn cells

ZO Gentle Kit Ommerse Overnight Recovery Crème – Deeply soothe, calm and nourish skin with:

Ceramide 2, Soline, Squalane and Shea Butter
– Nourish skin
– Protect against Trans Epidermal Water Loss

Advanced anti-irritant complex with Oat and Canadian Willow herb extracts
– Soothes and reduces inflammation

Ultrasomes (enzymes)
– Repairs DNA damage to increase cell survival

Retinol
– Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
– Evens skin tone and improves hyper pigmentation
– Increases dermal thickness and firmness

Step 5: PROTECT
To protect skin against future sun damage Dr. Obaji recommends UVA/UVB sun screen protection.

Products for Step 5
Oclipse Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 – Protect, smooth and prime skin for even makeup application with:

Natural Melanin, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
– Protect against UVA/UVB sun damage to reduce the visible signs of aging

Lipopeptides
– Stimulate collagen production

Humectants and Emollients
– hydrate and moisturize skin

Ommerse Overnight Recovery Crème – Repair, brighten and decrease puffiness with:

A blend of encapsulated Retinol, Advanced Peptides and Optical Diffusers
– Instantly and continuously help to repair fine lines and wrinkles
– Increases epidermal thickness, firmness, elasticity and hydration

MDI Complex, Mica and Titanium Dioxide
– Significantly reduce puffiness, dark circles and the appearance of yellow skin tone

Glycosminoglycans
– Boost skin’s natural collagen production

Vitamin E
– Protects against free radical damage
– Smoothes and primes for even makeup application

Trouble with Acne Scarring?

Acne is a very common condition that tends to be hereditary, usually beginning during adolescence and subsiding by the late twenties. In some cases, however, acne may also begin later in life and last well into middle age.

The years of adolescence are full of changes, and living with acne need not be an accepted rite of passage to adulthood. When acne is present early, effective medical intervention will greatly improve the outcome and prevent scarring.

How Acne Begins
Hairs grow out of tiny pores in the skin called follicles. Acne occurs in hair follicles and in the sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the follicles. The sebaceous glands secrete a waxy, oily substance called sebum that helps keep the skin moist and supple. Because sebaceous glands are most concentrated on the face, chest and back, most acne is concentrated in these locations.

Sebum usually passes to the skin’s surface through the opening of the follicle in small, unnoticeable amounts. The hair follicles are lined with layers of dead skin cells. In people with acne the dead skin cells that line the pores stick together abnormally and accumulate within the follicle and block the opening of the pore. This blockage consists of a collection of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria and is known as a comedo:

• A “whitehead”, or closed comedo, has a small or normal sized pore at the skin’s surface.
• A “blackhead,” or open comedo, is nearly identical to a whitehead except that the pore opening is expanded by the size of the plug. The dark color of a blackhead is not the result of dirt or other matter that has accumulated in the pore but is the result of a chemical reaction between the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells and oxygen in the air.
• When a pore becomes plugged, there is further accumulation of debris in the follicle beneath the plug. Eventually, the wall of the follicle may burst from the increasing pressure of the substances building up within it. The sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria are very irritating to the tissue beneath the surface and produce redness, swelling and pain (the inflammatory papule or pimple).

Why Acne Develops?

Genetics
The basic cause of acne is still unknown. The predisposition to develop acne is often hereditary but a combination of factors has been shown to contribute to the acne process. A parent who had a severe case of acne during his or her teenage years is more likely to have children who will also have acne. Parents who had a smooth complexion tend to have children who also have acne-free skin.

Hormonal Changes
During puberty, the body undergoes a great number of changes that are the result of rising levels of sex hormones in the body. Both males and females experience an increase in the levels of hormones called androgens (mainly testosterone in both sexes) that increase the size of the sebaceous glands, promote the production of sebum and contribute to acne.

Skin Bacteria
Bacteria that live on the skin surface are normally “friendly” because they check the growth of more dangerous (disease-causing) microorganisms. These friendly bacteria play little or no role in acne. It is a specific type of bacteria that lives inside the hair follicle and sebaceous gland that is responsible for acne. These germs are not present on the surface of the skin. These tiny organisms inside your pores alter the chemical nature of sebum turning it into a more irritating substance. In addition, these bacteria cause abnormalities in the cells that line the follicles that lead to obstruction of the pore and rupture of the follicle wall.

Diet
Until recently, dermatologists believed there was no connection between acne and diet. New research has provided convincing evidence that diet may, in fact, play a role in acne:

It turns out that “bad carbs” are bad for acne and a reduction in “bad carbs” of 15-20% may significantly help reduce acne severity. The problem foods are those that can be said “to start out white”, foods that contain ingredients like flour, sugar, and starch.
So, in the greasy hamburger, it is not the burger but the bun and the sugar in the ketchup that are the problem. It is the starch in the potato, not the grease in the French fries. Try to cut back on “bad carbs” if you have acne.

Drugs and Industrial Chemicals
Acne-like conditions may infrequently result from the use of certain drugs, primarily bromides, iodides, corticosteroids, androgens, and drugs used to treat epilepsy or depression. Industrial substances, including coal tar and petroleum oil, may cause some cases of acne. Therefore it is important that Dr. Rachel Chew be aware of all medications and supplements that you regularly take or have been recently prescribed.

Local Factors
Pressure on the skin from clothing, backpacks, football shoulder pads, headbands, sport masks and helmets can aggravate acne by friction. Similarly, the friction caused by resting of the chin or cheek on a hand while doing homework, playing a musical instrument, or talking on the telephone may also aggravate acne. Excessive perspiration can also result in worsening of acne in some people.

Cosmetics
Available evidence does not show a connection between acne and the use of cosmetics. However, if your skin seems to break out when you use certain products, you should avoid them as it may be a sensitivity to certain ingredients within the cosmetic that is causing your breakouts. Any cosmetic products that are expired, smell or look odd, or have lost consistency should be immediately discarded.

Picking or Squeezing
Although many people think that picking or squeezing pimples will help make pimples go away, it may actually make the condition worse and lead to long-lasting red marks or even scars. It is much better to treat pimples with topical agents as directed by Dr. Rachel Chew and her team than it is to pick or try to extract a pimple on your own. No matter how tempting it may be to squeeze — do not pick your pimples!

Acne Myths
While the foregoing factors may promote acne or worsen an existing acne condition, other factors that are widely believed to cause acne have no scientific basis at all. Special “cleansing” diets, vitamin supplements and so-called “health foods” invariably prove to be useless in the treatment of acne. Sexual activity does not prevent or clear acne. Also, although good hygiene is recommended, surface dirt and oils on the skin do not exclusively cause acne. As explained previously, acne starts deep within the follicle.

Treatment
Although acne usually passes with adolescence, a variety of treatments are available to prevent the development and spread of acne pimples. Prevention or early treatment of acne tends to be much more successful than attempts to eliminate scars later.

Alternative Treatment in Rachel Chew Clinic by Dr Rachel Chew:

• TCA Skin Peel
• Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
• Dermaroller
• Medical Grade Facial
• Fractional CO2
• Subcision
• Obagi Skin Care

The 10 benefits of a chemical peel

Having radiant skin every day isn’t always easy, and even the healthiest lifestyle and skincare regiment can leave you with a dull or ruddy complexion. Chemical peels are some of the simplest and most effective treatments for achieving that radiant glow, and are one of the oldest cosmetic procedures performed around the world. Not only can you expect smooth and clear skin with these treatments, but chemical peels can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re looking for a dramatic ‘lift’ to your appearance without expensive surgery, chemical peels could be the secret to getting that youthful look.

Here are just ten benefits of this popular cosmetic procedure:

1. Reduction or removal of blotchy patches. Skin blotches can create a dull complexion, and typically do not clear up on their own. A chemical peel can penetrate deep enough to remove the layer of darker skin to even out your skin tone.
2. Removing the appearance of sun damage. The sun is the leading cause of fine lines and wrinkles, and these can be prevented with a healthy skincare regiment. Chemical peels remove the layer of skin that may be affected by sun damage to leave behind a fresh and smooth layer.
3. Acne management. If you’re suffering from acne, a chemical peel may be a valuable part of your treatment program. Lighter peels such as AHAs and glycolic acid peels are more appropriate for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and can help clear up inflammation and even acne scars after a few months of treatment.
4. Lightening of the skin. The change of seasons, poor diet, or even a lack of rest can leave you with a dull and ruddy complexion. Powerful chemical peels made with phenol acid are used to treat deep wrinkles, and can turn your skin lighter as a side effect.
5. Low downtime. Most peels require just one or two treatments before the cells begin to turnover; you’ll start to see effects in just a few days with little recovery time required.
6. Smoother skin. Revealing a fresh layer of skin means you’ll have a smooth and youthful appearance and improved skin texture.
7. Age spot removal. Age spots can be difficult to hide under makeup, but chemical peels can help reduce pigmentation and even out your skin tone.
8. Fast and simple procedures. The process of applying the chemical peel solution and letting it set rarely takes longer than 15-20 minutes. You can be in and out of the doctor’s office within an hour.
9. Improved collagen growth. Glycolic acid peels in particular will help with collagen production; collagen is a building block of skin tissue that creates a strong and supple skin surface.
10. Better skin quality. Removing dead skin cells regularly will freshen up the skin and leave it silky smooth; chemical peels help remove dead skin cells and will even out the skin tone to leave you with a fresh and youthful glow.

Chemical peels work by safely and gently ‘burning’ the top layer of the skin with an acid solution; this slowly removes dead skin cells and the outer layer of skin to reveal a softer and smoother layer underneath.