Sun spots, age spots, brown spots, acne scars, pit marks, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, textured skin… We all have issues with our skin that we want fixed.  But how?  I have to first talk really quick about prevention.  Prevention is so important for all these skin concerns.  Wear sunscreen, don’t pick, healthy diet, drink water, have a good skin care regimen with good products.  Prevention is always easier than fixing a problem.  And never ever use alcohol or products that have alcohol in it on your skin!  Alcohol will never fix anything on your skin, it will only cause more damage and worsen your skin.

So you didn’t prevent, or the problems just happened.  Some times that zit that lasted only a couple days leaves a brown spot for months.  Or maybe you had hormonal acnes that left scarring.  Whatever the case is, I’m sure you don’t like it.  Let’s take care of it!

Clarisonic- Clarisonic is a deep cleansing tool that gets deep inside the pores, thoroughly cleaning the skin and eliminating skin texture.  By cleaning so deeply this prepares the skin to absorb any products you put on, allowing you to get the full benefits of each product you are using.

Glycolic Acid- Your Best Friend!!!  Glycolic acid improves skin texture and appearance.  It stimulates collagen production and elastin fibers, reducing acne scaring, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.  For home use you can get products with 10%-20% glycolic acid.  For higher % of glycolic acid you will have to visit a dermatologist or some estheticians.

Important to know about using glycolic acid:  When any product with glycolic acid is on your skin, this will make your skin sun sensitive.  You must wear a sunscreen if you have any glycolic acid on your skin.  I use my glycolic acid treatments at night before bed.  Then I wash my face in the morning.  This way I’m never out in the sun while any glycolic acid is on my skin.

There are many different types of products with glycolic acid.  The ones I feel are most effective are gylcolic acid peels, retuxurizing pads, treatments (similar to a mask), moisturizer.  Here are some products I recommend:

• Cane & Austin Retexurizing Pads.  This is my #1 recommendation.  It’s so easy to use and it works!!  All you do is take out 1 pad and rub it around your face, avoiding the eye area.  It will burn or tingle a little, that’s ok.  You will probably be slightly red for a few hours, that’s normal too.  (this is why I do it before bed)  Within 1 week of using it, all the brown spots I had from previous break outs were gone.  And most of my husband’s acne scaring was gone.  We were also using Cane & Austin Eye Cream and Retexurizing Moisture Cream.  I use this every night if I have issues I’m clearing up.  To keep my skin clear I use it 3-4 times a week, at night only.  I never experienced any dryness from using these products.  Not only has my dark spots cleared up, but my fine lines have also gone away and my skin is glowing more than ever.  My skin hasn’t looked this good since I was 18!
• Ellen Lange Retexurizing Peel Kit.   This peel kit will even out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, diminish hyperpigmentation and acne scarring.  Use as much as once a week or as little as once a month, depending on your needs.  You will see results in as little as 1 use and your skin will continue to improve with each use.  Make sure you read and follow the directions that come with the kit.  When applying the treatment, a burning or tingling feeling is normal.  Most likely you will be red for a few hours after, so plan accordingly.  The next day is when you will see results!
• GlamGlow SuperMud Clearing Treatment.  This is a treatment, use just like a mask, to clear up breakouts, whiteheads, blackheads and skin discoloration related to break outs.  This will also brighten and soften the skin.  I would recommend a treatment like this for someone who has a skin care routine that you like, but need that extra boost to improve what you are already doing.

Retinol/Retinoid- Comes from Vitamin A, boosts collagen and speeds up cell turn over.  This powerful ingredient helps to retexurize, even out discoloration, prevent wrinkles, brighten and soften the skin.  You will need to use any product with retinol in it for at least 2-4 weeks to see results.  Retinol can cause redness or dryness.  Using these products at night is ideal.  If dryness occurs, use less often.

I love all of the retinol products by Dr. Brandt.  They are gently, yet effective!  The Overnight Resurfacing Serum and Ruby Crystal Retinol Hydracreme work awesome together to promote natural cell turnover and improve skin texture and tone.  I’ve been using the Dr Brandt Revitalizing Retinol Eye Cream and love it so much!  It gives a natural, healthy glow.  Like my skin is glowing from within!

Both gylcolic acid and retinol are serious ingredients in treating the skin.  They give great results!  But should also be used properly and with caution.  Both can cause redness, dryness or sensitivity.  Introduce only 1 of these ingredients at a time to your skin.  If you are having any negative effects, use less often.  Gylcolic acid and retinol should never be used in the same regimen, but you can use them at different times.  Example: on Monday night you can use all products with gylcolic acid.  Then on Tuesday night use products with retinol.  What NOT to do: on Monday use gylcolic acid treatment pads, retinol eye cream and gylcolic acid moisture cream.  Don’t mix gylcolic acid and retinol at the same time.

Trying to take care of skin that has any issues can be frustrating and difficult.  I want every woman to feel comfortable in her own skin.  If you have any questions leave a comment below and I will try to answer :)

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