Get enough rest and reduce your stress. Stress stimulates the adrenal gland and in the acne-prone individual, the adrenal gland promotes oil production which leads to clogged pores.
Stay away from foods, vitamin supplements and sports drinks/bars that contain iodides. Iodized salt, seafood, fish, seaweed, fast foods, dairy products and especially kelp tablets (as taken for thyroid support) are not good for acne. Contrary to popular opinion, chocolate and greasy foods (unless they contain salt, which most do) do not aggravate acne.
Stay away from “high androgen” foods. These are found in peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ, shellfish, organ meats (i.e. liver, sweetbreads and heart). These contain hormones that exacerbate acne.
Some swimming pool disinfectants contain iodides and chlorine, which can remain in the water, causing skin problems for frequent swimmers. Many swimmers find that the combination of hot and humid weather, the physical exercise of swimming and the chlorinated pools can cause major acne flare-ups.
Don’t pick. Instead of picking blemishes, rub ice on pustules and pimples for about five minutes, twice a day. Try to catch them when they are first forming and they most likely will go away. You can use Benzoyl Peroxide for this, but the surrounding tissue may get very dry.
Use fragrance-free detergents such as Cheer Free, All Free & Clear, Tide Free or Arm & Hammer Free.
Do not use fabric softeners and/or fabric softener sheets in the dryer, especially on pillowcases as they cause a waxy residue that can clog pores on acne-prone individuals. If you are worried about static cling, then use some anti-static cling balls that you can purchase from Beth Bath and Beyond for $5. 
Avoid low-estrogen birth control pills: Norplant, Provera, and Depo-Provera. Also progesterone hormone replacement Premarin can be problematic. If you have polycystic ovaries, they will cause hormonal changes and breakouts. See our article about birth control for more information. Also, the taking of birth control pills may delay the onset of acne and once off them, you may experience the acne you would’ve had before taking them.
Do not use cosmetics OR hair products that contain pore-clogging ingredients. See our article on Pore Clogging Ingredients complete list. Retin A has the pore-clogging ingredient, isopropyl myristate, as its first ingredient.
Limit sun exposure and use a sunscreen. Although sun exposure causes desirable scaling and drying, it also damages the follicle, exacerbates hyper pigmentation, causes skin cancer and premature aging and can cause “solar acne” later in life, as well as “Acne Majorca” also caused by sunlight. Warm climates with heat and humidity can exacerbate acne.
Wear a noncomedogenic sunscreen every day regardless of whether you go outside or not. This is very important especially if you are using product for your acne!
A Great Big Thank You {Hugs}!
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your dedication, support and loyalty to Clean Slate Spa! I strongly believe my professionalism, attention to detail and the love of beauty and having FUN, has allowed me to develop a reputation as the go to “Brazilian bikini waxing girl” for my signature ‘Dare To Go Bare’ Brazilian waxing in the Milwaukee area. My goal has always been my commitment to provide each and every client (YOU!) with the highest quality beauty treatment in a totally friendly and non-stuffy spa...
read moreMom Approved!
In honor of all the brave and beautiful women who inspire me everyday, here is to you! Mother ‘Glows’ Best Package Exclusive Clean Slate Spa Facial- A deep, double cleansing facial with customized exfoliation and an aromatherapy pressure point massage, followed by a soothing and hydrating face mask. This relaxing facial has finishing touches of a prescribed moisturizer, treatment serums and an eye cream. Just radiant! Billion Dollar Brow Eyebrow Wax and Shape- Treat yourself to an expert brow design using world-renowned products...
read moreIt’s Your Lucky Day!
In honor of my daughter, Stella’s birthday today, March 17th, and the luck of our Irish heritage, I am offering savings and gifts o’plenty to my amazing clients! Complimentary underarm wax ($20 value) with any Brazilian or Traditional Bikini Wax. No more 5 o’clock shadow…Trust me, you will love it! Time to get lucky! 17% off your next Brazilian Bikini Wax! Book any facial through the end of the month, and receive a free 8 oz. Dermalogica cleanser of your choice! Not only will you fall in love the product,...
read moreHello Beautiful!
There’s an old adage that says in order to love someone else, you first have to love yourself. That’s a pretty bold statement…but what does loving yourself really mean when the word “love” is a verb? It’s in our actions that we show our love for someone else…but are we also actively doing things to show our love of self? Many of you know the love and passion I have for what I do at Clean Slate Spa. This is why I want to pass my love for skincare on to you, my beloved clients and...
read moreBikini Kitty Is Purr-fection!
Clean Slate Spa is now featuring Bikini Kitty’s Waxy Kitten Care Kit! The Waxy Kitten Kit is the Purr-fect system for the waxing kitten who might be victim to irritation and ingrown hairs! If you wax, you must try this! Waxing pros have always advocated exfoliation as the key to achieving the best waxing results- the Waxy Kitten 2 piece kit has the best of two exfoliation treatments available. Using exfoliation techniques before and after your professional waxing appointment gives you smooth results and keeps those lumps and bumps at bay....
read moreHelp Clean Slate Spa Make The A-List!
Happy Holidays from Clean Slate Spa! I hope you are enjoying the start of the gift-giving, spending time with loved ones and party season! Each year, Clean Slate Spa is nominated for WISN’s Best of Milwaukee’s A-list! This year we have been chosen in the “Best Day Spa’ category. I am incredibly humbled and honored to have made the list. Of course, making this list would not be possible without the love and support of my awesome and devoted clients! To show my gratitude for your vote, receive 20% off one service of...
read moreBeauty Does Not=Torture
A lot of new clients have been coming through Clean Slate Spa’s door over the past few weeks – most for our famous ‘Dare To Go Bare’ Brazilian Wax. Most of these new clients are also new to body waxing. They’re a little nervous, a little curious, and downright a little scared. They have heard about experiences from friends or read horror stories on the internet, and they’re just not too sure about this whole waxing thing. They have questions. A lot of questions. The most common being, “Is this going to hurt?” The most...
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