Why are sulfate-free cleansers important?

Recent studies have shown that sulfates cause a variety of skin maladies, especially with sensitive skin. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) strips moisture and oil from the skin and disturbs our skin’s natural barrier. This causes an overproduction of oil, which can be problematic on acne prone skin.

The good news is that most skin care lines are now recognizing how irritating sulfates are so it is becoming easier to find skincare lines that are sulfate-free and offering sulfate-free products. Kalologie Labs has developed two cleansers that are sulfate-free and desirable for all skin types. Purify is an all around great gentle cleanser that can be used morning and night. Clarify is great for nighttime use and is ideal for acne prone skin or even for a good clean that will dissolve dead skin cells on the surface in an effective yet gentle way.

What’s In YOUR Product? Label Reading Tips.

Many know there is important information to be gleaned from the ingredients listed on the packaging of personal care products, but few know exactly what to look for. Since the list of debatable ingredients is long and polysyllabic, it’s a good strategy to know a few basics of label reading to simplify the process of product selection.

Standard to any ingredient deck is the order in which ingredients are listed. The first ingredients listed comprise a larger percentage of the formulation than do those at the bottom of the list. This is useful in determining how dilute a product is; if the benefits of a specific ingredient are sought, then it will ideally appear toward the top of the ingredient deck.

When trying to rule out products containing specific ingredients, think of the acronym “SPA”: Sulfates, Parabens and Artificial colors/fragrance. Sulfates are harsh foaming agents included in most facial cleansers and shampoos to create lather and dissolve oil. Though some experience no side effects whatsoever, others report dryness, irritation, and allergic response; some studies even indicate links to cancer. Parabens and urea are the most common synthetic preservatives utilized in personal care products. Parabens have been indicated in studies to cause everything from allergic response to hormonal and developmental disorders. Urea has been found to release formaldehyde, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory irritant. Artificial colors and fragrance are “disguises” for a product which might otherwise be thought unappealing. Whatever their esthetic contribution, they have both been indicated as possible links to cancer. Though disagreement continues within the scientific community as to the overall safety of the mentioned ingredients, studies suggest that each at least requires further examination.

ALA Acne Treatments – A Solution for Difficult Acne

Anyone who has ever struggled with acne knows it can be difficult to treat due to its many causes. Although traditional oral and topical treatments can be helpful for most, others suffering from moderate to severe acne still struggle to keep it under control. An effective acne treatment for those with moderate to severe acne is Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) combined with a laser light therapy, which can provide significant, long lasting results.

ALA is produced naturally in our bodies and has been found to have a photo-sensitizing effect, which makes the skin more light sensitive. In a typical treatment, ALA is applied to the skin and allowed to incubate for 15-60 minutes then followed by a laser treatment. Because the skin has been “sensitized” the laser light is significantly more effective at treating acne. Treatment not only kills bacteria within the pores, but it also produces a shrinking ability to the sebaceous glands making acne more manageable. Additional results may include improvement in acne scarring, sun damage and smaller pores. Common reactions include “sunburn”-like reaction, and a light peeling of the skin, and it is important to note that one must be prepared to avoid all sunlight for 48 hours post-treatment. A series of four treatments is recommended.

I have acne on my back! What should I do?

Unfortunately acne can affect other parts of the body, not just the face. It is very common for acne to occur on the back, neck, chest, and upper arms. There are several options at Kalologie for back acne.  The first treatment available is a back facial, yes just like a facial on the face which includes a deep cleansing, extractions, and a mask. After the facial you can opt to an add-on chemical peel, to exfoliate the dull skin cells and kill bacteria. Another option is a quick and easy cortisone injection. This shot can flatten large cystic acne. Lastly, a great option for home treatment and/or maintenance is purchasing the Two-Step Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel by MD Skincare. A great way reduce breakouts and give your back a beautiful glow!!