Podcast Summary: The Treatment Room – Episode 154: Why Your Acne Isn't Clearing

Release Date: July 12, 2024

In Episode 154 of The Treatment Room, host Tessa Zali, a licensed esthetician and double-certified acne specialist, delves deep into the persistent struggle many face in achieving clear skin. Drawing from her extensive six-year experience treating acne and her personal journey as an acne sufferer, Tessa offers invaluable insights into why acne may persist despite conventional treatment efforts. This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, expert advice, and empowering conclusions.

1. Introduction: The Dual Perspective of an Acne Expert and Sufferer

Tessa opens the episode by introducing her multifaceted expertise:

"I have been treating acne for the past six or seven years, and I just wanted to share my insights. I feel really comfortable treating this condition, very confident in treating it. At the same time, I have been an acne sufferer. I know the weight of not feeling confident in your skin, feeling so frustrated."
(00:16)

This dual perspective underscores her empathy and deep understanding of both the clinical and emotional facets of acne.

2. Understanding Acne: Beyond Common Misconceptions

Tessa emphasizes the importance of recognizing acne as a chronic, cyclical disease of the pore, rather than attributing it solely to hormonal imbalances, diet, or hygiene:

"Acne is a disease of the pore. It involves a malfunctioning pore... it's a chronic, ongoing, cyclical condition."
(02:54 - 03:30)

She dispels myths by clarifying that while hormones, diet, and hygiene influence acne, they are not the root causes. Instead, acne originates from excess skin cell production and oil that clog pores, initiating the acne process.

3. The Importance of a Holistic, Layered Approach

Challenging the prevalent monotherapy mindset, Tessa advocates for a layered treatment strategy:

"Typically, successful acne clearing requires treating acne from a few different angles with a few different actives."
(05:09 - 06:22)

She highlights her program’s success through:

1. Holistic Approach: Incorporating lifestyle factors, including nutrition, often overlooked in conventional medicine.
2. Aggressive yet Safe Skin Treatment: Utilizing active ingredients effectively without compromising the skin barrier.

Tessa criticizes the common practice of relying solely on spot treatments or single active ingredients, which often lead to inconsistent results and potential skin damage.

4. Dietary Factors and Acne

Delving into nutrition, Tessa explains how certain dietary habits can trigger or exacerbate acne:

"Triggers could be something like peanuts, soy, dairy, seaweed, sugar, or even just excess simple carbohydrates and a higher glycemic load than your body requires for balanced blood sugar."
(10:59 - 11:57)

She underscores the complexity of aligning diet with skin health, noting:

"Eating a way that supports acne typically requires a lower glycemic load, a higher intake of protein, plenty of fruits, veggies, and ensuring you're eating a diverse whole foods diet."
(12:55 - 13:32)

Tessa highlights the challenges of adopting such dietary changes in today’s fast-paced, carb-centric society, advocating for professional guidance to identify and manage dietary triggers effectively.

5. Birth Control and Hormonal Influences

Addressing hormonal factors, Tessa explores how various forms of birth control can impact acne:

"Birth controls that are more progestin dominant are more commonly associated with breakouts... birth controls with potential for higher androgenic effects can exacerbate acne."
(20:07 - 20:23)

She emphasizes the need for awareness and communication with healthcare providers:

"I want you guys to feel empowered to ask questions... find caring providers that are willing to talk about the possible effects of the birth control you take."
(23:58 - 24:09)

Tessa acknowledges the scarcity of information provided during birth control consultations and encourages listeners to actively engage in discussions about how contraceptives may influence their skin health.

6. Lifestyle Habits Affecting Acne

Everyday behaviors play a significant role in managing acne. Tessa outlines several lifestyle factors that can impede or aid in achieving clear skin:

"Changing your bed linens often, not adding bacteria to the acne flame, washing your face promptly after sweating, avoiding picking or squeezing pimples, and managing stress are all crucial."
(26:07 - 27:18)

She elaborates on how:

• Hygiene Practices: Delaying face washing post-exercise can create a breeding ground for acne-causing bacteria.
• Physical Habits: Chronic touching or picking at the skin can exacerbate breakouts and damage the skin barrier.
• Supplement Intake: Certain supplements might influence skin health by affecting keratin production or hormonal balance.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can trigger hormonal fluctuations that worsen acne.

Tessa advocates for comprehensive lifestyle assessments and tailored adjustments to support skin health effectively.

7. Mental and Emotional Impact of Acne

Beyond the physical manifestations, Tessa addresses the profound emotional toll acne can take:

"Acne can have such devastating mental health consequences... It can be so hard to live in your skin every single day when you're struggling."
(31:05 - 31:36)

She shares poignant anecdotes, such as parents going to great lengths to support their children’s skincare routines, highlighting the pervasive and often hidden struggles:

"I've seen parents bring a bowl of water in their car to help their child wash their face after practice because they feel embarrassed."
(34:33 - 34:50)

Tessa emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and comprehensive support for those battling acne, acknowledging that mental well-being is intrinsically linked to skin health.

8. Encouragement and Hope for Clearer Skin

Concluding on an uplifting note, Tessa reassures listeners that despite the challenges, clearer skin is attainable:

"There are great solutions out there... I have witnessed very stubborn and very severe acne cases get to the other side. So I know it's possible."
(33:34 - 35:28)

She encourages persistence and adaptability in treatment plans, urging individuals to seek professional guidance and remain hopeful:

"If you are struggling year after year and you haven't seen improvement, there's probably something we can tweak. We can put you on a different treatment plan."
(35:18 - 36:04)

Tessa concludes by affirming the value of self-love and reminding listeners that life encompasses much more than flawless skin, while also validating their desire to achieve skin health.

Final Thoughts

Episode 154 of The Treatment Room serves as a comprehensive guide for both individuals struggling with persistent acne and skincare professionals seeking deeper understanding. Tessa Zali's blend of clinical expertise, personal experience, and compassionate advice offers a beacon of hope and actionable strategies for overcoming the complexities of acne. Her emphasis on a tailored, multifaceted approach underscores the importance of addressing not just the skin's surface but the underlying factors contributing to acne. Listeners are left empowered to seek appropriate treatments, make informed lifestyle choices, and maintain a hopeful outlook on their journey to clearer skin.

For those seeking personalized guidance, Tessa invites listeners to explore her virtual acne program, providing a structured and supportive pathway to skin wellness.

Note: While this summary captures the essence of the episode, tuning into the full podcast will provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of the topics discussed.