Beyond the Textbook: Approaches to Managing Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris holds a unique place in the realm of cosmetic dermatology, as it is often experienced as much more than simply a ‘skin’ concern, but rather that of an aesthetics concern. As such, outside of managing the signs of skin aging, acne treatment is one of the most sought-after services in an aesthetics practice. Our goal in this course is to complement, yet extend beyond, the standard ‘textbook’ Naturopathic approaches to managing acne. 

With a primary focus on topical therapies, this course is designed to provide a variety of unique facets for acne care in your Naturopathic Aesthetics practice, including: 

-Assessment tools to establish and monitor acne lesion severity, sebum severity, clinical photography tips, and patient-experience measures; 

-To determine those acne-appropriate types of skin cleansers, moisturizers, serums, toners, spot-treatments, and oil-absorbing products; 

-Recommendations for frequency of skin cleansing; 

-To explore the acne-related research behind, and methods to maintain, an optimal skin barrier, skin pH and skin microbiome; 

-A detailed review of both established cosmeceutical ingredients (including retinoids, salicylic acid and tea tree oil), as well as emerging cosmeceutical ingredients (including ceramide-based topicals, niacinamide, topical probiotics, and Vitamin C) for acne treatment; 

-A review of unique oral supplements to consider (including probiotics and green tea).

This course will also provide a series of quick-reference charts outlining those cosmeceutical ingredients to consider for managing: skin oiliness; reducing inflammation; preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (at the spot of previous acne lesion); and in managing skin erythema and sensitivity.