S02 E11 – The Inside Scoop on Medicated Topicals for Acne with Holistic Esthetician Ashley Shkodra

How do medicated topicals like Tretinoin and Benzoyl Peroxide affect long-term skin health, and what are the risks associated with these medications? What are some nourishing ingredients for repairing the skin barrier?

All these questions, and many more, will be covered in this episode! Today, we have the pleasure of being joined by our lovely Holistic Licensed Esthetician from The Clear Skin Solution,  Ashley Shkodra. Together, we dive deep into the world of medicated topicals, discussing common medications like Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide, clindamycin, and topical spironolactone. We explore the effects these harsh treatments have on the skin barrier and emphasize the importance of repairing and nourishing it with ceramides, fruit enzymes, and oils like jojoba and sea buckthorn.

Ashley offers practical tips for those on a skincare budget, suggesting products like ceramide repairing moisturizers and omega-rich creams. She also recommends oil cleansing to maintain hydration and remove impurities.

In this week’s episode, we discuss…

• How medicated topicals can effectively treat acne without damaging the skin barrier.
• The potential effects of medicated topicals on the skin barrier and how to minimize any negative impact.
• The crucial role of the skin microbiome in maintaining healthy, clear skin and effective acne management.
• Practical strategies for nurturing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier to support acne treatment.
• Insights into how to incorporate skincare practices that nurture and protect the skin barrier for improved acne management.

Products Mentioned

• Living Libations Cleansing Oil
• Three Ships Blueberry Repair Serum
• Beautycounter Cocoboost Moisturizer 
• Eminence Organics Recovery Oil
• Kora Organic Oil
• The Inkey List Bioactive Ceramine Repair
• The Inkey List Omega Water Cream
• The Ordinary Squalane Oil

It should’t be your first resort. Look a little bit deeper. Look into your body, what’s going on before all these antibiotics become your first resort, because then you get stuck on them and then you have to repair the damage.

Ashley Shkodra

Key Episode Moments:

• 00:00:51 – Impact of Medicated Topicals on Skin Barrier
• 00:04:30 – Antibiotics and Skin Microbiome
• 00:08:03 – Fear of Coming off Medication
• 00:11:46 – Impact of Benzoyl Peroxide
• 00:13:17 – Impact of Benzoyl Peroxide on Skin
• 00:16:28 – Importance of Skin Barrier
• 00:18:11 – Debunking Coconut Oil Myths
• 00:22:05 – Transitioning from Topical Medications
• 00:27:20 – The Importance of Enzymatic Exfoliation
• 00:29:19 – Skin Barrier Repair Timeframe
• 00:31:15 – Benefits of Oil Cleansing
• 00:36:24 – Recommended Skin Barrier Building Products
• 00:39:29 – Budget-Friendly Skin Barrier Repair
• 00:40:47 – Importance of Single Ingredient Skincare
• 00:41:07 – Quality over Quantity in Skincare
• 00:42:03 – Avoiding Over-Reliance on Medicated Topicals
• 00:42:54 – Addressing Internal Imbalances
• 00:43:34 – Upcoming Q&A Session with Paige Fursman

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in these blogs and podcasts is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. Content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or care.