A pimple starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with sebum.  Sebum is the natural oil that the body produces and it normally lubricates the skin and hair.  Acne break outs are more common during high times of stress, heavy sweating from workouts and puberty when your hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum.   Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this area is commonly called the T-zone and this is where most people are prone to pimples.  Using GRAM Skincare clarifying regimen can help control your acne during these tough times.

Acne Tips!

Here are a couple of tips to help you control your acne.

1. Moisturize

• Being outside exposed to the elements can dry your skin.
• Moisturizing will not cause more acne.  When your skin is dry your body wants to produce more oil which leads to acne.

2. Avoid irritating the skin.

• Do not over wash or use harsh scrubs.

3. Don’t pick at your acne.

• This can cause scarring or make acne worst.

4. Make-up.

• Use water-based make-up.  Try to avoid oil based and alcohol based make-ups.
• Don’t share make-up with your friends because this can spread bacteria.
• Wash your face at bedtime.  Your facial skin needs to breath.

5. See your local esthetician for an acne peel and/or acne facial.

My Favorite in San Diego Amy Midland at:

Beauty Defined
616 Stevens Ave Suite N
Solana Beach, CA 92075
619-347-7332
Don’t forget to use the Clarifying Regimen by GRAM Skincare
Remember to CLEANSE, TONER, and MOISTURIZE to keep your acne under control.

Dr Gram’s Wellness Recommendations for Taking Care of Your Eczema

• Prevention – The key to controlling eczema is prevention. Avoid or reduce your exposure to soaps and cleansers that have sulfates.  If the cleanser you use has a lot of bubbles it has sulfates and that can irritate your skin.  Try to avoid household cleaners, detergents, and wool clothing.
• CLEANSE, TONE, and MOISTURIZE –My motto to young healthy skin for men, women, and children.
• Don’t Scratch – Do not scratch even if it itches! Get some over the counter Hydrocortisone with aloe to help the itch.  Scratching can further irritate the skin and can even cause the skin to break and crack, opening the door to infection.
• Identify Your Triggers – Take the time to identify your triggers. This can help you to avoid or limit your exposure to the offending item even better. If you think a food item is causing your problems, talk to your doctor about getting an allergy test or try an elimination diet to help you identify the offending product.
• Keep Hands Dry – Be sure to dry your hands completely after you wash them and don’t forget to remove your rings and dry them too.
• Wear Protective Gloves – Wear gloves when your hands will be exposed to anything that can irritate them.
• Stress Management – Harder to do than just saying reduce your stress but if you regularly exercise, try breathing techniques, biofeedback, meditation and yoga these things can help reduce your stress.  I practice these methods and my stress levels are much more controllable now.

Eczema is inflammation in your skin so if you use GRAM Skincare it will also help reduce the inflammation and help control your eczema.  If you have have severe eczema do not use the daily scrub, stick to the cleansers.

Vitamins and Medications that can Change the way your Skin Looks.

There are many OTC, Prescription and Vitamins that can dry your skin, discolor, and make your skin more sensitive to the sun.  Here are a few medications and tips to help you keep your skin young and healthy.

Thyroid medication and high doses of Vitamin A can dry your skin which can lead to increase to oil production, fine lines and wrinkles.

Aspirin, penicillin, and Sulfa drug like Macrobid and Bactrim can cause rashes and hives.

Cortisone, birth controls, and anti-epilepsy medications can increase your oil production which leads to that dreaded acne that everyone loves…NOT.

If you are taking sulfa drugs, high blood pressure, birth control, or tetracycline make sure you wear SPF!  Your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun and you increase your risk of burning.

Even though these are possible side effects of some of these medications never discontinue your medications without first consulting your pharmacist or physician.

Inflammation in the skin can lead to increase in oil production, drying, and discoloration of the skin.  GRAM Skincare decreases inflammation which helps control all the issues listed above from the medications and general stress of daily living.

Check out the new deals with GRAM Skincare for 2012!

Dr Gram has decided to do a $10 dollar sale on all the GRAM Skincare products for 10 days and it is down to the last day!  So place your order today and get a free gift with every purchase at www.gramskincare.com.

Its about time!!! Dr Gram has written the shaving tip blog.

When developing my GRAM Skincare Men’s Shave I wanted to give the man on the go the best shave in the shortest amount of time.  So I combined the shave oils, shave cream and moisturizer all in one.  It is important that you always take the time to shave carefully. You want to avoid getting a shaving rash or any cuts on your face. To avoid the burning rash or the unsightly shave bumps first I want you to use GRAM Skincare daily scrub or clarifying cleanser to prepare the skin for shaving.  By using one of these products you will get rid of any dead skin so you can get the closest shave possible.  Next rinse with warm water and apply GRAM Skincare men’s shave and my favorite razor to use is the Power Fusion Razor from Gillette. Remember to rinse the razor often to ensure that you get a super close shave.   After you shave rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a soft towel and then apply GRAM Skincare daily moisturizer.  This will guarantee you get the close, comfortable shave you desire.  Choosing the shave regimen is not to be taking lightly.  You may have heard that all shaves are the same…they are NOT!  Try GRAM Skincare and I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

The Man’s facial regimen…3 parts

Part 1

First impressions are important and your face is front and center.  This is where people make their initial assumptions about what kind of a person you are. I will give a 3 part Men’s Regimen that will help keep your skin looking hot.  Part 1 will be how to wash your face.  Part 2 Shaving and Part 3 Moisturizing!

Facial Cleansers for a Man

It does not matter it you work construction or in an office cleansing your face is the first step to healthier, younger looking skin.

Using a mild cleanser can take care of this step. There are many types of facial scrubs that “deep clean” by cleaning our pores and exfoliating the dead skin that leaves your face dull. A good facial cleaner is mild yet removes dirt without removing moisture.  Step 1 choose the type of cleanser or scrub for your skin.  Dampen face with warm water gentle massage the cleanser or scrub in using fingers or facial sponge.  Rinse using cool water and pat dry.  This step in the cleansing regimen should take about 1-2 minutes.  Follow me on Facebook for Part 2.

The Makeover Magic for Your Springtime Skin

Using an exfoliation scrub on your face right after the winter time blues can ultimately make dry winter skin look and feel much worse.

Instead Dr Gram suggests a cleanser or moisturizer (or both!) containing an beta-hydroxy acid to rid your skin of those dull, dead cells. Dr Gram feels that if you absolutely need to use a “mechanical” form of exfoliation try a light jojo bead scrub.

This is about as harsh as you need on your facial skin and even the skin on your body, particularly when coming out of the winter season.  Following these simple little steps will help your facial skin look and feel springtabulous!!!

For many the words dry, cracked and red often describe the state of their skin during the winter months. But with just a few changes to your daily skin care routine you can keep your skin healthy and moisturized until the spring flowers bloom.

Although dry skin is prominent in winter, air conditioning in the summer often dries out skin just as much as cold, winter air. However, in the winter, heaters also have the same drying effect, adding to the stress your skin faces during the cold months. In order to keep your skin healthy, Dr. Gram suggests the following tips:

⁃ Keep your showers shorter with warm water rather than hot. In the cold winter months, it is tempting to turn your shower water extra hot, but hot water tends to dry out the skin quicker. Instead shower in luke warm water and pat yourself dry instead of wiping because this can wipe away the natural oils off the skin.

⁃ Keep drinking your water. Your skin is an organ and it needs to be fed from the inside as well. Drinking water in the dry months will help ensure your body stays hydrated and your skin looks beautiful.

⁃ Always clean your face with a non-drying cleanser. This rule should apply at any time of year, but in the winter this is even more important. A quality cleanser like GRAM Skincare’s daily or clarifying cleanser will cleanse your face without drying it out. Be wary of “oil-regulating” cleansers as they often dry out even the natural oils your body needs to keep the skin hydrated.

⁃ From there, apply your favorite moisturizer more often. You do not have to switch to a thicker moisturizer, but instead you should apply a moisturizer at least two times a day and for some people, three. Every time you wash your face, make sure to apply moisturizer.

⁃ The winter sun is just as brutal as in the summer time. Don’t skip the sunscreen. Even on cloudy, rainy winter days, always apply an SPF before heading outside. Sunscreen should be a part of your daily skin care routine regardless of the season.

By incorporating these simple tips into your winter skin routine, skin stays healthy and moisturized all winter long.