She provides details on the different types of acne, ingredients best suited to treat different acne and recommended products depending on skin type and acne.
Acne Awareness Month (June)
National Acne Positivity Day (Sept. 1)
Not All Acne is the Same
Elina is an acne treatment expert in not just treating the skin issue itself but also how to prevent acne. As a cosmetic chemist and skincare formulator, Elina understands the importance of ingredients and which ones are most effective when combatting acne. As an esthetician, she knows that there are varying types of acne and different strategies to treat acne.
Acne comes in different forms, so understanding the specific types is important to address them effectively. “The most common type of acne is typically associated with teenage skin and arises from hormonal changes during puberty. Excessive sebum (oil) production by the sebaceous glands leads to clogged pores and bacterial overgrowth, resulting in inflammation, blackheads (comedones), and pustules,” Elina describes. “Even into adulthood, individuals with oily complexions may continue to battle this type of acne.”
A less common type of acne on dry skin is often called “adult acne.” “This form of acne can be caused by many factors, from a damaged skin microbiome, hormonal imbalances, clogged pores, or hair follicles due to excessive buildup of dead skin cells. Side effects of some medications, allergic reactions to cosmetic chemicals, or environmental toxins can also be a factor,” Elina explains. “A lack of proper digestion, intestinal parasites, or toxins can play a significant role. Of course, stress can exacerbate the situation, as it triggers excessive inflammation and the release of the hormone cortisol, which can cause breakouts.”
Ingredients Matter in Targeted Treatments to Beat Acne
Fortunately, acne vulgaris can be improved using light, oil-controlling skincare products containing antiseptic properties. “Ingredients such as salicylic acid and azelaic acid help reduce oil production and sanitize the skin. Healing and restoring minerals like sulfur and zinc oxide and medicinal herbs such as echinacea, calendula, St. John’s wort, burdock root, and red clover aid in soothing, healing, and skin protection,” according to Elina. “A healthy diet low in sugar, dairy, and processed foods and stress management will also be beneficial.”
When addressing dry complexion acne, commonly called “adult acne,” we must ensure that we do not irritate the skin by using skin-drying ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide; it can lead to more irritation. “I recommend a gentle approach to exfoliation and pore decongestion, minimizing the risk of skin irritation. Extracts and spicules of marine sponges help to exfoliate, soothe, and hydrate the skin while supporting and harmonizing its microbiome. Our skin’s microbiome consists of diverse microorganisms that coexist on its surface, playing a significant role in hydration and protecting our body’s largest organ,” Elina says.
Most sponges are filter feeders and have developed a strong natural defense against pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. “Ongoing research on different bioactive substances extracted from marine and freshwater sponges has demonstrated significant antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-enhancing properties,” Elina continues. “Constituents derived from a marine sponge called Aurora globostellata show strong immunomodulatory potential, which can prevent skin reactions and sensitivity when used in skin care.”
Elina also suggests steering clear of products with high emollience levels, such as heavy oils and petroleum jelly. Instead, consider incorporating anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, and botanicals into your skincare routine. Some beneficial ingredients include sea buckthorn oil, cold pressed oils, organic chamomile extracts, red clover, dandelion, milk thistle, and lavender. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) can be incorporated topically and internally, as well as the natural form of Vitamin A and beta keratin. “These natural components can help promote healthy skin and alleviate inflammation,” she believes.
Product Solutions to Treat Acne
Because many people accumulate a lot of products, they need clarification on how to use them effectively. “I recommend this treatment plan – a simple 3 step regimen to help prevent acne and improve their skin. Additional products can always be included to achieve even better results,” she advises.
Oily and Teen Skin Acne: Corrective Acne TRIO (key products) 1. Oil Control Formula: Experience the ultimate solution for your acne-prone and oily complexion with our powerful formula. This transformative blend addresses your unique needs and offers many benefits. Minimize your pores, prevent acne, reduce shine, and enjoy the refreshing, cooling sensation on your skin. Upon application, experience the sanitizing effect as congestion and irritation are minimized. Harnessing the natural power of willow bark extract, this formula delivers naturally occurring salicylic acid, effectively unclogging pores and minimizing excess oil. Burdock root works diligently to detoxify and reduce inflammation, while aloe vera and fulvic acid provide soothing properties that restore and rejuvenate your skin. These exceptional ingredients create a basic formula that combats acne and rosacea, minimizes enlarged pores, and prevents future breakouts. Embrace this holistic solution and unlock a clear, balanced, radiant complexion. 2. Healing Formula: Experience the transformative power of our botanically enriched formula, specifically crafted to address the needs of acne-prone and oily complexions. This exceptional blend combines the benefits of organic sulfur, sea buckthorn, spirulina, and rosemary, creating a dynamic synergy that targets irritation and inflammation. This versatile formula can be used to soothe and heal your face, body, or scalp, providing an all-encompassing solution. Embrace the potent healing properties of nature and allow your skin to thrive as this remarkable formula accelerates the healing process and calms irritation, revealing a clearer, healthier complexion. 3. Emergency Powder: Reveal a clear and balanced complexion with our potent blemish-fighting paste enriched with zinc oxide. Designed specifically for acne-prone and oily complexions, this hydrating formula harnesses the power of extracts and spicules derived from Caribbean sponges, fermented minerals, and natural retinol (vitamin A). The gentle exfoliation provided by the sponge spicules promotes skin renewal, improving texture and reducing hyperpigmentation. Infused with nourishing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, this transformative lotion benefits all complexions, leaving skin hydrated, calm, and rejuvenated. Unleash the full potential of your skin and combat blemishes by creating a powerful paste with zinc oxide, willow bark extract, and trace minerals. Mix the powder with our Oil Control Formula, apply it to targeted areas at night, and wash off in the morning for a refreshed and blemish-free appearance.
Other suggested and supportive products for oily and teen acne include: Herbal Cleanser, Healing Sea buckthorn Lotion, Scar Relief Lotion, Crushed Copper Purifying Mask, Pore Purfying Oxygen Solution, and Rescue Sanitizing Mist.
For Dry/Aging/Hormonal/Sensitive Complexions: Corrective Acne TRIO (key products) 1. Oceanic Resurfacing Mask: Enriched with extracts and spicules from marine sponges in the Atlantic Ocean, this unique blend provides a deep exfoliation that reveals fresh and smooth skin. The spicules penetrate deeply and deliver vital micronutrients that accelerate your skin’s natural renewal, promoting a revitalized and rejuvenated appearance. Enhanced with copper peptides, this mask stimulates collagen production, improving skin elasticity to firm, tighten, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Witness the remarkable improvement in texture and the reduction of hyperpigmentation from the first application, unveiling a radiant and flawless complexion that will leave you feeling confident and renewed. 2. Oceanic Cooling Serum: Experience the ultimate relief for your acne-prone and dry complexion with our skin-calming serum. Crafted with extracts of marine pearls and sponges from the Atlantic Ocean, this scientifically proven formula soothes, heals, and reduces inflammation. Specially designed for sensitive skin, it effectively combats redness, irritation, and inflammation, providing a cool and calming sensation. Nourish and revitalize your skin, unveiling a healthier, more balanced complexion that radiates confidence. Transform your skincare routine with the tranquil embrace of our skin-calming serum and embrace the comfort and beauty your skin deserves. 3. Oceanic Acne Defense Lotion: This hydrating and nourishing formula contains extracts and spicules from Caribbean sponges, fermented minerals, and natural retinol (vitamin A). The marine sponge spicules exfoliate and penetrate your skin, ultimately delivering micronutrients that accelerate natural skin-renewing processes. After the first application, this lotion will improve your skin’s texture and reduce hyperpigmentation. It also contains nourishing and anti-inflammatory ingredients that benefit all complexions.
Other suggested and supportive products for dry/aging/hormonal/sensitive skin: Omega Serum, Baikal Crystal Balm, Skin Recovery Protective Healing Cream, Cranberry Rose Skin Refiner, Aronia Berry Mask, Restoring Dew, Anti-wrinkle Liposome Moisturizer, Probiotic Peel, and Activated Honey Peel
About: Elina Fedotova is the Founder and Chief Formulator for Elina Organics, which since 1998, has offered award-winning, sophisticated, organic formulations that naturally deliver clinical results. Elina is also an award-Winning Cosmetic Chemist, Master and Celebrity Licensed Esthetician, and the President of the Association of Holistic Skin Care Practitioners, founded in 2007. She hand makes her professional skincare line in her laboratory, based in Michigan, in small batch production using holistic principles and organic ingredients from around the world. The Elina Organics product line is available online at www.ElinaOrganics.com, in skincare salons and medical offices. She continues to offer her unique, holistic skincare treatments to clients who come to her spas in Florida and West Michigan.
Thank you Elina for this information all in one email
I have been going to Elina for 25 years and use many of her wonderful products and feel and see the benefits of all of them
However, I struggle with different issues on different areas of my face
My forehead is normal
My eyes are aging with wrinkles, dark spots and puffiness
My chin and lower cheeks are very oily
And my whole face is aging, has sun spots and I struggle with clogged tiny pores on chin and
sides of my mouth
Sometimes I feel I use the wrong combinations of products and or too much or not enough of some products
This information has helped to clarify when, how and why I should use what!
Thank you to everyone at Elina’s who has always been there to answer all my questions,
helped me stay younger looking and feeling healthier everyday
Rae Lee