Archive for the ‘acne’ Category

Please stop using acids to treat acne!

September 29, 2010

Please, for your skins sake, stop using acids to treat acne!

The use of acid based products provides a temporary fix to acne prone skin, but it can end up prolonging the problem and promoting an inbalance in the skin in later life

Oxygen is the most effective  way to treat acne and is what your skin naturally uses to control spots. So doesn’t it make sense to give your skin what it recognises, utilises and needs?

We’ve got an amazing track record at helping people (even celebrities) beat acne. We’ll work with you to make sure you choose the right products for your skin, and make sure you get advice on how to use the products effectively.

We’ve set up a dedicated website for acne sufferers – which explains  how the products work and why they’re so effective.

Oxygen products are also amazing at reducing or preventing scar tissue and pigmentation, so if you’re still trying to repair the damage that acne earlier in life left, we can help.

Here are just a few comments from customers we’ve already helped:

“I have Asian skin and have had acne since I was 14. I am now 28. When I got a really bad spot it always left a scar when it had eventually healed. I cant praise Oxygen Face cream enough. No more spots and now the scaring is going too, with your help.” – Sonita from Wolverhampton

“After having acne for 19 years, the Vita-A-Kombi 2 is the ONLY thing in the world that has cleared it up … Miracle Stuff’.” – Louise from Reading

“I have suffered from acne and extremely sensitive skin for over 20 years. I purchased your ‘Oxygen Face Cream’ about 3 weeks ago and i can honestly say the results have been amazing. For the first time in my adult life, my skin feels comfortable, its soft, and most importantly (to me) it is almost completely clear. I have had two courses of Roaccutane and literally years of antibiotics with little success, yet the results I have seen with this product in such a short space of time have been far better than anything else I have tried. For the first time in years, I am wearing little or no make up and my skin looks fantastic. My confidence has seen a massive improvement too. So thank you, I am a complete convert!” – Dee from East Sussex

For more info on our acne products, click here.

If you need any help of advice please get in touch.

Exfoliation for acne, oily or problematic skin

September 21, 2010

It’s vital when treating acne and/or problematic, oily  skin that you should also exfoliate regularly – and we mean every single day!

Most skincare ranges suggest only to scrub the skin twice per week. If using our oxygen formulas, we  advise that it is not only OK, but best, to exfoliate each and every day. This is because the action of the oxygen helps to heal, repair and regulate the skin –  so there are no harmful side effects from exfoliating this often.

In our experience many acne sufferers and those with oily skins, really enjoy the feeling of exfoliating daily and this, along with an application of an oxygen cream is like a breath of fresh air to really help the skin feel deeply cleansed and detoxed. This iso achieved without the skin feeling dry or stripped of its essential and natural oils. Daily exfoliation will keeping these oil levels under control, vital for controlling acne.

Karin Herzog Mild Scrub uses ground white marble to gentle polish and refine the skin, it’s gentle, non-drying and won’t scratch delicate skin.

  • One of the few totally natural products that provide perfectly spherical particles.
  • Contains NO artificial particles, no parabens or preservatives.
  • Can be added to the skin with either of the cleansers from our range, to exfoliate whilst cleansing.

For more information, or to order click here

If you’re suffering with acne, or any other skin problem and need help please get in touch!

Acne & Karin Herzog

September 15, 2010

Acne is an extremely common skin condition, affecting over 80% of us at some p0int in our lives. We know this is no consolation is you’re suffering – but there is hope! Karin Herzog oxygen skincare works in synergy with your body to give amazing results, without the use of drugs, chemicals or other harsh ingredients. But to explain how oxygen works to combat acne, it helps to understand just what acne is and what causes it.

What is acne?
Acne sufferers have a condition that Dermatologists call RETENTION KERATOSIS. This is where the sebaceous glands within the skin are over producing Oil.

It is thought that hormones are generally responsible for some glands producing more oil than others. It is sometimes a reaction to environments and artificial stimulants (such as the over-use of the wrong products) that cause the problem to accelerate.

Dead skin cells are constantly being shed from the epidermis. Sometimes, and especially in an oily skin, these cells are not sloughed away and so can build up, eventually falling back into the openings of the Pores – and as a result the pore becomes blocked.

Fresh air can not get down into the follicle to deliver detoxifying oxygen. The consequence is a plugged pore with a moist warm environment – the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria multiply, it swells the follicle, and inflammation occurs turning into either a whitehead, blackhead or pustule. Doctors describe acne as a disease of the pilosebaceous units (PSUs).

Either way, blackheads and whiteheads are filled with trapped sebum and bacteria. And they can make you really miserable!

What causes acne?
The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors:

One important factor is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause acne.

Another factor is heredity or genetics. Researchers believe that the tendency to develop acne can be inherited from parents. For example, studies have shown that many school-age boys with acne have a family history of the disorder.

Certain drugs, including androgens and lithium, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together, producing a plug.
Changing hormone levels in adolescent girls and adult women 2 to 7 days before their menstrual period starts.
Oil from skin products (moisturizers or cosmetics) or grease encountered in the work environment (for example, a kitchen with fry vats) Pressure from sports helmets or equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or tight sports uniforms.

Environmental irritants such as pollution and high humidity. Squeezing or picking at blemishes without a sterile environment and hard scrubbing of the skin can all contribute to the worsening of acne.

Some of the myths about what causes acne

Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but there is little evidence that foods have much effect on the development and course of acne in most people. Another common myth is that dirty skin causes acne; Blackheads and other acne lesions are not caused by dirt.

Stress does not cause acne, but research suggests that for people who have acne, stress can make it worse. This is because stress reduces the oxygen pressure within the skin.

The lower the oxygen pressure, the higher the bacteria within the tissues and the more bacteria can spread and multiply.
Factors that can reduce our oxygen pressure

* Age
* Smoking
* Pollution
* Medication
* Stress
* Alcohol
* Sun exposure
* Air conditioning & Central Heating

From this list we can see why some people older than 30 are still suffering from problematic skin.

Many people in today’s modern society live life at a fast pace. Stress is on the increase, Pollution is rising which depletes the amount of natural Oxygen in the air. Most work environments are air conditioned or centrally heated, and many people are taking medications. Some are even subjected to more or all of the factors listed above. Consequently mature Acne is on the increase.

How to treat acne

The goals of treatment are to heal existing lesions, stop new lesions from forming, prevent scarring, and minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by this condition. The key to treating acne effectively is to raise the Oxygen pressure within the skin.

Dr Paul Herzog, who developed the formula for the Karin Herzog skin care line, was the first, and remains the only Doctor, to have successfully stabilised Oxygen In a cream format. When applied to the skin this formula raises Oxygen levels sufficiently to allow the skin to safely and effectively detox. Using NO preservatives this cream is reliable gentle and kind and so suitable to all skin types and works by delivering back to he skin what age and modern living strip from it on a daily basis.

During his research Dr Herzog was able to demonstrate that it is almost impossible for a well oxygenated tissue to become infected, since Oxygen destroys bacteria. In this way we know that every application of any of the Oxygen formulas within the Karin Herzog range will help destroy unwanted bacteria before it has a chance to multiply.

With every application the oxygen levels can be raised for up to 8 hours allowing for a deep cleanse of the tissues. After 8 hours this Oxygen has been used by the skin and so it is vitally important that anyone with a history of breakouts apply the cream to clean skin TWICE EVERY DAY!

Watch this space for more information on how Karin Herzog tackles acne, or see our dedicated acne website.

We’ve also put together a video to show you how best to use our products on your acne, including (because we know you will pick & squeeze) a guide to self extraction.

If you need help choosing the right Karin Herzog products for you, fill in our skin questionnaire, and we’ll get back to you with in-depth, personalised skincare advice.

Treatment focus: Peel & Plump

August 25, 2010

Another in our series of blog posts focusing on our professional treatments, to help you choose the right treatment for you, and to ensure you know what results to expect.

Peel & Plump: A fabulous 30 minute facial with staggering results.

Using a safe and gentle glycolic acid, rose essential oil and Karin Herzog’s patented and proven oxygen therapy.

Peel & Plump is an amazing treatment that revives tired looking skin, helps soften fine lines, hydrates and plumps.

Skin is lifted and toned, elasticity is improved and the complexion looks brighter. The treatment stimulates cell renewal whilst simultaneously decongesting.

Essential for dry, mature skin, pigmentation problems, acne scaring or general lack-lustre skin.

Brilliant as an advanced beauty aid before a special occasion!

For more on the Pore Draw facial click here

For more on the Smoothie facial click here

For more on the Bodicial number 1 click here

If you need help choosing the best Karin Herzog treatment for you, or if you are trying to find a Karin Herzog salon near you, please get in touch.

Treatment focus: Bodicial number 1

August 18, 2010

Karin Herzog professional treatments have a reputation for achieving incredible results. This is one in a series of blog posts aimed at helping you find out which treatment would work best for you, and what results you can expect.

Bodicial Number 1: For acne, problematic & congested skin

True to our ethos of treating the face through the body, the Bodicial first treats, clears and stimulates the body’s natural lymphatic system.

This treatment incorporates a full body manual lymphatic drainage massage to help the body to naturally detoxify itself, which helps clear the bacteria from the face,  followed by our clinically proven oxygen therapy.

The fusion of the lymphatic massage and our world leading Pore Draw extraction facial, enables us to treat long-term problematic skin conditions and achieve unprecedented results. Breakouts are controlled and the skin begins a program of detoxification.

A series of treatments has the best effect, as results are cumulative: Clearing lymph of bacteria and skin of breakouts more and more with every visit on the path to clear and transformed skin.

For more on the Pore Draw facial click here

For more on the Smoothie facial click here

If you’d like to book a Pore Draw, or any of our other treatments, contact us for information on your local Karin Herzog salon.

Treatment focus: the Pore Draw

August 16, 2010

Want to know which Karin Herzog professional treatment is best suited to your skin and what results you can expect? Here’s the second in our series of posts on facial treatments:

The Pore Draw: manual extraction facial
For anyone suffering from spots (whether it’s just a few, or acne) the Pore Draw is the most effective and hygienic manual extraction facial. In laymans terms, this means the skin and spots are squeezed for you, in a hygenic and controlled manner.

Oxygen sterilises the therapist’s hands as well as the client’s skin. Blackheads, white heads and even Mila (those annoying tiny hard white lumps many people get around the eyes) can be extracted leaving the skin brighter, clearer fresher and visibly improved.

The Pore Draw is suitable for all types of skin,  even young and sensitive skin and really does provide a deep cleanse. Leaving the skin ultra clean, glowing and fresh.

Especially suitable for people with an urban lifestyle, to get the skin truly, deep down clean.

For clients with severe cases of acne, a series of treatments may be recommened, your therapist will recommend how many and advice you on at home skincare.

If you’d like to book a Pore Draw, or any of our other treatments, contact us for information on your local Karin Herzog salon.

Don’t just want to take our word for it? India Knight described the Pore Draw as ‘the best facial in the world’ in the Sunday Times and Blogger Dolly Mix Fits recently reviewed the Pore Draw and called it ‘the best facial I’ve ever had’, read more here.

For information on The Smoothie, click here.

Sorting skin problems for darker complexions

August 10, 2010

We all aim for a smooth, clear and even toned complexion, but different skin tones have different sets of problems, here we look at how our oxygen skincare products can help darker skin tones.

Three of our products; Vita-A-Kombi 2, Vita-A-Kombi 3, and Karin Herzog Mild Scrub are particularly effective in addressing overactive sebum production, something which often concerns women with dark skin. It’s often the root cause that leads to a set of very stubborn skin problems including clogged and/or infected pores, skin discoloration and ingrown hairs.

Let’s start with overactive sebum production. Because darker skin tones are prone to increased sebaceous activity, Vita-A-Kombi 2, with 2% oxygen concentration, delivers nutrients directly to cells, optimizing skin function and restoring sebum production to a normal, healthy level.

When emergencies such as breakouts strike, Vita-A-Kombi 3, a 3% oxygen concentration, acts as a fast and effective acne zapper. Regular use of Karin Herzog Mild Scrub gently removes dry blockages from pores, allowing them to breathe normally and at the same time, create a route for the penetration of Vita-A-Kombi 2.

Discoloration happens when melanocytes (the same melanin producing cells that keep dark skin younger looking) occasionally spin out of control and produce dark spots and uneven skin tones. Couple this with a delay in the natural turnover of cells and skin can begin to appear dull and feel course and rough. Vita-A-Kombi 3 effectively spot treats hyper-pigmentation aided by Mild Scrub that lifts dead cells, thus restoring radiance to the skin.

Ingrown hairs are very annoying. Instead of growing straight out of the follicle, often a hair will curl back under the skin’s surface. When a hair becomes trapped this way, it leads to inflammation and causes a protruding lump. Mild Scrub exfoliates the skin’s surface and lifts away dead cells that can trap hairs, while enhancing the faster-acting penetration of Vita-A-Kombi products.

Karin Herzog holds the global patent for encapsulating oxygen into emulsions. That’s the key to their gentle treatments, and the methodology that makes then highly effective for aiding darker skin by stimulating cell growth, maximizing skin function and soothing the epidermis.

If you need any more help choosing the right Karin Herzog products for your skin, please get in touch

Daily Mail: How you can conjure the secret of eternal youth out of thin air…

July 27, 2010

We’re really proud to appear in today’s Daily Mail!

“Ever wondered how Sir Richard Branson keeps himself so fresh-looking? Obviously, the 60-year-old Virgin billionaire doesn’t exactly have the same stresses and strains as the rest of us (money concerns for one).

But, in fact, he attributes his youthful appearance to Karin Herzog oxygen masks.

Other celebrities who swear by the treatments include the baby-faced Tom Cruise, the super-smooth Kylie Minogue and perennially young Uma Thurman.”

Read the whole article here.

Our face mask product is called Essential Mask, and contains 2% oxygen. It’s a personal fav of ours here at Karin Herzog HQ, we call it our ‘face lift in a tube’ for its ability to make skin firmer, more hydrated and radiant.  It also has a beautiful fresh aromatic fragrance of mandarin, bilberry, grapefruit and orange.

Use once to three times a week, after cleansing the skin. Apply to the face and neck and allow to act for 10mins. Rince off with lukewarm water. If you have very dry skin you can leave the mask to absorb and simple massage in the residue without rinsing.

Try using 10mins before you apply your make-up for a fresh, wide awake glow!

Essential Mask is suitable for all skin types, but if you need help choosing which oxygen face cream is right for you, look at our handy guide.


Choosing an oxygen cream

July 26, 2010

One of the most common questions we get asked (and most important) is ‘which oxygen cream should I use?’. So here’s our handy guide to make sure you pick the right cream for your skin.

Under 30 years – Oxygen Face Cream

30 years + (1st time users, normal, celtic or fine skin) – Vita-A-Kombi 1

30 years + Acne or Breakouts – Vita-A-Kombi 2

30 years + Dry Skin – Vita-A-Apricot

* Ethnic skins should always use a product with 2% Oxygen
* Hormonal Problematic Skin and women approaching, going through or post menopause use Choco2
* Acne skins should always use a product with 2% Oxygen
* For dry skin we recommend to use Vita-A-Kombi Oil under your oxygen cream

How to apply

Apply to clean skin twice a day. Use only a pea sized amount and apply in small dabs to the face and neck. Join the dots and leave to self penetrate.  DO NOT MASSAGE IN: These products have the power to transport deep down into the skin. For optimum potency and efficiency leave to work for at least 2 minutes, after which time, most of the oxygen will have converted to gas, and penetrated the skin.

Once the product has absorbed you can apply additional products or make-up. With regular use the cream will penetrate quicker as the oxygen levels already contained in your skin increases, however it is still safe to massage in any residue after 2 minutes.

If you’re also using one of our tlc products (for instance Vitamin H or Vita-A-Kombi Oil), apply it under your oxygen cream, this means the oxygen will help transport the additional vitamins and ingredients from these products deep into the skin.

For more info, check our our video:

Please note: Avoid the hairline when applying Karin Herzog oxygen products, as oxygen will lift the hair colour with continued use.

Using Karin Herzog pre and post surgery

July 21, 2010

Are you thinking of having surgery? Whether it’s a medical necessity or a cosmetic choice, using Karin Herzog’s unique oxygen products can help you heal and stay infection free.

Doctors and surgeons in the USA have long been relying on our oxygen creams for helping patients, and the UK medical profession is now catching on to how to use our products both pre and post surgery. Karin Herzog products were developed by Dr Paul Herzog, a Nobel Insitute honoured doctor, so have always had a sound base in medicine. There’s more information on Dr Herzog and his work here.

The prevention of infection is key to recovering from any form of surgery; you’ll be ensuring that your wounds heal quicker, and that your scars are minimal as scars from wounds which have become infected are far worse.  Oxygen Body 3% is the ultimate product to help your body immediately after surgery.

1) Oxygen Body 3% is anti bacterial and so prevents and can heal any infections.
2) Collagen is oxygen dependant and so to build collagen (the foundation of youthful, plump skin) you need to maintain a good pressure of oxygen within the skin. Only Karin Herzog oxygen products are proven to do this. Collagen is needed to bring the wound together and to form the new skin over the scar and the collagen needs oxygen to guarantee a better success rate.
3) Any invasive treatments can traumatise the skin so you need to give it back the essential and natural elements to nurture, repair and heal: Oxygen pure water and vitamins – to calm and restore.
4) The water delivered helps keep the area treated hydrated and cleansed
5) Smokers have skin hypoxia (a deficiency in the amount of oxygen delivered to the skin tissues) and so heal much slower than non-smokers. Therefore all if you’re a smoker considering surgery it’s even more important to use Karin Herzog – both before AND immediately post surgery.
6) Herzog’s products are anti-inflammatory and so help to greatly reduce swelling

And remember, choosing the right surgeon for you is vital. We’d recommend consulting the British Association of Plastic Surgeons website before making any decisions about cosmetic surgery.

If you need any help of advice on how to use our products, please get in touch.