Skin is the largest organ of the human body, but it can be the most neglected. Three Lancaster-area skincare specialists share tips for how to alleviate and prevent common skin issues such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, aging skin and sunburn.

Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the skin caused by clogged pores. Symptoms include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and red, tender bumps.

Deb Stoltzfus, of Inshanti Pure Essential Oils, offers several customized facials for those with acne. Her Congested Skin Cleanse Facial is a series of enzyme, lactic acid and/or glycolic peels that exfoliate skin cells. “This facial unclogs the pores and also refines the skin texture while healing acne scars,” she says.

Individualized approaches are important when treating acne, notes Rashell Brunner, of Emergence Skin Care. “For teens, we will do a 30-minute facial regimen. We educate the client on product usage and when they need to consult a doctor, especially if they are taking any antibiotics, birth control or prescription medications,” she explains.

For adult acne, Brunner talks with clients about lifestyle habits and has in-depth discussions about different triggers. She also uses a variety of facial peels that help manage the condition.

Candy St. Martine-Pack, of GSL Organics, believes that finding the root cause of skin concerns starts with asking questions and truly listening to a client’s responses. “Sometimes acne can be resolved by changing the products they are using or starting a good regimen. Sometimes it is a lifestyle change,” she says. “Then we give recommendations on how to get the best results.”

Rosacea is a condition that causes redness and flushing of the skin. Brunner educates clients about the triggers that can develop after exposure to sunlight, stress, exposure to heat or cold, or certain foods and beverages.

Using too many different skincare products or the wrong products can make it worse, Brunner notes. She and Stoltzfus both offer facials specially designed for soothing and calming the skin. St. Martine-Pack makes her own organic products designed to soothe and calm the skin.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which some areas of the skin are darker than others. Stoltzfus uses Cabernet Peel Facial with red wine extract, which removes dry and dead skin cells and lightens the skin by increasing intercellular lipids. This improves barrier function, returning skin to a firm, smooth and moist condition.

Aging or sun-damaged skin may result in wrinkles or sagging. Stoltzfus has facial options that help speed the cell renewal process. Her Micro-current Age Defying Facial is a non-surgical face lift that uses a microcurrent facial toning device that sends safe, painless impulses to the facial muscles to help overly tightened muscles to relax, and helps underworked muscles to regain strength.

Brunner, Stoltzfus and St. Martine-Pack all emphasize that it is easy to over-exfoliate. “And exfoliation is not recommended for all skin concerns, like eczema, psoriasis or rosacea,” says St. Martine-Pack. “Those with acne, discoloration, bumpy skin or some scarring will benefit the most from exfoliating.”

Stoltzfus adds that makeup should always be removed before bedtime because sleeping with makeup can clog pores and prevent skin from regenerating during sleep. Avoid cheap skincare products with unknown ingredients that cannot be traced and use lukewarm water when cleansing the face.

Brunner notices how some of her clients with oily skin often don’t use enough moisturizer because they feel that it will just cause more oil. “We educate our clients to use the correct moisturizer, because even oily skin does need moisture,” she says.

Brunner also emphasizes the importance of sunscreen. “Whether you’re sunbathing or not, always always wear sunscreen with a higher sun protection factor (SPF),” she advises. “Even while traveling in a car or spending time in front of windows in your home, you get UVA and UVB rays coming through the window that can affect your skin.”

Eating a proper diet and staying hydrated helps improve the skin. Stoltzfus recommends staying away from processed foods and sugar, consuming fish such as mackerel, herring and salmon, or fish oil supplements. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are naturally anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce redness and acne and keeps skin supple, strong and moisturized. Vitamin C is essential for skin healing, she says, along with a glowing complexion and a strong immune system.

St. Martine-Pack notes that “white" foods—flour, sugar, dairy, yogurt, ice cream, white rice and potatoes—are major triggers for inflammation. She recommends consuming green, leafy, veggies and broccoli every day. “As little as a one-fourth cup per day is enough to reap in the benefits.”

Water keeps the body hydrated and helps replenish the skin. Alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating; people that enjoy those beverages should drink more water to compensate. “For every one caffeinated beverage you drink, it takes three glasses of water to rehydrate your skin after that,” Brunner shares.