Q: Hi Jennifer, I got a facial today, I told the esthetician I had acne prone skin. But after she exfoliated my face she then started massaging it with a "special" mix of oils, I asked her if was going to make me break out, and she assured me it wouldn't. But upon thinking about it, I do not understand how massaging oil into ones face after opening all the pores wouldn't clog those pores, then causing clogged pores and a breakouts in the future. Now I'm totally scared that's what's going to happen after all the hard work I have put into taking care of my skin trying to keep the acne at bay. Can you tell me if she was telling me the truth, and if not, is there anything I can do now to reverse having all that oil massaged into my face? Thank you so much for you time!

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     A: I understand your anxiety over this situation. Your esthetician could very well be correct. It all depends on the special       blend of oils that she used to massage your face, as well as what kind of skin you have. If the special blend she used             contained a high concentration of medicinal grade essential oils like lemongrass, which in itself is very antibacterial, it           could actually help tone and clear the pore. The other half of the equation refers to the carrier oil used as the base of           the blend. If it is a grapeseed oil which is a more micronized form of therapeutic oil, it will not clog the pore because it           penetrates into the dermis of the skin instead of setting on top of the epidermis creating a barrier that prevents oxygen         from entering and keeping impurities out. If she used a carrier oil such as mineral oil, or coconut oil, you very well may           have a breakout from that ingredient alone if you are prone to blackheads. I myself create my own blend and have for           the duration of my career, but it is heavily formulated with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and tiny                         monosaccharide chained oils to deeply nourish, tone, and treat open pores after extractions. These ingredients tend to         be much more expensive than the common ‘filler’ ingredients found in many mass produced massage oils for the public.       There is also the protocol following the massage. Your esthetician could have used an enzymatic ingredient like Papain       derived from the papaya fruit to massage into the skin to soften and loosen debris from the pores as a pre extraction             massage to facilitate the ease of unpacking blackheads and gently sloughing dead cells from your epidermis to leave           you with that healthy glow. Then using the right toning mask to close the pores afterwards. Without knowing her formula       I cannot say for sure whether or not you will have an adverse reaction to your facial, but I can suggest that if you have a       relationship with your esthetician and you trust that she knows your skin and her trade than you probably have nothing         to worry about. Next time just ask her what the ingredients are in her concoction, as is your right to know what is being         used on your face. I guess the short answer to your question is; some oils are very good for your skin if used in the right       proportion to essential oils which counteract the negative clogging effects of lipophilic ingredients on their own and               estheticians are trained to use appropriate protocol per individual situation and skin. I would go to someone you trust,           ask questions, and if you are getting the desired results stick with her, as her knowledge of your skin will grow into a             symbiotic relationship for you both.

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Q: I'm 17 and my friends and mom have been telling me that my acne is caused by touching my face. I wash my hands and my face regularly. Is it really true that if you touch your chin or cheek that you'll get a zit there?

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     A: Yes. Not every time of course, and there are other contributing factors. Try to use your speaker phone instead of               putting your cell up against your cheek and chin while talking. Objects touching our face during our daily routine are a           big reason for constant break-outs in a specific area. If you play an instrument or sport, be aware of the equipment that         is coming in contact with your face on a regular basis and clean it with some rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant that won't       damage your equipment. That will get rid of the bacteria sitting there waiting for your next visit. If you find yourself in             class resting your head on your hands while listening or concentrating on schoolwork, that is a common habit that leads       to problem areas that become constant struggles to keep clear. When you find yourself doing it, try to remember this             and break yourself of the habit. That's what I had to do for while until it wasn't natural for me to rest my head in my                 hands while reading or listening in class.

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Q: Hi Adult male here with some back acne. Will your product be just as effective on the back as the face? Also I am single, so will there be a problem applying the solution on my back by myself?

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     A: Back Acne can be caused by many different factors. Yes, Score works wonderfully to heal, protect, and alleviate acne       symptoms on any part of the body. It should be applied twice a day after your shower and before bed. Eliminating the           source of the breakout will assist in the success of the treatment. As a man, you will also find that Score has great                 benefits right after you shave. Razor burn will no longer be such a battle. A couple of things to take note of; wash your           sheets every three to four days and use a new towel to dry off with daily. You may want to spray your mattress down             with a microbial disinfectant every few months. If you are single, the application of products to your back and proper             washing shouldn't be difficult. I suggest purchasing a back brush (not a loofah, they harbor a great deal of bacteria after       even the first use) that can be put in the dishwasher for sanitation after each use. You don't want to overdo it though,             exfoliating your back once a week is all that is needed to keep your pores clean. As far as applying SCORE to your own       back. Take a piece of plastic wrap a couple feet wide, drop about four to five drops on it and apply the product onto             your back in a motion similar to using a towel to dry off.

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Q: What do you recommend for anti-depressant relaxers?

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     A: To uplift the spirits and relive a depressed state of mind, aromatherapy and massage work hand in hand. Some                 essential oils that are best for this would be lavender for its incredible calming effects on the mood. Lavender oil is                 nearly a sedative for the mind, calming anxieties. However if you are looking for a remedy that does not involve falling           asleep adding neroli and camphor oil will be the perfect balance. Neroli has a mood lifting orange blossom fragrance           that was used in Egyptian times as perfume. Camphor oil is stimulating while also a ninth cranial nerve relaxer. So by             applying a few drops of Score to the temples and gently massaging the temporal lobes while lying down and practicing       deep breath therapy, after a few minutes a clearer, happier mind will be your reward. Then I suggest making a cup of st.       johns wart tea and taking a stroll around the exterior of your home, apt bldg, or condo. You will be amazed at the little           wonders you'll find by looking into the places you seldom go. Just yesterday I did just that and found a tiny bunny under       one of my bushes...apparently his whole family lives there. Now I plan to visit now and again. Good Luck, and have a             great day!