Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Got Acne? 5 Foods to Avoid When Fighting Acne Breakouts
Are you or your clients acne prone? Is topical skincare not totally doing the trick? The problem may be lingering because of the foods you are eating. Find out which foods you should AVOID if you get the dreaded acne attack.
September 15, 2014
2 min to read
Getty Images
An "acne attack" can strike at any time. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, acne can be triggered by hormone changes in puberty and adults, medicines, make-up, and family history and more. As a make-up artist or esthetician, your go-to is probably perscribing the best topical skincare products (for acne) as possible – but there's more.
“A lot of people don’t realize that it’s what they are eating that is causing their acne,” affirms Crystal Wellman, a Master Esthetician and owner of the Crystal Clear Acne Clinic. “By changing a few foods that you eat, you can hydrate and improve your skin while avoiding breakouts.” Here, Wellman lists five foods to avoid if you’re acne prone.
1. Salt. Too much salt can dehydrate your skin and lead to swelling. It makes it more difficult for your skin to heal acne. Nuts are a perfect change. They contain Vitamin E, copper, potassium, calcium and iron to improve your health and skin.
2. Bread and Refined Grains. Bread, refined grains and foods that are high-glycemic spike your blood sugar, causing a burst of hormone insulin, which leads to an increase of breakouts and acne. Brown rice is a great alternative, rich in vitamin B and protein. Vitamin B acts a stress fighter and regulates hormone levels.
3. Shellfish. Shrimp, crab and lobster are high in iodine, which leads to clogged pores and acne. Instead, try fish, which contains fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 to improve your skin.
4. Milk. Dairy products, especially skim milk contains bioavailable hormones, stressing your skin and leading to breakouts. Instead, try broccoli which contains health building properties like Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
5. Alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates your skin, highlighting wrinkles and preventing it from healing. Avocados are rich in Vitamin E, which reduces skin inflammation and naturally moisturizes.
“Simple changes in your diet can produce a significant change in your complexion,” affirms Wellman. “It’s a feasible step that anyone and everyone can take to control of their acne.”
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty