18 Maker Spots to Visit in San Francisco

Michelle Swift
Sep 27, 2014

San Francisco is a lot of things. It’s hipsters, hippies, fauxhemians and creatives. It’s full of bridges, fog, wind and a tiny bit of sunshine. And in the midst of all that is a whole lot of creativity. From the Mission and The Haight to South of Market and the Tenderloin, we’ve searched out two handfuls of maker places you won’t want to miss if you happen to find yourself in the middle of it all. Channel that creative spark and jump on these 18 excuses to make a road trip or buy a plane ticket to the City by the Bay.

1. Hotel Tomo: Located in the heart of Japantown, Hotel Tomo embraces Japanese culture with its J-pop/anime vibe. Find your inner chi in the funky, friendly 130-room hotel. When you stay here, you’re also doing good for the community. Each year, the hotel donates a minimum of $200 per guestroom to organizations in the community. It’s all about MAKING things happen!

2. Hotel Triton: This is not your standard, cookie-cutter hotel. Designed with you in mind, Hotel Triton is set for you to express your individuality and independent spirit. Within the vibrant walls, you’ll find an upbeat experience with playful amenities, hip elevator music and employees who sport whatever hip clothes they want. P.S. There is even a specialty Haagen-Dazs ice cream suite!

3. Phoenix Hotel: If you live the rock star lifestyle, you’re going to want to rest your head where the rockstars rest theirs, and that’s at the Phoenix. With an updated ’50s vibe and one badass pool that is no stranger to impromptu synchronized swimming displays, this hotel has lots of swagger. Make sure to score brunch reservations at their poolside restaurant Chambers.

What to Eat

4. Taqueria Cancun: There is fierce debate around the best Mission-style burrito, so don’t take the decision lightly. Taqueria Cancun loads their super burritos with your choice of filling — juicy pollo, lengua, rich carnitas, smokey carne asada, pastor or some righteous veggie options, along with rice (and lots of it!) scented with tomato and cumin, tender pintos, crema and thick slices of avocado. You won’t wait long before you’re settled into one of the indoor picnic tables amid bright yellow and red walls and ornate paper flags.

5. Foreign Cinema: Food, art and film all under one roof… you betcha! Get ready for a quintessential San Francisco dining experience in an industrial-chic setting, befit with a fireside dining room, mezzanine and an art gallery. As rad as all of that sounds, Foreign Cinema’s special feature is the foreign and independent films (hence the name) projected on the outside wall that serve as a backdrop to your patio experience. Partners Gayle Pieri and John Clark have implemented an ever-changing California-Mediterranean inspired menu, complete with oyster bar. And in a city that loves to brunch… let’s just say you’re going to want to get there.

6. SOMA StrEat Food Park: What if we told you that you could find a plethora of the greatest eats on four wheels that the city has to offer all in one locale under the freeway?! It’s true. Get to SOMA’s StrEat Food Park for a collection of food trucks ready to quell whatever craving you’re experiencing. Oh, and don’t miss out on StrEat Brew, the first food truck to serve beer and wine in San Francisco. Cheers to that! (via Fun Cheap SF)

7. Gracias Madre: There’s never been a better time to be vegan. This Mexican restaurant serves up all of your favorite dishes sans any animal products. If you’re a Mexican food purist, you’re picky about your tortillas, and these are legit. Head to the back of the restaurant and watch as they press them and cook them. Yup, what hits your table is that fresh.

8. Dandelion Chocolate: The duo behind Dandelion started by growing small cacao plants in their apartments and are now full-on craft chocolatiers with their very own artisanal chocolate factory. You absolutely cannot miss out on this bean-to-bar craft chocolate cafe, which uses beans from local farms. You can watch chocolate being made while you bite, sip and slurp artisan chocolate treats like Dandelion’s Nibby Horchata, House Hot Cocoa or Frozen Mocha. And get this: they’ve blended their knowledge with Woods Beer Company to concoct a cocoa brew… Hello Willie Wonka! P.S. Dandelion Chocolate encourages you to do three things while you’re there: Taste chocolate, meet with a maker and eat a treat. Don’t mind if we do!

9. Dynamo Donut: If you still have a sweet tooth, march over to Dynamo Donut in the Mission. Made by Sara Spearin, Dynamo’s tasty rings of dough are definitely above average. Flavor profiles include Chocolate Rose, Passionfruit Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Earl Grey and Focaccia Bacon. Can’t decide which one to sink your teeth into? Try the donut that is truly dynamic and just so happens to be the first recipe Sara came up with, the Vanilla Bean Donut, a robust flavor profile of salty, sweet, sour and bitter, all pulled together with a little spice. (via Serious Eats)

Where to Drink

10. Sightglass: Start your morning off at this independent coffee roaster. Get a taste of what Sightglass is all about by heading to their SOMA locale. There, you can watch roasters display their craft and witness baristas preparing artful beverages before your eyes at the open coffee bar.

11. Sow: If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing juice, Sow is where it’s at. Inspired by the planting or scattering of seeds in or on the earth and specializing in hand-crafted, organic and seasonal produce, plus herb and flower combinations, Sow’s juices are made fresh to order. Get energized with the Archetype (beets, carrots, oranges, apples and ginger) or The Prescription (organic apple, orange, celery, kale, mint and parsley.) For your dose of Sow, get to San Francisco’s Ferry Building on Saturday morning for the farmer’s market, get a fresh squeeze and check out the astonishing number of local makers and growers. (via The Food Craftsmen)

12. Magnolia Pub and Brewery: Life is brewtiful in this microbrewery in Upper Haight that pumps out an insane list of inventive beers and seasonal pub grub. Always packed with neighborhood hospitality, Master Brewer and owner Dave McLean believes that, “Bringing people together around the pleasures of the pint is just about the coolest job in the world.” In fact, Dave loves it so much, Magnolia Brewing recently expanded its operation with a BBQ joint, Smokestack in Dog Patch. Take your pick; either way you’ll love the beer and the food.

13. The Alembic: Challenge your palate and get your craft cocktail fix at this nationally acclaimed bar in the Haight. Be prepared to study the encyclopedia that is their cocktail menu, filled with old stalwarts and fresh concoctions that will tantalize the senses. Mixologists use green tea, birds eye chili tinctures, garam masala spiced-apple syrup, peppercorn syrup and strawberries pureed with xanthan gum to transform ordinary cocktails into inspired masterpieces. If craft cocktails don’t lure you in, The Alembic is expanding, which means you’ll get to have an array of tasty bar snacks to pair with your cocktail. (via Afar)

What to Explore

14. Brit + Co SF: This is Brit + Co’s very own outpost where you can make and shop under one roof. Head over to Union Square to the make stations, and DIY something delightful to brighten up your desk space, like a funky terrarium, or shop the latest wonders made by artisans and designers from across the country, like Mason Jar Shot Glasses and Pantone Espresso Mugs. Get inspired and dream big, try out one of the 3-D printers, design a gift for a friend or sign up for a class like laser cutting. Pencil in some time, you could be here all day. It’s truly a maker’s paradise.

15. Vantigo: We get it. You want to see the city in a concise way, but you’re not a fan of the whole corporate big bus affair. Don’t miss out on this unconventional adventure. Hop into a fire-engine-red 1971 VW bus named Lillie, and see San Francisco on one of their tours, including 7×7 City Tour, San Francisco City Lights Tour, The Oyster Experience or one of the Brew Tours. Your well-informed guide, VW bus enthusiast and playlist remixer Erik Hormann will supply you with a memorable experience, filled with new friends and lots of laughs, all while learning and experiencing some fascinating things about San Francisco. Book your Vantigo, get to know the city and get ready for the ride of your life! (via Cool Hunting)

16. Free Gold Watch: Custom screen printing meets pinball arcade near Golden Gate Park. What started as a modest silk-screen printing shop has morphed into a game lover’s haven. Jeffrey Levine, the owner of Free Gold Watch, began his business printing in his garage and grew it into a successful brick and mortar printing shop. When Levine opened up shop in his current space, he was trying to make use of a long hallway that serves as a showroom leading to the workshop. A golden idea struck, and the first pinball machine was added. Now it’s a full-on arcade, the perfect place to tune up your pinball skills or shop some graphic tees. Worth noting: Free Gold Watch is BYOB. (via Guru Energy)

17. Rare Device: If you love all things beautiful, get to Rare Device, where every object has its own story and is either handmade, well-designed, useful or beautiful. Find something for yourself, your home, family or friends. Wares are produced both locally and as far off as Japan. With merchandise ranging from jewelry to agate coasters, you won’t leave empty handed! The store also hosts monthly art shows, workshops, trunk shows and book signings.

18. Proxy: This project was born out of the economic downturn that led to abandoned lots brought on by the destruction of the former Central Freeway in Hayes Valley. The temporary space, comprised of renovated shipping containers, explores flexible urbanism, food, art, culture and retail space all while encouraging a fresh rotation of ideas, businesses and art. Come, see for yourself. Not only will you always be surprised at what you’ll find, but you can currently enjoy shopping for apparel, a pop-up fitness hub, liquid nitrogen ice cream, a bike tour, craft coffee, juice, food trucks, a biergarten and an outdoor movie theater.


 Spill your secrets to the best maker spots in San Francisco in the comments below.

A Day in the Life of a Female Winemaker

Cambria Estate Winery
None

Hi there! It’s Sarah Sherman Samuel, interior designer and blogger. I recently moved from LA to Michigan, but a couple weeks ago I had to travel back to LA for work, and I got the chance to zip up north to partner with Cambria Estate Winery! I sat down with their winemaker, Jill Russell, to chat about the art of winemaking and the importance of female leadership at Cambria. I often get asked where I find inspiration and one of my main sources is by learning about a different artistry or craft. Nothing can dig me out of a creative slump quicker than delving into a new type of skill, and I did just that with an afternoon at Cambria.

I drove up from Los Angeles for the day, meandering through roads of open fields and vineyards, stopping for lunch in Los Olivos on the way while very excited for the day ahead. I haven’t been alone in the car sans one or two kids for a very long time, or have been able to do anything alone for that matter, so I really took it all in. Arriving at Cambria, Jill had a wine tasting all set up for me, complete with a beautiful cheese plate from Fromagerie Sophie with wine pairing notes, and we dove right in.

After the tasting, Jill took me on a full tour of the estate, and we dove deeper into the history of Cambria and what it is actually like to be a winemaker (and we tasted grapes, played in the dirt, and took a few Boomerangs…as one does).

Cambria was founded by wine icon Jess Jackson and his wife Barbara Banke in 1986. Their daughters, Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson, grew up among the vines and continue the family business alongside Barbara. Jill was hired as winemaker in June 2017 to continue Cambria’s legacy of talented women winemakers. Cambria has strong women in leadership roles and out in the vineyards, and I thought it was interesting to hear that the female vineyard workers were sometimes preferred, as they were considered to have a more discerning eye and attention to detail when harvesting grapes.

So, what does a typical day look like for a winemaker? According to Jill… it is “Busy!”

From Jill: “During harvest, I arrive at the winery around 5:30am, check in with the teams and get to work calling picks, writing work orders for various fermentation activities including punchdown schedules, yeast additions, and so forth. I’m constantly walking the vineyards, checking the crushpad and making sure things are running smoothly for when grapes come in. Post-harvest, it’s all about the tanks and barrels – here I’m tasting wines, seeing how they’re progressing and running blending trials to determine the final blends for our wines.”

I was curious how one can get creative in the wine business since Jill mentioned that it is part farming, part artistry and part science. She explained how her favorite way to get creative is running new blending trials and the freedom of considering, “What happens if I try this? or this?” There are so many variables to get creative with. Her mind is always thinking of new methods or blends to test out.

As Jill talks about what she strives for in her winemaking, I can’t help but see the parallel in the work I do as a designer, as well as the work of other artists and makers across the board. For example, the search for that harmony or balance. I talk a lot about how I strive for balance in interior spaces —just replace flavors and tannins with visual weight, pattern, and colors, and she could have taken the words right out of my mouth. Then when it comes to “energy,” it is even more apparent. I always want whoever experiences my work to feel something, and feel the love and the story behind it. The same goes for the wine of Cambria. Jill wants the wine to make you feel the energy, and know that the wines you drink from them are lovingly made by a team of passionate wine lovers.

As a fan of Pinot Noir,Julia’s Vineyard has this amazing “Santa Maria Spice” as Jill explains, that isn’t the traditional sweet spice you may find in other red wines, but something a bit more savory like Chinese Five Spice. It really achieves that harmony in texture that Jill is so passionate about it! On the other hand,Katherine’s Chardonnay has this beautiful bright acidity and pretty citrusy floral notes. This isn’t your mother’s oaky, buttery Chardonnay (not that there’s anything wrong with those), but it truly tastes like the place. The tour of the estate and vineyards with Jill really illustrated how these single-vineyard wines are able to showcase the terroir they come from in the glass. This isn’t a blending of flavors from different areas, this is Cambria’s rocks, earth, fog, and wind all neatly captured in a bottle.

Interested in getting into the wine business? I asked Jill if she had any advice for someone who thinks he or she might want to work with wine. Her answer was the same that I often give to people interested in getting into design — and that is to just get working! She advises, “The best thing you can do is get a job at a winery, whether it’s a part-time gig at a tasting room or a full-on harvest internship. No matter where you start, you’ll learn so much about the industry and can start to forge your own path in where you want to work whether it’s in the vineyard, in the cellar, in operations, marketing or working with customers.”

FEATURED PRODUCTS

2016 Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay
$22
2015 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir
$25

Thank you for following along, I loved getting to learn more of the origins of some of my favorite wines and I hope you did too! I will definitely be back.

Would you consider being a winemaker? Share your thoughts on Instagram using #britstagram.

Author: Sarah Sherman Samuel

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Trader Joe’s Just Brought Back A “Cult-Favorite” Dessert In A New Flavor

Get excited, because Trader Joe’s just brought back a seasonal flavor of one of their most beloved frozen desserts. Mini-sized and perfect for mid-day – or, let’s be real – midnight snacking, the Hold The Cone ice cream has gracefully returnedwith the taste of none other than coffee! Yum. TJ’s fans are already running to their nearest stores to grab a box (or two!), so you're definitely going to want to grab this limited-time item before it runs out.

Scroll on to discover more about the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones from Trader Joe’s.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones category includes classics like strawberry, chocolate, and chocolate chip, but a newcomer just joined the lineup: coffee bean! The cones are truly a cult-favorite item amongst shoppers, including myself!

Trader Joe's

According to Trader Joe’s, the Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones feature mini chocolate sugar cones lined with a “chocolatey” coating that are then packed with a rich and “strongly flavored” coffee bean ice cream.

Trader Joe's

Chocolate and coffee is a truly stunning food combo, so coffee and dessert lovers will adore this new iteration. Additionally, their small size makes them absolutely irresistible for snacking sessions – I could honestly eat the whole box in one sitting.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the returning find with their Instagram followers, and it was an instant hit among those who know and love ‘em, and people who have never tried the cones before.

“Yassss my favorite flavor!!!” one person commented.

“I will be buying two boxes tomorrow,” another declared.

“I don’t understand why this is a seasonal flavor!” someone else pointed out.

Reddit

One box of the Trader Joe’s Coffee Bean Hold the Cone! Mini Ice Cream Cones is just $4, and that guarantees you 8 mini-sized ice cream cones to share – or keep all to yourself.

You can find this new drop in between TJ’s freezer aisles next to so many more sweet finds like the Blood Orange Mochi and the Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream. I’m craving ice cream already!

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more epic Trader Joe's products + new items!

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The 10 Best Tom Hanks Movies That Have Aged Brilliantly

With an acting career that spans over four decades, Tom Hanks (born Thomas Jeffrey Hanks) is revered as one of the most beloved and well-respected actors in Hollywood. Whether he’s portraying a lovable man-child in Big or voicing a trustworthy cowboy sheriff doll in Toy Story, the now 68-year-old actor and filmmaker has managed to capture the hearts of audiences around the world, solidifying himself as an American cultural icon. Aside from having many prestigious awards under his belt, Hanks’ impressive acting catalog includes a movie or two that is an absolute must-watch. (Ahem, I’ve watched You’ve Got Mail more than a dozen times, but who’s counting?)

From Cast Away to Apollo 13, here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies everyone should watch at least once—if you haven’t already!

1. Forrest Gump

Paramount Pictures

One of the most memorable quotes from this widely-praised classic comes from Forrest Gump himself, where the titular character repeats a phrase often used by his late mother: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”

That’s just one of the inspirational lessons you will take away throughout the film. Serving as an adaption of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same title, Forrest Gump follows an Alabama man who doesn’t let his intellectual shortcomings stand in his way. From fighting on the front lines of the Vietnam War to captaining a shrimp boat, Forrest Gump is living his life to the fullest.

But he yearns to be with his childhood love, Jenny, who goes on to live a troubling life. Not only was Forrest Gump a box office success (garnering a whopping $678.2 million worldwide during its theatrical run, btw) but it was admired by critics and fans alike, earning an 8.8 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. While this Tom Hanks movie has faced some controversy over the years, its redeeming qualities make it one of the most iconic movies of the 90s.

2. Toy Story

Disney

Woody is the true definition of best friend goals. Woody’s unwavering fearlessness and ability to go to infinity and beyond for Andy (AKA his owner) and his fellow toys is quite endearing. It’s hard to picture anyone other than Tom Hanks voicing the iconic vintage doll. From the moment Woody is first introduced on screen, Hanks brings a story of charm and je ne sais quoi to the character that can’t be replicated.

While the Toy Story movie franchise consists of four movies (with a fifth movie currently in the works, ICYMI), the first Toy Story movie will always be a fan favorite, earning an 8.3 out of 10 rating on IMDb and a perfect 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Philadelphia

TriStar

Moving, poignant and unforgettable. Those are the three words that describe Hank’s phenomenal (and don’t forget Oscar-winning!) performance in 1993’s law drama Philadelphia. Meet Andrew Beckett, a lawyer working at a prestigious law firm in Philadelphia. In a desperate attempt to save his career, he keeps his HIV diagnosis and homosexuality a secret from his co-workers.

However, an employee discovers his secret, and as a result, Beckett is let go from the law firm. Angered by the firm’s decision, Beckett enlists the help of a Black lawyer named Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington) and sues his former employer for discrimination.

From the talented ensemble cast to the film’s underlying message of social injustice and prejudice, Philadelphia is an absolute must-watch from beginning to end. And the ratings speak for themselves: Philadelphia has a 7.7/10 on IMDb and 81 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. ​Big

20th Century Fox

If you ask me, Big is like the big brother to 13 Going on 30 and 17 Again. Directed by Penny Marshall (who you may recognize from the TV sitcom Laverne & Shirley!), Big follows a 12-year-old boy named Josh Baskin, who wishes he was “big.”

One day, he wakes up as an adult. However, Josh longs for the days of childhood. But what makes this film so great? Hanks brings such a childlike innocence to the role that you can’t help but smile whenever he appears on screen. Whether he’s playing with toys or gleefully playing a sonnet on a life-size piano keyboard with his feet, Big makes you feel an enchanting sense of nostalgia, where you can think back to a time when life was so carefree and being a child wasn’t a distant memory. Also, it has a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb and a whopping 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

5. Sleepless in Seattle

TriStar

As someone who has watched Sleepless in Seattle more than once, I can’t say enough how much this timeless rom-com deserves a spot on this list. From the undeniable chemistry between Hanks and Meg Ryan to the talented ensemble cast, this is a movie I put on whenever I’m in the mood for a genuine, heartwarming romance. What’s not to love?

Following the death of his wife, Sam Baldwin and his son move to Seattle for a fresh start. One night, Jonah calls into a radio station to find his dad a new wife. While driving late at night, a journalist named Annie Reed is listening to the same radio segment and she falls for Sam, but—get this—she’s engaged.

Unable to get him off her mind, Annie takes a leap of faith and writes to Sam, asking him to meet up on top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. If that doesn’t scream romance, then I don’t know what does. Though Sleepless in Seattle received a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and 75 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains one of my fave Nora Ephron films and Tom Hanks’ swoon-worthy portrayal of Sam is chef's kiss.

6. ​Cast Away

DreamWorks

If you were questioning Tom Hanks’ range as an actor, just put on Cast Away (which has a 7.8/10 rating on IMDb and 88 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) one time and you’ll see for yourself. I mean, the man is acting alongside a volleyball named Wilson for most of the movie, for crying out loud.

Hanks is a force to be reckoned with in this film, where he plays a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and becomes stranded on a deserted island. As he fights to survive, he dreams of one day reuniting with a person he holds near and dear to his heart: his soon-to-be fiancée.

7. ​Saving Private Ryan

DreamWorks

The first time I watched Saving Private Ryan was in Social Studies class. Middle school, to be exact. Set during WWII, Saving Private Ryan follows Captain John Miller and his regiment as they embark on a journey to locate Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat.

This movie will stick with you after the screen fades to black and the end credits roll. And Hanks’ ability to capture Captain John Miller’s sincerity and valiantness with so much authenticity was nothing short of spectacular. But that’s not the only reason why it deserves a spot on everyone’s watch list. While it’s certainly not an easy watch, this film tells an impactful yet inspiring story about resilience, loss, and the disastrous conditions of war. Not to mention, it has an impressive 8.6/10 rating on IMDb and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Need I say more?

8. ​Catch Me If You Can

DreamWorks

What do you get when you put Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio in a crime-action comedy? Catch Me If You Can, that’s what! Serving as a live adaptation of Frank Abagnale Jr.’s autobiographical book of the same name, Catch Me If You Can revolves around the young conman, who becomes the most successful bank robber in the history of the U.S. before the age of 19.

Frank has done it all: he’s worked as a doctor, a lawyer, and as a co-pilot for a major airline. In a cunning game of cat and mouse, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Hanks) tries to bring Frank to justice, only for Frank to be one step ahead. It garnered an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. And don’t even get me started on Hanks and DiCaprio being the ultimate on-screen duo.

9. ​Apollo 13

Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem!” If you heard this iconic phrase before, I bet you didn’t know that it came from the 1995 docu-drama Apollo 13. Aside from its stellar ensemble cast, the film was also praised for its accurate retelling of the Apollo 13 lunar mission.

The year is 1970. A crew of three astronauts boarded a NASA spacecraft in hopes of landing on the moon. When an oxygen tank explodes during their mission, the crew must find a way to survive and make it safely back to Earth. Not only is it regarded as one of the best movies of all time, but it also received praise from critics, earning a 7.7/10 rating on IMDb and a 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

10. Splash

Buena Vista Pictures

Last but not least: Splash. Sure, the plot may be a bit cheesy. But it has everything that makes an '80s rom-com great. Strong chemistry? Check. Quirky humor? Oh, there’s a lot of that! Splash follows a man who's reunited with a mermaid that saved him from drowning 20 years ago.

Now, as an adult, he falls in love with the mermaid after she ventures onto dry land to find him. However, their perfect love story is cut short when a scheming scientist tries to expose her secret to the world. Now, I know what you’re thinking: This movie has a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb and it somehow received a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes (with an audience rating of 65 percent.) But Splash is an overall good time. If you’re looking for a chuckle or two, you’ll get it with Splash. (And can I just say that Tom Hanks is so charming and funny in this film?!)

What’s your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Did we miss one on the list? If so, let us know in the comments and read up on the 10 Cringy 90s Movies That Would Never Be Made Today for more!

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4 Expert Tips For How To Treat Hormonal Acne — & Fast

I don't know whether to treat my period acne as guests or annoying pests. I'm familiar with balancing my hormones, but even that seems to be a great mystery when painful breakouts appear on my forehead or chin. Even relying on a face wash fromFarmacy Beautyisn't always a match for their stubbornness.

But esthetician Danielle Gronich wants to dispel the idea hormonal acne's impossible to treat. Plus, she's exposing the truth about ingredients that could be causing flareups 👀. Known as The Acne Guru, Gronich has over 10 years of experience treating cystic acne, and is the founder of both the San Diego Acne ClinicCLEARSTEM Skincare.

Ready for our acne to be in great hands?

Scroll to learn The Acne Guru's top 4 tips for treating stubborn hormonal breakouts

What's the biggest myth about hormonal acne?

Taylor Nicole/Dupe Photos

I love relying on TikTok to find cute matcha drink recipes to remake, but I know some of the skincare advice shared on the app shouldn't be followed. But there's one thing in particular Gronich isn't a fan of.

"The biggest myth about hormonal acne is that you have to be on birth control in order to solve it. This myth is all over social media, but I believe it comes from the medical world not really understanding hormones and having to rely on prescriptions to override them."

Would you believe me if I told you she's not wrong? I've been on birth control off and on since I was teenager, but I've yet to see it get to the root of my acne problem!

What are different types of hormonal acne?

Anna Nekrashevich/Pexels

Did you know not all hormonal acne stems directly from your period? According to Gronich, "there are many different triggers" for it with "the most common ones being stress and high sugar or processed foods" because they "impact our hormones." However, that's not all!

"Also extremely common is PCOS, estrogen dominance, progestin-related acne from certain birth control controls like the hormonal IUD, and then there is another type of hormonal acne caused by the vitamins and supplements we take," she adds. Going a step further, Gronich says "certain vitamins and supplements can spike testosterone or interfere with other enzyme processes that throw off our hormones."

I guess this is why my doctor always recommends I consult with her before taking random tablets so I'm not disrupting anything in my body!

Why do I see breakouts on my forehead, cheeks, or chin sometimes?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Remember the face mapping tool we were introduced to years ago? There's truth to them which is why Gronich created a Pore-Clogging Ingredient Checker for you to get more insight about what you're putting on your skin. But back to what your breakouts are trying to tell you!

Given Gronich's experience, she knows "different areas of the face can represent different parts of the body." She sees "hormonal acne most on the chin and jawline" because "we have the deepest hair follicles there." Want to know what this means for our body's reaction to certain foods and products?

"Dairy has insulin-like growth factor hormone so many people who consume dairy regularly get hormonal acne right on their chin. Some people are taking too much vitamin B 12 which throws off their hormones and you see it on the jawline," she says.

Then there's our relationship with using a ton of beauty products. Gronich is firm about telling "people to remove pore-ingredients from their skin care ad makeup" because "acne that's all over your face" is the direct result of "something that's being put all over your face." Not being aware of what we're using "will flare with our PMS cycle, so we accidentally think it's hormonal," accodring to her. But nope!

"...it can also just be caused by those hidden pore-clogging ingredients," she states.

Okay, how do I treat what feels like hormonal acne?

Yan Krukau/Pexels

No matter your skin type, there's a few ingredients you can use to treat hormonal acne over time. "People can treat their hormonal acne with mandelic acid, and spot treatments like sulfur," Gronich shares. She also says, "Benzoyl peroxide can be a useful tool as well but must be used carefully so as not to over strip the skin. Don't take this advice lightly because I accidentally created more issues when I used this haphazardly.

If you don't want to use Benzoyl peroxide, she says you try "ice rolling." The amount of times you can use this tool depends on your skin type. "...if you are oily, you can use these treatments every day."

How do I treat dark spots left over from hormonal acne

Ron Lach/Pexels

Gronich's tips for treating dark spots are making me rethink my shower habits because I've been doing the opposite of what's considered helpful for my skin. She says, "Avoid using hot water in the shower as it continually inflames the skin and further damages the delicate scar tissue!" Furthermore, you can "use anti-inflammatory products," according to her.

"Serums that contain hyaluronic acid can be very helpful, as well as gentle massaging to activate circulation which stimulates our wound healing response in the skin. Red light therapy can also be fantastic for scarring, along with professional micro needling treatments," she remarks.

The best things you and I can do are being mindful of what we eat, supplements we take, and what we put on our faces. Also, a lot of patience goes a long way when treating hormonal acne.

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