We’ve all seen them, dealt with them, “treated” them, and dreaded the return of them- PIMPLES! I will be talking about some do’s and dont’s for acne prone skin.
First off, what is acne and what causes pimples?
A breakout begins in our follicles, the area which a hair grows. When a follicle starts producing more oil, or sebum, than normal a breakout can occur. As the sebum travels to the surface, it carries cells that clump together and clog the pore. The pore is the opening that the sebum passes through and usually washes away. When the pore is clogged, a pimple starts forming, bacteria moves in and causes redness and inflammation, ACNE.
What Should Your Routine be Now
You may think that a harsh stripping cleanser and a good granule exfoliation is the answer but stop right there! A harsh soap only strips away at our natural protective barrier which protects our skin from harmful irritants and bacteria. Using a gentle cleanser, Benefit Clean, two times in the a.m and p.m is best advised. The Clarisonic Skin Brush can aid in cleaning the skin, clearing the pores and allowing for better cosmeceutical absorption.
Why Cleanse Twice a Day
The reason you cleanse twice in the morning and twice at night is; the first cleanse removes any dirt, oil or make-up from the day and the second actually cleanses your skin. Next, when it comes to exfoliating, instead of healing, excessive scrubbing can irritate the skin, causing existing ruptures to get even more inflamed. Avoid gritty exfoliants as well as cleansing tools like scratchy loofahs or scrubbers.
Instead opt for a cleanser with salicylic acid, like Purity Clean by Cosmedix, to treat the breakout and break down the clogged pore, rinsing with lukewarm water. Finish with a pat dry rather than rubbing your skin dry as that can cause more irritation.
Some Products and Procedures to Fight Acne
Some other ingredients that help to treat breakouts include benzoyl peroxide, sulfur and tea tree oil to name a few and can be found in Clarity Serum. They help by killing bacteria, reduce oil production and breaking down the dead skin that can clog the pore. Adding a professional treatment, such as a Hydrafacial or Chemical Peel specifically designed to fight acne at least once a month will help to further those results. Depending on the severity of the breakout topical or oral treatment may be necessary. Come in for a complimentary skin care consultation for your best treatment route.
Visit us at The Laser Image Company for more information.
