Being Acne Aware

Written By Rejuvenetics

As a skin care professional I have seen a variety of types of acne over the 30 plus years I have been treating skin. I have tried and tested many products, treatments and dietary approaches. This article shares actions against acne that I have seen help many of my clients.

Acne is a skin condition that can affect most people and NOT not just teenagers. It causes spots, oily and flaky skin and is sometimes hot or painful to touch which affects a person’s confidence and wellbeing too.

FACE THE FACTS

  • Acne is NOT caused by poor hygiene

  • Hormones DO cause and affect acne

  • Diet DOES  impact acne, certain food such as sugar, dairy, unhealthy fats and refined carbohydrates can worsen acne symptoms in some people.

  • Acne IS a sensitive skin but is often overly treated as oily skin and can worsen if overuse of astringent products damages the skin barrier.

  • Stress CAN aggravate acne

  • Lack of sleep MAY also affect acne


TAKE ACTION AGAINST ACNE

Always treat acne skin as sensitive skin and avoid using too many oil stripping products.

The self-help techniques below may be useful:

  • Do NOT over cleanse areas of skin more than twice a day. Over cleansing strips the skin’s natural defense barrier making the skin more prone to infection and inflammation. Use a gentle glycolic cleanser NOT soap or soap based products

  • ALWAYS cleanse off make-up before sleep

  • Do NOT use a toner. Instead spritz the face after cleansing with Avene Thermal Spring Water (available from Boots). This will close the pores but also hydrates and soothes the skin. 

  • Do NOT try to pull out blackheads or squeeze spots, this can aggravate them and cause scarring

  • Do NOT use too much make-up. Use products that are non-comedogenic (which are less likely to block the pores in your skin)

  • ALWAYS moisturise your skin to protect your skin from drying out and damaging the skin’s natural defense barrier. 

  • TREAT inflammed areas only with a targeted approach so as not to damage healthy skin 

  • DO Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting long hair fall across your face

  • EAT a healthy diet containing Vitamins A, C, E  and Zinc rich foods. Reduce your  intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats and fizzy drinks

  • TAKE a probiotic supplement. Research shows that the use of probiotics may reduce skin eruptions. 

Over use of products and treatments can make acne worse as it strips the skin of it’s natural oil and natural defense barrier which can lead to worsening the infection and inflammation of the skin already affected by acne. It can make the healthy skin more prone to breakouts too. It calso creates a very dry flaky top layer of skin.

Products and treatments can take up to 3 months to work as it takes time for the new skin cells to develop and replace the old damaged surface skin cells, so please do NOT expect immediate results.  Once they do start to work, the results are usually good. Patience and commitment are needed to get the results!

PRODUCTS THAT WORK!

Advanced Skincare’s:

 REVEAL + REFRESH- gentle glycolic wash. Contains the natural clinically proven AHAs, Glycolic and Citric Acid to remove the build-up of dead skin cells together with Salicylic Acid to remove impurities and excess oil. This combination will cleanse the skin and increase cell turnover

 POLISH + GLOW- exfoliator containing  a powerhouse of 6 natural exfoliating agents, including mango fruit extract, papaya fruit extract, and pumpkin enzyme, this exfoliating scrub effortlessly removes dead skin cells, unveiling a brighter, radiant complexion. Silica and bamboo stem powder provide gentle physical exfoliation, while glycolic works synergistically to refine skin texture and minimise imperfections with organic chemical exfoliation.The addition of blackcurrant extract nourishes the skin with essential vitamins and antioxidants, leaving it smooth, revitalised, and deeply refreshed.

GENTLE HYDRATION- a non oily non-comedogenic soothing day and night moisturiser is formulated to keep skin optimally hydrated and in peak condition. Blended with Tara Seed Extract, Tripeptide-1, Tetrapeptide-7 and Vitamins B & C, it will help calm and restore the skin's natural moisture barrier, boost moisture levels and help minimize future dehydration.

ZAP- a targeted gel formula to harness the potency of scientifically proven ingredients, including salicylic acid, myristoyl Hexapeptide-23, glycolic acid, phytic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, witch hazel, chamomile, and a blend of nourishing fruit extracts. Salicylic acid dives deep into pores, swiftly unclogging them, and targeting blemishes effectively to reduce inflammation and redness.

+ SERUMOLOGY - niacinamide day and night facial serum including Chia seed which helps to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and contains antioxidants CICA and fruit extracts that fight breakouts

AVENE EAU THERMALE - Thermal spring water in a spray can. It soothes irritated skin and provides a non oily hydration whilst closing the pores. A much gentler way to tone the skin. Available from Boots.

BOOTS GOOD GUT supplements- live friendly bacteria + skin & hair support Food Supplement, 30 Capsules. Containing 25 billion gut friendly bacteria that helps balance the gut’s natural biome after over consumption of sugars and refined carbohydrates. Can help reduce fungal acne.

TREATMENTS THAT WORK! 

  • LED phototherapy-  Blue light reduces the acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.Red light reduces the inflammation and redness and stimulates new collagen. Often blue and red light are used in combination to help fight acne. 

  • IPL Laser -Intense Pulsed Light system directly targets overactive sebaceous glands which reduces reduces the number and severity of inflamed areas. IPL encourages the production of new collagen to improve skin texture, and can also reduce the appearance of red or brown areas of skin that are often associated with acne breakouts as well as reduce the risks of scarring.

  • MICRODERMABRASION -Microdermabrasion is an effective exfoliation treatment for those suffering from mild acne breakouts. The treatment removes the dry dead skin cells which can trap the oil or sebum in the skin’s pores to minimize the appearance of whiteheads and blackheads, creating a smoother look on the skin's surface.

Consult with a skin care professional before starting any treatments to ensure that they are correct for your skin type and skin condition.

FEED YOUR SKIN FIT!

REMOVE refined carbohydrates, sugar, saturated fats and fizzy drinks from your diet

INCLUDE 

  • Omega rich foods

  • Lean protein

  • Mineral Zinc

  • Vitamins A, C and E

  • Antioxidants and probiotics

  • Water 

Some fit skin-friendly food choice suggestions are:

  • Complex carbohydrates brown rice or pasta, quinoa and whole-wheat bread

  • Orange and yellow fruits such as apricots, papaya and mango and vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow and orange peppers

  • Spinach and other dark green and leafy salad and vegetables

  • Tomatoes

  • Raspberries, blackcurrants and blueberries

  • Sunflower, pumpkin seeds and nuts

  • Lentils, beans and peas

  • Chicken and turkey

  • Mackerel, salmon, tuna and other kinds of omega rich fatty fish

  • Live yoghurt

  • Olive oil and sunflower oil for cooking and salad dressings


ALWAYS take into account any food allergies or sensitivities you may have when planning your diet. Find gluten free and dairy free alternatives and please AVOID nuts if you are allergic or intolerant to them. 

Article written by Lorraine Tolley Rejuvenetics June 2024



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