We all get spots from time to time, which although annoying can be easily treated and tend to clear up on there own in a relatively short space of time. Acne on the other hand is an inflammatory skincare condition that occurs when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria resulting in whiteheads, blackheads or spots. It is a condition that is most common among teenagers, however statistically acne affects 95% of people aged 11 to 30 to some extent. There are many factors that can trigger acne to develop such as hormones, family history, underlying health conditions or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. Although it is always advisable to seek advice from a doctor or dermatologist if you are experiencing severe acne, there are a few tips and tricks that can help if you have mild acne.
Wash your face twice a day
It is good practice to wash your face twice a day, perhaps first thing in the morning and last thing before bed. Doing this helps to remove the dirt, product buildup and other impurities from your face which prevents clogged pores from developing. Some people may question why it is necessary to wash your face first thing in the morning, it is recommended because during sleep, you can accumulate bacteria and other impurities from your bed sheets and pillowcases, plus your body may release sweat and oil during the night. We would also advise that it can be beneficial to wash your face after exercising or if you have sweated for any reason, as sweat can clog your pores and cause breakouts. When choosing the ideal face wash or cleanser for acne prone skin, opt for something gentle. Our Face Wash helps to clear blocked pores and remove impurities from the skin, this product also includes charcoal which has antibacterial properties that may help lift bacteria from the pores.
Exfoliate to help unclog pores
Exfoliation can help to unclog pores and may even reduce the appearance of active acne and minimise scars. Your skin has its own exfoliation process in that it naturally sheds dead cells, but oftentimes for people with acne, this natural process doesn’t work as effectively. A solution to combat this is to implement your own exfoliation process to ensure that dead skin cells are being removed to prevent your pores from becoming clogged. We recommend using our Face Scrub no more than once a week as any more frequent use may irritate already inflamed skin. This gentle exfoliant contains Tea Tree Essential Oil which is an ingredient that is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial and is great for calming breakouts. This bar naturally melts at body temperature, so apply it by massaging the bar into the skin avoiding the area around the eyes and any broken skin.
Prevent dryness and irritation with moisturiser
Although cleansing and exfoliating are great for removing excess oil and preventing breakouts, it can also result in your skin becoming dry which triggers your body to make more oil. This can be a vicious cycle as the extra oil can then further clog your pores, which may lead to more breakouts. One way to combat this and to restore balance is by using a moisturiser to help prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated. It is generally recommended that people with acne prone skin apply moisturiser once a day or whenever the skin seems particularly dry, perhaps during the winter. Avoid using a moisturiser that is too heavy or has ingredients that can irritate your skin. Our Natural Moisture Cream is light and gentle and contains natural, vegan ingredients. This highly nourishing product contains Aloe vera which has antibacterial properties that can help control and reduce acne-causing bacteria.
Detox your skin with a face mask
Occasionally aside from our daily skincare routine, our skin requires a little more TLC and can benefit from a deep detox. Applying a face mask can be a great solution for this as choosing one with the right ingredients can help to draw out impurities and smooth the skin's texture. We recommend using a mask no more than once a week as it might irritate your skin if used more regularly. Our handmade natural powder Matcha Face Mask contains Tea Tree Essential Oil which is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and is great for soothing breakouts. To apply simply mix 1 part powder with 2/3 parts warm water. Create a paste and apply. Leave on for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Do not apply around eyes or on broken skin.
Reduce inflammation with a powerful facial serum
There are many benefits to using a facial serum if you have acne prone skin. Serums can help to balance oil production, reduce inflammation and combat dryness that can be caused by excessive cleansing or exfoliation. If you are not familiar with this superhero skincare product, a serum is used after cleansing and before moisturising, they are highly concentrated and help to lock in moisture. We recommend using a serum daily that contains acne combatting ingredients. Our 24k Gold Serum is jam packed with nourishing oils, such as Argan Oil which combats redness and inflammation and Bergamot Essential Oil which is calming, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. While Castor oil works on repairing damaged skin. Massage a few drops into the skin avoiding the area around the eyes and any broken skin. Apply in the evening to really get moisture into the skin overnight.