Tips for Taming Your Breakouts
Are you in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, or even 50’s and still plagued by pimples? If so, you’re far from alone. Breakouts don’t necessarily end with the rest of adolescence’s woes. In fact, according to one study, 54 percent of women and 40 percent of men experience facial acne as adults.
The reasons are many. In addition to excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation, which can cause acne at any age, the prevalence of adult acne is also affected by hormones, stress, diet, medications, and the haircare and skincare products you choose to use.
While not all of these factors are within your control (just try giving those hormones a strict talking to and see how well they respond), there are fortunately many steps you can take to combat other common acne causes. Consider the following tips, and don’t hesitate to ask your Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology esthetician for additional advice.
Never wear makeup to bed:
While dermatologists recommend oil-free makeup foundations and other makeup products to reduce the chances of clogged pores, they also note that any makeup left on over night will increase your risks of acne. This includes hypoallergenic and natural mineral makeup as well. So, if you want your skin to always look its best, take the few minutes required to cleanse your face before bed.
But whatever you do, don’t over cleanse:
If you’re washing your face more than twice a day, you’re probably drying out your skin. This can cause it to produce more oil to compensate, and more oil often means more clogged pores and pimples. To keep your skin in tip-top shape, dermatologists advise using a gentle face wash no more than twice dialing and limiting your use of gritty cleansers and rough cleansing brushes. When you’re done rinsing with cool or warm water, pat, rather than rub, your face dry with a clean towel.
Choose non-acnegenic products:
Look for moisturizers, sunscreen and other beauty products labeled “non-comedogenic,” “water-based,” and “won’t clog pores.” Oil-free products are especially important if you have oily or combination skin and are suffering from breakouts. Also, if you use brushes or sponges to apply your makeup, make sure you’re cleaning them regularly and thoroughly to get rid of bacteria.
Look for cleansers, serums, and moisturizers with acne fighting ingredients. These include:
· Salicylic acid (or beta-hydroxy acid) to exfoliate and unclog pores
· Benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria
· Sulfur to draw out oils
· Glycolic acid (or alpha-hydroxy acid) to exfoliate and stimulate the production of collagen
If the treatments above don’t work, see a dermatologist. Some of the most popular treatments in your dermatologist’s arsenal can now be purchased without a prescription. This includes topical tretinoin
(Vitamin A) and retinol, both which treat acne by encouraging faster cell turnover to prevent clogged pores. As a bonus, these products can brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. Of course, severe acne cases may require other prescription medications (such as antibiotics) and in-office treatments. Either way, a dermatologist can help you determine the best regimen for your situation.
Exfoliate regularly:
Whether you choose to use a glycolic cleanser or exfoliating scrub at home or visit the Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology spa for a luxurious facial, some dermatologists say that exfoliation is the most important thing to do if you want to prevent and treat acne. The trick is to do so no more than three times per week. More than that may increase irritation, inflammation, and the acne you’re trying to prevent.
Anti-Acne Diet:
Believe it or not, what you put into your body can actually have a massive impact on your skin. According to a 2016 study, research shows that dairy products and foods with a high glycemic index (GIs) have actually been linked to adult acne due to the increase in ones blood sugar. However, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests that avoiding foods with high GIs may be more helpful than avoiding dairy products. Relatively speaking, you are what you eat!
If you’ve tackled each of these tricks and you still seem to be struggling with some pesky breakouts and acne scars, come try a microdermabrasion treatment or exfoliating facial scrub to give your skin the break it needs! Call now for more details or to book your appointment!
By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology
