General Tips Acne

Skin tips

Body

1. Lather up- use a shower gel to remove dirt and grime to prevent your skin pores clogging up. The skin needs to have clearer pores so that oils form the skin can escape.
Please note- frequent showering or using soaps can cause dry skin and leaving the skin tight, try to use a product with a moistening agent that will hydrate the skin.

Face

• Apply hot compresses to pustules/cyst and have steam facial deep poor treatments to open up pores (caution in those who are extremely sensitive to temperature change)
• One should cleanse face gently with a mild soap or antibacterial wash to unclog pores. (Do not use a soap that makes one’s skin dry). Use no more than twice daily (morning and night) to prevent bacterial from multiplying (Please note black tips of spot cannot be washed off, it is not dirt but oxidised sebum) and then use a medicinal product.

Body /face

2. Exfoliate – The top layer of the skin continues to renew itself and sheds dead cells, the dead cells need to be removed to prevent blocked pores and hence achieve a brighter, smother and softer skin. One should buff their skin a few times a week.
Products are available to gently remove and polish away dead skin.

Acne

• Pores tend to get more clogged easily due to more oil in the skin hence one will need to use certain products (ask your pharmacist).
• One should try to use anti-stringent toners to reduce oil build up.

3. Moisturise-the skin is prone to get dry and dehydration especially the face as it has fewer oil glands.
Products contain humectants and occlusive’s which help soften and smooth the skin and used daily will help to improve the appearance of the skin and improve skin function.
It should be used day and night.

Acne

The pores tend to get more clogged easily due to more oil in the skin hence one will need to use certain products.

• Try products which have Vitamin A or retinoid (Avoid in pregnancy or if using medication from your doctor for acne which contain retinoid unless medical doctor/pharmacist says otherwise).
• Rubbing alcohol can cause the skin to get very dry as it has anti-stringent properties, it can be very drying to skin so don’t use on any dry areas i.e acne and dry skin eczema , which could cause your skin to overproduce oil and worsen blemishes.
• Use water based foundation, cover ups, moisturisers. Avoid greasy or oil creams/ointments they are more likely to block pores.
• Always wash hands and avoid towel sharing.
• Wash make up before going to bed.
• Do not pick or squeeze spots. One increases the chance of scarring.
• Sun beds and sunbathing will not improve acne; it can increase chance of skin cancer.
• A good balanced diet will help for one’s skin to regenerate
• Drink plenty of water at least eight glasses daily.
• Cut down on smoking
• Cut down on alcohol consumption

• Cut down on stress, have a hobby and get plenty of sleep.
• Consider:
  • Aromatherapy
  • Pilates
  • Tai-Chi
  • Yoga
  • Acupuncture therapy
• Avoid very sweaty routines.
• Encourage and support is essential. Please see a psychological expert if very severely affected emotionally.

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Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)