Has your skin been feeling the effects of the last few weeks thanks to the likes of lockdown and home-schooling while working from home!? Or are you simply prone to pesky pimples or all out adult acne? Whatever the reason, we have good news! Armed with the right products and a few expert tips, you can banish those blemishes! Just follow these steps and enjoy a clearer complexion in next to no time.
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Understand your skin
When it comes to acne, it’s important to understand which type you are suffering from. Unfortunately, this skin condition comes in many forms (just to complicate things!), so if you’re looking to recognise the difference between blackheads, cysts and everything in between we’ve got you. Simply click here.
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Look out for key ingredients when selecting your products
Finding the perfect products for your skin can sometimes seem like a never-ending quest thanks to the millions of options out there. But if it’s blemishes or acne you are looking to combat, there are a few key ingredients you should look out for when selecting your skincare, ingredients which will really help you accomplish that desired clearer complexion. These include;
Salicylic Acid
When it comes to breakouts, salicylic acid should always be your trusty go-to. This is because it’s calming, decongesting and antibacterial, as well as a proven superstar in reducing and preventing further pore clogging! Salicylic Acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that penetrates deep into the skin to exfoliate sebum-filled pores, as well as dissolve oil build-up and dead cells from the skin’s surface!
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is the most effective ingredient for actually treating spots as opposed to preventing them. This is because it actually kills bacteria! It can however be a little drying and irritating which is why it’s best used in specific targeted spot treatments.
Charcoal and clay
It’s tricky to soak up excess oil without over-drying the skin but products containing charcoal and clay do just that! They work by attracting and absorbing dirt and oil in the skin.
AHA’s (Glycolic and Lactic Acids)
These two alpha-hydroxy acids slough away the dead skin cells that cause pimple-producing clogged pores. The result? Smoother, softer skin.
Retinol
The master magician, retinol is the superstar of all ingredients thanks to its multitude of benefits including its ability to increase cell turnover, instructing damaged cells to produce healthier cells faster! As a result, pores are less likely to become blocked so blemishes unlikely to form!
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Cleanse twice daily and with the right cleanser!
If you are prone to breakouts or suffer from acne, do not skimp on cleansing your face twice daily! Choosing the right cleanser will also help rid your skin of the bacteria that make their way into those clogged pores which lead to breakouts!
In general, foaming cleansers are great for mature, oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of acne or excess oil/sebum, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort. Just beware of certain cleansers that can dry out your skin though as this will cause it to overproduce sebum (the natural oils your skin produces) which can lead to further clogged pores and breakouts!
We LOVE Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser. Specifically created for those with breakout prone and sensitive/oily skin, it’s formulated with both Salicylic and Lactic acids (so we know that’s a good thing!) Its potent foaming suds work very quickly to eliminate surface bacteria, toxins, impurities and makeup while combatting inflammation too!
“I have used this cleanser for over 15 years now and it is just awesome! I used to suffer from acne and this cleanser helped no end and without drying my skin out!” Bec
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Don’t forget to exfoliate
Whether your acne is mild or more severe, regular exfoliation is a must. Not only because it will smooth and soften the skin for a brighter complexion but because it helps reduce breakouts by removing excess dead skin cells and keeping pores from becoming clogged. Just make sure you opt for chemical and enzyme exfoliators that contain AHA’s and BHA’s as these will exfoliate skin’s surface as well as deeply penetrate into your pores.
We highly recommend Pevonia’s Clarigel Exfoliating Cleanser. It combines soapwort, Triclosan, Grapefruit Oil, Salicylic Acid and Citric Acid with Jojoba to gently remove impurities and delivers an intense exfoliating and deep cleansing experience for problem skin!
“I bought this product after being “prescribed” it by my beauty therapist for my mild adult acne. Firstly, the scent is light and non-intrusive, which is a huge plus. I also like that it contains both manual (small grains) chemical (citric acid) exfoliating properties. It helps to make my skin feel clean, smooth and prepared for moisturising. After a week or so I noticed a HUGE improvement in my breakouts.” Leah
- Do moisturise daily!
Acne can cause your skin to feel oily and greasy so a moisturiser may be the last thing you feel like putting on your skin, but I’m here to tell you moisturising is an essential step for any skincare routine. I get it, you are concerned the moisturiser will exacerbate your already blemished complexion but on the contrary, if you don’t moisturise you run the risk that your skin will become excessively dry, it can then try to compensate for the dryness by overproducing oil. The result? More breakouts! Aghhh.
Light, oil-free moisturisers targeted towards those with blemish prone skin is your best option and we are testament that Medicalia’s Clarifying Cream is one of the best! It is a wonderfully light-textured, oil free cream which really does control acne while magically preventing future blemishes too! Containing the powerhouse blend of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid with Sorbitol and other soothing and protecting ingredients, it promotes a healthier and beautifully hydrated complexion.
“It’s expensive but it’s been a lifesaver for my acne prone skin! I’ve noticed it helps keep my sebaceous filaments in check also!” Sophie
If you are concerned about acne and ageing, give retinol a go. Just be sure to introduce it very slowly and only apply at night. To find out more about retinol and our recommendations click here.
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Make over with a mask
Charcoal face masks can be a great treatment for both those with acne and oily skin. This is because charcoal is known for its purifying effects on the skin, literally drawing out dead skin, bacteria, excess oils from deep within the pores. It also helps clear pores without absorbing vitamins and nutrients that are vital for the skin.
Pevonia’s Pure Skin Charcoal Mask is the ideal option for anyone with oily skin, dilated pores, blemished skin and for acne control. Formulated with charcoal and skin nurturing ingredients, it supplies essential skin lipids that moisturise and protect the skin while decongesting it!
“Being in my 50’s I wasn’t sure if this would dry my skin out, but I bought it because of my breakouts. I’ve used it daily for about 3 days and it’s totally cleared my skin up – it feels de-congested, clear and smooth. I love this mask!” Melinda
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SPF daily, even those of us at home in isolation!
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer sadly! Your skin needs protection every day even indoors! This is because UV rays don’t just come from the sun but from your multiple devices too!
Look for a sunscreen, daily moisturiser or foundation with SPF that is lightweight, oil-free or oil-controlling! And steer clear of thick pore-clogging formulations.
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Choose makeup that won’t clog your pores
We know if you suffer from blemishes of any sort you are likely to want to conceal them. The thing is doing so can lead to further irritation so it’s important to choose makeup that won’t clog your skin. The best solution is mineral makeup as it allows your skin to actually breathe! We (and many of our customers) are OBSESSED with ELES’s best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. Its ‘non-occlusive’ long-lasting formula allows the foundation to enhance the complexion without covering up the skin, allowing it to “breathe” freely. It also glides onto skin beautifully but sets to a soft powder finish. And it is SPF 15 too!
“I have been using this product for 10 years+ and cannot fault it. It is light, silky and even though my skin is oil based it does not leave it clogged like many other foundations I have used previously.
I absolutely recommend anyone to try it to see how beautiful it is to wear.” Debrah
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Make sure you always remove that makeup!
Whether you’re prone to the odd spot or suffer from all out acne, you’ll soon see that sleeping with a face full of makeup can result in a big breakout of blemishes. Eek! Makeup, unfortunately, clogs pores, and when your pores are blocked, your skin can’t breathe, and therefore it can’t regenerate. The oil in your pores builds-up and transform itself into spots. Fact. So make sure you always remove your makeup before bed!
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And finally…relax more, sleep more
Although this isn’t as simple as it sounds when you are dealing with work, kids, home-schooling and lockdown! What I will say is if you’re dealing with a stressful situation, it is important to try and look for healthy ways to destress as there is a direct link between stress and skin disorders! Some simple options include;
Daily exercising – just a little as 30 minutes can make a huge different
Doing breathing exercises – I find doing this with the kids helps us all!
A morning yoga session – While this isn’t a possibility for all, if you are at home with kids try involving them in a little yoga fun. There are some great programs on youtube.
Meditating for a few minutes – my time to do this is just before bed. I love the calm app.
Playing music – something as simple as playing soothing sounds can have a profound affect on your mental state, reducing stress and it’s definitely a great option for everyone.
