Healthy Solutions for Clearing Acne

Out of all troublesome skin issues, acne is perhaps the most common and distressing. A bad breakout can make even the most confident among us feel uncomfortable in our own skin. Not only do we distress over the way acne looks, but it can be outright painful and potentially leave behind lifelong scars. If you’ve tried numerous products to no avail, here are some healthy methods of finally get rid of acne from the inside out.

Keep Your Pores Clean

Seems simple enough, but each day our pores are collecting dirt, pollution, sebum, and dead skin that creates bacteria accumulation. Though sebum is naturally secreted by the skin to keep it soft and protected, too much sebum production will contribute to bacterial overgrowth. You can keep your pores clean by following these tips:

• Wash your face in the morning and before bed (never sleep with makeup on).
• Avoid oily makeup or pore-clogging liquid foundation
• Use a clay mask or go get a facial to open and clean pores. Be sure to rehydrate skin afterwards, preferably with an oil similar to the skin’s own sebum, such as jojoba or argan oil.
• Try a professional peel mask. They’re a great way of deep cleaning pores by removing dead skin, dirt, and oil.

Simplify Your Regimen

In the midst of a severe acne breakout, it can be tempting to throw every product at your skin, hoping one of them will be the miracle cure you’re looking for. Unfortunately, using too many products can lead to further aggravating and inflaming your skin, which will make your acne look and feel worse. Even if you feel the desire to scrub or use harsh oil-stripping products, a gentle solution is better for healing your skin and keeping acne in remission long term.

Keep your skin routine down to just a few products. Try using a mild, pH balanced cleanser that won’t strip oils. Removing all the natural oil from skin is what often leads to your skin overcompensating, which is why a mild cleanser will help regulate oil production. You can also use a gentle spot treatment such as diluted tea tree oil, which is a great antibacterial that won’t dry skin. If you need a toner, try something alcohol-free, such as witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, rose water, or a combination. These skin-soothing alternatives to alcohol based toners help calm acne and balance your skin’s pH. When it comes to moisturizers, look for an oil similar you your skins own sebum that’s rich in vitamins C and E, such as rosehip, safflower, or argan oil.

Simplifying your regimen will also give you a better idea of which products are working and which ones aren’t compatible with your skin’s needs.  A visit to your esthetician can also help you determine your skin type and provide guidance on what kind of products will work best for your particular kind of acne. 

Detox

Our body is continuously filtering out toxins that we take in each day, and one means of excretion is through the skin. For clearer skin, you’ll want to reduce toxins from building up, which can be done both internally and externally.

Externally, you can have a detoxing facial or body wrap done. You can also use a clay mask, such as French green clay to help draw toxins from the skin. The first time you use a clay mask you might experience a breakout (from drawing the toxins towards the surface). After using the mask a couple more times, your skin should clear up. Always moisturize with a facial oil afterwards, as clay masks will also absorb some of the skin’s moisture.

Internally, you can help move and flush toxins from the body by drinking water throughout the day and eating whole foods while cutting down on processed and oily foods. Studies show that there is a direct relationship between acne and digestive health, so keeping it healthy is in your best interest.

Destress

One often overlooked contributor to acne is stress, which can help cause breakouts both directly and indirectly. Stress can directly cause breakouts by increasing the hormone responsible for secreting sebum, and can indirectly effect acne by causing us to make poor eating choices or getting a poor night’s sleep. Stress can also cause an inflammatory response in the body, leading to more inflamed and aggravated acne. As you can see, taking steps to reduce stress is definitely worth it for your skin.

You can do your skin a big favor by looking for activities that not only reduce stress, but are good for your skin as well. For example, physical activity is a good way of reducing stress as well as increasing circulation, which is great for skin. Getting pampered at a spa is another way of relaxing while doing something beneficial for your skin. Getting plenty of sleep will help your body cope with stress, as well as help your skin repair itself.

By incorporating some of these changes into your lifestyle and skincare routine, you’ll obtain clearer complexion while supporting the overall health of your skin. Our spa has numerous treatments to help you in your quest for healthier, glowing skin. Book an appointment with one of our aestheticians so you can feel confident in the skin you’re in.