Spots, pimples, blemishes – no doubt you’ll be familiar with what having a spot or two is like. Unfortunately, when it comes to breakouts, these aren’t solely confined to our hormonal teenage years, many adults still suffer from spots. However, this doesn’t mean that you’re powerless against them. Whether it’s one blemish that decides to spring from nowhere or a breakout all over your face, there are some immediate steps you can take to help maintain a clear complexion. Bear in mind, acne is a bit more complex, and if you’re affected by it, you should consult your doctor or a dermatologist. Here are my top tips to help keep blemishes at bay….
Cleansing
Ensure you cleanse thoroughly, twice a day, to remove excess oil, makeup, sunscreen and dead skin cells, which all contribute to clogged pores and create the perfect conditions for spots to occur. A big no-no is over-washing or over-scrubbing your face, as you don’t want to strip skin of essential oils, and cause rebound over-production of oil. Gently gently is the approach. CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and Avène Extremely Gentle Cleanser are some great options. Oilier skin types might require a little more oomph, so something like NeoStrata Clarifying Cleanser or Eucerin Facial Skin Dermopurifyer Cleansing Gel will work to decongest pores, improve skin texture and won’t leave skin feeling tight.
Treating Breakouts
If spots and breakouts are a recurring problem for your skin, it makes sense to introduce some well-known spot fighting ingredients to your skincare routine for long term benefits. Those proven to be beneficial in treating breakouts include…
Quick Fixes
If spots do pop up and make an impromptu appearance, zap them with some of these rapid spot treatment products to take the inflammation down and help heal. Murad Blemish Control Rapid Relief Spot Treatment is a spot treatment gel formulated with a hefty two per cent salicylic acid, plus oat extract to soothe, nourish and reduce redness and blemish size in just four hours! available from cloud10beauty.com. My Clarins Clear Out Targeted Blemish Treatment available in selected pharmacies and department stores nationwide, dries up and visibly reduces the appearance of blemishes while at the same time soothes and relieves the affected area. And good old Sudocrem, normally associated with nappy rash, when applied directly to spots, a small amount can reduce both size and redness and help clear skin quickly, available in pharmacies nationwide.
Keep things Clean
Makeup brushes, washcloths, pillows, sheets, phones, the list goes on. Take your bed sheets for example, how often are you cleaning them? Every night you have a build-up of sweat, dust mites, bacteria and dead skin cells. Need I say more? And as for phones, a recent study in the UK found that mobile phones carry ten times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, meaning your smartphone is a big source of skin contamination and can lead to skin problems. Lastly, as tempting as it might be, avoid picking or popping pimples with your fingers, it can cause scarring and spread bacteria, which can lead to more breakouts. Cleanliness and good hygiene habits are key when it comes to skin health and breakouts.
If you would like to begin your journey to healthy beautiful skin, I am available by appointment in Solace Holistic Centre Clonakilty where I offer Skincare Consultations and facial treatments – all details of these and my classes are on shernamalone.ie You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook @shernamalone.ie.
