Every one of us has had experience with a blemish or breakout at some point, and while they're nothing to fret, it's always nice to see your skin clear up. Social media, magazines and society as a whole has taught us that once we've gotten through the all too embarrassing rite of passage called puberty, breakouts and blemishes will just be a distant memory. Which is simply not true.
During your mid twenties, you may find yourself reaching for both anti-ageing and blemish products, not fun! This can be a confronting time, so we decided to gather the facts to help you get some peace of mind during this tricky time.
What are blemishes?
Our skin constantly secretes oil and sweat as a normal detoxing function. Blemishes occur when the sebum (oil) get caught up and blocks a pore in the skin, a blockage is often due to a build-up of dead skin cells. Once blocked, the sebum inside the pore goes rancid and bacteria takes over, and there you have it, another pimple!
Common characteristics
Blemishes in adults often have particular characteristics as they are often very inflamed deep pimples (instead of little bumps or blackheads under the skin) the breakouts are generally around the mouth, chin and jaw areas. We're sure you can relate! We’ve all had that very painful blemish just in the corner of the mouth.
Common causes
Stress and hormonal changes are the biggest contributing factors to blemishes… no wonder it’s on the rise! Stress relief is becoming an integral part of daily life. Finding some healthy lifestyle hobbies can have a dramatic impact on your health and wellbeing. There is an old Zen saying ‘you should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day unless you’re too busy. Then you should sit for an hour’. If your hormones are possibly out of whack, we suggest seeing your naturopath or health professional for advice.
Treatment
Now that we have become a better understanding of the causes, it's time to banish these blemishes! We recommend the following to keep your skin free of any excess oils and dead skin cells.
Cleanse with oil
Make the change from your normal cleanser to an Oil Cleanser. They work by using incredible like-attracts-like technology; the cleansing oil is attracted to the surface oil on your skin, it then dissolves the oil and any dirt, makeup and impurities on your skin. It also replaces excess sebum with nice anti-oxidant rich oil while keeping your skin perfectly balanced and not-at-all-stripped or dry.
Remember: too little oil means your skin starts overproducing sebum and in turn your skin becomes oilier, more congested, clogged and generally unhappy!
Cleansing oils are hydrophilic, which means they can be washed off and dissolved easily, so there's no build up or film left over.
Opt for our Oil Cleanser!
Gently buff & glow with an Exfoliator
Exfoliating should be a vital part of your skincare routine if clearer skin is your goal. Dual exfoliation (both enzymatic and physical) is great for blemishes. Salicylic acid is the best thing for a deep cleanse, as it is attracted to oil and exfoliates into the pores. Gentle physical exfoliation is also great for preventing impurities and creating an even skin surface, it also stimulates blood flow into the face.
Pick up our Powder Exfoliant!
Hydrate and Moisturise
It’s important to moisturise your skin regardless of blemishes. Choosing a moisturiser that is packed full of natural anti-bacterial properties and powerful anti-oxidants, will have lots of anti-ageing benefits too. The anti-bacterial components will help prevent excess oils on the skin becoming rancid which can be a cause of blemishes.
Ban blemishes with our Blemish Cream!
We hope this helps you to extend the time in between breakouts, life isn't perfect and neither is your skin. Be sure to reach out with any questions, suggestions or for just a chat!