Our modern busy lifestyles bring an onslaught of contributing factors that wreak havoc on our skin every single day, and while for some this just means a dull and tired complexion for many others it is the nightmare of acne.
What is Acne
Acne is caused when the tiny holes in our skin, known as pores, become blocked. There are two types of pores; one type releases sweat and the other type known as a hair follicle releases oil.
The sebaceous glands which are found near the surface of the skin are attached to these hair follicles and lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it from drying out by producing an oily substance called sebum. In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. This excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells which are shed daily and both substances form a plug in the follicle. Usually, the dead skin cells are pushed from behind by newer cells rising to the skin’s surface, then flake off in a normal, healthy pore. However most acne-prone skin produces up to five times more dead cells than normal, skin and the excess dead skin cells stay stuck on the skin’s surface clogging the pores.
When the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead. When the plugged follicle is open and exposed to oxygen it becomes a blackhead. When harmless bacteria that live on the skin come into contact it can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. Acne can also run in families so if your parents had acne, you may also develop it.
Primary acne triggers
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gut imbalance
- Stress
- Diet
- Misinformation
Over the last decade, I have treated several clients with adult acne and teenage acne. What I have often found is that in both cases poor diet and inaccurate information have made things worse. Three important tips I give clients when starting on a skincare journey to treat acne.
Tip 1
Start from the inside. Just like any other organ in your body, your skin is only going to be as strong and able to work efficiently if it is been given the proper nutrition from inside. Do your research or consult a nutritionist. Or perhaps look for a beauty therapist with a nutrition qualification that can support you. Cleaning up your diet and eating clean can go a long way in helping your skin to produce new healthy skin cells and do its job efficiently.
Tip 2
Keep a food and emotions diary, and make note of when you have your period. For many people, certain types and unexpected foods can be a trigger that causes a breakout. Likewise, stressful periods in life can cause breakouts. Making note of when you have breakouts will help you find your triggers and give you more control. Acne can form under the skin up to 90 days before it’s seen on the surface. So the acne you are seeing today could have been triggered by a life event several weeks ago. Keeping a diary will help you pinpoint your triggers.
Tip 3
Invest in professional skincare. My constant advice to anyone asking me how to deal with acne is, to see a qualified beauty therapist on a regular basis and invest in skincare from a salon. There are many benefits to a regular facial, it is not just a pamper day. A regular facial can help keep your skin in good condition. Just like our muscles adapt to a new fitness routine within a few weeks, so does our skin. In fact, most skin adapts to new acne-clearing treatments after two or three weeks and can stop responding. Having a monthly facial can help to break up this routine, and boost the skin, so it continues to respond to the treatment. As the seasons change your therapist will be able to advise you on suitable products to change over to when your skin needs it. This process can help save you lots of money that you end up spending on unsuitable products that simply don’t work and may even damage your skin in the process.
Unsure of how to start caring for your skin from the inside out? Check out our 30-day personalised skin care package.
