ACNE : Hygiene Health Hacks

Alongside good quality home care and preventative measures there are many things you can do at home to really help fight your breakouts and acne problems

We will start with the most obvious, but hardest to comply with, if you are a picker, read on!

• Basically, Do NOT pick- Picking will only make your problem worse and the risk of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) and cross infection is very real.

PIH is when there has been inflammation around your melanin (colour producing cells)

There is an increase in the amount then created and a build up of purple/red/brown scarring can begin to accumulate

• Wash hair frequently – This may seem less obvious, but some shampoos and ingredients can actually effect the skins sensitive lipid barrier too. I would advise paraben free shampoos and ensuring the reason for break outs in this area isn’t down to something like Pityrosporum folliculitis (fungal) which will require alternative treatment.

Acne and Pityrosporum folliculitis can occur together, given that acne patients often have increased sebum production and follicular hyperkeratinisation resulting in a blockage of the pores.

Some amazing shampoo and conditioner will be available in our online shop in the next few days

• 60 degree towel wash /pillow case washing– This will help with the reduction and or elimination of bacteria breaching the broken down, lipid barrier and re infecting the area that is still repairing itself.

Try to have your own towels, purchase a few face cloths and ensure they are yours only.

Replace after every wash, and make sure your hands are clean before you wash your face.

Silk pillowcases are also great to help the skin recover and repair.

• Good skin regimen and SPF daily – Prevention of skin damage will mean we have the optimum mechanical defense to these breakouts

That age old saying of prevention being better than cure is so true!

• Choose mineral make up if any (clean brushes DAILY)

Think about a ‘tinted’ SPF that is mineral based and much more beneficial for the skin instead, apply with clean hands after cleansing and skin regimen is followed.

This is essential DAILY even if you are staying indoors as central heating can have detrimental affects on the skins lipid barrier too!

• Do not over exfoliate- Encourage good skin care habits with a tailored skin plan, over scrubbing and astringent skin care is one of the most common reasons I see skin deteriorate and this as always is more often than not, PREVENTABLE

A gentle cleansing solution is required until we have re adjusted the PH and got the lipid barrier function on the mend.

• Change face masks regularly (wash at 60 degrees if re-useable) - All too relevant right now, but be mindful of how long you have been wearing your mask and ensure reusable ones are washed just like your towels.

Disposable ones are better where possible but these will need regularly changed too

• Disinfect your Mobile Phone regularly -Totally underestimated!

Imagine this phone we carry around everywhere and the bacteria that may be present.

We then pop this to our ear, right next to susceptible broken skin.

The products we choose and your compliance are essential to gain the best results with any skin concern.

The skin cells turn themselves over every 28 days so that said any new regime should be given time to adapt.

A FREE Skin consultation is advised prior to any purchase - and this is available online