Ten expert tips for controlling acne
- Written by The Founder of Synergie Skin is Terri Vinson
While there is no cure for acne, it can be controlled using clean science-based techniques while hormones regulate to normal levels.
Acne is generally the result of four factors:
- - Inflammation or irritation in the oil glands of the skin
- - Over-production of oil
- - Over-production of skin cells which causes clogged pores
- - Over-production of P.Acnes bacteria pimples
According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, acne impacts 85 per cent of Australians aged 15-24 and credible research suggests that as many as one in three Australians experience adult acne.
Terri Vinson is a renowned Australian skin scientist, cosmetic chemist, published author, and founder of clean-science cosmeceutical skincare company, Synergie Skin.
Terri’s expert top 10 tips for controlling acne are:
- Clean your face twice daily
Warm water and cleanser will remove excess oil and daily grime which may cause blocked pores. Be careful not to scrub your face too vigorously as this may increase oil flow the irritation and cause further inflammation. If you are a student, wash your face as soon as you come home from school as this is when you skin will need a good clean!
- Exfoliate
Lactic and salicylic acid can work to unlock pores and remove dead skin build up.
- Remember your vitamin A and B
Vitamin A and B applied in the evening are essential for addressing acne. Vitamin B helps to reduce inflammation and reduce excess oil whilst maintaining skin moisture levels. Vitamin A can slow over-production of pore-clogging skin cells and regulate oil flow.
- Use a spot treatment without benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide only kills bacteria and doesn’t address the other factors that contribute to acne. Peroxide also inflames the skin and eventually the acne will rebound and return. Skin inflammation occurs as a result of the bacterial assault on living cells. Gentle serums are best to address all four acne factors without causing inflammation.
- Moisturise
Whilst too much oil in a moisturiser is not recommended for acne, our skin still needs hydration. Consider using an oil-free finishing serum under mineral makeup and in the evenings under Vitamin A and B serums.
- Avoid heavy makeup
Avoid using heavy foundations containing oils or silicones like dimethicone. The skin is trying to heal itself and cannot do so with pore blockers on the skin for 10 hours a day. Synergie Minerals' Second Skin Crush loose foundation is ideal for acne sufferers as this product acts as a UV blocker and the natural zinc oxide minimises inflammation.
- Hair products can affect your skin
When you use silicone-based hair products, you may be also clogging your skin. Product from the hair can affect the skin and further clog your pores. Try to use natural products as these will not only make your hair look great, but they will also make sure your skin remains healthy and acne free.
- Eat well
Every organ in your body needs food to function. The skin is our largest organ and it responds directly to diet. Try to avoid coffee, sugar, highly processed foods (white rice, white bread, pasta) and sugary dried fruits and juice. Eat foods rich in antioxidants such as berries and apples and eat at least 6 handfuls of different coloured vegetables every day. And don’t forget to drink at least six large glasses of water every day.
- Don't stress
When we stress, we create the hormonal steroids cortisol. This disrupts the natural oil balance and may cause acne. Try meditation or yoga classes (not hot yoga!) to reduce stress levels.
- Don’t pick
Of course, it’s hard to look at the bumps on your face and resist picking, but it has to stop! Every time you burst that bubble, the infection spreads and may lead to scarring or infection. A few days with acne is much better than permanent scarring. Remember, acne is controllable but not curable. You must be patient and wait until your body re-balances itself. Combining a good skin care routine with diet and lifestyle changes can successfully control acne.
More information: https://synergieskin.com/
Photo: Lesly Juarez/Unsplash
