Caring For Your Complexion Through Breakouts
In case you didn't know, June is Acne Awareness Month. As something that has affected our team directly, we understand the impact that acne can have on not just self-confidence, but overall mental health.
You often believe breakouts are just something that happens during your teenage years, but in fact, approximately 7 million Australian adults struggle with acne - that's 28% of the population. Lots of factors influence your skin, and for acne in particular, hormonal shifts are one of the biggest culprits.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition like Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), undergoing hormonal treatment, or are currently postpartum (just to name a few), pimples can strike you down at any minute.
So, today we thought we'd share some gentle reminders and favourite tips for getting through a flare-up.
1. Calm Inflammation
To help soothe sore, inflamed skin, look for gentle skincare that includes ingredients like Niacinamide (B3) and Salicylic Acid (BHA). But don't just stop at topical treatments.
Focus on fuelling your body with quality food like lots of veggies, nuts and grass-fed meat, while limiting processed sugars, unhealthy fats, caffeine and dairy during active breakouts.
2. Be Kind To Yourself & Reduce Stress
Skin flare-ups always come at the worst time, like before a big event. Instead of getting worked up, try your best to remain calm, because you are more than your skin, and stress can actually make it worse.
It's important to always be kind to yourself and remember that you are the only person paying that much attention to your skin; no one around you probably even realises. They don't hang out with you because you've got clear skin!
3. Clean Up Your Cosmetics
When a new pimple pops up, the first thing you may reach for is makeup to cover it. But did you know this could actually be making it worse?
We aren't suggesting skipping the makeup; instead, have a closer look at the label. You want to make sure the products you are using are non-comedogenic. This means they don't clog pores because they sit on top of your skin, rather than getting absorbed and trapped. Our go-to skin-smoothing base makeup routine for flare-ups is:
- Loose Mineral Foundation Powder
- Pressed Mineral Foundation Powder
- Sundown Mineral Bronzer
- Sun-Kissed Mineral Blush
4. Double Cleanse
Never skip your second cleanse, especially if you've been wearing makeup! Cleansing your complexion a second time in the evening ensures that no stubborn makeup or SPF is left behind.
This makes way for a clean canvas for your skincare to target spots, with nothing holding it back!
5. No Touching!
As much as you want to prod and pick at your skin, don't do it! Squeezing your pimples actually does more harm, pushing the acne causing bacteria and debris deeper into your skin. This can then spread to near by pores which makes inflammation worse, can cause more breakouts to pop up and increases your risk of permanent scarring.
It's hard leaving a large whitehead on your face, so instead of it staring you in the face, place a pimple patch over the top (this also helps conceal it, or apply some mineral makeup. Not only will this hide the pimple, it'll also stop you picking it by sealing it off completely!
6. Change Your Pillowcase More Often
Switching over your pillowcase is probably something you're already doing, but during a flare-up changing it every 2-3 days is a must. The same acne-causing bacteria gets transferred to your pillowcase, along with dead skins cells and oils, so sleeping on it just transfers it all back to your already inflamed, irritated skin.
Try only sleeping on one side of the pillowcase, then flipping it over the following night to freshen it up. After you've slept on both sides, switch it out. If you run out of pillowcases, don't be afraid to try using a clean, oversized cotton T-shirt over your pillow instead.
You've got this!
We know everyone's skin journey is different, but hopefully by implementing these tips, you can get through acne flare-ups quicker (and more comfortablly) - no matter the cause.