#SkinRules: How to get rid of acne

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your pores become clogged with dirt, oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages. The bottom line is that all of us have suffered from some kind of acne during our lives, its something completely out of your control but we are here to help banish at least some of those blemishes!

Why do I have it?

The causes and severity of acne are far ranging. Some people only have a few pimples while others suffer from chronic acne over their entire face. You might also go weeks with clear skin and then suddenly – wham! – you wake up with a whole cluster of pimples. Here are a few of the key causes of acne and pimples.

Clogged pores

Pores clogged with dirt and oil become infected with bacteria and turn into those lovely pimples.  So, it’s best to keep your skin as clean as possible by cleansing in the morning and evening and trying not to touch your face throughout the day. Use products which help remove dirt and oil from your pores like the Skin Republic Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask to prevent acne and pimples from forming.

Bacteria

Bacteria is the primary cause of acne and pimples. Dirt and oil trapped in the skin’s pores are breeding grounds for acne causing bacteria. Clean pores = no bacteria.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal changes during puberty cause the sebaceous (oil) glands to increase oil production making your skin more prone to acne. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives also can affect sebum production. This is why we also tends to see lots of women in the 30s with adult acne. If you suspect you have a hormonal imbalance it is best to seek the advice of your doctor.

Diet

We’re sure you’ve heard that greasy food causes acne but there is no evidence of this. So, enjoy your fry up without guilt! 

Which skin care ingredients are the best for acne?

Tea Tree

The tried and tested cure for acne without the negative effects such as peeling and redding of the skin associated with chemical ingredients. As a natural alternative, tea tree is gentle on your skin but doesn’t mess around with acne. Tea tree is an anti-inflammatory and works to calm redness and reduce swelling. It is also an anti-bacterial skin care ingredient helping to fight off the acne causing bacteria.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is pretty badass. Not only does this skin care ingredient clean the outside of the pores but also within the pore too – dirt, oil and bacteria doesn’t stand a chance! It also helps improve the skin’s external barrier helping prevent dirt and oil from penetrating the skin’s pores. As an exfoliating ingredient, salicylic acid also helps remove peeling and dead skin associated with acne. Hello soft, smooth and clear skin!

Witch Hazel

Now we’ve spoken a lot about pores. Ground zero when it comes to acne pores need every bit of help they can get. Witch Hazel is a natural astringent which means it reduces the size of the skin’s pores. Like salicylic acid it also helps strengthen the skin’s external barrier helping to protect it against spot causing dirt, oil and bacteria.

Which skin care products are the best for acne?

Sheet masks are a great way to help combat acne. Sheet masks prevent dirt and bacteria from being passed from your hands on to your face which can be the case when applying creams. The mask is cooling on application helping to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne and pimples. Try the Skin Republic Spots + Blemish Face Mask with tea tree and salicylic acid to instantly reduce the appearance of acne and pimples.

Dirt, oil and bacteria trapped in your skin’s pores are one of the primary causes of acne. It’s important to keep your pores clean by removing the nasties with a face mask like the Skin Republic Charcoal Peel-Off Face Mask. This mask adheres to the dirt and oil trapped in your skin pores and lifts them out as you peel-off the mask.

When to see a doctor?

You need to give any new skin care regime about 28 days to see if it is working. If after a month you still see no improvement it might be time to visit your doctor as you might require stronger, prescription medication.