The one thing we all agree on is that treating acne requires special care. In between all of the traditional wife’s-tales and crazy fads, to the now more current scientific findings of keeping your skin pimple-free, it can get all a little overwhelming.
In our last blog, we gave you a list of clear ‘Do’s’ when treating acne – the positive things and habits to follow to get your skin blemish-free. Now, it’s time to define the just as important ‘Don’ts’! Now let me just say, I have broken just about every rule in the book of treating pimples.
I have squeezed and picked, used hard-core scrubs, and even applied toothpaste to every spot on my face. I have done worse still, but I’ll leave it there. Looking back, they are obvious things I shouldn’t have done – things that made my face look one million times worse. Listed below are a 5 more absolute “Don’ts” that may not be as obvious, but practices and habits that we also must kick once and for all!
DON’T WASH YOUR FACE TOO MUCH
There is a strong belief that the more you clean your skin, the clearer your skin will be. Well nope! That’s the first myth we need to bust. One of the most important functions of the skin is to create and secrete oil (sebum) to nourish and protect itself. The Acid Mantle is a fine layer of water and sebum that sits on the skin’s surface acting as a vital barrier for skin health and overall balance.
The pimple problem arises when there is an overproduction of sebum and subsequent blockages in the pores. Yet all skin needs a well-balanced amount of sebum on the skin to function effectively. This is where effective cleansing comes in. Excess washing, particularly with harsh cleansers, leads to dryness and irritation.
You see, the skin is one smart organ: It is self-regulating and will do what it needs to do to protect itself. The more oil you strip, the more it will make. And the vicious cycle continues potentially causing more breakouts. Here’s a good gauge - If your skin feels very taut and tight after cleansing, you have either over cleansed or used a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin type.
Stick to cleansing with a suitable cleanser x2 a day to allow your skin to stay balanced and only double cleanse using a very gentle cleanser if you are wearing heavy makeup. Oh, and make sure the water isn’t too hot because that can also unnecessarily dry out the skin.
Origani Recommends: Dermassure Clear and Calm Toning Cleanser
DON’T SKIP USING A MOISTURISER
Just as important as finding the right cleanser for your skin type, is choosing and using the right moisturiser. You may think that oily skin doesn’t need moisturising but that’s not the case. Oily skin still needs daily hydration, especially if you are using other products (such as oil refining serums and treatments) that minimise oil.
As mentioned earlier, your skin needs the right type of moisture to adequately function (refer back to the purpose of the skin’s Acid Mantle). When you dry out your skin, the skin responds by producing more oil. A well-formulated moisturiser designed for your skin type will deliver what it needs to, keeping your skin balanced.
Think hydration, not oil. Oil-free gels and lightweight lotions that also absorb oil (mattify) and contain natural anti-bacterial ingredients, work best. Remember, hydrated skin is healthy skin and is also one that will repair itself faster!
Origani Recommends: Dermassure Clear and Calm Matte Comfort Moisturiser
DON’T KEEP CHANGING YOUR PRODUCTS ALL THE TIME
Your skin renews itself frequently. In fact, the average cycle of cellular turnover is around 28-35 days. To get the best results of a skincare regime, its best to give it at least the length of a skin cycle to see improvements.
Far too often, we give up because we are in a rush to see immediate benefits. And while your cleanser and moisturiser will work quite quickly to cleanse and hydrate the skin, serums and targeted treatments will take a little longer to regulate oil production, clean out the pores and deeply purify the skin.
Additionally, we are often quick to jump ship if a new product feels a little different from the skincare that we are used to. A great example is when you switch to organic-based formulas. Organic skincare will always initially feel different on the skin as it is free from synthetics and fillers - you need to give your skin some time to get used to the ‘raw’ ingredients and its incredible benefits.
Additionally, in terms of ‘active’ acne-based products, often a little temporary tingling sensation is normal. However, if your skin starts to redden or burn, then it’s time to reassess it suitability to you. So, in short, be consistent in your skincare regime and give it 4 to 6 weeks to start really making a difference and give your skin some time to get used to the marvels of organics!
DON’T STRESS UNNECESSARILY
It’s a vicious cycle. You get a zit and you stress. You stress then you get a zit. Arghhh! Just like stress has been linked to premature ageing, current research also suggests a link between breakouts and stress.Everyday stress is highly unlikely to cause breakouts, but chronic ongoing stress can exacerbate acne-prone skin.
Chronic stress increases levels of stress-related hormones such as cortisol and sends skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands into overdrive, which mixes with dead skin cells and breakout-causing bacteria.
Stress has also been proven to affect the immune response of the body by weakening thus contributing to problem skin and its healing process. So, breath, relax and work to ease your tensions – your skin and body overall will be so much better for it.
DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE TOO MUCH
It’s really hard not to touch your skin especially when a new pimple surfaces. Popping is so impulsive, but the truth is, it often results in one big mess! Also, constantly putting your hands to your face makes acne worse.
Think of all the things that you touch on a daily basis and how much we touch our face – the chances of your hands being bacteria and dirt laden are pretty high! Transferring this onto your face is a NO-NO and we often simply do it without even realising it – If only we could clearly see bacteria and germs, then we would never do it!
It’s not just your hands that carry bacteria to your face, think about your phone, make-up brushes and sponges and even your pillowcase. Be sure to regularly wash/sanitise your hands and wipe down your devices with anti-bacterial wipes.
Follow these 5 “Don’ts” to treating Acne and addition to the 5 “Do’s” and you are on the way to clearer skin!
Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.
