Summer is here and warm weather is bound to make excess oil which can trigger acne. Excess oil combined with dead skin cells, makeup and environmental pollutants, can clog pores and create pesky, unflattering blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and even cysts. Some things to remember to help combat these issues with your skin:
Don’t over-dry your skin. Yes, you probably want squeaky clean skin, but if your skin is uber-dry, it may strip the barrier function of your skin and put oil glands on alert to balance things out by producing even more oil. Cleansers with glycolic or salicylic acid clean more deeply, and stimulate exfoliation, which keeps pores cleaner.
Use an alcohol-free Toner. Many cleansers leave some residue of makeup, dirt, and grime, and a toner is like a second cleanse, or rinse, to complete the cleansing process. It also puts the pH back in balance. However, be sure to use a gentle one without alcohol, so you don’t strip the barrier. There are some toners with glycolic or salicylic acid available, which work even better for keeping the skin clear.
Use an Oil-free Moisturizer that is lightweight. Slathering on a thick moisturizer is likely to leave a heavy, greasy feeling and block the pores in the skin. Instead, opt for lighter weight moisturizers that allows your skin to “breathe”.
Use a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen that is natural, containing Zinc or Titanium only, since it is gentle on irritated acne skin, and doesn’t block pores. SPF 30+ or higher is recommended.
Regular Facials, including professional extractions (not picking at your own skin, which can lead to scars), and use of masks will draw impurities out for deeper cleaning. Regular intervals help keep acne at bay. In the beginning you may need a facial every 2 weeks, until you get it under better control.
Watch your intake of greasy, fried foods and dairy products. Dairy products, even organic ones, naturally have hormones in them, which can trigger acne. Also refined grains and sugary foods can raise your glycemic index which can cause inflammation.
Bottom line, you may be genetically predisposed to have oily and acne skin, which means you may not ever be completely acne free, even if you use all of these tips. In that case, see your dermatologist.
For your convenience, SBC offers many products that address acne concerns. They are available in the office or you can order online. Here are just a few:
Piel MD Acne Cleanser – A premium, highly effective gel-based cleanser that delivers glycolic acid coupled with salicylic acid to fight acne. $16
Piel MD Acne Treatment Pads – contains ultra pure glycolic acid coupled with the proven acne fighting ingredient salicylic acid in an easy to use pad delivery system to promote exfoliation and control breakouts. Can be used like a toner after cleansing. $16
Piel MD Acne Clearing Gel – contains one of the gold-standards in acne treatment, Benzoyl Peroxide, which provides anti-bacterial activity against Proprionibactrium acnes. $10
Piel MD Oil Free Moisturizer – An elegant, sheer facial moisturizer recommended for all skin types, especially acne and oily skin. $12
Piel MD Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen – A hydrating micronized zinc oxide formulation that delivers ultra-broad SPF protection. Sheer, oil free, noncomedogenic sunscreen that works well for all skin types including acne-prone. $21