Oily and acne prone skin - best tips

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Oily skin appears shiny, the pores might be enlarged and dark, there might be blemishes. Particularly impacted are nose, forehead and chin (T zone), sometimes cheeks too.  Acne is an inflammation of the skin, producing comedones, cists and scars.  

Factors which contribute to acne are oil production, dead skin cells, clogged pores and bacteria. In here we list possible causes:

  • Overproduction of sebum due to hormonal levels and activity. Sebum production results in an oily or slick skin appearance, and may contribute to acne blemishes.

  • Lack of exfoliation. In some people, skin cells accumulate and contribute to clogged pores causing acne breakouts. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells to reveal new, younger cells underneath, and helps to remove impurities and debris that may be clogging skin cells.

  • Harsh detergents. Avoid the temptation to over-wash oily or acne affected skin, as it will strip the much-needed natural oils which protect and keep the skin hydrated, balanced and healthy.

  • Overuse of comedogenic cosmetics – for example foundation or concealer, which may clog the skin resulting in acne.

  • Lack of moisture in the skin. Although it may sound counterintuitive, if the skin is lacking moisture it can respond with an excess production of sebum. Oily skin can be dehydrated; this is why moisturizing ingredients with humectants can help to balance sebum production.

  • Poor diet or lifestyle choices – not consuming enough water, poor nutrition choices, poor personal hygiene, excessive stress or lack of regular sleep/insomnia, could all contribute to acne blemishes. Bacteria naturally exist on the skin, and may contribute to acne blemishes if a regular skincare routine and proper hygiene practices are not maintained.

  • Hot, humid climates – may contribute to acne and clogged pores from increased perspiration and sebum production.

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Solutions

  • Adopt a simple skincare regime that nourishes and hydrates the skin, which includes cleansing, hydrating and gently exfoliating skin regularly to increase the skin cell renewal rate. It’s best to cleanse with a mild, natural ingredient cleanser that will not strip the skin’s natural oils and disrupt its balance. A regular gentle exfoliation once or twice per week, helps prevent clogged pores, keeps skin looking renewed and fresh and keeps acne breakouts at bay.

  • Moisturize the skin with emollients and humectants. Oils are often given a bad reputation, specifically when tied to oily or acne-prone skin types. In reality, the right oils can balance and correct problem skin, reducing acne breakouts and related concerns, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. Use the right balance of oils selected specifically for their essential fatty acids content and benefits. Oils which are high in Linoleic Acid are excellent for oily and acne-prone skin, as they are lighter, thinner, quickly absorbed, will not clog pores, and they effectively hydrate and balance oily skin without a heavy feeling. Avoid oils with high oleic acid content.

  • Avoid things that will aggravate skin – such as harsh cleansers containing ingredients that dry out skin, resulting in more oil and acne breakouts. Opt for natural, mild cleansers and keep skin hydrated and protected. Avoid picking at the skin, which may lead to scarring and spreading of bacteria that causes further acne.

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Look for astringent, gentle, calming ingredients.

For example Grapeseed oil and Rosehip seed oil are high in Linoleic Acid, quick absorbing they help with scarring, fruit acids for gentle exfoliation, then anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea, chamomile, honey and rosemary extracts.

Within our range, these are the products that will help your skin:

1.      Green Clay & Lemon Mask & Scrub: to absorb excess sebum, cleanse the pores, gentle exfoliate and condition the skin.

2.      Honey & Orange Toner: to minimize the pores, gently exfoliate with fruit acids, calm and soothe the skin thanks to honey and probiotics content.

3.     Sea Buckthorn Serum: very high in Linoleic Acid, light weight, dry feeling, anti-inflammatory, emollient.

Do you have any questions? Please let us know!