Whether you are a teen or an adult, the appearance and discomfort of acne can be overwhelming. Hormonal changes can occur at various stages of our lives and testosterone can cause the body to start creating more sebum. This is the skin’s natural oil production that helps protect the skin from contamination. Sometimes the sebum becomes clogged under the skin, causing the surrounding tissue to become inflamed, creating pimples. When these pimples become infected with the naturally occurring bacteria on the skin, they become whiteheads. Blackheads appear when pores become clogged and oxidize. Despite common belief, eating sweets and junk food does not cause acne!
There are many treatments available on the market to help treat acne, both over the counter and prescription. Many of these treatments contain harsh chemicals such as bleaching agents which can further irritate the skin and inhibit healing. Regardless of the treatments chosen, there are some steps to take that will always help in the treatment of acne:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep a night
- Do not touch or squeeze pimples (I know it’s tempting, but don’t!)
- Apply a warm compress to eruptions to help bring impurities to the surface
- Clean and moisturize the skin, morning and night
- For severe infections, use a new washcloth every time you wash your face and a new pillowcase every night
ACNEIC SKIN CARE REGIME
Rae Dunphy Aromatics offers an excellent skin care line, including cleansers, serums, crèmes, masks and toners for all skin types and ages. Combining some of these products will create an effective skin care regime that will benefit all acneic skin.
STEP 1 – Cleanse the Skin
RDA Recommendation: Apple Sugar Refining Cleanser
With natural fruit acids exfoliating the skin and willowbark extract providing antiseptic action, the skin is gently cleansed. Gently pat the skin dry after cleansing.
STEP 2 – Apply a Toner
RDA Recommendation: Willowbark Clearing Toner
This toner is ideal for acneic skin. The naturally occurring salicin in willowbark is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. The cinnamon bark extract helps to regulate the skin’s sebum levels. After cleansing, this toner is misted or patted onto the face.
STEP 3 – Apply a Serum
RDA Recommendation: Apple & Orange Clearing Serum
This serum is an all-over face treatment to reduce flared acne and helps prevent outbreaks by soothing the skin and supporting its natural immune system. It contains the essential oils of Niaouli, Tea Tree and Lavender. Apply sparingly to the face while it is still damp from the toner.
STEP 4 – Apply a Moisturizer
RDA Recommendations:
Date & Pomegranate Restoring Crème
This light crème nourishes sensitive skin without adding the weight of a richer crème. It has exceptional antioxidant properties with extracts of pomegranate, strawberry and date. There are also bioactive trace minerals that boost the activity of natural antioxidant enzymes present in the skin. Essential oils of rose and rose geranium help to calm and heal the skin. For best absorption, apply while face is still damp from the toner or serum.
This can be added to your favourite facemasks, crèmes or oils at a dilution of 0.25-0.5%. This blend of Bergamot, Palamarosa, Spike Lavender, Tea Tree and Thyme has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing properties.
This wonderful oil can be used as a moisturizer. Though many believe that putting oil on their face will only create more problems, the reality is quite the opposite. The jojoba in this oil is actually a wax that is chemically similar to our skin’s natural sebum. This blend of wonderful vegetable oils has the ability to “tell” the skin that it has enough oil and that there is no need to produce more sebum. After just 10-15 days the skin will adjust to this new treatment and becomes visibly less oily.
Apply a small amount of oil to the fingertips and gently blend into the face. Facial oils absorb easily if the skin is slightly damp. Apply after misting with toner or applying serum. Acts as a great base to add our Derma Clear Synergy.
Also a great alternative to crème as a moisturizer, Red Raspberry Seed Oil has greater anti-inflammatory properties than avocado, grapeseed, hazelnut and wheat germ oils. It is soothing and healing, being great for sensitive skin. Not only is it effective for acneic skin, it also used to treat eczema, psoriasis, rashes, skin lesions and burns.
Apply a small amount of oil to the fingertips and gently blend into the face. Facial oils absorb easily if the skin is slightly damp. Apply after misting with toner or applying serum. Acts as a great base to add our Derma Clear Synergy.
SPOT TREATMENT
This mask has dual function. It can be used as a spot treatment for acneic eruptions, drawing out impurities and helping to reduce redness and inflammation. It can also be used as a deep cleansing treatment, applied over the face once a week. The green clay and safflower oil both help to moisturize and balance acneic skin. When using as a spot treatment, apply the mask to each eruption after you have moisturized and let dry. Leave on through the night and wash off in the morning.