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Nov 27, 2012

The Dos of monthly breakouts




Is it is that time of the month where you find your self stressed, cramped, bloated, moody and the breakouts are surfacing? Last week we talked about the Don'ts for Monthly breakouts, now here are some things to do to help you reduce breakouts.
 

Exfoliate Daily
Dead skin cells can clog pores, causing oil and bacteria to become trapped, which leads to acne breakouts. The key is to slough off dead layers of skin to keep pores clear. Stay away from harsh exfoliation formulas as they can dry your skin and increase inflammation. Opt for a gentle product that will hydrate and soothe as it exfoliates.

Be Aware of What Touches Your Face
Cell phones, pillowcases, makeup brushes and especially  your own hands can spread oil and bacteria to your face, which can lead to breakouts. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible and clean anything that touches your skin on a regular basis. And avoid mindlessly touching or picking at your acne!

Remove Your Makeup Before Bed
Makeup can clog your pores, trapping oil and bacteria inside, so cleansing away makeup before you go to sleep is very important. Also be sure to throw away old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it. It might be contaminated with bacteria that contribute to skin irritation and acne.

Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA can help prevent excess oil on skin’s surface. Most grocery and drug stores sell Omega-3 supplements. Eating 1 to 2 servings per week of fish such as salmon is another great way to increase your intake of these essential fatty acids. If you are allergic or don’t like fish, flax seed oil is also a good choice. 


Nov 22, 2012

The Don'ts of monthly breakouts




It’s that time of the month. You have cramps, you feel bloated and moody and now your skin is breaking out. If your period is served up with a side of acne every month, here are some don’ts to help you reduce breakouts.

Don’t Over-Cleanse
Over-cleansing can actually cause excess drying and skin irritation. Washcloths can be abrasive and easily spread bacteria. Your best bet is to use a gentle, non-soap cleanser that’s made specifically for acne-prone skin and to wash your face with your bare hands, twice daily.

Don’t Pop Pimples
Popping your pimples can push bacteria deeper into the skin, causing infection, skin discoloration or even a scar. It’s wiser to apply appropriate treatment and wait it out.

DON’T Use Soap
Keeping skin hydrated is one key to preventing acne. The drying action of most soap bars can strip your skin of much-needed moisture. Use a mild cleanser, preferably on that was designed specifically for acne-prone skin. Gentle cleansing is exactly what your skin needs to retain moisture, fight off acne-causing bacteria and reduce irritation.

DON’T Overload Your Skin With Products
There can be a tendency to get into a “try everything” mode when you’re suffering an intense breakout. Fight the urge. The ingredients in different acne treatments can cause irritation when mixed together. Don’t let dueling ingredients fight it out on your skin.