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The dreaded pimple - whether it pops up on your
teenager or yourself - this common skin condition gets a lot
of attention with the hundreds of acne treatments on the market.
Why do you care?
- Although some people are predisposed to acne, other causes
such as skin care regime, lifestyle and fluctuating hormone
levels can also cause breakouts.1
- Oil accumulates with dead skin cells to clog skin pores.
Bacteria trapped in pores causes pus to form leading to an
inflamed pimple, blackhead or whitehead. Too much information!
2
- Many topical acne products contain skin toxicants:
- Salicylic acid - restricted in Canada to equal to or
less than 2% concentrations.
- Benzoyl peroxide - On Canada Hot list and not permitted
in Canada in products to be applied to the skin.
- Parabens - hormone disruptor preservative - remember
hormones can increase oil production.
- Triclosan - antibacterial ingredient See e-bulletin
on antibacterial.
- Avoid products with these ingredients as they either
dry skin, block pores or should not be applied to damaged
skin: petrolatum, alcohol, mineral oil, quaternarium-15,
and propylene glycol.
The Know How
- Skin care and cosmetic choices.
- Wash face 1-2 times a day and use fingertips only.
- Ensure skin is well moisturized, as dry skin produces
more oil. Sounds counter intuitive but it's true.
- Use products that truly are "gentle" and for
"sensitive skin", with few or no synthetic chemicals
and a shorter list of ingredients..
- Tone with an alcohol-free, all natural toner, since
alcohol is drying to the skin. Toner also helps reduce
the bacteria on the skin.
- Try natural alternatives like tea tree oil - works to
sterilize area without damaging skin.
- Acne preparations are in great supply. Check out the
Skin
Deep database for a list rated Acne Treatments - stick
to the low - moderate risk options.
- Choose all natural makeup, which is in harmony with
the rest of your skin care regimen and less likely to
contribute to breakouts.
- Look for water-based and oil-free cosmetics as use of
heavy or cream-based can block pores.
- Lifestyle - all easier said than done!
- Eat a diet high in fresh fruit, vegetables and whole
grains, consider a supplement like Vitamin A or essential
fatty acids, relax and get plenty of sleep, change pillowcase
every few days, keep your hair out of your face and oil-containing
hair spray and styling gels away from your face.3
- Stop picking - infection is pushed further into skin,
causing more swelling and redness. Oil from your hands
can also block pores.
Know and Tell
- Tamey's gets that dreaded zit every so often - her solution
leave it alone. Coupled with natural cosmetics and skin care
products they don't last long!
- A special someone in Patti's life has very sensitive skin
with acne - a combination that is hard to work with as many
common products actually irritate the healthy skin. With much
trial and error and coaching, more attention to lifestyle
and better care of skin is making some difference. See product
reviews.
- As parents we want to help our kids solve problems. With
teenage acne the quick fix solutions often results in a prescription
for antibiotic topical cream and/or medication that is taken
orally for many months. Taking a more natural approach to
acne treatment is a hard road … it does not have immediate
results and the cream and products are paid for out of pocket.
But the long-term impact of systemic ongoing antibiotics on
developing adolescents is not known. It's a fine line to walk
between the pressures for the clean and smooth skin and longer-term
health. Blog
your ideas or send your
tips.
1/2 Controlling Acne by Lori Stryker, 2005
3 Organic Beauty by Josephine Fairley, 2001
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