I am sure by now you have tried it all, most of us have. That's because there has been so much misleading information about how to treat acne skin. But once you are armed with the right information and you understand acne skin - you can stop making mistakes and start seeing the results you deserve.
"The biggest mistake happens when people treat their skin harshly to try and clear breakouts - it's the exact opposite of what your skin requires when it is in ‘breakout mode’ and trying to heal." –Ebony, Founder, real-u Skincare
THE 5 MOST COMMON ACNE MISTAKES
1. STRIPPING AND OVER-EXFOLIATING.
Our ‘Acid Mantle Barrier’ which is made up of sebum (oil) and moisture, acts as a protective barrier on your skin, sealing in moisture and protecting your skin against pimple causing bacteria and infection.
When you strip breakout prone skin with harsh cleansers (that contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) you are stripping away the ‘Acid Mantle Barrier’. This tells the oil gland that it’s not doing its job (protecting the skin) well enough. As a result, the oil gland is sent into overdrive to compensate. In other words, although you are trying to fix your skin, you’re actually making it worse.
"Your acid mantle, being slightly acidic as the name suggests, is easily upset or stripped away and can take anywhere from 15 mins to 14 hours to restore itself." –Ebony, Founder, real-u Skincare
Tip: Using real-u CLEANSE that is pH balanced helps keep your oil glands calm.
2. SQUEEZING/ POPPING /PICKING/ TOUCHING
It can be hard to resist the temptation but, take one step back from that mirror and walk away. Getting nasty with your skin can not only cause scarring, but also slows down the healing process and invites bacteria in. This can lead to infection, scarring and more breakouts.
3. NOT MOISTURISING
More moisture might seem like the last thing you need when your oil glands are already working double-time. But… your oil glands have one job – to produce oil to protect your skin. When you deprive your skin of any moisture it sends your oil glands into overdrive to compensate.
Tip: Use real-u HYDRATE Lite Moisturiser, to keep your skin properly hydrated without clogging your pores.
4. PACKING ON THE MAKEUP
As skilled as you may be at disguise, keeping your skin free from makeup helps speed up the healing process. Makeup can be one of those triggers that causes your skin to breakout and become sensitive. Go makeup free as much as you can.
5. DIET
Dairy, fatty and sugary foods can play havoc with our bodies, sending our hormones fluctuating - which can then show on our skin. Finding your skin's triggers can help you control your breakouts.
Now that you know about these 5 common mistakes, you are one step closer to clear, healthy skin.
