Caring for acne-prone skin

The oil in your skin is one of your most valuable assets. Provided it is well looked after, it can be a blessing as often it will age better and can look younger for longer. When the oil glands of the skin are out of balance, which could be due to hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle, diet etc, skin can be prone to congestions, blackheads and breakouts. We all know that feeling when we look in the mirror and we’re confronted by a recent breakout.

So how can you manage and balance the oil in your skin and help reduce further outbreaks?

1. The first step is to avoid substances that clog the pores, such as mineral oil, a clear, odourless oil derived from petroleum that is widely used in cosmetics. Read your ingredients in the products that you’re using and if there’s anything in there that you’re not sure of, do some research.
2. Cleanse the skin thoroughly every morning and night. Even if you haven’t worn makeup during the day, being exposed to the environment allows dust and dirt to settle on the skin, which can then become a breeding ground for bacteria. Steer clear of harsh soaps, as they can strip the protective layer of the skin and cause irritation.
3. We recommend exfoliating twice a week to remove the dead skin cells, making sure that you choose a gentle exfoliant over any coarse scrubs. Rough substances can cause small cuts on the skin surface, which sensitises the skin, pushing oil deeper into the skin tissue, creating possible openings for bacteria to spread. Using a cleansing mask once or twice a week, after exfoliating, will also be extremely beneficial, drawing out any deep-seated impurities and blockages and helping to refine the pores.
4. Hydration! Increasing the amount of water you drink is a great way to flush out internal toxins and hydrate your skin from the inside out. Putting hydration from the outside in through toning and moisturising is also highly beneficial. Toning flax based gels are the ideal way to add vital hydration and added nutrients, while also healing and soothing the skin. We recommend using a Toning Gel every morning and night after cleansing, and then following with a light moisturiser to ‘lock-in’ the hydration. Again, read the ingredients of any moisturisers that you use. A ‘light’ moisturiser will absorb easily into the skin, avoiding any clogging of the pores.
5. Avoid touching and picking at pimples. This brings harmful bacteria to the area, spreading the infection and can potentially result in scarring. When a pimple has an unsightly ‘head’ on it, we suggest you wash your hands well and cleanse your face.  Do not ‘squeeze’ the pimple until it ‘pops’ as this bruises the skin and causes scarring. Rather take a new sharp pin, dip the tip into pure Manuka oil to sterilise it and gently prick the top of the pimple to open it.  Discard the pin into the rubbish bin (do not reuse on other pimples as this will spread the infection). Wrap some tissue paper around each finger and gentle pull the skin away from the pimple site and slightly ‘twist’ the skin. This will ensure that the infection will all come to the top, allowing it to be removed with a tissue, making sure no skin tissue is bruised and damaged and no re-infection can occur.  Re-infection often comes about with squeezing due to the debris being forced down, rather than up onto the skin surface. We recommend applying Manuka Honey Gel to the area (read below for more info on this miracle healer).
6. Adopting a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, high in roughage and essential fatty acids, sufficient minerals and vitamins, creates a far healthier metabolism and has much stronger healing power. One of the best ways to make an impact on the skin is by supporting the health of the body.
7. Change your pillow case regularly. When your pillowcase isn’t changed regularly, a build-up of dirt and oil from the environment as well as your skin and hair touching the pillow is transferred back to your skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes. All that precious cleansing, toning and moisturising could go to waste!
8. Gentle exposure to the sun can be very helpful for acne sufferers, but of course needs to be onitored carefully – early in the day or late afternoon is best.
9. The Magic of Manuka – known for its exceptional healing properties for the skin, Active Manuka Honey is a miracle beauty ingredient. It is antimicrobial, helping to protect the skin against bacteria, and it also has humectant properties, helping to draw moisture to the skin and maintain the skin’s moisture levels. That’s why we’ve used it in our best-selling Manuka Honey Gel. A proven way to manage acne, our potent blend combines Manuka Honey and Manuka Oil to help protect, cleanse and soothe the skin.
10. Smile. You’re still beautiful, inside and out. Put on your favourite outfit and lippy and go out into your day with a gorgeous big smile on your face. Chances are that people will notice your radiant smile more than any blemishes you may have.
11. For more information and to view suitable products for acne-prone skin, read here