Often, when we see a lot of ACNE on our faces, we tend to self diagnose it as ACNE PRONE SKIN TYPE, when it is in fact, usually a DEHYDRATION problem causing the skin to act up and break out.
The problem with self diagnosing our skin, is that we are often very very wrong. What appears to be to the untrained eye, rarely ever is.
It was in Esthetics Class where I finally learned how to tackle my own acne creating skin issues.
As we go ahead and treat this self diagnosed Acne Prone Skin Type, the first thing we do is go for the Acne Medicated Face washes, Creams, and other Acne related products.
This can actually make the skin's complexion worse.
If you don't actually have an Acne Skin Type, then all of these harsh chemicals really aren't made for your skin type at all. You could, very well be neglecting your skin's cry for hydration, and doing a whole lot of harm instead.
As an Esthetician, we are trained to lightly pinch the skin to check for either Dehydration or Dry skin. This helps us diagnose and treat the skin.
Depending on how the skin wrinkles when pinched, and in the way it bounces back, we can tell a lot about what kind of condition your skin is in.
Your skin can be diagnosed as Dry, Dehydrated, or possibly as BOTH.
Almost everyone suffers from DEHYDRATED SKIN, so if your going to self medicate, your best bet would be to start here at HYDRATION, rather than products targeted to combat ACNE.
BASIC CHEMISTRY
DEHYDRATED is that that lacks water.
DRY is that that lacks oil.
DEHYDRATED skin lacks water content.
DRY skin does not produce enough oil.
To HYDRATE DEHYDRATED SKIN is to increase the water content held within the skin cells.
To add MOISTURISE or add OIL to DRY SKIN is to nourish, protect & lubricate the skins Natural Barrier Function.
DEHYDRATED SKIN is treated with HUMECTANTS like HYALURONIC ACID, that help bind & retain moisture in the skin. DEHYDRATED SKIN has a NO EXFOLIATE contraindication. This type will want to keep exfoliation at a minimal.
DRY SKIN is treated with EMOLLIENTS that provide a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. DRY skin does require REGULAR EXFLOIATION.
So if your going to treat a Dehydration problem with a hard chemical all your going to do is cause the skin that is already dehydrated to dehydrate itself even more. This irritation going on is often the whole reason behind the acne proning in the first place.
It's not just acne either! Acne is only a sign of DEHYDRATED or DRY SKIN. Both DEHYDRATED & DRY SKIN will have an effect on your over all Skin Health. Complexion, Texture, Firmness & Appearance will all be affected by this.
Lets not forget to mention wrinkles, both DEHYDRATED & DRY skin for long periods of time will also cause wrinkles and signs of ageing.
Lets not forget to mention wrinkles, both DEHYDRATED & DRY skin for long periods of time will also cause wrinkles and signs of ageing.
HOW TO TREAT THE PROBLEM
So let's do 2 things here! Were going to both Treat your skin, and Prevent for over all SKIN HEALTH, not just the ACNE.
Once you do this, you should then start to see your skin becoming clearer and healthier.
Once you have initiated your skin care routine, over time, you should forget ever having had Acne Prone Skin at all.
You can leave the past behind and enjoy your new face, as long as you keep up with you routine.
STEP 1
• CHOOSE A HYDRATING CLEANSER
I'm suposed to say that.. but honestly I just like to find something that gets the make up off my face, and sometimes I Like a little Extra clean..
The gentle cleansers don't always do this.
Other times, especially when I'm not wearing a lot of make up, I will just straight wash my face with just GREEN TEA, because honestly, the least chemicals the better.
You may be surprised to hear that my All Time Favorite FACIAL CLEANSER is actually COCONUT OIL though.
TRY IT! You'll really be surprised at how good this actually works!!!
Even when wearing HEAVY MAKE UP, you can get an immaculate clean.
Other times, especially when I'm not wearing a lot of make up, I will just straight wash my face with just GREEN TEA, because honestly, the least chemicals the better.
You may be surprised to hear that my All Time Favorite FACIAL CLEANSER is actually COCONUT OIL though.
TRY IT! You'll really be surprised at how good this actually works!!!
Even when wearing HEAVY MAKE UP, you can get an immaculate clean.
STEP 2
• SWITCH TO A NATURAL TONER
Try using Green Tea, or even... any other tea, as an astringent or toner.
To check out more on TEA TONERS, Check out my article on TEA FOR HEALTH BEAUTY & WELLNESS
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2015/09/tea-time-face-time-me-time.html?m=1
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2015/09/tea-time-face-time-me-time.html?m=1
STEP 3
• TO SERUM OR NOT TO SERUM
Ditch the department store serums.
Again, too many chemicals will actually harm your skin and do the opposite of what all these products were intended to do. You really want to cut these extra chemicals out.
Try a nice light oil found in your kitchen cabinet or local grocery store, like EXTRA VIRGIN COCONUT OIL or EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL.
I also tend to like the highly affordable noncomedonegenic, hypoallergenic GRAPESEED OIL. The woman I have seen swear by this are all well aged and all have gorgeous skin.
Grapeseed oil is not something you wont want to wear every day, as you do not want to smother the skin, as this is one of the thicker suggestions.
I like to blot the oils after application to remove any access un absorbed moisture.
Despite their names, these oils actually have Hydrating, Antibacterial & Antioxidating qualities so they actually aid in cleaning up your complexion as well as HYDRATING it.
I also tend to like the highly affordable noncomedonegenic, hypoallergenic GRAPESEED OIL. The woman I have seen swear by this are all well aged and all have gorgeous skin.
Grapeseed oil is not something you wont want to wear every day, as you do not want to smother the skin, as this is one of the thicker suggestions.
I like to blot the oils after application to remove any access un absorbed moisture.
Despite their names, these oils actually have Hydrating, Antibacterial & Antioxidating qualities so they actually aid in cleaning up your complexion as well as HYDRATING it.
STEP 4
• TOP YOUR DAILY SKIN CARE ROUTINE WITH A HYDRATING MOISTURISER
Lately I have been using this SEE BUCKTHORN MOISTURISER from SIBU BEAUTY. You can find SIBU BEAUTY at your local Superstore in the Naturals Isle for about 15$.
It does claim to be a nourishing moisturiser, This means it contains oil. It does, It contains SEA BUCKTHORN OIL.
At the same time I have found it to be quite hydrating.
Personally, my own skin tends to lack hydration, and this product, combined with the rest of my routine tends to work for me.
STEP 5
• SCHEDULE ROUTINE FACIALS
There are many great Facials out there, and the trick to them is to developing a good routine.
I like to use as many of the Kitchen Cupboard Skin Care Remedies I can think of. The best thing you can do to your face is give it real ingredients!
These Kitchen Skin Care Facials can ussually be done weekly.
Like my DIY 2 IN 1 INSTANT COFFEE FACIAL & SCRUB. This mask is great for HYDRATION!
You can find this mask here,
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2016/01/instant-coffee-facial-mask-scrub.html?m=1
Like my DIY 2 IN 1 INSTANT COFFEE FACIAL & SCRUB. This mask is great for HYDRATION!
You can find this mask here,
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2016/01/instant-coffee-facial-mask-scrub.html?m=1
Of course...
I also like my over the counter type products!
However, only the products that work.. aaand I still like to make sure the products don't have a lot of chemicals & are animal cruelty free...
However, only the products that work.. aaand I still like to make sure the products don't have a lot of chemicals & are animal cruelty free...
Not to long ago I wrote an article called The 4 Must Haves In My Fountain Of Youth . In that article you will see me make reference to my all time favorite facial from It Works, and I'm going to do it again...
This IT WORKS HYDRATING FACIAL is a real quality treat for your face! It's as close to a face lift as your going to get from any basic hydrating facial. I simply love it.
I love it so much I'm going to provide you with a link as to where you can go about ordering it, Here,
www.healthybeachbodies.com
www.healthybeachbodies.com
This particular product is to be used every 3 weeks, and every 3 weeks the results keep getting better and better after each application.
If you'd like to read my 4 Must Haves In My
Fountain OF Youth rant, talking about just how much I love these masks, Click Here,
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2015/09/vibrant-skin-my-4-must-haves-it-was.html?m=1
Fountain OF Youth rant, talking about just how much I love these masks, Click Here,
http://keepingupwithkitvon.blogspot.ca/2015/09/vibrant-skin-my-4-must-haves-it-was.html?m=1
PERSISTENT ACNE
Should the ACNE PROBLEM persist, you may infact have an Ane Skin Type. It is perhaps time to consult with your local reputable Esthetician.
I tend to like Medi- Esthetics Offices rather than regular Spas, in the case you are actually concerned about your skin's actual health and are concerned with getting the best results, the qualifications of your local Medi - Esthetician are just one step above that of a regular esthetician.
At least by this point your skin is off to the right start, and you have at least began correcting most of the problem, and correcting your over all skin health.
If you do indeed have an Acne Prone Skin Type, it will now be easier to diagnose, and easier to treat as your skin will be at it's optimal health, and already on it's way to looking better!
If you do indeed have an Acne Prone Skin Type, it will now be easier to diagnose, and easier to treat as your skin will be at it's optimal health, and already on it's way to looking better!
DEFINITIONS
HUMECTANT
HYALURONIC ACID
EMOLLIENT
DRY SKIN
DEHYDRATION
SO WHAT IGSACTLY IS INVOLVED IN MAKING A GOOD FACE CREAM? FIND THE ANSWER HERE:
