Written by SKIN ACNE AND SUNBURN
Mistakes That Might Be Giving You Acne
Acne-prone skin isn’t reserved for teens alone. In fact, it affects many women well into their 30’s and 40’s (and on!). Here are seven common culprits for worsening your skin – and how to kick acne once and for all.
Over drying in the sun
It is a common misconception that acne-prone skin is dirty skin. It’s not. One of the main contributing factors to acne is the excess production of oil, which can clog pores and become infected. Because of the oily appearance of the skin, it can be tempting to over-wash your face and use ultra-drying ingredients. But drying out skin will only trigger more oil production. Instead use a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser and lightweight moisturizer daily.
Not cleansing before bed
Tiredness is no excuse not to cleanse before bedtime. During the day your skin produces oil and collects impurities that sit on the skin’s surface. If it stays on the skin for a prolonged period of time, it breeds bacteria and causes spots. Make sure you remove all makeup before bed with a cleanser, using a toner to remove any stubborn leftover dirt.
Never exfoliating
Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells. If dry skin isn’t removed, it builds up on your skin’s surface and clogs your pores causing blackheads and blemishes. A gentle exfoliator will help remove skin cells or use a cleansing device.
Treating like a teen-ager
many products that target teenage acne are harsh and over-drying, but these products are too tough on older skin. The more dehydrated your skin is, the more oil it produces leading to blemishes. Pick age-appropriate skin is oil-free and packed with antioxidants. Products that contain salicylic acid can help keep acne-causing bacteria at bay.
Picking at your skin
Your body is designed to fight infection, so as tempting as it may be, avoid picking at that spot! When you pop blemishes, you prolong the healing process by pushing bacteria deeper into the skin. You also increase the chance of scarring.
Not changing bedding
Bacteria and oil from the environment, your hair, skin and sweat, can build-up on your pillowcase and bedding and transfer back to your face. Use pillowcases made from natural fibers and flip them over nightly. Launder your bedding in fragrance-free washing powder and change pillowcases every second night. We’re sure you’ve heard about the importance of sunscreen, but how does it all relate to ultra-violets and SPF? And what do you really need to know about protecting your skin from the sun?
SUNBURN AND HOW TO BE SUN SMART
What’s the deal with UVB and UVA
The sunlight that reaches us is made up of two harmful rays: short wave ultraviolet B (UVB) and long wave ultraviolet A (UVA). The UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn and reddening while the UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, play a major part in skin ageing. Therefore, you need protection from both, all sun care products have UVA and UVB protection. UVB rays have a different intensity depending on the season, location and time of day. The peaking hours are usually between 10 am to 4 pm, but the sun reaches you even when you’re in the shade. UVA rays are present during all daylight hours and throughout the year and can also penetrate clouds and glass. Up to 90% of visible skin changes are the result of sun damage, so it is truly important to always wear sunscreen! Studies also show that adequate protection from UV radiation can lower the risk of skin cancer.
UNSCREEN VS VITAMIN D – CAN I HAVE BOTH?
Yes, you can! If you always make sure to be outside 15 minutes a day, you will get the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin D. So, don’t skip sunscreen for the benefit of Vitamin D – It doesn’t even have to be sunny for you to get the dose that you need, just being out in daylight counts!