Natural Skin Care for Acne + Breakouts
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans yearly. Eighty-five percent of people in the U.S. experienced acne between the ages of 12 and 24. (Medical News Today) Adult acne is a reality for many as well.
There are many products on the market that treat acne, but what’s best for your skin? Let’s take a look at acne and breakouts, their causes, and natural skin care that can help.
What Causes Acne?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become plugged. Oil glands releases sebum (oil), which keeps your skin lubricated and soft. But, acne can occur if too much oil is produced by your follicles, dead skin cells accumulate in your pores, and/or bacteria builds up in your pores.
Acne appears as whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, usually on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. “Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.” (The Mayo Clinic).
Some factors that may trigger or elevate acne include: genetics, anxiety, stress, menstrual cycles (hormones), humid and hot climates, diet, and medications.
Types of Acne
Acne vulgaris is the medical name for common acne.
A comedo is the name given to a hair follicle that has become clogged. with oil and dead skin cells. They can develop into whiteheads and blackheads.
A whitehead is a closed comedo - closed at the surface of the skin, while a blackhead is an open comedo - open at the surface of the skin.
Pimples are a form of acne. When a pore becomes inflamed, it’s considered a pimple. Pimples usually develop after whiteheads or blackheads have become infected.
Acne Myths
Good news! Eating greasy foods does not cause acne. However, when being in a greasy area - like near fry vats in a kitchen - there is a chance that oil can stick to your skin and block follicles.
More good news - cosmetics don’t necessarily cause or make your acne worse, especially if you use non comedogenic makeup that doesn’t clog pores. (Ie, make sure your makeup is non comedogenic!) Do remember to remove your makeup on a regular basis; it’s just a good thing to do for your skin.
Probably the biggest myth buster of all: acne is not caused by bad hygiene or dirty skin. In fact, scrubbing your skin using harsh cleansers and soaps can irritate the skin and make your acne worse.
Natural Skin Care for Acne
We recommend that you use all-natural products for your skin, acne or no acne. It’s just better for your skin.
If you are purchasing a face cleanser at a Heliotrope store, add essential oil of Neroli. Neroli is produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree and is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-redness, and healing. It can help control acne (and/or rosacea).
Our Citrus and Fruit Acid Cleanser, our most popular face cleanser, offers a gentle cleanse with antiseptic and astringent benefits. Perfect for those with oily or acne prone skin, or anyone who wants a pore minimizing, natural, and fresh cleanse. This cleanser contains willow bark, a gentle exfoliant, and contains salicylic acid, which helps to fight acne. It will not strip or dry out your skin.
And, we have the perfect toner for you! Why use a toner? They help remove excess dirt, oil, and makeup, and balance the pH of your skin. They help close pores and control acne. Our Lavender & Willow Refreshing Toner Spray delivers micro-molecules of healing lavender essential oil and astringent willow bark extract. Additional botanicals help revive tired and dry skin, while zinc helps fight blemishes!
Try this mask! Our Clay & Herbal Extract Detox Mask absorbs impurities, leaving your skin fresh and smooth. Healing botanicals such as tea tree, lavender and grapeseed help treat blemishes and soothe irritated skin. Use twice a week to keep your skin balanced and happy!
Last but not least, our Lemon & Tea Tree Antiseptic Spot Gel is here to save the day! Tea tree oil fights infection and reduces swelling while lemon essential oil is an antiseptic. The roll-on ball application for this cooling gel makes targeting and treating trouble spots easy.
That’s our wrap-up on skin care for acne and breakouts; we hope our recommendations are helpful. Acne can happen to anyone. If you find that natural skin care and over the counter treatments aren’t working for you, we do recommend that you see a dermatologist.
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