Category: Acne skin condition

Backless Dresses, Swimsuits & Bikinis

If you have ever known the misery of back acne then you will also know the horror which many women feel at the impending summer months! Summer is the time for backless dresses, swimsuits and bikinis…it’s a time when more flesh is on show than ordinarily and if that flesh isn’t in prime condition then it can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Backs are one of the most neglected areas on most women’s bodies…not only because we don’t see them daily but also because they’re awkward to reach! Begin your battle against back acne by standing in front of a full length mirror and having a good inspection of the skin. If you can’t make it out then use another mirror to reflect your back more clearly.

Continue reading “Women Acne: How To Remove That Back Acne”

Acne Doesn’t Discriminate

Acne has no rules…it doesn’t just pick on ordinary people; you only need to glance through the gossip columns for pictures of even the biggest Hollywood stars and their troublesome skin. Contrary to popular belief it doesn’t cause problems just for the very young but can strike at any age and just as severely as it can do in youth.

Continue reading “Acne Treatments and Problem Skin…Celebs Suffer Just Like We Do!”

Sufferers of acne know the misery that can be caused not only by the pimples but also by the scarring which can occur after a breakout.

It’s a particularly miserable situation for those who have managed to eradicate their acne but find that the scarring is just as disfiguring as the actual acne was…and there is so much conflicting advice surrounding the issue that it is easy for people to fall into the trap of spending a lot on supposed “cures” for scars which often do nothing to reduce the marks at all.

What is acne scarring?

Put simply, acne scars are the skin damage left behind after more serious types of acne spot such as nodules or cysts, burst and break down the layers of skin causing pits and craters. Less serious spots can also leave scars if they are picked or squeezed…skin is easily damaged and if infection sets in then scars are to be expected. Acne spots should never be picked or squeezed but should be left well alone to dissipate in their own time.

For many people however, the worst type of acne spots will cause scars even if they are left alone and it is then that treatment for them can be sought….but which treatment is the right one for your acne scars?

Dermatologists recognise that scarring from acne can be placed into different categories with two main sub-types; these are atrophic which means that there has been a loss of skin tissue and these generally cause an indentation in the skin; and hypertrophic which means that there is a build up of skin tissue and a lump or bump may be discernible.

Types of acne scars

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With vest top and swimsuit season just around the corner, if you are someone who suffers with acne on your chest or your back, your thoughts are probably turning to the best way of ridding your skin of these irritating spots. Worry not, we have put together the top 10 ways of preventing and reducing the appearance of acne in these areas:-

1. Use the Right Products

If you find that you simply can’t prevent acne breakouts then consider changing your body wash.  Believe it or not, heavily scented products can cause acne, so choose something light and simple which won’t clog your pores unnecessarily.

2. Use Blemish Pads

Blemish pads fight acne breakouts by purifying pores and drying out any existing blemishes on your skin.  Before using any kind of blemish pad, ensure the affected area is clean, and then gently rub with a pad once or twice a day.  Be aware that the pads work by drying out the acne so if you already suffer with dry or flaky skin then you need to minimise the amount of times you use them.

3. Exfoliate

It might seem like a lot of work, but exfoliation is key to preventing acne breakouts.  It keeps your skin clean, and helps to unclog pores.  If you suffer with regular flare-ups then make sure you are exfoliating your chest and back at least once a week.  Opt for a gentle exfoliating product so you don’t over-irritate the skin.

4. Use Moisturiser

Make sure you are keeping your skin well hydrated with a good moisturiser.  Use it after showering to prevent your skin drying out.

5. Have A Skincare Regime

It’s important to take care of your skin, especially if you are prone to acne.  One of the best ways to deal with this is to develop a specific skincare regime for yourself using products which can help combat any breakouts.

6. Use Spot Treatments

Spot treatments are great if you have one or two persistent spots which just won’t clear up.  It’s not worth doing this for every spot on your back however, just those few that refuse to budge.

7. Change Your Shampoo

It might seem like a strange tip but what you are washing your hair with really could be causing chest and back acne.  Try switching to another brand and see if it makes a difference.

8. Body Spray Products

If you don’t have anyone to help you target those spots in hard to reach places on your back, consider a body spray product.  There are a number of inexpensive options available in most drugstores.

9. Change and Shower After Exercise

Make sure that you shower and change as soon as possible after exercising, or whenever you get a bit sweaty.  If showering isn’t possible, then try and wipe down the areas and put on clean clothes.

10. Seek Help

If you really are struggling to deal with your acne flare-ups then seek the help of professional treatments. Sometimes no matter how hard you try acne can be very persistent – take a look at our acne treatments available.

if you need to speak to someone about your acne and live in London why not book a free consultation today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Whilst make up will obviously not deal with the root cause of an acne flare-up, sometimes it can be necessary to cover up existing breakouts, either because you have a special occasion or maybe even just because you feel self-conscious and want to minimise the appearance of any acne on your skin.  Whatever the reason, if you are using make up to conceal your acne then make sure you follow these simple steps:

The Right Products

Using the wrong type of make up can cause your acne to worsen, so it’s important that you buy the correct type of products.  Make sure you avoid anything oil based as this will irritate your skin further and try and buy hypoallergenic products too.  Before purchasing, make sure you test any new product; if your skin is going to react negatively to a product, it will do so in around 60 minutes.  To get the right amount of coverage you should invest in concealer, foundation and powder.

Skin Preparation

Before you start to apply your newly bought make-up, gently wash your face and neck with a cleansing product and pat dry.  If you don’t use one, then now is a good time to start!  Not only will it assist in dealing with any acne breakouts but it will also ensure that your skin is ready for the application of make up.  If you are using any acne treatment products, apply this after cleansing but before make up and allow time for it to dry completely.

Make Up Application

Concealer

To begin with, dab a small amount of concealer directly onto any blemishes.  Ensure you only use a small amount as concealer can look very obvious when dried and if you have too much on your face, it will show.  Use a throwaway sponge to blend the concealer into your skin.

Foundation

Once you have finished with the concealer, you can start with the foundation.  Natural mineral based products are best as they allow the skin to breathe and these can be easily applied with brushes.  However, you might prefer liquid foundation and if so, again use a sponge to blend the foundation into your skin, starting slowly and building up over any areas which need more coverage.  Just as with the concealer, it’s important not to overdo your make up and this will draw attention to your face, which isn’t what you want.

Powder

If you have used a liquid based foundation then ensure you apply a light layer of powder using a make up brush to seal the foundation.

Tips

Use Soft Brushes
If using make up brushes then opt for the softest ones you can find; this will prevent unnecessary irritation of your skin.

Apply Makeup Gradually
Start slowly and build up the amount of make up, you should want the make up to appear subtle.

Throw Away Used Sponges
Dispose of any make up sponges you have used; sponges absorb oil from your face and if you were to use them again they would transfer that same oil back onto your face.

End of the Day

Always make sure you wash and cleanse your face before going to bed each night.  Your skin needs time to breathe and leaving make up on may cause more acne to develop.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

If you suffer with acne, then you will understand how much of an irritant a flare-up can be. Adults who suffer with outbreaks of acne can not only find they struggle with low self-esteem but it can start to affect other areas of life too. So what if there was a simple way to help clear your skin and rid yourself of acne?

The Clear Skin Diet

Although there is no miracle cure, genetics play a large part in appearance of skin which cannot be controlled, there is a way to at least assist your skin in remaining blemish free; the clear skin diet.

The clear skin diet has been born from research which suggests that certain foods can in fact help to improve your skin, or make it worse. Some examples of foods which people with problematic skin should eat include those which contain whole grains, omega-3 fish oils, antioxidants and zinc to name but a few.

Vegetables and fruit are a great source of antioxidants; berries, artichokes, carrots and red grapes are all great examples of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants. Beef, spinach, pumpkin seeds and cocoa are all good sources of zinc. Yes, it’s really true, eating chocolate could help with your skin (in moderation of course). Drinking lots of water is also vital; water can help to flush out toxins which can assist with clearing up an outbreak of acne. It will make you feel better too.

Avoid Sugary Foods

Another interesting area which needs to be considered is that of food which raises your blood sugar level. When you eat foods high in sugar your pancreas creates more insulin in order to regulate your blood sugar level. This is a natural process but the trouble is that insulin also causes the sebaceous glands to secrete an oily substance known as sebum, which can clog up follicles and pores. So by avoiding foods high in sugar, you could help your skin to clear.

Does It Work? Science Says Yes!!!!

So, does it really work? For many years people have portrayed the idea that certain foods can affect your skin as nothing more than a myth but recent research would suggest otherwise. Of course, the most logical way to look at it, is that your skin is an outward reflection of what is going on inside your body. If you are taking time to eat well, sleep well, and stay hydrated, then this will be reflected in your skin. Alternatively, if you are eating a lot of junk food, living on a few hours sleep and so drinking a lot of caffeinated products to stay awake, then this will cause your skin to suffer. Ultimately, eating the right foods can assist with the clearing up of acne issues you might experience.