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Acne skin care
Acne skin care - what causes acne?
Acne is a distressing skin condition that doesn't restrict itself to adolescents, it affects different age groups and manifests itself in various guises. During adolescence, the most common mould is referred to as ‘acne vulgaris'. Tardy acne affects over 40% of women who at some point in their lives will be subjected to a debilitating attack as a result of changing levels in hormone activity. For women who suffer from this form of acne, it is more common for it to appear on the lower part of the face whilst for men the torso is more likely to be affected.
Any number of factors can cause a hormone imbalance including the contraceptive pill, menstrual cycle, pregnancy or stress. It is therefore vitally important that the correct acne skin care routine is adopted in order to alleviate symptoms.
Other causes of acne include:
- Pollutants
- Weather changes
- Diet
- Cosmetics
What acne skin care treatments are available?
There are various acne skin care treatments available. Before considering which range to purchase it is worth noting that as well as actually buying a product or products it is necessary to adopt a daily course of acne skin care.
Acne skin care - the important steps to follow
It is important to ensure that the entire area is consistently and regularly treated - an acne skin care regime is imperative. If you follow these steps, you will be adopting the best acne skin care routine for your skin.
1. Acne skin care - Choose the right product range for you
The skin must be cleansed with a gentle and non-aggressive cleansing agent. It is important to find a cleanser that will not block pores or irritate the skin - so look for labels which state ‘non-comedogenic' or ‘oil-free' which means that the ingredients don't encourage blemishes to form. Try to select dermatological bars or soap-free gel for the best results. Also ensure that you don't forget to take off make-up at night and avoid scrubbing your skin; aim to use the fingertips instead.
Choose a moisturiser from the same product range as your cleanser, likewise select a complementary toner.
2. Acne skin care - Do not scrub your face too much
If you rub your face too much, you run the risk of pushing bacteria and dead skin cells further down into the pores and increasing the likely occurrence of more blemishes. It can also cause permanent scarring and larger pores. When applying products, use a circular motion using the tips of the fingers and dry the area with a clean cotton towel, patting rather than rubbing the face.
3. Acne skin care - Don't think a suntan will help
It is a common misconception that a suntan will help eradicate acne. The best form of acne skin care treatment is to avoid over exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Whilst a suntan will cover blemishes this will only last for a limited period of time and your skin will become thicker and the pores close up. This in turn causes the build-up of more bacteria and so you experience an explosive eruption of microcysts.
Skin care - A case study
One remote area within the Languedoc region of France, Avène is sparking media interest due to its spa's healing properties; treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis or eczema. In 1975, the spa baths were purchased by one of France's leading pharmacists, Pierre Fabre and in 1990, the Avène product range of skin care treatments was launched - skin care treatments containing the therapeutic properties of Avène's water.
An article published in the Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/alternativemedicine/3343041/I've-witnessed-a-little-miracle.html) details the writer's trip to Avène. Both his daughter and wife suffer from the skin condition eczema and the family travelled to the spa and reported how well the skin of both responded to treatment.
Another article published in the Times (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/good_spa_guide/article3886587.ece) also recommends the healing properties of the Avène spa water and how the writer's skin imperfections were soothed by the treatment. Read another article in the Times which compares like products - http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/beauty/article5055590.ece.
