Acne? Everyone suffers from it at one point in time...

Acne occurs when the pores of your skin become blocked with oil, dead skin, or bacteria. Each pore of your skin is the opening to a follicle and a follicle is made up of a hair and or a sebaceous gland which is oil, too much oil is produced by your follicles. Your skin also has tiny holes called pores that can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt.

You probably notice pimples that are either white and black, they are the most common. The blackheads are open at the surface of the skin giving them a black appearance because of the oxygen in the air as the whiteheads look white because they are closed just under the surface of the skin not allowing any oxygen in.

Other types of acne that you can have is, Papules which are small and red raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected follicles. Pustules which are small and red pimples that have pus at the very tip. Nodules which are solid often painful lumps under the surface of your skin and last but not least the Cysts which are the largest lumps found under the skin that also contains pus and is extremely painful.

So the big question is, how is acne treated? There are a few self-care activities you can do at home to prevent pimples and clear up your acne.

NO squeezing or picking at your pimples (this is the worst thing you can do to your face because this spreads the bacteria and excess oil)

DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE (you can't imagine how much bacteria and dirt is on your fingers and finger nails)

Easting a healthy diet with minimal refined sugars

Cleaning your skin daily to remove excess oil & dirt

Shampooing your hair regularly and keeping it out of your face

Using makeup thats water based, noncomedogenic & paraben free

Avoid makeups that have oil

Shower after working out

No tight headbands or hats

These are my go to products that I use every day to prevent and fight acne:

Toner - Rose Hip - I use toner after I was my face, this evens out the PH in my skin

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Colloidal Silver - I spot treat with this

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Rejuveniqe Oil (I also use this on my elbows, knees & heals) - I use this every morning and evening before bed - you can email me directly to purchase the oil.

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A few over the counter products that some may use is:

Benzoyl peroxide is present in many acne creams and gels its used for drying out existing pimples and preventing new ones from appearing, It also kills bacteria.

Salicylic Acid is often used in face washes, it helps prevent pores from getting clogged with oil, bacteria & dead skin cells which causes acne.

When dealing with severe acne you can also do more invasive treatments like Photodynamic therapy which uses medication and a light or laser to reduce oil production and bacteria and that can improve the acne and the scarring from old acne.

Microdermabrasion or Dermabrasion is another good way of treating acne, it removes the top layers of dead skin cells allowing fresh new skin to surface.

A Chemical Peel is also very common, it removes the top layers of dead skin. The skin will actually peel off revealing less damaged skin underneath. It also improves mild scarring.

When it comes to cortisone injections its a hard NO for me but some people sware by it. Cortisone is a steroid and they inject it into your skin to reduce the inflammation and it speeds up the skins healing process.

If you need help with ingredients or product knowledge or need help finding something within your budget let me know! Send me your skincare type and what's happening that you need help with!

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Check out this amazing acne mask up on Your Balanced Living

Avocado Mask