All of us have had a pimple at least once in our life. For some of us, however, the occasional pimple can turn into acne and that can really affect the way we feel about our skin. While acne treatment works best when approached from a holistic perspective and includes diet and lifestyle changes, what we put on our skin can also make a big difference in the results we see.
There is a lot of marketing around acne products, and so many harsh chemicals are used to achieve superficial and temporary results. Finding the right product that works deeper than reducing sebum production, drying the skin and killing all bacteria (our skin has its own microbiome which is vital to good skin health) is very important when considering your updated skin care routine.
It’s also important to know that there are options for dealing with your acne in a way that’s friendlier to the planet that doesn’t involve compromising your values to get amazing skin.
First, let’s talk about some common misconceptions about acne-prone skin:
Oil = Acne
The idea that oily skin automatically means acne has been around for quite some time. Fortunately, science has now proven that this is not the case and that drying out our skin actually contributes to the breakdown of the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a film on our skin that acts as a protective barrier, preventing pollutants, bacteria and viruses from penetrating our skin and causing infection. This film also helps retain nutrients in our skin and improves skin hydration. By disrupting the acid mantle with harsh products, you can actually encourage acne formation. This also means you don’t have to be afraid when using products that contain oil on your skin!
The rougher the rub, the better
As a young adult, I was definitely of the opinion that the rougher your scrub, the smoother your skin would become. In fact, this is not the case! Rubbing them with large and/or rough and abrasive edges can irritate the skin, contributing to worsening acne. Natural natural exfoliants are usually fine for the body, but when it comes to the face, you’re better off using a product like the 2-in-1 Exfoliant and Mask with Jojoba Beads or an exfoliating acid toner to gently lift away dead skin cells and help leave without damage or irritation to the skin.
Only teenagers get acne
Adults can suffer from acne too, and it can feel embarrassing to have to explain to someone why you still have acne at age 30 and up. While there’s absolutely no shame in dealing with acne in adulthood, there are also so many tools at our disposal to deal with it. Fortunately, there are many brands that produce luxurious and high-quality natural products that you can include in your daily skin care routine that can help clear your skin.
Rescue Cream Acne
A product that I feel really good about recommending for blemish-prone skin is the Rescue Cream Acne. This cream is a benzoyl peroxide-free herbal treatment cream that soothes inflamed skin lesions, ingrown hairs, blackheads and has been shown to kill 99.9% of acne-causing bacteria within 30 minutes of application. With statistics showing that up to 85% of Australians will experience acne in their lifetime, having a product like Rescue Acne Cream will definitely come in handy!
A blend of powerful antibacterial and healing active botanicals such as Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Horsetail, Echinacea and Myrrh, this herbal cream will gently dry active pimples and reduce scarring, leaving your skin healthy and glowing. One of the best things about Rescue Acne Cream is that it is made up of clean, safe and vegan-friendly ingredients, meaning it is safe to have at home and use on most members of the family. As our skin is our largest organ, we need to remember that our acne products will also be absorbed and circulated throughout our systems and make conscious choices when deciding which products go into our cupboards and drawers.
The best way to use this cream is to apply it to the affected areas with a cotton pad morning and night, after cleansing with Purify Facial Cleanser. If you want the full skincare experience, check out the Skin Rescue Kit and follow up with some Boost Balancing Moisturizer. Bring the spa to your home, no one said skincare had to be boring!
Overall, clear skin is hard to achieve when you’re not feeding your body all the macronutrients and micronutrients it needs to thrive. A plant-based diet is the biggest contributor to my own healthy skin journey, and a plant-based vegan diet helps me get all those beautiful minerals and phytonutrients that are essential for beautiful skin. For example, vitamin B12 has been found to regulate how acne-causing bacteria express themselves in the body. Personally, I use a simple B12 spray to ensure I get plenty of B12 daily! The body’s zinc-based enzymes and proteins are heavily involved in reducing skin inflammation and enhancing acne wound healing abilities. I get my zinc through foods like lentils and chickpeas, hemp seeds (also rich in good fats), spinach and mushrooms.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps prevent premature skin aging, protects against UV damage and supports collagen synthesis, helping skin stay firm and youthful for longer – thanks citrus! Omega fatty acids are also anti-inflammatory, and research is beginning to delve into the potential bacteria-fighting mechanisms of omega 3 and 6, found in foods such as hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and seaweed products.
My recommendation? Increase the number of healthy plant-based foods in your diet and prioritize your skin care with plant-based plant-based products every day. You will not regret it!
Hannah
