Everyone knows a major step treating acne-prone skin involves keeping your complexion clean of dirt and excess oil, but how do we wash the grime away with those red, painful bumps?
In order to properly treat acne, it’s important to understand just what acne is. Acne is the most common skin condition found in the US and occurs when a hair follicle, or pore, becomes clogged with an oily substance called sebum, and dead skin cells. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands and is necessary for hydrating the skin.
When a hormonal imbalance triggers these glands to produce too much sebum, however, the excess oil can become clogged within the pore on its way to the surface. When combined with dead skin cells, this pairing can lead to the growth of bacteria, which signals the body to send in white blood cells to attack!
Unfortunately, this inflammatory response often appears as red and swollen bumps on the surface of the skin, known commonly as pimples.
Depending on the type and severity of the acne at hand, the surface of the skin can become very sensitive, even painful to the touch, making washing with certain cleansers, brushes or cloths a counterproductive measure. (AcnEase users: your treatment is working to prevent the formation of acne at the source, eliminating the chance that a pore becomes clogged with unnecessary oils in the first place!)
If you have breakouts, cleaning your skin doesn’t have to lead to painful irritation. Whether your acne affects the face, the body, or both, check out these simple yet effective tips to keep in mind to ensure the cleanest and healthiest skin possible!
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Simple Tips For Gently Cleansing The Face
When cleansing an acne-prone skin, the most important thing to consider is the current condition of the surface of your own skin. If you’re experiencing red, painful breakouts you will be better to steer clear of gritty emollients that might tear the skin or further irritate inflamed pores. The best bet for most acne-sufferers looking to treat their acne from the surface is to opt for a medicated, soap-free face wash containing either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which work to break down oils and grease that have already collected on the surface of the skin, and aid in unclogging pores from the outside.
It is important to understand that these facial washes do nothing to limit the actual amount of sebum produced, and will only work to temporarily treat acne symptoms that have already appeared on the skin. In order to prevent acne from forming, the problem must be treated from within, at its source (AcnEase users: you’re doing this now!).
Aside from cleansing the skin of dirt, debris, and oils, people with acne-prone skin should also do their best to exfoliate any dry or dead skin cells that may collect on the surface and possibly clog pores. While a grainy exfoliant may work for some skin types, anyone experiencing a severe breakout, or anyone just looking to treat their complexion to a gentle slough, need look no further than their own kitchen. Use either one of these fabulous formulas:
Baking Soda Paste
A simple paste formed with baking soda and water will utilize sodium bicarbonate crystals to gently exfoliate the skin.
For something a little thicker, try this simple yet effective oatmeal and milk mask, which combines the skin-soothing power of oatmeal with naturally exfoliating lactic acid found in milk to deliver a flake-free surface, along with a healthy glow. It’s super quick and easy to make, and definitely won’t break the bank!
Oatmeal and Milk Exfoliating Scrub
– 1 tbsp. oatmeal
– Enough warm milk to form a goopy paste (milk should only be slightly warm to the touch, not hot)
Mix together in a bowl, then let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until a soft consistency is reached. Using clean hands, massage the scrub onto skin in circular motions for about 1-2 minutes before rinsing away with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean towel, and apply your favorite moisturizer or sunscreen to finish!
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Easy Ways To Wash the Body That Won’t Lead To Irritation
Body acne is something that affects many people as well, and symptoms usually appear on the back and chest. There are many medicated body washes designed to treat acne in a variety of formulas, and finding the best one for you will, again, depend on the condition of your skin.
For anyone looking to indulge just a little, splurging with a simple yet relaxing soak using Epsom salt can help reduce inflammation while exfoliating skin simultaneously. Enriched with magnesium, zinc and vitamin D to help nourish the skin, and rich in sulfuric properties which act as naturally antifungal and antiviral acne fighters, a warm soak in this essential oil-infused Epsom soak will probably have you feeling pretty blissed out, to boot!
Easy Tea Tree Oil Epsom Salt Soak
2 cups Epsom salt, unscented
5-10 drops tea tree oil (a wonderful acne-fighting astringent!)
Simply add both ingredients to warm bath as water pours into your bathtub, sink in, and soak for about 15-20 minutes before patting skin dry with a clean towel.
Cleansing your skin is an absolutely essential step in achieving a clean and clear complexion, and any of the above-mentioned tips will be sure to go a long way in treating your acne symptoms. It is important to remember, however, that in order to truly eliminate once and for all, the problem must be addressed at the source – the sebaceous glands, or acne symptoms will only reappear in a matter of time.
AcnEase, a systemic solution, relies on the 100% safe and effective power of herbal medicine to eliminate acne before it starts! Whether your needs lie in a treatment plan designed for the face or the body, AcnEase is sure to have a solution that will deliver real results you can see and feel!
What are some of the easiest ways you’ve found to clean your acne-prone skin? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!
Dr. Agnes Olszewski, CEO of Herborium, natural medicine expert
“My work in China in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, and my personal experience while growing up in Europe, inspired me to develop Herborium®, a novel Botanical Therapeutics® company, based on a new, innovative healthcare concept that combines science and nature. Our approach has already been proven up to 98% effective in our acne treatment, AcnEase®.”
