We've all had a pimple at least once in our lives. For some of us, however, the occasional pimple can turn into acne, and this can really affect the way we feel about our skin. Whilst treating acne works best when approached from a holistic perspective, and including dietary and lifestyle changes, what we put on our skin can also make a big difference when it comes to 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 outcomes. Finding the right product that works deeper than just reducing sebum production, drying out the skin and killing off all bacteria (our skin has its own microbiome which is crucial for good skin health) is super important when considering your updated skincare routine.
It's also important to know there are options for you to treat your acne in a way that is friendlier on the planet, and that doesn't result in you compromising on your values to achieve amazing skin.
Firstly, let's talk about a few common misconceptions when it comes to acne-prone skin:
Oil = Acne
The idea that oily skin automatically means acne is one that has been around for quite a while. Thankfully, science has now proven that this is not the case and that drying out our skin actually contributes to a disruption of the acid mantle. The acid mantle is a film on our skin that acts as a protective barrier, keeping pollutants, bacteria and viruses from penetrating our skin and causing infection. This film also helps to keep 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 that you don't need to be afraid when using oil-containing products on your skin!
The Rougher The Scrub, The Better
As a young adult, I was definitely of the opinion that the rougher your scrub was, the smoother your skin would get. In reality, this is not case! Scrubs with large and/or rough and abrasive edges can cause irritation to the skin, contributing to the worsening of acne. Natural physical exfoliants are typically okay for the body, but when it comes to the face you are best off using a product such as the Exfoliating 2 in 1 Scrub and Mask with jojoba spheres, or an exfoliating acid toner to gently lift dead skin cells and help them to come away 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 are still getting acne at age 30 or older. While there is absolutely no shame in experiencing acne in adulthood, there are also so many tools at our disposal to treat it. Luckily, there are many brands making luxurious and high-quality natural products that you can include in your daily skincare routine that can assist with clearing up your skin.
Rescue Acne Cream
A product that I feel really good about recommending for blemish-prone skin is the Rescue Acne Cream. This cream is a benzoyl peroxide-free herbal treatment cream that soothes inflamed skin lesions, in-grown hairs, blackheads and has been proven 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 the Rescue Acne cream around will definitely come in handy!
A blend of potent anti-bacterial and wound-healing active botanicals such as Goldenseal, Gotu Kola, Horsetail, Echinacea and Myrrh, this plant-derived cream will gently dry out active pimples and reduce scarring, leaving your skin healthy and glowing. One of the best things about the Rescue Acne Cream is that it is made up of clean, safe and vegan-friendly ingredients, meaning that it is safe to have in the home and to use on most members of the family. With our skin being our largest organ, we must remember that our acne products will also be absorbed and circulated throughout our systems, and make informed choices when deciding which products make it into our cupboards and drawers.
The best way to use this cream is to apply it to the affected areas with a cotton bud morning and night, after cleansing with the Purify Facial Cleanser. If you want the full pamper experience, check out the Skin Rescue Kit and follow up with some hydrating Boost Balancing Moisturiser. Get your at-home spa on, no one said that skincare had to be boring!
Overall, clear skin is hard to come by when you aren't nourishing your body with all of the macro and micronutrients necessary to thrive. A plant-based diet is the biggest contributor to my own healthy skin journey, and eating a plant-based vegan diet helps me to get in all of those beautiful minerals and phytonutrients essential for beautiful skin. For example, vitamin B12 has been found to regulate the way that acne-causing bacteria expresses itself in the body. Personally, I use a simple B12 spray to ensure I get plenty of B12 daily! Zinc-based enzymes and proteins in the body are heavily involved in reducing skin inflammation and enhancing acne wound healing capabilities. I get my zinc through foods such as lentils and chickpeas, hemp seeds (also rich in good fats), spinach and mushrooms.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to prevent premature ageing of skin, protects against damage from UV rays and supports collagen synthesis, helping skin to stay plump and youthful for longer - thank you citrus fruits! 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 algae products.
My recommendation? Up the number of healthy plant foods in your diet, and prioritise caring for your skin with plant-based botanicals daily. You won't regret it!
Hannah
