News – Acne

In the News Sydney, Australia (July, 2007) — by KATE LOVELACE, Good Health and Medicine

Rule one: simplify your beauty routine. Do you use too many active skincare products at once? Why it’s bad- If you’re using several anti-ageing products at once, you could be over-dosing on retinols (vitamin A) and AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), which may cause the skin to react.- If you’re self-prescribing, you might not be using the best formulas for your skin type. What to do- Use active ingredients with caution- Speak with a consultant before buying new skincare.- Take note of what’s in your current skincare to avoid doubling up on ingredients.- Test new products behind the ear or under the jaw line.- Aim to use up the whole tub or tube to see if a product is really working for you. Rule two: don’t over-cleanse. You adore the feeling of squeaky-clean skin and cleanse at every chance. Why it’s bad- “Over-zealous cleansing actually exacerbates an oily skin problem,” says cosmetic physician Dr Sarah Freilich.- If we strip away surface oils, the skin responds by producing even more oil.- It removes skin-protective bacteria, making you more susceptible to infection.- Over-cleansing and over-exfoliating can make skin prone to sensitivity. What to do- Only use a foaming cleanser if your skin is oily.- Avoid overly astringent toners that dry the skin.- Don’t cleanse more than twice a day or exfoliate more than twice a week.- Replace harsh scrubs with a peel-off mask (which removes dead cells) or one with exfoliating fruit enzymes (such as papaya), plus hydrating ingredients. Rule three: stop squeezing pimples. As soon as a spot appears, you just can’t keep your hands away. Why it’s bad- “Squeezing pimples damages the skin and makes pimples worse,” says dermatologist Dr Jo-Ann See.- By rupturing the follicle you release irritants into the skin that cause further inflammation, which can result in scarring.- Some skin types develop permanent hyperpigmentation in the area as a reaction to this kind of trauma.

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