"Out damn spot"
Helen Lee - September 2003
 Polka dots are back in fashion in all shapes and sizes, on shoes, tops, dresses, scarves and more, but there is one form of spots you never want to see - pimples. So how do we get rid of them and try to prevent them from coming back?
You cleanse, tone, scrub and wash, but breakouts keep occurring. It drives you bonkers, but they keep coming back. Mainly due to teenage hormones, stress, unwashed faces, germs, the list is endless.
There are plenty of over the counter products that claim to treat and get rid of pimples, some are stronger than others, and some works and some don't. Here I’ll look at a list of products that are available, as well as how to help prevent more breakouts from occurring.
WASH IT!
Wash you face every day and night! This is the most important thing, so you wash off all the germs that have found their way to your face, also it unclogs your pores, helping to prevent more breakouts and stops existing ones from spreading. Clinque are well known for their pimple products as well as their 3 Step system, their Antibacterial Facial Soap or Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam works well to prevent breakouts. For a cheaper alternative, try Neutrogena’s RapidClear Oil-Control Foaming Cleanser or Young Solutions Face Wash.
TONE IT!
After washing your face it is recommended you tone. This removes any excess oils and dirt that may still be clogging your pores. Lush make Tea Tree Water, which contains Tea Tree in it, which is a natural way to keep breakouts at bay. Toner is not recommended for drier skin types as it may dry out your skin more, but its great on combination and oily skin as it does remove excess oil on your skin as well.
MOISTURISE IT!
After washing and toning, remember to moisturise. If you are experiencing breakouts at the time, apply a thin layer of pimple cream or gel (more on this later). If you face is prone to breakouts, try finding a oil free mouisturiser. I adore Lancôme’s Vinefit Gel as well as their entire Vinefit range, which is oil free and feels divine when you put it on, but for something that doesn't break the bank try Nivea Visage Shine Controlling Fluid or
TREAT IT!
There are plenty of pimple treatment creams and gels around, try a few out and rotate there usage, because you don't want you skin to become immune to the product. You could go with something natural like Origins Spot Remover or The Body Shops Tea Tree Oil. Or some products that contains more chemicals to help zap those zits are Clinque's Spot Treatment Gel or Biotherm's Acnopur Emergency Anti-Spot, other alternatives are H20+ Acne Spot Treatment and Neutrogena RapidClear Acne Eliminating Gel
MASKS & SCRUBS!
If you face is really prone to breakouts, you could try a weekly face mask or facial scrub to help cleanse deep down into the pores. A popular face mask for pimple prone skin is a mud / clay mask as it helps dry up the oils that cause most breakouts. Before you go digging up you garden, try The Body Shops Oceanic Clay Ionic Mask or Lush's Coal Face Cleansing Bar which helps detoxifying your skin. It can also be used as a daily cleanser. I personally prefer to use more natural products when using scrubs and masks, so I tend to turn towards using Lush products more. If you don't like the sound of them, try something with oatmeal or chamomile in it as they will clam you skin down a bit and reduce redness.
FIND THE SOURCE!
Another way to help combat breakouts is pay attention to what you eat or feel just before you breakout. With some people they can't eat certain things like candy (though most often than not, the chocolate myth is actually a myth) or you break out because your stressing. So try and cut down the opportunity for stress. Plus don't forget to drink at least 1 litre of water every day, as well as remembering to wash you face! Like anything else, if its clean then germs can't spread. Also if you use make up, keep brushes clean and try not to share them as germs can spread that way also.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS / RANGES!
Body Shop Tea Tree Range - contains tea tree foundation, pressed powder, soap, blemish stick, bloating tissues, face wash, moisturizing gel, scrubs and much more. The plus is that it’s reasonably affordable, natural, and they don't test on animals.
Origins Spot Remover - It is a little drying, but its not as expensive as some pimple treatments. I use it before i go to sleep and sometimes under my make up. You can see the results as soon as you wake up. It does smell a little kooky, but it doesn't feel like there is a heap of chemicals in it.
Water - Drink litres and litres of it! It flushes out the toxins in you body and helps keep you skin (and body) clean and free from harmful things.
Fruit - Vitamin C is a very important vitamin, found in most citrus fruits it helps keep you skin clean and clear. A orange a day will help keep the pimples away.
More Recommended Products coming soon.
|
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
