ACNE 301

We’ve talked about the different types of acne, the best kinds of ingredients, and what the purging process looks like...but what about pre/post treatment and how lifestyle may play into our acne? First let’s break down what we refer to as the Acne Lifecycle:

Pre: You may not have any big blemishes but you’re noticing some congestion and blackheads

Active: You’re experiencing one or several types of blemishes (ex: pustules, cysts, whiteheads etc.)

Post: Your breakouts have cleared but you may have some discoloration left behind

You may have a solid Peace Out routine down for those “active” breakouts so let’s go into some pre and post care:

PRE TREATMENT

While you may not see any active breakouts, that doesn’t mean you should neglect your pore-clearing responsibilities! Think of the “pre” as preventative.. Or in this case, preventative maintenance. We know that the easiest environment for a pimple to form in is when the pore/follicle becomes clogged.

Sticking with a consistent cleansing and treatment routine is key when excess oil and dead skin cell buildup is involved, so don’t ditch Cleansing Blemish Balm or our Acne Serum just because you don’t see any annoying zits. Ingredients like salicylic acid and zinc are just as effective in a preventative maintenance routine as they are during active breakouts! 

Here are a few recap pointers to keep that skin looking nice and clear:

PRE-ACNE STEPS:

1. Cleanse your face daily. But don’t OVER cleanse! A squeaky clean feeling means you’ve likely stripped your skin and made it more susceptible to breakouts.
2. Take care of your pores, so no gunk gets stuck in there! Pore care and acne care go hand-in-hand. Try Peace Out Pores! 
3. Use a preventative daily treatment like our Acne Serum (to keep pores clear and refined).
4. Keep skin hydrated and protected from the sun with a lightweight SPF

POST TREATMENT

Let’s be honest, even after we’ve gotten rid of a pimple, we’re often left with a reminder of what once was: a post-breakout dark spot. Post-care is just as important as pre-care in that you're treating the after effects of a breakout while also reducing the risk of starting your acne cycle all over again. No you’re not crazy, post care and pre care are more similar than you think!

A Better Together Routine consisting of  Cleansing Blemish Balm and Acne Serum offer a whole other layer of brightening benefits (on top of their pore refining ones) with ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C. Better yet, potent antioxidants like Centella Asiatica help keep environmental stressors at bay which can not only aggravate the appearance of dark spots but also lead to future breakouts. 

Here are a few recap pointers to keep that skin looking bright, even and clear:

POST-ACNE STEPS:

1. Cleanse your face daily. But don’t OVER cleanse! Try Blemish Balm.
2. Take care of your pores, so no gunk gets stuck in there! Pore care and acne care go hand-in-hand. Try Peace Out Pores! 
3. Keep skin hydrated and protected from the sun with a lightweight SPF

Long story short: your current Peace Out acne routine can stay fairly consistent to what you’re used to using when you have active breakouts: just with a couple small modifications!

THE DIETARY EFFECT ON ACNE 

Another way to treat acne without chemical or physical treatments is by controlling it naturally. Several studies suggest that following a healthy diet can help prevent and treat acne. Below are 4 quick tips on how to switch up your diet to work for your skin, not against it: 

1. Watch your sugar intake 

This one is usually the most talked about - choosing foods such as soda, white bread, candy, sugary cereals, and ice cream, can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar and can exacerbate acne (source).

2. Cut out dairy

A review of 14 studies that included 78,529 children and adults aged 7–30 found that eating of any dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt — regardless of the frequency or amount — was associated with a greater risk of acne (source).

3. Eat mostly whole, nutrient-dense foods

Following a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet is one of the best ways to treat and prevent acne naturally. Given that inflammation causes acne, choosing foods that reduce inflammation can be extremely helpful (source).

4. Stay Hydrated

Water makes up between 60-75% of our body’s physiology and is crucial in skin health and performance. Proper hydration is key when it comes to barrier function as a dry, dehydrated skin barrier can make skin more susceptible to damage and breakouts (source). 

 

Got a skin concern? We’ve got a solution. Just text us & we’ll walk you through your personalized step-by-step solution. Your skincare coach will ask for a quick selfie to ensure we find the perfect regimen for your skin concerns! Let’s Chat >