Did you know acne affects 85% of people and adult acne affects 50% of women and 25% of men? If you feel like you're the only one in the world who suffers from acne and breakouts, even as an adult you're actually part of the norm. Here are a few acne facts... 

 

Causes of acne include:

 

- Imbalanced microbiome

- Excess sebum (oil)

- Hormones (the actually control EVERYTHING in the skin)

- Diet

- Stress

 

Treatment of acne can be overwhelming, but here are some basics to keep in mind when it comes to clearing your breakouts and healing your skin (and body) from the inside out.

 

- Balance your microbiome

- Normalize your cellular turnover rate 

- Address hormonal imbalances

- Eliminate congestion RESPONSIBLY

- Reduce inflammation and promote healing

 

Ok, you're sick and tired of constant breakouts and are ready to heal your skin. I get it! Let's start at the beginning so you have a good understanding of how your skin works. 

 

What is the microbiome?

 

The microbiome is a delicate balance of microbes living in and on the skin. It's composed of bacteria, mites and fungi. This delicate balance is different for everyone on the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) but is actually the same for everyone in the dermis (the lower layers of the skin). 

 

What does the microbiome affect?

 

- Nutrients such as oils, sweats and salts.

- Environment such as temperature, humidity and your acidic environment (pH levels in the skin).

- Skin care (and if it will work, or not)

 

Natural microbiome treatments include treating the skin and body with herbs that contain a high volatile oil content which targets fungal bacteria. Examples include rosemary, tea tree, sage and peppermint. Pre, pro and postbiotics are also a great way to balance the microbiome and create a healthy environment for the skin. 

 

One of my favorite and effective ways to treat acne is with the Acne Advanced Treatment System as well as stimulants such as the Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment. The combination of thyme, olive leaf and cinnamon kills bad bacteria without killing the good bacteria. This is key!

 

A few key components of the Acne Advanced Treatment System:

- Encapsulated salicylic acid is an oil soluble acid that is time released to work all day long

- Zinc hyaluronate has been clinically studied for wound healing and acts as a liquid bandage

- Arbutin inhibits & lightens pigment & PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation).

 

Using stimulants in skincare is another effective way to treat acne. Stimulants offer more immune system support, elevate oxygen levels in the skin and increase your recovery rate. Stimulants in skincare can be used 2-3 times/week to treat advanced acne. 

 

Some quick facts about the Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment:

 

- Cinnamon works as an antiseptic

- Paprika stimulates the skin by penetrating deep into the receptors and smoothing the muscles which helps them to relax

- Willow bark is a natural salicylic acid (BHA) that works vertically into the layers of the skin to deep clean clogged pores

- The Hungarian Herbal mud Treatment works along the surface of the skin and deep into the tissue for an effective antimicrobial treatment

 

When it comes to reducing excess sebum (another component which can cause acne and breakouts), it's important to know that sebum does have a purpose, so eliminating it entirely can actually be causing more harm than good. 

 

What is sebum anyway? Sebum is the oil our body naturally creates which helps to function as a natural antibiotic. Sebum is a very delicate balance of different components. 

 

So what causes excess sebum?

- Genetics

- Hormonal imbalances

- Dehydrated/over stripped skin (when we strip away oil the body responds with MORE oil)

- Overtreatment which causes more inflammation

 

Rule #1: Not all oil is bad! The Facial Recovery Oil is an effective acne treatment that helps heal, reduce inflammation and actually balances oil production (sebum). 

 

Some quick facts about Facial Recovery Oil:

- Contains fatty acids that can be deficient in acne prone skin

- Contains sesame oil and olive oil (specific & necessary lipids needed to heal acne)

- Helps rebuild our barrier function

- Contains linoleic acid (which acne prone skin lacks)

 

Above all, know this...you CAN get phenomenal results, heal your acne and have a healthy microbiome WITHOUT harsh chemicals. It takes education, guidance, patience and lots of grace. 

 

xo Tiffanie, the Skincare Queen