There are many myths and theories surrounding the topic of acne. Some people claim that switching to a Vegan diet, going out in the sun and washing your face more frequently will help to combat this frustrating skin concern. The truth of it is, there’s usually not just one simple answer. Sometimes these comments and speculations can actually do more harm than good for acne sufferers and give them false expectations. Unfortunately, there is no overnight fix to cure acne, despite what some of the skincare products on the market claim.
Acne can be linked to medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances and PCOS. If you are struggling with severe acne or if your acne has persisted for a long period of time, we always recommend getting it checked out by a GP first to rule out any underlying health conditions. Despite this, there are still some important tips which you can implement at home. In this Blog Post, we’re going to give you five important tips to help give you a fighting chance against acne!
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Avoid touching your face
Aside from potentially spreading viruses such as COVID-19, you should avoid touching your face where possible to reduce bacteria build-up on the skin. Our hands are constantly touching things and picking up germs, so it is important to become mindful of how often you touch your face. Studies have reported that there are between 2 million to 10 million bacteria around your hands (yuck!) and this can be one of the biggest causes of acne.
In addition to this, it is recommended to wash your pillowcase every two days or so to avoid spreading oils and dirts from your hair onto your skin. It is also recommend to switch out your face flannels and cloths every other day or so.
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Pat dry after cleansing
It can be tempting to just quickly dry your face with a towel after you’ve cleansed, however you may be causing your skin irritation by doing so. It is important to gently pat dry your skin after cleansing. A rough and vigorous wipe with a towel can cause irritation to the skin, therefore leaving it more vulnerable to breakouts. If you already have acne present, this motion can disrupt the skin even more, potentially causing further breakouts and redness. Check out our Instagram post which explains in more detail why you should pat dry your skin after cleansing.
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Ditch the makeup wipes!
Using makeup wipes can be tempting due to them being quick and easy to use. Despite this, they can actually do quite a lot of harm to your skin (and the environment). Whilst they may claim to be “deep cleansing”, they actually do not do a very good job at removing grime from the skin or breaking down bacteria. Instead, they simply smear the dirt around which can lead to clogged pores and acne. Makeup wipes have also been known to irritate the skin and cause issues such as contact dermatitis, due to the harsh chemicals which are within them.
As an alternative, we recommend using a cream or oil based cleanser to remove makeup first and to then go in with a second cleanser to remove the rest of grime that is left. Double Cleansing is a crucial part of a good skincare routine, as it helps to ensure that all of the day’s dirt, sweat and oils are removed and limits the chances of pores becoming clogged. Check out our TikTok video here where we show you exactly what order you should be applying your products. Or, read further on Double Cleansing on our Instagram Post here.
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Switch to Medical-Grade Skincare
We always harp on about Medical-Grade Skincare, but that’s only because it works! Medical-Grade Skincare products contain higher percentages of active ingredients than products you would find in the shops and therefore, they have been clinically proven to provide great results. Whilst they can be more expensive upfront than over the counter products, you may actually end up saving money in the long run, as you wont have to keep buying lots of cheaper products to see if they work.
One of the best ranges for acne that we offer at the clinics is Obagi’s Clenziderm system. This is a three step system containing Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid that targets acne causing bacteria. Here’s an amazing before and after of one of our client’s results from using this range:
If you’re interested in any of our Medical-Grade Skincare programs, then you can send us a DM on Instagram or email social@simplyclinics.co.uk and we can identify which program is best for your skin.
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In clinic treatments
Combining a strong at home skincare routine with regular in-clinic skin treatments is a sure fire way to give acne a hard time sticking around. Arguably one of the best treatments to target acne that we offer in the clinics is Microneedling. This treatment involves making tiny punctures in the skin in order to trick it into thinking it is injured. This in turn then leads to the skin repairing itself with new skin which is rich in Collagen and Elastin, which are essential components of healthy skin. Microneedling can be used to treat a wide variety of skin concerns, however it is very effective at reducing acne. Here are some results from our Microneedling treatment on acne-prone skin:
P.s. we are currently running a huge offer on Microneedling to celebrate our clinics re-opening on April 12th!
Until Friday 5th March, you can receive a Microneedling session for just £75 with a a free add-on treatment (e.g. Chemical Peel, Microdermabrasion, Mesotherapy or Radiofrequency). You can find more details about the offer here.
We are pleased to say that we are now taking bookings from 12th April onwards- we can’t wait to see you in the clinics!
You can book via our website, by emailing info@simplyclinics.co.uk or calling 020 8352 3523. Make sure to also follow us on Instagram @simplyclinics and @dryoussefhaffar for further updates.
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