One of the most googled skincare advice questions asked is “how do I get rid of pimples…fast?”The Irony – they often pop up when you really wish they hadn’t (like the big one I got on my forehead on my very first date).  However, breakouts are a skin hassle that almost everyone will experience at some point.The spectrum is vast, from minor to more serious flare ups, but the overall goal for most of us is to remove and prevent them as quickly and effectively as possible.

 

Luckily, the science of Dermatology has acquired great knowledge in the last few years to give us some tools to do just that – rid them! But here is the catch, there is such a large amount of information out there, that it is often overwhelming, contradictory and often confusing to know exactly what you need to ‘do.’ This article will clear up the confusion around banishing those unwanted bumps, giving easy to understand pointers of what you really should be “doing.’

 

WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 ‘DO’S’’ WHEN SUCCESSFULLY TREATING ACNE?

 

1. Use Salicylic Acid

Arguably the very best acne-fighting skincare ingredient discovered recently is Salicylic Acid. Its power lies in effectively tackling acne without the side effects of other traditionally used pimple fighting ingredients (i.e. benzyl peroxide) that are very harsh on the skin. Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA), derived from Willow Bark, the same place Aspirin comes from.

 

It works differently from its cousin acids (AHA’s) as it is both water and oil-soluble, meaning it's able to breakthrough sebum to penetrate deeply, cleaning inside the walls of the pores (oil, debris and dead skin). In short, this BHA offers a supreme deep clean without stripping the skin and drying it out. It’s also a super anti-inflammatory, calming the nasty redness of those pesky angry spots. When used regularly, salicylic acid also works wonders as a breakout preventative continually flushing out excess oils.

 

Skincare Solution:

Origani’s Organic Dermassure Range for oily and problematic skin contains Salicylic Acid.  It is perfect for oily and combination skin types, congested and acne-based conditions, to clean, and calm the skin for a clearer complexion. 

 

2. Use the Right Cleanser

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin type is essential to protecting your skin from preventable breakouts. Obviously thoroughly removing pore-clogging excess oils, dirt, pollution and other debris that builds up on the skin is important. But equally as important, is using the right cleanser for your skin type to keep your skin’s PH levels and protective shield (acid mantle) balanced. The acid-mantle (oil-water film on the surface of the skin) has 2 important functions. It balances:

✓ Your skin’s PH to the right acidic level to fend off bacteria and other infections
✓ Your skin’s natural and necessary moisture levels to protect and nurture the skin

When you use the wrong cleanser, it can disrupt this ‘protective shield’ making the skin vulnerable to breakouts and other skin problems.

 

The cleanser’s ingredients and formula type is key to getting it right. An oily, acne-prone skin certainly needs a gel-based or foaming cleanser to break down excess oil, but be sure to use a gentle one as the stronger formulas may actually strip the skin too much in effect making the problem worse. Here’s a tip: If your skin feels too tight after cleansing, it’s probably too harsh for you.

 

Skincare Solution:

Origani’s Organic Dermassure Clear and Calm Toning Cleanser works brilliantly to clear, calm and purify (without the usual stripping side effects of other cleansers).

 

3. Opt for Mineral Makeup

My first foundation as a teenager was orange and full of mineral oil and every time I used it my acne got worse. It was like a never-ending cycle of pimples! I look back at photos and cringe. Thankfully, gone are the days when the only foundations on the shelves were full of mineral oil and other pore-clogging ingredients. Today, we have some much healthier options: good-for-your-skin foundations with more natural ingredients that deliver desired coverage and tone but also incorporate real skin benefits. Mineral Makeup is the very best option for problem skin types.  Overall, it is much better for your skin than conventional foundations. Why?

✓ It has no filters such as talc, chemical dyes, binders and other additives that can either irritate sensitive skin or cause unnecessary breakouts.
✓ It allows the skin to breathe and is highly resistant to climate conditions leaving your complexion fresh and balanced throughout the day (also a great option also for when you sweat)
✓ It is powder-based, absorbing excess oils keeping the complexion refreshed and shine-free
✓ Minerals in the foundation have a natural anti-inflammatory effect, so it soothes and calms angry skin
✓ It provides flawless fuller coverage without it looking cakey, as it covers in pigment, not weight

 

Skincare Solution:

Origani’s Organic Mineral Lover Foundation achieves a flawless no-makeup look while delivering perfect coverage with pure, natural pigments, supporting and healing breakout-prone skin.

 

4. Use a Professional yet Gentle Peel to Exfoliate

Exfoliation is a crucial step to the process of clearing breakouts. Pimples occur when there is an excess of oils and dead skin cells built up on the skin. Regularly removing the dead skin cells keeps the complexion clearer and less likely to break out. Also, exfoliation clears blemishes and scarring caused by breakouts, delivering a smoother more even complexion.

 

There are 2 forms of exfoliation:

✓ Chemical: While the word ‘chemical’ sounds harsh, when it comes to exfoliation terminology, it simply means the mechanism by way of exfoliation: dissolving dead skin cells. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) are chemical-based exfoliators
✓ Manual: The other alternative is a ‘physical’ exfoliation using physical particles to manually slough off dead skin cells. There are various densities of particles available, with soft ones more suitable to problem skin

 

Acne-prone skin is fragile skin, yet it needs effective exfoliation. Combining very gentle manual exfoliation (gommage style – using soft non-abrasive spheres) with gentle AHA based exfoliation is the best option for problem skin types. AHA’S come from natural food and plant-based sources (i.e. Glycolic Acids)and work on the surface of the skin breaking down the ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells together. Additionally, a formula using physical spheres attach to the dead skin cells delicately lifting and removing them for a fresh clear complexion.

 

Skincare Solution:

Origani’s Erda Manuka Honey Peel is a dual phased exfoliator that transforms blemished skin delivering supreme exfoliation and pore cleansing for more even and radiant-looking skin. Severe acne or open wounded skin conditions should refrain from exfoliation until cleared by a Dermatologist.

 

5. Wash your face before bed and use a clean pillowcase

While acne is usually caused by internal imbalances, it can also be exacerbated by various environmental and hygiene practices. Be sure to always wash off your makeup before bed at night and pin back your hair or fringe from your forehead before resting your head to sleep. In terms of your pillow, when you sleep on it at night, excess oils and dead skin cells transfer from your skin and hair. To prevent the spread of bacteria, be sure to regularly wash your pillowcase. A great tip is to turn it inside out every second night. Use natural, fabrics and launder them at least every 3 days. 

 

So, you are now armed with 5 must “DO” tips for keeping your skin clear and healthy. Be sure to read the following blog article that addresses the “Don’ts” to treating breakouts!

 

Origani is an Australian luxury organic skincare brand. We proudly formulate and produce cruelty-free, certified organic, vegan skincare and makeup.