Problem skin can be the result of many different things such as hormonal imbalances, poor digestive or liver function, bad diet, and stress.
The one thing that all problems have in common, apart from dermatitis, is that they all come from the inside of us. Our skin reflects the problems that lie beneath, therefore no amount of topical products is going to make it go away, they can just help make the problem easier to live with, and lessen the damage on the skin. When topical products are essential, is when you are addressing the route of the problem, and working towards repairing the damage.
A good selection of skin products can help speed up the healing process and deal with scarring.
Dermatitis - An inflammatory condition of the skin caused by outside agents. By removing whatever is causing the inflammation, the problem will go away within a few days. This is usually caused by soaps or products containing irritants.
Hormonal Problems – Usually spots occur around the chin and to the sides of the face, although some people get them randomly. Spots can be quite painful, and filled with pus. It affects mainly teenagers, women who are menopausal, or those going through changes in their reproductive system - such as starting taking or coming off the contraceptive pill. If there’s a hormonal imbalance it is best to consult your GP who can assess the situation for you. However, most often the problem is associated with changes, and until your body has time to adjust to those changes, there’s not a lot you can do but take good care of your skin routine to avoid scarring in the future.
Digestive or Liver Problems – This kind of skin problem can manifest itself in a number of ways, but the most common is by dryness, accompanied by some spots at random places. It is a good idea to consult a good nutritionist who can assess the problem, and advise you as to what changes you can make in your diet, or if you need to see a GP.
Stress – Similar symptoms as with digestive problems, but usually accompanied by breakout in the chest or back. Aromatherapy massage, yoga, breathing exercises, and anything similar that takes away the excess stress you are under is always of benefit.
STOP PICKING
The number one rule of treating your spots is to stop picking. Once you pick a spot you are not only opening it to bacteria but you also spreading the bacteria of the spot within the skin. When the spot bursts on the outside, it also bursts open on the inside, causing the bacteria to spread within your lymph. Once you pick a spot, a couple of days later your will have a couple more within a centimetre radius of that spot.
Until you stop picking, there's no hope that your problem will go away.
Here are some tips on how to deal with spots:
• Look after your skin by keeping it clean and moisturised.
• Do not touch your skin, our fingertips are loaded with bacteria, even when we think they are clean.
• Change your pillowcase every 3 days.
• Always use a clean face flannel to dry your skin with.
• Do not allow water or sweat to dry on the skin.
• Do not squeeze or pick.
Emergency Spot advice:
This is only for emergencies such as your wedding day, and similar situations.
• Make sure that the white head is ready and popping out of the skin (if you can wait a bit longer then do so).
• Wash your hands, if you have a hand sterilising lotion all the better.
• Cleanse the area well.
• Apply some toner to a cotton pad and wipe any grease left from the cleanser.
• Pour some hot water in a bowl, add 3 drops of lavender essential oil to the water and steam the spot for a few minutes. This will open the pores and encourage the white head to open.
• Apply a drop of neat lavender to the spot and around the spot area.
• With a tissue, apply gentle pressure on each side of the spot. Squeeze gently, be patient! Once the white pus is out, apply Spotless Gel. Please note that you only want to remove the white pus, do not try to squeeze any deeper . It will only make the spot re-appear.
• Leave to dry and DO NOT TOUCH IT AGAIN.