Caring for Oily, Breakout-Prone Skin
Do you have oily, breakout-prone skin? If so, some of the products you’re using to get a smoother complexion may be working against you. Using medicated creams and soaps or harsh exfoliants in your daily skin care routine can lead to more breakouts. Instead, you should use products that address the root of your skin condition. Gentler, natural formulas that help your skin function more efficiently will lead to lasting clear skin.
The issue with many products marketed as “acne-fighting” is that, while they may shrink pimples, they also dry out your skin. This can make it even more prone to future breakouts.
To understand why, it helps to know a little about the science of skin. The sebaceous glands in the face (the glands that produce the oil we’re constantly – and mistakenly – trying to combat) secrete a protective oil that is germicidal and prevents water loss from the skin’s surface. If the protective layer of oil is removed through over-drying or vigorous and frequent scrubbing, the glands become even more active. The result is skin that is not functioning properly and a face that is oilier than when you started, while still feeling uncomfortable.
The key is to achieve skin that is moist but manageable, and this happens when it is functioning well. Using the right formulas will avoid over-drying your skin and help it stay breakout-free.
Here’s our recommendation for treating oily, breakout-prone skin the healthy way:
In the morning, use a gentle soap to cleanse the skin, particularly one with a low pH. How do you determine that? A quick cheat is by the amount of lather a soap makes. Soaps with low pH lather very little, if at all. Our pick is Christine Valmy’s Valcleanse Cleansing Cream. Traditional face soaps strip the skin of its natural oils, but Valcleanse will help leave it hydrated and calm. To use, make a lather in your hands and gently apply it all over the face – taking care not to rub it in – and then rinse well with cold water.
After that, apply Special Lotion #22 for daytime protection. This will help balance natural oils, remove impurities, and prevent pores from becoming clogged with makeup, dirt, and pollution. At the same time, it helps soothe, nourish, and rebalance the skin.
At night, use our Deep Cleanser cleansing milk to help clean and remove excess oil from the surface of the skin. The formula is rich in Tea Tree Oil and Thyme to gently purify the skin while Calendula to has a calming effect on the skin.
Then, apply our Special Creme #11 night cream to help balance natural oils without over-drying. This cream also contains moisturizing and calming properties that work to decongest pores and create a smoother, more radiant appearance.
Over time, a dedicated regimen of these natural formulas can help correct an oily, breakout-prone skin condition. Remember to give your skin time to adjust to proper care, as it heals itself from within. A healthy, functioning skin is the surest way to achieve a lasting clear complexion.
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