Clear, even skin is top of most peeps’ wish lists, so a breakout of blemishes can be a major bump in the road to complexion perfection.
Let’s face it, no one likes pimples; they’re like the gatecrashers of a great party, so the quicker you can get rid of them the happier you’ll be.
What exactly is ‘hormonal acne’?
Whether you’re 14 or 42, fluctuating hormones can cause an acne attack, but when breakouts occur in adults – specifically females – it’s referred to as ‘hormonal acne’. Typically, these pimples are red, inflamed, painful and generally appear along the jawline, lower part of the face and neck. Yes, the annoyingly easy-to-see places!
The most common causes of hormonal acne are your menstrual cycle, starting or coming off the contraceptive pill, pregnancy, peri-menopause and even stress.
It’s WAY more common than you might think. Folk that suffer from annoying acne should know that they’re certainly not alone.
So what to do?
5 ways to ward off hormonal acne
#1 Be kind to your skin
We all crave fantastic skin but that doesn’t mean using a cocktail of products and ingredients. Sometimes less is more. We recommendgentlycleansing, hydrating and repairing your skin twice daily with natural products.
In fact, our 3 Step Face Bundles are designed to do just that. It’s a simple regimen that can be tailored to meet your skin’s individual needs.
Beyond your daily routine, try using a mask (like our Pig in Mud Mineral Mask or Mud About You Pink Clay Mask) once or twice a week can also be effective at drawing out impurities and unclogging pores without damaging the integrity of the top layer of skin (epidermis).
Then add some GENTLE exfoliation once or twice a week to help clear those breakouts. Our award winning Spoonful of Sugar Exfoliating Scrub is a fabulous physical exfoliator, or you could opt for our This Is Me Enzyme Exfoliating Mask which uses natural fruit acids to banish blemishes. Always remember -you CAN’T scrub away a blemish – if you scrub too hard you’ll end up with scarring!
#2 Go bare
Pimples can fool us into packing on the make-up but this just adds oil and unnecessary ingredients to the skin. Aim to minimise your make-up or incorporate a couple of cosmetic-free days into your week.
If that sounds way to scary, we get it; instead try using mineral make-up or water-based products, as these at least allow the skin to breath.
#3 Hydration
Drinking lots of water benefits your body in heaps of ways but when it comes to addressing acne, there are two key factors. Firstly, our body is 70 per cent water and secondly, the skin is our largest organ.
Without adequate hydration, not only does your skin lose moisture and essential nutrients, toxins can build up in your body. Your liver and kidneys can’t cope with an over-supply of toxins and so the skin steps in.
As toxins leave the skin they can affect the pH balance, which can cause bacteria to grow and pores to become clogged. All of a sudden drinking more water doesn’t sound like such a chore!
#4 Get active
Exercise is good for your skin and great for the mind. Getting out and doing something physical can help cut stress (a potential contributor to acne flare ups) and increase blood circulation (hello glowing skin!).
One factor to note: sweat, while helping to get rid of toxins, can irritate your skin and cause breakouts. Always cleanse your skin after a workout to remove grime and bacteria.
#5 Mindful eating
Even the healthiest of diets could be contributing to your acne breakouts. Sugar is known to create imbalances in blood sugar and impact the immune system, animal products can be difficult to digest for some people and dairy doesn’t agree with everyone.
Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint any foods that might be impacting your acne. A few slight changes to diet can make a huge difference.
You’ve got this.
