Understanding Problem Skin

Acne is caused from several factors. First you start with clogged pores (ostiums). Then, excessive amounts of “sticky” oil (sebum) backs up in the pores (follicle). When bacteria feeds on this sebum, you get inflammation. The resulting blemish is the body’s attempt to fight off the invasive bacteria. Perhaps acne is genetic-no one really knows why one person may get acne while another may not. What you need to understand is that controlling acne is just like maintaining your weight. You don’t go to a weight-loss clinic, lose a few pounds and then go back to eating anything you like. Acne is the same way. It requires constant care and discipline. But, at Renee Rouleau, we’ll devise a plan that can easily fit into your lifestyle!

1. Don’t wash with a cleanser that creates a lot of lather.

Bar soap and many foaming cleansers have high pH balances with harsh ingredients that strip the water out of the skin. And what you wash with is the MOST important part of your skin care routine. Why? Because if you wash with a foaming cleanser or soap that is too drying, it pulls all the water out of the skin and creates dead, dry skin cell buildup. Then you have to quickly run and put your moisturizer on to put back in what you just took out! It makes no sense! Choose either cleansing lotions or gel cleansers that avoid the harsh ingredient, Sodium or Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate. These are better choices as they won’t rob the skin of much needed water.

Remember the rule: More lather, more drying. Less lather, less drying. Try Renee Rouleau AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel.

2. Avoid using toners that contain SD Alcohol 40.

Many people like the “clean” and “tight” feeling associated with using alcohol on the skin, but this ingredient will strip the skin of water, which results in dead cell build up. Trying to dry up oily skin can backfire, as stripped cell buildup traps oil and leads to break outs. Toners without alcohol, on the other hand, are very important for keeping the skin cells moist with water. Renee Rouleau Balancing Skin Tonic works to control oil and break outs without over drying the skin.

3. Try to avoid too much stress.

The #1 aggravator of acne! A hectic lifestyle can stir up even more break outs. Take up a hobby that brings some relaxation into your life.

4. Drink hot lemon water first thing in the morning.

Squeeze fresh lemon into hot water and drink when you wake up. This will help flush out and purify the body internally, reducing toxins, which can cause skin sensitivities. Great for break outs!

5. Drying out your skin=more break outs.

Be cautious with over-the-counter acne products. Although these can work to dry up the actual blemish, when used all over the face they can trap the oil in the pores by causing dead skin cell buildup.

6. Avoid dairy products if your skin is prone to break outs.

Many people have heard that greasy foods and chocolate cause break outs. In our experience, when the break out is cyst-like in the chin and jaw line area, most often it is related to too much dairy in your diet. Try cutting out the cheese, milk, ice cream, and frozen yogurt and watch your skin clear up! Also try Renee Rouleau Anti-Cyst Treatment for a quicker recovery from stubborn cystic break outs. See our collection of acne spot treatments.

7. Limit your intake of orange juice.

If your break out most often occurs on your cheeks, it may be from too many acidic foods in your diet. The acidity from orange juice, oranges, tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and lemonade may be the culprit for some people.

8. Don’t try to scrub away acne.

Wash cloths, buff puffs and aggressive scrubbing tend to aggravate the problem by allowing bacteria deeper into the skin, which will cause further irritation. Many apricot and almond based facial scrubs have sharp edges which can lacerate the skin, causing bacteria to spread. Instead, try Renee Rouleau Mint Buffing Beads with perfectly round grains which roll across, not scratch the skin.

9. Always wash your skin and moisturize at bedtime.

It’s easy to get lazy about washing your makeup off at night, or skipping moisturizer thinking that you are “letting your skin breathe.” To keep skin in top condition it is essential that you cleanse thoroughly at night. Removal of dirt, oil and makeup followed by an oil-free moisturizer is essential for properly encouraging healing, which occurs while you sleep.

10. Avoid panthenol in your hair products.

If you are prone to break outs around your hairline or back, do not use any hair care products containing panthenol. This is great for strengthening hair, but it can cause break out for some people.

11. Don’t pick at your skin.

We know it’s tempting, but you can make problem skin much worse by forcing bacteria deeper into the skin, resulting in scarring and further break outs. A better solution for problem skin is a regular facial schedule, where your pores can be cleaned professionally.

12. Clean your cosmetics brushes once a week.

Bacteria and oil can buildup on your cosmetic brushes, which can lead to clogged pores and break outs. Using a mild liquid dish soap and cold water, carefully wash out your brushes and rinse thoroughly. Comb the bristles to prevent tangling. Stand brushes upright in a glass to let dry.

13. Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

Sleep is not only important to keep dark circles at bay, but it is also the time when your body is most metabolically active, ridding itself of toxins which would otherwise wreak havoc with your skin. Sleep also reduces stress, the #1 aggravator of acne!

14. Change pillowcases nightly.

For problem skins, bacteria and oil can buildup on your pillowcase and be reintroduced to your skin the following night. Invest in a nice stack of pillowcases and make sure you wash them with a dye and fragrance-free laundry soap.

15. Take chelated zinc.

Studies indicate that zinc contains acne-fighting ingredients by reducing the production of sebum, while accelerating the repair process. Think of it as a natural antibiotic! We suggest taking chelated zinc tablets 3 times a day.

16. Make sure to use moisturizer.

Many people with problem skin will skip using a moisturizer thinking that they don’t need one since they already produce oil. Using an oil-free lotion will keep the surface cells hydrated with water (a must for acne); yet will not clog the pores. Try our Tea Tree Anti-Blemish Lotion-a must for skins prone to break outs!

17. Get the pores cleaned out regularly.

To reduce clogged pores, blackheads and break outs, regular monthly deep pore cleansing facials are a must.

18. Only trust your skin in the hands of Renee Rouleau Skin Care.

Which products are right for your skin? Check out our nine skin types.

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