We receive many online skin consultation submissions here in the clinic. Each one is answered individually as though the person was sitting in our consultation room opposite us. Over the years we’ve found that we are answering common questions. Different age groups and skin types develop and suffer from the same sort of skin concerns – why not share them and help more people we thought. Each month we will be publishing with identities hidden 2 skin concerns which recur in our consultations. Today we’re discussing Acne – Common Questions & Answers.
If you would like to be featured, please email us your skin consultation and let us know on the form if you are happy to go public.
Acne – Common Questions & Answers – Unexpected mature acne
“I am 48 years old, have had fairly good skin since my late teens when I had the usual oily skin with pimples. Now I’m getting real pimples all over my chin and jaw and my face just feels awful, dry and rough, tight and dirty. Products I’ve used seem to irritate and my face goes red quite easily.
Why is this happening and what can I do about it?”
From Robyn – QLD
Robyn has hit the lovely life phase of menopause. Combining her decrease in oestrogen with her history of oily acne skin, and the products she used in the early years, will have dehydrated it both deep down and on the surface. The skin’s surface pH will have changed, her pores will have enlarged and her skin in response will be producing more oil – and hence a sudden proliferation of pimples. Pimples on the chin and jawline are almost invariably hormonal which is why, combined with all the other changes happening the ugly brutes of pimples appear there. When considering her Acne – Common Questions & Answers will help many of you suffering menopausal changes.
Totally unfair!
- We need to hydrate your skin and then enable it to retain water throughout the day. There is no need to use harsh products as these tend to strip the natural oils from your skin, changing the pH and allowing the bacteria to proliferate even more. It is best if we begin the process by having you use a mild cleanser based on Lactic acid which will help your epidermis begin to be healed as it is gently exfoliated and cell walls repaired – yes, a cleanser can do this!
- Your skin will begin to feel smooth again which will be lovely. You could help it along with the use of a mask – the Aspect Probiotic Sleep Mask is a good place to start.
- Next you need to nourish and repair and we do this with DNA repair serums, Vitamin A Serums and antioxidants. And protect it all with good UV and environmental protection in your moisturiser and sunblock.
- Helping your body through these years will also help your skin. The following article gives handy hints regarding diet and lifestyle changes as well as specific product recommendations. www.theskincareclinic.com.au/menopause/
Recommended Routine
Morning
- Cleanser – Aspect Dr Mild Clean or Osmosis MD Cleanse
- DNA Serum & Antioxidants (can be mixed together) – Osmosis MD Rescue Serum, Stemfactor and Osmosis MD Boost
- Sun-protection with Moisturiser – CosMedix Hydrate +
Evening
- Cleanser – Aspect Dr Mild Clean or Osmosis MD Cleanse
- Vitamin A Serum – Osmosis MD Calm or CosMedix Serum 16
- DNA Serum & Antioxidants (can be mixed together) – Aspect Dr Redless and Osmosis MD Replenish
- Moisturiser – Aspect SMC
- Mask 3 x per week – Aspect Probiotic Sleep Mask
Recommended Reading for Acne – Common Questions & Answers
www.theskincareclinic.com.au/menopause/
Acne – Common Questions & Answers – Return of dreaded acne
“I have suffered from acne since I was 12. Initially I was on Roaccutane for 2 years which really helped however I am finding now that I am breaking out and my skin feels bumpy all over. As you can imagine I am scared I’m getting the horrible acne again and would like to avoid the drug method of treatment which I hated as a teen.
I have recently moved out of home, have started Uni and do waitressing on the weekends. My time is short and so I am not eating as well as I did at home.”
From Nicola – Melbourne – age 19
Nicola’s skin is erupting again because her life is so different. She has a change in lifestyle and diet which are causing her stress – not just mind stress but body stress. Not eating all her greens and living off a student’s quick fix of pasta and bread will have changed her gut flora and as a consequence her hormones. It is these causing the breakouts and congestion. Her changes have cause the Acne – Common Questions & Answers will relate to many of you who are similarly starting a new journey in life. Don’t forget to look after your body as well as enjoy your new options!
Roaccutane can affect the skin for a few months to years after she stops taking it, keeping it dry and this in turn changes how the skin’s surface works. Possibly her skin is beginning to now return to normal.
This is a good thing so she should smile!
- Nicola needs to take stock, slow down, reorganise her pantry, have a cook up once a week or buy some prepared healthy meals based on proteins and vegetables. She also needs to ensure her water intake reaches 2 litres per day and that she is not having refined sugars in snacks and drinks to keep her awake and functioning.
- Have a read of our Blog articles on acne and sugar – sometimes extra info can really help. There are product recommendations for different skin types at the end.
- Taking some time, if she can, even if just weekly for herself can help.
- Next, she needs to ensure she is sleeping well. Try lavender under the pillow, a walk before bed, warm milk before bed and no screen time before bed – it all helps.
- If she is a person who becomes overwhelmed with what lies ahead each week, make a timetable, create detailed lists to help be organised with your time.
- Skin Care? Keeping your skin clean, nourished and hydrated and protected from UV’s and environmental pollutions every day are the basics. Also keeping your hair clean, your clothes and bed linen clean all contribute to how the skin reacts.
- A simple kit which would suit you, is the Aspect Dr ABC kit + the Aspect Hydrashield moisturising sunblock and a gentle Charcoal Detox Mask – used weekly.
- Avoid harsh products, including those based on glycolic acid and anything which scrubs at the skin.
Good luck!
Recommended Routine
Morning
- Cleanser – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Deep Clean Cleanser
- Vitamin B & C Serums (can be mixed together) – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Multi B & Active C Serums
- Sun-protection with Moisturiser – Aspect Hydrashield
Evening
- Cleanser – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Deep Clean Cleanser
- Vitamin A Serum – start every 3rd night – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Exfol A Serum
- Vitamin B Serum – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Multi B Serum
- Moisturiser – Aspect Dr ABC Essentials Kit – Resveratrol
- Mask PM 1 x per week – CosMedix Charcoal Detox Mask
Recommended Reading
www.theskincareclinic.com.au/acne-oily-skin-congested-skin/
www.theskincareclinic.com.au/sugar-your-skin-and-acne/
If you would like to have your skin concerns discussed when we have our Q & A feature please email us.
We will select the most appropriate and common questions to answer as a feature, however will answer all that are sent to us and relevant. We will not be able to say which month yours might feature in, if selected.
Still not sure?
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That was a great blog, got to know more information about my acne. Highly informative.