Did you know that approximately 80% of the world’s population experience acne at some point in their lives? While angry breakouts, spots and cysts are often associated with teenagers or pregnancy, acne can happen at any stage of life, regardless of your typical skin type.
Why do we get acne breakouts?
Breakout prone or acne skins will generally produce more oil which can be due to hormonal imbalances, like during your teenage years or even pregnancy. Acne skin can also suffer with retention hyperkeratosis, where the skin cells do not shed adequately. The combination of excess oil with dead skin cells creates pore congestion creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to pimples, papules and blackheads.
There have been numerous recent research studies that have identified links between poor gut health and acne. Previous history of antibiotic use, the oral contraceptive pill, poor diet and even stress can all throw out the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to suboptimal gut function. Stubborn acne calls for further investigation into the bacterial colonisation of the gut, potential pre and probiotic treatment may be helpful once the source of the gut imbalance has been identified.
Another trigger for acne can be food intolerance and sensitivities which can cause inflammation in the glut and can also present itself on the skin’s surface. Common food intolerances that can lead to skin challenges include sugar, dairy and gluten.
Finally, stress is also another common cause of acne as it increases cortisol levels in the body which can offset gut bacteria and increase inflammation that leads to redness, irritation and acne breakouts.
Natural acne treatments
When treating the symptoms of acne, we recommend avoiding harsh scrubs, or conventional chemical based toners and moisturisers which can block pores with their synthetic ingredients. The aim for natural acne treatment is to help increase cell renewal, reduce redness & inflammation and maximise skin health and integrity. There are a number of ingredients that are ideal when looking to treat acne naturally including plant extracts with 100% active phyto-actives that contain vital nutrients and micro-nutrients. These ingredients can help reduce the visible signs of breakouts and acne. Want to know more about natural acne treatment? Take a look at this article 'Combat Adult Acne Naturally'
Natural ingredients for acne
Two key natural Biologi products we recommend for acne are Bc Refresh Cleanser and Bd Luminosity Serum due to their incredible active ingredients.
+ Bc Refresh Cleanser - Single ingredient is Sapindus Mukorossi (Soapberry) Fruit Extract that contains the phyto-active Triterpene Glycoside, a natural foaming agent that effectively cleanses the skin without stripping or drying it out. Other phyto-actives found in the Soapberry Extract that are excellent natural ingredient options for treating acne are Amino Acids, Amines and Phenolic Acids all which help to hydrate, provide antioxidant protection and reduce redness in the skin.
The Biologi Bc Refresh Cleanser is free from synthetic surfactants and foaming agents. It offers a deeper clean to remove impurities from the skin whilst providing antioxidant protection and hydration. It also helps to reduce redness and irritation which is key for a breakout prone or acne skin.
Use 1-2 pumps on damp hands and lightly massage over skin and rinse well. If you are wearing make-up, we recommend cleansing twice either with this cleanser or combining with the Witlof Skincare Gentle Cleansing Milk or the Goji Cleasing Oil from Sans [ceuticals]. Follow this routine twice a day for best results.
+ Bd Luminosity Serum contains Davidsonia Jerseyana (Davidson Plum) Fruit Extract, which is sourced from the Byron Bay Hinterland in New South Wales, Australia. Davidson Plum Extract targets problematic & acne skins as it contains phyto-actives like Tartaric Acid, a natural Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) to aid in cell renewal. Gallic Acid, Anthocyanin and Quercetin are all phyto-actives that also naturally exist in the Davidson Plum that have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
When using the Bd Luminosity Serum, we recommend starting 1 x day for the first week and then progress to morning and night from the second week. If your skin is irritated or has an impaired barrier, we recommend using the Bf Restore Serum first for the first week to help strengthen the barrier of your skin. Once the skins barrier has been restored, then introduce the Bd Luminosity Serum into week two using the Bd in the morning and the Bf in the evening.
Alternatively, the BQK Radiance duo Serum may be introduced with the Bd Luminosity. Introduce the Bd once a day for the first week and then use morning and night on day one and the BQK morning and evening serums on day two.
Top tips for clear and healthy skin
+ Never pick or squeeze bacteria filled pimples or pustules as it can spread the infection or cause scarring
+ Change your pillowcase and wipe your mobile phone daily
+ Ensure you cleanse into your hairline and jawline
+ Avoid over exfoliating or using any harsh stripping products
+ Keep a daily food log to look for triggers
+ Reduce your stress
+ Use the Biologi Br Rosehip Oil or Activator 7 Oil from Sans [ceuticals] for post acne as it can help with scarring and healing
If you are struggling with Maskne during COVID please read our article 'Maskne...The New Skin Condition We Are All At Risk Of!' for more help.
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