Take Control of Acne and Oily Skin

I got this information from Kiehl's Times (September issue, 2010). The article is informative so I decided to re-type it here.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 85% of adults have suffered from acne at some time in their lives. When skin is healthy and clear, the amount of natural oils (sebum) that form a protective layer over skin is balanced and regulated. However, excessive levels of sebum - due to weather changes and fluctuations in hormones and stress - can lead to enlarged pores and acne. Below are the 4 major acne triggers and tips on how to control acne.

Four Major Acne Triggers :

1. Increase of sebum production
2. Presence of bacteria within pores (due to accumulation of dead skincells at the pore's opening)
3. Keratinization or build-up of skincells, along the lining of pores
4. Inflammation as a result of the above factors

Top 10 tips on how to take control of acne
by Dr. Adam Geyer

1. Go Light - Take lighter-weight lotions than heavier creams. Try oil-free sunscreens and mattifying gels during daytime and more restrorative barrier repair lotions at night.
2. Be Patient - Often it takes time for skin to adjust to new products and even longer for the products to show their full benefit.
3. Exfoliate - Manual exfoliation twice to thrice per week can help clear skin by unblocking clogged pores that cause blackheads and whiteheads. However, if acne is mostly cystic and pustular, skip exfoliation as it might lead to minor trauma. Exfoliate at night to minimize immediate post-exfoliation sun sensitivity.
4. Wear Sunscreen! - Oxidative stress and free radicals caused by UV exposure can trigger acne. Kiehl's broad spectrum Ultra light UV defense SPF 50 PA++ sunscreen; ideal for everyday use.
5. Day VS Night  - Products for night tend to be more renewing and as such, tend to increase one's risk for sun sensitivity. Products for daytime use focus more on sun protection, oil absorption and the delivery of antioxidants. The rare earth collection from Kiehl's is excellent for day use; reduces the appearance of pores and mattifies skin. At night, try Kiehl's water-free Midnight recovery concentrate; highly-efficacious squalane, botanicals, and essential oils.
6. Apply Dry - When skin is moist right after washing, medications tend to be more easily absorbed and have greater potential to cause irritation. If applied to a dry face, sensitivity to products can be greatly reduced.
7. Supplement with Antioxidants - Acne needs to be approached both from the inside-out and outside-in. Increasing daily intake of antioxidants can promote healthier, less acne-prone skin.
8. Reduce Dairy - Recent surveys show that those who consume higher levels of dairy also tend to have higher levels of inflammatory acne.
9. Lower Stress - Cortisol, released when we're under stress, can lead to hormonal imbalance and take a toll on skin which is often manifested as acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
10. Consult your Dermatologist - Especially when you aren't seeing the progress you desire. There are prescription topical and oral medications as well as laser and light treatments that can help get skin on the right track.

Source : Kiehl's Times, September Issue 2010

Hope this helps to understand your skin better as it did to me. Remember to take care of your skin from inside-out and outside-in. What we consume will affect our skin, same goes to what we apply on our skin and the everyday exposure to the environment and stress. I used to think that having acne-free skin means that your skin is good enough. My friends think the same too. Nah, sooner or later there will be breakouts if it's not properly taken care of. I guess back-to-basic information is really important for us to understand the concept of our skin and acne formation. 

Pamper your skin today onwards! (if you haven't)  =)