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Family, travel, feast with friends - the holidays are a time of celebration for many, and great way to relax and recharge for the new year ahead. For anyone with acne, however, the stress and hustle of the holiday season can prove to be tough on skin.
Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and comes in many forms. Acne is attributed to a hormonal imbalance, which can affect the function of the sebaceous glands, whose job is it to create sebum, or oil, which travels along the pore to hydrate and protect the skin on the surface. When too much sebum becomes clogged within a pore and pairs with dead skin cells from the surface, bacteria forms, triggering an inflammatory response from the body. The result of that response usually appears as red, swollen bumps known as pimples, a symptom of acne.
It’s important to understand that acne starts forming long before we witness a pimple on the surface of our skin, which is why treating the problem internally and externally is our best bet at achieving real results. We still have a few weeks before the whirlwind of holidays hits us and by taking any of these steps early on, you can help reduce acne breakouts in time for those festive functions!
Keep clean. While the production of excess sebum is, in a large part, to blame for acne, that’s only half the battle. Keeping the surface of the skin clean with a powerful anti-inflammatory agent is key – we like to suggest a powerful acne fighting chamomile astringent that is very easy to make at home. Exfoliating is especially important right now in these cooler months, as dead skin cells which collect on the surface can contribute to the formation of acne, so implementing a gentle, twice weekly treatment to your routine can help matters for the better.
Kill bacteria. Those red or white bumps we know as pimples are actually a response to a bacterial infection that occurs within the pores. When sebum combines with, dry, flaky skin cells, it produces bacteria. In order to keep acne from spreading, this bacteria must be eliminated. Luckily, we can turn to simple ingredients which can be found in almost any kitchen. Honey and garlic remain the main contenders in terms of homeopathic, anti-bacterial treatments, both of which are also naturally anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory. You can apply directly to the skin, or for a longer-term change to your skincare regimen, incorporate into your existing diet for a systemic solution to your acne.
Reduce inflammation. Of all the acne types, inflammatory acne is the most prevalent, and many topical washes and spot treatment creams are designed specifically to treat these symptoms. What many people may not realize is that the harsh chemicals used in these formulas may actually end up making acne worse by triggering the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum in an effort to make up for what was just washed away! One effective way to reduce an inflammatory response is through diet, which is typically low in sugar and high in foods containing naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger, and coconut oil. You can learn more about introducing an anti-inflammatory diet for your acne, here.
Reduce stress. While the holidays are meant to be a time to enjoy family and reflect on the blessings of our lives, let’s be honest - it can get stressful. From travel to shopping to everything in between, the holiday season can take a real toll on our bodies, and that can show up right on our skin. Taking a few minutes for self-care can help keep both stress and hormone levels in check, even if all we can muster are a few deep breaths in between eventful outings.
Prevention. For a long-term approach to keeping oil production in check, addressing the problem at its source, the sebaceous glands, is the best way to keep anyone from scrambling to zap a zit in a hurry, and AcnEase does just that, no matter how mild or severe the symptoms. Using safe and effective herbal ingredients, AcnEase works to create a buffer between the hormones and sebaceous glands, ensuring that only the amount of oil needed to properly hydrate the skin is produced - no more, no less. The best way to ensure clear skin this holiday season, or any day of the year is to implement a method of prevention with AcnEase - just think of it as a gift to your skin!