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The Key to a Luminous, Blemish-Free Glow
After decades of treating breakouts and helping clients battle adult acne, I’ve found that the best blemish treatment is oil. Often, this recommendation is met with a gasp and a look of shock but after a few deep breaths my adult acne clients brace themselves and oil up. Fortunately, time and time again, I have seen them return with clearer skin and an even clearer smile. One client was so happy with her results that she brought me flowers at her follow-up appointment!
Conventional acne solutions involve harsh, drying acids, peels and astringents that lead to dehydrated, devitalized and sensitized skin. Using nourishing natural facial oils actually feeds, protects and supports our skin tissue, helping to restore its balance and ward off pimples while promoting moisture and hydration. Still don’t believe in the power of oil? Read on for five reasons why oil is the ace-in-the-hole against adult breakouts:
- Oil Banishes Blocked Pores
Many think that surface oil leads to clogged pores when, in fact, dehydration does. When this occurs, our skin’s natural oil cannot secrete easily and lubricate its surface. Instead, it becomes thick and hardened and gets lodged in our pores, creating corks of dried out sebum. Using a plant-derived oil helps to restore moisture and prevent pore congestion.
- Oil Regulates Rogue Sebum
Stripping products increase sebum production as our skin attempts to maintain proper protection and moisture. This is why many acne sufferers actually incite their own excess oil secretion by using skincare that dries out and depletes the skin. Unfortunately, this has them running even faster for strong astringents and mattifying products that simply exacerbate this problem. Replenish with oil to stop this vicious cycle.
- Oil Packs Some Skin Protection
Dehydrated skin cells can give way to tiny microscopic cracks in the skin tissue, leaving our complexions vulnerable to bacterial penetration that can lead to acne. Skin cells that are plump with hydration help create a taut, impermeable barrier function. Oils are rich in fatty acids that nourish the skin and strengthen its immunity. The side effect of glowing rejuvenation ain’t bad either.
- Oil Tempers Angry Breakouts
Inflammation is another major component in acne. Red blistering breakouts need comforting ingredients to diminish swelling and heat. Natural oils that protect and calm irritation also soothe blemish redness. For extra anti-redness power, plant essences such as turmeric, chamomile and lavender are excellent as they are all antiseptics and anti-inflammatories.
- Oil Helps to Stop Scarring
Just as important as overcoming acne is getting rid of the evidence. Dry, dehydrated skin scars more easily and also has more difficulty healing. Many oils such as sea buckthorn berry oil replenish the skin. Sea buckthorn also contains high amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that is excellent for helping to fade pigmentation and scarring.
There are many face oils available at cosmetic counters, health food stores or even your local grocer. My favourite acne care oil is black cumin oil as it is a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for purifying pimples without aggravating redness. Black cumin oil is a very active base oil that has been used in Ayurveda and the middle east since ancient times. The Prophet Mohammad was quoted as saying, “There is healing in Black Seed for all diseases except death.” This is mostly due to its antibacterial punch. The oil is also slightly stimulating to blood flow, which promotes regeneration as well as oxygenates the skin: two actions that clarify and combat acne scarring.
As a general rule of thumb, I recommend looking for oils that are organic, cold-pressed and free of chemical preservatives. With a nurturing approach, we can be acne-free and have a regime we can feel good about long-term.
Kristen Ma is the co-owner of Pure + Simple Inc., a group of Holistic Spas with its own line of Natural Skincare and Mineral Make-up. She is an Ayurvedic Practitioner who has studied in Canada, the United States and India. She is also a Certified Esthetician with over ten years of practical experience, having worked in Canada as well as Australia. Most recently, Kristen has authored “Beauty: Pure + Simple” which was published by Mc Arthur and Company. Kristen has written on the subject of Holistic Beauty for Vitality Magazine, Blink and Jasmine. She is also a regular contributor to B Magazine, Tonic and Sweat Equity Magazine.
For more information on Kristen, please visit www.holisticvanity.ca.