Thursday Thoughts - Combating Spots and Blemishes

Most people begin the battle against spots and blemishes at the start of puberty. Spots are mostly caused by two things;

•  A build up of dead skin cells
• Excess oil

Spots on our face, neck, chest and back are common, this is because in these places we have a lot of glands in these places that produce our skins natural moisturiser, sebum.

There are several 'kinds' of spots.

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads

Black heads often occur in larger pores where air can circulate and react with the oil and/or the dead skin causing the top to darken in colour, therefore becoming black. Whiteheads are in smaller pores compared to the Blackheads, therefore air cannot get in and react with the oil or dead skin cells so the top remains white.

Even though most spots don't progress to this stage I feel like I must share. If pores remain blocked the build up of oil allows usual non harmful bacteria to multiply. Then the high level of bacteria sets your bodies immune system into attack mode causing inflammation. Sometimes inflamed red spots require a stronger treatment.

To avoid the appearance of spots and/or blemishes, set yourself a daily skincare regime of Cleanser, toner and moisturiser. Use these products morning and evening and use gentle products that wont strip or irritate your skin.

It is important that when you're choosing your cleansers etc. that you opt for oil free water based products as those that are oily will only add oil to your pores, resulting in further break outs. It is also important not to use any skincare products that contain alcohol as alcohol based products tend to be very drying even for oily skin. Some people may require oil control cleanser which helps loosen the binding of cells so that they don't clump together and block pores.

Salicylic acid has important antibacterial properties, so it can help prevent spots developing. But please do not assume that you need products made for oily skin just because you get spots.
If you have worries about you skin and its break outs, talk to a skin specialist before you jump in and begin buying products designed specifically for acne when there is a possibility you are not experiencing acne. It might simply be that your skin is prone to blocked pores and acne range products may be too harsh, therefore making things worse.'

Some people avoid moisturisers thinking that it would trigger spots. Even oily skin needs hydrating more so if you're using oil control products. Do not avoid moisturisers because you have oily skin, just choose one is light. This helps with keeping your pores unblocked.