If you’re anything like me – and I’m sure there are millions of us reading this article right now – then you know that our acne can be a cruel, cruel mistress. For those of you who don’t know much about cystic acne or its more adult-onset cousin, rosacea, let me break it down for you. In the simplest terms possible, cystic acne and rosacea are forms of acne that become especially inflamed when exposed to stress. The result: pimples that look like little ice cubes bursting out of your skin with angry red centers (hence the name ‘cystic acne’). When it comes to treatment options, there aren’t many beyond over-the-counter treatments and professional prescription medications. The latter tend to have harsh side effects while the former may not provide long-lasting results. But rest assured; with time and effort, we can fix just about any type of persistent skin problem! Let me show you how…
## What is Dehydrated Acne?
If you’ve been struggling with acne-prone skin for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed that your skin gets noticeably drier than it used to be. This is known as ‘dehydrated skin’ – and it’s a common cause of acne.
Your skin is made up of a layer of skin cells, which are surrounded by a fatty layer called the ‘epidermis’. The dermis, below the epidermis, contains collagen, elastin and other proteins that give your skin elasticity and strength. When you experience dry skin, the skin cells deteriorate and are shed from the surface of your skin. Once they leave, the elastin and proteins in the dermis are exposed, weakening the skin and causing it to wrinkle. Dry skin also allows bacteria to grow and proliferate, which can also cause pimples.
## The Fix: 5 step process to re-hydrate your skin
If you’re prone to acne, re-hydrating your skin is the most important thing you can do to get rid of those pesky pimples and unblock clogged pores.
There are a few ways you can do this:
– Start using a skin moisturiser every day. Look for one that contains niacinamide, as it has been proven to have anti-acne properties.
– Try using an oil-free moisturiser – These can be used as a makeup primer and can help your makeup last all day.
– Try using a hydrating toner – These are mix-ins that can be squeezed into your skincare routine and help ‘carry’ the moisturiser to your skin.
– Change your pillowcase and underwear everyday.
## Eat more raw foods and stay away from processed food
If you’re not getting enough vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids from your diet (via your food), your skin will inevitably feel deprived. And guess what? Your skin doesn’t care if you’re poor, stressed or under-fed. It just wants to feel good, and the best way to do that is to feed it properly.
There are many vitamins and minerals that are crucial to healthy skin. You can find a full list of the most important ones here, but the ones you should be focusing on most are:
– Vitamin A – The most important vitamin for skin. It helps with your body’s natural process of shedding dead skin cells, which keeps your skin soft and hydrated.
– Vitamin C – Another one of those ‘assistants’ that works with vitamin A. Vitamin C helps your skin get rid of impurities, giving it a clearer and smoother appearance.
– Zinc – A mineral that is essential for forming collagen and elastin in your skin. Too little and your skin loses its natural, youthful texture.
– Selenium – A mineral that is responsible for killing bacteria and whiteheads. Too little and your skin is more prone to breakouts.
– Potassium – A mineral that keeps your skin hydrated. It is especially important for acne-prone skin as it helps to regulate oil production in your skin.
– Vitamin B6 – An important vitamin for skin health. It helps to balance sebum production and regulate oil levels in your skin.
– Vitamin B12 – Another important vitamin for skin. It helps to ward off harmful bacteria that can lead to acne.
– Vitamin A – You’ve probably heard this one before, but it is important. Vitamin A helps to reduce inflammation in your skin and is especially effective in acne-prone skin.
– Vitamin C – Another one of those ‘assistants’ that works with vitamin A. Vitamin C helps your skin get rid of impurities, giving it a clearer and smoother appearance.
– Zinc – A mineral that is essential for forming collagen and elastin in your skin. Too little and your skin loses its natural, youthful texture.
– Selenium – A mineral that is responsible for killing bacteria and whiteheads. Too little and your skin is more prone to breakouts.
– Potassium – A mineral that keeps your skin hydrated. It is especially important for acne-prone skin as it helps to regulate oil production in your skin.
## Drink more water and use a humidifier
Drinking enough water is essential for your skin, and you should aim to drink a glass at least two-thirds full every day.
In addition to drinking water, you can also reap the benefits of re-hydration by using a moisturising water-based cleanser. Doing so will allow your skin to drink up the water and be re-hydrated by your cleanser.
Another way to re-hydrate your skin is to use a humidifier in your room. This will help to re-hydrate your skin while you sleep and keep it hydrated while you’re awake.
## Exfoliate daily and use a moisturiser after showering
If you’re constantly scrubbing your skin and over-exfoliating, you’re leaving it constantly dry and damaged. The best way to prevent this is to exfoliate daily (while wearing gloves ) and use a moisturising cleanser after showering.
When it comes to exfoliation, you have options. You can either use a gentle scrub that doesn’t irritate your skin (avoid using products with comedogenic ingredients), or you can use a foaming face wash with micro-scrubs that can help to slough off dead skin.
## Don’t treat the acne; treat the root cause
When it comes to acne, you must remember that you can’t just clear the surface and hope the problem goes away. You have to fix the problem at its source, and that means treating the root cause of the acne.
To do this, you need to change your diet and begin drinking more water. You also need to increase your intake of essential vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin A and C, zinc and selenium.
## Conclusion
A lot of people think that acne is something you’re born with – but that’s not the case. If you follow the steps in this article and stick with them, you will see significant improvement in your skin.
You just need to be consistent, so don’t give up. I promise, when you take the time to heal your skin, it will feel so much better. And when you don’t have to suffer in silence anymore, you’ll be glad you did.
