Breaking Up With Breakouts & Getting Good Skin
Let's Talk Breakouts!
Acne comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. What do all of these different types of breakouts have in common? No one wants them. Sadly, our skin doesn’t understand that. Whether it’s stress, hormones, eating habits or a health condition, your skin reacts. Our skin is our largest organ, so of course it can reflect the different things happening within our body.
WHITEHEADS & BLACKHEADS
The most common, and most picked at, types of acne are blackheads and whiteheads. They are the least severe types of acne, but the most annoying in my book.
PAPULES
Papules usually stem from irritated whiteheads and blackheads. They are annoying under the skin bumps that cause inflammation and unwanted redness on your skin. They also have no visible center.
PUSTULES
Pustules are the pimples that we picture in our minds when we say the word “pimple”. They have the classic white or yellow center with the pinkish skin surrounding it. Think of them as whiteheads, but angrier.
Then there are the acne types that require more than a change in your daily skincare routine. These are the types that may need a little extra help from a dermatologist.
NODULES
Nodules are a more severe type of acne. They look like skin lumps and have no redness, white/yellow center. This type of acne occurs deeper in the skin and can cause dark spots and scarring. They are also painful. Acne is bad enough, but when it actually hurts? Goodbye.
CYSTS
Calling all Dr. Pimple Popper fans! Cysts are obviously MUCH more serious than the types of acne listed above. They are larger, more painful, filled with pus and buried deep in the skin. These can also cause scarring and should be removed with the help of a professional.
Products
Usually, a change in your skincare routine and/or diet can banish your blemishes pretty easily. It just requires you to be more aware of what goes on your skin. I highly recommend scheduling a facial if you’re unsure what products best suit your skin. Before I have ever had a facial, I tried trending products instead of products that might actually help my skin. Don’t be fooled by clever marketing!
Here at Oliver’s, our aestheticians are trained to assess your overall complexion and issues you may have with your skin. Also, on top of the service and recommendations, the aesthetician will talk to you about products that will benefit you specifically.
Hair & Skin Care
Just because we don’t think hair when we think skincare, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t play a major role in it. My hair is constantly on my face. I sometimes close my eyes and attack my mane with hairspray. You’re guilty of it, too. Being careful with where we spray our hairsprays, heat protectants and other products can go a long way for our faces.
Break Up With Bad Make Up
Makeup does more damage to your skin than you think. It’s natural to want to cover up your acne with foundation and concealer, but keep in mind, those products have a shelf life. Look for the symbol of the open jar on the back of your makeup products, Usually, it will say 6M, 12M or 24M inside of that jar so indicate 6 months, 12 months or 24 months. If you have had your makeup for longer, throw it out. It can cause bacteria and clogged pores on your face!
Diet
Your body is a machine. Every part of it has a specific job. What you put on the inside will reflect the outside. If you eat tons of fried, oily foods, your skin will reflect that. Cleaning up your diet can clean up your blemishes. For example, spicy foods activate the oil producing glands in your face. If you attend wing night every Wednesday, don’t be surprised to see some extra oil on your skin.
Dehydration can cause skin issues as well. If you’re 60% coffee and 40% water like me, your skin can look dull and dried out. There’s something water does to our skin that we haven’t quite figured out how to replicate with purchasable products.
Lifestyle
If changing products and your diet isn’t working, maybe look into some lifestyle changes. If you’re into working out, make sure you’re washing your face after. All of that sweat can sit on your skin and soak into your pores! This creates those little skin bumps known as milia.
Picking & Squeezing
We’ve all watched Dr. Pimple Popper. It’s so satisfying to squeeze and pop your impurities out of your pores. Of course it isn’t good for your face, but let’s face it, we’re not stopping any time soon. There is a time and a way to pick your face. Wait until after you take a warm shower and your pores are open. Also make sure instead of using your fingertips, you use tissues. Cover your fingertips with the tissues and pop away! Using just your bare hands can transfer germs and bacteria from your fingers to your face, in turn, causing more breakouts. Picking your face when your pores are tight can cause scarring as well!
"Ya Nasty"
Smoking is another factor in your skin. It’s a nasty habit to begin with. Not only does it harm your lungs, it also makes your skin look lifeless and dull. It’s so easy, just don’t do it.
Touching your face can be another factor. If you’re constantly resting your face in your hands, itching your skin, or putting your hands anywhere near your face, that extra bacteria, grease and whatever else may be lurking on your hands can transfer to your face.
When All Is Said & Done...
I hope that this paragraph was helpful in identifying different types of breakouts. Too many of us are too embarrassed to talk about our breakouts, so we hope that you feel comfortable enough to come talk to our skin care specialists about yours! If you have any questions about any of our skin care services or products, shoot us a message or give us a call at 610-366-8808.