You could be one of the unlucky ones that actually abides by all of the skin laws, or you could be the “I just can’t understand why I’m breaking out” whilst you eat just ‘one more’ block of that Lindt chocolate in the fridge type of person. All we know is that acne shows up uninvited, overstays its welcome, and leaves more than a mess after it’s finally decided to up and leave (sound like anyone’s ex or just ours?). Find out everything you need to know about diagnosing, preventing, and treating every kind of blemish – it’s time to resurrect teenage beauty without teenage skin.
Firstly, diagnosing the kind of spots you have is vital – if you have whiteheads then this more than likely the result of under-exfoliating the skin. If your spots are red and hard looking, they’re likely to be caused by hormones such as Cortisol, which flare up when you’re stressed and cause inflammation.
To get rid of milder, non-hormonal breakouts without a prescription, you should try treatments containing 2 percent salicylic acid that work to gently exfoliate, like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion (£11) or The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (£4) twice daily. Another great trick for winning the skin battle would be treatments containing benzoyl peroxide such as Dermalogica’s Clear Start Treatment (£15.75). It can take up to six to eight weeks before you notice a real change in your skin so like those slow burning Netflix series… be patient with them.
Aside from over-the counter and prescribed treatments, there are a number of foods associated with skin clearing properties. Enrich your diet with vegetables like Kale, containing a full range of vitamins and potent levels of manganese, calcium and protein – whack a bit of Kale in your soup and we swear you’re on to a winner. Also, don’t be afraid of fats – HURRAH! Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, fish, nuts and seeds provide essential fatty acids which act as a natural moisturiser for your skin. We love the food at the Detox Kitchen, they focus on creating nutritious, wholesome food using good quality, seasonal ingredients. Sadly, it’s time to put the chocolate digestives down and say bye-bye to sugar.
Finally, try not to stress. If you’re one of those guilty of switching the light off, lying in bed and then thinking about every single thing in the whole world EVER (guilty!), then your skin is bound to suffer. We love This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil (£25), which contains Grape Seed Oil and natural blend of Provencal Lavender, Vetivert, Camomile that soothes you gently to sleep. If stress is the cause of your skin dilemma then work out the mechanism that works best fighting it for you – whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or bubble baths before bed! Why not step out of your comfort zone and try a Broga class at Third Space Gym, combining elements of both bodybuilding and yoga, you’ll definitely release some endorphins!
If you feel like upping your skin game this summer and aiming for that Kylie Jenner glow, try a Pure Skin Facial with us at USPAAH. Our sparistas will work to cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your skin – youthful glow coming right up.
Got questions? Simply contact concierge@uspaah.com or call 020 7101 3534