Occasional blemishes or spots related to stress

Chronic stress is a key factor in acne. Stress-related acne can manifest as blackheads (+dilated pores), whiteheads and red spots (with or without pus) on various parts of the face, but principally around the temples, jawlines, chin and sometimes on the cheeks.

Cleansing is an important step in skincare. If you wear oil-based makeup or SPF during the day, use a gentle oil-based makeup remover, then follow with a cleanser. A gentle cleanser is half the battle won in skin health, so choose your cleanser wisely.

Daily Skincare Routine

For occasional blemishes or spots related to stress

AM:

1. Cleanse face with gentle Triple Action Cleanser + cold water to rinse. This concentrated cleanser doesn't foam and only a small amount is needed. It mildly exfoliates and adds probiotic. Pat dry leaving a little bit of moisture for the next step.
2. Apply Vitamin C Serum in Oil to the whole face. This serum will repair skin barrier, nourish and add powerful antioxidants. The vitamin C will also help with preventing deep scarring.
3. Apply Regulating Cream to whole face to regulate bacteria and to prevent future blemishes.
4. Take Skin & Stress food supplement (3 capsules at once) to replenish shortages of antioxidants and minerals.

Note: if your acne is more than 1-3 spots, add the Multilayer Serum to the routine between the Vitamin C Serum in oil and the Regulating Cream.

PM:

1. Cleanse face with Triple Action Cleanser + cold water.
2. Massage Vitamin C Serum in Oil over the spots.
3. Mix 1 drop of Vitamin C Serum in Oil with Regulating Cream, and apply to whole face.

Nutrition

Based on the new science of nutrition, healthy eating now has a new purpose. Given the overarching importance of our gut microbiome in overall health and skin health, we should be choosing foods to feed our gut microbiome. To improve acne, a skin problem related to hormones, we should also prioritise food to help balance our hormones.

Foods that help feed our microbiome are:
- Fibre-rich fruits and vegetables such as oats, broccoli, bananas, apples, cabbage, etc.
- Diversity of plant based foods - aim for a minimum of 30- 35 different foods (including herbs, spices, seeds, fruits, vegetables) per week to improve the diversity of the gut microbiome.

Foods that help restore hormone balance are:
- Healthy fats such as olive oil, flaxseed, crushed hemp seeds, avocado, nuts.
- Omega 3s (fish oil or omega 3 supplements).

Increase foods rich in potassium and magnesium:
- Bananas, oranges, melons, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, figs, and prunes.
- Whole grains, dark green and leafy vegetables.

Reduce sugar:
- Higher sugar (including simple carbs) produce more insulin. More insulin leads to more androgens. More androgens lead to more sebum and potentially to acne or spots.
- In ageing skin, sugar leads to premature ageing in a process called glycation. Glycation damages collagen and elastin and can't be reversed, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

Foods that have been linked to aggravating acne are cow's milk, processed or fried foods, sugar and chocolate.

Lifestyle

Exercise increases blood flow, and blood carries oxygen and nutrients to working cells around the body, including the skin. Physical movement is also key in hormone balancing. Any form of exercise works, from fast walking to resistance training like weightlifting. Find an activity you like to do, and you're more likely to stick with it.

Managing stress is another key element of heath and healthy skin. Incorporate some kind of breathing exercises into your life, even if it's just a few minutes each day. Yoga is a great way to combine physical and breathing exercises. In sustained periods of stress, taking our food supplement Skin & Stress, rich in antioxidants and magnesium, can provide a real support to the nervous system.

Improve your sleep and take time out to relax. Stress is an aggravating factor for acne, and many people suffer stress without recognising the symptoms.