Pimples, zits, acne, spots – no matter what you call it, these red, painful bumps tend to pop up when you least expect them. They’re always lurking, ready to make their appearance before a first date, the morning of a big job interview, during family pictures or in the middle of your wedding day.
Contrary to what you might think, acne isn’t caused by bad karma floating through the universe. Certain medications, hormonal changes, diet and stress can all lead to blocked pores, keeping oil trapped below the surface. Friction or pressure on the skin like a tight collar, or excessive contact with an oily or dirty substance like a cellphone can also bring on the breakouts.
The good news is, you can help prevent breakouts by adding a few simple steps to your routine. Here are three ways to get started.
Add Acids and Vitamins to Your Skincare Routine
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids, including glycolic and salicylic acids, can help dissolve dead skin, break down pimples and boost collagen. On top of that, ingredients like Vitamin C and E are natural anti-inflammatory agents. To give these powerful acids and their complementary vitamins a go, try incorporating the following into your skincare routine:
The Fresh Faces by Frances Natural Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser is a deep pore, foaming cleanser that includes glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids that accelerate the natural skin renewal process.
The Fresh Faces by Frances Herbal Extract Toner provides natural astringent properties to oily skin, soothes, detoxifies, stabilizes and heals.
The Fresh Faces by Frances Clinical Renewal Glycolic Gel encourages skin to shed its coating of dead cells and forms a protective barrier to prevent bacteria from building up on the surface of the skin.
Avoid Thick Creams
Save the heavy cream for your coffee. If your skin is acne-prone, stick with a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates without clogging your pores or leaving a greasy film.
The Fresh Faces by Frances Natural Purity Oil Free Moisturizer does the trick. This lightweight, fluffy crème is formulated with a combination of active botanicals, sage, watercress and lemon bioflavonoids to purify and revitalize the complexion, while Vitamin A, C and E are incorporated to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by the environment including chemicals and smoking.
Stave Off Acne With a Healthy Diet
What you put in your body must come out, and sometimes that exit point is through your skin. Evidence suggests that a whole food diet with limited consumption of processed and refined foods, including dairy, can lead to healthier skin – and we agree! If you’re struggling to get a sufficient amount of fiber, omegas 3 fatty acids, or vitamins and minerals, try adding a supplement to your diet like this high-power energy food from Mountain Family Wellness. Here are a few other supplements we recommend:
Milk thistle to combat free radicals and provide antioxidants.
Estroblock to aid in hormonal balance.
Zinc with natural cofactors for immune system support.
If you’ve done your due diligence to prevent a breakout, but a pimple still manages to rear its ugly head, it’s important to avoid touching it. We also suggest keeping the Fresh Faces by Frances 911 Acne Spot Treatment on hand just in case.
The 911 Acne Spot Treatment is a clear liquid treatment designed to purge your skin of toxins, absorb excess oil and provide antiseptic benefits to irritated red spots. Its quick-drying formula can be used any time, under or over makeup, making it the perfect addition to your daily carry.
With a face this fresh, you’ll be ready to take on anything.