Have an Acne Free New Year: Part II
Acne affects approximately 95% of the population at some point during their lifetime, typically occurring between the ages of 11 and 50. But there is hope for most of us. Last month we focused on what causes blemishes and discussed the first step for managing your acne: Daily cleansing twice a day with a mild cleanser like BodyTools Moisturizing Face Cleanser. This month we focus on some additional causes that may be at the root of your acne. Along with some additional steps for having a acne free new year.
Diet and Skin Care Products
Diet, certain skin care products, and some medications can cause breakouts in some people. Food allergies such as to dairy products, gluten, shellfish or peanuts might set off an acne breakout. Chocolate or high fat diets have been implicated in the past but there still are no conclusive studies to say anything certain. Your best bet is to become your own Sherlock Holmes by removing different items from your diet for a week at a time to see if there is any noticeable effect. You can also get almost immediate breakouts from certain skin-care or hair care products when they are applied; so watch carefully. Identifying if any foods or products are triggers for you can have a give you an immediate improvement in your skin.
Salicylic Acid
Last month we discussed that Acne was basically an inflammation disease. Well Salicylic Acid is a derivative of aspirin and it has some of aspirin’s anti-inflammatory properties which reduces inflammation, redness, and swelling. This can help the skin heal more quickly and decreases the chance of more breakouts. Salicylic Acid also has antimicrobial properties so it can kill the bacteria that cause acne. Together, all of these properties mean that salicylic acid is one of the more multifunctional ingredients in combating the causes of acne.
The most effective concentration of Salicylic Acid should be 1% to 2%. In addition, the formula’s pH is a critical factor, with a pH of 3 to 4 being optimal. BodyTools BHA Cleanser contains a 2% concentration of Salicylic Acid and is formulated at a pH of 3.4
The greatest effect from Salicylic Acid comes when used in conjunction with Tea Tree Oil or Benzoyl Peroxide.
Tea Tree Oil has some great research demonstrating it to be an effective antimicrobial agent. We have many very happy customers who swear by the beneficial effects of BodyTools Repair and Protect After Shave with a 3% concentration of Tea Tree Oil. As far as we know this is the highest concentration of any skin care product on the market today. Also some studies suggest that Tea Tree Oil may produce even less irritation than Benzoyl Peroxide.
Benzoyl Peroxide is, however considered the most effective over-the-counter choice for a topical antibacterial agent in the treatment of blemishes Benzoyl peroxide has a low risk of irritation but it does have the potential to create some bacterial resistance. Start with a concentration of 2.5% first to lessen the chance of skin irritation.
To help fight your acne and blemishes take advantage of BodyTools December Special: Buy at least $40.00 worth of BodyTools products and get a FREE 8 oz Bottle of BodyTools BHA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid. SHOP NOW
Also for a complete overview download for free the BodyTools BluePrint for Basic Acne Care giving you a complete list of the BodyTools products specifically designed to help you have a Acne Free New year.
